2 Corinthians 13:11. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of LOVE and peace shall be with you.
Oh Friends, it’s February, imagine that nuh! The first month of 2012 has certainly passed rather quickly, and I sure hope that you’ve paid off your Christmas debts, because the greedy commercial money making machine is about to start on us with the Valentine’s Day spiel. Ah Lord eh! There’s always something every few weeks to try and relieve us of the funds we don’t have, thus we end up constantly in debt. And I guess that’s good for the ones who hold our debt, but definitely not for us, the debtors. Anyway people, as believers we have to be wise and be good stewards with God’s money, cause it’s not really ours, we’re just here on earth to manage it for a short time in His name. So please, let’s be prudent and try to pay down our considerable debt this year. Every so often we do need to buy gifts, but don’t allow the world to browbeat us into buying what we cannot afford. And if someone feels slighted that we didn’t buy them gifts, especially if they know of our reduced circumstances, then simply pass on them. Like Jesus said: ‘shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.’ (Mark 6:11) For they don’t really care about your well-being, just what you can give them. And the sad part is that if we would live like our Bit says, we wouldn’t have these selfish and petty confrontations or disagreements. ‘Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect (complete), be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of LOVE and peace shall be with you.’ Now Bruh Paul wrote our Bit as a conclusion and benediction to his second letter to the Corinthians, but believers today would be wise to use it as our opening parameters rather than closing ones. Instead of saying finally, we should possibly say: ‘Greetings, brethren. Here’s how we ought to live: First and foremost be perfect…’ then go on and name the other parts that he highlights. Oh Friends, if we lived just one iota of the way Bruh Paul specifies here, life on this troubled and directionless planet would be so great. As Bruh Paul said to the Romans: ‘Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not (do not set your mind on) high things, but condescend to men of low estate (associate with the humble). Be not wise in your own conceits (estimation). Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men.’ (Rom.12:14-18) That Friends, in a nutshell, is how we ought to live here on earth: in peace, harmony, LOVE and understanding with each other. For if we are one body in and of Christ, then all the parts of that body should be treated with respect and honour, working together for Christ’s good, not the tearing apart and destruction, the strife and selfishness that’s actually taking place in Christ’s church today. Oh my people, we all know that living for Jesus is not easy in this sinful, ungodly world, but we also ought to know that if we sincerely turn to Him and stick steadfastly with Him, He will enable us to live a life that’s pleasing to Him. We just need to build up our faith and stay the course, even when trials and tribulations want to knock us down. Don’t despair, Jesus promised that He’ll never leave or forsake us, and if you believe His promise, then He will faithfully keep it. The problem is that we need to rise above the ordinary world and all the distractions that it brings. Our focus should constantly be on Jesus, through prayer, through reading and meditating on His Word, then putting it into practice through helping, building up and encouraging each other, rather than tearing down and demoralizing, as we tend to do. Oh Friends, without us being of the same basic mind set and travelling in the same general direction – towards Jesus – we can never be unified and thus do a good job in Jesus’ name. That’s because for any organization to be successful, the builders must have the same basic principles and be going along the same basic paths. Therefore, I’m imploring us today, to start setting our sights on unity within Christ’s church, for that’s the only way it will survive and eventually grow. It’s simple common sense Friends, as Jesus so wisely pointed out: ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.’ (Matt.12:25) So if we’re serious about furthering God’s kingdom, let’s begin by uniting, making peace amongst all the different parts of the church, living in LOVE and contentment, helping and encouraging each other, so that the God of LOVE and peace will be with us. So till next time, my people, as Bruh Paul said to the Ephesians: ‘Peace be to the brethren, and LOVE with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that LOVE our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.’ (Eph.6:23-24) Much LOVE!…only as believers sincerely and diligently work towards unity…will Christ’s church stand strong and evolve…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 February 2012 2 Corinthians 13:11
01 Feb 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: 2 corinthians 13, benediction, commercial money, mark 6, money cause, valentine s day
Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 January 2012 Jeremiah 3:21
30 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: battle hymn, evil minions, heartfelt desire, humble servants, loud voices, songs of praise and worship
Jeremiah 3:21. A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.
