Today’s Scrip-Bit   3 September 2022 Psalm 90:12.

03 Sep 2022 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 90:12.        So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (gain a heart of wisdom).

And then it was Saturday, our lazy day…and yuh better believe that I’ve been enjoying some of the laziness pervading the atmosphere this bright and sunshiny morning; lying in bed later than normal, and taking my own sweet time to come down and write the Bit. But when you have God’s work to do, you can only enjoy so much lazy time before He gently nudges you to get up and get a move on. So here I am, having been gently nudged (smile) as we venture to look at the quotes that our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. 

And the first quote says: ‘Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but you only spend it once.’ And that’s the God-awesome truth my brethren! Life is like money, and you can spend it anyway you desire, but the fact of the matter is that once you’ve spent it, it’s gone. You can’t take it back and spend it again. That’s why we must be ever so careful about how we spend our lives; on what and with whom we spend them. We only have one life to live, and once you’ve spent even a li’l piece of it, that piece is gone forever. 

Unfortunately, life is not like writing on paper, we don’t have the luxury of erasing whatever we’ve done and doing it over on the same piece of paper. That span of life has been used up once and for all. And since our days on earth are short enough as it is, we cannot afford to use up too much of our life unwisely. That’s one of the reasons why Moses in Psalm 90, asks the Lord: ‘So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (gain a heart of wisdom).’ (Ps. 90:12) 

And likewise in Psalm 39, A prayer for self-understanding, Bruh David beseeched: ‘Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.’ (Ps. 39:4) None of us know how long or short our time will be on earth, hence the necessity to use that time wisely. And it all segues nicely into the next quote. ‘The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.’ 

Oh time does fly, and you don’t realize how fast until you’re getting on in age. I’m sure that time’s been flying at the same speed when I was young, but now that I’m on the downside of life, it seems that time is flying more quickly than ever. And you continually see my surprise in the Bit about how quickly the days and months are flying by. However, as the quote reminds us, we are the pilot of our lives, and thus can do whatever we want with them. The problem there, as we said earlier on, is using our time wisely. And we can only do that successfully if we are guided by the one who made time; our Creator and heavenly Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

Yes friends, we can pilot the ship of our lives half decently in calm waters, but when the storms and crises of life come, it takes a greater and more experienced pilot than us, Jesus Christ, to guide us safely through them. It’s like in many big ports around the world, when a big ship comes in, a pilot from the port comes on board to take the ship into safe anchorage, because they know the harbour more intimately than the regular ship’s pilot. And it’s the same way with life friends, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ knows much more about life than we do, because He lived it, died, and rose again, so with that experience under His belt, He’s better able to offer us good advice on it. (smile) 

That brings us to this next quote. ‘You define your own life. Don’t let other people write your script.’ Now there’s lots of truth to that, because nowadays there are a lot of people, so -called experts who want to tell us how to live our lives. And it does help to pay attention to some of what they say, but ofttimes they will lead you to live the kind of life they want you to live, not necessarily the kind that you want to live. We need to keep a fine balance between what we want, what others advise us, and how it will eventually affect our lives. 

But there again, the best expert on life is Jesus! No one else has done what He’s done, or can ever do it. In a nutshell: ‘Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior. His Atonement makes it possible for us to be resurrected and to repent and be forgiven so we can return to our Heavenly Father’s presence. In addition to saving us from our sins, Jesus Christ, our Savior, also offers us peace and strength in times of trial.’  So, it makes ever so much sense to turn to Him and live the life that He advises or guides us to live, through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within each person who believes in Him. 

And this next quote is a meaningful one. ‘I just want you to know that if you are out there and you are being really hard on yourself right now for something that has happened … it’s normal. That is what is going to happen to you in life. No one gets through unscathed. We are all going to have a few scratches on us. Please be kind to yourselves and stand up for yourself, please.’ 

Now that’s oh so true! In this life we all face tough times, through rejection, persecution, whatever, but that’s normal, for life never runs smoothly. There are always ups and down, mistakes and disappointments, but through it all, we certainly need to stand up for ourselves and not be too harsh on ourselves because of any errors we’ve made. Forgiving ourselves ought to be our number one priority in times of poor choices or lack of wisdom. We must learn from the mistakes, but don’t let them weigh us down like unnecessary baggage. 

