Hn! Paul in his usual highfalutin manner. He’s encouraging the Corinthians to be charitable, loving, kind hearted and wish for spiritual things, but he feels it’s better to be able to prophesy. He claims that if we get too hung up on the spiritual gifts, like speaking in foreign languages, then only God will understand you, the people listening to you won’t. However, when you prophesy, you come down to earth and speak the language that people understand, on their level, then it becomes beneficial; educational, encouraging and comforting to your listener. It’s the same for all of us. If we communicate with others in language they don’t understand, we’re wasting time, just impressing ourselves, but when we do it so they understand, then we’re teaching them. Personally, I find Paul guilty of this, possibly because he was highly educated, but his language often seems too high for the ordinary individual, and instead of being straightforward, he meanders all over the place, in the vernacular, he beats about the bush a lot. Okay children, no smirking, I know I do it too. So Friends, that means when we’re trying to spread The Word, we need to both talk to our listeners in a tongue that they understand, as well as on an educational level that they can comprehend. No need speaking to them in Greek, when they only understand Spanish, or expounding on a Ph.D level when they’ve only got an Elementary School education. Let’s prayerfully ask the Most High to instill in us the most beneficial choice of language for us to use when we are trying to spread His Word. Much LOVE…and PLENTY, PLENTY spreading of the UNDERSTANDABLE Word! It’s getting late, and numerous people have still not heard it.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 October 2007 1 Corinthians 14:1-4
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
1 Corinthians 14:1-4. Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God; for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men, to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
Hn! Paul in his usual highfalutin manner. He’s encouraging the Corinthians to be charitable, loving, kind hearted and wish for spiritual things, but he feels it’s better to be able to prophesy. He claims that if we get too hung up on the spiritual gifts, like speaking in foreign languages, then only God will understand you, the people listening to you won’t. However, when you prophesy, you come down to earth and speak the language that people understand, on their level, then it becomes beneficial; educational, encouraging and comforting to your listener. It’s the same for all of us. If we communicate with others in language they don’t understand, we’re wasting time, just impressing ourselves, but when we do it so they understand, then we’re teaching them. Personally, I find Paul guilty of this, possibly because he was highly educated, but his language often seems too high for the ordinary individual, and instead of being straightforward, he meanders all over the place, in the vernacular, he beats about the bush a lot. Okay children, no smirking, I know I do it too. So Friends, that means when we’re trying to spread The Word, we need to both talk to our listeners in a tongue that they understand, as well as on an educational level that they can comprehend. No need speaking to them in Greek, when they only understand Spanish, or expounding on a Ph.D level when they’ve only got an Elementary School education. Let’s prayerfully ask the Most High to instill in us the most beneficial choice of language for us to use when we are trying to spread His Word. Much LOVE…and PLENTY, PLENTY spreading of the UNDERSTANDABLE Word! It’s getting late, and numerous people have still not heard it.
Hn! Paul in his usual highfalutin manner. He’s encouraging the Corinthians to be charitable, loving, kind hearted and wish for spiritual things, but he feels it’s better to be able to prophesy. He claims that if we get too hung up on the spiritual gifts, like speaking in foreign languages, then only God will understand you, the people listening to you won’t. However, when you prophesy, you come down to earth and speak the language that people understand, on their level, then it becomes beneficial; educational, encouraging and comforting to your listener. It’s the same for all of us. If we communicate with others in language they don’t understand, we’re wasting time, just impressing ourselves, but when we do it so they understand, then we’re teaching them. Personally, I find Paul guilty of this, possibly because he was highly educated, but his language often seems too high for the ordinary individual, and instead of being straightforward, he meanders all over the place, in the vernacular, he beats about the bush a lot. Okay children, no smirking, I know I do it too. So Friends, that means when we’re trying to spread The Word, we need to both talk to our listeners in a tongue that they understand, as well as on an educational level that they can comprehend. No need speaking to them in Greek, when they only understand Spanish, or expounding on a Ph.D level when they’ve only got an Elementary School education. Let’s prayerfully ask the Most High to instill in us the most beneficial choice of language for us to use when we are trying to spread His Word. Much LOVE…and PLENTY, PLENTY spreading of the UNDERSTANDABLE Word! It’s getting late, and numerous people have still not heard it.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 October 2007 Isaiah 61:9
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
Isaiah 61:9: And their seed shall be known among the gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which the Lord hath blessed.
