Galatians 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Oh Friends, oh Friends, yesterday morning after writing the Bit, the ole fella was watching an old Hour of Power Service from the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, and in the middle of it this beautiful young lady, Moriah Peters, began singing this song that just thrilled me all to pieces. Mama Mia! And children yuh know how yuh ole father can carry on crazy when a piece of music thrills him! Hn! Oh Friends, it was so nice, I just had to play it twice. I believe the song was titled, ‘I choose Jesus.’ But here’s the chorus: ‘I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus, The one who first chose me. I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus, From now and eternity.’ Wow mih breddren! The music was a rocking R&B riddim, and the young lady had a great voice and was also very convincing about having chosen Jesus! I had to call up my young daughter later in the day and ask her to get a copy of the music for me. And besides, with a name like Moriah, I should have known that she was gifted, was the real deal, since Moriah is also the name of a place on God’s Little Acre, Tobago. (smile) Got to put in a plug for sweet Tobago, any time I can! But seriously Friends, choosing Jesus is a sentiment that the entire world ought to be gladly and proudly singing about, because He’s the only real solution to all our earthly problems. Nothing, or no one else even comes close to solving them. Beelzebub and all his flashy but worthless earthly fandangle is a foolish waste of time. Jesus Christ is the ONLY ONE who can open heaven’s door for us my people! And if we foolishly try to open it by any other means we’ll be sadly thwarted, ingloriously repelled. Oh Friends, Jesus is indeed our ONLY HOPE, and we can only come to the Father by living the way Jesus desires that we live, in peace, LOVE and generosity. That’s why our Bit solemnly warns us: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): for whatsoever a man soweth (does, practices), that shall he also reap.’ It’s gospel truth Friends, the foundation of the universe! Just like how Jesus built His earthly church on Peter and the disciples, the same way Almighty God built His universe on the principle of sowing and reaping. The famous British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill said it this way: ‘We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.’ That statement brooks no argument whatsoever Friends! Neither does this one by Charles Dickens: ‘No one is useless in his world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else.’ Both statements relate right back to the universal principle of sowing and reaping my people, for helping others is our raison d’être in this life! Now let’s look at some scriptures that also point to that fundamental principle of eternal wisdom. First up is Bruh Paul’s directive to the Corinthians, re God LOVES a cheerful giver. And isn’t that a fact! ‘But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully (with blessings). Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity (compulsion): for God LOVETH a cheerful giver.’ (2 Cor.9:6-8) Oh my people, it’s right there in black and white, and though written almost two thousand years ago, the principle hasn’t changed, because our great and LOVING God, nor His Word ever changes! So why can’t we wise up and accept the eternal fact that we’ll only reap what we sow, and start sowing only good seed eh? Our stubborn reluctance, refusal to do so, certainly ‘confuffles’ me. Meanwhile, Cousin Sol declares it boldly and wisely when he exhorts us to obedience in Proverbs: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov.3:5-10) Oh Friends, do you realize that those 5 verses serve as a paraphrase to the whole Bible. If you followed only those 5, you could live a fairly decent and righteous life, because they remind us again to trust God, be obedient to Him, to share generously with both God and man, because that’s how we will be raised up, how our own situation will be improved, be increased. Oh my brethren, I don’t know what else to say that will convince us to start sowing good seed so that we will reap a good harvest, so I’ll just let Bruh David take us home. Hopefully we’ll listen to him, as he boldly declares in Psalm 62, God only is my rock and my salvation. ‘Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest (rewardeth) to every man according to his work.’ (Ps.62:12) Please remember that Friends. In fact, let’s write it indelibly in our hearts, souls and minds, so that it will readily show forth in a positive manner in all our earthly doings. It’s wisdom of the highest order. Much LOVE!…to sow, to sow…only good seed…so that our harvest will also be…an abundance of good…of divine blessing…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 July 2012 Galatians 6:7
11 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: fear God, give and it shall be given to you, God is not mocked, God LOVES a cheerful giver, help others, Hour of Power, I choose Jesus, Jesus is the ONLY ONE, trust in God, what you sow you shall reap
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 July 2012 Galatians 6:7
10 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: boomerang effect, don't judge, extraordinary happiness, languishing in abject poverty, look after the sick and needy, man's inhumanity to man, plant seds of righteousness, stop liking the things of the world, thanks and praise for life, unspeakable joy