Unfortunately, many of us forgive others much quicker and easier than we forgive ourselves. The same sorry situation occurs when God forgives us, we don’t truly accept it, and keep on trying to make amends of our own. But forgiveness means letting go of the guilt. We are not called to be martyrs, just to live life to the fullest, which includes forgiveness of self and others. 

Or, like this last quote advises: ‘Be courageous. Challenge orthodoxy. Stand up for what you believe in. When you are in your rocking chair talking to your grandchildren many years from now, be sure you have a good story to tell.’ Now that’s the basic definition of life. As the Lord reminded Joshua: ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9) 

Yes friends, if we follow that wise advice, we’ll not go wrong. We will have problems, but we will also have wonderful adventures, even within the times of problems, because that’s the kind of life Jesus offers. As He says: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) 

And that’s an acknowledged fact! So, if we want to live a life filled with good stories to both tell our grandchildren and reminisce about ourselves, as we rock gently during the twilight of our lives, the best one to follow and listen to is Jesus! He’s the only real expert on the subject. There’s no doubt about that. Much LOVE!

…only JESUS…can take us safely through the ups and downs of life…  

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 July 2017 Psalm 119:34.

01 Jul 2017 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 119:34.   Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!

Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday to You! Happy One fiftieth Dear Canada! Happy Birthday to You! Yeh friends, Canada is one hundred and fifty years old today! 

That takes us back to July 1. 1867 when the British North America Act was signed, paving the way for the Confederation of the three separate colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to become the Dominion of Canada. And what a colourful history it has complied over the years; both good and bad, and is now aspiring to move to the forefront in this new technological age. 

And regardless of what anybody else says or thinks, I will keep on saying that right now, it is the best big country in the world. Matter done! (smile) 

So let’s move on to some of our friend Anselm’s quotes of this past week nuh, as he tries to inspire us to a better tomorrow. And this first one is rather appropriate. ‘Start your day in a positive way.’ Simple and to the point my brethren! There’s no better way to begin our day than on a positive note. 

And that leads us to this long one. ‘Mindfully move through your day. When you spend your time in the present moment then it becomes so much easier to access positive emotions and to stay practical about what you can actually do about something in your life.’ 

But it’s true. We need to live much more in the present than in the past or the future. What did Jesus say, words to the effect that we should not worry about the future, but more about today, for tomorrow will take care of itself. (Matt.6:34) 

That then leads to this wise advice. ‘Exercise regularly and eat and sleep well.’ Now that is godly wisdom that too many of us refuse to follow in this oh so busy world, where everything is go, go, go! And the big pharma companies and shrinks are making a killing on all the therapy, drugs and over the counter stuff we use to counter the effects of poor sleeping, eating and exercising habits. 

And this last quote is very useful: ‘Learn to take criticism in a healthy way.’ But we need to take it with a grain of salt, because there are a lot of folks out there who just like to criticize, but don’t have a clue what they’re talking about. And it’s getting even worse with all the social media and evolving technology, where everybody is a critic. So just make sure you listen to someone who has something productive to offer. 

And there is no better way of acquiring discernment than by following the advice of our Bit and sincerely asking the Lord: ‘Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.’ 

Yeh friends, when you have the wisdom of God flowing through you, accentuated by His Holy Spirit, you can work wonders and move mountains! And how do we come by that awesome wisdom of God? 

Listen as James explains it. ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:5-8) 

Oh my brethren, godly wisdom is easy to come by, we just have to ask the Lord for it, but we have to do so in strong faith, not doubting. Jesus said: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ (Matt.7:7-8) 

Yes my fellow believers, we need to sincerely ask and seek and knock, otherwise we won’t receive much. And James admonishes us when he talks about worldliness’ and pride. ‘Ye lust, and have not: ye kill (murder), and desire to have (covet), and cannot obtain: ye fight and war (battle), yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (pleasures).’ (James 4:2-3) 

Oh friends, it’s all right there in black and white: we don’t receive because we don’t ask, and when we do ask, we ask for the wrong things, things that are not in the will of God! And it’s obvious that if we ask for things outside of God’s will, He will not grant them to us. So we try to do stuff on our own and fail miserably. What a waste of time and effort friends, when we could be getting good things from God. 

And you know it all boils right back down to Jesus’ advice: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness: and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt.6:33) And I can tell you from personal experience my fellow believers, once you sincerely try living for God, there won’t be a whole lot of things you’ll have to ask Him for. He will provide most of what you need at the time you need it. 

