Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 February 2016 Philippians 2:5‏‏‏

11 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 2:5.        Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.

Well friends and neighbours, it’s Thursday, the second day of Lent in this watershed year of 2016. Yes my people, I do believe that 2016 will be a very important year in mankind’s history; it will either make or break us. 

But even better than that my people, the world is unfurling exactly as it should; exactly as the script was penned by our omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present God, many many moons ago. Glory to God! 

And so it should be, because the Almighty is the greatest dramatist ever! The Bible, right from the beginning in Genesis, to the very end in Revelation, is filled with all kinds of drama; good, bad and ugly, so we couldn’t want for a better script to show us how life runs, or is supposed to run. 

And today I want to share a li’l bit of solid info from Gramps Schuller’s (Robert H. Schuller) Hours of Power Devotional. Listen up: ‘The Bible makes it very clear that Christians are soldiers – not tourists in life. We are also servants of God, not houseguests.’ 

Yes friends, for those of us who believe we’re just here to enjoy life without any work or effort on our part, please be warned that that is not so! 

We have a big role to play in setting up Christ’s church, fighting tooth and nail to make the LOVE Revolution a wonderful and winning reality. And as such, we can’t afford to sit on our laurels and expect to be waited on hand and foot, instead, we have to do a lot of the waiting ourselves. 

Now pray this prayer with me that Gramps Schuller finishes the devotion with. ‘Father, I turn these minutes over to you. Do something beautiful in my mind, in my heart, and in my life today. So I will look back and say: “I was caught up on an inspiring spirit of the eternal God in this moment of prayer.” In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen.’ 

And if we sincerely prayed that prayer my people, then beautiful things will happen in our lives today as the Holy Spirit touches us with inspiration and encouragement! Oh glory to God from whom all mercies flow! 

Now re my activities of yesterday, the ole fella played tourist. Hn! I got up in the morning and just felt this urge to visit the town of Plymouth, the island’s capital before Scarborough. It’s not too far from where I am, all on the flat side of the island, so after lunch, the duchess and I headed out to do the tourista thing. 

We drove through the villages of Buccoo, Black Rock and Grafton before we came to Plymouth. And in line with the tourist thinking, we visited Fort James, one of the several forts set up on the island by its early colonial rulers. 

On a point of interest, I believe Tobago is called the ‘Bone of Contention,’ because of the many different colonial powers who ruled it at some time in the cantankerous era of early colonialism. Anyway, from its promontory one can get a beautiful view of that part of the island. 

And not to be amiss, we also visited the ‘Mystery Tombstone,’ located just before the entrance to the fort. It has always been a talking point and tourist attraction since I was a youth. I have inserted two photos, one of the sign and one of the tomb itself. Hope they come out properly. 

But just in case they don’t, the mystery part is the inscription on the tomb that says: ‘She was a mother without knowing it, and a wife without letting her husband know it except by her kind indulgences to him.’ 

Now you too can go out and ponder the words on the tombstone of Betty Stiven which have perplexed mankind for over two centuries. (smile) 

However my brethren, it’s now time for our rather timely Bit. ‘Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus.’ 

And friends, as we’ve been saying over the last few days, it is of the utmost importance and a vital necessity that followers of Christ, Christians, the church, Christ’s body or organization here on earth think like Him, if we expect to become like Him! That’s gospel truth! 

And today we’ll continue with Bruh Paul’s treatise on the subject. After our Bit, he notes with assurance: ‘Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil.2:6-8) 

Oh my people, that is exactly what we were talking about before, where Gramps Schuller informed us that we were not tourists but soldiers in Christ’s army, and not houseguests, but servants in his household. It’s what Jesus came to earth and did, despite His godly connections. 

Now here are some scholarly explanations on verse 7, re ‘Kenosis.’ ‘2:7. The word Kenosis is the Greek word for “emptying” and is related to the verb translated here as “made himself of no reputation,” which literally means “He emptied Himself.” Christ emptied Himself by (1) veiling His glory and (2) taking on Himself a true but sinless human nature, and (3) voluntarily submitting to the will of the Father. 

Illustration: At all times, Christ remained God, retaining the nature and attributes of God, but taking a human nature in order to have a ministry among men. On the few occasions when His glory was more fully revealed during His ministry, those who saw it were unable to bear it. (cf. Matt.17:6; the transfiguration; John 18:6; His betrayal by Judas and His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane). 

Application: The apostle Paul urges that the attitude of humility (which led to the kenosis) ought to characterize every Christian (v.5). (First Ref. Phil.2:7; Primary Ref. Phil.2:7; cf. John 1:14).’ 

