The Uncertainty of Faith on the Earth when Jesus Returns!

23 Jul 2025 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:8.        Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

And then it was Wednesday, our second wind day. But Brother, are these second wind days ever coming up quickly! (smile) The truth is that all the days are moving ahead quickly, waiting for nothing or no one, so we all had better get our acts together and get doing the Lord’s work, because it would be a serious mistake to get left behind when the trumpet sounds up yonder. (smile)

And who says our God isn’t wonderful and moves in mysterious ways eh, for as I opened the Good Library, it opened at that passage in Luke where Jesus was telling the parable of the unjust judge who refused to give justice to a wronged woman, but finally did so when she kept bothering him. What caught my eye though was this very relevant observation of Jesus. ‘Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall God not avenge (vindicate) his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge (vindicate) them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:6-8)

Now that’s the important question in these evil and ungodly times my people! When Jesus returns to earth, how much faithful believers will there be eh? Judging by the way we’re turning away from Him and embracing evil and ungodliness, it might not be a substantial amount, although the Lord has promised to vindicate those who persevere in faith.

And this commentary offers an interesting take on the subject. It says: ‘This question, posed by Jesus, implies a potential decrease in faith among humanity. The parable of the persistent widow in the preceding verses highlights the importance of perseverance in prayer and faith, even when faced with adversity, and contrasts this with the potential for faith to wane over time.’

And there are a couple of scriptures that suggest that very thing, the waning of faith preceding Christ’s return. The first one is Jesus speaking to the disciples re signs of His coming again and the end of the world. He tells them about wars and rumours of wars, a lot of natural disasters, betrayals and persecutions for His sake. ‘And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the LOVE of many shall wax (grow) cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ (Matt. 24:11-13) And right now we are seeing a titanic rise in lawlessness and licentiousness, which are certainly reducing the ranks of the believers.

Then Bruh Paul warns the Thessalonians thus: ‘That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that day of Christ is at hand (had come). Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.’ (2 Thess. 2:2-3)

Now, according to the scholars the Thessalonians were anxious and deeply troubled when Bruh Paul talks about the about the Rapture (our gathering together unto him in vs.1), thinking that the day of Christ had already begun. Then the falling away is the great and final apostasy or repudiation of the Christian faith that will occur at the appearance of the son of perdition, the Antichrist. So Bruh Paul himself is insinuating that when the Antichrist appears there will be a “falling away” or apostasy that will precede the return of Christ.

How sad that will be, for so many will have to face eternal death because of their foolish and unwise behaviour and beliefs. And what makes it even worse is that so many of us know the truth of God’s Word which can set us free from the bondage of sin, but we refuse to accept it for whatever reason. Maybe the attractiveness of sinful behaviour is too powerful for us to resist, or we just LOVE it despite its terrible consequences. For remember if we walk in the flesh, we will die by the flesh, but if we walk in the Spirit of God, we will attain eternal life. ‘For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.’ (Rom. 8:6)

Yes friends, only when we follow the leading and guidance of God’s Holy Spirit will we ever enter heaven’s pearly gates and see His wonderful face. And this other scripture verse puts it quite simply but truthfully. ‘For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.’ (Rom. 6:23) And the beauty of the whole situation is that you don’t have to work hard to get it, because it’s a free gift of God! All you have to do is simply accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and begin seriously living for Him instead of for Satan.

And Jesus said it very clearly to Nicodemus, the Jewish leader who, fearful of his fellow rulers, came to Him under cover of night seeking answers. ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’ (John 3:17-18)

It could not be more explicit or straightforward than that my brethren! It’s very simple: you believe in Jesus and you live. You don’t believe in Him and you die. Please note we’re speaking of the life and death of our spiritual souls not our physical bodies, for we all shall die a physical death, but the big question is where will our souls go after our physical death? That’s the big money question my fellow believers!

