SCRIP-BITS

Luke 9:50.    And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
 
Oh Friends, the weekend is upon us once again, and I can hear the joy and frivolity in our voices as we enthuse and exclaim: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ That means it’s time for our Friday chant. So let’s chant, loud and clear. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And having chanted that prayer, our spirits should be revitalized and able to help us to keep on soaring like the eagles we are in Jesus. Turning to our Bit, which is one of those events that’s not recorded in the gospels of Matthew or John, but are found in Luke and Mark. It stems from a statement by John: ‘Master, we saw one casting out devils (demons) in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.’ (Luke 9:49-50) Ah mih people, Jesus was fond of these little sayings and knew their benefits. Someone casting out demons had to be working with the Holy Spirit, for as He said when talking about a house divided being unable to stand: ‘And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.’ (Matt.12:26-28) So technically speaking, if you’re not obviously rooting for the enemy, then you’re on safe ground. Likewise, He said a little later on in Matthew: ‘He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.’ (Matt.12:30) Contrary to some opinions, the scholars point out that those two verses don’t contradict each other, because they address different situations. In the context of Matthew 12:30, where it boils down to a critical point of accepting or rejecting Jesus, not being for Him amounts to opposing Him, as Jesus declares in John: ‘He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.’ (John 3:18) However, if we’re referring to someone trying to work in Christ’s name, but perhaps with limited knowledge of Him, there’s no need to put out or quench that latent fire. And a good example of that is the early days of Apollos’ ministry: ‘This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently (accurately) the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.’ (Acts 18:25) His knowledge was limited to John’s teaching, but instead of shutting him up, Aquila and Priscilla realized his potential and took him under their wing ‘and expounded (explained) unto him the way of God more perfectly (accurately).’ (Acts.18:26) And we know afterwards Apollos went on to do great work in Christ’s Name. So hopefully there’ll be no more controversy over those two passages. And we’ll end with a perusal of Mark’s version of the incident because he gives it much more airtime than Luke. John’s statement is the same: ‘But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly (soon afterward) speak evil of me. for he that is not against us is on our part (side). For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.’ (Mark 9:39:41) Therefore Friends, before we criticize or legitimize situations like those we looked at today, we must first check out the underlying circumstances very carefully, for depending on their context, they could fall into either category, and we certainly don’t want to make poor choices by legitimizing the wrong one, and criticizing the right one. If you know what I mean? (smile) Let’s think on those things today Friends, see if we know of any persons who could fit into either category. And if by chance we do know anyone, consider also if there’s anything we can do to help them. This will surely assist in our understanding of the Lord’s Word. Till we meet again tomorrow, our God in favour, please walk in peace and safety with Him. Much LOVE!…shortcomings are only a problem…if we don’t believe in Christ…and are also rooting against Him…  P.S. As the song on the radio is saying, remember to: ‘Start your day with LOVE, for God is LOVE. And LOVE is stronger than war. LOVE will destroy every foe. LOVE will make your good times last. LOVE will heal our past. So give LOVE today…and everyday… Give LOVE today…and everyday…
 

