Psalm 116: 5. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday once again! Yeah! And the shouting of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ is pretty loud today because many of us had a rather rough workweek and just can’t wait to get the weekend going. However people, let’s not forget the true purpose of the weekend by chanting 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.’ And having prayed for general guidance over the weekend, let’s turn now to our Bit, which ensures us that our God will fulfill our requests, because: ‘Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.’ Ah mih people, how can our God be anything but gracious, righteous and merciful with the kind and LOVING nature He possesses eh? I’m sure if we checked out our individual behaviour, we’d find that on the days when we’re really sweet and LOVING, our penchant for righteous living, for showing grace and mercy are much higher than on the days when we’re miserable and grumpy. On those negative days, grace and mercy usually find no part in our spirits. That’s why we’re always admonished to be kind and LOVING, like our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, so that we can dispense grace and mercy towards others, like He’s done before, and is still doing for us. It’s the one hand washes the other situation; and it takes two hands to clap; it’s a two way street, and all the other wise and true clichés that talk about getting and sharing, receiving and giving, not individual or selfish wanting and hoarding. Remember Friends, our Lord doesn’t simply bless us for us to enjoy the blessings alone, but almost always He intends for us to share them with the less fortunate. He expects us to be righteous, gracious and merciful, just like Him. It’s not an easy task, especially in today’s ungodly, sinful world, but if we sincerely choose to be that way, then with Christ’s help and strength, we will succeed. But please note my brethren that it does take a serious and conscious decision to follow that righteous, gracious, merciful path, because it doesn’t come naturally with our inherently sinful nature. When we live that way though, we feel the hand of God upon us, feel His glorious light shining through ever more in our lives. And with God’s hand upon us our mundane, earthly lives are infused with wonderful feelings of contentment, of peace, joy, calm and excitement. And all God’s people shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Now here are a couple of examples of the Lord’s righteousness found in the Good Book. The first comes from Nehemiah, when the repentant Israelites were getting ready to return to their homeland from captivity in Babylon. Amidst the fasting and repentance, the priests and Levites stood tall and prayed loudly: ‘Thou art the Lord the God who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham; And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous.’ (Neh.9:7-8) Yes Friends, when we truly trust in the Lord and wait patiently and faithfully on Him, He will definitely do right by us. And finally, let’s listen to the uplifting words of the psalmist on the topic. ‘Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgements. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.’ (Ps.119:137-138) Oh my people, let’s ponder those words in our hearts today, realize their awesome truth, then truly and sincerely surrender our all to the ONE TRUE God Jehovah! It’s the wisest decision we’ll ever make on this troubled planet Earth. Much LOVE!…oh how wonderful it is…when the Lord controls our lives…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 September 2011 Psalm 116:5
16 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 September 2011 Psalm 116:5
15 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 116:5. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
Oh Friends, are you enjoying the manna, the mercies, the blessings, the protection that’s flowing down to you this new day from our great and wonderful God? I sincerely hope so. If not, then you’re missing out on the best part of this earthly life. Everyday we have new opportunities to step up higher, to grow our faith and to further God’s kingdom, but we have to reach out for those opportunities and the goodness our God provides. Those things won’t just fall in our laps while we sit and wait. No Friends, we have a big part to play in the relationship with God, which entails getting up and doing, asking for and accepting. Remember Christianity means action; active not sedentary living. Unfortunately though, too many of us believers are living the sedentary life, enjoying all the creature comforts the world provides, thus getting obese in body, sloppy and uncaring in mind and spirit. That lifestyle certainly detracts from our witness in honour of a most kind, LOVING and caring God, as so truthfully proclaimed by our Bit. ‘Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.’ And all God’s people jumped for joy and shouted: ‘Praise Him, Praise Him, Glory Hallelujah! He is LOVE! He is LOVE!’ Yes Friends, the God we serve and worship is a most excellent Deity! Just in that one verse, He’s described as being ‘gracious, righteous and merciful.’ Wow! No other supposed god possesses all those exemplary qualities! He’s been the same since day one, so it’s obviously been widely noted over the years by the many who have faithfully revered and worshipped Him, while finding favour in His sight. Hear Bruh David on the subject, in thanksgiving for God’s mercy. ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness). He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING-kindness) toward them that fear him.’ (Ps.103:8-11) Oh Friends, Bruh David wrote those encouraging and inspiring words many moons ago, but they’re still very true today because our God doesn’t change. However, we have to get up and claim these benefits by faithfully communicating with the Lord. As I said earlier, it just won’t fall in our sedentary laps, as too many believers expect it to. My brethren, let’s get one thing straight about our God: He’s not in the handout business; He’s not just there to satisfy our selfish desires! He is indeed a good God, but as the saying goes, we have to earn most of our keep. If we work on His behalf, then he will reward us. But if we simply dawdle on our fannies and do nothing constructive to further His kingdom, then He won’t do much to uplift us either. Always remember that God’s covenant with us is a two way street; if we do our part, then God will do His. Now listen to Ezra’s testimony. Another man of great faith who went through much tribulation on the Lord’s behalf, but stood resolute and strong, and eventually succeeded in his mission, obviously with God’s help. ‘O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.’ (Ezra 9:15) Yes my people, the Lord looked down with kindness on the Jewish people in captivity in Babylon when they repented of their sinful, ungodly ways and helped them return to their land and eventually rebuild Jerusalem. Oh Friends, it’s the same way He’s waiting on us today to repent of our abominable sinful lifestyle and return to the comfort and shelter of His wide opened, protective and LOVING arms. Until we sincerely do that my people, our world will be awash with calamity and disaster. More on this tomorrow, if we don’t read our names in the obits. Till then, please, let’s WALK GOOD, LIVE GOOD, TALK GOOD, AND DO GOOD! Much LOVE!…he who hath ears to hear…let him hear…or he will eventually pay and exorbitant price for his disobedience…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 September 2011 Psalm 116:15
14 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 116:15. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
ON THE DEATH OF MY MOTHER: MOLLY CLAIRE O’BRIEN.
Oh Friends, today’s Bit is in honour of my mother. I wrote it the day I heard that she’d gone to be with the Lord, but never used it because I wanted to include a poem I had written for her sometime ago. The Lord has finally brought me around to this tribute, though I doubt I’ll put in the poem because of space restrictions. But who knows eh? (smile) Only the Lord God Jehovah! And re the Bit, I searched the Good Book from the beginning to find an appropriate one on Death, until this one just jumped out at me. Now my mother wasn’t perfect, wasn’t a saint, but I think she came as close to being one as we can get, while still being sinners. Here’s what I wrote that fateful day: Aye Molls baby, why yuh do me that eh? Why yuh go away without giving me a chance to say goodbye? I thought you told the doctor a couple days ago that you weren’t ready to go yet? When I heard that, it boosted my spirits immensely. All the time I’ve been away, with you in the hospital, I’ve been asking the Lord not to take you home before I got back. But unfortunately He had other plans, and since we’re supposed to surrender our all to Him, and follow wherever He leads, there’s not much either of us can do about it. I’ve been trying to hold back the tears, since I heard the news – bad, because we won’t be together in the flesh again – but good, because you’ve gone to a better place, home to be with Christ, where you won’t be feeling any more pain, or have any more problems, but as I’m writing this the tears keep flowing. And Oh Molls baby, as I’m