As I keep saying, my only problem with the Lord is His timing. Now I know without a doubt that He will show up on time, but too often He waits for the last minute! But I guess that’s just another way to test our faith. 

Oh friends, our God is a good God; or rather a most excellent God! You just have to surrender your life to Him, trust Him and have faith in the promises in His word. And as you grow in faith, you’ll see the wonders He works in your life. 

Right now the Lord has me on a merry-go-round of sickness, and I believe that He will eventually work it all out for my good, but what took me by surprise, and what has endeared Him even more to me, is that even in these times of trial, He is also helping to bring the desires of my heart to fruition!  

And those are the desires that He placed there! So how can I not LOVE Him then eh mih breddren and try my best to please Him?  And He will do the same for you, if you give yourself, heart, body and soul to Him. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect, for He knows He made us as imperfect beings, but He does ask for obedience, above all things. Much LOVE!

…as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) so eloquently puts it…obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 August 2013 Acts 9:16

10 Aug 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Acts 9:16.     For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s another day in the same old, same old dreary life on planet earth. Yes, for many of us life just moves along in the same old stagnant riddim that’s become the world’s standard.
 
But my people, here’s the good news! As believers in Jesus Christ, we Christians have the ability to rise above the daily drudgery and mediocrity and make each day something special!
 
And why is that? Because we have the Holy Spirit of our great and wonderful God dwelling right inside of us. Wow! And to make things even better, if we sincerely follow His lead and guidance, very seldom will two days be the same, for everyday will be an interestingly different one!
 
Now note I didn’t say easy or necessarily pleasant, but I can personally vouch that every day spent under the protective umbrella of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is different and also interesting. And since the Lord wants us to be come more like Jesus with every passing day, that means there will be tests and trials of various types and intensities, because like gold and silver, we can only be refined by passing through the fires of adversity.
 
But also remember that the Lord has promised to safely bring us out of whatever He allows us to go through. And the fact of the matter is that when we go through those times of trial, we usually come out of them much stronger than before. So there’s no need for fear, shame or bewailing our rough and tough situations.
 
Just remember it’s all a test, and if we stand up strong, steadfast and true, the Lord will eventually reward us. And we all know that there’s no bigger or more generous rewarder than our magnanimous God, just look at Job.
 
Now all of that just leads us up to our Bit: ‘For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.’
 
Yeh mih breddren, we talk about going through tough times, but how many of us, if any, have faced, or will ever face the adversity that Bruh Paul went through to spread the Christian faith eh? Yet we make such a big fuss if we’re asked to put ourselves out of the way to do some small deed for Christ.
 
Now it certainly seems like everywhere Bruh Paul went he stirred up trouble by preaching Christ crucified. After he got out of prison in Philippi, He went to Thessalonica, Berea and Athens, where they had to spirit him out of each town because the townspeople took exception to his zealous, confident preaching. (Acts 17)
 
Anyway, we don’t have time to go through all the things Bruh Paul suffered in Christ’s name, so we’ll just give a synopsis in his own words. In writing to the Corinthians, he didn’t want to boast, but some false teachers were doing just that, so to show that he had the parts and had been through the fire, he laid it on the line for them.
 
‘Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save (less) one.
 
Thrice I was beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness (toil), in watchings (sleeplessness) often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
 
Beside those (other) things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of (deep concern for) all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended (made to stumble, and I burn not (do not burn with indignation)? If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities (my weaknesses).
 
The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not. In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.’ (2 Cor.11:22-33)
 
Ah mih people, very few of us, if any, would have survived, lived to tell the tale of even a quarter of what Bruh Paul went through in his passion and action to spread the good news of Christ’s gospel. But please remember that it was the power of God’s Spirit working in him that allowed him to come out victorious.
 
Likewise Friends, in our current lives, whatever we come up against that needs fortitude and steadfast faith, it’s God’s Spirit that will enable us to bear up under the strain. So let’s not be too quick to give up when adversity strikes… In fact we can never give up, never quit, since those terms don’t exist in the believers’ vocabulary.
 
So please remember the adage; when the going gets tough, the tough, that’s we believers get going. Therefore please stand strong in Jesus my people! Much LOVE!
 
…where there’s no adversity…a believer will not grow and mature in Christ…