SCRIP-BITS

Psalm 22:28.   For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.

Psalm 22:28.    For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday… But it’s obvious you already know that from the cries of ‘TGIF!’ and ‘Thank God it’s Friday!’ that I hear, along with the rocking riddim of the riddim section. The difference between a Friday and Monday morning is truly amazing, showing the highs and lows of which the human spirit is capable. Anyway, it’s the end of the workweek, and we’re all glad for the short respite from worldly toil, so let’s chant our Friday Chant, so that we can keep the important things in proper perspective. 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.’ Now Friends, turning to our Bit, which, though simple, is of the utmost importance to our Christian faith. We can’t be true believers unless we accept Bruh David’s words from his contradictory psalm, a cry of anguish and song of praise. ‘For the kingdom is the Lord’s: and he is the governor among the nations.’ That my brethren is the basis of all Christianity! It’s one indisputable proclamation which all believers acknowledge as the ultimate truth! Our faith declares that the Lord God Jehovah, He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, created the universe and all therein ages ago, and He still runs it. It’s His personal fiefdom, to do with as he pleases. And once we sincerely believe that, then we’re on our way to righteousness and eventually salvation and eternal life in heaven with the Holy Trinity. Wow! What a wonderful feeling that brings to our souls, hearts and minds my people! The most awesome feeling we can ever experience is that engendered by the unconditional LOVE that the Creator of the universe bears for us, and so graciously showed by sacrificing His Son Jesus to pay for our sins. And all God’s people, prayerfully declared, with much gratitude: ‘Thank you Lord. There’s none other like you!’ And that’s another undisputable fact! Oh Friends, if there’s one thing I admire about Bruh David, is that he definitely knew on which side his bread was buttered, for throughout all the shenanigans in his life, from the time he was anointed the future king at a tender age, till his death, he never wavered or strayed from worshipping and following the God of his fathers. Now let’s end today with some of his immortal words, as he offers thanksgiving and prayer to his heavenly Father. ‘Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.’ (1 Chron.29:10-13) And yuh know Friends, the Lord blessed Bruh David eternally for his immense faith. It’s the same way He will bless us if we truly believe that He is Lord and God over all creation, and adhere as best we can to His will. Much LOVE!…there’s nothing more pleasing to God…than His children sincerely trying to please Him… P.S. Brother! I can’t believe it’s so short today. There must be many smiles and thank you Lord from the readers. (smile) Much LOVE!
 

Proverbs 17:9.    He that covereth a transgression seeketh LOVE; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.
 
Oh Friends, you need to show the ole fella some true Christianity, some real LOVE this morning. I got caught up in catching up with some overdue paperwork until a late hour last night. Then faithfully, I attempted to write the Bit, but found it wasn’t going according to my satisfaction because I was mentally tired. So I decided to get into relaxation mode, which caused me to go to bed in the wee hours of the morning. And like it does so often, my frail human body betrayed me; (smile) I didn’t get up until past the appointed time. Anyway, the mind seems fresh right now, just like the many new mercies and blessings the Lord rains down on us every day. So without further preamble, let’s delve right into our Bit, which conveys an absolute imperative for all true believers. ‘He that covereth a transgression seeketh LOVE; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very (the best of) friends.’ And isn’t that both the awesome and awful truth! In short, when we forgive transgressions against us, we’re being truly Christ-like, showing His true dimension of LOVE. However, when we behave like chatterboxes, continually running off our mouths, especially about things we don’t really know, we tend to kill good relationships. Please, please remember my people, that nothing in this world destroys friendships like idle gossip. Cousin Sol was quite aware of this, and earlier on in Proverbs said it this way: ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but LOVE covereth all sins.’ (Prov.10:12) And that’s an indisputable truth that all believers need to write indelibly in our hearts, souls and minds so that most of the time we can be covering sins, rather than stirring up strife. Because of our naturally fallen condition, we’ll never be perfect, and strife will occasionally come into our lives, but we must be very careful to eradicate it as soon as possible, and not let it linger in our spirits and eventually become firmly embedded there. And in the immortal words of James, re saving an erring brother: ‘Brethren, if any of you do err (wander) from the truth, and one convert him (turns him back); Let him know, that he which converteth (turns) the sinner from the error of his ways shall save a soul from death, and shall hide (cover) a multitude of sins.’ (James 5:19-20) Yes Friends, when we help someone to overcome their shortcomings with LOVE, we’re doing a wonderful work for Jesus. That’s as opposed to Sol’s contention: ‘A froward (perverse) man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief (the best of) friends.’ (Prov.16:28) And believe me, we certainly have too many busybodies and gossips in the church today. It’s one of the major causes of strife, dissension and divisiveness that’s currently wracking apart the Body of Christ. Instead of helping others to overcome their deficiencies, too many of us go around spreading tales about those deficiencies. And sadly, by the time the gossip makes the rounds, it’s been changed so much that it bears very little resemblance to how it began. That’s the major problem in gossip Friends; every teller adds their own take on it, so that it’s totally distorted and even further removed from any truth it originally contained. Now that kind of behaviour should never be numbered amongst believers. We should always walk in the way of LOVE. And what’s that you ask? I’ll let Bruh Paul tell us: ‘Charity (LOVE) suffereth long, and is kind; LOVE envieth not; LOVE vaunteth not itself (does not brag or boast), is not puffed up (arrogant). Doth not behave itself unseemly (rudely), seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (keeps no account of evil); Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.’ (1 Cor.13:4-7) That’s how believers walk in LOVE my brethren! It’s a dying to self like Jesus did. Unfortunately that sort of LOVE walk is not as prevalent in churches and Christian circles as it ought to be. Oh Friends, we all know that LOVE, the very essence of God’s Being, is the only thing that can bring and keep us sinful humans together under Christ’s wonderful banner. So why are we so reluctant to embrace and share it eh? Please, let’s try and change our gossipy tendencies nuh, and replace them with ones of LOVE, so that we aren’t inviting strife and all the other negative emotions it entails, into our lives. That’s the only way Christ’s Church will become strong and grow. Remember, that’s our great commission. Much LOVE!…and now abideth…faith…hope…LOVE…these three…but the greatest of these…is LOVE…(1 Cor.13:13)
 

