SCRIP-BITS

Oh my beautiful Friends in Christ, it’s Monday; time for the Monday Morning Battle Hymn! ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to. They might be jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but they serve a useful purpose on this our earthly journey; keeping lives, limbs and families together in fairly comfortable circumstances. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, where we’ll be constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know that the evil enemy cannot harm us once we’re protected by your powerful, protective aura. We humbly ask that you let your Holy Spirit guide and protect us all as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom here on earth. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen!’ Oh Friends, that passage right there answers Job’s questions! ‘What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? And what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?’ If we don’t, we possibly won’t even have the little we do have, since He’s the Provider of all things, and deep down Job knew that. However, it’s understandable that his faith was badly shaken by the very magnitude and suddenness of his calamities. When one is in severe pain, especially suffering trials for no apparent reason, or fault of your own, it’s extremely difficult to keep one’s faith alive and kicking. But that’s exactly what we need to do my people. It’s in those rough times when our faith is being tested that we need to come up exceedingly strong. You really couldn’t fault Job for thinking the way he did, but the important thing is that his faith did not completely disappear, neither did he curse God, just questioned the rightness and justice of the whole situation. Today, many of us tend to do the same thing when we see the wicked prospering and we, the righteous suffering. But let’s not lose faith my brethren; remember the wicked only prosper for a time, and only on this vanishing earth. As believers, we have to look to the life after this one, that’s the important one, where Jesus is preparing a stately home for us. It’s definitely not easy to suffer the pangs of misfortune, then immediately turn around and say: ‘Thank you Lord!’ though it’s the attitude we need to adopt. Note too Friends, that Job wasn’t the only one to question the Lord’s omnipotence and justice. Long before that Pharaoh asked: ‘Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go?’  (Ex.5:2) But after several deathly plagues befell his prosperous land of Egypt, he certainly became aware of the Lord’s identity and power and let His people go. Job’s friend, Eliphaz, accuses him of terrible sin, asking: ‘Hast thou marked (will you keep to) the old way which wicked men have trodden? Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown (washed away) with a flood: Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for (to) them? Yet he filled their houses with good things: but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.’ (Job 22:15-18) Ah mih people, our world is so confusing, and our supposed friends so fickle, that it takes a strong faith and heart to overcome the injustices we face. Job is the perfect example of that. Instead of empathizing with him in his most sorrowful time, his friends accuse him of being extremely wicked and sinful. We heard Eliphaz, now listen to Elihu. ‘What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning (derision) like water? Which goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, and walketh with wicked men. For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.’ (Job 34:7-9) Job must have been deeply hurt by the venomous accusations of his friends when he knew that he’d done nothing to justify his sudden misfortune. Most likely he’d expected their comfort and reassurance rather than the harsh berating of being evil and sinful. And his questioning God’s purpose and right to be worshipped only fuelled the fire of their righteous indignation. But my brethren, unlike Job’s fickle friends, as true believers, we must learn not to pass judgement too quickly; neither on those who suffer serious misfortune or on those who achieve overwhelming fortune, for things are never simply what they seem to be on the surface. We know that our Lord’s plans are higher, wiser and more complex than we can ever understand, so when seeming irregularities pop up, let’s think carefully before judging the recipients. But like Job too, when we’re falsely accused of serious stuff, we have to refute the accusations as best we can, but also stand strong in faith and let the Lord fight the battle for us, because He knows men’s ways. As Job confidently stated: ‘But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.’ (Job 23:10) Yes Friends, the Lord knows all our doings, and if we’re honest and sincere with Him, He’ll certainly fight our battles for us. So let’s not be foolish and doubt or disrespect Him, for He can make or break us in the twinkling of an eyelash. He is our Creator, our strong Provider and sure Help in times of trouble, and deserves our undying praise, thanks, worship and adoration. Let no one make us ever doubt that. Much LOVE!…to bite the hand that feeds and nurtures you…is totally foolish…