And the answer is in the hands of each of God’s human creations. We each make the final decision as to where we spend eternity. But please, let’s allow wisdom to rule and do like Moses advised the Israelites way back when: ‘I call heaven and earth to record (witness) this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.’ (Deut. 30:19) Now that’s wisdom in spades! And having wisely accepted it (smile) let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘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 there’s an even more glorious future promised to those who endure to the very end with Jesus, one that our finite minds cannot even imagine or comprehend. So let’s endure to the end nuh, so that together, we can enjoy the glorious future with Christ! Much LOVE!

…the epitome of wisdom is…choosing Jesus over Satan…eternal life over eternal death…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 February 2024 Luke 18:8b.

01 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:8b.       Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

And then it was February first, 2024! Yes friends, January of 2024 is already in the dustbin of history, and February, no doubt will be hot on its heels. The days are not waiting for us, so we have to get up and get while the going and the getting are good. That means doing whatever task(s) that Jesus has delegated to us without fear and in an acceptable time frame, which usually means right away. (smile) Ah mih people, too many of us are prone to put off the Lord’s work for when we have time, or when we feel like doing it, but that doesn’t sit well with the Father, for He considers it disobedience when we don’t do what He asks when He asks. And please remember that disobedience carries serious consequences, so it would certainly be in our best interest to do God’s work when He desires it be done. End of Sermon. (smile) 

And what shall we talk about on this wet, cloudy first day of February eh? Well I just opened the Good Library and it opened unto the Book of Luke, chapter 18, that begins thus: ‘And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart);’ (Luke 18:1) Now that is not the verse I really want to talk about, but it’s so important, and there are so many scriptures that encourage us to keep on praying, that I want to stop and quote a couple before we move on. 

This first one comes from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Roman church where he’s writing about overcoming evil with good. He reminds them to keep ‘Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation (perseverance); continuing instant (steadfast) in prayer.’ (Rom. 12:12)  And those actions , especially steadfastness in prayer, should always be at the top of a believer’s list, for prayer is how we connect with our great God Jehovah. Yes, communication with Almighty God is the greatest privilege we have as believers. Therefore we need to keep a constant and direct communication line open with Him. That’s why Bruh Paul told the Thessalonians to ‘Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:17) 

It’s something that ALL serious believers ought to embrace, especially in what seems like the end times. And the scholars add: ‘Precisely when tempted to give up, men ought to be strong in their resolve to pray.’ Now, having reestablished the overwhelming importance of prayer in a believer’s life, (smile) let’s get to the heart of what we truly want to talk about today. That means listening to Jesus’ parable, re God avenges His own. ‘There was in a (certain) city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded (respected) man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of  (vindicate me against) mine adversary. 

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard (respect) man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge (vindicate) her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge (vindicate) his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge (vindicate) them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18: 2-8) 

Now, that last question is what we want to talk about on this damp and cloudy Thursday my brethren! Whether or not Jesus will find any faith when He returns to earth to get His church? And believe me, the question is a very viable one, for considering how people are leaving the church in droves, while newcomers are merely trickling into it, there is strong concern that the faithful will be few and far between when Jesus returns. And that will be a very sad reality. It won’t speak very highly of us at all. It would mean that the great ‘sufferation’ Jesus endured on our behalf was all a waste, of no value whatsoever. Now, can we, as true believers abide that situation? I sincerely hope not! 

But here are some explanations on the subject from the scholars. They say: ‘If an unjust judge acts in this way, how much more hope may God’s children place in God? However, the issue is not God’s faithfulness. It is whether believers will persist in supplication, or whether their patience and perseverance will give out by the time Christ finally returns’ Now that’s the billion dollar question my fellow saints! Are we going to continue steadfast in prayer and faith until whenever Jesus comes back to get us? Or will we lose that patience, perseverance, longsuffering and faith under the barrage, the bombardment of temptation and distraction from the devil and his evil cohorts? 

I would sincerely like to say we won’t, but the way things are going in Christ’s church today; the many divisions, dissensions, petty rivalries and jealousies, and the poor teaching of the real truth of God’s Word, anything is possible. And Bruh Paul’s words to Timothy are certainly coming true. He admonishes him to:  ‘Preach the word, be instant (ready) in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.’ (2 Tim. 4:2-4) 

Yes friends, that’s certainly happening to day on a fairly large scale. Believers don’t want to hear the real truth, they want to hear what they want to hear, stuff that will make them feel good, and there are certainly many teachers who are willing to appeal to those ‘itching ears’ and tell them exactly what they want to hear. Consequently, those teachers, their slanted and/or untrue words, as well as the supposed believers, will turn into myths and legends, that will even further dissipate the truth of God’s Word. 