Matthew 19:17.    And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
 
Ah Friends, here is the Bit I planned to write yesterday, that is before I was strong-armed, railroaded by the Holy Spirit. (smile) But that’s an occupational hazard when you’re working closely with Him. Anyway, let’s begin with a priceless quote from Benjamin Franklin. ‘Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbours, and let each new year find you a better man.’ Definitely good words to live by Friends! Just like those of our Saviour when the rich, young man came asking him: ‘Good Master (teacher) what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ (Matt.19:16) And I like how Jesus stopped him in his tracks by saying: ‘Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God:’ And that’s the living truth my people! Only our God is really good through and through. Several of His prophets said it, amongst them Jeremiah, when prophesying on Judah’s revitalization: ‘Praise the Lord of hosts: for the Lord is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: ‘ (Jer.33:11) The prophet Nahum also declared the Lord’s goodness. ‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.’ (Nah.1:7) The important thing to note here Friends is Jesus’ humility. Although He was a part of the triune Godhead, He made no account of Himself here on earth, but shunted all the glory, goodness and praise to the Father, as a faithful and righteous Son is wont to do. And that’s the kind of attitude we believers ought to have in our dealings with others; one of humility, of not making too much of ourselves. Although we may be better off, say in terms of education, economic wealth and political power, we must not let those earthly concerns colour our work for Jesus, since whatever advantages we do have are blessings from the Lord to enable us to do His work. We have obviously invested time, effort and materials, but it’s God who truly gave the increase. In these modern times though, it’s a sad fact that humility is a forgotten word and tendency. The in-thing is to beat one’s chest, blow our horn and egotistically declare: ‘Look at me! Look where I’ve come from; from extreme poverty to immense wealth, power and fame!’ Now it’s all well and good to feel proud of our achievements, but certainly not to the extent that you lord it over others, for you’ve got to remember that if the Father had not blessed your endeavours, you’d be a have-not just like those you despise and look down on. So, first having shown His humility, Jesus then answers the man’s question: ‘what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?’ This implies that he possibly thought some good deed would bring him that benefit, which we now know is impossible. And Jesus answers him: ‘but if thou wilt (want to) enter into life, keep the commandments.’ The fellow asks which ones, and Jesus tells him about not committing, murder, adultery, stealing and lying, while honouring his parents and LOVING his neighbour as himself. To which he replied: ‘All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt (want to) be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.’ (Matt.19:20-22) Oh Friends, have you ever noticed that though Jesus’ answers are always kindly, they often have a stinging whiplash too? Jesus did not really want the young man to go and sell his possessions and give the money away, He was just pointing out that keeping the outward duties of the commandments is not enough. His great desire to hold on to his immense wealth showed his selfishness, he cared much more about himself than his neighbours, and also cared far more about his possessions than he did God. And so it often is with us when the Lord instructs us to give up certain things, but we walk away with a sorrowful heart because those things are more important to us than the Father’s will. We ought to know by now that the Lord never asks us to do anything that’s not for our eventual benefit. However Friends, please note, per the scholars, that that bit of scripture is there just to show the seriousness of true discipleship, and certainly doesn’t mean that the average man must sell his earthly possessions to be considered a true Christian. We have to realize my brethren that following Christ consists of not only an outward obedience, but also an inner, spiritual undertaking, and neglect of either aspect is disobedience. So please, let’s avail ourselves of some quiet time and ponder whether we are doing both, as we ought to. That’s today’s assignment. Much LOVE!…our bodies are the temple of God…and they contain His Holy Spirit…so both are important to Him…

Matthew 19:17,    And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life; keep the commandments.
 