Isaiah was on a mission to bring the Israelites back to God, telling them all the good things that their God promised if they obeyed Him. Today’s Bit promises that their children would not only be well known, but also acknowledged by all who saw them as being blessed by the Lord. That promise also applies to all of us Believers today. As the children of Abraham, through faith, and followers of J.C, we too have inherited those promises. That means we shall also be well known amongst the unbelievers. Consequently, because of the life we live for Christ: happy and prosperous; loving and caring; generous and forgiving; patient and long suffering; persevering unto fortitude; wise yet humble; not given to too much vulgarity or immorality; willing to teach, but also to listen; contented yet striving; being serious and focused in whatever we do, but doing all with a joyful countenance, they shall undoubtedly see that we are most definitely of the seed, the seed of Abraham and J.C which the Lord hath blessed. Friends, let’s not make Isaiah a liar nuh(smile). Let’s go out there, far and wide, and do the Lord’s work, successfully showing them that we are truly blessed. How else could we be so happy and prosperous eh? Much LOVE…Much Good Work…and Many Many Blessings!
Isaiah was on a mission to bring the Israelites back to God, telling them all the good things that their God promised if they obeyed Him. Today’s Bit promises that their children would not only be well known, but also acknowledged by all who saw them as being blessed by the Lord. That promise also applies to all of us Believers today. As the children of Abraham, through faith, and followers of J.C, we too have inherited those promises. That means we shall also be well known amongst the unbelievers. Consequently, because of the life we live for Christ: happy and prosperous; loving and caring; generous and forgiving; patient and long suffering; persevering unto fortitude; wise yet humble; not given to too much vulgarity or immorality; willing to teach, but also to listen; contented yet striving; being serious and focused in whatever we do, but doing all with a joyful countenance, they shall undoubtedly see that we are most definitely of the seed, the seed of Abraham and J.C which the Lord hath blessed. Friends, let’s not make Isaiah a liar nuh(smile). Let’s go out there, far and wide, and do the Lord’s work, successfully showing them that we are truly blessed. How else could we be so happy and prosperous eh? Much LOVE…Much Good Work…and Many Many Blessings!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 October 2007 Isaiah 61:10
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness; as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with jewels.
The partying is over now. The harvest has been brought in and celebrated. It’s back to ploughing and sowing so that we can reap another bountiful harvest next year to give thanks for. But that doesn’t mean we should just be mournful and sorrowful till then. In fact, there’s no room for negative things like sloth, lethargy and apathy in our lives. Even though the work may be difficult and we can’t see the fruits of our labour, as Today’s Bit states, we should always have much rejoicing in the Lord, and our spirits should always be joyful in Him, because He’s the one who’s given us all the good things we possess. Isaiah calls it ‘the garments of salvation’ and ‘the robe of righteousness.’ He likens it to a wedding, where the bride and groom are bedecked with beautiful things. If that’s so, then Friends we should be happy, busily going about the Lord’s work with a pleasant, encouraging countenance, a heart full of LOVE, and a spirit overflowing with joy. I know that’s not always easy to do in this cruel, ugly world of ours, and it sounds Utopian, but as followers of J.C. that’s what we should always strive for. Here’s a rather appropriate quote from a novel I recently read, called ‘Apple Tree Lean Down’ by Mary Pearce. Those couple lines spoke to me very eloquently and I wrote them down, intending to put it with some other quotes that I have on the computer, but for some reason never got around to doing so. Now I know why, because the bit of paper it’s written on is still sitting right in front of me. I did not even have to move anything. I got the Utopian idea and simply raised my head, and there it was. Another one of His mysterious movements.? Who knows. Anyway, in the book a young girl is talking to a slightly older fellow, he has a very serious interest in the poor, working class. "Is Utopia possible?" she asks. His reply was: "It should always be the aim. A goal kept constantly in sight." Much LOVE…and hopefully not too much after effects from the partying (smile)