Now, it’s up to the true ambassadors, the true disciples of Christ to turn this scary situation around. And we can certainly do it if we get up off of our lazy, comfortable fannies and use the tools, the blessings which the Lord has already bestowed on us to do His earthly work. What we call our Thursday Blessings. It’s time declare them out loud and thus activate them. So 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 having activated those blessings, we are now required to go out and use them to the benefit of mankind, just as generously as God bestowed them to us! Much LOVE!

…steadfast prayer and perseverance is absolutely necessary…if Jesus is to come back and find strong faith…

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ                  

Today’s Scrip-Bit   22August 2023   1 Corinthians 1:13a.

22 Aug 2023 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 1:13.a.       Is Christ divided?

Welcome to the second to last Tuesday in August 2023 my Scrip-Bit Friends and Family! Now, I would like to share Bruh Paul’s sentiments in his first letter to the church at Corinth, because they are still very valid, important and encouraging to our Christian faith walk. So, as he wrote: ‘Grace be unto you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf (concerning you), for the grace of God which is given you by Christ Jesus; 

That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind (short) in no gift; waiting for the coming (revelation) of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (1 Cor. 1:3-9) What a heartfelt and LOVING greeting! And in my simple way, I offer you the same sentiments, hoping that they will encourage and strengthen you in the Lord. (smile) 

Now, as per ‘Grace …and Peace,’ the scholars tell us that ‘In the former (grace) Paul contemplates all that is understood by God’s gracious unmerited favour as it is extended to sinners.’ And do we all ever have great need of plenty of God’s unmerited favour in these ungodly and evil times. And as per ‘The latter (peace) Paul has in mind benefits that fall from the exercise of God’s LOVE.’ That’s another thing we so badly need in these troubled and turbulent times; God’s peace! The ONLY kind that can truly do us any good right now! 

Then, Bruh Paul goes on to wish that the Corinthians were enriched with all wisdom and knowledge of God, through the testimony and witness of Christ that was confirmed in them, and that they would not be left out of any of God’s good things, most likely spiritual gifts, but be strengthened and made firm, as they waited for the return of Christ, when He shall make them blameless before God. 

Now it’s the same testimony and witness that’s supposedly been confirmed in us, and we’re still waiting for Christ’s return, and desperately need to be strengthened and made firm in God’s grace, so the same sentiments can be applied to us, and we possibly need them more because our world is surely more troubled and confused than theirs was. 

And I like how after all the warm and pleasant greetings Bruh Paul gets down to brass tacks re the unfortunate contentions in the church. ‘Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ye all speak the same thing (have a uniform testimony), and that there be no divisions (dissensions or schisms) among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.’ (1 Cor. 1:10) 

Apparently it had been brought to Bruh Paul’s attention that serious quarrels were happening among the church brethren. ‘Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul, and I am of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.’ (1 Cor. 1:12-15) 

Ah friends, sadly, just like the early church was filled with contention, today’s church is overrun with dissension, so badly that Christ church is terribly divided. There are so many Christian religions, sub-religions, cliques, and what have you, that it brings a big smile to the evil one’s face, because that makes it ever so easy for him to conquer us. He doesn’t even have to do the division since we’ve already divided ourselves, and over so much petty stuff. That’s the hurtful part. A lot of our division is over stuff that can easily be figured out or simply laid aside because it is not that important. 

But the latest style is that as soon as something dissatisfies us in one church body, we leave and start a new one, with slight variations. But as Bruh Paul asked the church at Corinth, and we should seriously consider today with our many schisms and divisions: ‘Is Christ divided?’ And the answer is NO! So why is His supposed church so divided, and yet we all claim to be preaching the same Christ crucified? That’s why the devil is laughing his head off all the way down to hell! For if Christ is One, the same yesterday, today and forever more, then how can so much different, conflicting stuff be preached and taught about Him eh? 

Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers. All I know is that Satan is having a field day, a heyday amongst believers right now. Believers who are filled with so much doubt, anxiety and worry about their lives and circumstances that they are losing their faith in Almighty God. And the many false teachers and preachers, with the help of social media, are escalating the problems, causing more conflicting dialogue and beliefs among Christ’s people. 

Ah mih saints, the times are difficult and troubling, but serious and sincere students of and believers in Christ Jesus will be able to successfully navigate the storms and trials of the day. However, the important question, is what’s to become of Christ’s church? God is already being removed from our society, and if Christ’s church doesn’t come together soon, and real soon too, there will not be much of it left to talk about, and the devil would have won. Now that’s something we should not even be contemplating, but it is a possible reality the way the church is continually splitting apart, instead of uniting. 

However, I pray that most of us will stand strong and call for the reunification of Christ’s church, so that we can defeat Satan’s evil schemes. And thus, the question Christ posed after the parable of the unjust judge: ‘Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8) will be a resounding YES! But please remember that will only happen if we keep strong in faith, in prayer and supplication, in fellowship, praise and thanksgiving, and our patience and perseverance don’t run out by the time Jesus finally returns. 

Now for those of us who are sincerely trying to live for Christ, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we joyfully belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one strong 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And it’s now our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…the unity of Christ’s church…right now it’s of the utmost importance… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ         

Today’s Scrip-Bit   31 May 2023 Luke 18:8.

31 May 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:8.        Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

And the week’s moving ahead very quickly; taking no prisoners whatsoever! (smile) Yes friends, it’s already Wednesday, mid-week, the day we try to catch our second wind. But the way the week’s galloping along, we might not be able to do that. That’s just for the unbelievers though, for with Jesus by our side, at our helm, all around us, we can do anything. Wow! What a scripture: ‘I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!’ (Phil. 4:13) And if you don’t believe that, then you’re no true believer, only a poser. 

Ah mih people, I believe that’s the major ingredient that’s missing in our Christian walk these days; we talk the scriptures, the many promises and scenarios that make up our faith, but we don’t truly believe them, otherwise our church and our individual lives would not be so lacking in faith and good works. We are supposed to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world now that Jesus no longer walks the earth, but are we truly those things? Does the heathen see our good works and thus want to glorify our God that is in heaven? 

Hn! I don’t think so, or there wouldn’t be the great exodus from the church that’s currently taking place and Beelzebub and his evil cronies wouldn’t be the powerful force in our world that they currently are. And by the way, they seem to be getting stronger every day, while Christ’s church seems to be getting weaker, because it’s supposed devotees are not putting in the faith, effort and perseverance we need to see it prosper. 

Recently I heard a preacher consider Jesus’ question: ‘Nevertheless, when the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8).Those are the closing words of Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow, found just before that scripture, and I began seriously considering it myself. Will He, my fellow believers, or will our faith have sunk to such a low level that it might as well be non-existent?  

And thankfully I was able to find one commentary that throws a somewhat positive light on the situation. It says: ‘Perhaps, as members of the Church trust with all their hearts, transform their hopes and beliefs into action, and seek to align themselves with the will of the Lord, the answer to the question the Savior asked 2,000 years ago will be a resounding “Yes, He will find faith.’ 

And oh, how I do hope and desire with all my heart, that before it’s too late, that we, the members of Christ’s Church will come to that high level of trust and transform our hopes and beliefs into action, for that’s the ONLY way, Jesus will ever find faith when He returns to earth. Yes my fellow saints it’s only if we get up off of our fat, lazy, well-fed, entitled fannies and do what we’re supposed to do, that’s stand up strong for Jesus and spread the good news of His wonderful gospel all around the world, that faith will ever be found when Jesus returns to earth as the King of Glory! 

