Today’s Scrip-Bit   25 February 2024 John 20:29b.

25 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 20:29b.        blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed.

It’s Sunday friends, can you hear the church bells ringing, inviting you to worship in the Lord’s sanctuary on His special day? It’s so sad that the young people don’t know about that tradition, but that was a time when church going was a normal part of your Sunday activities, and the bells would ring at certain times to tell you how much time was left to the start of church. But can you imagine churches ringing bells nowadays. It would cause such and uproar. The cops would soon be at the church door telling you to cease and desist. And back then I don’t believe people were so put off by the tolling of bells as they would be now, because that’s what they grew up with, and you just got accustomed to it. 

Anyway, my brethren, tolling bells or not, it’s Sunday and time to gather in fellowship with other believers and spend time, praying, praising and giving thanks to our great God Jehovah. And as always, we’ll begin with a song of praise. This one’s simply titled ‘One More River to Cross,’ a Negro Spiritual that’s been very popular down through the years and recorded by numerous people. And today we’ll raise our sacrifices of praise in a soulful, down home Southern, hand clapping blues version, that ought to have heaven singing and clapping along with us. And we’ll open with an intro borrowed from the song ‘One More Mountain to climb,’ which sounds very appropriate for our song too. (smile) 

So here goes: ‘(Hey Lord, my troubles never seem to end, Tell me, are you still my friend? I got such a heavy load. When will I reach that glory road?)  (Chorus: One more river to cross, one more mountain to climb One more valley that I’ve gotta go thru then I’m leaving my troubles behind One more battle with the devil, then I know he’ll understand I’m going thru with Jesus, Hallelujah, Holding to His nail scarred hand, holding to His nail scarred hand.) I’ve had a lot of troubles and trials, in my little life span When I’m standing alone, and the battle gets hard, I always do the best I can I’ve crossed a million valleys, and shed a million tears, But when I come to the River of Jordan, Hallelujah, then I’ll have no fear (repeat) 

(Chorus: One more river to cross…) Yes, There’s been a lot of people talking ‘bout me since I’ve walked this narrow way But that’s just another little valley, I came thru it when I prayed, I’ve climbed a lot of high mountains and crossed a lot of little streams But when I see ol’ Jordan cold and dark, that’ll be the last for me (repeat)  (Chorus One more river to cross, one more mountain to climb One more valley that I’ve gotta go thru then I’m leaving my troubles behind One more battle with the devil, then I know he’ll understand I’m going thru with Jesus, Hallelujah, Holding to His nail scarred hand, holding to His nail scarred hand.) repeat.’ 

Oh my people, that was wonderful, and we had heaven clapping and jiving just like us, because they could feel the sincerity and strong faithful emotions in the music, as we all look heavenward to the glorious day we’ll show up at the pearly gates to meet St. Peter, then Jesus and the Father face to face! Wow! What a day that will be! There’ll be no greater day before or after that!  But let’s look now and see what scriptural references we can find in the song. The first thing that comes to mind is the part of the chorus that talks about holding on to Jesus’ ‘nail scarred hand.’ The nail scars in Jesus’ hand were the main way he confirmed to His disciples that it was truly Him, in the same body, now risen and transformed.  

The first time Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, was after He revealed Himself to the two followers He found walking along the road to Emmaus, who hustled back to Jerusalem to tell the eleven about their experience. (Luke 24:13-35) ‘And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted (frightened), and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? And why do thoughts (doubts) arise your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and feet.’ (Luke 24:26-40) 

But that wasn’t the end of the story, because one of the disciples, Thomas was not there with them when Jesus first appeared, and when told about it, refused to believe, saying, ‘Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.’ (John 20: 25) And eight days later, Thomas got his wish, for Jesus appeared to them all, coming as before through the locked doors. And He again said unto them, ‘Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless (unbelieving), but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet believed.’ (John 20:26-29) 

Those last words of Jesus were meant for us friends: those who haven’t seen Jesus in person; neither his nail scarred hands nor the other injuries on His body, but yet believe! And that’s the kind of person Jesus desires to be His disciple, one who can believe without seeing, for that’s what His kingdom is all about, believing through faith and not by sight. As Hebrews tells us: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1) We believe until we see! And we see that very clearly in the next scriptural references, that to ‘But when I come to the River of Jordan, Hallelujah, then I’ll have no fear…  But when I see ol’ Jordan cold and dark, that’ll be the last for me.’ 

Those are references to the crossing of the river Jordan by the Jews, under the leadership of Joshua to enter the Promised Land. The slaves likened that crossing to their entering heaven. Once they got to the Jordan River, they’ll have no more fear, or nothing to fight about, no more troubles to face, mountains to climb or valleys to go through, because it will mean they are going home to heaven. That other famous parting of water is recalled in Joshua 3. ‘And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee (make you great) in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee. And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, ye shall stand still in Jordan…. 

And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest.) That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from (at) the city of Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho. And the priests that bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of Jordan, and all the Israelites passed over on dry ground, until the people were passed clean (completely) over.’ (Josh, 3:7-8, 15-17) 

Yes friends, that was another of God’s major miracles in the story of the Israelites Exodus from slavery in Egypt. But please note that the Jordan did not part until the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant were immersed in it. That just goes to show that if we don’t believe God’s instructions and adhere to His dictates, we will not see His awesome power of great mercy and grace in our lives. So please, let’s start raising our faith and trust level in Almighty God, so that we can enjoy all that He has planned for us. Much LOVE!

