SCRIP-BITS

Daniel 11: 32(b).    But the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits (take action).
 
Oh Friends, the ole fella just got home about 7 p.m. I thought I was going to be released this morning, but apparently the doctors got called to some emergency surgery, so I didn’t see them until the afternoon, and then it took me an hour and a half to get home because the powers that be chose to close the Gardiner, the main highway, for the Victoria Day long weekend. How smart eh? And it was a beautiful day, so you know that everybody was out and about. Well this morning about 6 o’clock I had a catharsis of sorts. While trying to get up from the hospital bed by myself, I realized that I just wasn’t up to it. Every time I tried to get up, I got halfway then fell back. I eventually called the nurses for help, and though it was promised, none was forthcoming. Ah Friends, lying across the narrow bed, half on, half off, the ole fella suddenly felt tired; tired of all the pain I’ve suffered over the past year. First with my knees, then with the prostate surgery, then not being able to get any help, with my feet dangling over the side, the sobs unexpectedly burst out and had me crying out to the Lord, that I was tired of the pain, and asking when it was going to end. Strangely enough, just then I remembered the Buju Banton song ‘Battered and Bruised’ Hn! That only made it worse. I remembered it a couple times, and every time the sobbing intensified. And as I am typing this now, the tears are filling my eyes. Now there wasn’t much actual tears, or as we would say, not much ‘eyes water,’ but the sobs were wracking and heart wrenching. I guess I was just at a very low emotional and physical point because I haven’t cried in ages. Sometimes I’ve wanted to, but no tears would come. This time though, they came unbidden. What I’m to make of it all, I don’t know for sure, but as I said yesterday, the whole experience has certainly taught me a valuable lesson; a lesson of how much our Saviour, Jesus, really suffered on our behalf, and that our suffering here on planet earth is really inconsequential when compared to His. With that in mind, I found this quote on pain by Harold Kushner, the American born rabbi laureate of Temple Israel in Natick Massachusetts, which says: ‘Pain is part of being alive, and we need to learn that. Pain does not last forever, nor is it necessarily unbearable, and we need to be taught that.’ That’s gospel my people! Pain is a part of the human existence, and the sooner we realize that and learn to deal wisely with it, the better off we will be. It’s not easy, but if we put our hand in the hand of the Lord, He will bring us through it successfully. And He did bring me through it successfully this morning, for after all my sobbing and pleading, He strengthened me, and I eventually got up by myself. But unfortunately, just like most things in life, coping with pain is a learning process, which we must undergo to overcome it. We all try to bypass it, because no one really wants to experience pain unless they have some sadistic tendencies. And I can assure you that I’m not one of them. Anyway Friends, the important thing is that the cancerous part of my body has been successfully removed. Now comes the hard part; the recuperation. (smile) And it doesn’t seem to have spread to any other area, which brings a loud, grateful and heartfelt ‘Thank you Lord!’ I’m home now and hope the recuperation process won’t be too difficult. In conclusion, I want to say a big thank you to all those who floated up a few words on my behalf. It’s obvious that the Good Lord heard them and reacted positively. I don’t know what He has in store for me now, but whatever it is, I sure hope it’s not of the painful variety, for I am truly tired of physical pain. I need a rest from it. (smile) So till we talk again tomorrow, God in favour, please keep the faith and turn to the Lord first in all things, with whatever problems that come your way, because He’s the best problem fixer there is. And per our Bit, let’s hope that all of us will be strong and do exploits for out God. Much LOVE!…those who put their trust in Jesus…will NEVER be disappointed… P.S. The Bits might be a bit late until I catch myself and get back on track.
 

Psalm 54:2.    Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.

