Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 February 2008 Matthew 7:3-5‏

Matthew 7:3-5    And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye, and behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. 
 
Hn,hn! Everyday the Most High springs some sort of surprise on me yes. About ten days ago, I encountered a situation that strongly called for Today’s Bit, but I just could not find it in the Good Book, so I shelved the idea. Today it resurfaced. But this time I found the relevant passage within seconds. Obviously The Lord thought it’s time had come. And not a moment too soon my Friends, because we’ve become a society of harsh judges and hypocrites. We readily see everybody else’s errors and faults but not our own, and constantly criticize others for even small faults while conveniently overlooking our rather large ones. As Jesus asked, how can you see the little mote in another’s eye, and not the large beam in yours? Or how can you offer to take out the mote with a large plank blocking your sight? The mote is so small that without clear vision you can’t take it out, and with a large object in your eyes, your vision must be blurred and consequently unreliable. But harsh, negative criticism is commonplace today. We know what everyone else should be doing, but can’t guide ourselves aright. Lots of times we’re also guilty of the same things we criticize others for. That’s the hypocrisy Jesus was referring to. We can’t pass judgement on others when we don’t know what’s really happening in their lives, and even worse, when we have glaring deficiencies in our own lives that seriously need fixing. And if someone happens to point out our deficiencies; Huh! We get so irate and defensive. How dare they take such liberties? Then we storm off, feeling righteously aggrieved. We’d never tolerate that behaviour from someone we’re criticising though. It would just lead to even more righteous criticism from us. But Friends it comes right back to Jesus saying, judge not, and ye shall not be judged. We’re not here to demean or belittle anyone. We’re here to help, to assist. Negative criticism, or just too much criticism period, doesn’t lead to growth, it stunts it. We must learn that if we perceive a problem in another person, and must criticize, then let it be constructive, with empathy, and not harsh judgement. Remember, all of us, and I repeat, all of us, have some disgusting, disturbing circumstances hidden in our own lives, which, if brought to light would prove us to be the big time hypocrites we pretend not to be  Oh Friends, let us cut out the constant finger pointing and negative criticizing nuh. Only angry rivalries, strife and unhappiness spring from that. It’s time to put the lid on criticism. If you can’t say something good, then don’t say anything.  Much LOVE! ….remember…a little positive reinforcement…. goes a long way….
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 February 2008 Proverbs 19:23‏

Proverbs 19:23    The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.
 
Thank you Lord! Wise words indeed from Solomon, but an obvious truth to its seekers, for when we fear the Lord, we do tend to live better lives. It’s not fear in the physical sense, but more a feeling of reverence and respect, of awe at His all embracing power and magnificence, an incredulous sense of who He really is. When we accept the Lord as our guide and protector, a particular kind of peace enters our heart and souls; a peace no other source provides. It’s like coming home after a long, arduous journey. ‘At last !’ we grumpily mutter as we come through the front door. But we soon relax, give a heartfelt thanks and release a long sigh of satisfaction, because we’re safely home, and nothing else really matters. It’s that same sense of serenity, of comfort and security, that overcomes us when we trust in the Lord and let Him guide us. Knowing that we are safe in His loving embrace dispels our worries, and we breathe a soft sigh of thanks. Yes, we remain concerned, but not fearful and agitated, since we’re partners with the Most High. And even when our part is difficult, we know that He’ll help us. Oh Friends, trusting in the Lord and leaning on Him in all aspects of our lives brings such a peaceful, easy feeling; it’s so overwhelming that sometimes we’ve got to shake our heads to make sure we’re not dreaming. A joyful tranquility enters our spirit and keeps us calm and unafraid; like a ripple free lake on a sunny day. That’s how our souls become when we walk in reverence with the Lord. Stress and tension disappear, and we go about our business in a calm, relaxed, contented manner. As Solo says, ‘he that hath it, shall abide satisfied.’ And that’s the gospel truth people. Fearing the Lord triggers a satisfaction that causes you to stop rushing and fretting, for He’s assured us that if we hang tight with Him, He will, in His time, prosper us in more ways than we can ask or imagine. Friends, it’s very important we acquire that sense of serenity and satisfaction in our lives. Too many of us run around like headless chickens, stressed out and going nowhere, because that’s today’s world. It’s all the enemy has to offer; a stressful, unsatisfied, discontented life of running fast to get to nowhere. But abiding with the Most High God; Wow! that injects an awesome sense of peace and tranquility; a calm contentment in this crazy world, that allows us to flourish right where we’re planted, until He decides we’re ready for increase. And as Solomon concludes, ‘he shall not be visited by evil.’ Even though we are tempted, no evil shall befall us. What a wonderful, awesome God we worship eh Friends! Much LOVE!…remember….reverence to the Father…enriches us in every way…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 February 2008 1 Peter 1:7-9‏