transcribing this to the computer, the tears are flowing. I have to stop for a moment and wipe my eyes, so I can see what I’m doing. Awright, I can see now. (smile) Molls sugar, your life wasn’t easy, but you enjoyed it. From the time I knew you, you worked two jobs, long before it ever became the norm. But you never let that stop you from having a good perspective on whatever was happening in your life. I realized later on why you did some of the things you did, and why you hid some of them from me. Oh Molls sugar, I really can’t put into words the feelings, the LOVE, I have for you, the wonderful way you raised me – plenty of that in hindsight though. (smile) You were a disciplined but never stern parent. Like the Lord God and us, once I operated within certain parameters you laid down, everything was fine. I’ve tried to raise my children the same way, and sincerely hope I was successful. Ah Molls sugar, a lot of people all over the world will miss you, because you were a kind, generous, LOVING person. I remember the many times we argued because you had turned the other cheek to someone who’d hurt you, and I just couldn’t understand it. I remember also the many times when you told me that you weren’t doing stuff for yourself, but for me. And sugar, I’ve lived to see that wherever I’ve been in this mishmash world, people have been good to me. Sometimes it would bother me when I’d go somewhere figuring that nobody knew me, but then they’d hear the name O’Brien and ask if I knew you. Hn! The blessings would certainly flow when they realized that I was your son. Aye Molls, remember how I used to call you ‘M’, and anytime I called you ‘Mother or Mummy’, or some such maternal name, you’d chuckle and ask me what I wanted, or what wrong I’d done? Oh ‘M’, we certainly had some good times together, even when life was rough. And even then I never heard you complain, you just did what you could and told me the Lord would do the rest. And praise Him, He always did! I’m trying to live that way now. I know you expected more from me, in terms of worldly achievements and accomplishments, and I’m sorry to have disappointed you in that realm. But take heart Sugar, I’m doing better these days in the more important spiritual realm. And I know you were proud of me in that respect. Oh Molls baby, the tears are flowing as I realize that I won’t be reading any more prayers for you over the phone. You know I tell people that there are only two things I must do everyday; that’s write the Bit and read prayers for you. Now I’ve lost that interaction. And to interject a current problem Molls, since you died my prayer time has not been the same. I’m not as up to date, and when I do read the stuff we read together, I feel lost and not in tune. But that will come back eventually – I hope. But Molls, the person most crushed by your moving on with the Lord is Denise (her caregiver). This morning she called me here, bawling her eyes out. You know you were an integral part of her life, just as she was of yours. Everyday I prayed for the Lord to bless her for the way she looked after you with such tender, LOVING care. Now there’ll be no more disagreements between you two stubborn people, for her to laugh and tell me about. But doh worry Sugar, I’ll look after her the best I can, and I’m sure the Lord will bless her for the wonderful way she took care of you. Molls baby, I’m going to stop here for now. You were the first and last of my six mothers. Oh I was so blessed Sugar! The other five passed on before you, and though I’ve told you about them, I really wanted to write about them and read it to you. But I guess that’s not going to happen now. Better yet, you’ll meet them in heaven, because I’m sure that’s where they all are, and you six can be my guiding angels in heaven like you were on earth. And whenever the Lord thinks it’s time, He’ll cause me to write the story of my six mothers. Molls baby, you have a lot to thank those other five, strong, LOVING, faithful West Indian women for, because if it wasn’t for them, being present in certain times and situations in my life, I might not have eventually ended up with you here in Canada. So please thank them from both of us. Anyway Sugar, that’s it for now. I wanted to end this with my Favourite poem, ‘For You M’ but I don’t have a copy here, so I’ll just have to leave this till I get home. Much LOVE! 31 August 2011 in West Hills California. …death…to be absent from the body…but to be present with the Lord…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 September 2011 Proverbs 9:1
13 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 9:1. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.
Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in my neck of the woods! And though the old bones are creaking and refusing to move as fast as I want, I know that everything will work out fine, because our God guarantees it with His new mercies and blessings everyday. And all God’s people boldly declared: ‘Hallelujah! All praise and honour to the ONE TRUE God of the universe!’ Now here’s an interesting quote attributed to Percy Walker, which says: ‘You can get all A’s and still flunk life.’ And that’s gospel Friends! You can do very well academically but still make a mess of your normal, everyday life. That’s because you can only learn the lessons of life in the school of life. You have to face the hard knocks, the ups and downs of life before you can truly know what life’s all about. And sadly, many of this new generation, and some backsliders of the old generation too, aren’t learning the lessons properly, that’s why they are flunking out on life. That’s why their lives are so unfocused, undisciplined and without much depth, merely surface deep. They have so many options, yet are so easily bored, and incredibly short attention spans only worsens the situation. Unfortunately that’s a by-product of today’s fast paced, rush-rush society. We parents are partly to blame for that. With our busy lives, trying make ends meet, we allow the t.v and a host of video and computer games to raise our children. We don’t give them the proper foundation for living that’s only found in the Good Book. So what else can we expect to reap but exactly what we sow; unfocused, undisciplined, easily swayed, materially based children! Ah Friends, sadly, much of the blame for our ungodly society can be laid at our feet. By trying to make life easy for our children, we’ve bred out the guts, the belly and backbone, the ‘stick -to- itiveness’ and the righteous living our parents taught us, and we’re now paying the high price of that misplaced, misguided affection. Consequently, this new generation has missed the wonderful invitation sent out by our Bit: ‘Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.’ Yes my people, the gathering place is ready, and so too are all the fixings: ‘She hath killed her beasts (slaughtered her meat); she hath mingled (mixed) her wine; she hath also furnished her table (set her table in order). She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth (cries out) upon the highest places of the city. Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth (lacks) understanding, she saith to him, Come eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled (mixed). Forsake the foolish (foolishness), and live; and go in the way of understanding.’ (Prov. 9:2-6) Yes my people, the wisdom of God is the most important lesson to be learned in this earthly life. And according to the scholars, it’s used in three senses in the Good Book. First, to acknowledge God’s greater understanding than ours, as so simply but brilliantly explained by Bruh Paul in his first missive to the Corinthians: ‘Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men: and the weakness of God is stronger than men.’ (1 Cor.1:25) Secondly, it can also mean the understanding a believer should have in this life, as Cousin Sol stipulates in Proverbs 4 that deals with a father’s wisdom: ‘Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline (turn away) from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: LOVE her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ (Prov.4:5-7) And the third sense in which wisdom is used in the Scriptures is ‘as a type of Christ, who is our wisdom.’ That’s illustrated by Bruh Paul’s bold declaration to the Church at Corinth: ‘But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us (became for us) wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.’ (I Cor.1:30) So my people, if we want to excel in life, we need to have the wisdom of God flowing through our hearts, souls and minds, accept and acknowledge it in all three senses. Otherwise, we’ll continually run in to aspects of life that we can’t handle properly. And the wisdom of God can only be gleaned from the teachings of God, contained in His Holy Word, the Bible. Unfortunately though, Bible reading and study is not amongst the more prominent or recommended activities in our society today. No wonder our world is such a mess, since we’re lacking God’s wisdom, His directions for right living. Oh Friends, let’s try and turn that unfortunate situation around nuh. It might be difficult, but certainly not impossible with God in our corner. If our world is to be saved, God’s wisdom must prevail, and that task depends solely on the desire and inspiration of believers to do it. So please, let’s get a move on nuh, by seriously encouraging others to read and study their Bible, so that they will better understand the true way to live this life. Much LOVE!…there are two ways to live life…in wisdom…and in folly…which will you choose…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 September 2011 Proverbs 1:33