… in the world…seeing is believing…but in the kingdom…believing comes before seeing…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   24 February 2024   Colossians 1:9b.  

24 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Colossians 1:9b.       and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

 I don’t believe it, but it seems like it’s going to be another sunshiny spring-like day! Wow! So many spring-like days in a row in February…it’s too good to be true! But we better enjoy them while we have them, for who knows what might come next; ole man winter might just refresh himself and come howling back and cover us in the white stuff. Lord forbid, after all this nice weather. (smile) But that’s what climate change does; it just disrupts the finely tuned mechanism of the seasons that God set up. Leave it to man eh, always trying to disrupt God’s well balanced systems. 

Anyway, since we can only do our small part to help improve the situation, let’s turn to our great God Jehovah, the One who created it all, and still controls it from His magnificent throne in the high heavens, and offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer. With sincere hearts and voices: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

That’s certainly a refreshing prayer my people! And it’s ever so appropriate for a lazy-day Saturday, after a hard and exhausting week’s work. It just soothes the senses and quiets the tumultuous soul, allowing us to relax and enjoy this day that the Lord has so graciously given us. And it reminds me of the kind of prayers Bruh Paul offered up for the churches he dealt with, like this one for the church at Colossae. 

Please read with me: ‘Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother. To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colossae: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the LOVE which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth.’ (Col. 1:1-6) 

Oh friends, Bruh Paul was a real prayer master! While giving thanks for the church at Colossae, he was also delivering them a sermon about Christ and His gospel, that’s been spread all over the world; that’s the Word of God that is all-pervasive and absolutely true, and also has the awesome power to bring forth good fruit. In other words, when the gospel is embraced with true faith, it’s able to produce ‘godly character and noble conduct in its converts.’ Bruh Paul also encourages them re their faith and their LOVE for the saints of Christ. As the scholars explain: ‘’Evidence of a person’s faith in Christ Jesus is his LOVE … to all the saints.’ 

Then he continues: ‘As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you (on your behalf) a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared (steups!!!) unto us your LOVE in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (qualified us) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in (the) light. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated (transferred) us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:’ (Col. 1:7-14) End of today‘s sermon my brethren! (smile) And all of God’s people said a loud and grateful: ‘Thanks be to God, the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!’ 

Oh friends, you don’t need to hear another word from me, because Bruh Paul said it almost all in that first part of his letter to the Colossians. The story seems to be that Bruh Paul’s associate, Epaphras evangelized the Colossians, which was then a small and not very important town, and he was telling them that they should certainly not forsake Epaphras’ efforts to teach them the truth of Christ’s gospel and retain the local heretic doctrine. Especially since the ‘LOVE in the Spirit,’ or the Holy Spirit had instilled and nurtured in them affection for others. 

But the heart of the message is verse 9, where Bruh Paul prays that they ‘might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual truth.’ And that’s the basis of all his prayers for the saints. He doesn’t ask for healing or health, neither wealth or any of the material things that so many of us are concerned with. He focuses on the spiritual aspect of their lives: that they might have knowledge of God’s will and spiritual understanding, so that they can walk worthy of him, while being fruitful and also increasing on the knowledge of God. Strengthened with His might, while learning patience and longsuffering and joyfulness, which obviously lead to giving thanks to the God who had taken them out of darkness of Satan’s world, into the wonderful light of His awesome Son Jesus Christ! 

Oh my fellow saints, that is indeed our sermon for today, for it also applies to each and everyone of God’s people! We need to have the same wisdom and knowledge that Bruh Paul prayed for the Colossians to have, so that we, in these troubled and uncertain times can also stand strong in God’s word, be fruitful in good works and thus live the abundant life Christ died for us to have! And in closing, I pray that Bruh Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, will be prayed by all of us, over all of us, so that we can make a sincere and serious difference in our troubled world! Much LOVE!

…pray without ceasing…be filled with the joy of the Lord…give thanks always…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   23 February 2024 Psalm 86:1.

23 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 86:1.        Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.

Well here we are friends at one o’clock on a beautiful though somewhat cloudy spring -like Friday afternoon. I’ve just returned from the big city of Toronto, with a clean bill of health from the medics, but while everybody is concerned with shouting TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the week end’s here at last!’ I’m shouting ‘Thank God that I got into Toronto and back safely!’ 