1 Peter 1: 7-9    That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. Whom having not seen, ye LOVE, in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
 
All Praise and Thanks to the Most High God! Today’s Bit was handed to me on a silver platter. I just asked for guidance and opened the Good Book, right on 1st Peter, and there it was underlined in green. These are encouraging words of Peter on Faith: That substance of things not seen, but which we hope and with patience wait for. Without it, we cannot enjoy the many benefits of following Christ. It’s the most important aspect of the Christian religion. For as Peter says, referring to Jesus, ‘whom having not seen, ye LOVE, in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.’ Friends,that’s what Faith is all about: Not having seen Jesus in the flesh, but being told about His marvellous and miraculous doings for us, believing it, then trying to live obedient to His will, while spreading His Word, so that others may also come to know Him and enjoy the glorious salvation that He gave His sinless life for. Wow! Like the passion’s been stirred up in the ole fella these last two days. But be warned people. Faith is not easy to accept or walk in: Having  never seen Jesus, only reading and hearing about Him. Also, to obey His will, means a lifestyle that goes against the very grain of what the world offers; like greed, envy, jealousy, hate, immorality and lust for material things. Meanwhile, Jesus expects us to live in LOVE, peace and harmony, with forgiveness, patience and true fellowship. That’s why Bruh Peter talks about the trial of our faith, cause it’s indeed an uphill battle, a very hard row to hoe. But he also says that it’s much more precious than gold, which perishes, and prays that though our faith be tried to the utmost, even with fire that melts gold, it will hold up strong; ‘might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.’ Yes people, our path of faith is difficult, but bears many rewards. Going against the grain of the world is tough, but not impossible. We just need to remember that He who is within us, is greater than he that’s in the world. Matter fixed! Nuff said! The indwelling Spirit of Jesus is much more powerful than the enemy that lurks in the world. But the enemy has one aspect of note; his perseverance. Although he knows the Holy Spirit is stronger than him, he never gives up, simply switches to guerrilla tactics if he seems to be losing. That’s the attitude we need to adopt my Friends. The never give up, never say die, bend but don’t break spirit. That’s what true Faith is all about. And as Bruh Peter says, if we stand the test of faith, come that judgement day, we’ll be ‘Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.’ So stand strong in Jesus, People!  Much LOVE! …remember…Faith is not Faith…until it’s been tried and tested…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 February 2008 Psalm 145:1-3‏

Psalm 145:1-3    I will extol thee, my God, O King; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee, and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.
 