12 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 1:33. But whoso hearkenth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! The trumpet is sounding the wake up call! Time to rise and shine and prepare for another strenuous week of battle in the workday world! And seeing that this was a weekend that brought back poignant and fearful memories of September 11 2011, when those brutal, cowardly acts of terrorism, read brutal, pre-meditated murder, were committed in the U.S. let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn right away, to dispel any remaining fear in our spirits, for those who truly trust in the Lord have nothing to fear. Altogether now, in loud voice: ‘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!’ Oh Friends, I surely hope that will liberate us from any anxiety that was present in our spirits, and instead boost them so we can go out and fearlessly tackle the enemy. Now let’s get into our Bit. But before we do that, I want to apologize for writing yesterday’s Bit as Proverbs 2:33 instead of Proverbs 1:33. I guess I was more tired that I thought. However, with the Lord’s help, I’ve corrected the problem today. So let’s delve into it. ‘But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet (secure, free) from fear of evil.’ Oh my brethren, here Cousin Sol is talking about wisdom; the immense value of acquiring it in our earthly lives. He refers to it as a prophetess: ‘Wisdom crieth without (calls aloud in the streets); she uttereth (raises) her voice in the streets (plazas)… saying…How long, ye simple (naïve) ones, will ye love simplicity (naïveté)? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?’ (Prov.1:20, 22) Now those are very good questions. How long indeed shall we spurn the wisdom that comes from God that enables us to live truly righteous lives eh? That’s not wise my people, because as our Bit so rightly points out, it’s only when we embrace wisdom that we’ll dwell safely and be secure from the fear and anxiety that evil brings. Hear how Cousin Sol puts it in Chapter 3, when exhorting us to obedience. ‘Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding…Then shall thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (caught).’ (Prov.3:13,23-26) Oh Friends, nobody knew that better than Cousin Sol, because when he asked for wisdom and understanding to rule the great nation of Israel, the Lord gave them to him, but also wealth untold, for He was proud that Sol hadn’t asked for material possessions. (1 Kin.3:3-15) My brethren, the Lord will also bless us with wisdom and understanding if we sincerely seek them. Most likely He won’t be as generous in material wealth as He was with Sol, but with the true wealth that comes from having wisdom and understanding in the Word, we can always parlay that into increased material possessions, though that should not be our main focus. LOVING and serving the Lord God Jehovah should be our avowed earthly purpose, everything else must be secondary. And we’ll end with some sure and true words from Psalm 112, titled, ‘Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord.’ ‘A good man showeth favour (is gracious), and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion (justice)…He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed (steadfast), trusting in the Lord.’ (Ps.112:5,7)That Friends, is the way our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ desires us to live. He came to earth and sacrificed His life so we would not have cause to live in fear, but in a state of peace and LOVE. Please, let’s not make a mockery of His sacrifice by continuing to live in fear. Much LOVE!…For God hath not given us the spirit of fear…but of power…and of LOVE…and of a sound mind… (2 Tim.1:7)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 September 2011 Proverbs 2:33
11 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 2:33. But whoso hearkenth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Oh Friends, sorry that this Bit is so late, but the vicissitudes of life, along with the requirements those sudden changes bring, have caused me to be swinging like a yo-yo these past two weeks. This morning I had to get up early and take family to the airport, then I had to go to church, since I had not gone for the previous two weeks. By then I was burnt to a crisp and wouldn’t have written a good Bit, so I went back to bed. But thankfully, the hoopla and the rigmarole are finally finished. We buried my mother Molly yesterday. It was well attended, although I expected more people to show up. However, modern day life is so fast paced and complicated that many people had made prior arrangements on which they could not renege. But they all sent their condolences and good wishes, for which my family and I are extremely grateful. Molls had a good send off. Everybody was pleased. Amazingly I didn’t have even one complaint. Wonders surely never cease nuh! (smile) And Friends, I have nothing but the utmost praise and thanks for Highland Funeral Home, and Highland Hills Cemetery for the kind, pleasant and professional manner in which they treated me. I certainly could not have gotten through the ordeal of funeral arrangements without their generous and ever-ready support. A friend had guided me to them, and from the first moment I walked in, I felt comfortable, so I never went elsewhere. I would recommend them highly to anyone in this area needing to make funeral arrangements. Now they aren’t dirt cheap, and you get what you pay for, but they are truly helpful in all aspects of the funeral planning. I’m sure that my going there was a blessing from the Lord. Unfortunately, though the funeral arrangements were hectic, that