Yes, because going into that city nowadays is just a nightmare, with construction of streets and buildings everywhere, making the rutty roadways even busier and narrower than normal. It took me close to ten minutes to get through one traffic light right beside the hospital because one of the lanes was closed for some kind of work. But there’s nothing to do but grin and bear it. Now I don’t have to worry about going into the city for another couple of weeks. That ought to give me enough time to catch my breath and recover my sanity. (smile) 

Oh by the way, I did have to use my cane, because the ole hip was still bothering me, but not as badly. Just hope it settles down completely by tomorrow. Enough of my woes though, let’s see what the Lord wants us to talk about today. And I hope to make it short and sweet. Hn! That’s all I have to say re that statement! (smile)  

But on a serious note, while skimming through the Good Library I came upon Psalm 86, titled, ‘God’s Readiness to Forgive,’ and thought it a very good piece of scripture to peruse today. By the way, for our information, the scholars say it’s one of the five palms called prayers. The others are Psalms 17, 90, 102, 142. So, in the words of Bruh David, let’s pray: ‘Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy.’ (Ps. 86:1) 

And most of us can identify with those opening words, for in these tough economic times, many of us are poor and needy in material things, while many of us are also poor and needy in spiritual things. Some of us are even at a point where we’re continually bemoaning our situations through these words from Ps. 42. ‘Why art thou cast (bowed) down , O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? (Ps. 42:5a) Now those are always good questions, but the correct answer is always the rest of that verse: ‘hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance (presence).’ (Ps. 42:5b) 

Yes friends, the presence of our God is ever around us, even in our worst circumstances. But until we understand that, we’ll never get any real relief or peace from our tumultuous situations. Bruh David knew of the Lord’s continuous presence, that’s why he never hesitated to call on Him, like in Psalm 86. Thus he continues: ‘Preserve my soul (life); for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily (all day long). Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.’ ( Ps. 86:2-10) 

Ah mih people, Bruh David certainly laid it on thick, with the things usually associated with prayer; petition, adoration, and thanksgiving. But all of it is indisputable truth. Our God is great; as witnessed by His omnipotence, omniscience and omni-presence, and all the miraculous deeds He’s done down through the ages. He’s also LOVING, merciful, compassionate and forgiving, as shown by the sending of His Son Jesus to die and atone for our abominable sins, while we were yet sinners. And He even forgives us now, if we sincerely repent of current misdeeds. 

Which other supposed god would even have contemplated such a self-sacrifice eh? None whatsoever! All I can therefore say friends, is that if you are in trouble, the ONLY One to call on is Almighty God, through the auspices of His Holy Spirit and His wonderful Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. And as I keep saying, Bruh Davi knew on which side his bread was buttered, that’s why he stuck like white on rice to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and if we’re wise, we’ll do the same thing, for He’s our Creator, Controller, the Giver of our life’s breath and the salvation of our souls. 

So, since our world is badly troubled in these current times, let’s do like Bruh David and go to the Lord in prayer, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine help for our many problems. As one voice: ‘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!’ 

Now, let it be known that the first step in receiving divine help is to actually show our trusting faith by being the faithful believers we talk about in our prayer. Much LOVE!

…when the world discourages us…don’t fear…go to God in prayer…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   22 February 2024 Proverbs 15:19.

22 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 15:19.        The way of the slothful (lazy) man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain (like a level highway).

Sorry friends, but we’re somewhat late with the Bit, this cloudy, spring -like Thursday. But that’s nothing new! (smile) However, the reason for today’s lateness is that I had to go out this morning and do some bloodwork. And would you believe I used my trusty Jamaican handcrafted cane for the first time in several years. A cane that sits unused beside it’s more polished,  professionally made and heavier brother at the edge of one of the steps between my bedroom and living room. 

Yes, the ole hip is still acting up, but I had to go out and do the blood work since I have run out of time to do it. That’s what happens when you keep putting things off until the last minute. Hopefully, today will be one of the few days I have to use the cane. Although if the hip-pain continues, I’ll probably use it to go into the city tomorrow to have a post-op check on my eye. Sadly, that means the Bit will most likely be also late tomorrow. But fear not; once there’s life in the ole fella, the Bit will arrive eventually. (smile) 

And today we’ll look at some Bible comments on the remark I made earlier; that of putting off things until the last minute, or even completely. God’s Word makes it very clear that we are to guard against laziness and sloth. And what better place to find wisdom than in Proverbs, the writings of Cousin Sol. On the subject of procrastination, he says: ‘The way of the slothful (lazy) man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain (like a level highway).’ (Prov. 15:19).  

As the scholars explain: ‘The lazy man multiplies his own obstacles, but the righteous man moves freely down life’s road.’ And that’s gospel truth. Procrastinators find all sorts of obstacles in their way, but those who face their tasks mano a mano, find smoother going. And earlier on in Proverbs, Cousin Sol also wisely advises. ‘Go to the ant, thou sluggard (lazy person); consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide (leader) overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat (food) in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.’ (Prov. 6:6-8) 

Yes friends, the ant doesn’t have a leader or guide, neither needs a taskmaster to stand up over it and tell it what and when to do something. It’s a self-starter; gets up on it’s own and does what it needs to do to live a good life. Furthermore, as verse 8 describes; ‘the ant is wise enough to prepare for predictable circumstances;’ like gathering food in the summer so they can have food stored up for the winter. And with that in mind, Cousin Sol continues by asking these very important questions of the lazy person. 

‘How long wilt thou sleep (lie down, be lazy), O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth (a prowler), and thy want (need) as an armed man.’ (Prov. 6:9-11) In other words, the result of too much sleep, too much laziness and procrastination is dire poverty, and it won’t come as lazily or as ‘procrastinatingly’ as you, (smile) but it will come suddenly, unexpectedly and decisively as a thief does. Now that ought to wake us up some!  