Ah mih Friends, the ole fella’s searching his fuzzy brain for a suitable intro, but unfortunately nothing’s coming forth. Steups!  So we’ll simply forego the fancy intro and just jump right into the deep end. (smile) And I have to laugh, because as I wrote that last line, a memory, some fifty odd years old, suddenly flooded my aging cranium. It’s the memory of how I learned to swim. While pretty young, possibly seven or eight, living out Bacolet Street in Scarborough, on God’s Little Acre of Tobago, there was this small, rocky inlet appropriately called ‘Creek’ where we would bathe. Now there was a big rock a little ways out, don’t remember the name, but it was a popular jumping off point for those who could swim. Well at that stage I couldn’t swim, but would always envy some of my older friends who could, and would dive off the rock while I splashed in the shallows. I don’t know what got into me that day, guess I was always a tad adventurous, but I decided I was going to jump off the rock too. So I walked along the rock formation out to it and jumped off. Next thing yuh know, I’m floundering in the deep water, trying to stay afloat. But through dogged determination and an unshakeable will, that said I was not going under for keeps, I eventually made it back to shore. Thereafter, I was a swimmer! Oh Friends, I just realized that was one of the first of many times that the Good Lord bailed me out of a very crucial situation. I couldn’t swim, but under His ever watchful eye, kept battling until I was safe. Praise the Lord mih people! Else you wouldn’t be reading these words now. He obviously knew His plans for me some fifty years hence. Isn’t He a most marvellous God! And He certainly moves in mysterious ways. Here I am, almost a lifespan later, trying to find a suitable intro, and suddenly remember that memorable event, which I can now recognize as His saving grace, and which ties in nicely with what I want to say. And the first matter on the agenda is to share this most appropriate quote of James J. Corbett, where he wisely advises us to: ‘Fight one more round. When your feet are so tired you have to shuffle back to the center of the ring, fight one more round.’ He’s using the boxing ring as an analogy here for life. But isn’t that the living truth my people! Even though we dog tired, we got to keep on fighting; one round at a time, one day at a time. That’s especially true if you’re a believer and want to live right, then you just can’t give up. I guess that day back in the Creek, I must have figured that our subconsciously, because I just wasn’t prepared to go under. And that’s exactly what Cousin Sol is trying to tell us in our Bit: ‘For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.’ Yes my brethren, the righteous always rises again, regardless of how many times they fall. Why is that? Two reasons: because as a believer they have the ‘don’t give up mentality’ indelibly imprinted on their souls, and most importantly, the hand of the Holy Spirit of the Lord God Almighty is always there to help them up each time they stumble and fall. And all God’s people chorused: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Nobody knew this better than Bruh David, and Psalm 34, the Lord hears the righteous, is a treasure trove of scripture to back that up, For example: ‘I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened (radiant): and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.’ (Ps.34:4-6) And if that doesn’t satisfy you, then try this: ‘The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.’ (Ps.34:17-20) Oh Friends, to keep the righteous strong and secure is one of God’s most venerable promises. And you know that we can depend completely on Him, for He is faithful that promised. And Micah put the whole thing in its proper perspective when speaking of God’s concern for His people: ‘Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.’ (Mic.7:8) Wow mih breddren! What a tower of strength is our God, that Micah could be so confident in Him! However Friends, the lot of the evil doer is not as fortunate, since Cousin Sol solemnly declares: ‘but the wicked shall fall into mischief.’ For certain sure people, the wicked shall stumble and fall into all sorts of calamity, with death, destruction and damnation being their eventual end. In Psalm 34, Bruh David also expresses the sorry fate of the wicked. ‘The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off (destroy) the remembrance of them from the earth…Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate (condemned or held guilty).’ (Ps.34:16, 21) Oh my people, the destruction of the wicked is recorded so much throughout the Good Book, that it’s indeed a rather foolish person who will align himself with iniquity workers having heard so much about their eventual demise. Time and space won’t allow me to go through many of them, but this one example should suffice. It happens in Babylon, when Haman, the king’s wicked right hand man plots to destroy the Jews, but Esther the queen and her uncle Mordecai thwart his evil intent. When the king finds out, he’s quite angry, but what follows is too convenient, and is surely the Lord’s doing. The Good Book recounts it this way: ‘And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains (eunuchs), said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified (subsided).’ (Esth.7:9-10) Nuff said mih people! So let’s walk in righteousness that we can get back up every time we stumble and fall nuh. It’s the Lord’s faithful promise to those who walk obedient to Him. Much LOVE!…when things not right…hold on tight…doh leggo…doh leggo…

