Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 May 2024 Psalm 143:10.

Psalm 143:10.       Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

And then it was Wednesday…and the Bit is somewhat late, as usual. (smile) However, that should not happen for the next couple of months because my priest will be on a sabbatical and holidays for that time period. That means there will no Wednesday mid-morning church services to attend, and hopefully no errands to run afterward, so that I won’t have to come home tired from all my running around and have to nap before I can start writing the Bit. And all God’s people said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’ (smile)

 Enough idle chatter though, let’s get down to the Lord’s business. And today we’ll check out an interesting poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, titled ‘Three Discoveries.’ And this one I am sure I’ve shared before, but I believe it’s very necessary to share it again in these trying and troubled times. So please read with me: ‘I have made three overwhelming discoveries regarding God’s reliable faithfulness: The first: God will NEVER let us go – NEVER! We may fall flat on our faces. We may resist until we feel exhausted, but nothing can separate us from His matchless LOVE. 

The second: God will NEVER let us down – NEVER! He is forever faithful, even when we are faithless. He cannot deny Himself. He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. The third: He will NEVER let us off – NEVER! Whenever we give in to temptation, when we determine to have our own way – He says with all the LOVE of His Father-heart, “I LOVE you too much to excuse disobedience.” Whom He LOVES, He chastens. God is determined to bless us. He is eager to show us His kindness. He is glad to teach us the proper paths; but He MUST have access to our hearts. He will allow guilt to become a burden until conviction comes, then confession, and finally renewed commitment! May David’s prayer be our prayer:’ 

And what you ask was David’s prayer. ‘Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.’ Or as the New Living translation puts it at the end: ‘May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.’ (Ps. 143:10) Yes friends, that’s the prayer of Bruh David our poem is referring to, and it’s the Bible verse associated with it. By the way, all the bold capitalizations are mine, done to provide a li’l more emphasis (smile) 

And what do we learn from the poem? Three basic things. The first is that once we surrender our lives to God, He will NEVER let us go! No NEVER! Even if we resist till we’re blue in the face. The Bible greatly reassures us of that through Bruh Paul’s words to the Romans. ‘For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:38-39) Oh my people, it could not be any clearer or more reassuring than that! 

And the second thing we learn from the poem is that God will NEVER let us down! And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! Our God is everlastingly faithful! As the poem says, He is faithful and cannot deny Himself. And Bruh Paul wrote that exact thing to Timithy in his second letter. ‘If we believe not (are faithless), yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim. 2:13) And you ask, what does cannot deny himself mean? This commentary explains it quite nicely. 

‘God cannot go contrary to his word; that would be to act contrary to his nature and perfections, and would be a denying of himself, which is not possible; wherefore his faithfulness will never fail, even though, the faith of his people does, as to the exercise of it.’ So although we might fail and fall and become faithless, our great God will NEVER fall to such depths, will NEVER be faithless. We can count on it with all our heart, minds, bodies and souls. And if that doesn’t reassure you, then listen to the scripture from Hebrews. 

The author writes: ‘Let your conversation (conduct) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he (God) hath said, I will NEVER leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ (Heb. 13:5) And if that still does’nt satisfy you, then try this other scripture from Hebrews. ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)’ (Heb. 10:23) And if all of those scriptures don’t reassure you of God’s faithfulness, then I don’t know what else to say, but that you will have to learn it through hard experience in your own life. (smile) 

And the third lesson we’ve learned from our poem is that God will NEVER let us off. No. He will NEVER let us get away with sin and rebellious behaviour, because He LOVES us too much to see us go down the wide path that leads to destruction and allow us to continue down it unimpeded. No. He will be like a dog constantly nipping at our heels, reminding us of our inappropriate behaviour, until we finally confess, repent and turn away from that sinful activity. And why is that eh? Simply because of His great LOVE for His prized human creation. 

And you can find scripture that attests to that in Proverbs 3, where Cousin Sol writes: ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of (detest not) his correction: for whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) And the Lord is simply behaving like our earthly father’s do; correct us when we go astray. If He didn’t do that, He would not be the LOVING and caring God He claims to be. Now, the author of Hebrews also has some invaluable words on the topic of the Lord’s chastening, but we don’t have time to go through it, so please read it for yourselves in Hebrews 12:5-11, and hopefully you’ll understand it better. Let’s remember though that the Lord’s chastening is ALWAYS FOR OUR BENEFIT!’ 