Galatians 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Oh Friends, it’s a new day and the ole fella’s extraordinarily happy! Wow! I don’t know the reason for this state of extraordinary happiness, because nothing extraordinary has happened in my life recently. In fact I felt lousy yesterday, weak and lacking energy, but I plodded on nonetheless, like I’m supposed to. I guess the extra joy must come from feeling much better today. Whatever the reason is though Friends, please, let’s give the Lord a big shout of praise and thanks because we’re alive and kicking and living better than the majority of people in our world. Oh Friends, it’s so sad to see so many people sick, hurting, oppressed, poor and hungry, when there’s so much in the world, enough that no one should have to go hungry or homeless. But unfortunately mankind has become such a rapacious, selfish, greedy disgrace, that the one percent at the top now possess more than all the other 99 percent put together. Hn! How sad! No wonder some wise man once said: ‘Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!’ And that’s the gospel truth Friends! Only it’s much worse now, for it’s no longer thousands but billions that are mourning. Think about that nuh mih breddren; billions of people on this fruitful earth are starving and languishing in abject poverty while a handful of us live high on the hog. And that’s not only in the underdeveloped countries, but also in the developed and supposed first world states. No wonder too that the Most High God is so disappointed in us, His most wonderful creation. But who wouldn’t be eh, since we’re living such shameful, ungodly, evil lives? That brings us to our Bit: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): for whatsoever a man soweth (does, practices), that shall he also reap.’ And we know that’s gospel truth Friends, that’s why so much unusual stuff is happening to us these days. The Lord’s trying to warn us about our disgusting way of life, but sadly, very few are listening, especially amongst the powers that be. They are still greatly enamoured of Lucifer and his wicked, godless ways. But remember my people that our Bit is the foundation principle on which the Lord’s built His universe. So like the boomerang we spoke of yesterday, whatever we give out, the same will be returned to us. And it’s not like we don’t know that, for Jesus said it clearly and simply: ‘Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom (pocket). For with the same measure that ye mete (use) withal it shall be measured to you again.’ (Luke 6:37-38) It doesn’t take a rocket scientist mentality to understand that whatever you do, and however you do it, the same will be done to you. Yes Friends, if we judge, condemn, do not forgive, do not give, or give grudgingly, the same thing will happen to us. Why can’t we understand that and change our selfish, greedy ways eh? But here are two relevant quotes from two famous men. The first is from Robert Louis Stevenson, (1850-1894) Scottish writer, most famous for the book ‘Treasure Island’, a long ago staple in schools. He says: ‘Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.’ Sure words of wisdom Friends! Meanwhile John Bunyan (1628-1688) the English writer renowned for his book, ‘Pilgrim’s Progress,’ rightly declared: ‘You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who cannot pay you back.’ Those are also words of undeniable wisdom my people! For Jesus also said it quite plainly. ‘When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again (invite you back), and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed (crippled), the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense (repay) thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.’ (Luke 14:12-14) So Friends, why aren’t we, the supposed followers of Jesus, following His instructions more widely and generously than we are eh? For it’s no secret that supposed Christians are some of the most selfish and greedy humans around. But when calamity and affliction overtake us we wonder why, then piously hold our heads and bawl: ‘Why me Lord?’ It’s simple Friends; because we’re not living the kind of life Jesus died for us to live. We’re still too enamoured of Beelzebub and his worthless useless baubles, that only have a flashy front but nothing of real and lasting substance beneath. And we’ll end with some tough LOVE from Bruh Paul to the Romans: ‘And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and (thou) doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds.’ (Rom.2:3-6) Please Friends, let’s seriously ponder those words today, because they are very important re where we’ll spend eternity, then try and bring our lives into better sync with Almighty God and His laws. That’s wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!…we shall all receive our comeuppance…in the same manner in which we dished it out… P.S. I want to apologize for leaving out the ‘not’ in ‘God is not mocked,’ in the heading of yesterday’s Bit. The ole fella’s only human. (smile) Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 July 2012 Galatians 6:7
09 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: bounden duty, God is not deceived, God is not mocked, heathen hordes, invincible, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, renewed vitality and enthusiasm, spread the gospel worldwide, steadfast faith, sure conquerors, whatever you sow you'll reap
Galatians 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday, the day we all LOVE! And I suddenly hear a whole lot of hissing, booing, and cursing. ‘What, LOVE Monday! Are you crazy man? What have you been drinking or smoking?’ Unfortunately Friends, all I’ve been doing is drinking water. (smile) Oh I know how we all hate to get up and go to work after a fun-filled weekend, but there’s a good logic towards LOVING Mondays. Sadly though, it comes from that same getting up and going out to work, for that causes us to go out amongst the heathen hordes where we can propagate the gospel, which we all know is our bounden duty. Note that some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples were: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.’ (Matt.28:19-20) And where else can we teach others about Christ eh, if not in the world, outside of our comfortable homes? So my people, if we’re true, devoted, diligent and faithful followers of Christ, we should be just dying for Monday to roll around, so that we can get back out there amongst the numerous unwashed, passionately broadcasting the most excellent, never-ending benefits of embracing Jesus Christ, the One and Only Superstar, as our Lord and Saviour! And Friends, I know we all want to do just that, but though our spirit is willing, our fallen flesh is weak. Anyhow, we also know that where there seems to be no way, our Saviour will always make one. And for Mondays, it’s through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, where we lively up ourselves in the Lord, give our willing spirits a boost, that jumpstart it requires to get us rolling. So all together now, in one loud, brash, defiant, but yet humble and worshipful mood. (smile) ‘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 now that we’re all set and rearing to go my brethren, let’s check out our ever so important Bit: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): for whatsoever a man soweth (does) that shall he also reap.’ Oh Friends, that is the gospel of all gospel truths, for it’s the very foundation, the overriding principle on which God has built His Word and His Universe! As you should all know by now, we cannot outwit or outfox God, for He is all powerful and all-seeing. The scholars give this example: ‘To disobey God’s commands and then escape divine punishment would be to outwit God, thus making a mockery of Him and His Word.’ That will NEVER happen Friends! Therefore, whatever we practice or do, be it good or evil, we will eventually reap a harvest of the seed we’ve sown. I like to think of it as a boomerang; no matter how far you throw it, it will eventually come back to you. Likewise, our deeds will come back to prosper or haunt us. So Friends, if we want to reap things like happiness, prosperity and generosity, then we first have to sow seeds of happiness, prosperity and generosity. The Lord will not give them to us unless, like the farmer, we first plant a seed. So let’s get out there and plant plenty good seeds nuh, so that we can reap an exceedingly abundant harvest of good! Now here’s an appropriate scripture for us to ponder on today: ‘For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth of the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ (Gal.6:8) More gospel truth Friends! Please let’s pay close heed to it. Much, much LOVE, mih people!…the wise will sow seeds of LOVE…while the wicked those of hate…but both will reap their reward in the same currency in which they sowed…for you can’t plant peas and expect to reap corn…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 July 2012 Proverbs 10:30
08 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: all things work for our good, blessings, choose life, curses, faithfulness, God is on the throne, God's faithfulness, God's promises, righteousness., twice as fruitfull, walk in humble obedience
Proverbs 10:30. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2012 Proverbs 10:30
07 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: curses and blessings, faithfulness, global warming, He is faithful that promised, heat-wave, heavenly blessings, meditate on God's Word, obedience, the glass half-full, the righteous shall be blessed, the wicked destroyed
Proverbs 10:30. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
Oh Friends, yesterday was indeed a hot one! Even the wind was hot! Thankfully to day won’t be as hot – at least that’s what the forecasters say, but you can’t trust them too much with their rather inexact science. A couple of days ago, they were predicting storms in my area, Hn! Up to now we haven’t seen a drop of heavenly blessing! The grass is not as dry as before though, because the Duchess has been blessing it with plenty earthly water. Just hope I can pay the water bill when it comes. (smile) Anyway Friends, all over North America the heat’s been abnormally rampant, one commentator even links it to global warming, but we need more evidence to justify that. However, whatever the cause, it’s hot, so please take care to put on sun screen if you’re going outside for any length of time, drink lots of cold fluids to keep hydrated, and try to stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned areas. And remember, as believers in Christ, we have to look on the positive side of the ledger; the glass being half-full rather than half empty, of which our Bit quite rightly informs us. ‘The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.’ Ah mih people, wise words from Cousin Sol! It’s also a very important premise, as well as fact, under the rule of Almighty God, and it’s clearly stated several times and several ways in His Word. Let’s look at a few of them. In Psalm 37, the true state of the wicked, Bruh David says it this way: ‘For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (land); and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off (destroyed).’ (Ps.37:22) Meanwhile, in an earlier chapter of Proverbs, Cousin Sol states it thus: ‘The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation (dwelling) of the just.’ (Prov.3:33) Yes Friends, the Most High looks down on those who sincerely try to walk in obedience to His Word with much favour. Not so the wicked and disobedient though. Listen to what he told the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land, re the penalties for disobedience. ‘But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments…I will also do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption (a wasting disease), and the burning ague (fever), that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart; and ye shall sow your seed in vain (without profit), for your enemies shall eat it.’ (Lev.26:14,16) And that’s the good part! Oh my people, please make it a point to read Leviticus 26, if you don’t know it, and see the difference between the blessings of obedience and the penalties for disobedience. The latter takes up almost two pages, while the former does less than one page. That just goes to show Friends, how serious our God is about obedience to His Word. Now hear this from Zechariah, re the curse of the flying roll: ‘Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off (purged out, expelled) as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth (swears falsely) shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it (the curse) forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.’ (Zech. 5:3-4) The Lord’s serious about His curses and blessings Friends. As you can see there’s even a special one for thieves and blasphemers. But remembering that the glass is half full rather than half empty, let’s end on a positive note, the blessings of the righteous. In the very first Psalm, the psalmist profoundly proclaims: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (mockers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate (ponder, contemplate) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps.1:1-3) Wow! As I keep saying, what a wonderful and gracious God we serve and worship! Yes my people, that is the Lord’s desire, His promise to those who are faithful and obedient to His Word. Please, I implore us, let’s ensure that we’re numbered amongst the righteous nuh, so that we will be eternally blessed as the Lord has promised. That’s the only earthly avenue that projects true wisdom. Much LOVE!…let us hold fast the profession of our faith…without wavering…for He is faithful that promised… (Heb.10:23) P.S. No complaints about length today though Friends, cause it’s short and sweet! (smile) Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 July 2012 Psalm 115:1
06 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: batten down the hatches, Friday chant, furthering Jesus' kingdom, glorify God, our bounden duty, renewed and refreshed, rest and relaxation, soul body and mind, TGIF!, the Promised Land, the weekend
Psalm 115:1. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday! The eve of two days of freedom, or as close as we’ll ever really get. That’s why everybody’s so happy, and joyfully declaring to each other: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ Oh Friends, what would most of us do without the weekend to look forward to eh? And believe me, we have to be very careful, diligent and strong to protect it, because if the greedy, evil politicos and their wealthy evil counterparts get the chance, they will gladly even take those two semi-free days away from us. So let’s batten down the hatches, and prepare to fight tooth and nail for that privilege and many others they are either taking away or planning to take away. Our forefathers’ fought too hard, even giving up their lives for the few measly benefits workers now have. We can’t afford to let the evildoers come and retake them. In the meanwhile though, let’s enjoy the weekend, but with ‘a modicum of circumspection’ as Jeeves would say. And to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much verve and gusto. All together now, as one glorious voice: ‘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, we have to be circumspect about how we use our days off. The Lord God Jehovah should always be front and centre in our consciousness. And our Bit today certainly highlights that sentiment. ‘Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy (LOVING-kindness), and for thy truth’s sake.’ What we have to remember Friends is that we’re made for God’s purpose(s), not Him for ours. Thus, whatever happens in our lives, on earth or in heaven, is supposed to be all for God’s glory, not ours, as so many of us wrongly believe. And the Lord has made it clear on several occasions in His Word, that what He does is not always for us, but because He wants His Name to be glorified and not polluted or profaned. The first good example of that is when Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt, and he tells them: ‘Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For (because of) my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for (because of) the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform (fulfill) the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the Lord giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked (stubborn, rebellious) people.’ (Deut.9:4-6) So we see it’s not because the Israelites were so righteous that the Lord brought them out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, because they were not, but because the inhabitants of the land were wicked and He had to keep His promise to their forefathers. Likewise Friends, many times what He does for us, is not because we’re so righteous either, but to protect His name and image or to keep some promise He’s made. Hear what He says about that through Isaiah: ‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give another, neither my praise to graven images.’ (Is.42:8) Yes mih breddren, the Lord’s very jealous of His name and glory. He has an immaculate image to project and protect, therefore He will not allow anyone to besmirch them. Listen to Him again, this time through Ezekiel: ‘But I wrought (acted) for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted (profaned) before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.’ (Ezek.20:9) Oh my people, that just goes to show what lengths the Lord will go to protect His name and His majestic image. And He further reminded them when He promised the future restoration of Israel: ‘Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel…Then the heathen (nations) that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build (rebuilt) the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.’ (Ezek.36:32,36) Ah Friends, strong words from our God, words that still resonate with us today, since He or His Word changes. Therefore let’s do our best to uphold His righteousness and not to provoke His anger any more than we’re already doing with the sinful, ungodly, wicked lifestyle we’re currently promoting in our society. Remember the last days are on the horizon, and the unrighteous are still many, so let’s do our part in our little area to glorify His name and cut down on the numbers that will be destroyed on that fateful day nuh. It is our bounden duty. Much LOVE!…to help others come to Christ…that’s the believers’ main goal…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 July 2012 Psalm 115:1
05 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: clamour for freedom, freedom, furnace of affliction, glorify the Lord, independence, natural disasters, surrender to God, the price of freedom, ultimate wisdom, utopian imaginings
Psalm 115:1. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy and for thy truth’s sake.