was the easy part. The hard part, settling the affairs of the estate, with all the legal ramifications, plus getting rid of all her stuff, is now about to begin. But at least I don’t have to get that all together in a hurry, so now I’ll have more time to concentrate, and won’t be writing Bits at two-thirty in the afternoon. (smile) And I’m sure that just as the Lord led me through the funeral arrangements without too many problems, He’ll lead me through the legal stuff satisfactorily too. Ah mih people, the things that our God puts us through eh! Many times it’s not easy, but I’ve learned from hard experience, especially this past year, that the Good Book is indeed a fountain of solid, indisputable truth. He puts us through hardship to grow and mature our faith, but in all the hardship, He also provides the wherewithal for us to bear and then overcome it. What a wonderful God we serve and worship my brethren! Through it all, He never leaves us. He’s always there watching over us, just in case we stumble, to be ready to catch us before we fall. And Friends, if you truly surrender your life to Him, and believe what He says in His Word, then despite all the heartache, pain, sorrow and confusion in your life, there will also be an overwhelming sense of peace and calm. I can personally testify to that, because from my knee operation last December, through my prostate cancer surgery earlier this year, and now my mother’s sudden, unexpected passing, I’ve been filled with a peace and calm that certainly surprised me. I’ve never been this peaceful and calm in my entire life. Now don’t think that it will all be clear sailing, for it won’t be. But through all the pain and sorrow, you will be able to bear up admirably. You will still have to cry out to the Lord for help and strength, and He will give them to you, but deep down you will feel a blessed assurance that this too will pass, and things will get better. And they will too, but the problem though is how long- how long before it gets better and how long the better will last? That’s because the Lord is always trying and testing us to build our faith and bring us more into character with His wonderful Son Jesus. My recent life is a good example. I’d never have thought that I would have knee surgery, then cancer problems, then death problems, one right after the other. But it’s also a fact that the more mature we become in the faith, the harder the tests get too. It’s just like growing up and going to school; as we get older the schoolwork becomes harder because our abilities improve. The same goes for the process of Christian maturity. After a while we stop drinking milk, and start eating meat, but likewise, in time, the meat becomes progressively harder and tougher to chew and swallow. But the Lord in His infinite wisdom and LOVING-kindness, always lends a hand. I repeat, He ALWAYS lends a hand, ALWAYS helps those who put their trust and faith in Him. So Friends, why don’t you fully surrender your lives to Him today, so that He can help you on this rough and rugged journey that is our earthly life? It’s the wisest decision you can ever make. For as our Bit so rightly says: ‘But whoso hearkenth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet (secure, at ease) from fear of evil.’ Much LOVE!…when you put you trust in God…your life will never be the same…it will improve a hundredfold…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 September 2011 1 John 5:3
10 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
1 John 5:3. For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Oh Friends, today’s the big day; my mother’s funeral! The ole fella will be called on to be front and centre and show the example of walking with God that my mother displayed. Pray for me that I will walk worthy of both her and the Lord. By the way, the visitation went exceptionally well yesterday evening. A fair amount of friends and family showed up, some I’d only heard about but never met before. Everybody was happy with the way the ole girl looked; peaceful and calm, as though she was just napping and would wake up at any minute. The room was quite lively as many memories and reminiscences were shared. It will be even greater today, as there will be more people. Thankfully too, nobody said or did anything to upset me, so I came out smelling like a rose. (smile) Let’s hope I can do as well today, seeing that there will be a bigger crowd, and thus more opportunity to be antagonized. But I’m leaving all of that in the Lord’s hands. I’m just going there to celebrate the life and times of my dear departed mother, and whatever happens happens. I know it will be a wonderful celebration anyway! And really, all we can do on this earth is what our Bit says: ‘For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome).’ Yes my brethren, once we sincerely try to follow God’s commandments, which basically boils down to walking in LOVE, then we’ll be all right. As John says earlier in his first epistle, when talking about the true tests of knowledge: ‘And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.’ (1 John 2:3) That’s gospel Friends! We can only truly know God if we do as he desires. And in verse 6, John spells it out even clearer: ‘He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.’ (1 John 2:6) And isn’t that the living truth people! Though we can’t walk as sinless as Jesus walked on earth, His followers are indeed required to replicate to a great degree His devotion to His Father and to show much compassion to others. And as we saw yesterday, and it’s worthy to be repeated today, Jesus told His disciples: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) Yes my people, those are some of the most important words Jesus ever spoke. Just like in every organization, unless we follow the dictates of the leadership, we can’t be considered true followers of the organization. And what really amazes me is that people are so afraid to embrace and accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour because they consider His rules and regulations to be too hard and difficult to follow. Hogwash! Because Friends, it’s the exact opposite, as the last part of our Bit truthfully declares: ‘and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome).’ Jesus Himself said so: ‘For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.’ (Matt.11:30) Meanwhile, of the scribes and Pharisees, of the earthly church organizations, He declared: ‘For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne (had to bear), and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.’ (Matt.23:4) That’s an indisputable fact! It happened back then, and unfortunately it’s still happening today! Many of the church leaders expect a lot from their congregations, but refuse to do the same things as they should, preferring to live above it all, in ease, ungodliness and hypocrisy. That’s why there are so many sad scandals in the church leadership these days. But my brethren, though Jesus’ expectations of His followers are high, the rules are simple and not hard to abide by if we sincerely desire to be His followers. Listen to Micah tell it: ‘He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to LOVE mercy (LOVING-kindness), and walk humbly with thy God?’ (Mic.6:8) That’s all that’s required of us Friends; doing good, showing kindness and justice while walking humbly with God. That’s not onerous at all, unless your heart is dead set on evil! So come on people, let’s get really serious about Jesus nuh, about truly being His followers, by pulling up our socks and raising the level of our LOVE Walk. He’s depending on us to change the world, to spread the good news of His Death, Resurrection and Ascension to the entire world, selfless actions that have provided the greatest gifts available on earth; the unsurpassable benefits of salvation and eternal life. So please, I implore us, let’s not let Him down nuh. Much LOVE!…do good…walk good…talk good…live good…that’s the true Christian’s duty…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 September 2011 1 John 5:3
09 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
1 John 5:3. For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
Ah Friends, yuh see how the ole fella was so burnt out yesterday that he dated the Bit 8th of November instead of September? Hn, hn! I was two months ahead of everybody else. I hope that those of you who noticed it chuckled, then said a little prayer for me, because I need the prayers of many people right now, to help me through these trying times. Visitation for my mother is this evening, so you can imagine the hoopla and the hoops I will be required to jump through. But I’m really not worried about that, for I know the Good Lord will look after me. The problem is whether I can look after my part of the bargain; keep my peace when someone comes up with some nonsense, which is sure to happen. But be all of that as it may, today is Friday, the weekend is here, and we’re thankful for it, so let’s 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.’ And having set the right tone for the weekend, let’s go out and do what our Bit says: ‘For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome).’ Those are certainly words of awesome truth my people! Indeed, when we keep God’s commandments, it shows that we truly LOVE Him. Jesus, in promising to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples after His ascension, put it plainly and simply, as was His wont. ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) Yes Friends, there’s nothing in that statement to cause uncertainty or confusion. If we LOVE Him, then we’ll do as He asks; no ifs ands and buts. Then John, in his second epistle, when talking about the commandment of LOVE, boldly declares: ‘I rejoiced greatly that I found (some) of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we LOVE one another. And this is LOVE, that we walk after (according) to his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.’ (2 John 4-6) Ah mih breddren, I know that walking in LOVE is much easier said than done, but if we consider ourselves to be true believers, loyal followers of Jesus Christ, then that’s the route we need to go. That entails making serious decisions regarding our basic lifestyle, our prayer time and our fellowship with other believers. For it’s only as we invest time and energy in those areas, that our faith will grow, and we’ll be able to walk a better walk than we were previously walking. It’s not going to happen overnight, for we are all works in progress at different stages in the building of our Jesus-like character. So we’ve got to be somewhat patient with ourselves. And as we’ve said so often, it’s only the emotion of LOVE that can save our world. But we also need to realize and remember that just talking LOVE doesn’t make it happen, because LOVE is an action word! And my people, we need to put it into action asap, without delay, if we want to improve our lot in life. So let’s sit down this Friday and examine ourselves nuh, find out where we’re falling down in our LOVE walk, and make every effort to correct it. That way, we will be true reflections of Jesus, like we ought to be. More on this tomorrow, if we don’t read our names in the obits. (smile) Much LOVE!…commandments are words…that require action to fulfill them…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 September 2011 Proverbs 21:21