Now, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one 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 if we endure to the very end, then it’s been promised that the future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So let’s be wise and plan to meet there nuh! Much LOVE!

…our God is exactly whom the Bible says He is…a faithful, LOVING, kind, caring and compassionate God…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   17 May 2024 Proverbs 3:1.

Proverbs 3:1.       My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

And at long last it was Friday…so we could all shout; ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’…with a summer-like weekend apparently in the offing.  About time too! For we’re in dire need of some summer hijinks and escapades, to get the blood flowing after a cold and dreary winter. (smile) And yuh better believe those hijinks and escapades will soon be hitting the streets, with some of us behaving like leggo-beasts, instead of placid humans. But that’s understandable after such a long period of being locked up with very few avenues to let out our innate steam. 

And on this fateful Friday, where we’re planning to let off some long pent up steam, we’re simply going to get into the wise words of Cousin Sol, that hopefully will keep us from doing anything foolish or unwise while doing so. According to the scholars the passage we’re about to read can be divided in to six sections, each containing a command and a reason to obey that command. So please read with me: ‘My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add unto thee.’ (Prov. 3:1-2) 

Wow friends! Right away we see some of the benefits of keeping the Lord’s commandments; long life and peace. But that’ only the tip of the benefits. For as Cousin Sol continues: ‘Let not mercy (LOVING-kindness) and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them on the table (tablet) of thine heart: so shalt thou find favour and good understanding (high esteem) in the sight of God and man.’ (Prov. 3:3-4) Oh my my! What wisdom! And which one of us doesn’t want or need favour and high esteem from both God and man eh? All of us do. And the scholars explain that ‘about thy neck,’ indicates that the father’s teachings should be as important in one’s life as an adornment around one’s neck. And the table of thine heart is our minds. 

And to further our wisdom and understanding Cousin Sol then leads us down this narrow path, where he writes: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) What exquisite wisdom my brethren! And what do the scholars have to say about those verses? Simply this: ‘Three commands are given: trust, meaning “rely on, depend on”; lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts; and acknowledge him, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in ALL of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.’ 

How can we want for more than that eh my fellow believers? But Cousin Sol insists that there are indeed more benefits to be had in keeping the commandments of God while knowing Him through an intimate relationship. So here are some more words of wisdom. ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord (hold Him in reverential awe), and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones.’ (Prov. 3:7-8)  Now that last instruction is a rather important one, because remember as Cousin Sol says earlier in Proverbs: ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the (principal) beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ (Prov. 1:7) That means submission to God in all aspects, including a healthy fear of Him, that draws you to Him, rather than have you run away. And that healthy and hearty submission will gain you a healthy and strong body. 

Then we have to ‘Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov. 3:9-10) Now, that we know as tithing; as giving to God the first portion or tenth of our increase. It’s something He demands and expects. As He said to Israel when they were not offering their tithes. ‘Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat (food) in mine house, and prove (test) me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.’ (Mal. 3:9-10)  

Yes friends, our God is very protective of what He thinks is His, and when we do the right thing, He blesses us even more. Now back to the last two verses of Cousin Sol’s instructions in this passage, which are ever so important. So let’s read: ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of (detest) his correction: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighted.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) Yes my fellow saints, God’s correction shows His undying and unconditional LOVE for us. 

And the author of Hebrews corroborates Cousin’s Sol’s words (Heb. 12:5-6) but then adds this addendum. ‘If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, wherefore all are partakers, then are ye bastards (illegitimate), and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence (respect): shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?’ (Heb. 12:7-9) And the answer to that question is an obvious ‘YES!’ So please let’s get wise and follow the directions outlined above, that is, if we want to live the abundant life that Christ died for us to have. 

Now, let’s go humbly but confidently to the throne of grace through our Friday Chant, seeking divine help in these desperate times of need. Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…   because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for 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. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. 

And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. 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. 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!’ 

And to activate divine help, one of the things we need to do, is be much better examples of Christian faith than we currently are. Much LOVE!

…God’s commandments are given for our benefit…not His…let’s remember that…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 November 2023 Proverbs 3:1.

Proverbs 3:1.        My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.