But if you’re like the fellow who said: ‘I started to procrastinate, then decided to put it off,’ then you’re in a lot of trouble. For as James says: ‘Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ (James 4;17) And I like this commentary on the subject from the website wf.org/daily-devotions/procrastination-costs-you-dearly#. It reads: ‘Procrastination is a form of disobedience. When God tells us to do something and we don’t do it, we can label our actions with all kinds of fancy words, but the bottom line is, it’s sin. Each day gives you 1,440 minutes. Days are passing and time cannot be stopped. You can’t call a “time out” in life. 

And time can’t be stored like money in the bank. A #1 hit song in the 70’s began, “If I could save time in a bottle….” You can’t. Really, the only thing you can do with time is use it or lose it. The oldest of all the psalms, written by Moses, says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Someone once wrote, “Lost: One golden hour, studded with sixty diamond minutes. No reward offered, for it is lost forever.” And Ephesians 5:16 cautions us, “Redeeming the time, because the days are [filled with] evil.” These are evil times. Make every minute count.’ 

Oh my fellow believers, I could not say it any better. Time is indeed of the essence in these evil and ungodly days, and we ought to appreciate it much more, and use it much more wisely than many of us are doing, if we intend to make something of our God-given lives, if we intend to live the life God planned for us, the abundant life that Christ died for us to have. No friends, we cannot procrastinate and be lazy while the enemy is active and seriously about his business of evil and ungodliness. We need to be up and about doing God’s work, standing up to and fighting the enemy by being the salt of the earth and the light of the world and LOVING each other like Christ LOVED us!  

And, unfortunately, we cannot achieve any of that through procrastination and/or laziness. So, let’s declare (chuh!!!) and thus activate our Thursday Blessings that have been so generously bestowed on us by Almighty God so that we can do His earthly work. Altogether: ‘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’re now duty bound to go out and use them to help others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us! Much LOVE!

…believers must not be procrastinators…but be self-starters…like the lowly ant…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   20 February 2024 John 15:1.

20 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 15:1.        I AM the true (genuine) VINE, and my Father is the husbandman (vinedresser).

Prologue: Please accept my apologies for writing yesterday that it was Canada Day instead of Family Day. I truly don’t know how that happened, and hopefully my ole brain won’t malfunction again. (smile)  

Oh friends, it’s a beautiful winter’s Tuesday in my neck of the woods! It’s cold, as is expected of winter, but not too chilly, and with no recent precipitation, it’s also dry, so, when you add the blazing sunshine that’s reflecting off of the white snow, it just becomes a perfect winter’s day! That’s my idea of winter. Those are the kind of days that I don’t mind going out in, not the miserable, wet, slushy stuff. As far as I’m concerned, the latter kind of day is made to simply stay indoors and leave the outside world alone. (smile) But as we know, that’s not always possible, and as Job said, we must learn to accept the good with the bad. (Job 2:10) 

But the good thing about having to accept the bad is that we always have Jesus with us to help us handle it. Glory to God! For Jesus is our Bread of Life; the Light of our darkened world; the Door through which we enter the sheepfold; our Good Shepherd; the Resurrection and the Life, through whom we gain eternal life; the Way, the Truth, and the Life, by whom we come unto the Father, and also our nourishing Vine through whom we get healthy food and thus bear good fruit. And that Vine is the last of Jesus’ seven great ‘I AM’ statements, which we’ll look at today. 

That happens when Jesus talks to the disciples and figuratively refers to the kingdom as one large, but fruitful grapevine, and then explains the divine-human relationship that thus exists. He says: ‘I AM the true (genuine) VINE, and my Father is the husbandman (vinedresser). (John 15:1) Yes friends, the basic relationship is that Jesus is the vine, we are the branches and the Father is the gardener who tends the vine, who does whatever is necessary to keep the vine flourishing and bearing good fruit. 

Then Jesus breaks it down to simple elements, as is His wont. ‘Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he (the Father – vinedresser) taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (prunes) it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through (because of) the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide n the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me. IAM the VINE, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:1-5) 

There’s Jesus telling it exactly like it is my fellow believers; without Him we’re basically helpless to live the abundant life that He died for us to have! We’ve all seen different kinds of vines, where the branches are spread all over the place, but they get their nourishment from one central main vine. Without that main vine to nourish them, the branches will have no chance of surviving, much less of bearing good fruit. The same allegory applies to us and Jesus: if we don’t stick to Him like a branch sticks to it’s mother vine, then we’ll perish for lack of nourishment, both spiritual and physical, for Jesus is the One who gives us true life. 

Remember His great ‘I AM’ statement: ‘I AM the Resurrection and the Life’ Yes, Jesus is the One who gives us eternal life, the One through whom we get to the Father. So, sticking closely to Jesus is a no-brainer! And He says just that in His next words. ‘If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.’ (John 15:6) Oh my people, might Jesus be there talking about the day of judgement when we come before Him to answer for our words, thoughts and deeds? It surely seems so. That means if we’re not found to have abided in Him, we’ll be cast into the fires of hell and painfully consumed. 

And that’s certainly not a nice thing to contemplate, so let’s be wise and abide in Him nuh. And Jesus further explains why that is the wise choice. ‘If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto (for) you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit: so shall ye be my disciples.’ (John 15:7-8) Now isn’t that much more wonderful than facing the fires of hell? It most certainly is! So why aren’t many more of us abiding in Christ, and bearing much more fruit through which the Father is glorified eh? 

