SCRIP-BITS

Luke 15:2.    And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Luke 15:2.    And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Luke 15:2.    And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

Luke 9:50.    And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
 
Oh Friends, the weekend is upon us once again, and I can hear the joy and frivolity in our voices as we enthuse and exclaim: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ That means it’s time for our Friday chant. So let’s chant, loud and clear. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And having chanted that prayer, our spirits should be revitalized and able to help us to keep on soaring like the eagles we are in Jesus. Turning to our Bit, which is one of those events that’s not recorded in the gospels of Matthew or John, but are found in Luke and Mark. It stems from a statement by John: ‘Master, we saw one casting out devils (demons) in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.’ (Luke 9:49-50) Ah mih people, Jesus was fond of these little sayings and knew their benefits. Someone casting out demons had to be working with the Holy Spirit, for as He said when talking about a house divided being unable to stand: ‘And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.’ (Matt.12:26-28) So technically speaking, if you’re not obviously rooting for the enemy, then you’re on safe ground. Likewise, He said a little later on in Matthew: ‘He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.’ (Matt.12:30) Contrary to some opinions, the scholars point out that those two verses don’t contradict each other, because they address different situations. In the context of Matthew 12:30, where it boils down to a critical point of accepting or rejecting Jesus, not being for Him amounts to opposing Him, as Jesus declares in John: ‘He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’ (John 3:18) However, if we’re referring to someone trying to work in Christ’s name, but perhaps with limited knowledge of Him, there’s no need to put out or quench that latent fire. And a good example of that is the early days of Apollos’ ministry: ‘This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently (accurately) the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.’ (Acts 18:25) His knowledge was limited to John’s teaching, but instead of shutting him up, Aquila and Priscilla realized his potential and took him under their wing ‘and expounded (explained) unto him the way of God more perfectly (accurately).’ (Acts.18:26) And we know afterwards Apollos went on to do great work in Christ’s Name. So hopefully there’ll be no more controversy over those two passages. And we’ll end with a perusal of Mark’s version of the incident because he gives it much more airtime than Luke. John’s statement is the same: ‘But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly (soon afterward) speak evil of me. for he that is not against us is on our part (side). For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.’ (Mark 9:39:41) Therefore Friends, before we criticize or legitimize situations like those we looked at today, we must first check out the underlying circumstances very carefully, for depending on their context, they could fall into either category, and we certainly don’t want to make poor choices by legitimizing the wrong one, and criticizing the right one. If you know what I mean? (smile) Let’s think on those things today Friends, see if we know of any persons who could fit into either category. And if by chance we do know anyone, consider also if there’s anything we can do to help them. This will surely assist in our understanding of the Lord’s Word. Till we meet again tomorrow, our God in favour, please walk in peace and safety with Him. Much LOVE!…shortcomings are only a problem…if we don’t believe in Christ…and are also rooting against Him…  P.S. As the song on the radio is saying, remember to: ‘Start your day with LOVE, for God is LOVE. And LOVE is stronger than war. LOVE will destroy every foe. LOVE will make your good times last. LOVE will heal our past. So give LOVE today…and everyday… Give LOVE today…and everyday…
 

Matthew 19:17.    And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
 
Ah Friends, here is the Bit I planned to write yesterday, that is before I was strong-armed, railroaded by the Holy Spirit. (smile) But that’s an occupational hazard when you’re working closely with Him. Anyway, let’s begin with a priceless quote from Benjamin Franklin. ‘Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let each new year find you a better man.’ Definitely good words to live by Friends! Just like those of our Saviour when the rich, young man came asking him: ‘Good Master (teacher) what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ (Matt.19:16) And I like how Jesus stopped him in his tracks by saying: ‘Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God:’ And that’s the living truth my people! Only our God is really good through and through. Several of His prophets said it, amongst them Jeremiah, when prophesying on Judah’s revitalization: ‘Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: ‘ (Jer.33:11) The prophet Nahum also declared the Lord’s goodness. ‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.’ (Nah.1:7) The important thing to note here Friends is Jesus’ humility. Although He was a part of the triune Godhead, He made no account of Himself here on earth, but shunted all the glory, goodness and praise to the Father, as a faithful and righteous Son is wont to do. And that’s the kind of attitude we believers ought to have in our dealings with others; one of humility, of not making too much of ourselves. Although we may be better off, say in terms of education, economic wealth and political power, we must not let those earthly concerns colour our work for Jesus, since whatever advantages we do have are blessings from the Lord to enable us to do His work. We have obviously invested time, effort and materials, but it’s God who truly gave the increase. In these modern times though, it’s a sad fact that humility is a forgotten word and tendency. The in-thing is to beat one’s chest, blow our horn and egotistically declare: ‘Look at me! Look where I’ve come from; from extreme poverty to immense wealth, power and fame!’ Now it’s all well and good to feel proud of our achievements, but certainly not to the extent that you lord it over others, for you’ve got to remember that if the Father had not blessed your endeavours, you’d be a have-not just like those you despise and look down on. So, first having shown His humility, Jesus then answers the man’s question: ‘what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?’ This implies that he possibly thought some good deed would bring him that benefit, which we now know is impossible. And Jesus answers him: ‘but if thou wilt (want to) enter into life, keep the commandments.’ The fellow asks which ones, and Jesus tells him about not committing, murder, adultery, stealing and lying, while honouring his parents and LOVING his neighbour as himself. To which he replied: ‘All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt (want to) be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.’ (Matt.19:20-22) Oh Friends, have you ever noticed that though Jesus’ answers are always kindly, they often have a stinging whiplash too? Jesus did not really want the young man to go and sell his possessions and give the money away, He was just pointing out that keeping the outward duties of the commandments is not enough. His great desire to hold on to his immense wealth showed his selfishness, he cared much more about himself than his neighbours, and also cared far more about his possessions than he did God. And so it often is with us when the Lord instructs us to give up certain things, but we walk away with a sorrowful heart because those things are more important to us than the Father’s will. We ought to know by now that the Lord never asks us to do anything that’s not for our eventual benefit. However Friends, please note, per the scholars, that that bit of scripture is there just to show the seriousness of true discipleship, and certainly doesn’t mean that the average man must sell his earthly possessions to be considered a true Christian. We have to realize my brethren that following Christ consists of not only an outward obedience, but also an inner, spiritual undertaking, and neglect of either aspect is disobedience. So please, let’s avail ourselves of some quiet time and ponder whether we are doing both, as we ought to. That’s today’s assignment. Much LOVE!…our bodies are the temple of God…and they contain His Holy Spirit…so both are important to Him…