That’s why we have to listen to the author of Hebrews when he exhorts us, re holding fast to the faith. ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say his flesh; And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to great works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:19-25) 

Yes friends, the shed blood of Christ which makes Him the eternal sacrifice and therefore our High Priest forever, allows us to go into the holiest of holies, right to the throne of God, that’s to say a new and living way by which we have direct access to God, and don’t have to wait for the priest to make atonement for us once a year. And with that new and living way made available through Christ’s breaking the veil of the holies, we need to come close to Him with pure hearts, baptized with His Holy Spirit, washed in His blood, and assured of the promises He made us. 

But it all takes a strong and assured faith to do so; a faith that should lead us to stirring up each other to do the good works that’s required of us. And one of the best ways to do that is by gathering together regularly, and encouraging each other, especially in these troubled and evil times, when it seems the last days are upon us. 

And as the author of Hebrews says a little later on: ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance, perseverance), that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry (delay). Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (destruction): but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.’ (Heb. 19:35-39) 

There you have it my people: we need to stand strong in faith and do the works we are supposed to do, thus breaking the stranglehold that the evil body has on our world. And as the scriptures say, we are not shirkers of our duty, we don’t draw back. But it takes plenty belly and back bone, guts, perseverance, determination and strong belief in the promises of Christ to stand up strong for Him against the wily and evil enemy. And don’t forget that Christ will come in due time and reward those whom He finds standing in faith. 

So, let’s write these two scriptures indelibly in our hearts, so that we can raise them up when necessary. The first is the one we began with: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’  And the second is like unto it (smile): ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) That says it all! Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. 

As one strong, confident and sincere voice: ‘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 yuh better believe, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! So please let’s use that as encouragement to endure down to the very end nuh mih bredrin! Much LOVE!

…Christians need to step up RIGHT NOW…and LIVE their faith…if they hope to make a difference in this world…. 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ    

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 March 2023 Luke 18:8b.

04 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:8b.       Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

And after the storm comes the calm, with the sunshine shining brilliantly on the snow-covered land, making it truly a winter wonderland! Yes friends, for easy terminology, (smile) we got a good shower of snow yesterday evening, as promised by the weather forecasters. You couldn’t even look through the windows properly because they were all covered with what looked like snowy icicles. (smile) And I can’t get over how beautiful the snow looks when it’s clean and undefiled by man. 

By the way, I know my mas costume for next year carnival already, something based on ‘Ole Man Winter.’ Oh, there’s a tree in my backyard, whose leafless limbs are all covered with snow, like all the other leafless trees, but this one looks just like a carnival costume, with a sort of peacock feather-like tail. So, look for me next year on the big stage in the Big Yard in mih all white costume with plenty sequins and whatever else will provide some radiance to it. (smile) 

But now, as I hear the snow shovels and snow blowers working outside to clean up the snowy mess, I’m losing that pretty snow fantasy, and getting to the reality that it’s dangerous and oh so inconvenient. I don’t care how long you live with it, and how beautiful it might look, I don’t know if you ever get accustomed to cleaning it up and trudging through it. Unfortunately though, it’s all a part of living in the northern climes, and sometimes it does take a lot of faith to conquer it. 

And speaking of faith, I didn’t get any quotes from our friend Anselm this week either, so I guess we’ll just continue with the faith talks of Jesus that we never got finished with yesterday. We left off yesterday where Jesus was on His way to the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader to heal his young daughter, but He got way laid by the woman suffering from the affliction of a blood flow for a long time, who showed her large faith by simply believing that if she could only touch the garments of Jesus she’d be healed. And thus, she pressed through the crowd that surrounded Him, touched His clothes and was immediately healed. 

Now, tell me truthfully, how many of us nowadays would have that kind of faith eh my people? Definitely not too many, not with the way things are currently going. No wonder in the gospel of Luke we find these words. ‘And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart). (Luke 18:1) And that parable deals with the wronged widow and the unjust judge, who doesn’t revere God, or is really interested in meting out justice, but only deals with her because she is persistent and he is tired of her complaints. 

Jesus states: ‘Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge (vindicate) his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge (vindicate) them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:6-8) Now that’s a very good question my brethren? 