08 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s tired this morning. But what else is new eh? This past week has just been one thing after another. Hn! Until you go through funeral preparations, you’ll never know how much stuff is involved and how draining it is, especially if your grief is very deep. The Spirit will have to come up with plenty plenty help this morning yes, because I’m not of much use in my own strength. (smile) Anyway, here is an interesting quote from the Covenant House Calendar for September, attributed to Henry David Thoreau, which says: ‘What a wonderful miracle if only we could look through each other’s eyes for a moment.’ And isn’t that a fact! It’s like saying walk in my shoes for a moment so you can experience who I really am, experience the real me, then and only then will you understand where I’m coming from. Ah Friends, the biggest benefit to that miracle would be the amazing reduction in judgements of each other. At least the judgements we make then would be much more factually based, unlike now, when most of our judgments are incorrect. That’s because most of our perceptions of others are often gleaned from second hand information and circumstances, a lot of which are totally false, or only partially true. That’s why there’s so much strife and friction in our society. And if it’s one thing we’re very good at is judging others, very quickly too, and mostly on outward appearances, which again is seldom a reliable base for judgement. But let us be judged using that same criteria, and we’re soon up in arms, railing against the unfair judgement, conveniently forgetting that’s also our modus operandi. Oh my people, the only way to avoid those unpleasant situations is to do like our Bit says: ‘He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.’ Yes Friends, when we try to live a righteous life, showing LOVE, mercy and forgiveness to those who cross our paths, then our lives will be truly enriched, with righteousness and honour being attributed to us. And the proof of that is in these words of Jesus in the Beatitudes. ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ (Matt.5:6) Those are words of indisputable truth Friends! When we possess a strong desire to do and live right, then our desires, our hunger and thirst for righteousness are satisfied by our God, because that’s the way He wants and expects us to live. Cousin Sol says the same thing earlier on, but in a slightly different way. ‘The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but He LOVETH him that followeth after righteousness.’ (Prov.15:9) And who wouldn’t LOVE people who deal in righteousness eh? Only those foolish ones steeped in evil. Long before Jesus came Isaiah talked about the rebellious and unrighteous being punished while the righteous are filled and exalted. ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed. Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl (wail) for vexation (grief) of spirit.’ (Is.65:13-14) Oh my people, one of the reasons why there’s so much hunger and poverty in our society is that too many of us don’t live right. Instead of following the laws of God, we follow the lustful, evil dictates of man. So what else can we expect but sorrow and disappointment? Jesus’ Mother, Mary, also pointed it out in her song of praise, the Magnificat, after being informed that she’d been chosen to bear the Son of God. ‘He hath put down the mighty from their seats (thrones), and exalted them of low degree (the lowly). He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.’ (Luke 1:52-53) Yes Friends, it’s only when we live the way Jesus desires us to, in LOVE, in a righteous, merciful, forgiving manner, that we truly find the good life, one filled with blessings and honour. Please my people, let’s seriously begin to live the way Jesus wants us to nuh. This unrighteous, ungodly life we’re currently living is only killing our society, and consequently us. Is this the way we really want our children and children’s children to live? I doubt it very much. But it won’t change until we, the parents and supposed true believers begin to live a truly godly and righteous life. Much LOVE!…our faith…our beliefs…should be borne out in the way we live our lives… P.S. Sorry that this is so late Friends, but I had some more funeral arrangements to make, and when I began writing it around lunch time, I found myself falling asleep, so I had to go and get some rest. Ah Lord eh! The ups and downs of life! (smile) But have no fear, stand strong, and we shall overcome. Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 September 2011 James 4:10
07 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
