The Necessity for Christians to know that Everyone has a Ministry and Their awesome Responsibility to Produce Fruit for Jesus!

28 May 2026 Leave a comment

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   28 May 2026   2 Corinthians 4:1.

2 Corinthians 4:1.        Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not (do not lose heart);

So we’ve come to Thursday, the second to last day of our work week, and though it seems windy like yesterday, it’s definitely not as warm and sunshiny. There’s a tad of cloud cover and temps only in the high teens. But we’ll take it, as though we have a choice, (smile) and keep working for Jesus, shining our lights like bright beacons, and spreading our flavourful salt all around the globe, so that people in the darkness can come to know and LOVE Him like we do, for that’s our earthly purpose.

How did Isaiah put it: ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ (Is. 9:2) Yes friends, that’s our duty; to shine the light of Jesus on those who don’t know him, because they’ve been kept in the chains of darkness, living under the shadow of death. But the light of Jesus breaks chains and brings freedom to the enslaved. And brother are there still many enslaved in our world! So let’s get out there and do what we do best; spread the message of the gospel of Christ; broadcast the good news of His coming and all the wonderful things He’s done for us!

And Bruh Paul explained it to the Corinthians in greater depth., as he talks about preaching Christ Jesus the Lord. ‘Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not (do not lose heart); But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty (shame), not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully (adulterating the word of God); but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.’ (2 Cor. 4:1-2)

Now that’s something we must all understand; that every one of us has a ministry; have been appointed to preach, teach or in some way declare the word of God. The Lord has given us sufficient grace and mercy to do it, so there’s no need for us to become discouraged if things don’t seem to be going as we expected. The first thing we need to do though is renounce the ways of the world, then not adulterate the Word of the Lord, which unfortunately too many of us are currently doing.

That means they are using the Word in the wrong manner; teaching what people want to hear, or what they think they should hear, not doing as Bruh Paul admonishes Titus: ‘But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine (are proper doctrine).’ (Tit. 2:1) And we hear improper doctrine being advanced all over the globe today, possibly more so than at any other time. However, we cannot reach others properly for Jesus unless our consciences are clear and pure and we tell the truth as dictated by the Word.

And Bruh Paul continues: ‘But if our gospel be hid (veiled), it is hid to them that are lost (perishing): In whom the god of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (the gospel of the glory of Christ), who is the image of God, should shine unto them.’ (2 Cor. 4:3-4)

Yes my brethren, as the scholars tell us, ‘those who don’t believe are so controlled by Satan, (the god of this evil world) that he effectively shields them from the light of the glorious gospel of Christ. The apostle thus categorizes those who find his message difficult to accept.’ And I guess the same thing goes for our ministry in this modern world; Satan has so many people so controlled that it’s difficult for the light of Jesus to shine into the darkness of their souls and spirits.

Then Bruh Paul announces: ‘For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.’ (2 Cor. 4:5) Now that’s a most important scripture my fellow believers. We must ensure that when we preach Christ or do anything in His name that it’s He who gets the glory and not us, for there are many who are using Christ’s gospel today to aggrandize themselves and not Him.

As Bruh Paul further declares: ‘For God, who commanded the light to shine out of the darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.’ (2 Cor. 4: 6-7) Oh my people, God caused the light to shine in our hearts so that we can talk about the glory of Jesus to others not through our power, but God’s.

And here’s how the scholars explain that last verse.: ‘Earthen vessels: In the wilderness under the old covenant, God’s presence dwelt in a tent. Today he dwells in the believer’s heart. This is unspeakable truth and forms a theological basis for holy living (c.f. 1 Cor. 6:10-20). But the stress here is on the earthen. An earthenware jar is brittle. It depicts humanity in its weakness. The gospel is not a product of human genius or clever intellect (humanity in its strength). Yet it resides in men of clay, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.’

Now that’s something we need to seriously guard against. Our fragility and fickleness can ofttimes cause us to stray, but let’s do our best not to, remembering that all that we are, all we have, and all that we do is through the strength of God. And it’s all for Him and His glory through Christ Jesus our Lord and Saviour! Now let’s declare, and thus activate our Thursday Blessings; undeserved blessings generously bestowed by Almighty God to help us do our earthly work.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And my faithful brethren, that declaration now behooves us to go out and share those blessings with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…for ye were sometimes (once) darkness…but now are ye light in the Lord…therefore walk as children of light… (Eph. 5:8)

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 January 2019 Luke 18:1.

23 Jan 2019 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:1.   ​And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not faint (lose heart).