The partying is over now. The harvest has been brought in and celebrated. It’s back to ploughing and sowing so that we can reap another bountiful harvest next year to give thanks for. But that doesn’t mean we should just be mournful and sorrowful till then. In fact, there’s no room for negative things like sloth, lethargy and apathy in our lives. Even though the work may be difficult and we can’t see the fruits of our labour, as Today’s Bit states, we should always have much rejoicing in the Lord, and our spirits should always be joyful in Him, because He’s the one who’s given us all the good things we possess. Isaiah calls it ‘the garments of salvation’ and ‘the robe of righteousness.’ He likens it to a wedding, where the bride and groom are bedecked with beautiful things. If that’s so, then Friends we should be happy, busily going about the Lord’s work with a pleasant, encouraging countenance, a heart full of LOVE, and a spirit overflowing with joy. I know that’s not always easy to do in this cruel, ugly world of ours, and it sounds Utopian, but as followers of J.C. that’s what we should always strive for. Here’s a rather appropriate quote from a novel I recently read, called ‘Apple Tree Lean Down’ by Mary Pearce. Those couple lines spoke to me very eloquently and I wrote them down, intending to put it with some other quotes that I have on the computer, but for some reason never got around to doing so. Now I know why, because the bit of paper it’s written on is still sitting right in front of me. I did not even have to move anything. I got the Utopian idea and simply raised my head, and there it was. Another one of His mysterious movements.? Who knows. Anyway, in the book a young girl is talking to a slightly older fellow, he has a very serious interest in the poor, working class. "Is Utopia possible?" she asks. His reply was: "It should always be the aim. A goal kept constantly in sight." Much LOVE…and hopefully not too much after effects from the partying (smile)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 October 2007 Psalm 92:1
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
Psalm 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS!
Yes, it is Thanksgiving Day in this beautiful, land of milk and honey called Canada. So let’s do exactly that: enjoy the fruits of our labour, sharing with those less fortunate than us, while giving unending thanks to the One who made it all possible. Let there be dancing and singing and praising of His Holy Name! Extol His Love and Kindness! Even though we be unworthy, He’s always with us to help and guide us. In return, as the Psalmist says, it’s a good thing to give thinks and praise His Name. That’s the least we can do. Much LOVE…Much Enjoyment…Plenty, Plenty Thanks and Praise!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS!
Yes, it is Thanksgiving Day in this beautiful, land of milk and honey called Canada. So let’s do exactly that: enjoy the fruits of our labour, sharing with those less fortunate than us, while giving unending thanks to the One who made it all possible. Let there be dancing and singing and praising of His Holy Name! Extol His Love and Kindness! Even though we be unworthy, He’s always with us to help and guide us. In return, as the Psalmist says, it’s a good thing to give thinks and praise His Name. That’s the least we can do. Much LOVE…Much Enjoyment…Plenty, Plenty Thanks and Praise!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 October 2007 Deuteronomy 15:11
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
Deuteronomy 15:11. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor and to thy needy, in thy land.
But why should there always be poverty eh, especially when there is currently so much prosperity in the land? That might have been closer to the truth when Moses was laying down the principles for the Israelites to live by, but it definitely should not be true today. Granted, everybody can’t be filthy rich, but nobody should be dirt poor either in the midst of such abundance. The income disparity; the gap between the haves and have nots is much too wide, and sadly, instead of decreasing, it’s growing even wider, not only in the western countries, but all over the world. That snide saying about the rich getting richer and the poor, poorer, is no joke. It’s a fact. Recent statistics have shown that in the last twenty years or so, the incomes of the wealthy have increased by much much more than that of the working class. The latter’s real earning power has actually fallen, what with inflation and actual roll backs in worker’s wages. And it’s only the lowly worker who’s bearing the brunt of the burden to increase the almighty bottom line, because the remuneration for those at the top have spiralled to the point of obscenity. Food banks, children going to school hungry and Homelessness have now become the rule rather than the exception. But millionaires are also now a dime a dozen, and soon, so will billionaires. All to what purpose Friends? We can’t take any of it with us, so we’ve got to try and lessen, if not stop this terrible inequity, else it’s only going to get worse. As believers we’re supposed to help each other in whatever way we can. As Moses said, we’ve got to open our hands wide to our brothers, to the poor and needy in the land. It’s our bounden duty. So please, please, let’s all try, let’s all concentrate on helping those who don’t have, by sharing some of what we have, no matter how little, by getting our wealthy friends and associates to recognize the problem and work with us to alleviate it. Then we’ll really be walking our talk, really doing the will of God. Much LOVE…and MUCH MORE SHARING with the less fortunate!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 October 2007 1 Chronicles 28:9
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
1 Chronicles 28:9 And thou Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee: but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever.