Oh Friends, it’s another new day! Glory be! And it’s also going to be another hot one, though possibly not as hot as yesterday, or as hot as tomorrow is forecasted to be. But as usual, we believers have cause to celebrate each new day since our ever-LOVING and merciful God does new and blessed stuff every day. Now I don’t have a Bit as yet, but the Spirit has put this idea of freedom and independence in my mind, so I’ll just run with it. (smile) Yesterday was the 4th of July, Independence Day celebrations in the U.S, but I wonder what kind of celebrations they really had with the country currently suffering so much affliction; terrible natural disasters on the East Coast and in Colorado, a stinging heat wave traversing all North America, plus the unfortunate economic distress that so many are suffering in the still richest country in the world. I’m sure it was not as huge and worldly as it usually is, but much more subdued and prayerful. For how can you be overly happy when so many don’t have light, food and water, or even a place to live, as so many down there are unfortunately experiencing? Even the capital, Washington D.C. is suffering from the recent storms. Then there are many other nations who are soon going to be celebrating their independence, like Jamaica and T&T, fifty years in the making. How have all these supposed free nations done in their independence though? Most of them haven’t done too well at all. So what’s the big deal about it eh? Most of the nations have only exchanged a colonial power as their master for one of the global banks or big money organizations, who rape these countries worse than the old colonial masters did. Yet we all still clamour for freedom, for independence! But sadly none of us ever become truly free, for we’re always responsible for, or to, something or someone else. So though on paper we’re free to make our own determinations, they certainly cannot be made in isolation, especially in this age of the global village. Oh Friends, the price of supposed freedom is exorbitant, both in economics and personal freedom of movement, as we can see from the economic disaster that’s facing our world today, and the many graves all around the world, with more being added every day, and still nobody’s free, freedom remains as elusive as ever. Man searches, begs, fights, dies, does so many things to try and attain freedom, but cannot, because it’s basically a figment of our imagination. Let me share a quote from the In Touch Magazine, July edition, from the Devotional Section, which says: ‘It may sound like a paradox, but true freedom isn’t about independence. The spiritually maturing believer is one who grows increasingly dependent on God.’ And that’s the living truth my people! Because the more mature we become in Christ, the more dependent we are on Him. Reality steps in and shows us that maturity doesn’t mean breaking free from Him, but rather accepting His easy yoke and light burden more and more with each passing day, for that’s the only way to truly know and learn about Him. Friends, it’s all well and good to be free, but from what, and how do we sustain that freedom? It’s very difficult and oftimes impossible, because though you may have freedom in one sense, you soon discover that you’re inextricably tied to something else. The Spirit though says it’s time for me to shut up about freedom and find a Bit. (smile) I do hope though that the ideas I threw out, give us some stuff to seriously think about, because the clamour for freedom and independence is becoming louder every day. And the Spirit is so wonderful, it hooked me up with an appropriate Bit, right where the Good Book was opened all along, from Psalm 115, re Trust in God, not in idols. More gospel truth Friends! ‘Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy (LOVING-kindness) and for thy truth’s sake.’ Yes mih people, the glory is not for us, for we don’t have anything to be glorified about. But the Lord’s name, His LOVING-kindness and truth are indeed worthy of glorification, for He’s the Creator, Controller, Protector and Provider of our universe! And we all know that He’s very jealous of His name; doesn’t want it trodden down or used inappropriately. No wonder when He rebukes Israel’s unfaithfulness, He declares through His messenger Isaiah: ‘For my name’s sake will I defer (delay) mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain (restrain) for thee, that I cut (destroy) thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with (as) silver; I have chosen (tested) thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted (profaned)? and I will not give my glory unto another. Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned (stretched out) the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.’ (Is.48:9-13) Wow! What a truly mighty God we serve my people! Yes, the Lord God Jehovah, He is the ultimate Being! And though we can get some sort of independence and freedom from man and his organizations, freedom and independence from Almighty God is neither wise, nor even possible. Why? Because He can get on your case and make your life miserable, as he’s doing to so many who are trying to turn away from Him these days. On the other hand, the wise man will instead surrender His life, his God-given freedom of choice to God and allow Him to run his life, because He’s so much stronger and wiser. Please Friends, let’s show the ultimate in wisdom today nuh, by totally surrendering our freedom to God, so He can improve our lives. It’s the most sensible path to take, the one least fraught with potholes, high hills, winding curves and dangerous gullies. Much LOVE!…total freedom and independence are merely the utopian imaginings of man…for in reality…they do not exist… P.S. It’s somewhat long, but thought provoking. (smile)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 July 2012 James 5:13
