1 Chronicles 22:12. Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.
Oh Friends, I sure hope the weather in your area is better than that in mine. By me, the rain is pouring down, and occasionally I hear the distant thunder rolling, as well as pellets of hail striking my office window. And all we can do is grin and bear it. Yes, because the Lord’s in control, and since His mind and thoughts are much loftier than ours, we just have to trust Him to see us through whatever befalls us. Remember to take every situation as though it came from God, that way there’s only one place to go for succour. Oh, that last roll of thunder wasn’t distant nuh Friends, but right over my house. Hn! And though you know it won’t cause any real problems, yet it’s loud growl and roar certainly can be intimidating, make us tremble in our shoes. But strong Christians don’t fear, just like rude boys, (smile) for as we said above, the Lord is in control and works everything out for the good of those who LOVE and obey Him. (Rom.8:28) But then again, how do we acquire this non-fearful attitude? Ostensibly, it should be bred in us from childhood through Christian parents, through what they teach us and from the example of their own lives. However, parents are human too, so they are liable to make mistakes, and sometimes it’s safer and less problematic to ‘do as I say, and not as I do.’ But the worse mistake a parent can ever make is not teaching their children about God. This brings us to our Bit: ‘Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.’ There Friends, we find Bruh David invoking God’s blessing on Cousin Sol when he handed over Israel’s throne to him. And though Bruh David did his thing, and paid the price, he never strayed far from the God of his fathers. Now what I want to address today, is how we treat our children nowadays. What do we tell them; first about God, and then the world? What kind of language do we use to them; uplifting or defeating words, positive or negative affirmations? I am of the opinion that too many of our children hear and see too much negative stuff, that’s why so many of them have no solid foundation of positivity to build on, and are so easily led astray by Lucifer and his wiles and lies. But look at what Bruh David wished for his son; wisdom and understanding, so that he could rule properly. Now how many of us bless our children thus eh? How many of us even bless them at all? When they are going to school, work, or far away, do we even say to them, something like ‘may the Lord bless you and keep you?’ Remember Friends that the spoken word is of the utmost importance in a believer’s life and a huge part of his spiritual arsenal, for the Lord spoke the world into existence, and whatever we speak in faith usually comes true. And again, judging from the selfish, insecure, follow the leader attitude that young people display, I don’t think that enough of us parents speak words of blessing over our children, or anybody for that matter. We read it a lot in the Bible, but too often consider it to be old fashioned and out of date. But my people, I’m here to tell you that’s one of the world’s, one of Lucifer’s lies. He’ll do anything to try and stop us from speaking godly words over anybody at all. The youth today are into believing Lucifer; that earthly wealth and celebrity status are more important than things like spiritual well-being. Thus they do anything to further that goal, right down to selling their souls. And it’s only when they reach that supposed pinnacle of wealth and social status they realize that it’s all a fool’s game and definitely not worth the heartache and pain, then regrets crop up, which can lead to very foolish and unstable behaviour. And though nothing is really wrong with having wealth and social status, the problem though is how we acquire them. The options are Lucifer’s less than sensible way, or God’s righteous plan. As Bruh David told Sol when he handed over Israel’s throne to him: ‘Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfill the statutes and judgements which the Lord charged (commanded) Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.’ (1 Chr.22:13) Yes my people, the Lord’s way is always the best; most profitable and least stressful. And the good thing about doing it His way is that we don’t have to worry about losing whatever we have gained. Unless we screw up terribly, what we build through God will generally last. Bruh David and Cousin Sol are excellent examples of that, for though both of them messed up, neither of them or their families ever went begging bread. Ah Friends, it’s sad to see our once beautiful world, now so overwhelmed by negativity. It’s heartbreaking that things like strife, violence hatred, greed, envy, oppression, fear, anxiety, hunger and poverty are front and centre in a world that is overall so prosperous. And sadly, the powers that be seem more interested in making it worse. But fortunately my brethren, we believers are still here and focused on our God, and still believing that we can make a difference. But we also need positive action, lots of it, to turn it around. And although we might not be able to teach the old dogs new tricks, we can certainly teach the children the better way. So please people, let’s concentrate our godly efforts on the youth, so that the next generation won’t be as godless and wicked as this one. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to teach them, to raise them in the service and worship of God. Much LOVE!…our world won’t ever turn around…unless we teach the children to pray… from birth…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 April 2011 1 Chronicles 22:12
20 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 April 2011 Jeremiah 1:19
19 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Jeremiah 1:19. And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.