And the scholars explain it thus: ‘If an unjust judge acts in this way, how much more hope may God’s children place in God? However, the issue is not God’s faithfulness. It is whether believers will persist in supplication (vs. 7), or whether their patience and perseverance will give out by the time Christ finally returns (vs. 8, see also vs. 1)’  

Yes friends, the problem here is not God’s faithfulness, but man’s! Will we keep doing like Jesus asks in vs.1: ‘pray and not faint or lose heart,’ or we will be exhausted from all the crying and complaining we’ve done to God and stop persevering by the time He returns? We need to keep on keeping on my faithful brethren, regardless of what we undergo, or how long it takes for Jesus to come back! That’s the foundation, the backbone of our faith: NEVER GIVE UP! 

That brings us back to the story of Jairus and Jesus. Looks like we’ll never finish it. (smile) But anyway, just as Jesus was finishing with the woman who had the issue of blood, he heard one of Jairus’ servants tell him that his daughter was dead, so he should now stop bothering Jesus. However, ‘As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue (Jairus), Be not afraid, only believe.’ (Mark. 5:36) What tough words, but very necessary sentiments my people! Belief! That’s where it all begins! You can’t have faith in anything until you believe in something! That’s the long and short of the story! 

Then Jesus continued to Jairus’ house with only His three henchmen, Peter, James and John. But when he came to the house there was a crowd inside weeping and wailing. Jesus said to them: ‘Why make ye this ado (commotion), and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him (Peter, James and John), and entereth in where the damsel was lying. 

And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is to being interpreted (translated), Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the damsel arose and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. And he charged (commanded) them straitly (strictly) that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.’ (Mark 5:39-43) 

And I like how the scholars explain it all. ‘The crowd would eventually know of course, that the girl had been raised from the dead. Jesus wants the fact to be concealed for the time being, giving Him time to depart and avoid ostentatious acclaim. Also, the parents will still be able to keep the details of the resurrection secret from the scornful unbelievers outside the door. Jesus’ custom all along was to make Himself known to earnest seekers, but to conceal His true identity from skeptics.’ 

That brings up another very important question my brethren: which group are we in, the earnest seekers, or the unbelieving skeptics? And according to our answer, so will the Holy Spirit of Jesus deal with us. It’s ever so necessary to believe, to have faith in Jesus, if we want to enjoy the benefits that accrue from Him. Note Jesus’ admonition to the disciples who could not heal a demon possessed boy. ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove (move); and nothing shall be impossible to you.’ (Matt. 17:20) 

Ah my fellow saints, a whole lot of faith is not needed to follow Jesus, but you do need some faith, be it as small as a grain of mustard seed. Much LOVE!

…truly believe…and faith will come… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ    

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 October 2022 Matthew 5:16.

30 Oct 2022 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:16.       Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Glory be my people, it’s Sunday once again! So come let’s gather round in joyful fellowship and give much thanks and praise to our wonderful God! As Psalm 100 so rightly tells us: ‘Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.’ (Ps. 100: 4-5) Now those are words we can never doubt, because they are gospel truth! And Psalm 100 is so chucked full of wisdom in every verse that if you’re not careful it can confuse you. (smile) 

But there is absolutely no chance of confusion with this earlier verse that wisely advices: ‘Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.’ (Ps. 100:2) And since we’re ever so wise and obedient my friends, that is exactly what we’re going to do right now. And today we’re going to spice up our sacrificial praise with an old gospel spiritual titled ‘Give Me Oil in My Lamp.’ Yes, some of you ole fogeys will remember that one. It was popular way back in time, but it certainly hasn’t lost its saltiness, and is therefore still worth singing. So let’s raise our sweet, harmonic voices to heaven in an up-tempo, scintillating, foot stomping, handclapping version. 

Altogether now: ‘Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning. Give me oil in my lamp, I pray. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning. Keep me burning till the break of day. (Refrain: Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King of kings! Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King!) Give me LOVE in my heart, keep me sharing. Give me LOVE in my heart, I pray. Give me LOVE in my heart, keep me sharing, sharing, sharing. Keep me sharing till the break of day. (Refrain) 

Give me joy in my heart, keep me singing. Give me joy in my heart, I pray. Give me joy in my heart, keep me singing, singing, singing. Keep me singing till the break of day. (Refrain) Give me faith in my heart, keep me praying. Give me faith in my heart, I pray. Give me faith in my heart, keep me praying, praying, praying. Keep me praying till the break of day. (Refrain: Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King of kings! Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King!)’ 

