Today’s Scrip-Bit   12 May 2023 Psalm 128:1.

12 May 2023 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 128:1.        Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

Oh friends, this Friday morning, as we declare (yesss!!!) ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ we also have to consider having five straight days of wonderful sunshine, because that seems like a distinct possibility! Wow! My trusty computer tells me it’s 23 and sunny. In that case, we might just need to think about praying for a li’l rain to cool things down if the weather keeps being so wonderful in my neck of the woods. (smile) As we would say, it’s either feast or famine. 

But here’s an interesting angle on it all. I just opened the Good Library and it opened unto the Book of Psalms, and my eyes were led to this particular psalm, Psalm 128, one that I’ve never paid much attention to, but it does contribute a wise and wonderful message in its title which simply says: ‘Fear the Lord.’  Now that’s certainly a tidbit of wisdom if there ever was one! 

And why is that you ask? Well, first off, the fear he’s referring to is not the emotion of fear or fright, but one of reverence, of respect, of worship, although we should also fear the Lord in the other respect, because the only thing as powerful as His LOVE is His wrath, and we certainly don’t want to feel the latter. Just look at what the Israelites suffered for their stubborn disobedience. And Jesus did say that we should fear the Lord and not man, because He is the only one who could destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt. 10:28) 

However, let’s listen to the psalmist as he declares: (wow!!!) ‘Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands (the fruit of thy labour): happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of (in the heart of) thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.’ (Ps. 128:1-3) 

Mama oh Mama! Yuh hear that mih people? If we fear the Lord then our house will indeed be blessed, enjoying the fruits of our labour, with a fruitful wife and wonderful children! Now what more can a man ask of this life eh? Nothing really! But the important thing is that only happens when we reverence the Lord and walk in His ways. And that’s something so many of us in these evil and unfortunate times can’t seem to understand, otherwise we’d be doing just that. 

But instead so many of us are turning away from the Lord to other insecure and worthless ventures, and many of us who claim to still believe are not truly walking in His fear and commandments, but have one foot in the world and one in the kingdom, trying to keep our chances alive by playing both sides against the middle. But friends, I ‘m here to tell you that doesn’t work. You must choose either one or the other and go after it wholeheartedly. And remember Jesus said it so plainly: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

And that’s no lie! When you seek God first and foremost, He will indeed give you all that you need. Why do you think Bruh David wrote: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want?’ Because he knew for a fact, from personal experience, that if he sincerely sought the Lord above all else, He would look after him, both physically and spiritually. And the Lord will do the same for anyone who sincerely seeks and reverences Him. He’s promised never to leave nor forsake us, and He is faithful to keep His promises. 

And if you still don’t believe me, then listen as the psalmist continues: ‘Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life. Yea, thou shalt see thy children’s children, and peace upon Israel.’ (Ps. 128:4-6) Oh my people, why are we so foolish and adamant about turning away from God eh, or not paying Him His proper respect and due, since in so many places of His Word it says that’s necessary to have a good life. 

Look at Psalm 1, which pointedly tells us: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder by talking to himself) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps. 1:1-3)  

Now that’s not rocket science my brethren, so why can’t we simply accept and live it eh? Where’s the faith in Jesus Christ we’re supposed to have? Obviously it’s sadly lacking, otherwise we wouldn’t be living the sub-standard and mediocre Christian lives we’re living. Now listen to these opening verses of Psalm 119: ‘Blessed are the undefiled (blameless) in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.’ (Ps. 119:1-3) 

There again friends, it says we will be blessed if we walk in the way of the Lord. Simple common sense my brethren! But sorry, I forgot that common sense no longer exists in our society, we just have a herd mentality, and foolishly run with the foolish crowd.  But there’s hope for us yet, because with the Lord, there’s always hope, so let’s go to Him now, through our Friday Chant and ask for His divine help with our problems. 

Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by the pandemic and our many other serious problems. We can’t fix them on our own Lord, so we desperately need your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further serious setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. 

And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to return backsliders to your fold, show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

Now let’s wake up nuh friends, and do what we know we’re supposed to do, if we expect the Lord’s help. Much LOVE!

…it takes two to tango…the Lord won’t help…unless we’re obedient… 

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   23 November 2021 Proverbs 14:12.

23 Nov 2021 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 14:12.     There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.