Oh Friends, yesterday I heard a rocking reggae tune whose lyrics thrilled me so much that I just had to share it. The name of the song is ‘I’ve got joy.’ I don’t remember the female singer’s name, but the words, though simple, like those of Jesus, are meaningful and magical. And here they are. ‘I’ve got a joy deep down inside of me, that makes we want to shout, how good God has been to me.’ Oh mih people, that ought to be a constant claim of all believers! It’s worthy to be our anthem, because if you’re a true believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, then God has surely been good to you, and for that you ought to be joyous and thankful. With the Holy Spirit of the Most High God Jehovah dwelling in us, there ought always to be a deep and resounding joy in our souls, a light in our eyes reflecting Jesus, and a jaunty spring in our steps, otherwise out faith is in vain. I’m sure we all know Christians, good people too, but who are misguided and go around serious and sour, dragging along and constantly claiming or giving the impression ‘woe is me.’ But that’s not true Christianity, for Jesus never went around sour and miserable, despite His many problems, and neither should we, especially if we insist on telling unbelievers how our faith is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now it truly is, but who’d want anything, regardless of how great it is, when it has you always looking and behaving like a ‘poe me one’ (hard done by)? Nobody! That’s why people turn away from us when we behave negatively; our words don’t fit our walk. Anyway Friends, I sure hope that all of us believers will, sooner than later, come to the point where we’re so ecstatic and joyful in the Lord that our joy and good humour is irrepressible, and pours forth from us like an overflowing dam. Only then will unbelievers truly hearken to our claim that following Jesus is really wonderful. But the first step in accomplishing this worthwhile goal, or any other, is to believe; believe that it can be accomplished. And that’s what our Bit is all about today; believing we can do things if the Lord directs us to do them. This was the Lord’s promise to Jeremiah: ‘And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.’ The Lord knew that He was figuratively sending Jeremiah into the lion’s den, because his countrymen would not listen to his prophecy, and furthermore would try to do him physical harm. And in the beginning poor Jerry was sorely afraid, plus doubtful that he could do the Lord’s bidding, and claimed: ‘Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child (youth). But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.1:6-8) Oh Friends, it’s like that more often than not. Whenever the Lord calls us, we try to wiggle out because we know that it will take plenty stick to it power and hard work, which is anathema to the normal human soul. Look at when God called Moses, he claimed that he was unable to speak to his people or Pharaoh because of a speech disability, apparently he stuttered. (Ex.4:10) The Lord didn’t fall for that measly excuse though. ‘And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.’ (Ex.4:11-12) But Moses still wasn’t satisfied. ‘And he said, O my Lord, send I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…’ (Ex.4:13-14) Yes people, that’s how the Lord feels towards us when we keep finding excuses not to do His bidding, though He promises to help us. And the strange thing is that though the Lord eventually gave him Aaron as a mouthpiece, it was indeed Moses who stood up and spoke to the Hebrews and Pharaoh without any help from Aaron. So Friends, please remember that the Lord has answers for all our little piddling excuses, but also He never gives us a job to do without the tools to do it. And until ALL Christians wholeheartedly believe that fact and act on it, Christianity will continue to flounder through lack of sufficient effort on our part. Please note my brethren, that my personal situation speaks directly to the problem, where four years ago, when the Lord broached the Scrip-Bit idea, I chuckled and claimed my inability because of insufficient biblical knowledge. But the Lord didn’t give up on me, and we’re now in the fifth year of writing the Bit. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ And it hasn’t been easy, nor has it been my own ‘stick to itiveness’ that’s caused it, but the Lord’s hand of blessing upon me. It does take personal time, effort and dedication, but most of all God’s guidance and strength. So my people, I know that God has called each of us to perform some ministry in His Name, and sometimes it scares us, but don’t worry, whatever it is, He will surely help us to do it, if we trust and believe in Him. And though we might not be called to do great things like Moses, Joshua, Jeremiah and the other great people of faith, just remember that whatever task the Lord assigns us, He considers it necessary, else He would not ask us to do it. So let’s all stand strong and steadfast, believe, and in faith, with a deep joy singing in our souls, step out courageously to do His work. That’s how Christ did it, and to be serious Christians, we must do likewise. Much LOVE!…true faith…can certainly move mountains…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 April 2011 Psalm 22:26