Matthew 19:17,    And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life; keep the commandments.
 
Oh Friends, another day has dawned in this long, cold winter weather that’s trying to kill both my body and my spirit! But I have a zeppo, a message for it from Almighty God that it will kill neither, because the Lord’s working on my behalf both physically and spiritually. He’s faithfully promised that whenever I am weak or stumbling He will strengthen and uphold me with His righteous right hand. And the awesome thing about that promise is that it’s not meant only for me, but for everyone who believes and puts their trust in His Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Wow! What a mighty promise! And all God’s people rose up in joyful gratitude and with one accord loudly declared: ‘Blessed is the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Worthy is His glorious name to be praised!’ Yes, it certainly is. So Friends, whatever is bothering you today, threatening to do you harm, to steal your joy, peace and faith in God, please don’t let it. Put up a STOP sign, a roadblock with the faithful promises of your God, the ONE and ONLY TRUE Deity that exists. He created the universe and all therein and still controls everything that happens in it. So though some of His actions seem counterproductive and even unfair, we won’t be overly concerned because we know He’s operating on a much higher level than our puny human minds can ever imagine or comprehend. He also says in His Word that everything He does will eventually work out for good to those who LOVE and obey Him. And though our lives may be turned topsy-turvy at times, of this one thing we’re very sure and confident; He LOVES us, and that LOVE comes with no strings attached either. Why are we so sure of this fact? Because He sent His only Son Jesus, to die as a sacrifice for us, on an old wooden cross, on a crusty hill overlooking an inhospitable gully. Yes my brethren, the Lord’s Son, Jesus, for our sake, died one of the most despicable, horrible, humiliating and painful deaths possible. Now why would an omnipotent Deity do such an outlandish thing for unworthy, sinful, idolatrous, disobedient, blasphemous souls like us eh, unless he possessed a real great affection for the children of men? And why shouldn’t He feel affection for us since He was the one who made us in the first place? It’s just like we experience with our earthly children, whom we raise as best we can, but some turn out to be real bad seeds and drift off into a totally disgusting lifestyle. Their behaviour obviously saddens us and breaks our hearts, like our disobedience does to God, but if they do change their lifestyle and come back home to us, most of the time we embrace them with open arms, because they are still our children and deep down we still LOVE them.  Oh mih people, it’s the same thing with our God, except for one major, one critical difference; He welcomes back each and every repentant ALL the time. He never stops LOVING us or turns us away, the way we do some of our really good for nothing children. And that’s why He’s such a great God and Father. He is personified by the most amazing and powerful emotion in existence; LOVE. That’s why we say God is LOVE, and LOVE is of God, and that LOVE makes the world go round! Unfortunately though, a major proportion of our society don’t see it that way, and that ungodly reaction ends up causing the many problems that disrupt, destroy, demean and dehumanize our wonderful world. But there are two important thing for believers to remember; first that God is in control – always was, and always will be, and while there’s life, there’s always hope. Jesus died to give us salvation and eternal life and also that we might enjoy this earthly life more abundantly. So why aren’t we doing that eh? Too many of us are living scared, confused, fearful, miserable lives, which simply negates Jesus’ efforts. Please remember that life is a journey, not a destination. We already know that our destination, heaven, will be great, but our heavenly Father also wants us to enjoy the earthly trip to His heavenly home. If we don’t, then we’re not true believers and not showing the LOVE, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, etc. that our Saviour Jesus showed, and said we should show. He expects His followers to live up to a high standard of excellence in all their doings. Oh Friends, we all know that it’s not easy to live up to Jesus’ expectations in this cruel, evil, corrupt and destructive world, but it’s certainly possible if we trust, have faith, believe and surrender our lives to Infinitely Everything. He’s shown us again and again that doing so brings unimaginable benefits, and though interspersed with the rough times, those benefits make the rough times seem like child’s play. And I guess you all are wondering what this Bit is all about eh? Well I wondered too after I wrote the first few lines and then it just took on a life of its own. Obviously I chuckled along the way, but my guess is that the Spirit wanted us to have a general overview of our faith and life’s goals under Jesus’ direction, highlighting the significant aspects that empower, exhort and educate believers, enabling them to stand strong and steadfast, just like the Rock upon which our faith is built; Jesus. Oh Friends, I certainly hope I’ve done that, and these words will help to increase our strength, courage, faith and trust in the One True God of our universe. And for those who think I’ve written nonsense, please remember that the wise man is the one who can pick sense from nonsense. (smile) Just couldn’t resist the temptation to include that. Anyway mih people, we’ll continue this Bit tomorrow, our God in favour. Till then, please walk safely ensconced in the sure embrace of His ever-LOVING arms. Much LOVE!…there is none good but one…that is God…
 