Oh Friends, another day has dawned in this long, cold winter weather that’s trying to kill both my body and my spirit! But I have a zeppo, a message for it from Almighty God that it will kill neither, because the Lord’s working on my behalf both physically and spiritually. He’s faithfully promised that whenever I am weak or stumbling He will strengthen and uphold me with His righteous right hand. And the awesome thing about that promise is that it’s not meant only for me, but for everyone who believes and puts their trust in His Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Wow! What a mighty promise! And all God’s people rose up in joyful gratitude and with one accord loudly declared: ‘Blessed is the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Worthy is His glorious name to be praised!’ Yes, it certainly is. So Friends, whatever is bothering you today, threatening to do you harm, to steal your joy, peace and faith in God, please don’t let it. Put up a STOP sign, a roadblock with the faithful promises of your God, the ONE and ONLY TRUE Deity that exists. He created the universe and all therein and still controls everything that happens in it. So though some of His actions seem counterproductive and even unfair, we won’t be overly concerned because we know He’s operating on a much higher level than our puny human minds can ever imagine or comprehend. He also says in His Word that everything He does will eventually work out for good to those who LOVE and obey Him. And though our lives may be turned topsy-turvy at times, of this one thing we’re very sure and confident; He LOVES us, and that LOVE comes with no strings attached either. Why are we so sure of this fact? Because He sent His only Son Jesus, to die as a sacrifice for us, on an old wooden cross, on a crusty hill overlooking an inhospitable gully. Yes my brethren, the Lord’s Son, Jesus, for our sake, died one of the most despicable, horrible, humiliating and painful deaths possible. Now why would an omnipotent Deity do such an outlandish thing for unworthy, sinful, idolatrous, disobedient, blasphemous souls like us eh, unless he possessed a real great affection for the children of men? And why shouldn’t He feel affection for us since He was the one who made us in the first place? It’s just like we experience with our earthly children, whom we raise as best we can, but some turn out to be real bad seeds and drift off into a totally disgusting lifestyle. Their behaviour obviously saddens us and breaks our hearts, like our disobedience does to God, but if they do change their lifestyle and come back home to us, most of the time we embrace them with open arms, because they are still our children and deep down we still LOVE them.  Oh mih people, it’s the same thing with our God, except for one major, one critical difference; He welcomes back each and every repentant ALL the time. He never stops LOVING us or turns us away, the way we do some of our really good for nothing children. And that’s why He’s such a great God and Father. He is personified by the most amazing and powerful emotion in existence; LOVE. That’s why we say God is LOVE, and LOVE is of God, and that LOVE makes the world go round! Unfortunately though, a major proportion of our society don’t see it that way, and that ungodly reaction ends up causing the many problems that disrupt, destroy, demean and dehumanize our wonderful world. But there are two important thing for believers to remember; first that God is in control – always was, and always will be, and while there’s life, there’s always hope. Jesus died to give us salvation and eternal life and also that we might enjoy this earthly life more abundantly. So why aren’t we doing that eh? Too many of us are living scared, confused, fearful, miserable lives, which simply negates Jesus’ efforts. Please remember that life is a journey, not a destination. We already know that our destination, heaven, will be great, but our heavenly Father also wants us to enjoy the earthly trip to His heavenly home. If we don’t, then we’re not true believers and not showing the LOVE, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, etc. that our Saviour Jesus showed, and said we should show. He expects His followers to live up to a high standard of excellence in all their doings. Oh Friends, we all know that it’s not easy to live up to Jesus’ expectations in this cruel, evil, corrupt and destructive world, but it’s certainly possible if we trust, have faith, believe and surrender our lives to Infinitely Everything. He’s shown us again and again that doing so brings unimaginable benefits, and though interspersed with the rough times, those benefits make the rough times seem like child’s play. And I guess you all are wondering what this Bit is all about eh? Well I wondered too after I wrote the first few lines and then it just took on a life of its own. Obviously I chuckled along the way, but my guess is that the Spirit wanted us to have a general overview of our faith and life’s goals under Jesus’ direction, highlighting the significant aspects that empower, exhort and educate believers, enabling them to stand strong and steadfast, just like the Rock upon which our faith is built; Jesus. Oh Friends, I certainly hope I’ve done that, and these words will help to increase our strength, courage, faith and trust in the One True God of our universe. And for those who think I’ve written nonsense, please remember that the wise man is the one who can pick sense from nonsense. (smile) Just couldn’t resist the temptation to include that. Anyway mih people, we’ll continue this Bit tomorrow, our God in favour. Till then, please walk safely ensconced in the sure embrace of His ever-LOVING arms. Much LOVE!…there is none good but one…that is God…
 