Oh friends, this morning I want to leave us with that same advice; let’s do some kenosis nuh; let’s empty ourselves of all the haughtiness and foolish pride that so often consumes us, and let’s take on the humility of Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, as we ought to. For that is indeed the zenith of wisdom. Much LOVE

…humility and servant-hood…two of the signs of a true Christian…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 February 2016 Matthew 17:5

07 Feb 2016 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 17:5.  While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye (listen) to him.  

Well Friends, it’s Sunday once again; time for us to gather in the Lord’s sanctuary and worship and praise Him with joyful voices. Hope you are either there now, have gone already, like me, or are preparing to go at some time in the day. Remember it’s where we get our weekly anointing to be able to carry out our godly duties in the ungodly world in which we now live.

Ah mih people, I certainly enjoyed the church service at my Tobago St. Francis church. Not that I don’t enjoy and appreciate the one at my Canadian St. Francis, but this one has more of a West Indian flavour, where you are a little more involved. There’s no organist or choir, that means most of it is left up to the congregation to get involved…

And do they get involved! You have to, otherwise the service will fall flat on its face. And you should hear the ole fella singing hymns and shaking his tambourine, having read the first lesson, like I usually do back in Canada, at the early morning service.

Now today is Transfiguration Sunday. Jesus was about to set off for Jerusalem to fulfill His mission, and this was a sort of reinvigoration, a strengthening of His sense of purpose. Jesus took Peter, James and John (his top men) up a high mountain. ‘And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment (clothes) was white as the light.

And behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ (Matt.17:2-4)

Yeh Friends, it’s obvious that the disciples did not understand what was really going on, and Mark tells us that Peter was only talking because he was so afraid, he did not know what else to say (Mark 9:6)

But as our Bit states: ‘While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye (listen) to him.

And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man save (except) Jesus.’ (Matt.17:5-8)

Can you imagine the confusion and fear between the three men? One moment they see their teacher’s face and clothes change; the first glistens like the sun and the second is white as snow.

Then two long dead prophets appear from nowhere and begin conversing with their teacher. Then they are covered by a cloud and hear a voice coming from the sky, then the next there’s just Jesus alone. It’s enough to drive one crazy.

But right now, let’s get some info from the scholars on the situation. ’17:1-9. See Mark 9:2-13; Luke 9:28-36. Peter, James and John represent the “inner circle” of leadership among the disciples (cf. Luke 8:51; Matt.26:37) and serve here as ample witnesses according to Mosaic Law.

They went into a high mountain apart, meaning privately, by themselves. Tradition claims that this took place at Mount Tabor, but a more probable location would be Mount Hermon, near Caesarea Philippi.

Jesus was transfigured before them. The verb (Gr. metamorphoo) indicates a transformation of essential form, proceeding from within, but the transformation is outwardly visible. See Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, where it is used of the spiritual transformation of the believer’s new nature. The witness of Peter in 2 Peter 1:17-18 verifies the testimony that this was a real experience not a vision.’

So friends, it’s clear that the transfiguration scene was not a mere vision, but reality. And I like how Mark describes it: ‘And his raiment (clothes) became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth (no launderer) can white (whiten) them.’ (Mark 9:3) You can imagine how white Jesus’ clothes must have been then!

I also like how Luke puts in his description of Moses and Elijah: ‘Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease (death) which he should (was about to) accomplish at Jerusalem.’ (Luke 9:31)

And the scholars tell us: ‘9:31. If Jesus is being reminded of His impending death, He will also have been assured of His promised resurrection. (Mark 9:9).’ And as the scholars also point out: ‘Luke 9:35. Compare the voice at Jesus’ baptism (3:22). There, however, God speaks to Jesus; here the message is to the disciples.’ And what is the crux of the message my fellow believers? ‘Hear, listen to Him!’

Oh friends, that’s the same message we are still getting today: Listen to Jesus! But not sufficient of us are listening to it, much less taking it to heart and seriously practicing it. That’s a large part of why our world is so evil and ungodly.

We need true believers to stand up strong, to listen and put the Word into action so that the heathen, the unbeliever will see how we live and behave, how we’re blessed by our great and bountiful God and will thus want to turn away from their sinful attitudes and embrace Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour too.

Oh friends, we are supposed to be the modern day disciples, following in Jesus’ footsteps, bringing others to Him through our example. Unfortunately, though, our examples are either not good enough or plenty enough, because the heathen isn’t coming to Jesus as he should. In many cases he is turning away from Jesus because of our hypocritical examples.

Anyway my brethren, I can only try to encourage us to do better, the rest is left up to each individual, and we’ll each have to answer to the judge on our individual behaviour.

Now listen to Peter. ‘For we have not followed cunningly devised fables. When we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.’ (2 Peter 1:16) So Peter is claiming that he was actually there at the transfiguration of Christ.