Aye Friends is Friday! The weekend cometh! The ole fella is alive, but just barely kicking. I read the obits and didn’t see my name or picture, so I just sang, ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ That means I have at least one more day on Mother Earth to enjoy some more of our God’s great mercies that He sends out new every morning. And I’m so thankful, grateful and happy. I’m also seeing you all dancing down the road, joyfully singing: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, Thank God it’s Friday!’ So, since it looks like all of us grateful to be alive, let’s chant our Friday Chant then, to the tune of’ ‘I Feel Pretty.’ All together now: ‘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.’ Yes mih people the ole fella sitting down here in the Toronto General Hospital, by the big plate glass window looking out on Hospital Row: Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital directly opposite; Mount
Sinai to the south of that and Sick Kids, the world renowned children’s hospital to the south of TGH. I’ve just finished having breakfast, or what passes for that in the royal suite (smile), a private room, quiet and far from the madding crowd. My boss lady Evelyn (nurse) has already gotten me up and had me walk around the corridor. Oh Friends, I can’t complain about the treatment, because it’s been royal all the way. I guess the Good Lord has been putting it in their hearts to bless me. To which I exclaim: ‘Thank you Lord!’. I can laugh and talk now, but last night when the pain hit me, it was a different story. Now usually I pride myself on being able to handle pain, but mih breddren, when this one hit me, all I could do was moan and groan. Although I was full of pain killers, that mattered not, the bladder cramping just overrode it all. In the midst of all that though, the two nurses on duty, Sue and Millie, took great care of me. I sincerely ask the Lord to bless them for that. Sorry the Bit is so late, but my big daughter in her security conscious self, locked up my bag with my Bible and computer in the hospital cupboard, then we couldn’t get it opened until later. That’s probably the Lord moving in His usual mysterious way, because I doubt I would have been able to write anything sensible early in the morning. I don’t even know what time it is now, since it appears that someone took or stole the clock out of the room. That’s not important though cause I don’t have anywhere to go except right here. Ah mih people, unfortunately I didn’t get my miracle healing because the prostate was still cancer-riddled. But Friends, if there is anything I’ve learned from this experience is that I’ve come to truly recognize Jesus’ sacrifice, the enormous price He paid for our sins on Calvary Hill. Oh Friends, if my pain was so terrible, despite all the modern conveniences and pain killers, then can you imagine that of Jesus on the old wooden cross? I simply had a clean, surgical cut in my abdomen, but He had nails in His hands and feet, a spear wound in His side, and a crown of thorns on His head, after enduring wicked taunting and flagellation. Note, He had none of the conveniences I had, yet He never complained or cried out in pain like I did. And that wasn’t His spiritual body being abused and tortured, but His earthly frame, so can you imagine the cruel pain He endured for me and you to be able to get salvation and eternal life. Oh my people, I don’t know if that was the Lord’s purpose in putting me through this drama, but I have certainly gained a whole lot more respect for Jesus from this experience. Take it from me Friends, our Saviour was the greatest person to ever tread this earth, and He is still alive and kicking today – much more so than me (smile) – and is also expecting all of us who call themselves believers, to rise up and work, sacrifice, help and spread the gospel to the farthest ends of the earth. After all He’s done for us, that’s precious little for Him to ask of us. So please my people, sincerely accept Him in your hearts, obey His wishes and let Him guide you on this earthly journey, and He’ll take you on the wildest ride, a ride you never imagined possible. Till we talk again tomorrow, God in favour, walk with Jesus, and be happy. Much LOVE!…without Jesus…we’re nothing at all…