Ephesians 4:28.    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
 
Oh Friends, my area is a virtual blanket of white! Unsullied by humans, the snow looks beautiful. But like many other beautiful things, its appearance is very deceptive; it’s cold as hell! (smile) Obviously that sounds like a contradiction of terms, but for some unknown reason, many of us use that analogy. I guess we mean that it’s an exceedingly abnormal temperature, like that associated with Lucifer’s lair. But be it known to all and sundry, whatever term you choose to use, my neck of the woods is brrrr… beastly cold! And for all you fortunate ones in the warm, sunny climes, please pay particular attention to the fact that in these northern parts, neither rain, sleet, cold nor snow is an excuse for not going to work. One is expected to go out and labour despite the severity of the elements. It’s certainly not like in the sunny southlands, where as soon as the clouds darken, or a little drizzle begins, we claim it’s raining and can’t go to work. Hn! Up here, you’d lose that job. But that just shows the different attitudes to work that are prevalent in different countries. So all you folks from down south who desire so badly to come or go ‘a foreign,’ please note that the southern attitude to work, won’t cut it in the north countries. But a healthy work attitude is one of the main reasons why some countries are prosperous, while others are not. And it’s not even a matter of working extra or real hard, but more about working consistently and efficiently. Unfortunately though, in these modern times, even in these northern climes, the work ethic needed to attain and retain prosperity is being eroded, it’s dying a slow and painful death. That’s why so many supposed first world countries are in decline, while some supposed third world countries are prospering. I guess it’s just the nature of the human animal, which seems cyclical: first work hard and become prosperous, then relax, get idle and lazy, wrongly thinking that your wealth is self reproducing and thus everlasting, then finding out it’s not, and consequently sinking right back down into the mire of poverty. Now let’s check out our Bit: ‘Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.’ Oh Friends, our Bit indicates that work serves at least a threefold purpose in our lives. It stops us from doing wrong, puts our time to good use in a legal, moral and godly activity, while also enabling us to have enough earthly substance so that we can share with the less fortunate. And my people, what a wonderful experience it is, having enough to share with others! It is the basic element of our Christian faith; helping others through giving and sharing. That’s what Jesus was all about when He sojourned on earth! And Bruh Paul certainly put it in the right perspective the last time he addressed the Ephesian elders in person. ‘And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto (provided for) my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than receive.’ (Acts 20:32-35) John the Baptist also preached the great value of sharing when he thundered forth out of the wilderness, scourging the people with his strong words on repentance and righteousness, warning them ‘to bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance… And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. And the people asked him saying, what shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats (tunics), let him impart (give) to him that hath none; and he that hath meat (food), let him do likewise. Then came also publicans (tax collectors) to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact (collect) no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man (intimidate or shake down for money), neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.’ (Luke 3:8-14) Yes my people, to build a true Christian society, one worthy of Jesus’ name, certain elements must proliferate in it, namely; a strong work ethic, basic honesty, a genuine desire to share with the less fortunate and general contentment with one’s life, all encompassed by a true LOVE for God and sincere obedience to His Word. That’s the only prescription for a sustained successful society my brethren! And we all know that our society these days is definitely not a reflection of those principles. So, since we believe that a godly society is what we need, and what we will have, then let’s go out, each of us, and in our own small, individual way, try and implement some of the changes we so badly need nuh. Remember Jesus’ parting words to His disciples, of which we are the current crop: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.’ (Matt.28:19-20) Yes Friends, let’s get up off our too fat fannies and busy ourselves with Jesus’ work as we ought to, for no godly changes will be made in this evil and cruel world unless we believers cause them. Much LOVE!…Jesus left His earthly work in our hands…what would His current evaluation be of our progress…most likely…not good enough…