Give Thanks and Praise People, for He is a good God! Today my spirit cried out for a Bit with positive vibrations, so I sought something to fill that need. Initially, I found nothing, and felt somewhat disappointed. But since I still wanted that special something, I opened the Good Book again, and voila! There it was! Psalm 145. Bruh David’s Psalm of Praise. That proves the Most High does listen and answer. Seeing my frustration, he rescued me. And for that I’ve got to show some gratitude and say Thank you Lord! Enough about me though. Bruh David certainly knew how to write words of Praise and Thanks to his God. ‘I will extol thee, my God, O King, and I will bless thy name for ever and ever!’ Powerful words bearing sentiments of great depth and feeling. Sentiments that we, as followers of Jesus, should also be experiencing and announcing to the world, so that believers might be strengthened and encouraged in their personal walk with Christ, while unbelievers will be so moved by our exuberance, that they’d be forced to investigate our source of joy, and in so doing, hopefully embrace the Lord too. And there’s nobody better at instilling a simple but exquisite song of praise and joy in our souls than Bruh David. ‘Everyday I will bless thee,’ he says of our Heavenly Father, ‘and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.’ That’s the exact attitude we need to adopt my Friends. We need to get on a high for Jesus! Like Bruh David sagely declares. ‘Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.’ Words like those raise our passion, and we need a heightened passion, to do a good job in anything at all. Friends, do we have that passion? And if so, are we putting that passion into the work of the Lord? Are we making a difference? Remember we’ve been called to make a difference; to help change lives, to put the Word out there, and to live it with such passion, exuberance and enthusiasm that every one who comes into contact with us will see that fire, that joy, that energy, that goodness, that only comes, is only attained by obedient walking with the Father, His Son and His Holy Spirit. Hn,hn! You’ve got excuse the ole fella, but Bruh David’s words just seem to have a way of firing me up. Hope I can help him to fire you up too. It’s time to get passionate Friends and seriously embark on our mission. The enemy’s already hard at work, and so should we. Let’s stand strong and fight the good fight with courage nuh, even when we’re afraid. Much LOVE!…a good job becomes well done…when passion is introduced…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 February 2008 Numbers 11:18-20‏

Numbers 11:18-20    And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the Lord, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the Lord will give you flesh , and ye shall eat. Ye shall not eat one day, not two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the Lord which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt? 
 
Friends, we’ve all been warned to be careful what we ask for. Those Israelites proved the point. Continuing yesterday’s story, they drove Moses so crazy with wanting flesh, that he went to the Lord and offered his life to be rid of the burden. He couldn’t handle it alone. The Lord understood Moses’ predicament and mercifully imbued seventy elders with His Holy Spirit to help him. Then He unleashed Today’s Bit on poor Moses. It’s sad, but I have to laugh, since we’ve all had similar experiences. The Lord just got fed up with their whining and said, ‘All yuh want flesh, flesh like yuh had in Egypt. Well I’ll give oonoo flesh, and oonoo going eat it too. Not only for a day or two, but for a whole blessed month! Until it come out oonoo nose, an’ all yuh can’t even stand to see it. Because all yuh so (unprintable) ungrateful. Here, I trying mih best to help oonoo, but all oonoo doing is wailing and whining bout flesh, an’ why all yuh leave Egypt in the first place. Chuh!’ And then, after some confusion and jealousy about two elders prophesying inside the camp because they received the Holy Spirit there, rather than outside like the others, that caused a distressed Moses to wish all the people were prophets, the Lord caused a wind to bring quails from the sea and drop them around the whole camp; quail two cubits high and a day’s journey afar. A cubit was between 18 and 22 inches in length, so they had quail rising to at least three feet high, and as far as you could walk for a whole day away from the camp, in any direction. Wow! The Lord really knows how to put on a show. They wanted flesh, so He gave them flesh. And the greedy people collected quail for two days straight. But unfortunately Friends, while the quail was between their teeth, before they could even chew it, the Master of Timing kindled His wrath against them and smote them with a great plague. The moral of the story people?  Don’t be in too much of a rush. Be fairly contented with what you have; grow where you are. Be very careful what you whine and beg for; you might just get it, but in a manner that will eventually turn loathsome. Don’t worry, just be obedient, and The Lord will increase you in His own time. Much LOVE!…say it again…be very very careful what you ask for…you might just get it…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 February 2008 Numbers 11:1-2‏

Numbers 11:1-2    And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the Lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire was quenched.
 