Well, the penultimate day of this work week, Thursday, and the last day of this month, November, has chosen to open bright and sunny, though somewhat cold. But this is the winter season, so what do we expect eh? (smile) Let’s at least give thanks for the sunshine, which I didn’t have when I was doing my errands yesterday. But with the Lord’s help we did handle them successfully though. And in the long run, that’s the important thing…We can do whatever the Lord desires us to do because He anoints and strengthens us to do it! All glory be to His blessed name! 

And today friends, all we’re going to do is read, peruse, study and find some useful insights into perhaps one of the most important and insightful passages in the entire Bible. Yes, friends, if we follow these simple, but ever so important commands as outlined by Cousin Sol in Chapter 3 of Proverbs, our lives will be filled with the Lord’s grace, mercy and understanding. So let’s read from Proverbs Chapter 3, verse 1. ‘My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments.’ 

Wow! Right there we have the ultimate in fellowship and discipleship. The overwhelming need to remember the commandments of God, if you are a follower of God. Why? ‘For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.’ (Prov. 3:2) And aren’t those things that all of us desire? For sure! So we now know the way to find long life, length of days and peace…keep the commandments of God. We therefore have no more excuses. (smile) 

Then the next verse kindly informs us: ‘Let not mercy (LOVING-kindness) and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck, write them upon the table of thine heart (thy mind). So shalt thou find favour and good understanding (high esteem) in the sight of God and man.’ (Prov. 3:3-4) There again we have the formula for finding favour in the sight of both God and man; the strong keeping of mercy and truth in our lives; so strong that they become like an adornment, like a necklace around our necks. 

So now we know how to acquire long life, length of days, peace, favour and high esteem. Mama Mia! Are we ever going to go out and acquire them now! But wait a minute, not so fast, there are still a few other things we have to know and consider. (smile) Listen to the two basic, but perhaps the two most important verses in this section. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) 

Yes my brethren, if we practice those three things: trust in the Lord, don’t depend on our own native instincts and acknowledge God, that’s have fellowship and intimacy with Him all through our life, then He will guide our paths, make them straight before us. Now that doesn’t mean we won’t have problems, but when the problems come He will give us the wherewithal to handle them. So how can we ever go wrong if we do those three basic things eh? Never! 

Then there are some other reminders that further build our lives in Almighty God. Hear this one: ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.’ (Prov. 3:7) Now that should be a no-brainer! It’s obvious we cannot put too much trust in our finite and puny understanding, while reverencing the Lord and staying away from evil are all important parts of being a Christian. And Cousin Sol tells us just how following that advice helps us. ‘It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones.’ (Prov. 3:8) Now good health and strength are things we all desire. So now we know how to get them. (smile) 

And here’s another bit of awesome wisdom: ‘Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov. 3:9-10) There we have it friends; if we want to be blessed with abundance, we need to honour God and man and give generously of our firstfruits, not from the remainder. God must ALWAYS come first! 

And having heard all the comparatively easy things to do in this section of scripture, here comes another important but ofttimes difficult bit of wisdom to handle. And Cousin Sol puts it as nicely as possible. (smile) ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of (detest) his correction: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) 

Ah mih bredrin, we know that’s a hard pill to swallow, but we won’t always do right, and just like our earthly fathers correct us when we do wrong in their sight, likewise the Lord corrects us when we do wrong in His sight, not because He just wants to punish us, but because He LOVES us. Allowing us to do wrong and not correcting us is not LOVE, but and absence of LOVE, more like encouragement to do wrong. 

And the author of Hebrews, using Cousin Sol’s thoughts, puts it like this: ‘And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children (sons). My son despise not thou the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord LOVETH he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.’ (Heb. 12:5-6) 

Yes my fellow saints, even the best of us have faults and foibles that don’t belong in us, which stop us from becoming more Christlike, which is the Lord’s end plan. Therefore, He has to remove them by disciplining us. So let’s not be upset and disappointed when He chastens us nuh, for it’s only for our good. And He’s such a wonderful God that He’s even bestowed numerous undeserved blessings on us to do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings, so let’s declare (yesss!!!) them out loud now, so that they can be activated. 

As one 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, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and use them on the Lord’s behalf, just as generously as He bestowed them on us! Much LOVE!

