James 4:10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Oh Friends, what’s happening with our world eh? If it’s not internal strife, or strife between nations, then it’s natural disasters trying to destroy us. The U.S. is finally feeling the brunt of some of them. Sadly, after Irene wreaked havoc on the east coast a week ago, Tropical Storm Lee, did the same this weekend in some of the Southern states, like Georgia and Mississippi with its flooding and terrible tornadoes. Then we have Katia priming herself in the Atlantic, to make landfall, who knows where. Oh my people, it’s obvious that some of the calamity befalling us is directly connected to the sinful, ungodly, idolatrous society we’ve become. Our LOVING and merciful God is trying to warn us of the deadly consequences of continuing this wicked way of life, to which we’re apparently fully committed. And it won’t get any better until we smarten up and make some serious changes. We’re already living in fear of terrorist threats and subversion, adding fear of natural disasters to that will certainly be overwhelming and lower the quality of our lives even further. But are we paying attention to these things and considering the interconnection between them; between our lifestyle and the desires of our God? I don’t think that many of us are doing so. But my brethren we definitely need to do so, because our lives won’t improve until we realize that we can’t help ourselves, especially in those areas, despite what the world says. Only the Lord God Jehovah can offer true and serious assistance there. And until we fully comprehend the seriousness of our situation, humble ourselves before the Lord, repent and return to the godly lifestyle of our fathers, we’ll find ourselves continually bombarded by calamity, both from human and natural sources. That brings us to our Bit: ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ Oh Friends, our Bit does not only refer to the humility of individuals, but also of societies, of nations, of our entire world! This proud, independent, rebellious, we can do it all in our own strength, without any help from God attitude that’s currently in vogue is totally false, and consequently it’s leading us down the sorry road to certain destruction. Why is that fact so difficult for us to accept eh, despite the numerous examples throughout history? Do the flimsy, flashy, fickle pleasures and creature comforts of the world have such a stranglehold on us that we can’t see what’s happening? Or are we like the saying goes; none so blind as those who refuse to see? Oh my people, the Lord in His LOVING-kindness is issuing warning after warning that he’s fast losing patience with us. Our wickedness has become so abominable, that as a just and righteous God, He has to act, to render some sort of judgement against us. Obviously He doesn’t want to destroy us, His most beautiful creation, made in His very image, but we’re not giving Him any choice through the evil, disobedient lifestyle we’re living. Listen to James, as he tells it like it was back then, and also like it is right now. ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will (wants to) be a friend of the world is the (makes himself an) enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded.’ (James 4:4-8) Oh my brethren, if we want our society to continue, and to prosper, we have to let go of the worldly desires that permeate our souls and our thinking. That means drawing away from the evil forces that are currently pulling our strings, and drawing closer to the kind, LOVING, forgiving, merciful God of our fathers, who caused them to prosper in their obedience and faithfulness to Him. Friends, it is a difficult task, but obviously not an impossible one, with Jesus on our side. But we first need to get serious about doing it, then seriously and diligently turn to Almighty God for His help, otherwise our society as we know it, will keep deteriorating until it destroys itself, or is destroyed. We have two choices; to stay on this path to certain destruction, or the one to life. As Moses put it to the Israelites so long ago, Friends, I’m putting it to us today: ‘I call heaven and earth to record (as witnesses) this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.’ (Deut. 30:19) Please my people, I implore us, let’s choose life nuh, so that our children and our world can survive. It’s the only wise and sensible decision. And I pray that we make it, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Much LOVE!…serve the enemy…and you’ll die…serve God…and eternal life will be yours…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 September 2011 James 4:10
06 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 September 2011 James 4:10
05 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
James 4:10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday, the day we dislike so intensely. But this is a Monday with a difference; it’s Labour Day Monday, where most of us don’t have to go to work and will therefore use it to party hearty. But as usual, don’t forget that drunk or sober you must mind your business; mind your p’s and q’s, don’t give the enemy even one iota of space to break through your spiritual armour, because he’ll jump in there so quickly you won’t even notice. Then while your outer shell keeps looking good, he’ll eat away your soul, like wood ants invades wood, but you can’t see them until it’s too late. Likewise if you give the enemy an inch he’s going to take much more, until one day you suddenly realize that your inner man is rotten and corrupted. Anyway, I doubt that today’s Labour Day celebrations will be as big and enthusiastic as those of the recent past; what with hurricane Irene seriously damaging both New York state and city, I don’t know if there’ll be the usual celebration parade down the Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn. Added to that is the serious lack of jobs in North America, with workers getting laid of in numbers everyday, in homage to cost cutting and thus