 

And then it was Wednesday, the middle of the work week…and we did get some of the promised snow, not in the afternoon though, but sometime during the early morning hours, and not as much as expected. However, if you have to venture out there, please be careful, because snow is snow; slippery and dangerous, be it plentiful or li’l bit. (smile) But as always, with Jesus riding shotgun with us, there’s not much to worry about! Praise His holy name! 

And looking through the many bits of paper I have next to the computer for something to write about, I came upon this acronym; ‘PUSH!’ And what dies it mean? Simply, PRAY until something happens!’ Yeh friends, we ought to just keep on praying, until we see some results of our prayers, because God doesn’t always say, NO, but sometimes, GO SLOW, or NOT RIGHT NOW! 

So it’s always best to keep on keeping on until you get a definitive answer…and believe me, when the Lord is ready, He will give you one. (smile) And unfortunately, for whatever reason, in these wicked and sinful times, even true and strong believers don’t pray as much as they ought. 

But please remember Jesus’ admonition: ‘And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not faint (lose heart).’ And that parable was about the persistent widow who refused to go unjustified by the wicked judge. So too should we pursue justice and pray with all our hearts, minds and souls! 

As the scholars explain, re our Bit: ‘18:1. To faint means “to lose heart.”  Precisely when tempted to give up, men ought to be strong in their resolve to pray.’ And sadly, in this mish mash, judgemental, condemning society, it’s oh so easy to lose heart. But we have to be strong friends, and just pursue our dreams and hopes through prayer. 

And there are so many scriptures that advise and encourage and admonish us to keep on praying, especially since it’s God’s way of communicating with us, and it’s the most powerful element on earth! So let’s look at a few of them nuh, and use them to help us strengthen our resolve to keep on praying. 

And what better verse to begin with than one of my favourites, this one from Mark: ‘And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary (deserted) place, and there prayed.’ (Mark 1:35) Mama Mia! 

Oh friends, that scripture is talking about Jesus’ rising early every day to go out and pray. What a wonderful example He is! He doesn’t just tell us to do things, but leads the way Himself. Before Jesus did anything, He always sought the Father’s wisdom through prayer. And as I keep saying, if the Son of God needed to pray while down here on earth, why should we miserable sinners be any different eh? 

And then we have this wonderful statement from Bruh David: ‘For (in return for) my LOVE they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.’ (Psalm 109:4) Yeh friends, it’s often best to pray when our enemies come against us, and remember Jesus said we ought also to pray for them. Meanwhile Cousin Sol gets right to the point, no beating around the bush: ‘If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.’ (Prov.24:10) 

No joking friends! As the scholars say: ‘24:10. Strength in the face of adversity is the true test of endurance.’ And one of the reasons why our world is in such sad shape is simply because we supposed believers don’t have enough belly and backbone to stand up to the evil forces of the world! It’s sad but true! We’re too scared of what others might say or do, therefore we just fade off into the sunset and let the wicked do as they please. 

I’m sure it breaks Jesus’ heart every time one of His supposed followers behaves thus. And if we’re believers, then in the words of Bruh Paul to the Corinthians: ‘Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not (lose heart).’ (2 Cor.4:1) Oh my people, we have received the same mercy that Bruh Paul did, therefore, we ought also not to faint, not to lose heart! Friends, the worst thing we can ever do as a believer is to give up, to faint, to lose heart! Why? Because that attitude doesn’t exist in Jesus’ playbook! 

And as believers, it should not exist in ours either! And one of the ways we can keep it at bay is by listening and following this solid and oh so wise advice from Bruh Paul to Timothy. ‘I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.’ (1 Tim.2:8) And though Bruh Paul was there speaking about males only, expecting females to pray silently, in these modern times, it is extremely necessary that both men and women pray, every where; be it loudly or silently! 

And this last scripture is one we all know and quote, but don’t put it into proper action. ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.’ (Phil.4:6) Please remember that my people; we don’t only go to God to ask and ask for what we want, but we must also give thanks for what we already have, and whatever we’re asking for, believing and receiving it by faith, and not by sight. 

‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil.4:7) What more can I say eh friends? I can only present the evidence, you have to make the individual decisions! (smile) Now let’s go home declaring (right ho) our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! 

All together now, in loud voice, with sincere hearts and strong sense of purpose: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And if you truly believe, then you know that that future will be even brighter and more glorious than we can ask or imagine! Much LOVE!

…when one truly knows Jesus…you can’t help but LOVE Him…with all your heart, mind, body and soul…