Ephesians 4:28.    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
 
Oh Friends, my area is a virtual blanket of white! Unsullied by humans, the snow looks beautiful. But like many other beautiful things, its appearance is very deceptive; it’s cold as hell! (smile) Obviously that sounds like a contradiction of terms, but for some unknown reason, many of us use that analogy. I guess we mean that it’s an exceedingly abnormal temperature, like that associated with Lucifer’s lair. But be it known to all and sundry, whatever term you choose to use, my neck of the woods is brrrr… beastly cold! And for all you fortunate ones in the warm, sunny climes, please pay particular attention to the fact that in these northern parts, neither rain, sleet, cold nor snow is an excuse for not going to work. One is expected to go out and labour despite the severity of the elements. It’s certainly not like in the sunny southlands, where as soon as the clouds darken, or a little drizzle begins, we claim it’s raining and can’t go to work. Hn! Up here, you’d lose that job. But that just shows the different attitudes to work that are prevalent in different countries. So all you folks from down south who desire so badly to come or go ‘a foreign,’ please note that the southern attitude to work, won’t cut it in the north countries. But a healthy work attitude is one of the main reasons why some countries are prosperous, while others are not. And it’s not even a matter of working extra or real hard, but more about working consistently and efficiently. Unfortunately though, in these modern times, even in these northern climes, the work ethic needed to attain and retain prosperity is being eroded, it’s dying a slow and painful death. That’s why so many supposed first world countries are in decline, while some supposed third world countries are prospering. I guess it’s just the nature of the human animal, which seems cyclical: first work hard and become prosperous, then relax, get idle and lazy, wrongly thinking that your wealth is self reproducing and thus everlasting, then finding out it’s not, and consequently sinking right back down into the mire of poverty. Now let’s check out our Bit: ‘Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.’ Oh Friends, our Bit indicates that work serves at least a threefold purpose in our lives. It stops us from doing wrong, puts our time to good use in a legal, moral and godly activity, while also enabling us to have enough earthly substance so that we can share with the less fortunate. And my people, what a wonderful experience it is, having enough to share with others! It is the basic element of our Christian faith; helping others through giving and sharing. That’s what Jesus was all about when He sojourned on earth! And Bruh Paul certainly put it in the right perspective the last time he addressed the Ephesian elders in person. ‘And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto (provided for) my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than receive.’ (Acts 20:32-35) John the Baptist also preached the great value of sharing when he thundered forth out of the wilderness, scourging the people with his strong words on repentance and righteousness, warning them ‘to bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance… And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. And the people asked him saying, what shall we do then? He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats (tunics), let him impart (give) to him that hath none; and he that hath meat (food), let him do likewise. Then came also publicans (tax collectors) to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? And he said unto them, Exact (collect) no more than that which is appointed you. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man (intimidate or shake down for money), neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.’ (Luke 3:8-14) Yes my people, to build a true Christian society, one worthy of Jesus’ name, certain elements must proliferate in it, namely; a strong work ethic, basic honesty, a genuine desire to share with the less fortunate and general contentment with one’s life, all encompassed by a true LOVE for God and sincere obedience to His Word. That’s the only prescription for a sustained successful society my brethren! And we all know that our society these days is definitely not a reflection of those principles. So, since we believe that a godly society is what we need, and what we will have, then let’s go out, each of us, and in our own small, individual way, try and implement some of the changes we so badly need nuh. Remember Jesus’ parting words to His disciples, of which we are the current crop: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.’ (Matt.28:19-20) Yes Friends, let’s get up off our too fat fannies and busy ourselves with Jesus’ work as we ought to, for no godly changes will be made in this evil and cruel world unless we believers cause them. Much LOVE!…Jesus left His earthly work in our hands…what would His current evaluation be of our progress…most likely…not good enough…

Ephesians 4:28.    Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Psalm 5:5.    The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.