04 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: affliction, doing good, faith without works, giving thanks, meditation, natural disasters, obedience, peace, prayer, prosperity, seek God, singing praise to God, suffering
James 5:13. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Oh Friends, we’re together again! Thank the Lord! Yes, He saw fit to leave the breath of life in us for at least one more day, so please, let’s all be thankful and do our best to serve, worship and reverence Him in a most worthwhile manner today. And all God’s people shouted with great passion: ‘Oh yes Lord, we will serve and worship You, both today and forever more, because You are such a kind, wonderful, generous, merciful, forgiving and LOVING God!’ Oh my brethren, that surely brought a smile to God’s face, but now we have to go out and walk that talk, because faith without works is useless. As James so rightly says: ‘Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone…Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.’ (James 2:17-18) Remember too that Jesus basically went about every day, ‘doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.’ (Acts 10:38) Therefore so should we, His followers, go about doing good and helping others as best we can, because the Most High God Jehovah is also with us, in the form of His Holy Spirit. And now, turning to our Bit: ‘Is any among you afflicted (suffering)? let him pray. Is any merry (cheerful)? let him sing psalms.’ Those are very truthful sentiments my people, as we saw yesterday. But today we need the first part, praying more than ever, for more people are being afflicted more than ever. Just look at the natural disasters in the last few days; disastrous and damaging storms on the U.S. East coast, raging fires in Colorado, a tornado in Saskatchewan, Western Canada, floods in India and Japan, war and strife in so many parts of our world, plus famines, economic distress and home loss, wanton sinfulness that’s spreading far and wide, with a power structure that’s keeping the ungodly and evil in high places. Now if that isn’t affliction, I don’t know what is. And we haven’t even gotten down to the individual level yet. So Friends, if there’s one thing our world needs more than anything else right now, it’s PRAYER – and lots of it too. If there’s to be any hope for our world, we need to move away from the ungodly, unrighteous state in which we’re currently living, and move back to a GODLIER situation, where the Lord can bless us, and where we’ll prosper once again. Moses strongly warned the Israelites about disobedience. ‘And thou shalt grope at noonday, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not prosper in thy ways; and thou shalt be only oppressed and spoiled evermore (plundered continuously), and no man shall save thee.’ (Deut.28:29) Likewise the Lord verily impressed upon Joshua when he took over the leadership of the Israelites: ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall constantly be in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh.1:8) And what did Jehoshaphat tell Judah as they were going out to battle: ‘Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.’ (2 Chr.20:20) Oh Friends, why are we so surprised then that our world is in such a state of confusion, oppression and strife eh? It’s obvious that if we’re not obeying God’s Word we will suffer. There are so many examples of it through the Israelites, that I don’t know why we think we should be different. God’s Word doesn’t change, that means what He’s said at the beginning, will still be valid at the end. Oh mih people, let’s help our world to wake up nuh. As Eliphaz said to Job: ‘Acquaint now thyself with him (God), and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee…For then thou shalt have thy delight in the Almighty, and shall lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows.’ (Job 22:21,26-27) And though Eliphaz was wrong about Job personally, his prescription for peace and prosperity were correct. Only belief, trust, faith and obedience to God’s Word bring peace and prosperity to a people, my Friends! But instead of rising to greater heights, unfortunately we are sinking to deeper depths because of our unfaithfulness. And in closing, let’s hear the proper way a believer should live this earthly life, in the words of Bruh Paul to the Ephesians. ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise. Redeeming the time (making the most of every opportunity), because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation), but be filled with the Spirit. Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ (Eph.5:15-21) Oh Friends, that prescription is still as good today for the overwhelming ungodliness that currently exists in our world, as it was some two thousand years ago! Please, let’s do our best to implement it now nuh, before it’s too late. That’s wisdom at its highest. Much LOVE!…to LOVE, serve and glorify the Lord our God…that’s man’s avowed purpose…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 July 2012 James 5:13