Oh Friends, it’s a new day, we haven’t seen our photos or read our names in the obits, which means we’re alive. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that all’s right in our world, for some of us might be shaking it fairly rough in these tremulous, uncertain times. However, I want us all to remember these most encouraging words: ‘This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:21-23) And all God’s people said a grateful: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Now isn’t that an excellent way to segue into our continuing Bit? It sure is! Strong words from Jeremiah; a man who suffered imprisonment and many other indignities in spreading God’s Word. But God had made such a strong, indelible impression on him, that even in lamenting his situation, he remembers the faithfulness of our God, His compassions and mercies, and refuses to give up. ‘The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.’ (Lam.3:24) Yes Friends, regardless of what problems we’re currently facing, we all need to acquire and hold on to that positive feeling Jeremiah had. And please notice where that strong surge of faith and trust came from: ‘The Lord is my portion, saith my soul.’ It wasn’t his mind telling him that, but his soul; the very heart of his being, that little corner of us all that God reserves for Himself. It can only be filled by God, and if it isn’t, then we feel miserable and empty, despite all our worldly power and possessions. And in Bruh Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he reminds them of what he said in the first. ‘But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you and keep you from evil (the evil one).’ (2 Thess.3:3) Oh Friends, that’s something we need to be continually reminded of, because life is so complex and confusing with the wily enemy always on the prowl, that if our souls are not completely focused on God, then we’ll be an easy target for him. Meanwhile, the author of Hebrews wisely advises us: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised.)’ (Heb.10:23) And in the next chapter, the one on God’s many faithful servants, he reminds us: ‘Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of (bore) a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who hath promised.’ (Heb.11:11) I know it’s not always easy to keep up that constant trust mih breddren, especially when many things in our lives are going wrong, but it’s essential that we do, for at least with that faith we have hope, but if we lose the faith, then the hope dies, and everything crashes. Bruh David in Psalm 40, a Praise for answered prayer, said it thus: ‘I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy LOVING-kindness and thy truth from the great congregation.’ (Ps.40:10) And Ethan the Ezrahite, in Psalm 89, God’s sure promises to David, had this to say: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.’ (Ps.89:1) Now listen to Peter, the rock on which Christ built His Church. And if anybody knows about this topic, he should. ‘Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.’ (1 Pet.4:19) Oh Friends, the Christian life is certainly a hard road we’ve chosen to travel, but remember that all worthy things are not easily gained, and involve some amount of struggle. And the excellent thing about being a servant of the Most High God Jehovah, is not only, ‘Faithful is he that calleth you,’ but ‘who also will do it.’ Yes mih kinfolk, our God not only calls us to do His will, but also enables us to do it. Bruh Paul explained this to the Philippians: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil.1:6) Oh yes people, our God will certainly enable us perform all endeavours in His Name till Christ returns! And as Jesus told the group in Capernaum who asked Him: ‘What shall we do that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.’ (John 6:28-29) Yes my brethren, God’s work is for us to believe in His Son Jesus, whom He sent to die for us, so that He could reclaim our sinful souls. Let’s acknowledge Him in word and deed as our Lord and Saviour nuh, and go out and tell it to the entire world, as he asked us to do. That’s the Christian thing to do! (smile) And in closing Friends, it’s very important we realize that we’re not dealing with a wishy-washy, unreliable deity, but a strong, reliable, upstanding, righteous, and just God; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And if you don’t believe me, listen to what Jesus told Peter as they passed by the withered fig tree that Jesus had cursed, and Peter drew His attention to it: ‘Have faith in God.’ (Mark 11:22) Yes my people, four simple words from our Master that say a whole lot. Please take them to heart and walk in peace, LOVE and blessings, till we meet again tomorrow, God willing. Much LOVE!…faithful…faithful…faithful…forever faithful is our God…