Isaiah 28:29.    This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working.
 
Oh Friends, we’ve got to put on our praying caps again today for those unlucky people on the north east coast of North America, who were hit by the untimely and unseasonable snowstorm last weekend. Unfortunately over a million of them are still without heat, light and power in these fast approaching days of winter. This tragedy, coming so soon after Hurricane Irene in August, surely must have some people wondering what’s happening. But there’s nothing to really wonder about Friends. It’s basically a warning sign for the sinful, ungodly, wasteful life that’s become the norm in our society. And unless we clean up our act, and fast too, these untimely, unexpected disasters will keep happening. Just look back in history nuh. When we were living a more godly life, when God was in our schools, churches, and public places, were there as many natural disasters, so often, and so deadly? I don’t think so. Between our senseless tampering with the earth’s atmosphere and God’s hand of warning, we’re seeing many more natural disasters taking place all over the world. And our Bit today is taken from Isaiah’s warning to the people of Jerusalem re their evil, godless ways, which would eventually bring the wrath of God upon them. Sadly, Friends, it’s no different today. In fact it’s worse, because we’re living a much more sinful and ungodly life than possibly any other society that’s gone before us. Our Bit though points out the foolishness in that lifestyle and guides us in the right direction. ‘This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working (guidance).’ Yes my people, it’s to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob to whom we must look for help and succour, for assurance and right thinking. And until we do so in a big way, our world will continue to be struck by much calamity. Now why should we look to Jehovah God for guidance? Because He created the world and all therein, He’s the most powerful Being in existence, and He still runs things. In other words, He’s the big Sahib, the big Chief! Hear the palmist’s proclamation on that point. ‘O Lord, how great are thy works! And thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish (senseless) man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.’ (Ps.92:5-6) Isaiah himself also spoke some immortal words on the subject. ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ (Is.9:6) We know that he was referring to the Messiah, Jesus; the One who would sacrifice Himself to pay for our disgusting sins. So why aren’t we paying more attention to Jesus and His wise ways eh Friends? Why is our world currently so enamoured of the dark side of life? In movies, music, books and social gatherings, the dark side prevails these days. So what else can we expect but dark, dangerous happenings in our lives? They say if you play with fire, it will burn you. The same goes for darkness my brethren. If you play with the dark, ugly, evil side of life, it will eventually suck you into its destructive vortex. Oh my people, it’s on the Lord God Jehovah, on Jesus, that bastion of light and power on whom our thoughts and activities should be focused. Beelzebub doesn’t create anything, he’s only into death and destruction, while our God, our Jesus, brings life and light to those who sincerely follow Him. Bruh David said it thus in praise for answered prayer: ‘Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee (recounted): if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.’ (Ps.40:5) What has Beelzebub done for us to shower that kind of praise on him eh? NOTHING…NADA, my Friends! That’s why I can’t understand why we have turned to him in such droves, completely bypassing our true Creator, Protector and Provider. Now listen to Jeremiah’s prayer on the subject: ‘Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched our arm, and there is nothing too hard (difficult) for thee: Thou showest LOVING-kindness unto thousands, and recompensest (repay) the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts, is his name. Great in counsel, and mighty in work (deed): for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.’ (Jer.32:17-19) Oh Friends, I implore us to wake up and smell the roses, truly see on which side our bread is buttered; in praise and reverence to Almighty God, through Jesus, the Prince of Light and not through Beelzebub, the purveyor of darkness. It’s only through constant fellowship with Christ will our paltry human efforts bear any wise and righteous fruit. Let’s remember that, and write it deep and indelibly in our hearts, minds and souls. Much LOVE!…a word to the wise is sufficient…  
 