Psalm 62:1-2.    Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
 
Oh Friends, today’s a big day in the ole fella’s life, but more on that later. However, a few minutes ago while going through some recent jottings, I came upon some words that seemed very appropriate for this particular Bit. I don’t remember when or why they were written down. I’m not even sure if they’re my own words, but I’m sure they can help us all. They deal with Fear. ‘Fear is provoked by worried thoughts. We worry because we’re afraid we’re not going to get what we need. I refuse to live in worry. I am going to have peace.’ Yes my people, fear and worry are the sworn enemies of peace. But how do we successfully keep them at bay in this crazy, violent, greedy, ungodly world? Only ONE WAY Friends; through trust, faith and surrender to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! And He certainly blessed me just now. As always, I prayed for guidance in finding a Bit, then opened the Good Book right at Psalms 60 to 63. The first one my eyes fell on was Psalm 62. I read the first verse and declared: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Go ahead and laugh mih people, but sometimes the hardest part of this exercise is finding a Bit, and nobody’s happier than me, when I find one easily. Anyway, let’s check out the immortal words of Bruh David in our Bit: ‘Truly my soul waiteth (waits silently) upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense (strong tower); I shall not be greatly moved (shaken).’ And all God’s people shouted: ‘Praise the Lord! For He is indeed worthy to be praised!’ Now that’s the gospel truth my brethren, for there is none like our God, who created the universe and all therein! And as Bruh David reminds us in Psalm 33, where he praises the Lord for His wonderful creation: ‘Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.’ (Ps.33:20-22) That’s more truth my people, for as we hope in God, so does He bless and have mercy on us. Enough beating about the bush though Friends, time to get to the point. Earlier on I said that this was a rather important day in my life, and it surely is. By the time many of you read this, I would have already been sliced and diced by the surgeon’s scalpel to remove a cancerous prostate. It was originally scheduled for 8 a.m, but has now been rescheduled for two p.m. What can I say eh? Not much; just dem’s the breaks – then grin and bear it. The Lord moves in His mysterious ways, His wonders to perform, and we are expected to follow wherever He leads, knowing that whatever He allows in our lives will ultimately work out to our benefit. Now in the beginning I’d been putting my trust in the medical personnel and facilities and not even considering God’s powers. But one morning I got a zeppo saying to believe for a miracle. And I had to laugh, because you know we preach always turning to God first, and though I did, the thought of a healing miracle never occurred to me. From then though I’ve been an avid believer in one. And as I later discovered, it would be the ideal win, win situation. I wouldn’t have to go through the pain and discomfort of surgery, and to my mind, there’s no greater way to glorify our God than through a powerful miracle in these ungodly times. But unfortunately, like in Jesus’ case, though I’m not of such sacrificial value, the Lord seems to have other plans. So, like a dutiful lamb, I’m going to the slaughter. But hang on there people, cause I’m believing for a miracle right to the very end! (smile) And I warned the surgeon last week, not to be surprised if he opens me up and finds a nice, clean, pretty, non-cancerous prostate. Obviously he chuckled. But Friends, our God can be so contrary at times, that I wouldn’t put it past Him to do that. And until I wake up and learn that they removed my prostate because it was still cancerous, I’m going to keep on believing for a miracle. (smile) Oh Friends, regardless of the outcome, please stand steadfast and strong in faith, and offer up a few words that the ole fella comes out of it successfully. Don’t worry, I’m fine. I’ve never been more peaceful and calm in my entire life. I left all the worrying up to my family, and only told a couple people who needed to know because of our business dealings. I found it much better that way; less people to worry and ask me questions. I didn’t even tell my ole mother until two days ago, knowing that she would have worried herself to death. Two days worrying for her is much better than four months. To tell the truth my brethren, the cancerous prostate has been the least of my problems since I knew it was not going to kill me in the short term, and I felt no ill effects from it, merely the hassle of tests and doctor’s visits. My major problem was, and still is, my arthritic knees which have been killing me all during this time. Anyway Friends, that’s it for today. Till we talk again tomorrow, God in favour, remember to LOVE Your God, LIVE Your Faith, and SPREAD His Word. Much LOVE!…I believe in miracles…cause Jesus does them…and I’m His follower… (smile)
 

Revelation 3:1.    And unto the angel (messenger) of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Wednesday and the rain continues to fall. It’s been falling since Saturday. Thankfully though, these showers of blessings are not always mighty downpours, but they are steady. I don’t remember when last the sun actually peeped out from behind the clouds. But again, as believers, we need to believe that the Lord’s still in control and there’s a good reason in His overall plan for whatever is happening. So we’ll just have to grin and bear it in faith. And as Frances Hutcheson (1694-1746) the Scottish born professor of moral philosophy at Glasgow U, reputedly said: ‘Wisdon denotes the pursuing of the best ends by the best means.’ Now that’s certainly true my people! It means we have to choose the best life has to offer us right now. However, for believers, the best always comes from choosing God and His way. That’s why we have to listen to Him when He denounces the spiritual death of the Sardis Church, which is totally analogous to our current times. Perhaps a brief history of the city of Sardis might help our understanding of the situation. Per the scholars, Sardis was one of seven cities within the Roman province of Asia in Western Asia Minor (modern Turkey). Situated at the busy crossroads between several cities, it was also once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, and was renowned for its gold and wealth during the reign of Croesus. It successfully withstood the Greek invasion, but in the sixth century B.C. the Persian king, Cyrus, finally overran the city and it never regained its earlier prominence. By the time of Roman rule, it only possessed the name of its former greatness. During the rule of Tiberius Caesar (A.D. 17) it was destroyed by an earthquake, but then rebuilt by the Emperor. It seems that this indebtedness prompted emperor worship in Sardis, and most likely also prompted compromise by the church. Today, a small village named Sart, lies near the site. So Friends, judging from that brief history lesson, it’s easy to see why the church at Sardis was singled out thus: ‘I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art (but you are) dead.’ Interestingly too, the scholars claim that the name Sardis means ‘Escaping,’ something we all do so well today. So just as the city was living on its past glory, the church there was also living in the past. It was ‘now virtually dead in spirit and works, and representative of dead orthodoxy.’ Ah mih people, doesn’t that sound a lot like the churches and communities we have today? A lot of the churches and believers are living on past glory, resting on the laurels of yesteryear, not making any new, positive and godly memories for tomorrow. How sad! But fortunately for us today, there’s an antidote for the strong anti-God disease that threatens us. Obviously it comes from Jesus; the same one recommended to the Sardis church. ‘Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect (complete) before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief (robber), and thou shalt not know at what hour I will come upon thee.’ (Rev.3:2-3) Oh my brethren, our great God is the God of second chances. He’s given us an opportunity here to get out of the lazy doldrums and general apathy towards Almighty God that many of our churches and the world in general are currently undergoing. Please, for all our sakes, let’s be wise and accept it, because it’s the best means to the best ends. Otherwise we’re very liable to falter seriously like Sardis. Then the Lord will come suddenly, without warning, and we won’t be ready, will be found wanting. Now that’s certainly not a nice thought to contemplate! So let’s wake up and live for Christ nuh, the way we are meant to. That’s our only hope in this ungodly, and possibly God-forsaken world. Much LOVE!…He that hath an ear…let him hear…what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
 