And the scholars explain that verse thus. ‘1:16. In Matthew 17 Jesus was temporarily glorified in the presence of three disciples. This was a foreshadowing of Christ’s coming in power and glory to establish His kingdom. The presence of Moses and Elijah on the mountain represented all those who enter the kingdom by death or translation.

The declaration of the Father reinforces Christ’s dominion over His kingdom. Application: Since Christians live expectantly looking forward to the return of Christ, they ought to give Him first place in their lives today, just as He will have in the kingdom.’

Yes my people, the scholars hit the nail on the head; it’s time truly give Jesus first place in our lives. That’s truly wisdom at its highest! Much LOVE!

…oh…if we all could be transfigured today…like Jesus was back then…what an awakening the world would witness…


 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 November 2012 Matthew 3:17

11 Nov 2012 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 3:17.    And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Well Friends, it’s another day in the life. Most of us have awakened to greet it, but some have not. And they might even be the lucky ones, having escaped the agonizing bondage, the blood, sweat, tears and pain that come with this earthly life. Now for those of you who don’t know, or don’t remember, today is Remembrance Day in Canada and the British Commonwealth, and Veterans Day in the U.S, where we celebrate the lives and achievements of those who fought and died in the great wars that our countries have been involved in over the years. And it should be a great day of recognition, but sadly all the pomp and splendour belies the disgusting manner in which the families of the dead veterans and those still alive today are treated in North America. They receive miserly pensions, poor health care, lack of jobs and no real respect. The Federal Government in Canada is even trying to claw back money from those veterans who manage to make a few pennies on the side to augment the li’l pittance the unfeeling, hypocritical gov’t gives them. But every Remembrance and Veterans Day we chug out the hyperbole and hypocrisy about those who fought to protect our freedom and way of life. The reality of the situation though is an entirely different thing, with so many vets and families suffering from all sorts of physical, emotional and mental illness. The gov’ts, like many Christians, talk a fine talk, but sadly lack true action. It’s a crying shame Friends, the way we treat those who put their lives on the line so that we can live the evil, greedy, ungodly lifestyle we’re so bent on living in these confused and troubled times. And since the elimination of the draft, it’s been mainly the children of the lower classes who’ve enlisted to fight our battles. The children of the rich and powerful are actively protected from that. No wonder it’s the lower classes that suffer the buffeting and fall out from wars. Anyway, that’s my two cents worth on the facade of respectability we try to put on to the world for our fallen and battered heroes. Let’s hope the gov’ts soon wake up to the reality of the dreadful situations most veterans and their families are mired in, and greatly improve the overall situation with more action and less talk. That finally brings us to our Bit: ‘And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ Now Friends, that’s the perfect situation of matching talk to action and vice versa! Our heavenly Father desired to save us from the hellfire and damnation of purgatory, but instead of just wishing and hoping, He sacrificed His sinless Son to give us victory over the grave and death. What an awesome and most magnificent Deity we serve and worship my brethren! Please don’t ever forget it, as no greater sacrifice has ever been, or will ever be made throughout all the ages of the universe. And today I just want to share some scripture where the Father did indeed let us earthlings know how proud He was of Jesus. We obviously have that occasion in our Bit when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, as we discussed yesterday. Then there’s the time when accompanied by Peter, James and John, the inner circle of the disciples, Jesus went up into the mountains: ‘And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment (clothes) was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses, and Elijah talking with Him.’ (Matt.17:2-3) Now according to the scholars; ‘The verb (Gr. metamorphoo) indicates a transformation of essential form, proceeding from within. See Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, where it is used of the spiritual transformation of the believer’s new nature. The witness of Peter in 2 Peter 1:17-18 verifies the testimony that this was a real experience, not a vision.’ And as usual, Peter, always bold and provocative, tells Jesus: ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.’ (Matt.17:4-5) Oh Friends, can you imagine the disciples’ reaction! The Good Book describes it thus: ‘And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore (greatly) afraid. (Matt.17:6) Even in these modern times with all the technological innovations, we would have been scared to death too my people. Jesus had to come and touch them and say; ‘Arise, and be not afraid.’ (Matt.17:7) And to make matters worse, when they got up, they saw nobody but Jesus there with them. (Matt.17:8) Who says our God doesn’t move in mysterious and often scary ways eh? Now the next time the Father spoke up for Jesus was around the feast of the Passover in Jerusalem, when some Greek Jews attending the feast, decided that they wanted to meet Jesus, and so communicated to his disciples. Then Jesus began telling them that His time was near, and about dying to self and following Him. (John 12:20-26) Then He announced: ‘Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause (purpose) came I unto this hour. Father glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.’ (John 12:27-28) Yes Friends, the Father again declared His support for the Son. And blind and deaf as we are to many spiritual things, some of the listeners said it thundered, while others claimed an angel spoke to Him. But Jesus told them: ‘This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes, Now is the judgement of this world: now shall the prince (ruler) of this world (Satan) be cast out.’ (John 12: 30-31) The scholars explain. ‘Now means at the Crucifixion, not when he (Satan) is bound before the Millennium, or when he is cast into the lake of fire. Shall…be: because the Cross was still a future event.’ Then Jesus continued: ‘And I, if I be lifted up (crucified) from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’ (John 12:32) Oh my people, Jesus was lifted up, but the pertinent question now is will we be amongst those whom He draws unto Him? I certainly hope so. Please, let’s ponder that today, and make sure the answer is an emphatic ‘YES!’ for it’s the best option available to mankind. Much LOVE!…can Jesus look down on you…and say that He’s well pleased…that should be every believer’s goal…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 May 2012 Isaiah 42:1