We each have to answer that question for ourselves, for we cannot live by or through another’s faith, for we will be judged only on our faith journey. Remember what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount? ‘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) And to glorify our great God is our major purpose on this earth my brethren! Even that was Jesus’ main purpose, as He says in His prayer: ‘I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.’ (John 17:4) 

Likewise friends, at the end of our lives, we should also be able to say that we have glorified the Lord. And Peter puts it quite nicely: ‘If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (utterances, statements) of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in ALL THINGS may be glorified through Christ Jesus, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Pet. 4:11) 

Now that  ought to lift us up and cause us to live for Christ, so that at the end, we can say like Bruh Paul did to Timothy. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:7-8) Oh friends, there’s no better way to depart this world, but we first have to put in the time, effort and sacrifice for Jesus! 

And for those of us who are sincerely trying to do that, let’s go home now declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one 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 having said all of that, it’s now our 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 w do! Much LOVE!

…if you don’t stick to the vine…the vinedresser will cast you into the fire…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   19 February 2024 John 11:25a.

19 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 11:25a.        I AM, the resurrection and the Life.

Monday, oh Monday, you’ve come around again, letting us know it’s time to get back out into the evil world and earn a living!  (smile) But, on this third Monday in February, many Canadians will not be working as two thirds of the provinces celebrate Canada Day, or some other name chosen by the particular province. Unfortunately, it’s not a Federal but regional holiday, so Federal workers will still be on the job. Meanwhile in the U.S, they celebrate President’s Day or Washington’s Birthday, referring to the 1st U.S. President, George Washington (1732-1799) 

Now, last week we studied some of the ‘I AM’ statements of Jesus. So far, we have reviewed ‘I am the Bread of Life.’ (John 6:35) ‘I am the Light of the World.’ (John 8:12) ‘I am the Door.’ (John 10:7,9A) ‘I am the Good Shepherd.’ (John 10:11,14) Hopefully, we can finish the other three ‘I AM’s’ today…but I won’t bet on it. (smile) And the next ‘I AM’ statement we’ll look at is ‘I AM, the resurrection and the Life.’ Jesus spoke these words to Martha, Lazarus’ sister when she rebuked Him for not coming earlier to save her brother from death. 

But Jesus told her, ‘Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I AM the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.’ (John 11:23-27) 

Oh my brethren, that is indeed the same question that Christ is asking many of us today; do we believe that He is the Messiah, the Giver of eternal life?  Hopefully, many of us like Martha, will reply in the affirmative. However, there are still many, even supposed Christians, who don’t truly believe that Jesus can resurrect their souls. That’s surely a sad thing, because Jesus statement of ‘I AM the resurrection and the life’ is probably, His greatest, since it signifies His awesome power to grant eternal life to those who truly believe in Him! And what’s the use in calling yourself a Christian if you don’t believe in your Leaders greatest ability eh? None whatsoever! 

So friends, if you happen to fall into that latter category of unbelief,, please, please turn to the Lord and ask Him to help your unbelief. For remember what Jesus said to the demon possessed boy’s father who came to Him seeking help for his son? ‘Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.’ (Mark 9:23-24) The father believed, but he knew that his faith was not as strong as it should be, thus he asked for help in believing, as many of us ought to do, if we expect to see eternal life with Jesus, for with Jesus, it’s all about BELIEVING! 

That brings us to Jesus’ next great ‘I AM’ statement. He made it after telling the disciples about His going away. ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwellings): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.’ (John 14:1-4) 

Now those are certainly interesting statements which are also being asked of us today; do we know who Jesus is, where He is, and how to get to Him? Or are we still like His disciples were? For in response to Jesus’ comments: ‘Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.’ (John 14:5-7)  

And that’s another ‘I Am’ statement that should have us searching ourselves to see if we believe it, and if we do, how strongly, because it’s only through Jesus that we’ll ever get to those mansions in the sky.  It didn’t look so good either, when ‘Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth (will satisfy) us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father: and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?’ (John 14:8-9) 

Unfortunately, it seems like the disciples were not as wise, knowledgeable and of strong faith as they were supposed to be. Jesus was obviously surprised at their lack of knowledge about Him after all the time He spent with them. Thus He continued: ‘Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father is in me? the words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself (on my own authority): but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.’ (John 14:10-14) Notice again friends, it’s all about BELIEF…BELIEF in Christ! Nothing else will cut it! And for the sake of brevity (smile) we’ll leave the last ‘I AM’ statement for tomorrow, obviously if God spares our lives. 

Now, in humble confidence, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle hymn, seeking divine help for our many earthly problems. Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And divine help only comes when we sincerely repent and turn from our evil ways. So let’s begin there nuh. Much LOVE!

…the most important element of the Christian life is…BELIEF…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   17 February 2024 John 10:7.

17 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 10:7.       Verily, verily, I say unto you, I AM the DOOR of the SHEEP.