Revelation 3:15.    I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
 
Oh Friends, let me apologize for an error in yesterday’s Bit, where I said that forest fires were wreaking havoc in Manitoba. It’s actually in the Province of Alberta that the fires are raging through lack of rain; something like 115 of them, with 36 out of control. Forty percent of the town of Slave Lake has been destroyed by fire. Meanwhile Manitoba and the other Western Provinces are battling floods from too much rain. And all I can say to that contrary, untenable heartbreaking situation is: ‘What’s next eh Lord?’ Sadly there’s not much we can do except pray for those unfortunate people and send them whatever physical and monetary support we can. It’s all in the Lord’s hands, and we have to believe that He knows what He’s doing, which is an essential part of our faith. Anyway, please excuse the ole fella for that error, cause he’s only human, thus liable to err. (smile) Now here’s a quote from my ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU’ poster. It simply says: ‘If you’re doing your best, you won’t have time to worry about failure.’ And that’s the living truth my people! If we’re all putting our best foot forward, then we won’t even have time to contemplate failure and its negative derivatives, much less worry about them. That’s why one of the major secrets to success is to always do your best, especially if you’re a believer, because that’s what Jesus expects from us at all times. And right there I think is where we believers always falter. We might give it our best at work or at home, but when it comes to the church, the family of Christ, we too often seem lax, half-hearted and lukewarm; nowhere near as enthusiastic as when we’re partying or involved in any other non-church stuff. But really Friends, it’s in coming together as God’s family that we should be the most exuberant and enthusiastic since one of our major purposes here on earth is to spread the gospel of Christ, which you can’t do successfully unless you’re truly excited and enthusiastic about it. In fact you can’t do anything successfully without a huge amount of enthusiasm and exuberance. So why aren’t we showing that in our walk with Christ eh? Instead, we tend to think that Church and its matters should always be couched in a sort of quiet, sedate, low enthusiasm, background style. However my brethren, because of its ultimate importance, it should be the opposite. Obviously not a rah-rah style, unfocused affair, but certainly an excited, exuberant, enthusiastic, sincere and properly guided operation, because we’re talking about the ONE and ONLY Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, who gave His sinless life for us as a sacrifice, so that we could be reconciled and return to fellowship with Almighty God, and at the same time provided us with a wonderful opportunity for salvation and eternal life. Oh Friends, what’s better news, what deserves more enthusiasm and excitement than that eh? Absolutely nothing! To win hearts for Christ we must be well organized and sincerely display a large amount of LOVE, joy and affection, else we’re wasting our time and doing Christ and His Church much injustice. And having said all that, it’s no surprise that our Bit, Jesus’ message to the church at Laodicea, in John’s revelation was: ‘I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would (wish) thou wert (were) cold or hot.’ Yes mih people we can’t be lukewarm, fence sitters. We have to be either hot or cold, not simply somewhere in the middle. The story behind this statement, per the scholars is that ‘the hot waters of nearby Hierapolis were known for their medicinal qualities, whereas Colossae was known for its cold, pure water. But Laodicea was forced to receive water by aqueduct from other areas. By the time it arrived at Laodicea it was lukewarm and provoked nausea.’ Nobody would be happy drinking that stuff, so it’s thus also understandable why Jesus further declared: ‘So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew (spit or vomit) thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods (have become wealthy), and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.’ (Rev. 3:16-17) Yes Friends, that’s the very same attitude that exists today, both in the church and the outside world. We lack a vital enthusiasm for Jesus, for the things of God, of heaven and eternity, while foolishly placing the unworthy, expendable things of Beelzebub on high pedestals. Remember the words of C.S. Lewis, that anything which is not eternal, is eternally useless. But luckily our Saviour is such a LOVING and gracious Deity, that He’s also provided a way out for us. Please listen very closely to His advice: ‘I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire (refined), that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment (garments), that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear (may not be revealed); and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.’ (Rev.3:18) Ah mih people, there’s nothing I can add to that, because it says it all. But we’ll conclude with a quote from the scholars explaining the situation back then. ‘Laodicea was famous for its wealth, its bankers, its medical school, its popular eyesalve, and its textile industry. Christ says that spiritually the people of the church are poor, blind, and naked. True wealth is found only in God’s grace. This church had no spiritual value (gold), virtue (white raiment), or vision (eyesalve). He urges the Laodiceans to repent of their lack of genuine faith and of spiritual understanding.’ Oh Friends, I’m sure Jesus is sending that very same message to us today because of the evil, ungodly state of our world and the lack of true enthusiasm and faith in many churches. I implore us therefore to do as He says; repent and seriously turn to Him. It’s the only answer for our embattled world. Much LOVE!…as many as I LOVE…I rebuke and chasten…be zealous therefore…and repent… (Rev.3:19)
 