Ah mih people, I’m sure that reminded some of us of olden times when we’d belt that tune out in church. And is there ever need for oil in our lamps in these dark and trying times, if we’re to do like Jesus says: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:16) Yes, our lights can’t shine if our lamps are dry like Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins at a Jewish wedding found in Matthew 25:1-13. 

Five of the virgins or attendants were wise and five were foolish. The wise ones took extra oil for their lamps just in case the bridegroom came late. The foolish ones didn’t, and it so happens the bridegroom was late, and their lamps ran out of oil, and they had to go and get more oil from the oil dealer. But by the time they came back the ceremony was in progress and they got locked out. Wherefore Jesus ended the parable with these memorable words. ‘Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt, 25:13) 

Yes my brethren, the bridegroom is obviously Jesus, and the church his bride, as is mentioned in Matt. 9:15, John 3:27-30, Eph. 5:25-32), and the parable refers to Jesus’ coming again, the day, time, nor hour no one knows but the Father. That means we have to be in a state of constant readiness; the first requirement being obviously born again with the Holy Spirit indwelling us. 

A commentary on the song says: ‘For the religious, one interpretation is that it signifies a thirst for spiritual food—spiritual food to get one through the darkest of times in hopes of a brighter day, a clearer vision of one’s path or until one gains their salvation.’ And that’s a valid interpretation. But I like how the gotquetions.org website describes the parable in general. 

‘The five virgins who have the extra oil represent the truly born again who are looking with eagerness to the coming of Christ. They have saving faith and have determined that, whatever occurs, be it lengthy time or adverse circumstances, when Jesus returns, they will be looking with eagerness. The five virgins without the oil represent false believers who enjoy the benefits of the Christian community without true love for Christ. They are more concerned about the party than about longing to see the bridegroom. Their hope is that their association with true believers (“give us some of your oil” of verse 8) will bring them into the kingdom at the end. 

This, of course, is never the case. One person’s faith in Jesus cannot save another. The “Lord, lord” and “I do not know you” of verses 11 and 12 fit very well with Jesus’ condemnation of the false believers of (Matthew 7:21-23), “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.” 

Oh  my fellow believers, if Jesus said it, then it’s entirely possible. Anyhow, the song encompasses all that we need to wait for Jesus; namely, the oil of the Holy Spirit to light up our lives, that keeps our lamps burning, LOVE in our hearts that keeps us sharing, joy in our hearts that keeps us singing, and faith in our hearts to keep us praying. We can’t ask for more than that, because those things encompass it all. 

And I believe the end of the article from the gotquestions.org website, also makes a fitting end for our Bit today. ‘May we not be found “going away to make the purchase” (v. 10) when Christ returns. Take the time now to fill your lamp with oil and take extra along. Keep waiting and watching with joy and anticipation.’ Now that is wisdom of enormous proportions! Please let’s take strong and serious hold of it. Much LOVE!

…the moral of the story…be not found wanting when Jesus returns…

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Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 July 2022 Luke 18:8.

06 Jul 2022 Leave a comment

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

Luke 18:8.      Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Wow mih bredrin! Another week is quickly passing by; it’s already Wednesday…what’s happening with the days eh, why is time flying by so quickly? One would think that with the numerous problems we have in our world that time would at least seem to stand still, but like everything else, it is behaving in a most contrary manner. (smile) It’s a good thing we have Jesus to keep us steadfast and focused yes, otherwise we’d be jumping all over the place like jackrabbits. 

And to help handle the uncertain situation which our world currently faces, we are going to look at a poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin aptly titled ‘I Can Settle for That.’ So, please read with me. ‘The word rebellion frightens me. I always associate it with Revolt…terrorism…riots…death… with economic and social issues… With the drug scene That promotes life without purpose. I associate it with tempestuous waves of change That leap up like wild animals. 