Proverbs 29:25.     The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

Proverbs 29:25.    The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
 
Glad tidings mih people, it’s Friday! Consequently many of us are high-fiving each other and joyfully mouthing ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ But please remember that it’s not all peaches and cream on the weekend, for we often have to straighten out stuff from the past week and also plan for the upcoming one. However, our Friday Chant is here to boost us, to get us into the groove for the weekend. So let’s all chant with one accord. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And the only way to make that come true is by patterning our lives after our Bit: ‘The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe (secure, exalted).’ Yes Friends, our lives can never blossom the way they ought to unless we place our entire trust in the Lord God Almighty, and not be overly afraid of what man can do to us. Granted, they may kill the body, but never the soul! Now we’ve seen Abraham make two disastrous mistakes because of his fear of powerful men by saying that Sarah, his wife, was his sister. Here is the basis for his declaration, as told to King Abimelech: ‘And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. And it came to pass when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto her, This is thy kindness which thou shalt show unto me; at every place whither we shall come, say of me, He is my brother.’ (Gen.20:12-13) Yes, Sarah was indeed Abraham’s sister on his father’s side, but also his wife, which took preference in the Lord’s eyes. And so it is that today many of us still practice those half-truths and prevarications, according to which part of the story best fits our particular purpose. But my brethren, just like in Abraham’s case, those in-between declarations usually come back to haunt to us, boomerang back in a negative manner. So please, let’s be on the up and up nuh, for if we insist on doing such actions, the Lord won’t always bail us out. And besides, if our faith and trust in God is strong and steadfast, then there’s no need to play those foolish and often dangerous games. Oh Friends, one of the most important things we can ever do in this life is to learn from the mistakes of others, especially our parents. I use to drum that into my children’s head, hopefully they’ve learnt it. Unfortunately though, Abraham’s son, Isaac, did not learn from his father’s errors, for when another famine hit his land, the Lord told him not to go down to Egypt, and he also went to live in Gerar. ‘And the men of the place asked him of his wife; and he said, She is my sister: for he feared to say, She is my wife; lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah; because she was fair to look upon (beautiful).’ (Gen.26:7) Can you believe it people? He did the same nonsense like his father! But as the old people always said, ‘whatever is done in darkness will eventually come to light.’ And so it did, although Isaac apparently got away with it longer than his father. Hear the Good Book: ‘And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac was sporting with (caressing) Rebekah his wife. And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, of a surety (obviously) she is thy wife: and how saidst thou, She is my sister? And Isaac said unto him, Because I said, Lest I die for (on account of) her.’ (Gen.26:8-9) Ah Lord eh! Isaac used the same foolish reasoning as his father, although they both supposedly espoused this great faith and trust in the Lord God Almighty. Now Friends, please don’t laugh or judge either of them harshly. In the first place, they didn’t have all the knowledge, resources, wisdom and wonders of God that we have today. They were just getting set in the faith, so therefore the fear of powerful men was still understandably strong. Moreover, today, when we know all about God and His wonderful attributes, we still bow and scrape, lie and tell half-truths to powerful men because of what they can do to us. And it’s a very serious matter Friends, for as I said yesterday, if we don’t practice the faith we preach, then that faith is useless. It all goes right back to walking our talk, which unfortunately we’re not very good at. Oh my people, living our faith is the best thing Christians can ever do, and likewise, not living it, is the worst mistake a believer can make. Too often we make claims in God’s name, then don’t live up to them in our own lives. Please, I implore us to cease and desist from that ungodly, untrustworthy kind of behaviour, for we might not be as lucky as Abraham and Isaac. More on this tomorrow, God in favour. Till then, go safely with God. Much LOVE!…our basic responsibility here on earth, is to…LOVE our God…SPREAD His Word…LIVE our Faith… P.S. Oh Friends, my favourite gospel soca just came on on Wack 90.1. ‘Try Jesus!’ A nice piece of synco-soca. ‘ Try Jesus…He’s always around. Try Jesus…He’ll never let you down. Try Jesus…He’s such a wonderful Friend. Try Jesus…Well I know your heart He can mend. Try Jesus…He’s always there for you. Try Jesus…He’ll always see you through. Try Jesus…I know I’ll never regret it. Cause Jesus never failed me yet. Try Jesus…Yes Friends…Please Try Jesus…You won’t regret it…Try Jesus…’ Much LOVE!