That’s David talking to Solomon, after the Lord dashed his hopes and plans to build Him a fabulous House of Worship, because of his nefarious activities. Instead, the Lord said that his son Solomon would build it. However, David was savvy enough on the workings of God, not to let that disappointment sting his ego too much. Neither does he mince words, he gets straight to the point. And it’s a simple, straightforward message: Know Our God, learn about Him; serve Him willingly and truthfully, because He’s all powerful and knows all our thoughts and desires. You can’t hide anything from Him. And if you actively seek Him, you’ll find Him. But if you ignore Him, He’ll do the same to you, at your great loss. These are the things we should be telling our children from birth, so it can seep into their subconscious and lay a good foundation. Then we’ve got to find ways to continually keep Him front and centre in their lives, otherwise we’ll be doing them a great disservice. A lot of parents aren’t doing that today, for whatever reason, that’s why so many young people are turning away from God. The bright lights and beautiful, valueless, inanimate things of the world are making a bigger impact on them than our God. That means we are failing our children, a sad commentary on us. Is it too late to fix it? I hope not. And how do we fix it? I’m not sure. All I know is that we can’t give up without making a serious effort. We obviously can’t brow beat them with it at this late hour. That’ll just drive them further away. Hopefully a gentler approach will work; where we keep talking, not preaching, picking our spots a little more judiciously, and most important, living the kind of life we’re talking about, then leaving the rest to the Master. It’s been proven that examples work more forcibly on the mind than words or precepts. Much LOVE…and plenty, plenty, plenty luck with bringing our children back to the loving arms of the Most High. Sorry Daughter, couldn’t make it any shorter. Yuh know the ole fella, once he thinks it’s important, he’s got to have his say.
That’s David talking to Solomon, after the Lord dashed his hopes and plans to build Him a fabulous House of Worship, because of his nefarious activities. Instead, the Lord said that his son Solomon would build it. However, David was savvy enough on the workings of God, not to let that disappointment sting his ego too much. Neither does he mince words, he gets straight to the point. And it’s a simple, straightforward message: Know Our God, learn about Him; serve Him willingly and truthfully, because He’s all powerful and knows all our thoughts and desires. You can’t hide anything from Him. And if you actively seek Him, you’ll find Him. But if you ignore Him, He’ll do the same to you, at your great loss. These are the things we should be telling our children from birth, so it can seep into their subconscious and lay a good foundation. Then we’ve got to find ways to continually keep Him front and centre in their lives, otherwise we’ll be doing them a great disservice. A lot of parents aren’t doing that today, for whatever reason, that’s why so many young people are turning away from God. The bright lights and beautiful, valueless, inanimate things of the world are making a bigger impact on them than our God. That means we are failing our children, a sad commentary on us. Is it too late to fix it? I hope not. And how do we fix it? I’m not sure. All I know is that we can’t give up without making a serious effort. We obviously can’t brow beat them with it at this late hour. That’ll just drive them further away. Hopefully a gentler approach will work; where we keep talking, not preaching, picking our spots a little more judiciously, and most important, living the kind of life we’re talking about, then leaving the rest to the Master. It’s been proven that examples work more forcibly on the mind than words or precepts. Much LOVE…and plenty, plenty, plenty luck with bringing our children back to the loving arms of the Most High. Sorry Daughter, couldn’t make it any shorter. Yuh know the ole fella, once he thinks it’s important, he’s got to have his say.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 October 2007 Zephaniah 2:3
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
Zephaniah 2:3 Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgement; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.