03 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: celebrate each new day, climbing new mountains, give thanks, rejoice and be glad, the Lord's mysterious movements, trials and tribulations
James 5:13. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
Oh Friends, here it comes; another brand new day, filled with some wonderful old stuff like God’s great, unconditional LOVE for us, but also with lots of new things, like His new mercies and blessings. Let us therefore rejoice and be thankful in and for this day! And all God’s people raised a loud and joyous shout to heaven: ‘Oh praise and thank the Lord for His never-ending goodness to the children of men! We will faithfully serve and worship You forever Lord! Amen!’ Yes Friends, it’s only a sense of wisdom to be thankful for and celebrate each new day, since we never know what the Lord’s planned for us. He might remove some of the negatives, give us positives, or any combination thereof. But we know for sure that He’s working all things out for our good, as He’s promised in Romans 8:28. However, along with all that, we have a divine responsibility to look after what He’s given us, including our health. And this is one of those times I have to chuckle because the Lord moved in one of His usual mysterious ways yesterday evening while I was reading a Devotional. The quote at the top of the day was interesting and got me thinking about the topic of health. And right then and there I stopped reading the Devotional, got out pen and paper and began writing this. Hn, hn! What an interesting, amazing and unmatchable God we serve Friends! He never ceases to amaze me in how He works! Anyway, the quote comes from one Leon Eldred, and it says: ‘If I had known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself.’ And isn’t that a fact to which we can all attest my brethren? However, I’m here to tell us today that it’s not too late to begin taking better care of our health, like simply eating better, wiser, getting proper rest, and exercising a little more. It doesn’t take much out of us, just pay more attention to what we put in the Lord’s temple, our mortal bodies, and how we use, not abuse it. Obviously we won’t get healthy overnight if we’ve allowed ourselves to go to waste for sometime. But as Cousin Confucius (smile) says: ‘The longest journey begins with the first step. And once you’ve taken that first step, you’re halfway home!’ That’s gospel Friends! The first step is always the hardest! And though I’ve never really abused my body, I’m now trying to treat it a little better, and you’d be surprised at the difference subtle little changes make. And since I know I still have to a ways to go on this earth, because naively or wisely, I suspect the former, sometime ago, in my eagerness to please God, I asked Him, like Caleb did, to give me a new mountain to climb when I’m 85. Hn, hn! And knowing our God’s penchant for catching us offside when we least expect it, I thought I’d better start getting myself in shape to climb that new mountain, some twenty years hence. Yes children, you have that long to put up with me. (smile) Oh Friends, when will I learn to stop asking God for the things some of the Bible stalwarts asked for, and often received, but at great expense and tribulation? Anyway, the deed’s already done, so all I can do now is prepare my self as best I can, for if that day ever comes. Yes mih people, please be careful what you ask the Lord for, because most of the time it comes with a hefty price tag. And now that I’ve written all that extempo(re), from the heart, I guess I’ll have to find an appropriate scripture later. But I like these Bits though, where the Spirit just gets me going; instils an idea, then let’s me run with it. And the Lord was so good to me, that when I came down here this morning to finish writing the Bit, it didn’t take long to find a suitable scripture. Enough of my prattling though, let’s look at the Bit: ‘Is any among you afflicted (suffering)? let him pray. Is any merry (cheerful)? let him sing psalms.’ Now that’s excellent advice my brethren from James, the brother of Jesus, re patience in affliction! And we all suffer affliction at various stages in life, some more than others, but it’s a common problem because of man’s fallen nature. And the best way to attack that suffering, the first move we ought to make, is to get on our knees before Almighty God in sincere prayer. Yes my people, before we do anything or turn to any human, we must always take our problems first to the Father. That’s what He’s there for, and what He desires of us. The psalmist Asaph also strongly advises this course of action in Psalm 50, God is the judge: ‘Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.’ (Ps.50:14-15) And on that wise note my Friends, we’ll end for today. There’s more to come, but I don’t want to hear any complaints that it was too long. (smile) And we have enough material there to ponder on for today, so let’s get a pondering nuh! Till we meet again tomorrow, the Lord willing, take care, and remember to always give God the first opportunity to help us. Much LOVE!…when prayer and praise come together in a believer’s spirit…all heaven rejoices…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 July 2012 2 Peter 1:8