And this snow-white, chilly, lazy-day Saturday has opened up with brilliant sunshine! Glory to God! And isn’t it rather interesting and amazing how sunshine can alleviate even the worst of days, both physically and emotionally. I guess that’s just the normal response that the light of Jesus has on us, His oh so important creation. Remember, He created both the sun and us, and all His creations work hand in hand with each other as He’s built in an automatic chemistry between them. Yes friends, in God’s great and wonderful universe, all things work together, for good. (smile) 

Now, let’s turn to our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer and offer it up in all sincerity and truth. As one voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

That prayer touches my heart, and I know it touches God’s too, because it’s simple and to the point; desiring more of God in our lives, to truly feel His awesome presence and LOVE flowing around, in and through us. And  the Lord always answers sincere prayers like that, because they warm the cockles of His heart, letting Him know that His people truly desire Him to be with them. And that’s why, if we were sincere in that prayer, our hearts and souls are now quiet and at peace, and we can say ‘Thank You Lord, for Your peace and LOVE!’ 

Now, yesterday we began looking at the many I AM’s that Jesus declared (yes!!!) Himself to be, while here on earth, but because of much talking, (smile) was only able to finish the first one; ‘I AM the BREAD of LIFE!’ So without further ado, let’s look at the second one, ‘I AM the LIGHT of the WORLD!’ (John 8:12) Jesus made that magnanimous statement to a group of unbelieving Pharisees, who figured that it could not be true because he was ‘bearing record’ or witnessing of His own self, in other words blowing His own horn. 

But if the foolish, hypocritical Pharisees had taken time to consult the scriptures, the Old Testament, since there was as yet no New Testament, they would have seen several references to Christ as the bearer of spiritual light. Scriptures like this one from Isaiah: ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.’ (Is. 9:2) To whom does that refer, if not to Jesus, the coming Messiah? 

And this scripture from Malachi also refers to Jesus. ‘But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall (grow fat like stall-fed calves). And ye shall tread down (trample) the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord.’ (Mal. 4:2-3) Yes friends, as the scholars explain, ‘the Sun of righteousness is a figurative representation of the Messiah,’ our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

And we all know that the main purpose of the Sun is to bring light to the darkness, therefore Jesus’ coming, brought light to this dark and evil world. And John 1:1-9 gives us further enlightenment on Jesus’ claim to be the light of the world. But because of time and space we can only quote this verse: ‘That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.’ (John 1:9) John the Baptist only came to bear news of the Light, that was Jesus. And most importantly, now that Jesus is no longer on earth in physical form, He’s bequeathed to us, His followers, that designation, when He said: ‘Ye are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 6:14 &16) 

That means we have our work cut out for us here, in this world of near total darkness. But that’s a sermon for another day,let’s turn now to the Jesus’ next declaration (yeah!!!) of ‘I AM,’ which has to do with being the door to the sheep enclosure. As He specifies: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, I AM the DOOR of the SHEEP. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I AM the DOOR: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:7-10) 

Isn’t that ever so wonderful my people, that Jesus is the door to our salvation! Anyone else who claims to be our Saviour is a liar and a thief, and only comes to disrupt the sheepfold and bring further calamity. But Jesus refuses to allow it, as He says in His next ‘I AM,’ statement. ‘I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling (a hired man), and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling (hired man) fleeth because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I AM the GOOD SHEPHERD, and know my sheep, and am known of them.’ (John 10:11-14) 

Oh my fellow saints, do we truly know and believe that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd of our Christian flock, and the door by whom we must enter to receive salvation? I certainly hope so, otherwise we’ll be left out in the cold when Jesus returns. And if you think things are bad now, believe me, they’ll be ever so much worse if Jesus returns and you’re not numbered amongst the sheep of His fold. So please, on this first lazy-day Saturday in Lent, let’s take the time to analyze both our physical and spiritual selves and see if we are in sync with Jesus. And if not, let’s go to the Father, through the Holy Spirit, and ask for divine help to make it so. Turning to the Father for divine help is always the best decision in any situation! Much LOVE!

…whatever your situation calls for…Jesus is the answer…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   13 February 2024 John 13:15.

13 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 13:15.       For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

And then it was Tuesday; Carnival Tuesday, the big day of the pre-Lenten celebration, when all the real pretty costumes come out and everybody is anxiously waiting to see them. Let’s hope that the crowd will be satisfied with what they see and that there will be no negative consequences to befall the occasion. And just like yesterday, many of us less fortunate ones, have to go out into the crazy world to earn a living, instead of partying in some exotic part of God’s great earth. (smile) 

But them’s the breaks friends; some of us can, and some of us can’t. It’s just the luck of the draw, and we have to accept it without too much disappointment and just move on with our bland, unexciting daily lives. However, here’s a li’l secret you ought to know: If you have Jesus as the number One priority in your Life, then your life will never be boring or unexciting! Now, it might be somewhat more difficult, but it will never be boring, for Jesus will keep you busy doing all sorts of interesting things. So, if you don’t have Jesus in your life, then I sincerely recommend that you get Him, and then put Him first place, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the changes that will occur in your life. 

And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Jesus Himself as He issues this call, that we term the Great Invitation. He says: ‘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) Yes mih bredrin, that’s the Great Invitation issued by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and you’ll be wise to take Him up on it, because there’s none other like it, and no other person who can make such an invitation and also keep it! That’s a given fact: ONLY Jesus has the awesome power to both make such a wonderful invitation and also keep it! 