greater profits. So what’s there to celebrate eh? But on the other hand, we need to keep the celebrations alive to remind us of the energy, tears and blood shed, plus the many lives lost in the struggle to get some decent work related benefits, and it’s only by workers coming together in great numbers, with a loud voice, can we ever hope to get our problems heard and receive some much needed redress from the greedy conscience-less capitalists, who are getting ever richer, but on the backs of fewer workers. Friends, I’m warning us that if we don’t stand up and fight NOW, those evil employers will take us right back to the days of working for a pittance under horrific conditions, as they are currently doing in so many developing countries. Unfortunately that trend has already begun, and the governments are also making laws that benefit the employer; in great part because of the social, economic and political association and interaction between both groups, especially through serious lobbying efforts by the employers; read legal bribery. That means workers have to unite, for there’s strength in numbers, and fight fire with fire. We can’t just sit back on the sidelines bemoaning our sorry fate and expect things to get better. We have to actively get involved and help produce positive change, if that’s what we want. Remember that capitalism doesn’t consider the social benefits of a society, but merely the enrichment of the owners of capital. The only difference between the old feudal societies and us is that our social benefits were forced on the feudal lords, otherwise we’d still be living under feudal conditions. And many employers, if they had their way, would gladly go back to those times. Please, let’s not allow it. Let’s stand up strong for our basic, inherent rights as workers; that is to earn a fair and decent wage we can live on, for a fair amount of labour, under humane conditions. And since many of us in our 24/7 society still have to go out and labour today, let’s vociferously sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to get us energized. ‘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!’ That brings us to our Bit: ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ Wow! Truly words of wisdom my people, and also of truth, for that’s the way our God operates! Be humble in word, deed and spirit, and He will magnify and exalt you. Be proud and arrogant, He will abase and tear you down from your lofty heights so quickly, you won’t know what hit you. And we’ll end with another definitive statement of Jesus on the subject. This pertains to the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, who both went up to the synagogue to pray. In typical proud, hypocritical fashion the Pharisee enlarged himself before God, while the ordinary man didn’t even lift up his eyes, ‘but smote (beat) upon his breast, saying, God be merciful unto me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’ (Luke 18:13-14) Yes Friends, to be like Jesus, we must first acquire humility, for that’s the very foundation of His ministry. More on this tomorrow, if we don’t read our names in the obits. (smile)Till then, let’s faithfully LOVE our God, diligently SPREAD His Word and truly LIVE our Faith! Much LOVE!…the true believer…must be well grounded…in the subject of humility…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 September 2011 James 4:10
04 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
James 4:10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s tired this Sunday morning. It seems like the ill effects of traipsing across the continent last week, through different time zones, from Vegas to California and back, through the never ending desert and mountains, then coming home to immediately arrange my mother’s funeral have finally taken its toll. The body, the mind and spirit are all crying out for rest. But have no fear, with the Lord’s help, through His Spirit’s infinite wisdom and miraculous machinations, the ole fella will be reenergized and rejuvenated, until he’s as good as gold again. That’s the beauty of surrendering our lives to Jehovah God; the Holy Spirit enables us even when we appear to be on our last legs, so we can successfully accomplish the duties we need to perform in God’s name. So let’s jump right into our Bit with much gusto and enthusiasm. (smile) ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he will lift you up.’ And isn’t that the gospel truth! Oh Friends, the importance of humility in a believer’s life can never be exaggerated. Now we’re not referring to cringing and/or dragging down oneself, or with no pride in our spirits, as some people define humility. But rather we’re talking about not making too much of yourself, regardless of your better qualifications, wealth and power. Where you give others the benefit of the doubt and you try to help them out of a right and sincere heart. I believe that was possibly Jesus’ greatest human attribute. Listen to how Bruh Paul describes it to the Philippians: ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil.2:5-11) Wow! It’s the perfect example of humility! And what a reward Jesus received from the Father for it! Though Jesus was equal to God, He didn’t practice self-aggrandizing, like the world encourages and causes so many of us to do. Instead, He became servant-like, which doesn’t mean He was a pushover, or that we should allow others to take advantage of us. We do need however to develop that spirit of wanting to serve and help others; put most of their problems before ours. And just like the other attributes of Christ, which believers ought to aspire to, this transformation doesn’t happen overnight, but is a gradual process that takes our entire lives to fulfill. And we have ample evidence that what our Bit says is true from the manner in which the Father lifted up Jesus. For His service and obedience, He was given the highest position possible, to sit at the Father’s right hand and have the whole world bow and give obeisance to Him. My people, that’s the same way the Lord will lift us up, provided we don’t fall for the foolish, lustful, worldly emotion of pride, where, because we have more money, qualifications and power than others, we feel we’re better than them and unashamedly flaunt our earthly importance in their faces, while looking down our snooty noses at them. Ah my brethren, arrogance and pride are two things which get the Lord’s dander really stirred up. Job’s friend, Eliphaz’s rebuke is an excellent example of how our God treats the proud and arrogant. ‘To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety. He disappointeth (frustrates) the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.’ (Job 5:11-12) And we’ll close today with the definitive words of Jesus on the subject. This was when He denounced and lambasted the scribes and Pharisees for their prideful, hypocritical ways. ‘But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased (humbled); and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.’ (Matt.23:11-12) Yes Friends, that’s the prescription for exaltation given by the greatest physician ever, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Please, let’s take it to heart and sincerely try to practice it, because if we’re not humble, we’ll never be exalted. More on this tomorrow, our God in favour. Till then, please walk safely in His LOVING embrace, and remember to humble yourself before Him. Much LOVE!…oh…to be sincerely humble like Jesus…is a believer’s most treasured goal…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 September 2011 Psalm 15:1
03 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 15:1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
Oh Friends, this funeral business is something else yes! There are so many details to attend to, much more than in birth. And believe me, none of the things you need to do come cheaply. Everyone wants his or her share of the pie, especially the government. No wonder so many families have money problems, in addition to their grief, after burying a LOVED one! Even the cheapest burial available is too much for many families to afford. But I guess that’s the way our society is set up, so we just have to do it as best we can. Anyway, the worst is over now, most of the important preparations have been made and hopefully I can now get back to writing my Bit at an earlier hour. (smile) Sadly though, now there’s only one thing I must do everyday; that’s write the Bit. No longer will I be reading prayers for my mother over the phone. And believe me, it does seem as though a part of me is missing, because I read for her every day. And if she figured I was taking too long to call, she would call and say something like: ‘Randolph. This is your mother.’ That would be all, and I’d know what she wanted. But all good things must end sometime, they say, and we just have to move on. So in concert with that opinion, let’s consider our Bit; interesting words from Bruh David. ‘Lord, who shall abide (sojourn) in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?’ Basically, the psalm’s about qualifications for service in the Lord’s sanctuary. And here are the qualifications Bruh David thinks are required for such service: ‘He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue…’ (Ps.15:2-3a) That means people with personal purity, which all believers are supposed to have. And the qualifications continue: ‘nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up (receives) a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned (despised); but he honoureth them that fear the Lord. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.’ (Ps.15:3a-5) Oh Friends, that describes interpersonal integrity, which all of us ought to have. That therefore boils down the basic qualifications to work in the Lord’s house as also the basic qualifications for being a true believer. We need those qualifications to do any work whatsoever for our God. But since we’re human, and thus naturally sinful, we won’t always come up to such lofty heights of Christian maturity. However, one of our mandates is also to help those weaker than us. Hear Bruh Paul explain it to the Galatians: ‘Brethren, if a man be overtaken (caught) in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.’ (Gal.6:1-2) Yes Friends, to a certain extent we are to be our brother’s keeper, but with meekness and humility, lest we get too prideful and fall into the same trap. That’s the basis of our Christian faith; helping, sharing, exhorting, encouraging and considering each other’s plight with a humble heart. Therefore, as believers, our aim, our goal should be to get qualified enough to work in the Lord’s sanctuary, even if we never actually work there. As Bruh David says in Psalm 24: ‘Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity (to an idol), nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.’ (Ps.24:3-5) Oh my people, currently there are way too few of us who can qualify to work in God’s sanctuary, or ascend to His holy hill, for evil and the enemy have become too much a part of our daily, earthly lives. Please, let’s try and change that nuh, let’s rise higher, to heights of excellence, as Jesus desires, and aspire to make those attributes our life’s goal, so that we can glorify God and thus further His kingdom. That would be so pleasing to our wonderful God. Much LOVE!… a believer’s duty…is to be the best that he/she can be…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 September 2011 Proverbs 31:30
03 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 31:30. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
Oh Friends, It’s Friday! And this one you all are especially glad to see because it’s the Labour Day weekend, and the shouts of ‘TGIF!’, Thank God it’s Friday!’ are emanating loud and clear from all over North America. Unfortunately the ole fella’s not shouting this weekend as he was last weekend because I’mfinally back in T.O. Not in my comfortable, cluttered basement office, but actually by Molls, where I’m writing this Bit.
Before I go any further, I want to address one problem. It seems that some people are annoyed with me, that I wasn’t here when Molls died, that I was out of the country. But all I have to say those people is that if they knew the relationship I had with my mother, and some of them did, they would know that I would NEVER go away if I thought she was sick and possibly on her death bed. And though I was angry when I first heard of it, I’m now more saddened that people could think so little of me. Anyway, that’s water under the bridge. I can’t control other people’s thinking and talking. I learned that from my mother long ago. The only difference is that she was strong enough to let it wash over her, but I have to get it off my chest first. And now that we’ve done with the negative stuff. Let’s get to the good stuff.Yes Friends, I went to visit the ole girl in the morgue this afternoon, and did she ever look beautiful! The lady who took us down warned that she might not look too good, so I was a bit apprehensive. However, Friends, when they brought‘M’ into the room where Denise, her caregiver and I were, a sudden quiet, refreshing feeling of joy came over me because she looked just the same as she did before. Oh Friends, I hugged and kissed her face and ran my hands through her hair as I was wont to do. Obviously ‘the tears in my eyes could not hold anymore,’ and I said I was sorry that I didn’t get to see her before she went home, but that was the way the Good Lord wrote the script. And being the kindly, forgiving soul that she was, she forgave me, because she knew deep down that I wouldn’t do that on purpose. Ah people, as I write this Denise is showing me some pictures of her in younger years and the tears want to flow. But I have to control them so I can write properly. Anyway, I’m going to take abreak here, eat some food then go up the street to check out a funeral home and finalize some burial arrangements. Hopefully by the time I come back, I will have something concrete to tell you all. Li’l more time. And I’m back now, about nine fifteen in the evening, this time in my even more cluttered than usual basement office. At least we have one thing settled: The funeral will take place on Saturday September 10, at one o’clock in the afternoon at the Highlands Funeral Home at 3280 Sheppard Ave. E. That’s Sheppard and Warden Avenues. Visitation will be on Friday 9 September between 5 and 9 p.m, also on Saturday before the service between 12 and 1. The place of burial hasn’t been finalized as yet. Hope to do so tomorrow. Oh my people, it’s been a long day and tiring day. I haven’t slept since I don’t know when, but just seeing Molls made it all worthwhile. Thank you Lord! Although it was rough not seeing her before she went home, I know that she’s in a much better place now, where there is no night, only day, and no pain and sorrow, only peace and LOVE. And that’s the way she tried to live her life, even recently when the pain racked her fragile body. And yuh know what friends, though I won’t be going to New York to celebrate Labour Day as I used to, I will stay in T.O. and celebrate the life of a wonderful, kind, generous, LOVING woman, my late departed Mother, Molly Claire O’Brien. And I can say that with great certainty, because that’s how I saw her live from I was old enough to understand. Her life wasn’t easy, but you’d never hear her complain. Often we’d fall out when I thought she was going overboard for something or somebody who didn’t seem to be worth her time and effort, but she would say that she was doing it for me. And believe me people, there have been many times in my life where I have been specially blessed because I was Molly O’Brien’s son. What more can I ask eh? And most of you who knew her would certainly agree with me. Anyway, that’s it for today. I’ve got to go and find a Bit now, so I can publish this while it’s still Friday. And as usual Friends, you can see that the Lord came to my rescue in less than five minutes: ‘Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.’ Friends, my old mother was beautiful in her younger days, but she was also a woman who feared, revered, lived for and LOVED the Lord. Again, I’m sure that most of you who knew her would agree. No she wasn’t a saint, but as close as one could come, while still being a sinner! Much LOVE!…live right…walk good…and do good…those are the hallmarks of a true Christian…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 September 2011 Psalm 9:2
01 Sep 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 9:2. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.
Well Friends, September is here, meaning the end of carefree summer vacations, the resumption of school and the descent into winter in the northern climes. It’s also the last morning for me to enjoy my California home office with the scenery outside, to watch the bright sun come up over the mountains. (smile) Tomorrow morning I’ll be back in my comfortable but cluttered basement office with no scenery. But that’s life! I’m sorry too that I don’t have any adventures from yesterday to share with you. I had planned to go to another beach, Marina Del Rey, but once I heard about my mother’s untimely passing, I just lost the enthusiasm to drive there by myself, and there was no one available to go with me. So I just hung around the house; ate, slept, read, cried, contacted some people, and pondered the life and times of my darling mother. In the evening, the family gathered together for some fellowship. We ate some food, played a little music, then some went out, some went home and some went to bed. Include me in the latter group. So it was just another sad, mundane but peaceful day; like so many of our days are. That shouldn’t stop us from enjoying them though, else we’d miss enjoying most of our life. Excitement and adventure are nice, but you can only handle so much of them. They are the exception rather than the rule, which is boring, same old, same old days. However, as believers, we ought to have the attitude Bruh David talks of in our Bit: ‘I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou Most High.’ Yes Friends, that’s the way we ought to live our earthly lives! If we truly believe that we have such a wonderful, LOVING, merciful and forgiving God, then it follows that most of the time we should exist in a state of joy and peace. Otherwise we’re just wasting all the great benefits and blessings of our omnipotent God. And as the psalmist so rightly says: ‘I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord.’ (Ps.104:33-34) Yes my people, being full of peace and joy, with meditation and songs of praise is the best way to serve the Lord God Jehovah! For as Bruh David advises in Psalm 5: ‘But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest (protects) them: let them also that LOVE thy name be joyful in thee. For thou Lord wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass (surround) him as with a shield.’ (Ps.5:11-12) And that sure is gospel Friends! So we’ve got to stop allowing the world and all its negativity from getting us so despondent and miserable that we forget the amazing and awesome benefits available to us as believers through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, many times when the world comes against us, we tend to forget about Jesus and try to handle the problems in our own strength. But that’s oh so wrong my brethren! For it’s in the rough times that we most need to remember and cling to our wonderful God and Saviour. It’s only with their sterling help we can successfully ride out and/or overcome the many trials and tribulations that beset us in this primarily evil and ungodly world. If our God is so great, powerful, merciful, forgiving, LOVING and kind, then we should indeed be leaning on Him at ALL times. ‘That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth.’ (Ps.83:18) Ah Friends, I know I sound like the proverbial pain in the rear end because I keep repeating that if we supposed Christians would truly live the Christian life, then we’d be much happier, with much more peace and joy than we currently have. But as usual, the problem is that we talk the life very well, but don’t truly live it. However, it’s the living of that righteous way of life that’s important to our God. So please, let’s turn our focus, channel our energy to truly living the believer’s life nuh. Let’s allow the unbelievers, the wicked, the worldly to see the joy and peace we obtain through living for Jesus. Then we can get them to want what we have and further Christ’s kingdom. And the best way to do that is by following the wise advise of the psalmist: ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth thy LOVING-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night…For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.’ (Ps.92.1-2,4) Oh Friends, if we do that constantly, then there’ll be no stopping us; our God will certainly be magnified and His kingdom multiplied! Much LOVE!…it’s a believer’s duty…to LOVE the Lord…and LIVE that LOVE…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 August 2011 Romans 12:12
31 Aug 2011 Leave a comment
Romans 12:12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Oh Friends, it’s about 6.15 a.m in West Hills, California, and as I sit at my office window, (smile) hearing sirens wailing in the distance, I can see the day breaking outside. It’s supposed to be another sunny day in California, as most of them are, with temps in the mid eighties. Well, fortunately, or not, I don’t have any adventures to tell about today because I spent yesterday at home. I hope to have some today though. (smile) I had planned to go back to Zuma beach yesterday and leave a note or some contact info just in case some Good Samaritan happened to find my ring and turn it in. Very unlikely yes, but with our great and wonderful God, not impossible. Oh, one thing; as the Good Book says: ‘The stone which the builders refused (rejected) is become the head stone of the corner (chief cornerstone) (Ps.118:22) Meaning that the pool which I rejected two days ago, I ended up embracing and enjoying yesterday. Ah Friends, you just have to LOVE how our God operates yes! Anyway, let’s consider our Bit now: ‘Rejoicing in hope; patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing (steadfastly) in prayer.’ My people, that’s the true believer’s life in a nutshell! If we follow that simple prescription, we will do very well in the eyes of our Lord. Our greatest attribute and/or asset is hope; faith in our omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God. We constantly hope for a better place, better people and a better world, which is ultimately heaven, so we should rejoice that there’s truly a pot of gold at the end of a believer’s rainbow; namely life with Christ forever more. This is how Jesus put it: ‘Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.’ (Luke 10:20) And all God’s people raised a mighty shout of joy and gratitude to heaven! Yes my brethren, no greater, no sweeter thrill exists on this earth than to know that your name is written in the Resurrected Lamb’s Book of Life! ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ The only problem though is that before we can get there, we have to stay patient and persevere through the tribulation that will surely bombard us in this evil, ungodly world. But that’s easier said than done Friends, especially in this current generation, because our world has reached heights of depravity and wickedness unimaginable in our parents’ times. But again, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has an answer for that: ‘In your patience, possess ye your souls.’ (Luke 21 :19) And to help us do that, we need to to keep ‘continuing instant in prayer.’ Yes Friends, above all, we need to stay in constant communication with our heavenly Father! That’s all important because it’s where we derive the strength and wisdom to keep keeping on, both through the good and bad times. But unfortunately that’s a major stumbling block in too many believers’ lives these days. Oh my people, if we’d only talk to our God more, our lives would run much smoother, not necessarily easier, but we’d be able to bear whatever comes against us much better than we’re doing at present. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to our Saviour’s advice: ‘And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart).’ (Luke 18:1) Oh Friends, please let’s try and improve those essential aspects of our lives nuh: rejoicing in the hope that there’s a better world to come; persevering in spite of our trials; and standing strong and steadfast in prayer. It’s only by doing those things that we can make a positive impact on this evil world and further God’s kingdom. Much LOVE!…to be a true true believer…one must have plenty hope…plenty stick-to-itiveness…and pray plenty…
P.S. Ah Friends, the Lord does indeed test our spirits in some tough ways yes! I knew that this was going to be a memorable holiday, but definitely not in this fashion, for in the middle of writing this Bit, I got a phone call from home informing me that my mother had died. There wasn’t much I could do but continue writing, staying patient in tribulation, as I’d just been advising others. It obviously hurts, but I have to look at it from the perspective that she’s in a better place now, with Jesus, whom she LOVED and admired so much, and instilled the same feeling in me. She was indeed a godly mother… and the ole fella will miss you a whole lot Molls’ baby, but them’s the breaks. For those of you who read the Bit and knew her, when I get back home, I will contact you re arrangements for her funeral. Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 August 2011 Romans 12:12
30 Aug 2011 Leave a comment
Romans 12:12. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
Oh Friends, I’m here today to testify! To testify that our Lord God Jehovah, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is indeed an exceedingly great God! Not only in terms of His might and power, but also in the beautiful, LOVING manner in which He raises His children. Oh my people, the Lord’s trying to tell or teach me something, but obviously I’m not listening or learning. The long and short of the story is this: You all know I was in Vegas over the weekend, having a good time, being truly blessed. Friends, when I stop and think about the way complete strangers have been treating me, I can only conclude that it’s been the hand of God, and say: ‘Thank you Lord!’ I’ve said that countless times since my vacation began. And now, as I write this Bit from a comfortable home office, somewhere in sunny California, with a nice view of trees, houses and mountains, I have to give even more thanks. Yes Friends, I am in California, don’t ask me where, not too far from L.A though. Anyway, I left Vegas yesterday around lunch time in a rented car…I even got an upgrade for the same price as the smaller car – the Lord’s hand of blessing again – so I was able to travel in the comfort I’m accustomed to. (smile) The Duchess, Cousin Sharon and I headed down through the Mojave Desert, cruising in comfort with the tunes playing and good camaraderie happening. We arrived at our host’s, the couple whose wedding we attended in Vegas, at around 5.30. It’s a nice, comfortable place with a pool that the host invited me to sample, but no, my mind was set on salt water. The family came over and the atmosphere was enriched. But Mr. Hot Stuff was intent on going to the beach. I so badly wanted to see, taste and feel the salty air and the saltiness of the ocean, tomorrow would be no good. I hadn’t waited for four years for a dip in the sea, then come so close, and yet wait another day. So my host gave me some directions and away I went, by myself. I didn’t have any real problems finding Zuma Beach, but asked for directions a couple times just to be sure I was going the right way. I got there about half an hour after setting out, exhaled a long sigh of thanks as I gazed out at the wide expanse of almost empty beach and the mighty Pacific Ocean extending as far as the eye could see. Unfortunately the water seemed a bit rough, but like a stout trooper I headed across the beach to the water’s edge, passing a man and a woman, the only two people close by, using metal detectors, searching for whatever in the sand. Uncharitably, I wondered what they expected to find. To tell the truth, I was disappointed when I saw the waves angrily frothing up the shore, and when I put my feet in the water…Brrr! was it ever cold! In fact, the whole beach area was much cooler than the interior. A young couple passed by and I asked if people actually swam in that cold water. They said yes, and often it was cooler than that, so I should just go for it. Well there was never any doubt that I would check it out, having come from so far and waited so long for it. So I got up my gumption and waded into the frothing shore breakers up to my waist. Now I don’t remember if I sat down voluntarily or if the waves threw me down, but I was suddenly enveloped by the roiling water. I tried to stand up, felt one knee pain and buckle under me, so I simply sank back down into the water. After a few more waves washed over me, I finally managed to stand up, chuckling at my sorry self. But that chuckle was short lived, for the Lord in His contrariness immediately drew my attention to my left hand and my missing wedding ring. And the hurtful part is that I considered leaving my watches and rings at home, but only left the watch, reasoning that the rings would not fall off. Obviously I was wrong. Oh Friends, that sudden realization that my wedding ring of almost forty years was gone, most likely forever, was painful and I cried out to the Lord, more in sadness and disappointment than anger. I knew there was a reason for it, though I couldn’t fathom it. I also knew the Duchess would be angry because I’d lost the first one about two months after our marriage and she’d dutifully replaced it with this one. My argument was to be; well this one lasted almost forty years. (smile) Another thing, remember those two people I saw with metal detectors on the beach and my uncharitable thought? Well I had to laugh, because now when I needed them, I looked around and they were nowhere to be found. Hn! The Lord at work again! I eventually went back into the cold, frothing water, spent about fifteen minutes splashing and being thrown around by the waves, couldn’t swim though because there was never a calm enough moment to do so. By the time I left Zuma, it was growing dark, and my soul was sad, bemoaning the loss of the ring, not the monetary value – though with the soaring price of gold it was probably worth much more then when we bought it – but for the sentimental and emotional value. But if I thought that was the end of my problems…Chuh! The fun had just begun. I navigated my way back through the canyons to the highway and got off at the right exit, then got lost. Hn, Hn! I drove around for about fifteen minutes trying to find my bearings, causing all sorts of traffic problems. Thought I had the number for my hosts, but couldn’t find it. Then while driving through a plaza, my host called me on my cell phone, but I couldn’t tell him where I was, so I went into a pizza joint in the plaza to see if they could help, but in the middle of our conversation my phone died. One of the drivers finally gave me directions, with which I found an area I recognized and headed home. But then I realized that I knew the main turn off but not the secondary one. I knew I had to go up a hill, but couldn’t find anything like that. Eventually, while driving around lost and aimless, I saw this older white woman out walking, so I stopped and asked for her help. This time it’s dark, I’m in a pair of tight short pants, barefooted, hair unkempt, possibly looking real weird and scary, but surprisingly, with no hesitation, she asked for my address so she could go and look it up on the map. Just then I also found my host’s phone number tucked away in my pants pocket, so I went into the house and suggested we call instead. She agreed and dialled the number for me. The directions proved that I wasn’t far from home, but instead of making a right turn, I should have made a left. So I thanked the lady and her husband, who’d been poring over a map, guardian angels sent to guide me safely, then continued on my way. But though I followed the directions, I still couldn’t find the place. My bladder was bursting and I was beginning to get irritable, so I just decided to drive back to a nearby plaza, find a phone somehow and ask someone to come and get me. But as usual Friends, when the Lord’s in control of your life, good things happen when needed. Just as I drove into the plaza and parked, my host pulled up beside me. The problem stemmed from poor communication; he told me to take the first left, when it should have been the second left. But as they say, all’s well that ends well. The family was happy to see me back safely, and the Duchess was so overjoyed by my safe return that she claimed the loss of the ring was an anti-climax. Thank you Lord! Ah my people, I was so hot to trot, had to go to the beach immediately, that I never considered the Lord might have wanted me to stay home and enjoy the family fellowship instead. There’s a lesson in waiting patiently on him, and I paid a price for not doing so. A price, though not disastrous, but steep enough to bring me to my senses. But also Friends, please note that at every step of my misadventure, the Lord provided someone or something to guide me safely. And that’s the beauty of our God: though we walk contrary to His Word, and He decides to instil some discipline, it’s never too much to bear, and there are always guardian angels hovering around us for protection. So why are we so afraid to embrace Him and wholeheartedly surrender our lives to His divine guidance eh? Much LOVE!…wait patiently on the Lord…and in His time…He will give you the desires of your heart… P.S. It’s very late and long, but life and some computer problems tripped me up. And better late than never. (smile) Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 August 2011 Jonah 2:2
29 Aug 2011 Leave a comment
Aye Friends, is Monday, that very special day in our lives! (chuckle) Now don’t shoot the messenger. I’m only telling you the real reality of the situation. We can’t do anything about it, so we might as well just learn to grin and bear it. And to help us do that, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle hymn, with much gusto 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!’And yuh know what Friends? That blends exceedingly well with our Bit today; that haunting cry of Jonah’s, for mercy and forgiveness: ‘And said, I cried by reason (because) of mine (my) affliction unto the Lord, and he heard (answered) me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.’ Wow! What an awesome God we worship my people! Out of the large fish’s body, which seemed like hell to Jonah, he cried out in despair and repentance to our God, and that mighty Being heard him. That means He’ll certainly hear us when we cry out to Him in true repentance from this hell on earth that we’re now experiencing? And no doubt Friends, we in North America definitely cried out for mercy in the last few days with hurricane Irene beating down on us, because that’s when most of us remember and /or find time for God. But He’s such a wonderful God and Father, still filled with LOVE for us, He heard our heart rending cries and took pity on us, his sinful, rebellious children. That’s why Irene didn’t do as much damage as expected. I sincerely hope that all of us offered heartfelt thanks and gratitude for our timely reprieve. Yes my brethren, when we call to the Lord with sincere hearts, He hears us and responds. As the psalmist says: ‘I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.’ (Ps.120:1) I also hope that this life threatening experience will draw many of us back to the ONE and ONLY TRUE LIVING GOD, and we won’t return to the same idolatrous and lustful behaviour we were involved in before Irene shook us up. But knowing our penchant for sin, once the danger has passed and the memory begins to fade from our minds, I’m sure many of us will slowly gravitate back to our old ungodly habits, until the next time disaster comes a courting. But Friends, though our God is a most merciful and forgiving God, He’s also a God of justice and truth and He won’t allow us to keep on being rebellious indefinitely, the next time He might just turn a blind eye to our unfaithful entreaties. Bruh David truthfully said: ‘O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.’ (Ps.65:1) But that doesn’t mean we must only pray and call expectantly on God in the rough times. Our heavenly Father expects us to be constantly in touch with Him, not only when the heifer dust hits the fan and we want Him to bail us out. Oh my people, we’re like deaf ears ‘pickney’; we only listen when the roof caves in on us, but then it’s often too late. Please, let’s not go back to our sinful, ungodly ways. Remember I said yesterday that Irene was a wakeup call for our evil world, especially North America. I therefore implore us to take this whole thing seriously and let’s begin making much needed, good and godly changes to our lives, for if we don’t, we might not be as lucky the next time. Much LOVE!…he who hath ears to hear…let him hear…else he’s going to surely feel…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 August 2011 Ephesians 5:20
28 Aug 2011 Leave a comment
Ephesians 5:20. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful, hot, sunny day in Vegas, with temps of over 100 expected again. But that doesn’t seem to faze the crowds at all. They might say it’s hot, but nonetheless continue on their merry way rejoicing. It’s now shortly after 8 a.m on Sunday morning as I sit writing this in my room overlooking the city, gazing out the big plate glass window at the marvellously sculpted, semi-circular mountain range in the distance, towering over the very flat land that lies before it. I believe the mountain range is the Colorado Rockies. Unexpectedly though, thegreat contrast between the two land masses brings to mind the great differences between our God and us: We are like the flat land, and He is the towering mountains; strong, infallible, immovable, just, true and faithful. Then a feeling of warmth, of thanks and praise rises in my soul. And my people there are lots of things we need to give our great God thanks and praise for; the first big occasion this morning being that Hurricane Irene did not cause as much damage or loss of life as expected on the U.S. east coast. And all God’s people raised a mighty, but humble and grateful cheer to heaven! Yes Friends, it could certainly have been worse, and thankfully Irene has lost a lot of her power and has been downgraded to a tropical storm. Let’s hope she doesn’t do much, if any damage to beautiful Eastern Canada, where she appears to be headed now. But she still did enough damage and inconvenienced so many millions of people in the Eastern U.S. that it will take some time for things to return to some semblance of normalcy. And that’s exactly why Bruh Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, re the ways of a believer, stresses the words of our Bit. ‘Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ Oh Friends, whatever happens, it’s essential that at all times, under all circumstances, we’re in a thankful mode concerning our God. Yes, thanks for life, health, wealth and all the other good things we enjoy,should always be on our lips. And in the rough times, we should thank Him for His faithful promise to bring us through those valleys of the shadow of death into the bright sunshine of life, like with Irene, for remember: ‘We know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.’ (Rom.8:28) Now listen to Bruh David’s take on constant thankfulness: ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.’ (Ps.34:1-3) Yes my people, that’s the way we believers ought to consider and glorify our wonderful, merciful and forgiving God! But sadly, too many of us don’t consider Him at all, or just remember Him when we have problems we can’t solve in our own strength. That’s definitely not the way for a true believer to behave. Unfortunately though, the modern world with all its strains and stresses, it’s torrid pace of life, finds us concentrating too much on ourselves and the world, on making a living, and not enough on God. We need to slow down Friends, spend some more time smelling and admiring the roses, enjoying the things of God, being in constant companionship with Him. That’s the only way we’ll live long and prosperous lives. Lusting after the terminal things of the world, trying to emulate the rich and the powerful, only puts us under abnormal stress, stress we certainly don’t need. So Friends, with Hurricane Irene fresh in our minds, and all the problems she’s caused, less though than she could have, let’s get serious and turn seriously to our God nuh; the ONE and ONLY TRUE LIVING GOD! He created us, He provides for us, He dearly LOVES us, but He will also judge and punish us for our sinful, ungodly behaviour. What will it take for us to wake up and realize the disastrous road we’re walking? Will we be obstinate and rebellious until the promised fire and brimstone rains down on us? Won’t we recognize that Irene was a major warning signal from God that our society is too idolatrous, wicked and evil and continue our ungodly ways? Who would ever have thought that one day the great metropolis of New York, the city that never sleeps, would be evacuated because of a little thing like a hurricane? None of us really, but it happened. And Friends, all the disasters that are happening close to home now are wake up calls from the Lord. He’s getting tired of our evil, ungodly shenanigans, and if we don’t put a stop to them, He will. It’s not my word, but the Lord’s, and they can be found in the Good Book, that fabulous tome of wisdom and guide to the good and prosperous life! Please my brethren, let’s learn from the mistakes and painful examples of other societies who forsook and forgot God in their times of prosperity, then were forsaken and destroyed by Him. Please, let’s not allow that to happen to our society, let’s return to Him with truly repentant hearts, and receive His mercy, grace, forgiveness and LOVE! Much LOVE!…if you don’t hear…you will surely feel…