And now it’s Tuesday! We aced Monday, so Tuesday should be like a Sunday evening walk in the park. (smile) Yes, but my walk in the park began with scraping up a pile of leaves in my driveway, so that the garbage people could take them away. Hope that’s the last time for that exercise. (smile) Now my ole back is aching from so much bending down. 

What really hurts though, is that I look around the other driveways, and not even one single, solitary leaf litters any of them, but mine is littered with hundreds, if not thousands. But with the Lord’s awesome help, I picked up most of them, and with His help I’ll handle the backpain and whatever else comes against me on this wonderful day of being alive in Christ Jesus! 

One can’t have anything better than that in this crazy world. Jesus is the one, solid, sure thing we can depend on in this ever-changing and unfaithful world! He NEVER changes. He’s the same yesterday, today and forever! LOVING, merciful, compassionate and kind to all who call upon His name for comfort and eternal life! 

And for the life of me, I cannot fathom why so many people refuse to accept His Great Invitation. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly (gentle and humble) in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30) 

And yuh better believe that there are millions of people on this groaning and falling apart earth who are labouring and heavy laden, who could use the rest He provides. But yuh think they will even consider coming to Him and getting rest for their souls? No! Because they think that they know better than the One who created the world and all therein and still controls all aspects of their lives. 

It’s like the prophet Jeremiah declared on the Lord’s behalf, re the destruction of Judah. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls, But they said, we will not walk therein.’ (Jer. 6:16) 

Oh how foolish and hard ears were the people of Judah back then, just like we are today. Instead of running to God to alleviate our problems, we are running away from Him, trying to solve them on our own, which is only creating a messier, more dangerous, cruel and evil world! And the scholar’s explanations on that verse is so true of today also. 

They say: ‘6:16. The people’s stubborn refusal to walk in the traditional ways of true righteousness is often mentioned by Jeremiah (12:16; 18:15; 23:12; 31:21). Moving in their own paths and following their own way could only lead to Judah’s destruction (cf. Prov. 14:12). The contrast of the way of righteousness and life with the way of the ungodly and death is often made in the Scriptures (e.g. Ps. 1; Matt. 7:13-14).’ 

Oh my brethren, the very same thing applies to us today; our world is facing destruction because we are trying to move in our own paths and not the paths of righteousness. And Cousin Sol hit the nail right on the head when he wrote in Proverbs: ‘There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death.’ (Prov. 14:12) Yes, that’s the verse the scholars referenced above. 

And Cousin Sol found it so important that he wrote it once again as Prov. 16:25. And it’s so important and necessary for us to realize, to acknowledge to ourselves, that the way which seems right to us may not always be the best or right way. Until we come to that understanding, we will face the critical and unfortunate situation of being led along the wrong path, that of unrighteousness and wickedness which only lead to death and destruction. 

The psalmist said it thus: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder on) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.’ (Ps. 1:1-6) 

Yes friends, as the scholars explain: ‘Blessed or happy is the righteous man, the one who avoids evil influences, deeds and attitudes, but delights in God’s word (vs. 2), and God causes him to prosper (vs.3). On the other hand, the ungodly is worth no more than chaff (vs. 4), and his destiny is judgement (vs. 5). Finally, the evaluation by the Lord Himself is described (vs. 6) The Lord knows the way of both the righteous and the ungodly. He will bless the former, but the latter shall perish.’  

And if you don’t believe what the psalmist says, then listen to Jesus tell it again. ‘Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat. Because strait (how narrow)  is the gate, and narrow (difficult) is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.’ (Matt. 7:13-14) 

Oh my people, there are ONLY two ways to live this life; one is righteous and godly, while the other is unrighteous and ungodly. The latter is wide and open, but also leads to destruction and eternal separation from God. Meanwhile, the former which leads to eternal life is narrow and difficult to navigate, but with Jesus’ help it is readily attainable. However, we need to want it badly enough to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve it. 

That’s the whole crux of the matter; whether we want it badly enough to believe and trust and surrender our lives to Jesus, so we can spend eternity with Him. Now, for those of us who have made the wise decision to follow Jesus’ lead, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, telling the whole world who and whose we are, shouting out loudly to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. (smile) 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’ 

And having said all of that so boldly, we now have to go out and walk the talk, sharing the awesome LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to LOVE and serve Him like we do. Much LOVE!

…the road to eternal life might be narrow and difficult…but with Jesus as our guide…we’re sure to make it home…                                                                                                                                   

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