Matthew 18:22.    Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

‘Oh Friends, it’s Monday,’ I say in a low voice, as I enter the barracks. But nobody moves, not even the resident mouse. So I shout: ‘Oh Friends, it’s Monday!’ And surprise, surprise, pillows, blankets, books, and some unmentionables come hurtling through the darkened room at me. But I steadfastly stand my ground behind my massive shield of faith, and they either hurtle by aimlessly or bounce off my shield and fall harmlessly to the ground. Then when the air clears, I lower my shield and jubilantly declare: ‘That’s what you can do when you’re fully dressed in your spiritual armour.’ Hn, hn, hn! Anyway, enough lollygagging people, it’s Monday, time to be up and at ‘em.  A war to the death is being fought. The workweek battle lines have already been drawn. The enemy’s soldiers are already on the prowl for stragglers and malcontents. Meanwhile, our leader Jesus is at the front line devising strategy, waiting for us to show up. So let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, then get on our chargers and ride. Altogether now in loud harmony: ‘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 while we’re riding to battle, let’s ponder our Bit: ‘I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.’ Remember Friends, forgiveness is a must in God’s kingdom. If we want to be forgiven, we must first learn to forgive. And remember too, that it’s mainly for out benefit, not for anyone else’s. We know it’s not always easy to forgive, especially with some of the serious hurts and pains we experience in this life. But as the Good Book advises, if we consistently take all our troubles, big, small and in between, to Jesus in prayer, He will most certainly help us to bear our earthly burdens. Now let’s hear what another man of great faith, Bruh Paul, had to say about forgiveness. Regarding the new life in Christ, he wrote to the Ephesians: ‘Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph.4:31-32) And to the Colossians, re the Christian virtues, he advised: ‘Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies (tender mercies), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing  (bearing with) one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.’ (Col.3:12-13) Yuh see Friends, forgiveness is the major thread in the knitting. If you pull that thread out, the rest of our faith unravels right before our very eyes. And just to try and hammer home the point, let’s end with Mark’s version of Christ’s warning words on the subject of forgiveness. ‘And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught (anything) against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.’ (Mark 11:25-26) Oh my people, there’s no more to say, for that says it all. So I’ll leave us to ponder that dire warning, or wise advice, however you choose to categorize it, and hopefully we’ll all take it to heart, and eventually learn to forgive. Much LOVE!…to have a forgiving spirit…is the surest way to receive forgiveness…

Matthew 18:22.    Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Jeremiah 14:20.    We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.

Jeremiah 14:20.    We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.
 
Ah Friends, it’s Friday…’Yes we know. Thank God for that!’ comes the joyous response. ‘Truly thank God is Friday, because that means we get away from Babylon slave labour for two big, whole days. Praise the Lord!’ Then the little band of banjo, iron, bottle and spoon and dudup strikes up a catchy riddim as accompaniment for our Friday Chant. So let’s chant it nuh people. ‘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 though it’s all well and good to chant and all that Friends, our world situation still remains chaotic and confused, in desperate need of much fixing. For as Jeremiah pleaded with God not to destroy his people a long time ago, so too we badly need to pray for our world. And it has to begin with true confession, just like Jeremiah does in our Bit: ‘We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our fathers: for we have sinned against thee.’ And that’s the unvarnished truth my people! We have sinned disgracefully against the Lord in these modern times. We’ve found ways to sin that our forefathers never even dreamed of, and if they knew of our great capacity for evil, they’d be totally disgusted. They were bad, but we’ve raised the bar of sin a hundredfold. No wonder the Lord isn’t looking with much favour upon our world, raining down all sorts of natural disasters on us. And though we pray like Jeremiah: ‘Do not abhor us, for thy name’s sake, do not disgrace the throne of thy glory: remember break not thy covenant with us.’ (Jer.14:21) It makes absolutely no difference unless we change our ungodly behaviour and return to seriously and diligently worshipping the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We need to do something as penitent and humble as Israel did in the days of Nehemiah: ‘Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them (dust on their heads). And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers (foreigners), and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the Lord their God.’ (Neh.9:1-3) Yes my people, we have to truly repent, not only pay outward lip service, for the Lord will bypass all the words we so eloquently spout and go straight to our hearts to see if we really mean it. And then we’ve got to change the evil ways in which we live, for talked repentance alone doesn’t cut it, our actions must also prove that we’ve had a serious change of heart. Individually, we need to say something like Bruh David did in Psalm 32, the blessedness of forgiveness: ‘I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. (Ps.32:5-6) And collectively, as a society, a nation, a world, this should be our confession. ‘We lie down in our shame, and our confusion (disgrace) covereth us: for we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers from our youth even unto this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God.’ (Jer.3:25) Oh Friends, unless we truly repent and sincerely turn to following the Lord God Almighty, our days will continue to be dark and full of despair. Please, please let it not be said by future generations that ours failed them in pursuing the goodness of God. Much LOVE!…only through confession, sincere repentance and righteous living…can the tragedy that’s our world…be ever improved…be ever turned to true joy and gladness…