Proverbs 29:25.    The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
 
Oh Friends, every day the Lord shows me some new working of His mysterious ways. Today it was discovering some copies of a story in my study. I believe I made them some time ago to give to my children, but never did. Sorry children. (smile) However, when I read the story, entitled ‘The Seed,’ I was blown away, since it dealt with the very topic we’re currently talking about; not trusting or being afraid of man, which leads us to deceptive practices, but instead, wisely putting our trust and faith in the Lord God Almighty. Anyway, the gist of ‘The Seed,’ is that a Christian businessman wants to retire and decides to appoint a new C.E.O in an abnormal manner. Consequently, one day he calls all the young executives into the board room and gives them each a seed, telling them to plant and nourish it and return in a year with what they had grown. As luck would have it, this guy named Jim, just can’t get his seed to grow despite serious efforts of watering and fertilizing. Then the big day comes and all the young execs file into the boardroom with their lush plants. Jim is the only one with an empty pot. He has thought of going awol, but his sensible wife encourages him to go and tell the truth of his situation. But now, seeing all the lush flora on the floor beside his empty pot, and with his coworkers either laughing at or pitying him, he seriously regrets coming. Then the boss comes in and admires all the beautiful plants, but he also sees Jim cowering at the back of the group and orders him brought to the front. Imagine poor Jim’s consternation nuh? He feels like a failure, and figures the boss senses it too. The boss asks him what happened, why the empty pot, and Jim truthfully explains his tragic luck. But then, as in all God’s works, a strange thing occurs. The boss tells the other execs to sit down, then proudly announces Jim as the company’s next C.E.O. Wow! Why, you ask? Because he had given them all boiled, dead seeds, which couldn’t grow, but when they realized that, all of them, except Jim, went out and bought good seeds. And the moral of the story? Courage, truth and honesty will get you places that deception and dishonesty never will! Oh Friends, how I wish that even a small portion of our world would act that way these days, for greed corruption and dishonesty is so rampant that courage, truth and honesty are now more the exception than the rule. And the sad part is that many of us don’t learn from our negative experiences. Ah Lord eh! How many times must we declare that: ‘The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe (secure, set on high).’ And would you believe that our spiritual father Abraham was one of those who didn’t learn from the error of his ways? Yes Friends, after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham went to live in Gerar, an ancient trading post halfway between Beer-Sheba and Gaza on the Mediterranean coast, and he again claimed that Sarah was merely his sister. (Gen.20:2) The king, Abimelech, thus seeing a beautiful single woman took her into his house. But again, the great God we worship, intervenes on Abraham’s behalf. He appears to Abimelech in a dream at night: ‘Behold thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man’s wife. But Abimelech had not come near her: and he said, Lord, wilt thou slay also a righteous nation? Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity (innocence) of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this. And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her. Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou and all that are thine.’ (Gen.20:3-7) Ah mih people, yuh see the sticky situations we put God in, forcing Him to bail us out so that we don’t bring embarrassment and disrepute to His cause. Now a scared Abimelech gets up early in the morning and tells his servants the bad news and they too become quite afraid. Then he calls the scallywag Abraham and asks: ‘What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee (how have I sinned against you), that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done…What sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing? And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake (on account of my wife).’ (Gen:20:9-11) Oh Friends, that’s our problem in a nutshell; we simply think too much! Instead of leaving the thinking to Almighty God and following His lead and direction as believers ought to, we get the fear of man into us and end up doing foolish things. And one would think that after the fiasco his deception caused in Egypt, Abraham would smarten up and not do it again. That just goes to show the weakness of our flesh and our sub-par intelligence when fear of mortal man takes hold of us. Oh my people, let’s not only talk about trusting God nuh, let’s actually show and practice that trust. It’s wise and normal to consider the possibility of being harmed by man, but our faith dictates that we should first query the Lord and ask for His wise guidance before setting out on a fearful path of our own. If we don’t do that, then our faith is worthless. More tomorrow on this topic, God willing. Till then let’s place our absolute trust in Him and allow Him to safely guide us. Much LOVE!…if you plant honesty…you will reap trust…
 