Today’s Bit sees the Prophet Zephaniah calling on all the people to seek God, get in His presence through humility and right thinking, so that when the Lord’s anger was unleashed they might be saved from it. He was warning them about the rising power of the Babylonians and their advertised intentions to conquer the surrounding nations. The same situation applies today, except, instead of a particular nation conquering us, it’s the worldly, Godless way of living that’s become so prevalent recently. It’s taking over our lives, and we’ve got to be constantly on guard against any further encroachment. Schools no longer teach about God. Churches are squabbling over the direction they should take, leading to a weakening of their role in the society, while families are falling apart through lack of proper values to give them a solid foundation. God is being taken out of our lives bit by bit, with some secular governments even wanting to legislate Him out completely. The faith based society our fathers founded is slowly being eroded, slowly been driven back by the onslaught of worldly pressures and inducements, and Friends, if we don’t do something to stop that erosion, we’ll soon become a Godless society. The forces of evil are aligned against us; its power hungry, unbelieving, selfish, greedy, money grubbing tentacles are ever spreading, trying to entrap us in its clutches with the false promises of wealth, high living and pretty things. But please beware people, it’s just a flimsy house of cards and mirrors that looks good on the outside, but is really devoid of any worthwhile substance. J.C said that he was coming back someday. He did not say exactly when, but He gave us some clues; like numerous wars and rumours of war, children having children etc. Those things are happening now, so who knows if Judgement Day is near? But J.C also warned us to be always prepared, for it can come at any time, and those who are found wanting will have a hefty price to pay. Friends, that’s the message for today. Let’s play it safe nuh; let’s seek the face of God; let’s be humble and live right, so that whenever that fateful day comes, when hellfire and brimstone are unleashed, we’ll be safely ensconced in His ever-loving, protective arms. Much LOVE!
Today’s Bit sees the Prophet Zephaniah calling on all the people to seek God, get in His presence through humility and right thinking, so that when the Lord’s anger was unleashed they might be saved from it. He was warning them about the rising power of the Babylonians and their advertised intentions to conquer the surrounding nations. The same situation applies today, except, instead of a particular nation conquering us, it’s the worldly, Godless way of living that’s become so prevalent recently. It’s taking over our lives, and we’ve got to be constantly on guard against any further encroachment. Schools no longer teach about God. Churches are squabbling over the direction they should take, leading to a weakening of their role in the society, while families are falling apart through lack of proper values to give them a solid foundation. God is being taken out of our lives bit by bit, with some secular governments even wanting to legislate Him out completely. The faith based society our fathers founded is slowly being eroded, slowly been driven back by the onslaught of worldly pressures and inducements, and Friends, if we don’t do something to stop that erosion, we’ll soon become a Godless society. The forces of evil are aligned against us; its power hungry, unbelieving, selfish, greedy, money grubbing tentacles are ever spreading, trying to entrap us in its clutches with the false promises of wealth, high living and pretty things. But please beware people, it’s just a flimsy house of cards and mirrors that looks good on the outside, but is really devoid of any worthwhile substance. J.C said that he was coming back someday. He did not say exactly when, but He gave us some clues; like numerous wars and rumours of war, children having children etc. Those things are happening now, so who knows if Judgement Day is near? But J.C also warned us to be always prepared, for it can come at any time, and those who are found wanting will have a hefty price to pay. Friends, that’s the message for today. Let’s play it safe nuh; let’s seek the face of God; let’s be humble and live right, so that whenever that fateful day comes, when hellfire and brimstone are unleashed, we’ll be safely ensconced in His ever-loving, protective arms. Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 October 2007 James 1:19-20
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
James 1:19-20. Wherefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