Oh Friends, it’s Monday morning, so let’s raise our voices loud and clear in song, let’s joyfully proclaim our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to the world: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to. Jobs that we might not like; jobs that might be unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but they serve a useful purpose on this our earthly journey; keeping lives, limbs and families together in fairly comfortable circumstances. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, where we’ll be constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, lies and wiles. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know that the evil enemy can do us no harm once we’re surrounded by your powerful, protective aura. We humbly ask that you give your Holy Spirit charge over and guidance to each and every one of your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom here on planet earth! All this we pray in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And an Amen of mighty proportions rocked the earth and heavens! Yes my people, that’s why our Creator gave us such a powerful mental machine consisting of mind and imagination; so that we can dream in a big, creative manner. And I’ve no doubt that if we all keep thinking along the lines of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, while doing our best to put them into practice, one day that dream of a mighty host of believers singing it will eventually come true. Such is the stuff that dreams are made of and made for. Oh my brethren, isn’t it wonderful to be alive, and serving such a LOVING, merciful, gracious, forgiving, kind hearted, omnipotent, omniscient God? Wow! It sure is! That’s why we needed a Bit today to inspire us, to build our hopes, faith and expectations. And none does that better than: ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.’ Oh my Friends, for all the heartaches and troubles we faithfully suffer today, when that new tomorrow comes, what rejoicing and gladness there’ll be! Listen to how the great prophet Isaiah declared it in talking of Israel’s restoration to Zion. ‘And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.’ (Is.35:10) What an awesome promise my people! And Isaiah felt so strongly about it, that he repeated it in Chapter 51:11, when he held forth on the faithful being called to courage. Yes Friends, it’s that sort of unabated joy and gladness we have to look forward to as we journey out into the evil, ungodly world and give it our best and most faithful shot in Jesus’ name. And just in case you didn’t like Isaiah’s promise there, then hear this one: ‘For your shame ye shall have double (double honour); and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.’ (Is.61:7) Oh mih breddren, if that doesn’t move and motivate you to live a good, godly, faithful earthly life, then I don’t know what will! (smile) Perhaps the words of that other great prophet, Jeremiah, will do the trick. ‘They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first born.’ (Jer.31:9) Yes people, the Lord is indeed a kind, gracious and merciful Father to all His repentant children. What more can we ask for eh? We sow in tears, but reap in joy! And all God’s people shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Worthy is the Lamb to be praised, who gave His innocent life on the cross, so that our sins could be washed away, and our souls made white as snow!’ And the psalmist further declared: ‘He that goeth forth (to and fro) and weepeth, bearing precious seed (a bag of seed for sowing), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing (shouts of joy), bringing his sheaves with him.’ (Ps.126:6) Now my people, it’s certainly good to have all those strong promises of scripture in our souls, but like everything else, they won’t come true unless we keep our part of the bargain, the covenant with the Lord, meaning to walk our talk. Therefore listen to Bruh Paul’s very wise and timely advice. ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:9-10) That’s right Friends, it’s the responsibility of all those who believe in Christ to stand strong, exhibit much intestinal fortitude, sowing seeds of victory while waiting expectantly in faith for the day of the glorious harvest. So let’s all go out today and stand strong, fight hard for Jesus’ kingdom nuh! The rewards are awesome! Much LOVE!…he who sows in faith…shall reap in victory…bringing in the sheaves…bringing in the sheaves…we shall come rejoicing…bringing in the sheaves…

Oh Friends, I don’t have a Bit as yet because nothing so far has seriously spoken to me. However, I do have a quote to share, so we’ll do that and see where it leads. We’re positive though that spiritual guidance will eventually be forthcoming. Anyway, the quote comes from Renier Giustina Michiel, and it says: ‘The world improves people according to the disposition they bring into it.’ Now that’s an awesome truth my people! For when we come to the world with a sour, negative resentful attitude, that’s how we view everything around us. But if we  bring a positive, pleasant, all things are possible demeanour, then we’ll view life in that positive light, which will make us better persons and also cause us to enjoy and appreciate life more. Of course there are the two extremes: people who are always so sour and miserable, if you threw them in a vat of water you’ll immediately have lemonade, very sour too, (smile) or they’re like a sour tamarind that will edge your teeth after two bites. On the other hand, there are those of us just two sweet and treacly for words. Hn! They’re always smiley, smiley. Nothing appears to faze them. Now those are a tad too syrupy, making you feel to barf, and also tend to turn you off after a while. The whole point Friends is to achieve a reasonable balance between our sweet and sour selves, somewhat