Oh Friends, yuh see what happens when we don’t appreciate God’s blessings? The ungratefulness the Israelites displayed was shocking. Their God had just brought them out of centuries of bondage in Egypt; parted the Red Sea for them to escape their pursuers; was leading them through the wilderness to the Promised Land while feeding them with manna from Heaven. Granted, it was a rough journey. But was slavery in Egypt preferable or better? Friends, that elusive dream, Freedom, bears a very high price. We magnify it to utopian status and lust after it, but very few are willing to pay the price, oftimes death. Like the Israelites, we complain about our better than average circumstances.  See how the Lord responded? Their ungratefulness kindled His anger so much, that it turned into a blazing fire that killed many of them. And their reaction? They cried unto Moses, who prayed unto the Lord, who, in His great mercy, quenched the fire. But did they learn? No! They listened to the mixed people amongst them and complained again about the manna. ‘But our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all beside this manna, before our eyes.’ (Vs.6) So it wasn’t the greatest tasting food, but it nourished their bodies, and only required them to go out every night when the dew fell, collect it, crush it and bake cakes. However, they wanted flesh, and woefully reminisced about the food in Egypt; the fish, melons, cucumbers, leeks, onions and garlic. Again we turn to the hefty price of freedom. Was bondage in Egypt worth the food there? Certainly not! But their memories were short, and their faith fickle. Guess they expected to leave slavery and enter the Promised Land without any hardship, have it handed to them on a silver platter. Unfortunately Friends, it doesn’t work like that. Freedom, and the good things that go with it, have to be earned, the hard way. And sadly, today we are exhibiting the same ungrateful attitude the Israelites did. We moan and groan about the trivial inconveniences we suffer, conveniently forgetting the important things the Most High has done for us. We also forget the millions of people around the world with circumstances significantly worse than ours; the millions who live in constant darkness, have no food or water, no clothing, no shelter, are unjustly imprisoned, persecuted, or made to flee their homes because of strife and warfare. Like the Israelites, our only concern is ourselves. Friends, that is not a godly attitude. Notice what the Lord did to those selfish, ungrateful people; He burnt them with fire. Please, let us learn from their example and strive to live less selfishly, and be thankful for the abundance that we do have, so that the Lord’s anger will not be kindled against us. Much LOVE!…learn this…true freedom is never cheap… nor easy…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 February 2008 Numbers 6:24-26‏

Numbers 6:24-26     The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
 
Directions from the Lord, to Moses, to pass on to Aaron and his sons. That’s how He wanted the priests to bless the children of Israel, and it’s been passed down through the ages to us. Why did the Lord instruct Moses thus? Because He wanted blessings to be an important part of His children’s lives. The Dictionary defines blessings as a declaration, invocation or bestowal of divine favour; a gift of God. It’s something that makes us happy; gives us a fortunate feeling; enriches our spiritual wellbeing. Our Heavenly Father desires us to live that way. However, receiving blessings entails being obedient to His will. Notice how He withholds them when we are disobedient? Today’s Bit is a simple but powerful and all encompassing blessing: May the Lord shower you with His divine favour and keep you safe; May He smile on you and be generous to you in all your endeavours; May He instil His Holy Spirit in your soul and bring you peace. It covers all bases. But Friends, it’s not priests alone who can or should offer blessings. It behoves all of us to bless each other, including ourselves, and also the Most High, who obviously comes first. When we do that we’re wishing good things on the recipients. It’s also crucial that blessings be spoken, even quietly. There’s something about the spoken word that invokes power. Remember, our God spoke the world and all therein into existence. He simply said, ‘Let there be light’ and light came instantly. Even if the person you want to bless is far away, it’s still a good idea to speak it out. Just tell the Lord who its for, He’ll find them and deliver the blessings (smile). It’s important that we think and speak good, positive thoughts about ourselves and others, because positive thoughts and words draw other positives to them, while the negative stuff,  like curses, impact negatively. A factor the Lord built into the universe, for us to utilize in all facets of our lives. So Friends, let’s try and start each day on a positive note nuh. Give Thanks and Praise to the Most High for causing us to see another day. Bless Him for being such a wonderful Father, then ask Him to bless us in our daily walk, and also guide us to the person(s) He wants us to bless during our walk. We can’t bless and curse at the same time. So let’s give up the latter and concentrate on speaking blessings instead. We’ll see such significant changes in everybody’s outlook. Much LOVE!…remember…a blessing’s not a blessing…until it’s spoken… so…may the Lord bless us and keep us safe…till we meet again…Amen!

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 February 2008 Psalm 116:1-3‏

Psalm 116:1-3    I LOVE the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.
 