I wish the whole world could understand that, because impatience is so rampant in our society today that it’s approaching epidemic proportions. In all aspects of life we are constantly bombarded by the need for speed: On the highways, at stop signs, on our computers, our cell phones, even in our homes. You name it, speed is the name of the game. We’ve apparently lost the ability to wait, so we’re seeing an increase in things like road rage, line up rage, people getting annoyed rather quickly because others are taking too long to move. Even in our homes, a large number of people have no need of a stove, they just nuke it; quicker, less mess, but also more toxic. I’m sure you also see that impatience is very prevalent, however, do you realize that all it does for us is add stress and the inherent problems of that silent killer. A perfect example is, I just went and turned on my computer, so by the time I am finished doing a rough draft of this Bit, it will be ready to rock and roll. It takes so long now and causes me stress while waiting for it, that I’ve developed the habit of doing something else while it’s booting up. And it’s only taking longer because of the amount of stuff I’ve recently put on it, half of which possibly isn’t even necessary, but I still want it to boot up almost immediately. Friends, we’ve got to slow down, we’ll reach the grave fast enough. Remember that the race isn’t always won by the swiftest, but usually by the one who perseveres the smartest. And when we have problems, especially imaginary ones, let’s remember to stay quiet for a while, take some deep breaths if necessary, relax before you talk or act, and ask the Most High for some patience and wisdom, because if we just burst out impatiently, we’re liable to say or do something that just inflames all concerned, which could lead to a further deterioration of the situation. I can testify to that, because I’ve noticed that the older I get, the more impatient I become. I just can’t tolerate some of the nonsense I see happening around me. But then again, as they say, physician heal thyself. I’ve got to learn not to let some of those things bother me. And you know it’s usually the little, piddling, not overly important things that make us lose our cool. More wars have been fought over, impatient words and rash actions than you can imagine. But the most unfortunate thing that happens when we get angry too quickly is that we lose our connection to God. The lines of communication get blurred or busy, or like a satellite transmission in a thunderstorm, we lose the connection completely. That’s something we definitely don’t want to happen. So Friends, I’m appealing to us, let’s not get carried away by the mad rush to get everything done yesterday. Slow down, be patient, keep the lines open so you can talk to The Master, and He’ll see you through the impatience. Whew! It’s long, but have PATIENCE,(smile) and read it through. Can it be another of His devious workings, knowing that we have very short attention spans? Hn! I won’t put it past Him. Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 October 2007 Psalm 42:5
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
I saw this Bit a couple days too late, because that is exactly the position I found myself in last Sunday: My spirit was at an unexplainably low ebb. I could not understand why, since nothing had gone wrong to cause such a drastic downward spiral. In fact, some things had gone even better than I expected. But for that whole day I fought that malaise in my spirit. I read all the Bible verses and stuff that usually strengthen me, hn! But nothing worked. I even had trouble deciding on a Bit. And when I finally thought I’d done so and began writing it, I changed my mind in mid stream. I kept on asking the Most High for a reason, but you know how He operates. It was not until sometime in the late afternoon, when I decided to have a nap, that I got some sort of an answer. He insinuated that it was just one of those things, one of those things we all have to go through. How could I encourage people with a downcast, hurting spirit, if I had not experienced it myself? Hn! Obviously I gave a low, mirthless chuckle at that explanation, and though not at all thrilled by the situation, continued fighting the good fight, until later that night I finally wrote a Scrip-bit I thought was pretty good. The one about J.C teaching in the temple, saying that the Father had not left Him alone, but had sent the Holy Spirit to help Him. Hopefully it was that same Holy Spirit, that fabulous Helper, that was then working in me, to bring me out of the unholy funk I’d been in. That made me feel somewhat better, sort of restored my confidence, and I finally perked back up. Since then, I’ve been pretty good. Just goes to show once again, His mysterious ways of working, although I was not particularly thrilled about that one. Friends, there’s nothing as deflating and miserable as a disquieted spirit, especially when there’s no apparent reason for it. So whenever that happens, and it happens to all of us at some time or another, just remember that the Lord is still in control, and though you may not be able to see or understand His reasoning, there’s some hidden purpose, and if you’ll just hang in and continue to fight the good fight, sooner or later your spirits will be restored to even greater heights. Much LOVE and plenty perseverance… that’s the only way we’ll succeed.