 

Psalm 37:5.   Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

Revelation 3:20.     Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20.    Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Revelation 3:20.    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday! Friday the 13th to boot! What some call Black Friday, based on some dark and evil perceptions, retarded superstitions, that Fridays and the 13th bring bad luck. And yuh know what Friends, that’s possibly why I don’t hear as many people joyfully shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ (smile) But I’m here to remind us that what we consider bad luck can occur on any day, or date. The same goes for good luck. The day or date doesn’t matter, for our God doesn’t deal in dark, dismal superstitions. That’s just ole Beelzebub playing mind games with us. So to refute his evil attempts to undermine our faith, let’s all loudly, boldly, and with much enthusiasm, chant our Friday Chant. ‘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.’ Now that should give us the right perspective for the day. And I sure hope that we all said a heartfelt thanks when we opened our eyes to a brand new day, and asked for guidance and blessing in true gratitude and reverence, and not motivated by fear of the unknown on Friday the 13th. Oh people, we have some unfinished business from yesterday. I never ended the Bit as planned, because it would have been too long for our short attention spans. (smile) But there is a story to how it came about. Before writing it, I was reading a book, trying to study up some on our God. However, while doing that, I casually wondered what I was going to write about. Suddenly the idea about our earthly journey flashed through my mind. Obviously I chuckled and put down the book. The rest, as they say, is history. I guess the Spirit desired that I give us a wake up call on the matter we spoke about. So who was I to say Him nay eh? And our God is so wonderful, moves in such mysterious ways, His glory to shine, that afterwards I didn’t even have to search for a Bit, He presented me with one on a silver, no, a golden platter right at the end. Yes my brethren, that’s how our great God works when we surrender our all to Him, and allow Him to rule and guide every aspect of our lives. Friends, I don’t know if you see or feel God working in your lives, but I certainly do in mine. And the more mature I become in the faith and the study of His Word, the more I notice it. And it’s not so much in the big things, because He must be there for those to work in our favour, but in the small, everyday aspects of our lives. Like you’ll ask for guidance on something, then forget about it, but sometime later, you’ll get this revelation in your spirit, or someone will come along and show you how to handle the situation. Or you’re going out to do something, to an appointment that you think will be problematic, but it turns out to be a walk in the park. That’s God moving in our lives my brethren! And those are the things we ought to concentrate more on, to help keep our hope and faith alive, not necessarily the big ticket items or life changing scenarios. But unfortunately we can’t have or appreciate those things unless we’re walking in step with God. So, let’s do as our Bit advises us: ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me.’ Yes Friends, Jesus is alive and kicking, still doing what He did here on earth; going around knocking on the doors of hearts, wanting to see who will let Him in. Jesus is like a door-to-door salesman, except He’s heart-to-heart. And it would be rather wise on our part, if He knocked on our heart’s door and we joyfully opened it and allowed Him to enter and dine with us. Ah mih people, we have to end now, but we’ll do so with a verse of scripture that relates to, shows how Jesus might knock at our heart’s door. It’s from one of Cousin Sol’s LOVE Songs. ‘I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my LOVE, my dove, my undefiled (perfect one): for my head is filled (covered) with dew, and my locks (hair) with the drops of night.’ (Song 5:2) Yes Friends, that’s how Jesus might knock on the door of our hearts. Please, let’s open them and receive Him with joy and LOVE, for He is worthy. More on this tomorrow, our God willing. Much LOVE!…when Jesus comes a knocking…don’t hesitate…gladly run and open the door…
 