like the sweet and sour foods we cook, but with the sweetness part having the upper hand. Sadly though my brethren, for whatever reason, it certainly seems that nowadays there are more sour, miserable, resentful folk in our world, than the positive, pleasant ones. Just walk down any Main Street and try to strike up a conversation with a stranger, even if it’s only to ask for directions, and see the negative reaction you’ll get from many of them. They’re either afraid, too busy, or simply too selfishly wrapped up in their own problems to help someone else. Have you noticed too, that these days people are afraid to make eye contact, especially with strangers? Everybody holds their head straight up, eyes facing forward, to discourage any eyes making four. What does that say about our society eh? It certainly doesn’t show us in a good light. Remember the days when it wasn’t a crime to talk to a stranger. But now, that’s the first thing we drill into our children’s heads: ‘Don’t talk to strangers!’ Granted that’s become quite dangerous, but Friends, why do we always have to swing from one end of the pendulum to the other? Why can’t we find a happy balance that truly enhances our quality of life, rather than living  at the extremes?  Our lives need equilibrium to bring out the true joy and wonder of it all, and jumping from pillar to post and back again will only produce a mad-hatter’s parade. Look at Jesus’ life when He sojourned on earth. He was a part of everything, hung out with everybody; good and bad, rich and poor. He didn’t show no setta resentment or dislike, although I’m sure there were some He wasn’t overly fond of. That’s the way we need to be my people; careful in our liaisons, but nonetheless active, friendly and participating in as many walks of life as possible. That’s the Christian way. A perfect example of this happened to me last night. I felt a craving for a roti, so I stopped in at a West Indian restaurant that I’d never patronized before. It seemed pleasant enough; about a dozen people were eating and drinking. The only negative aspect was the music, though sweet Caribbean riddims, it was way too loud. To avoid that, I went to the right side of the bar, but even then I still had problems communicating my order. While waiting, I sat at the bar watching a replay of the 2007 World Cup of Cricket match between England and Pakistan. That was fine by me since I don’t get a chance to watch much cricket up here. Sitting to my right were two gentlemen, both obviously into their cups, who seemed to be strangers to each other, but within a couple minutes of my sitting down, they both engaged me in conversation, even offering to buy me a drink, which I politely declined. The point being, that neither of them knew me from Adam, but something in them, or me, brought out this desire to converse. Now I could have behaved sour and foolish and refused to talk to them because both were obviously somewhat inebriated – one kept flashing me the two fingered peace sign – or behaved in a pleasant manner and chat politely with them, like I did. My children complain that I talk to everybody I meet, but I can’t help it children, that’s just the way the good Lord made me. (smile)  Some other hoighty toighty fool, a believer nonetheless, might have looked askance at the two drunk men and considered them unworthy of their time or words. But what would that have proven eh? Nothing but showing the believer to be a hypocrite! It might even have caused the two men to become rowdy, thereby causing an unnecessary disturbance. Instead, I just watched the cricket and talked with them, and they were perfectly satisfied. In their apparent loneliness, all they wanted from me was simple conversation, because it does say that something is lacking in our lives when we go to a bar on a Saturday night and sit and drink alone. When my roti was ready, I paid for it, said bye and left, none the poorer for having a short conversation with two inebriated, seemingly lonely men. Some day any of us could find ourselves in a similar situation. And who knows if one or both of those men might have actually felt better, or less lonely, that a perfect stranger was willing to spend a few minutes talking to them. Friends, the moral of the story is that we don’t who the Lord allows to cross our paths or why, but know one thing, that’s it’s never just a random circumstance. The Lord is either testing us to see our reaction to less than stellar circumstances, or He’s looking for us to offer some kind of help to those people. So please let’s stop behaving like we’re so much better than others just because we’re Christians or enjoy a better standard of living. Our Saviour just wants us to meet, greet and be decent to everybody, regardless of their social status. And sadly that has been a failing on our part. Oh Friends, let’s live up to the ideals and standards Jesus set nuh. That’s the only way we’ll ever accomplish His will. Let’s take our noses out of the supposed rarefied air we breathe, come down to earth and face real life, which is we all breathe the same polluted air, and were all created by the same omnipotent Being. That attitude will do much more to further God’s kingdom here below. Got to go and find a Bit now. Much LOVE!…Jesus…had a smile and a kind word for all…even His enemies… P.S. Found a most appropriate Bit within five minutes! Isn’t the Lord wonderful!