26 May 2012 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 42:1.    Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles.

 
Oh Friends, morning has broken, just like it did on that first day back in the Garden of Eden, and our God is still in control, still showering daily blessings and mercies down upon us. Please, let’s gratefully accept them and thank Him for His unstinting generosity towards undeserving children. But so great is His LOVE towards us that His compassion just naturally surrounds us anyway. We can never earn or repay His goodness, but we can certainly LOVE and revere Him with all our hearts, minds, bodies and souls as He both desires and deserves. So Friends, today, let’s faithfully promise ourselves to do just that nuh, and by so doing, bring much hope and joy to followers, both here on earth and in heaven above. Now turning to our Bit: ‘Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect (my chosen one), in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement (justice) to the Gentiles.’ Wonderful prophecy Friends, declared centuries before Jesus came! And we shall continue looking at the second part: ‘mine elect (my chosen one), in whom my soul delighteth;’ Yesterday I erroneously said that there were two instances of the Father showing His great delight in Jesus, His chosen one. There are actually three. We’ve already looked at the first one; Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, with the Holy Spirit descending on Him like a dove and the Father clearly stating that He was pleased with the Son. (Matt.3:16-17) The next instance is at His transfiguration. The Good Book says that Jesus took His inner circle of Peter, James and John, up into a high mountain: ‘And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment (clothes) was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear him.’ (Matt.17:2-5) Wow mih people! What an awesome, awestruck moment that must have been for the disciples! ‘And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore (greatly) afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.’ (Matt.17:6-7) So there’s another instance showing that Jesus was clearly Deity and the Father was immensely pleased with Him. But Friends, please note the last section of the voice: ‘hear ye him.’ It’s possibly the most important part of the speech specifically aimed at the disciples and consequently all believers, including us today. Are we paying attention and listening to Jesus? I sure hope so. Now here is some info on the topic from the scholars: ‘Peter, James, and John represent the ‘inner circle’ of leadership among the disciples (Luke 8:51; Matt.26:37) and serve here as ample witnesses according to Mosaic Law. They went into a high mountain apart, meaning privately, by themselves. Tradition claims this took place at Mount Tabor, but a more probable location would be Mount Hermon, near Caesarea Philippi. Jesus was transfigured before them. The verb (Gr. metamorphoo) indicates a transformation of essential form, proceeding from within. See Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18, where it is used of the spiritual transformation of the believer’s new nature. The witness of Peter in 2 Peter 1:17, 18, verifies the testimony that this was a real experience, not a vision.’ And the third instance of the Father showing public delight in Jesus is on Palm Sunday in Jerusalem. A group of Greeks had also come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast, and asked Philip about meeting Jesus. (John 12:20-22) When this info was conveyed to Jesus, He answered them, ‘The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.’ (John 12:23) Then He began teaching them about a seed dying before it can bear fruit, also about the repercussions of hating and LOVING  this life, and that those who follow Him would be honoured by the Father and how His soul was troubled, but He couldn’t change the situation because that’s why He came to earth in human form. (John 12:24-27) Then Jesus said: ‘Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.’ (John 12:28-30) Oh Friends, how much more evidence do we need to believe that Jesus was truly the Son of God, come to earth as a human being, the integral part of God’s mighty plan to redeem our sinful souls and reconcile us to Himself? Throughout the Good Book we find references and prophecies being fulfilled centuries after by Jesus. Is our faith so small that unless we physically see it for ourselves, we can’t believe it? I hope not, otherwise we’re certainly in a bad way. This Saturday morning is a good time for us to sit and ponder those questions; to ponder our faith, our belief in Jesus, and in the Holy Word of God. So happy pondering! (smile) And I sure hope that we all conclude that out belief, faith and trust in the Godhead of the Holy Trinity is exceedingly strong. Much LOVE!…now faith is the substance of things hoped for…the evidence of things not seen… (Heb.11:1)