And if you’re still bedeviled by doubt, then listen to Jesus once again as He reiterates His awesome promise. ‘I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth in me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise (certainly not) cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. and this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I shall lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.’ (John 6:35-40) 

There you go friends; Jesus is the bread of life, the One who gives life; that’s eternal life. And He can do that because of His sacrificial death on the cross at Calvary, then His awesome resurrection on Easter Sunday, meaning that He has conquered hell, death and the grave. That gives Him the authority to raise up those who believe in Him from death unto eternal life. Now isn’t that something you’d much prefer rather than eternal damnation in hell with the evil one Satan? Bet yuh bottom dollar! Now that tells us about Christ’s supernatural power, but here is some scripture that shows His humility. 

The night before His crucifixion, after Jesus had eaten the Passover meal with His disciples, He took off his clothes, put on a towel and washed their feet. Now how many supposed Masters or men of high worldly status would ever do such a thing eh? Very few! But our Jesus did it, and here’s what He said afterward. ‘Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord, neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.’ (John 13:12-17) 

Wow mih people! What an awesomely powerful, but also gentle and humble man is our Jesus! And though He was also deity, God in the flesh, He didn’t make any waves about it, just went about His humble way, preaching the gospel of the kingdom and inviting people to come to Him for salvation, as His heavenly Father had sent him to do. And Bruh Paul enshrined that behaviour in the scriptures when he wrote thus to the church at Philippi. ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (emptied himself of his heavenly privileges): And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every other name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil. 2:5-11) 

Yes my fellow saints, that gives us a general idea of our Lord and Saviour’s humility, obedience and exalted power because He wasn’t striving to collect accolades for Himself, but steadfastly and sincerely concentrated on doing His Father’s bidding. Let’s hope that we will also concentrate on doing Christ’s bidding rather than trying to raise accolades for ourselves. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, telling the whole world to whom we joyfully belong, lock, stock and barrel. 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 my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having said that, 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 only way to live this earthly life successfully…believe in Christ…and follow His example…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   11 February 2024   2 Corinthians 3:5

11 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

2 Corinthians 3:5.        Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.

Welcome to another Sunday of LOVE, fellowship and worship in the Lord’s sanctuary, my fellow believers! It’s so good when we get together and share the joy of the Lord, and all the many good things He’s promised us in His Word. Promises that He will NEVER renege on, because He’s an ever-faithful God. And as Jesus said: ‘For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ (Matt. 18:20). And yuh know friends, if Jesus is with us, then great joy, LOVE and peace will be continuously flowing, because that’s what He is all about. 

So, let’s respond to His goodness and LOVING-kindness with sincere worship from the depths of our hearts, as we acknowledge in this marvellous and very truthful song, written by the husband-and-wife duo of Joyce and Colbert Croft and titled ‘I Can’t Even Walk Without You Holding My Hand.’ Therefore, let’s offer up sweet sacrifices of praise in a heartfelt, soulful version of the song, a la Jessy Dixon in the Gaither Homecoming Festival. 

Singing. ‘I thought, that number one, would surely be me. I thought I could be what I wanted to be. I thought I could build on life’s sinking sand. But now I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand. I thought that I, could do a lot on my own, I thought, I could make it in this big world, all alone. I thought, thought of myself as a mighty, mighty, mighty big man, But Lord I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand. Oh Lord, I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand, 

For the mountain, is too high, and the valley, is too wide, It’s down on my knees, that’s where I learned how to stand, Because I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand. I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand. Glory to God! And I think I’ll make Jesus my all and all. And if I’m in trouble, on that powerful name, I’ll call. And if I didn’t trust Him, I’d be less of a man ‘Cause Lord I can’t even walk without you holding my hand. Ohh Lord, I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand, For the mountain is too high, and the valley is too wide, 

It’s down on my knees, I learned how to stand, I learned how to pray, Because I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand. I can’t even walk, without you holding my hand. Lord I’m lost without you. I don’t even know my way back home Lord unless you lead me. Yes my Saviour, I can’t even walk without you holding my hand. Thank you for teaching me that through your Word…I can’t even walk without, without holding your hand…Yes Lord, I can’t even walk without you holding my hand…’ 

Wonderful worship my people! And I’m sure it was much appreciated in heaven. And you know it’s oh so true that we can’t walk safely and securely unless Jesus holds our hand, for when we become born again, we’re like little children just learning to walk on the straight and narrow path, and if Jesus doesn’t hold our hands until we learn the way and can stand somewhat strong on our own, then we’ll surely falter, stumble and fall. But yet, so many of us still believe that we’re so big and strong and don’t need anyone’s help, and can walk this road of life alone, but that’s a fallacy, for in this rough and tumble world we always need help. 

But foolishly we go off and build our lives on sinking sand, despite Jesus’ strong warning that anyone who doesn’t build on Him, the Rock, is building on sinking sand, and when the storms of life come they will be washed away. (Matt. 7:24:27) That’s why Cousin Sol also said in Ecclesiastes that two are better than one, because they can help each other if they fall and keep one another warm, something that a lone person cannot do. Ah friends, in these evil and ungodly times, we need all the help we can get, especially the help of Jesus. 