Oh Friends, after reading the newspaper I get all confused and concerned about the numerous negative things, both man made and natural, that are currently happening in our troubled world. But though great my desire to help, there’s very little I can do about most of it. That means I have to lower my concern, or else it might just start causing me personal problems. And for any others overly concerned about stuff we can’t improve, here’s something designed to bring us back down to earth. It’s something we all know, but need to hear occasionally, to get a reality check. It’s the simple, but very wise Serenity Prayer. ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’ And all God’s people said a hearty ‘Amen!’ Yes Friends it’s ever so important to know what to tackle and what to leave alone, especially in these confused times when so many things are calling out for out attention. It’s not easy, but like everything else in life, we need to turn to God for His direction. And Today’s Bit verifies our turning to God, for any and everything, as the right and wise move to make. ‘For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.’ Again, it’s Peter reworking Bruh David’s words. ‘The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off (destroy) the remembrance of them from the earth.’ (Ps.34:15-16) Oh my people, there are so many pieces of scripture that back up those contentions, that I’m in a quandary as to which to use. But I’ll follow the advice I just gave, and ask the Spirit to guide us. And the consensus is to begin with the wisdom of Cousin Sol. ‘The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.’  (Prov.15:29) Then we’ll move right down to the lowest rung of the ladder, where, contrary to popular opinion, wisdom does exist. And we’re talking about the blind man that Jesus healed on the Sabbath day. The Pharisees questioned him in a condescending manner, as to how he was healed, but in the strength and confidence of his new found sight, he put them in their place. ‘Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.’ (John 9:30-31) Ah mih breddren, wisdom isn’t only granted to the rich and mentally astute, but also to the poor and downtrodden. Now listen as Job’s friend, Elihu adds his two cents worth: ‘Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor (justice to the oppressed). He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them forever, and they are exalted.’ (Job 36:5-7) And in Psalm 33, a hymn of praise to the Lord for his creation, the Psalmist boldly declares: ‘Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.’ (Ps.33:18-19) Now hear Isaiah, God’s spokesperson, telling it like it really is: ‘And when ye spread forth your hands (pray), I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood (bloodshed).’ And the prophet Micah backs up Isaiah’s words. ‘Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them: he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill (been evil) in their doings (deeds).’ (Mic.3:4) Yes my beautiful Friends in Christ, the scriptures abound with warnings of the wicked being rejected and overlooked by God, while the righteous have His ear all the time, and He responds favourably to their prayers. There are many more we can quote, but I’m sure we’ve all gotten the general idea by now. However, we’ll close with one piece of scripture that ties it all together perfectly, and it’s a passage that we should all take very seriously to heart. Listen to James’ wonderful advice: ‘Confess your faults (trespasses) one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual (effective) fervent prayer (supplication) of a righteous man availeth much.’ (James 5:16) And isn’t that an awesome truth mih people? It sure is! So let’s ramp up our activity along those lines nuh Friends. Our evil and troubled world is desperately in need of righteousness, prayer and healing, and only we believers can offer that mix of ingredients. So what are we waiting for eh my brethren? Let’s get a move on! Jesus is waiting to hear from us, so that He can open the floodgates of heaven and pour down blessings upon the many unbelievers who take our message to heart, then repent and believe on His name. Remember that’s our bounden duty. Much LOVE!…evil sickens God…turns Him away…righteousness warms His heart…draws Him close…