Like the disciples in the storm I want to awaken You, Lord. I wonder why You seem to be sleeping. But, Lord, maybe I don’t Really know You very well. Maybe I don’t let God be God. After all, You are not frightened. You do not hold your hands up in despair. You never say, “You should have come yesterday.”  Nor do You say, “You’re the wrong age and colour.” You never say “You’re too timid, too slow.” 

You simply tell me to step out Of my rocking boat. You tell me to walk the waves with You. You assure me you are not asleep. You tell me to show genuine LOVE To a desperately needy world. You insist it is far better To walk over the billows than to go under them. You tell me if I die in the attempt At least I will die victoriously. Then, facing me directly, You ask “Can you settle for that?” Lord, if You are with me I can settle for that.’ 

Mama Mia! Isn’t that the living truth my people? If God is with us, we can indeed settle for anything, because He controls it all! And the reason why we are so uncertain, afraid and worried is simply because we do not have sufficient trust and faith in our great God, in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit that dwells within us and is supposed to lead and guide us to all truth. In fact, we have not given ourselves completely to Almighty God, therefore we don’t let God be God. How can He be, if we don’t surrender our all to Him eh? 

That’s why the Bible verse for that poem is Bruh Paul’s plea to the church at Rome. ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service.’ (Rom. 12:1) Yes friends, we are supposed to surrender our entire bodies and souls to Christ, if we want to truly benefit from all that He has to offer. 

Now listen to how the scholars explain that verse. ‘12:1. By the mercies of God summarizes all that God has accomplished for the believer in Romans chapters 1-11: in justifying the believer (chps. 1-5), enabling the believer to live a righteous life (chps. 6-8), and being faithful to Israel (chps. 9-11). That ye present refers to a definite act of presentation. The verb is used of offering a sacrifice that became “holy” under the Levitical system (cf. Ex. 29:37). This shows that the Christian life begins with total commitment and irrevocable presentation. Your bodies: The body has been an instrument of sin (chp. 6). Now it is to be presented to God as a channel through which the righteousness of God is manifested.’ 

Yes, that all sounds like a big mouthful, but it simply means that we stop using our bodies for sinful purposes and instead use them for righteous ones. And we’d all be foolishly fooling ourselves to pretend that we don’t know the sinful things we use our bodies for. (smile) That’s why this next verse is so important in our transformation. Bruh Paul then declares in his usual practical way. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Rom. 12:2) 

Ah mih bredrin, to truly live for Christ we have to shun, to shuck off the things of this evil world that find no place, are not welcome in God’s kingdom. And no, it’s not always easy to do, because of our inherent sinful nature and the rampaging evil and evil doers that are currently controlling our world. But with Christ’s help and our perseverance, we can do a good job of it. 

We must just want it badly enough. But like we said yesterday, too many of us don’t want it badly enough to put out the necessary effort to live sincerely for Christ, that’s why Christianity is in such a shambles, why Christ’s church is filled with so much evil and ungodly doings, why there’s so much dissension within Christ’s church, and instead of getting better, it seems to be getting worse. 

Oh my fellow believers, we need to remember that Christ is depending on us to keep His church going strong and sincere. We are all He has down here to do His bidding, and if we are not doing it properly then His church will obviously suffer serious setbacks. This leads me to consider the question Jesus asked at the end of the parable of the persistent widow. He says: ‘Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?’ (Luke 18:8) 

Now that’s a very interesting question with the great number of former believers turning away from God, the apostasy that Bruh Paul warned Timothy of. ‘This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy…’  (2 Tim. 3:1-2) And he goes on to list a host of other ungodly activities which we are currently seeing at a high level in our society. 

However, my brethren, because we are sincere, faithful, and strong, we will do our best to stand up for Christ and continue to tell others about Him and the marvellous benefits living for Him bring. So, for those of us in that camp, let’s go home now declaring (awright!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. Wow! 

Altogether now: ‘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 believe me friends, if we endure to the end, that future will indeed be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, let’s be with Christ for the long haul nuh; that’s wisdom in spades! Much LOVE!

…nothing worthwhile is ever easy…and that definitely goes for living for Christ…but the rewards will certainly outweigh the difficulties…   

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