02 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: aura of love, drunk or sober mind your business, godliness, grow in grace, Happy Birthday Canada, holy spirit, Jesus' easy yoke and light burden, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, patience, rejuvenation of spirit, self-control, spiritual armour, spiritual maturity, temperance, virtue
2 Peter 1:8. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh Friends, unfortunately it’s Monday! Please no moaning and groaning, (smile) because it means labouring time again…except for us lucky ones in this great, north country of Canada, where we’re celebrating our 145 Birthday. Happy Birthday Canada! But since the first of July fell on a Sunday, today, Monday becomes the de facto holiday. And yuh better believe the birthday party is going to go right down to the wire tonight, with barbecues flaming, fireworks lighting up the night skies, and a good time being had by all. But a word of caution Friends. As Granny used to say: ‘Sonny boy, drunk or sober, please remember to mind yuh business.’ Yes Friends, it’s ever so important that we don’t overdo the good times, and be very careful not to give the evil enemy any leeway into our lives. Now, for the benefit of all those who have to go out and face the evil hordes of Beelzebub this morning, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in loud voice, as one. All together now: ‘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!’ Awright mih people, that should hold us in good stead, give us a strong foundation as we go out to do the Lord’s work today! But here’s some more help that comes from our Bit: ‘For if these things be in you (are yours), and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren (useless) nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.’ And what are these things Friends, that Peter’s talking about that shall make us abound and be fruitful in Christ? Well to find out the things that will help us to grow in grace, we just have to look to the verses before our Bit: ‘And beside this (also for this very reason), giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control): and to temperance patience (perseverance); and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity (LOVE).’ (2 Pet.1:5-7) Oh my brethren, without a doubt, if all those good and excellent things abound in us, how can we not grow in Christ and be exceedingly fruitful eh? Now here’s what the scholars have to say about those character builders: ‘In this section Peter urges his readers to grow to spiritual maturity. Add to your faith indicates the areas of growth that follow after salvation. Virtue is moral excellence. Knowledge is spiritual truth. Temperance is self-control. Patience is endurance. Godliness is God-likeness. Brotherly kindness (Gr. philadelphian) is brotherly LOVE. Charity (Gr. agapen) is volitional LOVE. This process is a lifelong cycle of spiritual growth for all believers.’ Oh Friends, I’m sure when some of us look at all those requirements for spiritual growth, we’ll get cold feet. But please don’t be afraid, for we’re not expected to develop that Christ-like character overnight, but it’s a process we have to go through, like the making of steel from basic iron ore, and it takes time, sometimes our entire lives. And be sure that if you’re serious, and your heart’s in the right place, the Lord will see it and offer all the help you need. In Jesus’ words: I am the true (genuine) vine, and my Father is the husbandman (the vinedresser). Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth (prunes) it, that it may bring forth more fruit.” (John 15:1-2) So we don’t have to worry, our God will guide us kindly and carefully. Remember His yoke is easy and His burden light, (Matt.11:30) so He won’t try to force it all on us at once. He knows what we’re all capable of and will guide us at the speed to which each of us is capable. And finally, as Bruh Paul told the Philippians: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil.1:6) Yes Friends, rest assured that whatever work the Lord begins in us, He will finish. He will continue working in us until Jesus returns. Re the scholars: ‘This speaks of the Christian’s eternal security. For God had a purpose in view when He began His saving work in the Philippians, and that purpose will neither be abandoned or unrealized.’ My people, the same reasoning applies to us. God will never leave nor forsake us. Please, let’s write that indelibly in our hearts, minds and souls, so that we can stand strong in Jesus. Much LOVE!…to be LOVED…to be LOVED…oh what a feeling …to be LOVED by Jesus…
SCRIP-BITS 