Proverbs 29:25.    The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
 
Oh Friends, it’s another day in the life! Wow! A life though, which many of us consider boring, routine, humdrum and same-old, same-old. Now to a certain extent all those descriptions are true, because life in general consists of the same day-to-day things and acts. In this modern, fast paced society, we get up in the mornings, rush out to work, baby sitters or school, spend most of the day involved in activities we consider uninteresting, then we crawl back home, pick up the children, do the housework and/or homework, go to bed, get some fitful sleep, then it’s time to get up and do the same thing over again. Oh, how our lustful flesh craves excitement and interesting stuff! And thus we’re titillated through the all-pervasive media by the supposed glamour of those we call celebrities in today’s evil, ungodly world. But if you look closely, you’ll discover that many of those who appear to live this glamorous existence are always in some sort of trouble; either with the law, their families, or outside relationships. Unfortunately, their lives never seem to run as smoothly as we’d expect, given all their earthly wealth and power. So though their lives appear exciting from our lowly perspective, that same excitement causes them more problems than our boring, mundane existence. Oh I know that many of us will still opt for that lifestyle, but I do have some good news for us. My brethren, there is one way to always have a full and interesting life, plus safety and security, and it’s so simple that most of us tend to ignore it. And what’s that wonderful, interesting way of life, I hear you plead? Well, as the song says, simply, ‘Try Jesus!’ Yes Friends, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Light, and a host of other things too numerous to mention. And why try Jesus? Again it’s a simple answer: because He’s never failed us yet. And all God’s people shouted a loud, ‘Amen!’ My Friends, we’re all aware of that truth, but because it doesn’t fit into the world’s lustful, idol worshipping agenda, it’s discredited, and tends to make us think that Jesus is boring and out of date. But that’s totally untrue my brethren, for Jesus is every bit as up to date, and even more interesting than the empty, sinful practices of our ungodly world. And our Bit bears that out quite well. ‘The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe (secure, set on high.)’ And that’s no lie! Yes people, whenever we trust in, fear and reverence mankind too much, we end up getting in trouble. However. when we trust in, fear, reverence and surrender our souls and lives to Jesus, we don’t fall into any traps or pits. And we have excellent examples from the Good Book. The first goes way back when to our spiritual father, Abraham. At one stage in his younger days, still known as Abram, a disastrous famine hit his homeland, so he and his wife Sarai set out for Egypt to seek a better life. But just before entering Egypt, he said to Sarai: ‘Behold now, I know that thou art a fair (beautiful) woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.’ (Gen;12:11-13) And what happens? All the powers in Egypt admire Sarai’s beauty and she ends up in Pharaoh’s house, and Abram receives an enormous dowry with numerous animals and servants. But unfortunately for Abram, ‘the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had.’ (Gen.12:17-20) Oh Friends, whenever we set out to deceive because of some fear, doubt or anxiety, we always end up regretting it at some future stage. Thus Abram’s fear of strangers abducting his beautiful wife and killing him, led him to a foolish, deceptive act, which hurt him more in the long run, for though he amassed some earthly wealth from the deception, he was run out of Egypt back to the famine land. Was the deception worth it? I don’t think so. Anyway, the Lord obviously had His eyes on Abram, had greater things in store for him and Sarai, and therefore did not allow the deception to work for long. It’s the same way the Lord has His eyes on some of us today, and will not allow us to succeed in any deceptive schemes. Looking back on my life now, I can pin point a couple of my own deceptive schemes which eventually fell through, but if they had succeeded, I certainly would not be writing now about Jesus and His safe, secure and exalting attributes. Thanks be to God! Ah mih people, such are the vicissitudes of life! More tomorrow on this topic, God desirous, but we’ll close with the 9th and last of our New Year’s ponderings: ‘This year, I will share the good news of God’s great grace.’ Oh Friends, what a beautiful way to end our Bit! Now let’s all go out and participate in that most worthwhile and honourable endeavour. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen! Much LOVE!…be not deceived…God is not mocked…for whatsoever a man soweth…that also shall he reap… (Gal.6:7)