And He said it very clearly too. ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing,’ (John 15:5) Oh my people, it couldn’t be put any plainer than that. If you don’t have Jesus and His Holy Spirit dwelling in you, your efforts to live this life successfully will be thwarted at every step. And furthermore, as Jesus continues: ‘If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.’ (John 15:6) 

So you see friends, if you don’t have Jesus securely holding your hand, then you are cast off like a dead branch and burned in the fires of hell. And Bruh Paul, in his second letter to the church at Corinth, said it thus: ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.’ (2 Cor, 3:5) That means we cannot think that we are more than we are, because we are merely frail, fallible human beings with a short lifespan and whatever big works we do, they are all in the Lord’s grace and strength. 

Bruh Paul explains that to the Corinthians in his first letter. ‘For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet (worthy) to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.’ (! Cor. 15:9-10) 

Yes, my fellow believers, Bruh Paul didn’t start out so good, being a persecutor of the church. But once Jesus got Him in grip, he was the hardest worker of all the apostles, and all the tragedies he suffered and all the great work he did could only have been done though God’s grace. And no one knew that better than him. And as Sister Joyce (Joyce Meyer) likes to say, ‘It’s not where or how you begin, but where and how you end up that’s most important.’ And that’s the indisputable truth! So please, this Sunday morning let’s remember that and make every effort to end with Jesus in heaven, for that’s our Promised Land. Much LOVE!

…on Jesus Christ…the solid Rock I stand…for all else is sinking sand…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 February 2024 Psalm 121:2.

09 Feb 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 121:2.       My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

And as the glorious sunshine floods the land, the shouts of joy rise up to heaven! ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ Yes friends, the weekend is here at long last. And there’s not only beautiful sunshine to enjoy it with, but also spring-like temperatures. Yes, temps in double-digits. Imagine that nuh. Having springlike temps and it’s not even the middle of February! Wow! Strange things do happen in this life oui!  And believe me, we’re not complaining. I guess you’ll see people out and about without winter coats and such like because of the fairly warm temperatures, but we have to be very careful, for it’s in this kind of weather that we tend to get sick, believing it’s so warm and not dressing properly, then getting caught in a sudden cold front. So please don’t be fooled by the non-winter temp and dress appropriately. Sermon done! (smile) 

And on this glorious spring-like Friday my people, we’ll look at the very popular and very relevant Psalm 121, titled ‘God Neither Slumbers Nor Sleeps.’ It’s one of those Songs of Degrees or Accents that the pilgrims sang on their way up to Jerusalem to participate in the big feasts. And the psalm begins in a very interesting manner. So please read with me: ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (mountains), from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.’ (Ps. 121:1-2) 

Now isn’t that interesting? It certainly is! The psalmist declares (yesss!!!) that he will lift up his eyes to the mountains, while wandering where his help is going to come from. The last part of that first verse should probably be in question form, and that’s why so many of us believe that the writer is looking to the hills and mountains for his divine help. But not so. He sees them more as harmful or threatening. And in the second verse he answers that question very clearly. ‘My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth.’ (Ps. 121:2) And that’s exactly what we believers ought to believe and expect; that the Lord God Jehovah was, is and will always be our help, both in the good and the bad times! 

Then he goes on to tell us all about how God will look after us. ‘He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper (protector): the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve (keep) thee from all evil. He shall preserve (keep) thy soul. The Lord shall preserve (keep) thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and ever for evermore.’ (Ps. 121:3-8) Ah my fellow believers, that’s the promise of our great God! And if by chance we don’t believe it, then let’s bring up some other scriptures that assure us of God’s help in our lives, if we put our sincere trust in Him. 

Listen to how Cousin Sol puts it in Proverbs, when he asserts that the wisdom of God, His knowledge and understanding are oh so precious. ‘My son, let them not (knowledge and understanding) depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace (favour) to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (caught).’ (Prov. 3:21-26) There you have it again, my fellow saints; the confidence that the Lord our God will keep us safe if we worship and obey Him. 

Now hear Bruh David in this contemplation, Psalm 16, titled ‘God Preserves His People.’ He writes with the utmost confidence: ‘The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest (uphold) my lot. The lines (my circumstances) are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage (inheritance). I will bless the Lord , who hath given me council: my reins (heart) also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh shall also rest (dwell securely) in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell (the abode of the dead); neither wilt thou suffer (allow) thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’ (Ps. 16:5-11) 

Oh my people, what wonderful words of confident assurance of God’s goodness and mercy to those who sincerely believe in and trust Him! Yes, and as the scholars remind us: ‘David’s confidence in his ultimate destiny is valid for him (and for all believers) only because Christ has travelled down that path and paved the way for all who believe in Him.’ Glory Hallelujah! And you can check the reference in Acts 2:25-28, where Peter, in his big Pentecost sermon, quotes the words of Bruh David from Ps. 16:8-11. 

Now, let’s go to the throne of grace with confident humility, asking for divine help in these times of worldwide distress and anxiety. 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!’ 

Now friends, if we really desire divine help, then it’s time to show our trusting faith and be good Christian examples, so that others can see what we have and want it too. Much LOVE!

…if you truly believe…then there’s no need to worry…

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

Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries