Isaiah 51:1. Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
Oh my wonderful Friends in Christ, I hope we’re all in fine fettle this Tuesday after Valentine’s Day, and that we did our part yesterday to increase the outpouring of LOVE in our badly famished world. But even more importantly, I implore us to try and keep up that level of affection we showed to all God’s children yesterday. I know we can’t be at the top of our game every day, but we can certainly be so on most days. And that’s all Jesus really asks of us; to give it our best all the time. Now I heard somebody say recently that regardless of how old or mature we are in the faith, we should never lose the ability to be amazed by God’s doings. And that’s true Friends. We need to continually see God through child-like faith, with stars in our eyes and wonder on our minds, without doubt or distrust, so that we can keep appreciating His goodness and mercy in our lives. It’s only then that our hearts can truly be moved by His wondrous Spirit. That brings me to today’s amazement factor. As I was cleaning up some paperwork on my desk before writing the Bit, I came upon a newsletter put out by Gary Sullivan, a Real Estate Agent in my area, whom I’ve mentioned before. The good thing about Gary’s newsletter is that it has all sorts of good, useful ideas and quotes, more stuff than houses for sale. Anyway, this issue has a short piece on Wilma Rudolph, the famous Black American athlete of the 1960’s, with a couple of very interesting quotes. However, before making a firm decision to use them I decided to find a Bit first. As usual, I opened the Good Book, asking the Lord to guide me to a Bit. Lo and behold, I opened it to Isaiah 51, which is superscripted, ‘The faithful are called to courage.’ A chuckle naturally rose from my soul because Wilma Rudolph’s life was one of exceptional faith and courage. So choosing the first verse of that chapter was a no-brainer. And I obviously said a grateful, ‘Thank you Lord,’ for it’s not always so easy to find a Bit. That’s the kind of stuff I mean when I say we should keep being amazed by God’s doings; small incidents that don’t shake the earth, but do help tremendously in our lives. The big stuff will always amaze us, but it’s the appreciation of the small things that will keep our hearts young and joyful in the Lord. Oh Friends, as Isaiah called his people to courage back then, so am I calling all true believers to have faith and courage today, to stand strong and steadfast in the Lord, no matter what trials and tribulations come our way. ‘Hearken to me, ye that follow after (pursue) righteousness, ye that seek the Lord: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.’ Yes mih people, all of us who pursue righteousness, who put our trust and faith in Jesus Christ, we need to steadfastly look to Him, the rock, the tower of strength from which we were made and from whence comes our power. Remember, God made us in His own image, so we already have the seeds of some of His features, like trust, strength and faith planted in us. Now we have to nurture those seeds so that they may grow bountifully in our lives. But unfortunately too many of us pay more attention to the hole in which we’re in, our negative circumstances, rather than focusing on Christ, the strong tower. Remember Friends, that Jesus is the only one who can truly lift us up out of any mire in which we’re stranded. And Wilma Rudolph’s story is a glowing example of that rising from the mire of adversity through faith and courage…and hard work. We always tend to forget the hard work, but that’s very necessary too. As a grown woman and successful athlete, she staunchly declared: ‘Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion. The potential for greatness lives within each of us.’ And that my brethren is gospel truth! Hear her story: Born prematurely in 1940, 4 1/2 pounds, to a poor backwoods family in Tennessee, 20th of 22 children, she suffered all sorts of illnesses at a young age, including scarlet fever, pneumonia and then the clincher, polio. That meant she had to wear leg braces. The doctors claimed she’d never walk again, but in God’s sphere, never doesn’t exist. And so, in His overall plan, she was gifted with a mother of great faith, who told her that she could do whatever she wanted, and that she would walk again. Thankfully, she believed her mother and not the doctors, and at 9 took off her braces, and by 12 was walking normally. Obviously it wasn’t easy, but that’s the strength of the human spirit, especially when it’s surrounded and supported by others of faith and trust. The rest is history: a basketball star in high school, a top class sprinter in university, a bronze medal winner on the U.S relay team in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. Then four years later, at the Rome Olympics in 1960, the crowning glory: three gold medals; the 100 and 200 metres races, and the anchor of the 4 x 100 relay team, thus becoming the first female runner to win three gold medals at the same Olympic Games. Wow! And all God’s people declared with joyful tears: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Yes Friends, things that look impossible when we look to man or Lucifer, become possible when we look to God, our sure rock and strong tower. So let’s promise ourselves, today, RIGHT NOW, that we’ll stop letting Lucifer and his evil cohorts lead us down the garden path to ruin. Instead, we’ll look up to Jesus, who only desires to raise us heavenward. And we’ll end with one more quote from Wilma Rudolph, a telling one too: ‘Believe me, the reward is not so great without the struggle.’ That my people is also gospel, because we don’t appreciate our good fortune half as much if we don’t struggle for it. So let’s keep the power to dream alive and kicking nuh! Much LOVE!…to overcome…you must look up…at Jesus…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 February 2011 Isaiah 51:1
15 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 February 2011 1 John 4:11
14 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
1 John 4:11. Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought also to LOVE one another.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!
Oh Friends, here’s wishing us all a Happy Day of LOVE! Yes, for that’s what Valentine’s Day is supposed to be; a day of sharing, giving and receiving LOVE, although, like numerous other good and godly things, it’s become so crass and commercialized that now, like Christmas, we’ve forgotten it’s basic roots. However, I’m sure the Lord is still pleased with this one day in our year when there’s such a great outpouring of LOVE and LOVING sentiments. The problem though is that too little of the LOVE bandied about today goes any further. That leads to the question of why can’t more of the LOVE we show today, be shown throughout the entire year? I guess that’s because deep inside, many of us don’t really and truly feel the rich, warm feeling of LOVE that we outwardly profess. Oh Friends, what a truly wonderful place our world would be if we could significantly up the LOVE quotient, and our God would be so pleased that He’d be rocking and rolling with great joy in heaven! I know some of us only associate the term LOVE with mushy, romantic sentiment, but there are other types, and specifically we’re talking about just being kind, generous and caring to each other. As our Bit advises: ‘Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought also to LOVE one another.’ And that’s the real and simple truth mih people! For as John takes great pains to point out in the previous three verses: ‘He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE. In this was manifested the LOVE of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is LOVE, not that we LOVED God, but that he LOVED us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation (atoning sacrifice) for our sins.’ (1 John 4:8-10) It couldn’t be any more straightforward than that my brethren. If we don’t have LOVE in us, then we don’t have God in us, for Love is God’s greatest attribute, it’s who He is. And He showed His great affection for us by sending His only Son to die on the cross, as a living sacrifice, so that our sins could be redeemed, paid in full, thereby allowing us to once again have communion with the holy and righteous Deity that He is. Before Jesus came, as dyed-in-the-wool sinners that was impossible, so you can see how truly He cared for us, and still does. It’s the greatest outpouring of LOVE ever! And all God’s people fell on their knees, praising and thanking Him for sending His Son Jesus to save our sinful souls. However Friends, showing kindness and affection in an unkind, cruel, evil, vicious, greedy, selfish, inhumane, violent, crime-ridden, fearful world is often difficult, especially on a Monday morning. (smile) No mih breddren, I haven’t forgotten that it’s Monday, the most miserable and depressing day of the week in the Western world, because we have to leave our nice, cosy, comfortable homes and go out to work, so that we can afford to live in that self-same comfort. A vicious cycle you’d call it nuh! Thankfully though, we believers have our Monday Morning Battle Hymn that helps us break that cycle, and instead fills us with faith, hope, expectation and the joy of doing Jesus’ will. So let’s sing it nuh, with even more gusto than normal on this Valentine’s Day of 2011. All together now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Ah Friends, through His Holy Spirit, our God imparts the will to LOVE in our hearts. Please, let’s go out and show the ungodly world what a rich, powerful, vibrant and effervescent feeling it is to give and receive LOVE; the healing power of nations. And believe me people, all the nations of our world desperately need healing right now. Much LOVE!…the Christian Motto…LOVE others…as God…through Christ’s sacrifice…first LOVED us…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 February 2011 Jonah 2:9
13 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Jonah 2:9. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.
Oh Friends, are we filled with a passion and excitement for worshipping and serving God this glorious Sunday morning? I certainly hope so, because that’s the only way we’ll get up off of our hefty derrieres and do His work. Please remember that we’re the front line of His army, and unless we’re passionate and excited about serving Him, then we won’t achieve any real success, and God’s plans for being joyfully reconciled with His children will be adversely affected. So if the Lord has put something in your heart that He wants done, then please do it with energy and enthusiasm. That’s why we’ve been given the Holy Spirit; to excite, energize and have us walk obediently to His will. And we know that He won’t ask us to do anything He doesn’t consider important and/or necessary, in addition to providing the tools we need. So please, I implore us not to be like Jonah; so afraid to do God’s will, that he ran in the opposite direction than God desired. But that old saying, you can run, but you can’t hide, especially from God, is the gospel truth mih people! Obviously Jonah never knew that, else he would never have tried it. And some of the things God asks us to do are indeed difficult, inconvenient, and with the naked eye, often seem impossible. But we also know that once the Lord is involved, the word impossible doesn’t exist, for with Him, all things ARE possible. Jonah is also a good example of that, for once he got his act together, stopped fearing that the Ninevites would kill him, he went to Nineveh, proclaimed God’s message of repentance and retribution in forty days, with the joyful result that Nineveh repented and was saved. Praise the Lord! So whatever the Lord’s put in our hearts Friends, let’s not fear, but say and do like Jonah did eventually. ‘When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in (went up) unto thee, into thine holy temple.’ (Jon.2:7) Yes my people, when we are afraid, that’s the time to turn to God in solemn and sincere prayer, because: ‘They that observe lying vanities (worthless idols) forsake their own mercy (LOVING-kindness) (Jon.2:8) Now that’s a fact, for inanimate idols can’t forgive, strengthen, or show mercy. Only the living God Jehovah can do that. And once we’ve come to terms with the Lord and He’s strengthened us, then we can proudly declare, like Jonah does in our Bit: ‘But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.’ However my brethren, there is a note of caution that goes with those words full of promise. It’s all well and good to say them, but first we should truly mean them, then live up to their promise. Oh, we all talk liberally about offering sacrifice to God through prayer and thanksgiving, as though it’s a natural habit. But do we actually do it? That’s for God and each individual to discern. Words are wind, and it’s easy to copy Jonah, or even consider following Hosea’s entreaty. ‘Oh Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves (fruit, sacrifices) of our lips.’ (Hos.14:1-2) However Friends, when push comes to shove and the difficulties arise, it’s utterly important that we have the necessary parts to keep our promises. For remember the Preacher’s admonishment: ‘When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer (delay) not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than thou shouldest vow and not pay.’ (Eccl.5:4-5) Yes Friends, it’s better not to promise, than to promise and not keep it. And that doesn’t pertain to dealing with God alone, but to all aspects of our lives. That builds godly character and trust. And last, but not least, is Jonah’s contention: ‘Salvation is of the Lord.’ Now that’s the living truth mih people! But we can’t simply mouth it, we have to sincerely believe it, else it’s of no use to us. Listen to Jeremiah on the subject. ‘Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of the mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.’ (Jer.3:23) Meanwhile, Bruh David, in his prayer of confidence in God, when he ran from his son Absalom, says it thus: ‘Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.’ (Ps.3:8) Ah mih breddren, God’s work is often difficult, but always plausible and possible, else He wouldn’t ask us to do it. Don’t be afraid, neither try to run away like Jonah, for that will always be an unsuccessful course of action. The story’s been placed in the Good Book as a warning, to not follow his example. If the going gets rough, turn to God and tell Him your fears and ask for His help. But remember too, in the heat of the moment, don’t make any promises you’re not prepared to keep, because that’s often our downfall. So till we talk again tomorrow, our God in favour, please walk safely in faith and trust with Him. Much LOVE!…remember…you can never run away from God…neither hide from Him…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 February 2011 Psalm 86:5
12 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Psalm 86:5. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.
Oh Friends, it’s a new day and we’re still alive and kicking! Wow! And why is that? As Jeremiah says in his deepest, darkest days of lamenting: ‘It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:22-23) And is Jerry ever right my people! Without the Lord’s daily renewals of things like grace, mercy, forgiveness and righteousness, we’d be lost before the day even began. We wouldn’t know which way to turn. Many of us would even be afraid to venture out of bed. However Friends, with the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as our faithful guide and protector, when we fearfully open our eyes in the morning, despite all the problems we went to bed with, we’re certain of a place to run for succour, a strong rock, a solid foundation, where all our needs will be met, and most importantly, a place of refuge from which we will NEVER be turned away. Yes people, in the Lord God Jehovah is found and oasis of LOVE, comfort, joy and peace. No other being, mortal or otherwise, can provide what our God provides, for those who walk obedient to His will. That’s why Bruh David could publicly proclaim with great assurance: ‘For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.’ And all God’s people joyfully declared: ‘Thank you Lord for being such a wonderful God, Father and Friend!’ There’s one requirement though Friends; we have to come or go to the Father and make oblation to Him on a regular and consistent basis. It is our duty and responsibility to call upon Him, initiate contact, and place our prayers, request, petitions and problems before Him. We have to be willing to live by His rules and regulations. Psalm 86 is superscripted, ‘Teach me thy way O Lord.’ And Bruh David begins by saying: ‘Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul (life); for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily (all day long). Rejoice (make glad) the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.’ (Ps.86:1-4) Oh Friends, what a poignant and powerful declaration of faith in only four, short statements! In quick succession he admits his inadequacy, asks for preservation of his life, states his constant trust, pleads for mercy and gladness in his soul. Now that sounds like an excellent model of prayer and petition for us to follow, provided we can sincerely back up our claims. And the good thing about God’s benefits my brethren, is that they’re not only available to individuals on a personal basis, but also to nations and groups of any size who are willing to accept His dominion. ‘For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.’ (Matt.18:20) The Psalmist knew that and therefore strongly proclaimed it: ‘Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy (LOVING-kindness), and with him is plenteous (abundant) redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.’ (Ps.130:7-8) Now where else can we find such a kind, generous and LOVING Deity eh Friends? Nowhere else! Because our God is the ONE and ONLY True Deity! And a loud consensus went up from God’s people: ‘Yes! Yahweh IS the ONLY true God!’ Hear Bruh David from ‘the Lord is gracious,’ a psalm of praise: ‘Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable (beyond our understanding). …The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion: slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.’ (Ps.145:3,8-9) Ah mih people, if we’d only wake up from the stupor cast on us by the world’s ungodly ways and glitzy possessions and understand and appreciate the Lord’s unique character and LOVE for us, not only as individuals, but as groups and nations, then we’d experience such a wonderful change in all aspects of our lives and countries. And believe me Friends, right now we need the Triune God-head much more than at any other time in the world’s existence. Why? Because we’re at the zenith of our civilization, and with all our success in the fields of technology, medicine and weapons of war, it’s now easy to destroy it all in one fell swoop. And it’s obvious that some of us want to destroy our very civilization, else our world would certainly not be in the disgusting mess that it’s in. However my brethren, as we always emphasize, where there’s life, there’s always hope. And we’ll close with a scripture of hope from the prophet Joel, when he called on his people for repentance and fasting. ‘Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting and with weeping, and with mourning; And rend (tear) your heart, and not your garments, and turn (return) unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of evil (relents from doing harm).’ (Joel 2:12-13) Yes Friends, all things are possible, if we’d only put our full and sincere trust in Almighty God. Much LOVE!…seek the Lord with all thine heart and soul…and thou shalt find Him… (Deut.4:29)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 February 2011 Job 14:1
11 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Job 14:1. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
The noise is deafening! The air is filled with hysterical shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ as the small group of people jump around deliriously and pump their clenched fists in the air. Yes Friends, it is Friday! The day we’re always wishing to hurry up and come. But please remember that the weekend is not only for fun and frolic, but also for fellowship. So let’s chant our Friday Chant, which will give us direction and encouragement in the coming days. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Yes mih people, we have survived another week of work, but how many more we survive depends solely on the Lord our God. And unfortunately, length of physical life on this planet earth is very short, especially if we consider it in terms of God’s time scale. Peter says: ‘that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.’ (2 Pet.3:8) And Moses concurs in Psalm 90: ‘For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.’ (Ps.90:4) So Friends, when we think of our earthly journey as generally being three score years and ten, that’s absolutely nothing in God’s sight. It doesn’t even come close to the centuries that the people of the Old Testament lived. If you want to see some serious years that they lived back then, check out Genesis 5. That’s why we say as old as Methuselah, who lived nine hundred and sixty nine years. Wow! Imagine living that long nuh? No way! So Job is telling the truth, whether it’s by God’s standards or the ancients, when he says in our Bit: ‘Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble (turmoil).’ And if anybody was qualified to talk of trouble, calamity and life’s woes, it’s certainly Job. Then he continues talking about the brevity of earthly life. ‘He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down (fades away): he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.’ (Job 14:2) The author of Ecclesiastes also held the same theory of earthly life. ‘For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation (striving) of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief (task grievous); yea, his heart taketh not rest (even) in the night. This also is vanity (futility).’ (Eccl.2:22-23) Oh Friends, all those claims do have some substance; our lives are comparatively short and troubled filled, but that doesn’t mean we ought to yearn for, or opt for death to set us free. On the contrary, we ought to desire long life, especially if we’re believers in Jesus, because that gives us a definite purpose here on earth of spreading God’s Word. And when the Spirit of Jesus lives in us, then we have the wherewithal to overcome the tribulation, as Job eventually did, and also enjoy the good times that are included. Not every day is totally good or bad, most of them are somewhere in between, for we do get good and bad happenings on the same day. The problem is not to let the bad ruin the good, which too many of us are wont to do. Oh my brethren, who ever said that life was made for living was telling the gospel truth. Our Creator didn’t make us just to sit on earth to vegetate and complain, but to live life to the fullest. Why do you think He sent His Son Jesus to die for us? So that we could have life, and have it more abundantly, even to the point of having it eternally. He also gave us the parts and the power to overcome the earthly woes that beset us; namely His Holy Spirit, filled with guidance, help, protection and provision. However Friends, Chuh! Ah spell it wrong again. Been doing that for the last couple days. Regressing in mih old age. (smile) Yes mih Friends…Ah Lord eh! Would you believe ah spell it even worse than before! Steups! Anyway Friends…Whoopee! Right at last! We also have to play our part by surrendering our lives and our trust to Him, and walking obediently in His will, for He’s the Boss. Without us following His instructions, the partnership will falter and everything will crash for us. Remember that all the Lord does is not for His benefit, but for ours. He doesn’t need anything we have, but we need lots from Him. So, though life’s short, difficult, unpredictable, and however you want to classify it, let’s keep at the forefront of our minds, two things; that out God is good, also just and fair. That means He won’t put us through any hardship without a purpose. Whatever He allows to come against us will eventually be used for our good, our improvement; our becoming more like Jesus, the ultimate goal. Therefore Friends…wrong again…let’s stop complaining as much as we do re the difficulties of our lives, and instead try to help somebody else, for there’s always someone whose life is rougher than ours. When we do that, it takes our mind off of our troubles and glorifies God. Besides, we have the wonderful Spirit of Jesus Christ living in us, so what’s there to complain about eh? Much LOVE!…the Lord is a great rewarder of those who obey His will…both in this life…and the next…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 February 2011 Ecclesiastes 9:16
10 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Ecclesiastes 9:16. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
Oh Friends, our God constantly amazes me with His unerring actions. Today’s amazement comes from my picking up a little card on my desk with a prayer on either side. I shared one already and considered sharing the other today, but in the heat of the excitement (smile) I put it aside and went searching for a Bit. I eventually found one dealing with wisdom. Then I was led to read the prayer again, which I did, though more seriously, only to discover that it basically asks the Lord to grant us wisdom in our earthly journey. The obvious conclusion was that it should be shared. So here it is: ‘O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgement, And light riseth up in the darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’ Yes mih people, the best thing to ask the Lord for is wisdom to guide our earthly affairs, for as Cousin Sol says earlier on in Ecclesiastes: ‘For wisdom is a defence (a protective shade), and money is a defense: but the excellency (advantage) of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.’ (Eccl.7:12) And again: ‘Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men (rulers) which are in the city.’ (Eccl.7:19) So people, from whatever angle we look at it, wisdom appears to be the best single gift or attribute we can have, although it’s not always looked on favourably when found in lesser mortals, or those of lowly status in our society. Our Bit describes it to a T. ‘Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.’ And that’s all gospel truth mih breddren! Cousin Sol came to this important conclusion after recounting the story of a little city with a small population. One day a mighty king came with all his forces and besieged this little city. But fortunately within the city was found a poor wise man, who, by his wisdom delivered it. Unfortunately though, after that, he was totally forgotten. (Eccl.9:14-15) Oh Friends, that happens constantly in our world today. The voice of the poor, uneducated and supposed unwise person is never heard or paid attention to. For some unfathomable reason our society seems to think that only book learning brings wisdom. And even then it must be inculcated into a person of fair economic means for it to be appreciated or considered. What egotistical and hypocritical nonsense mih people! For some of the best lessons in wisdom are learned from the ordinary living of life, where it’s called common sense or street smarts, and oftimes the poor have it in extraordinary amounts because they simply need it to survive. And if wisdom is predominantly gleaned from book learning, why then is our world so shoddily and inefficiently run, when so many of our leaders and upper strata persons have plenty of both wealth and book learning eh? Sadly, I don’t know the answer to that million-dollar question, but I do know that the ordinary man in the street usually has a good grasp of what it takes to make life worthwhile, because if he doesn’t, then crapaud smoke ‘im pipe. Ah mih people, the poor are always judged to be foolish and unwise, which theoretically leads to their poverty. And the sad part is that this theory is not only held by the powerful and wealthy, but also by their fellow poor. And we’ll end today with possibly the greatest and most compelling example of that; Jesus preaching in His hometown of Nazareth. We’ll use Mark’s gospel, since it gives the fullest version. ‘And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence had this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought (performed) by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Judah, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.’ (Mark 6:1-3) Yes Friends, just because Jesus was a lowly carpenter’s son, his own lowly people felt uncomfortable and offended by His great outpouring of wisdom. Instead of being happy that one of their own had improved Himself, they let envy and stupidity cloud their minds and behaviour. It was bad enough that the scribes and Pharisees found Jesus offensive, but when your own aren’t happy with your improvement, then that really hurts. Oh my brethren, please, let’s not be so judgmental that we can’t listen to and appreciate the advice and/or wisdom of someone who doesn’t have all the trappings that society considers necessary to be wise. It’s something we all have been guilty of at one time or another, but it’s neither fair nor wise, for wisdom can truly be found anywhere, anytime, even in a person of poor and lowly societal status. Much LOVE!…judge not by appearances…remember God chose the weak and foolish…to confound and embarrass the wise and strong…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 February 2010 Luke 2:49
09 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Luke 2:49. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Oh Friends, please give thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for allowing us to see another day! The weather and our circumstances might not be the greatest, but there’s nothing to beat seeing another day on planet earth, for in living under God’s rule, the possibilities are unending. And all God’s people lifted their voices in praise to their Creator. Wow! What a wonderful God we serve my people! Everyday I awaken, I’m overwhelmed by His goodness and mercy to the undeserving children of men! And why is He so wonderful to us? Because He is LOVE; the very personification of the word! Now here is a quote on the subject. ‘LOVE is like wildflowers. It’s often found in the most unlikely places.’ I don’t know who said that, but it’s gospel! It’s taken from a 3 feet high, by one foot wide cream cardboard poster with a two inch flowery border that’s been sitting in my study for umpteen years now, a gift from one of my daughters. But like so much of the stuff with which we surround ourselves, we see them all the time, but they don’t really make any impression on our minds. And so it is with this poster. However, sometime in the past two weeks, the Spirit finally led me to read its contents. And lo and behold, I was amazed at what I read. Beginning with a heading that says: ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU,’ it then launches in to a series of beautiful quotes, the one above being the first. You’ll obviously hear some of them in the future. So yuh see mih young D, it’s not that I didn’t appreciate your gift, it just wasn’t the right time to use it. (smile) And Friends, I can personally attest to the truth of that statement, since I’ve found LOVE in some real strange and unexpected places. And we’re not talking about romantic LOVE, though that does occur in some strange ways and places too, but simple LOVE towards a fellow human being. The number of places where I’ve been and people didn’t know me from Adam, yet treated me like a long lost son or friend are numerous. And they could only have been made possible by the LOVE of God flowing through the hearts of those who befriended me. So Friends, I humbly ask, why aren’t we seeing more of this LOVE circulating in our world eh, especially since it fits in so seamlessly with our Bit? ‘How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?’ Yes mih people, we also ought to be about our Father’s business; spreading, showing, living and sowing the seeds of LOVE, which He personifies. But instead, our world is dominated by hate, violence, crime, greed and all the other negative emotions, while the wonderful, exciting feeling of LOVE is left to die by the wayside. How sad eh! Now here are the beautiful scriptures I promised, re Jesus being about His Father’s business. We’ll start with Jesus’ most disappointing event, teaching in His hometown of Nazareth. ‘And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?’ (Luke 4:22) And we all know how they got angry at Him, thinking Him too uppity, being just a carpenter’s son and all that, and tried to run Him out of town. But Jesus, being the ultimate big-hearted soul, simply consigned their hostility to the theory that: ‘No prophet is accepted in his own country.’ (Luke 4:24) Meanwhile down in Capernaum, where Jesus lodged for a spell and taught in the synagogue on the Sabbaths, the reception was entirely different. ‘And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power (authority). (Luke 4:32) They appreciated Him, didn’t get angry at Him, unlike His townsfolk. Now pertaining to His work ethic, hear these pronouncements. ‘My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’ (John 4:34) That in answer to the disciples’ offer of food, after speaking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. And in talking of the Son’s relationship to the Father, He says: ‘My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.’ (John 5:17) This further incensed the Jews, who figured it blasphemy, by saying that God was His Father, and thus considering Himself equal with God. And finally, when the work was done, He says: ‘I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.’ (John 17:34) Oh my people, my people, how many of us at the end of our days will be able to stand up and say that to Jesus eh? How many of us like Bruh Paul will be able to say: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith.’ (2 Tim.4:7) I certainly hope all of us will. But that will only be possible if we increase our efforts NOW, so that many more people will come to know and LOVE our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Much LOVE!…followers of Jesus…the seeds we’re sowing…are they bearing as much righteous fruit as they ought…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 February 2011 Luke 2:49
08 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Luke 2:49. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?
Oh Friends in Christ, another day in the life has been generously granted to us, let’s take it and run with it in an acceptable direction nuh. A direction that will both please and glorify our heavenly Father. As Jesus so aptly put it; let’s be about our Father’s business. But first, check out the scene in our Bit, and contemplate it in terms of your own upbringing. You and your parents go on a trip with other families, to commemorate an important occasion, but when it’s over and everybody’s headed home, your parents can’t find you amongst the company. Three days later, they find you in the church in erudite conversation with the elders. And when your mother says to you: ‘Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us (done this to us)? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing (anxiously). (Luke 2:48) Now remember Jesus is only twelve eh. You think you could reply: ‘How is it that ye sought me? wist (knew) ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?’ Hn! Some of us wouldn’t even have been asked any questions, just grabbed by the ear or scruff of our collar and dragged away. And even if we were asked, yuh think we’d ever dare give Jesus’ reply? No way Jose! We’d certainly get our block knocked off, for it would be considered a rude reply to our parents’ generation, and dealt with as such. And though poor Mary and Joseph didn’t quite understand Jesus’ reply, they knew that He was special and it doesn’t seem as if they made a big fuss over the incident, and Jesus obediently went back down to Nazareth with them. The Good Book though says: ‘but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.’ (Luke 2:51) Ah mih people, Jesus was certainly something else. But a wonderful something else! And I like how from an early age, He knew His calling; to be about His Father’s business. Friends, do we know our calling? I surely hope so. And if we don’t, then we’d better find it out soon, cause we can’t afford to waste too much of our lives in aimless wandering. Another great thing about Jesus is that He doesn’t shun the work He’s been called to do, and sets us a beautiful example of doing what we must, even if it goes against the very grain of our human nature. And He’s also quite focused on His earthly duties. Listen to His words when He heals a blind man on the Sabbath Day. ‘I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ (John 9:4-5)Yes Friends, that’s the way we should also operate; doing whatever the Lord has called us to do, despite the problems and ‘sufferation’ it might cause us. Now that’s often easier said than done, but we can make it a tad easier if we take the spiritual and eternal view of the situation, keep that as our focus, instead of the earthly ramifications. As I recently said, living for Jesus is not easy, but all He asks is that we sincerely try. Remember He experienced the same earthly problems as us, and more too, so He clearly understands and appreciates our situation, and will most certainly grant us spiritual help if we take the bull by the horns and persist in our endeavours in His Name. Now when Jesus talks of being about His Father’s business, what does He mean? We get a glimpse of it during that same Passover trip to Jerusalem when His parents found Him in the temple with the elders, both listening to them and asking questions. ‘And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.’ Imagine a twelve year old country boy reasoning with the learned elders nuh! So at 12, Jesus was already primed with His Father’s Spirit, though we’d call Him gifted or precocious. Then later on, when He actually began His earthly ministry, the Good Book describes it thus: ‘And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine (teaching): for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.’ (Mark 1:21-22) Yes mih people, there was authority, godly authority in Jesus’ teaching, not the wishy-washy acts of the hypocrite scribes and them. Even the poor and uneducated could identify a major difference in His teaching. And though we all can’t preach with the power and authority of Jesus, we all ought to try and bring, or show a difference in our witness, one that will let others know we’re not the usual run of the mill, worldly influenced person, but a serious and sincere follower of Jesus Christ. We don’t have to be different like night and day, even a subtle, positive difference will suffice. Oh Friends, that’s enough for us to think on and contemplate for today. Tomorrow, our God in favour, we’ll continue in this same vein, for there are some beautiful scriptures I want to share with you. Till then, LOVE your God, LIVE your Faith, and SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…our purpose on earth…to be about Jesus’ business…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 February 2011 Isaiah 25:1
07 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Isaiah 25:1. O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.
Arise O ye people of Jesus, it’s Monday morning! No time for self-pity and blues singing, there’s work to be done in His Holy Name, so let’s be up and at ‘em! (smile) Yes Friends, unfortunately it’s Monday again, and labour calls. So pump up the old organ – remember the days when church organs were pumped by a hand lever – and let’s loudly and proudly proclaim our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. ‘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!’ Now doesn’t that feel good mih people? It sure does! Lucifer and his evil cohorts can’t touch us now. And besides that, our Bit today is the opening verse of the song of praise by the redeemed, a song of exaltation to God for His triumphant judgement of the world. According to Isaiah, those who survive the Great Tribulation will lift their voices in praise to God for His awesome protection, beginning thus: ‘O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.’ But yuh know what Friends, we don’t need to wait until after the Great Tribulation to sing thanks and praises to our most wonderful God, for we have already been redeemed by His Son’s death on the cross. All our sin debts have been fully paid and our souls washed white as snow, so now is as good a time as any to let Him know how much we LOVE, Trust, Adore, Worship and Revere Him. He is indeed our God, and just that very fact alone deserves our worship and adoration. As Moses says so eloquently and proudly in his song: ‘The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him a habitation (praise him); my father’s God, and I will exalt him.’ (Ex.15:2) But my brethren, in addition to being our God, the Lord God Jehovah has also done numerous wonderful things for us. Listen to the Psalmist tell it: ‘O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. The Lord hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly showed (revealed) in the sight of the heathen (nations or gentiles). He hath remembered his mercy (LOVING-kindness) and his truth (faithfulness) toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise (break forth in song), and rejoice, and sing praise.’ (Ps.98:1-4) And when you add the Lord’s ongoing faithfulness and truth, from day one, right up to this very moment that I’m writing it, and also when you read it, well then mih people, there’s nothing left to be said. As the sorcerer, obeah man, Balaam, hired to curse Israel by the Moabites (Num.22) found out to his dismay, when confronted by the sovereign God of Israel, who turned his words around: ‘Rise up Balak (the Moab king), and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor: God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it.’ (Num.23:18-20) Yes my Friends, from olden times the Lord has looked after His people, and whatever has been done to them for hurt, He has changed to good. And since He’s the first and last, does not change and will reign for ever, that means there’s no reason to fear He will ever stop providing for us, unless we rebel and turn away from Him. Consequently, let’s reassure Him of our trust and adoration by singing that opening verse of the song of praise of the redeemed. ‘O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.’ And all God’s people ended with a joyful, ‘Hallelujah! Amen!’ Now Friends, let’s go in peace to LOVE and serve our magnificent God. Much LOVE!…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
Today’s Scrip- Bit 6 February 2011 Matthew 5:12
06 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
Matthew 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Oh Friends, it’s supposed to be another cold day in the northern climes, about which many of us will complain. But why eh? Winter by definition is a cold time of year, and we know it won’t end much before sometime in April, but everyday we still complain about it. Even those who know nothing else but cold and snow, complain. That leads me to believe that complaining is just the natural nature of the beast, for in the summertime we also complain that it’s too hot. But yuh hear what Jesus says in our Bit: ‘Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’ This statement was brought on by the last Beatitude: ‘Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.’ (Matt.5:11) And we’ve seen the persecution take place, both physical and slanderous, from Jesus’ time, up through the ages, till today, so it’s a factual statement. But why in heaven’s name, you ask, should we rejoice and be glad when we’re reviled, persecuted and slandered? The last three words of verse 11 tell the whole story: ‘for my sake.’ Yes Friends, anything suffered for Jesus’ sake, in His name, is cause to rejoice! As the scholars say: ‘Rejoice is the command that grows out of the blessedness of the believer. The phrase, Rejoice, and be exceeding glad means even more, exult!’ Yes mih people, when we’re persecuted for Jesus’ sake, we should be exultant, for blessedness comes upon us that’s special, that’s unique! And as Peter reassuringly proclaims: ‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as (to the extent that) ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached (insulted) for the name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part he is evil spoken of (blasphemed), but on your part he is glorified.’ (1 Pet.4:12-14) Oh Friends, I know to withstand persecution for Jesus with a strong and steadfast faith is not easy, but Jesus promised that it’s surely worth it: ‘for great is your reward in heaven.’ And the scholars explain that splendidly too. ‘Great is your reward in heaven focuses attention on the eternal destiny of all things. If God is as real as He claims, if the Bible is true, if heaven is to be gained, then no temporary earthly trouble or persecution can dispossess the child of God of joy in the prospect of the eternal glory that lies ahead.’ Wow! Now that certainly makes it all worthwhile eh mih breddren! All our earthly problems pale in the glorious light of what’s ahead for us in God’s eternal glory. And I know some of us are saying that still doesn’t make it easy. And it doesn’t, but Friends, if you’re looking for something easy, then you’re looking in the wrong place, for nothing to do with Jesus is easy. That’s one of the first things a new believer should be taught, though many aren’t. Jesus’ teaching goes against the grain of human nature, and especially against the evil, immoral, greedy, violent, resentful and prideful society in which we live today. So if you intend to walk with Jesus, and thus talk about Him, then you’d better batten down the hatches, band yuh belly and strengthen yuh backbone, because you’re in for a rough ride. And Jesus gives a great example at the end of the Bit: ‘for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’ And that’s the gospel truth Friends! Stephen in his defence said it: ‘Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them which showed before (foretold) of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition (direction) of angels, and have not kept it.’ (Acts 7:52-53) Unfortunately his comments only made his accusers more furious and Saul’s (Bruh Paul’s) henchmen ran him out of the city and stoned him to death. Ah mih people, being a true believer in and follower of Jesus in this wicked world is certainly not easy. It’s fraught with problems from the time you open your mouth and say ‘Jesus.’ However Friends, I can guarantee that a life lived for Jesus will definitely be an interesting one, filled with joy and adventure, even in the rough and difficult times. Living for Beelzebub…Chuh! That is pure chupidness in comparison to living for Jesus! Doing this earthly journey in Jesus’ name will bring insights and experiences that will blow your mind, boggle you imagination, so that once you’re mature in the faith, nothing else but Jesus will matter. And if somehow the good things on the earthly journey don’t outweigh the bad, don’t worry, we still have the great rewards in heaven that Jesus faithfully promised to look forward to. And I know for sure that nothing will ever outweigh those! How can anything outweigh salvation, reconciliation with God, and eternal life in His Holy presence? Impossible mih people! So please, let’s stand strong, as Jesus desires, and soak up the persecution like a sponge! Let’s show Lucifer and his henchmen that they may abuse our bodies, but they can’t break our spirits, because we’re followers of Jesus, and made of sterner stuff! Much LOVE!…to fight…to die…but NEVER…NEVER TO YIELD…