18 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 22:26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! And I hear a loud groan. Monday of Holy Week! And I hear an even louder groan of dismay. Why? Because it means going back out to work, and also plenty church, prayers, fasting etc, leading up to Good Friday, then Easter Sunday. Remember those three-hour services on Good Friday afternoon? Steups! How we hated them as children! But my brethren, this should really be an exciting week for believers because it’s the most important week in the Christian calendar, for Jesus was crucified on Good Friday, paying the ultimate sacrifice for our sins with His holy innocent life so that we can now have salvation and reconciliation with God. Then He rose from the dead on Easter Sunday, thereby triumphing over death, which enables us to enjoy eternal life with the Father. ‘O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?’ (1 Cor.15:55) That’s Bruh Paul paraphrasing Hosea 13:14. And all God’s people shouted a joyous, resounding: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!’ Yes Friends, without this week, there’d be no salvation or eternal life. So let’s be thankful and faithful. And on the point of faithfulness, from the moment I read these words earlier on tonight, I knew I had to share them with you because they impacted me greatly. They’re the overview of Chapter 27, The Faithfulness of the Wise, from Gloria Copeland’s Book, ‘Hidden Treasures, abundant living in the riches of proverbs.’ And it says: ‘Faithfulness is the force issuing out of your spirit that causes you to increase and abound in the blessings of God.’ Truly words of wisdom my people! Now go back and read it again, for it’s the living truth, having great impact on every area of our lives. First with relationships; be it at home with family and friends, at work, with supervisors and co-workers and even with strangers. And it also plays a huge role in our spiritual, mental, physical and emotional behaviour. How a Christian reacts in each and every situation, depends on their faithfulness to the Lord and His Word. Granted our maturity in the faith is important in this respect, but generally speaking, the more mature and faithful we are, the godlier we’ll respond to the situations and relationships in our lives. And it follows logically that the godlier we behave, the more the Lord will bless us. As Proverbs 28:20 says: ‘A faithful man shall abound with blessings…’ That’s why Bruh David could be anguished in the first part of Psalm 22, then move smoothly to praise in the second half, as our Bit so truthfully declares: ‘The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.’ Yes Friends, those of humble heart and righteous ways will of conviction praise and seek the Lord, and be of a joyful soul. And Bruh David felt it so deeply that he repeated it in Psalm 37; the true state of the wicked: ‘For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider (look diligently for) his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.’ (Ps.37:10-11) And if you didn’t believe Bruh David, then listen to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus, with the definitive statement on that topic, taken from His Sermon on the Mount; in fact the third Beatitude, and using the same basic words. ‘Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.’ (Matt.5:5) As always, Jesus is simple and straightforward. So my people, if we are meek, humble, righteous and faithful, then we will abound in blessings! Now let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn – thought I’d forgotten eh (smile) – so that we’ll be prepped and poised to go out and put it to Lucifer and his evil cronies. With much enthusiasm now, let’s sing: ‘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 we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. 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, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all 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. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Stand strong in the Lord my people! Much LOVE!…great is thy faithfulness…Oh Lord…great is thy faithfulness…and so should ours be…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 April 2011 Psalm 22:1
17 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 22:1. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
Oh Friends, oh Friends, the ole fella’s in rough shape! I think they call it writer’s block. (smile) Unfortunately it’s been one of those days when I just couldn’t find a Bit. I searched for over half an hour, but could not find anything that spoke to me, or that I could get my mind around. Then, as the time for writing was fast fading, with no concrete results, in frustration, I cried out to the Lord, asking why He had forsaken me, in this my time of need? And what do you think happened? My mind immediately turned to men of faith who had voiced that same complaint in difficult times. Obviously I chuckled at the answer and its quickness, then went joyously seeking a Bit on forsaking, and found the perfect one in Bruh David’s cry of anguish and song of praise. ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring (groaning)?’ Oh my people, sometimes in our troubles, when we can’t find answers, or do anything right, it does seem as though our God has forsaken us. But remember this: our God will NEVER, and I repeat, NEVER, really forsake or abandon us, regardless of how critical and desperate our situation. Why would He, when one of the first promises He made to His chosen people, Israel, through Moses, was: ‘(For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.’ (Deut.4:31) And before Moses died, when he commissioned Joshua as Israel’s new leader, he repeated it to Joshua, twice in three verses: ‘Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee…And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ (Deut.31:6,8) Then after Moses died, The Lord personally promised Joshua: ‘There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’ (Josh.1:5) The question then is Friends, why would the Lord go to all that trouble to make those non-forsaking promises, if He didn’t intend to keep them eh, especially knowing that in His godly position, He could not afford to renege on any promises to His people? And even when He’s allowed us to suffer hardships for our disobedience, He’s never far away. Listen to Him talk through Isaiah re His everlasting LOVE for His people: ‘For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting (LOVING) kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.’ (Is.54:7-8) Remember too, the same Bruh David who is crying out in our Bit as having been forsaken, he is the same one who wrote these words of glorious faith: ‘I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread.’ He is ever (always) merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.’(Ps.37:25-26) And as Bruh Paul declared to the Corinthians re living our lives by faith: ‘We are troubled (hard pressed) on every side, yet not distressed (crushed); we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast (struck) down, but not destroyed.’ (2 Cor.4:8-9) And we all know the most famous cry in history about being forsaken is Jesus’. ‘And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ (Matt.27:46) But put yourself in His position. Though He was the Son of God, holy and innocent, He had been given a human body to offer up as a sacrifice for mankind’s sins. That means He felt all the same emotions and pains that we feel. Remember too, how He was very sorrowful in the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed to the Father to ‘let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.’ (Matt.26:39) So think about, imagine the tortuous pain that racked His body as it hung on that rough and rugged wooden cross in the noonday heat of the arid land. How would any of us have responded eh? It would have driven lesser men stark raving mad before they even came close to dying. But no, our Saviour Jesus endured it stoically, knowing that it was His Father’s will and He was doing only what He could do. In His atonement for our sins, He was accursed of God, as the bearer of our sins. Per the scholars: ‘He cried with a loud voice, as a shout of triumph, and yielded up His Spirit. In other words, having borne the wrath of God’s judgement against sin, He knew he had triumphed over Satan and the curse of sin.’ Oh Friends, our Christian faith is not easy to live in this primarily ungodly and evil world, so there are times when trials will beset us and we’ll feel forsaken. But never fear, our God will NEVER forsake us! Having gone to all that trouble to save us, why would He turn around and do something so unwise and unfaithful? And there are two things we definitely know about our God; He is wise and absolutely faithful. So hang in there. He will ALWAYS see us through. I’m talking from personal experience here. Much LOVE!…Lo…I am with you alway…even unto the end of the world… (Matt.28:20)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 April 2011 Proverbs 25:28
16 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 25:28. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.
Oh Friends, the good, sunny weather that’s graced my area for the last week or so, is supposed to end today with rain all weekend. I just looked outside and it’s already begun. Chuh! But as Job says, we must learn to accept that good and bad usually go hand in hand. (Job 2:10) But then too as Galileo Galilei, (1564-1642) the Italian scientist extraordinaire who formulated the basic law of falling bodies, is reputed to have said: ‘We cannot teach people anything: we can only help them discover it within themselves.’ That’s true in many cases, where we can only guide others, to find certain truths within themselves. And it seems like our Bit falls within that category. ‘He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.’ Now that’s the gospel truth my people! We can’t teach others to control their spirits, we have to lead them to the truth and hope they find the necessary will to do so. However, if we don’t possess the ability to control ourselves; our temper, our anger, our tongue, our physical reactions, then we are indeed like a wasted and dilapidated city, with no walls, where anything and everything goes. With no control over our spirit, our defences are down, or nonexistent; we react the wrong way to the pressures of life, giving in to our flesh, our circumstances, and the wiles of the enemy, thereby increasing our problems. And that’s certainly not the sensible or Christian way. But Cousin Sol realized that controlling one’s spirit was extremely important in all walks of life, that’s why he addressed it several times in different ways in his writings, especially in Proverbs. Let’s check out a few. ‘He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.’ (Prov.16:32) There we see that though you’re a great warrior, if you can’t control your spirit, then you become a much lesser personage in the eyes of both God and man. And yet again he declares: ‘He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit (impulsive) exalteth folly.’ (Prov.14:29) Ah Friends, Cousin Sol had such a way with words. If you can control your wrath, then you’re considered to have much understanding, like the fool who keeps his mouth shut, (Prov.17:28) but if not, you ‘exalteth folly,’ raise foolish behaviour to a high level it doesn’t deserve. And I guess that’s a big reason why so much folly exists in our society today, because everything now calls for haste, for speed, and when we’re not satisfied with the speed at which things are moving, like the long, slow lines to purchase stuff, the incessant traffic jams, a comparatively slow computer, our defences drop, we get angry and lose our cool. Then in Chap. 19, Cousin Sol further states: ‘The discretion of a man deferreth his anger (makes him slow to anger); and it is his glory to pass over (overlook) a transgression.’ (Prov.19:11) Yes my brethren, only in so far as we can control and discipline our spirits, are we able to walk purposefully in the will of God. And there’s only one way to achieve that discipline and control; by reading, studying, meditating on and digesting the Word of God. Only the Word can give us the discipline to stop and think before we talk and/or act. To rule our spirit requires that we remain calm and steadfast in the face of any adversity we face. And it’s a very good and worthwhile goal, one that all believers should attain to. Unfortunately though, it just doesn’t happen by osmosis, we have to work diligently at it. We have to renew our souls; thoughts, minds, hearts and emotions with the Word, which means spending serious time with God, to overcome the deficiency in our spirit. And the real culprit is not so much the anger nuh, but more the impatience which leads us to anger. As we said before, our society has become so impatient, that if we don’t get it ‘now for now,’ we get upset in a flash. And sadly, this rush to get stuff done immediately permeates right down to the core of our needs as a society. Just look at all the uprisings taking place in the Middle East and Africa. The existing conditions have been in place for years, but all of a sudden we expect them to change and get better immediately. And when it doesn’t happen, we get impatient, then angry, which leads to unnecessary strife and violence. Now it doesn’t mean that we’re wrong to want reform, but good reform doesn’t happen overnight, doesn’t happen without proper planning, foresight and forethought, otherwise we often end up jumping from the frying pan into the fire. And just as when we lose control over our individual spirit, when we lose control over our collective spirits, we suffer serious damage, with our cities not only broken and left without walls figuratively, but also literally, in the destruction and destabilization that follows. Oh Friends, this is only an overview of a very serious predicament that is currently challenging our world, and all the negative happenings aren’t making it any easier for us to learn and apply control of our spirits, but it’s something we have to work diligently at, else the bucket bottom soon drop out and everything crash. So I’m imploring us to delve into the Good Book with a passion, and get in agreement with God, ASAP, so that we can retake control of our spirits, our societies and our world, before the enemy destroys it, as he seems inclined to do. Much LOVE!…the Word…the Word…only the Word can set us free…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 April 2011 Psalm 23:5
15 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 23:5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Oh Friends, it’s a beautiful morning! It’s also Friday, which means shouts of joy will be heard all around the world: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ Yes my people, the end of the workweek is nigh, so let’s give God some thanks for that and humbly ask for blessings of rejuvenation on the weekend. All together now, in full voice, let’s raise our Friday Chant to God in heaven, where Jesus sits beside Him, ready to go to bat for us. ‘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 by the time the last echoes of Amen, reached heaven, Jesus was already pleading our case. And all God’s people gratefully declared: ‘Oh thank You Jesus! You are most worthy to be praised!’ And that for sure He is my brethren! He’s certainly a chip off the old block, the Father, who, in the words of our Bit, so favours His faithful children, that Bruh David gushed: ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.’ Oh Friends, what a most magnanimous God we worship! I can’t get over how good He is to us, though we’re so undeserving of His LOVING-kindness. Yuh know, we’re not only dependent on Him like a mere dumb sheep, looking for a safe and sensible guide or shepherd, but we’re also honoured guests at the sumptuous banquet He holds for us, right in the middle of our enemies too, so that they can all witness His immense power and glory, and the great and plentiful blessings He pours out on those who walk in His will by faith. And per the scholars, ‘connected with this honoured position is abundant provision, vindication before one’s enemies, and eternal celebration of God’s goodness.’ Wow Friends! Our God is wonderful! There is no doubting it. And I’m sure all of us at some time or another have enjoyed one of those sumptuous feasts prepared for us in the midst of our enemies. Now this not only refers to actual food, but also to occasions and circumstances where we’ve been wronged, falsely accused, or persecuted, but we’ve stood strong and waited for God’s vindication right in the presence of those who tried to hurt us. Oh my brethren, there’s no greater feeling of thankfulness and appreciation than to be totally vindicated before God and man! Neither is there any greater joy than to see the wicked turn tail and run before the Lord’s awesome might and majesty! Now hear the psalmist, re God’s preparation of the food scene: ‘He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb (vegetation) for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.’ (Ps.104:13-15) Yes Friends, through His ingenious machinations, our God enables us to have food and drink and oil. And He’s so generous my people, that when He blesses us, it’s not through halfway measures, or stinginess. No! Our God goes the whole way, and even beyond, anointing us with oil and giving us so much that our cup overflows with bounty and thus runs over. All I can say is ‘Wow!’ As the psalmist so rightly proclaims: ‘For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn (strength) shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn (wild ox): I shall be anointed with fresh oil.’ (Ps.92:9-10) Ah Friends, anointing with oil was a big thing in olden times. It meant that one was blessed, looked on favourably, or was being given some important job that necessitated anointing. That’s why it’s mentioned so often in good terms and circumstances. A good example is when Samuel anointed Bruh David king; though he was still very young, it was a promise of God’s favour to come. Oh my people, at last we’ve come to the end of deciphering this magnificent psalm. You know when I chose the first verse as our Bit, so many days ago, I had no intention of going through the whole thing verse by verse, but by the end of that first day, I knew that was the Spirit’s plan. And what an interesting, all encompassing work it is, that’s why it is so LOVED and venerated by all and sundry. And finally, to all those who faithfully accept its tenets and arguments, here’s what is promised, what’s in store: ‘Surely goodness and mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’ (Ps.23:6) And God’s people filled the air with joyous shouts of thanks and praise! Yes Friends, only a strong, confident, magnanimous and magnificent Deity, like our God, can both promise and do such wonderful things. Please don’t let His incomparable LOVE and goodness go to waste. Accept Him in your heart TODAY! Much LOVE!…the wisdom of the ages…try Jesus…you won’t regret it…for He’ll never let you down…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 April 2011 Psalm 23:4
14 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
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…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 April 2011 Psalm 23:4
13 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
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, I meant to share this yesterday, but somehow got sidetracked. Anyway, the Monday Toronto Star newspaper headline, in big, bold letters, read: ‘Swept up in China’s growing crackdown.’ Then in smaller type: ‘You’ll have to come with us,’ police tell Star reporter as Christians arrested.’ Ah Lord eh! The Star reporter apparently went to check out the Beijing Shouwang Church as they planned to hold Sunday Services outdoors, something you hardly ever see in China. But the believers claimed that they had been evicted from their rented premises, then prevented from occupying the 4 million dollar place they’d bought some fifteen months ago. So the thousand believers who belong to the church were forced to go out doors, become something of an underground church, or Shouwang, because they didn’t have the blessing of the Communist gov’t. Like everything else in China, to survive, you must have the gov’t’s blessing. And they’re such a scared bunch of egotists that they crack down on anything, or any behaviour that has even the slightest chance of eroding some of their control. It ‘s been said that unnatural control breeds unnatural fear, and that’s exactly what’s happening there. It appears they do allow some Christian worship, but only churches they approve and oversee, in other words, control. But the good news though Friends is that according to the report, tens of millions of Chinese Christians still worship without the gov’t’s permission. ‘Glory Hallelujah! All praise be to God!’ They can’t stop us my people! Once the Word is buried in you, there’s no turning back, no fear. And this unnecessary persecution is a perfect example of where our Bit comes in very handy. ‘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.’ It works Friends, it certainly does! Else why would believers place their lives in jeopardy knowing the high probability of gov’t persecution eh? The Lord promised those Chinese believers that He would be with them through thick and thin, and they believed. Wow! Oh Friends, the stupidity of wicked rulers still amazes me, though it has been going on for eons. Look at what’s happening in the Middle East countries, which are mostly Muslims, indicating that religion is not the overwhelming factor in foolish leadership. The people there are so tired of the despotic, autocratic, oppressive rule of a handful of fat-cats, that they’ve decided to rise up and take matters into their own hands, knowing full well that the might of their oppressive rulers could be unleashed on them. But it’s the same story as always; when you’re cornered, or trapped, and there seems to be no way out, at some stage you either simply lie down and die or retaliate. In this case the people in the Mid-East are trapped in an unending cycle of poverty and oppression, and instead