Yes Friends, that’s Bruh David showing his attitude of gratitude, something we should all remember and follow. It was not the only reason he loved the Lord, but the Most High had been so responsive to his requests, that he would have been real foolish to think otherwise or seek help elsewhere. Bruh David knew on which side his bread was buttered. Friends, do we? It’s very easy to ask or pray for things, and having gotten them, forget the source of our good fortune. Bruh David did not. Regardless of what wrong he did, at his lowest low, or highest high, he never forgot whose strong hand guarded and guided him. ‘I LOVE the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications,’ he unashamedly declared. Oh People, are we as strong and unashamed in our praise? In olden times, our forefathers began their supplications by reminding God of His past mercy. That served a two fold purpose; to thank Him for earlier favours and also encourage themselves, that He would help them again. All of us have things to be thankful for. Many times the Most High has lovingly pulled us up out of the mire. Do we remember them? Do we thank Him with a sincere heart? Do we shout it out loud? Do we genuinely acknowledge His mercy and loving kindness? Friends, if our Heavenly Father has been good to us, then those are the things we ought to do. We’ve got to let others see and know that He’s working valiantly in our lives. That’s the best testimony we can give. Communicating His positive activity in our lives will lead others to believe that He can also do it for them. Please Friends, let’s not hide our light under a bushel, but let it shine before men, as Jesus asked, so when they see what’s happening in our lives, they’ll glorify our Heavenly Father. The Gospel is not a stagnant exercise about inanimate objects. It’s about real human lives: how to live it; how to handle it’s joys and sorrows, it’s pleasures and pain. It’s about helping us lead better, more enlightened lives, therefore it must be proactive, energetic, constantly moving and evolving. It’s got to be passionate and exciting to stand any chance of this or any other generation accepting it and running with its torch blazing into the future. So Friends, let’s try and up the ante nuh! Let’s increase our passion and excitement for the Word, so when others hear and see us in action, they’ll know that we’re very serious about our beliefs and our Faith. Like Bruh David, let’s shout out loud and proud, ‘Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live.’ Much LOVE!…remember…the best way to share the gospel…use our individual lives as examples…
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 February 2008 Isaiah 25:8-9‏

Isaiah 25:8-9    He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he shall save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.
 
All Praise and Thanks to the Most High God! ‘He will swallow up death in victory!’ That’s Isaiah’s far reaching prophecy, made long before Jesus interceded on our behalf. And he claims, ‘the Lord hath spoken it.’  Isaiah also knew enough about our God’s extraordinary mercy and loving kindness to realize that He would not allow us to suffer in sin for ever, even though we deserve to. No parent likes to see their children suffer, regardless of the circumstances, including our Heavenly Father, whose heart is bigger than we can ever know or imagine. He was obviously planning our redemption and salvation from that fateful day in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve broke His heart with the first act of disobedience, having listened to the wily enemy. Sadly, we’re still doing it today. But our God, who has a different time frame to us, is never in a hurry. He also sets His plans in motion when it suits Him, not us. Plans that are usually rather complicated; a good example being the fact that since our fall from grace, He’s been sending prophets to warn us about our the price to pay for our disobedience. But do you think we’ve listened. No sir! Except when He’s chosen to allow some sort of punishment to befall us. Only until things get better, then we revert to our evil ways. But He’s such a wonderful God, His heart and His LOVE for us is so strong, that He could not bring Himself to leave us wallowing in sin for ever.  He overruled His head and instead worked from His heart. That’s why Isaiah could say with such certainty, ‘and the Lord will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off all the earth.’ Oh Friends, how much more can we ask eh? He even sent His only Son, Jesus to die for us. Don’t you think it’s time we showed some gratitude by being more obedient to His will? LOVE Him and our neighbours. That’s all He asks. It’s not that hard. He’s even provided help; the Holy Spirit. So let’s up our obedience quotient nuh, so we won’t be perjuring our souls when ‘it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He shall save us: this is the Lord, we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.’ Much LOVE!…remember…salvation is free…but you’ve got to accept it…the sooner the better…
 

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