Psalm 23:4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day on God’s Planet Earth! Glory Hallelujah! Spring also seems to be truly here, as the buds are starting to appear on the trees! Praise the Lord! We’re alive and kicking and enjoying life, walking hand in hand with a most kind, generous, powerful and LOVING God! What’s there not to be happy about eh? Absolutely nothing! Okay, so I’m just excited and possibly exaggerating just a little, only a little now, because if we serve and worship such a magnificent God, then we ought to be fairly happy, if not overwhelmingly delirious. (smile) Anyway, here’s a quote from my ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU’ poster that advises: ‘When fate shuts a door, come through the window.’ Now that’s an interesting proposition, and it does make some sense, but it can also collide with our spiritual thinking that when God closes a door to us, we should look to another one, seek blessings and benefits somewhere else, rather than pursue whatever is behind the closed door. I guess though, with biblical wisdom as our guide, we can consider both things; either climb through the window, or move on to another door, but we must let the Holy Spirit lead us on each individual occasion. However my people, the important thing is that whichever situation we are guided to, our Bit comes into serious play. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Oh Friends, when you consider it, that verse might just be the most comprehensive description of our faith and trust in Almighty God in the whole Bible. It just so says everything about our relationship with our heavenly Father. And whenever we’re between a rock and a hard place, it might possibly be the choicest bit of scripture to steady our faith and make us stand strong. Bruh David must surely have been spiritually enlightened to write such beautiful and meaningful words. Now we’ve already looked at scripture that pertained to the first two parts, today we’ll check out some that pertain to the last part: ‘for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ And that my brethren is one ‘helluva impactful’ statement on a believer’s psyche! It automatically raises the assurance level of faith sown deep in our souls, and brings to mind the numerous promises our God has made and so faithfully kept. It also reminds us of God’s constant presence with us, regardless of whatever difficult or good times we’re going through. And I like the last part; ‘ thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Yeh Friends, the same way a normal shepherd uses his rod and staff to fight off animals wanting to get at his sheep and to guide them, the same way our God employs those shepherd’s tools to repel our enemies and guide us safely. But enough of my philosophizing, (smile) time for some scripture. And all God’s people shouted: ‘Yea!’ First up is Bruh David, caught in a moment of contemplation, seeking preservation and blessing from the God of his fathers. ‘I have set the Lord always before me: because he’s at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope (dwell securely). For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer (allow) thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’ (Ps.16:8-11) And those words of encouragement elicited from God’s people an excited and enthusiastic ‘WOW!’ Yes mih breddren, that’s the kind of God we worship and follow. How can it get any better than that eh? But it does! Listen to Isaiah tell it, when talking about the Lord, the ONLY redeemer. ‘But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon (scorch) thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee (in thy place). Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable (honoured), and I have LOVED thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.’ (Is.43:1-4) Oh Friends, if those bits of scripture don’t have you jumping for joy, then I’d say seriously check yuh faith, because those kinds of promises from the Lord God Jehovah ought to reawaken the spirit in our mortal souls and have us just stepping high with LOVE and appreciation for such a wonderful Deity! Till tomorrow then, mih people, God willing. In the meantime, put a smile in your hearts and on your faces, along with a spring in your steps, because you are children of the most amazing and powerful Infinitely Everything! Much LOVE!…the wonderful promises of God…ought to have us smiling from ear to ear…and walking like we’re on cloud nine…
Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day on God’s Planet Earth! Glory Hallelujah! Spring also seems to be truly here, as the buds are starting to appear on the trees! Praise the Lord! We’re alive and kicking and enjoying life, walking hand in hand with a most kind, generous, powerful and LOVING God! What’s there not to be happy about eh? Absolutely nothing! Okay, so I’m just excited and possibly exaggerating just a little, only a little now, because if we serve and worship such a magnificent God, then we ought to be fairly happy, if not overwhelmingly delirious. (smile) Anyway, here’s a quote from my ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU’ poster that advises: ‘When fate shuts a door, come through the window.’ Now that’s an interesting proposition, and it does make some sense, but it can also collide with our spiritual thinking that when God closes a door to us, we should look to another one, seek blessings and benefits somewhere else, rather than pursue whatever is behind the closed door. I guess though, with biblical wisdom as our guide, we can consider both things; either climb through the window, or move on to another door, but we must let the Holy Spirit lead us on each individual occasion. However my people, the important thing is that whichever situation we are guided to, our Bit comes into serious play. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Oh Friends, when you consider it, that verse might just be the most comprehensive description of our faith and trust in Almighty God in the whole Bible. It just so says everything about our relationship with our heavenly Father. And whenever we’re between a rock and a hard place, it might possibly be the choicest bit of scripture to steady our faith and make us stand strong. Bruh David must surely have been spiritually enlightened to write such beautiful and meaningful words. Now we’ve already looked at scripture that pertained to the first two parts, today we’ll check out some that pertain to the last part: ‘for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ And that my brethren is one ‘helluva impactful’ statement on a believer’s psyche! It automatically raises the assurance level of faith sown deep in our souls, and brings to mind the numerous promises our God has made and so faithfully kept. It also reminds us of God’s constant presence with us, regardless of whatever difficult or good times we’re going through. And I like the last part; ‘ thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Yeh Friends, the same way a normal shepherd uses his rod and staff to fight off animals wanting to get at his sheep and to guide them, the same way our God employs those shepherd’s tools to repel our enemies and guide us safely. But enough of my philosophizing, (smile) time for some scripture. And all God’s people shouted: ‘Yea!’ First up is Bruh David, caught in a moment of contemplation, seeking preservation and blessing from the God of his fathers. ‘I have set the Lord always before me: because he’s at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope (dwell securely). For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer (allow) thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.’ (Ps.16:8-11) And those words of encouragement elicited from God’s people an excited and enthusiastic ‘WOW!’ Yes mih breddren, that’s the kind of God we worship and follow. How can it get any better than that eh? But it does! Listen to Isaiah tell it, when talking about the Lord, the ONLY redeemer. ‘But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon (scorch) thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee (in thy place). Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable (honoured), and I have LOVED thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.’ (Is.43:1-4) Oh Friends, if those bits of scripture don’t have you jumping for joy, then I’d say seriously check yuh faith, because those kinds of promises from the Lord God Jehovah ought to reawaken the spirit in our mortal souls and have us just stepping high with LOVE and appreciation for such a wonderful Deity! Till tomorrow then, mih people, God willing. In the meantime, put a smile in your hearts and on your faces, along with a spring in your steps, because you are children of the most amazing and powerful Infinitely Everything! Much LOVE!…the wonderful promises of God…ought to have us smiling from ear to ear…and walking like we’re on cloud nine…
SCRIP-BITS 