of giving up, they have decided to retaliate with whatever means available, telling themselves that even if they do end up dying, at least it would be an honourable death, fighting for something worthwhile. That unprecedented, unanimous and spontaneous uprising of so many different people makes the Chinese rulers sore afraid, especially with their record of stifling oppression. In fact all despotic rulers today have been put on notice, and the smart ones will do something sensible about it. But unfortunately we’re seeing the old adage ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely,’ raise it’s ugly head. And instead of being sensible, many of the confronted despots are using might to fight right. Don’t they ever learn? And in the Chinese situation it’s impossible to have a Communist system work smoothly interspersed with capitalism, for one calls for tight and rigid control, while the other calls for freedom of money, ideas and expression. And though they have already become economically powerful, this is just the tip of the iceberg in the problems they will face. You can’t expect to live a capitalist lifestyle, with all the modern conveniences, plus mass media and communications, yet keep people in mental bondage and ignorance, especially with such a large and far-flung population. Then to make matters worse, we in the West are propping up the Chinese juggernaut by rushing to buy their cheap, shoddily made, uncontrolled, dangerous goods. That’s where the gov’t should be focusing their controlling efforts. There was an article that same day in the paper where the writer laments that fact. We’ve all become so enamoured with cheap, conveniently forgetting the words of the most renowned Chinese philosopher, Confucius, who so rightly proclaimed: ‘Good thing no cheap, and cheap thing no good!’ (smile) But it’s the gospel truth my people. And nowadays even the expensive things aren’t so great. But the money-men are moving their production to places of cheap labour and production, because there they can make enormous profits, and not worry about social justice. Sadly though we’re all so short-sighted and fall for the pitches of the greedy money-men. In a couple of generations, when their society is modernized and productive and the price of doing business there escalates, as it did here, China will face the same problems we are now facing; job shortages, a failing economy and all the negatives they bring. Oh Friends, until the profit motive is not the overwhelming guide in our lives, then societies will rise and fall on the whim of those controlling the society’s wealth. Enough for today though. But I’ll close with two requests. The first is let’s stop always looking for the cheap stuff, though granted that’s all many of us can afford, because we’re only building up other societies while ours continue to decline. Secondly, and more important, let’s pray diligently and sincerely for all those Christians, in China and elsewhere, who are being persecuted solely on the grounds of their faith. It must be a truly great faith though, for unbelievers to be so afraid of it. So stand strong my people, and let’s rebuild our society on the freedom and Christian values on which it was founded. Much LOVE!…without justice, truth, LOVE and understanding…a society will not last for long…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 April 2011 Psalm 23:4
12 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
Oh Friends, in light of the many serious upheavals happening all over our once beautiful and stable world, including the two earthquakes of 6.3 and 7 magnitude that hit the already devastated area of Japan a couple days ago, and the increasing seriousness of their nuclear problem, I could not resist opening with these words of wisdom from Chapter 23 of Gloria Copeland’s book, ‘Hidden treasures, abundant living in the proverbs.’ It says: ‘We live in a very critical hour. Time is much too short to waste playing around with sin. It’s time to turn away from evil and walk in the wisdom and ways of God.’ And isn’t that the living truth my people! We’re in this sad state because our world has been overcome by sin and evil, and unless we repudiate sin and cast out evil, our worldly troubles will only get worse, for gone are the days when distance and lack of communication prevented evil and sin from easily spreading. Our world is now a global village where ease of communication informs us of stuff as soon as it happens, which also leads to much easier cultural exchanges and the inevitable negative clashes. That’s why our Bit holds out such excellent hope for those wanting to put down sin and evil. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; they rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ And yuh know what Friends? If we continuously live in sin, then we are figuratively walking in the shadow of death all the time. Hear this excerpt from Job when he complains of God’s indifference to wickedness. ‘They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof. The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief. The eye also of the adulterer waiteth for twilight, saying, No eye shall see me: and disguiseth (puts a covering on) his face. In the dark they dig through (break into) houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime: they know not the light. For morning is to them even as the shadow of death: if one know (recognizes) them, they are in the terrors of the shadow of death.’ (Job 24:13-17) Yes my people, evildoers constantly walk in darkness because their deeds cannot withstand the scrutiny of light. That means we have to consciously and constantly check our pathways, so we don’t get caught unawares in the valley of the shadow of death. But even if we do get caught there on occasion, since we are still sinners at heart, once we have the Holy Spirit of Jesus living within us, we need not fear any evil that might crop up. Why? Because as Bruh David so courageously and emphatically declared in Psalm 3, a prayer of confidence in God, when he fled from his son Absalom: ‘I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill (mountain). Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.’ (Ps.3:4-6) Yes Friends, that’s the direction we need to go, and the attitude and faith we need to perfect for when those real times of trouble come upon us. We all know that it’s not easy, but remember with God’s help, everything is possible. And we’ll end today’s Bit with more encouragement from some of Bruh David’s other famous words of faith. ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Ps.27:1) And all God’s people chorused a long, loud, enthusiastic, ‘AMEN!’ Oh my people, I sincerely implore us to keep those words in our hearts and minds today as we go out to face the evil world that surrounds us, because they are the best source of protection from Beelzebub and his boys. More on this tomorrow, if God blesses us to see the light of another day. Till then, walk safely with God, put Him first in all you do, and He will respond favourably, as He so faithfully promised. Much LOVE!…if Almighty God says we can…then certainly…with His help…we can…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 April 2011 Psalm 23:4
11 Apr 2011 Leave a comment
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 in God’s universe! It’s also fitting that we give some thanks for being so blessed to see it. And a loud shout rises up to heaven: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Unfortunately though my people, today is also Monday, that dreaded first day of the workweek. However that dread only affects the unbelievers, for we followers of Christ have an in with the Most High God, through prayer, which helps us to come up above the normal human fear and anxiety. And on a Monday we offer the Monday Morning Battle Hymn, asking for strength and guidance. So in one, loud, cohesive, ‘anthemic’ voice, (smile) let’s sing it out like we mean it. ‘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 we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. 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, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all 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. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And again Friends, I have to marvel at how our Monday Morning Battle Hymn lines up so nicely with our Bit: ‘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.’ Extremely powerful and moving words of faith, encouragement and truth my brethren! For even though we find ourselves in the deepest, darkest valley, of disappointment, misfortune, sickness, or whatever negative circumstances the world throws at us, even if it verges on physical death, we ought to stand strong in our faith, for our God has solemnly promised never to leave or forsake us. And the only way to survive this cruel and wicked world is to stand on the promises of our God. And that’s exactly what Bruh David did, that’s why he could write so surely and forcefully about it. But Job, the father of patience, cursed the day he was born when his horrible trials befell him. ‘Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child (male) conceived. Let that day be darkness; Let not God regard it from above (may God above not seek it), neither let the light shine upon it. Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it (claim it); let a cloud dwell (settle) upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.’ (Job 3:3-5) Yes mih people, Job’s troubles were very sorrowful, especially when he seemed to be living a fairly righteous life. But however harsh the reality Friends, unlike Job, we need not go to such lengths and curse the day of our birth, we need to bear up better under the tribulation. And we can do it if we have truly sown the seeds of faith and trust in our wonderful and amazing God deep down in our hearts and souls. It’s not easy, but we can do it if we believe that everything that comes against us has passed through God’s minute examination, and would not have happened if He didn’t see a useful purpose for it. And though Job was absolutely floored by his sudden, unprovoked tribulation, I like how he strongly defends his integrity later on: ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways (defend my ways) before him. He also shall be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.’ (Job 13:15-17) Bravo Job! Yes Friends, that’s the way we ought to be; faithful and trusting, regardless of what comes against, knowing deep down that our God works out everything to the good of those who LOVE Him and who are called to do His will. (Rom.8:28) So stand strong my brethren despite the serious upheavals in our world, for the Lord God Jehovah is still in control, and in His time, will make everything right for those who serve and worship Him with a right heart. More on this tomorrow, our God willing. Till then, be sure to LOVE Your God, LIVE Your Faith, and SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…only the strong survive…only the strong survive…
SCRIP-BITS 