I saw this Bit a couple days too late, because that is exactly the position I found myself in last Sunday: My spirit was at an unexplainably low ebb. I could not understand why, since nothing had gone wrong to cause such a drastic downward spiral. In fact, some things had gone even better than I expected. But for that whole day I fought that malaise in my spirit. I read all the Bible verses and stuff that usually strengthen me, hn! But nothing worked. I even had trouble deciding on a Bit. And when I finally thought I’d done so and began writing it, I changed my mind in mid stream. I kept on asking the Most High for a reason, but you know how He operates. It was not until sometime in the late afternoon, when I decided to have a nap, that I got some sort of an answer. He insinuated that it was just one of those things, one of those things we all have to go through. How could I encourage people with a downcast, hurting spirit, if I had not experienced it myself? Hn! Obviously I gave a low, mirthless chuckle at that explanation, and though not at all thrilled by the situation, continued fighting the good fight, until later that night I finally wrote a Scrip-bit I thought was pretty good. The one about J.C teaching in the temple, saying that the Father had not left Him alone, but had sent the Holy Spirit to help Him. Hopefully it was that same Holy Spirit, that fabulous Helper, that was then working in me, to bring me out of the unholy funk I’d been in. That made me feel somewhat better, sort of restored my confidence, and I finally perked back up. Since then, I’ve been pretty good. Just goes to show once again, His mysterious ways of working, although I was not particularly thrilled about that one. Friends, there’s nothing as deflating and miserable as a disquieted spirit, especially when there’s no apparent reason for it. So whenever that happens, and it happens to all of us at some time or another, just remember that the Lord is still in control, and though you may not be able to see or understand His reasoning, there’s some hidden purpose, and if you’ll just hang in and continue to fight the good fight, sooner or later your spirits will be restored to even greater heights. Much LOVE and plenty perseverance… that’s the only way we’ll succeed.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 October 2007 1 Chronicles 4:10
21 Nov 2007 Leave a comment
1 Chronicles 4:10. And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
What a wonderful petition! Jabez was of the line of David in early Israel. Verse 9 claims that he was more honourable than his brethren, and his mother called him Jabez because she was unhappy when she had him. Someone today has written a book titled the Prayer of Jabez or something like that, extolling the merits of Jabez’s petition. I have not read the book myself, so I can’t say whether it’s good or bad, but I certainly hope that the author does not tell his readers to simply recite the words of Jabez and expect miracles shortly thereafter. I think that would be a great injustice and I doubt it will work anyway. I’m sure the fact that Jabez was honourable had a lot to do with God granting his request. He does not grant requests of such magnitude willy-nilly. Friends, it’s a good prayer, containing all the right elements; blessings, prosperity, protection and guidance. It’s also short and to the point. But if we’re looking to receive all the good stuff our God has to offer, we’ve got to at least attempt to have a right heart and follow His guidance. He knows full well that occasionally we’ll slip or stray, but we can’t ask Him to be with us and keep us from evil, then knowingly go and do something contrary to what He proposed. Let us always remember that the believer’s life is a two way street: If we want the Most High to look down on us with love and tender care, we’ve got to abide by His rules. It’s that simple. The only thing we get for nothing is Salvation, through J.C’s death, and even then, we’ve got to believe. It brings to mind two old sayings; one hand washes the other, and it takes two to tango. As always, Much LOVE…with constant praying and most honourable walking.
What a wonderful petition! Jabez was of the line of David in early Israel. Verse 9 claims that he was more honourable than his brethren, and his mother called him Jabez because she was unhappy when she had him. Someone today has written a book titled the Prayer of Jabez or something like that, extolling the merits of Jabez’s petition. I have not read the book myself, so I can’t say whether it’s good or bad, but I certainly hope that the author does not tell his readers to simply recite the words of Jabez and expect miracles shortly thereafter. I think that would be a great injustice and I doubt it will work anyway. I’m sure the fact that Jabez was honourable had a lot to do with God granting his request. He does not grant requests of such magnitude willy-nilly. Friends, it’s a good prayer, containing all the right elements; blessings, prosperity, protection and guidance. It’s also short and to the point. But if we’re looking to receive all the good stuff our God has to offer, we’ve got to at least attempt to have a right heart and follow His guidance. He knows full well that occasionally we’ll slip or stray, but we can’t ask Him to be with us and keep us from evil, then knowingly go and do something contrary to what He proposed. Let us always remember that the believer’s life is a two way street: If we want the Most High to look down on us with love and tender care, we’ve got to abide by His rules. It’s that simple. The only thing we get for nothing is Salvation, through J.C’s death, and even then, we’ve got to believe. It brings to mind two old sayings; one hand washes the other, and it takes two to tango. As always, Much LOVE…with constant praying and most honourable walking.