Revelation 3:20.    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
 
Oh Friends, how is your journey; your earthly journey that is? I know for many of us it’s rough and tough, but please look on the bright side. This earthly existence is only temporary, and as Christ’s followers, we’re headed for a wonderful life throughout eternity, if we only hang in sincerely and walk down here with Jesus; our Guide, Leader, Saviour, Advocate, Prince of Peace, etc. etc. Wow! With a Being so strong and versatile working on our behalf, there’s no need to fear whatever happens to us down here on this often hellish earth. Just remember that Jesus is our end all and be all! With Him, there’s salvation and life everlasting! Without Him, there’s nothing; nothing but death and eternal separation! So please choose salvation and eternal life because that’s the only wise choice. Don’t be fooled by the bright, glittering promises of Lucifer and his evil henchmen, because they involve trickery, sleight of hand, and their rewards are mere baubles; worldly stuff that lose their value, that rot and disintegrate. And in Hades, where those evil folk will end up, there’s only death and eternal damnation. Please my people, please remember that the choices we make here on earth determine the outcome of our eternal existence. So it’s of the utmost importance to make the right decision now. And what’s the right decision, the right choice? And all God’s people, without hesitation, declared in perfect harmony: ‘Jesus! Choose Jesus, for He’s the truth, the light and the way. No one comes to the Father but by Him.’  Yes Friends, that’s the correct answer to the million-dollar question! Or as Sherlock Holmes, that wise detective, would no doubt have said to his close friend: ‘Elementary, my dear Watson!’ (smile) And when one considers all the pros and cons, the choice is simple and elementary. So I sincerely hope that you and yours, like me and mine, have found, or will soon find an everlasting relationship with our Saviour; the Son of God who became man to sacrifice His life, pay an exorbitant price with His precious blood for our horrendous sins against Almighty God. No other supposed deity has done, can do, or will ever do what He’s done. And though the earthly times are hard and painful, when we rest under the LOVING and grace-giving shadow of His wings, we are enabled to handle those trials and tribulations without too much hand wringing and heart failing. Oh people, that’s the great benefit of hooking up with Jesus! He’s always around; always there to lend a helping hand; He’ll never let you down. Now He might not pull you out of the fire or the lion’s den, but He’ll surely enable you to pass through them with negligible bad effects. In fact, like iron strengthens iron, those troubles will strengthen you, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side. Please remember and stand on this most awesome promise of our God. ‘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).’ (Is.43:1-3) Yes my brethren, that’s how much the Lord our God LOVES us. He’s already put everything in place for us, done His part. It’s now left for us to do ours. And that’s to stand strong on His promises, be obedient to His will, and have a right and personal relationship with Him. That’s all He asks of us; have faith, live in a manner that glorifies Him, and communicate with Him on a regular basis. Now that’s not so hard to do, is it? And the wonderful thing about our God is that whatever He requires of us, He also gives us the tools, the wherewithal to accomplish it. No other deity does that. By now you have seen the many wonderful benefits of following Jesus and the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for there’s no one, or nothing as magnificent and magnanimous as the Holy Trinity. They are indeed special my brethren. But you won’t know, can’t experience that wonderful feeling of peace and calm that they engender in our spirit, in all walks of life, until you embrace them wholeheartedly, surrender to their easy yoke and light burden. Hear this great invitation, the greatest that’s ever been offered: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle and humble) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:29-30) Oh my people that’s the best offer we’ll ever receive in this life, so please lets accept it with the same generosity with which it’s been offered nuh. Jesus has already died, risen from the dead and ascended to heaven. So it’s a done deal! All we have to do is reach out in faith and accept the offer. It’s the best and wisest contract we’ll ever enter into. So I implore us, that if we should hear His voice calling our name today, please; ‘Harden not your heart, as in the provocation (rebellion), and as in the day of temptation (trial or testing) in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted (tried) me, proved me, and saw my work.’ (Ps.95:8-9) Let’s not be as obstinate, stubborn and rebellious as those Israelites, but joyfully accept the Lord’s most gracious offer, and live contentedly in Him. Much LOVE!…behold…I stand at the door, and knock…if any man hear my voice…and open the door…I will come in to him…and will sup (dine) with him…and he with me…