…the fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the (very) beginning of knowledge…but fools despise wisdom and instruction…(Prov. 1:7) 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 June 2023 Revelation 3:19.

Revelation 3:19.      As many as I LOVE, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Well friends, sorry that we’re somewhat late today, but I had some time sensitive errands to run out the street this morning. And the truth be told, they only became time sensitive because I’ve been putting them off all week and couldn’t put them off any longer. I believe that’s called procrastination. And the errands took me longer than I expected, then, when I finally got home, I had to rest a spell before getting to the Bit, which I hope will be short and sweet. (smile) 

And believe me, the shout of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ was especially loud across Canada today, because it’s not only the end of the work week and the end of June, but that means it’s also the Canada Day long weekend when we celebrate Canada’s illustrious birth and history! Wow! On July 1 we commemorate the anniversary of the Constitution Act, which consolidated three territories into the single nation of Canada, way back in 1867. And yes, our history is comparatively short in contrast to other countries, but it’s been a colorful, turbulent, exciting and fulfilling one. 

Not many other countries can boast of the peace, the diversity and kind-heartedness that underlies its turbulence. Even to this day, we’re more prone to peace than war, and though we’re not free of serious problems, we choose to handle them in a less rambunctious and aggressive manner than many other countries today. Anyway, enough of singing the praises of Canada. We’re far from perfect, but we’re still one of the best big countries in the world! Glory Be! 

And since I had nothing specific to talk about today, I opened the Good Library, looking for guidance, and it didn’t disappoint me. It never does! It opened unto the Book of Job to chapter 5; where Job’s friend Eliphaz is speaking these immortal words: ‘Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.’ (Job 5:17-18) 

And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! Our God LOVES us too much to allow us to get away with all the shenanigans that we indulge in. It’s just like we parents correct our children when they do wrong. There are various methods of correcting, but the aim is always to bring them to heel with LOVE! We oftentimes call that Tough LOVE. Well, it’s the same way our God looks at our behaviour and decides how to correct our ungodly or disobedient behaviour. As the ole people so nicely put it: if you don’t hear, you will feel. That’s a godly metaphor. (smile) 

And the sad part is that too many parents of our generation didn’t use that tough LOVE on our children, that’s why so many of them are so ungodly and disobedient now. And we only have ourselves to blame for all the nonsense they are carrying on with now. Our children don’t like us correcting them, neither do we like it when the Lord corrects us in a manner that hurts either our pride or physical person, but it’s ever so necessary to keep us on the straight and narrow path, so we don’t veer on to the wide and winding one that leads to hellfire and damnation. 

And there are several scriptures in the Good Library that tell us basically the same thing. So, let’s look at a few of them. This first one comes from Psalm 94, titled, ‘Vengeance Belongs to the Lord, and says: ‘The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity (futile). Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest (instructeth), O Lord, and teachest him out of thy law. That thou mayest give him rest (relief) from the days of adversity, until the pit be digged for the wicked.’ (Ps. 94:11-13) 

Yes friends, the Lord looks out for us. He knows our sinful and futile thoughts and instead of letting us go down that wrong road, pulls us back, and guides us safely to His word. We might not like it, but it’s in our best interest. (smile) Then there are these monumental words of Cousin Sol in that monumental Chapter 3 of Proverbs. ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his corrections: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) 

Words of indisputable truth and wisdom, my people! Words we should take to heart and remember every time the Lord corrects us, it’s because He LOVES us! And the author of Hebrews must have known those words, for many years later He reminds his readers of them in his own way. ‘And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children (sons), My son, despise not thou the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord LOVETH, he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.’ (Heb. 12:5-6) 

And I hope hearing it once more in an even tougher manner, will set it deep in our hearts, so that we won’t rebel when the Lord disciplines us. And the last word on the subject comes quite appropriately from Jesus in His message to the church at Laodicea. He warns: ‘As many as I LOVE, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.’ (Rev. 3:19) Now we couldn’t conclude with a more appropriate scripture. So let’s do exactly what Jesus said and repent. Let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant and release all our heartfelt pain, while asking for divine help. 

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 get busy and do what we know we have to do to entail heavenly help! Much LOVE!

…if you don’t correct me when I do wrong…it means you don’t LOVE me… 

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