Spahnananananah! Spahnananananah! Oh Friends, it’s Monday, and the trumpet’s calling us to battle once again in this new workweek. Our world’s hurting, desperately crying out for peace and LOVE, and only we believers can grant that heartfelt desire, by riding out to battle, many millions strong, with our formidable General, Jesus at our helm. So please, let’s be up and at the evil minions of Lucifer. There’s no time to tarry, for the iniquity workers are already lining up for battle. And to help us get those lukewarm battle juices flowing, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with such verve and gusto, that just hearing our loud voices pouring forth in prayer and praise to Almighty God, will drive a wedge of fear into the enemy’s evil heart. As we all know from the example of Jericho, (Josh.6) songs of praise and worship can be just as powerful as man made weapons of war, when the battle is the Lord’s. So let’s sing. 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!’ Yes Friends, I’m sure that awesome entreaty to our God has the enemy shaking in their boots, so come on, let’s be up and at ’em, let’s put them to full flight, while taking many prisoners, who will thankfully bow before the cross of Christ, and tearfully accept Him as Lord and Saviour, so that there’ll be much joy in heaven today, over the many souls that have been saved. Hopefully Friends, at some stage of the game, and sooner rather than later, our world will wake up and emulate our Bit: ‘A voice was heard upon the high places (bare heights), weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God.’ And isn’t that the awful truth! Our society has perverted all God’s statutes and commandments, and have turned away from Him, seeking to bow down to our own man made idols and evil schemes. Many have forgotten our God, who helped us to prosper, but an even sadder tale is that many of our young people don’t know God, have never heard of Him, because we have erased Him so successfully from our lives and our society. And for that Friends, we are paying a hefty price with the current state of confusion and troubles in our world. Remember what the Lord told Moses: ‘And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.’ (Deut.11:19) But have we done that? Not really. No wonder the Lord accuses us: ‘Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband (companion), so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.3:20) But yuh know what my brethren? Our God does not desire or take delight in our sufferings and death. He wants us all to live a life worthy of Him. So instead of totally wiping us out for our immeasurable iniquity, He gives us a second chance. As Jeremiah so ardently declares: ‘Return, ye backsliding children; and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.’ (Jer.3:22) My people, there’s ONLY One True God in the universe; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and luckily for us, He’s also a God of second chances, which He’s presenting to us right now. So please, I implore us, let’s grab whole of it nuh, so that our children and future generations will not have just cause to blame us for their misfortune, because we turned away from the Living God to follow our own evil dictates. And we’ll end with some words of truth, which we all know, but keep resisting, because we’re too taken up with the ways of the world. Hear Jeremiah tell it like it is: ‘Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains: truly in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel.’ (Jer.3:23) Oh Friends, truer words were never spoken! Let’s take them to heart and keep on fighting the good fight here on earth to further Jesus’ kingdom, or else we’ll all end up in Hades with Lucifer. And I can assure us, that’s not a very pleasant or encouraging thought, but by then it will be too late to change our minds and our evil ways. So let’s be wise now, while there’s still time, take the evil bull by the horns and wrestle it to the ground. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Much LOVE!…the time to turn to God…is NOW…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 January 2012 Psalm 89:1
29 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: bright morning sun, holy spirit, lord god, obstinacy, psalm 89
Psalm 89:1. I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.
Oh Friends, it’s a new day! Praise the Lord! I’m still caught in the grip of the cold, but thankfully I can see signs of the bright morning sun coming up over the horizon, and I know deep down that like everything else in this world, this cold too shall pass, because the Lord God Jehovah promised it. In the meanwhile though it’s making my life somewhat miserable, just like Lucifer and his evil cronies try to make our lives everyday. But with that same obstinacy and determination we use against things like the common cold, we have to keep on fighting the evil in this world, until Jesus comes again and eliminates it all. I have to chuckle here when I consider how the Holy Spirit has me using the same cold that’s causing me grief, as a metaphor for evil. Only our Lord God could weave some form of suffering into some form of righteousness. Oh Friends, please praise His Holy name! And remember that the number one rule in a believer’s life should be to NEVER GIVE UP! Yes, regardless of how bad things might seem, once we’re alive, there is always hope. And looking back over my own life, I can see several instances where things were real bad, in more than one area too, but though my faith was not as strong and mature as it is now, something inside just kept me plodding on. I had no idea what was going to happen, whether things would right themselves or just fall apart. But yuh know what, though several of those situations caused tempestuous times and occurrences in my life, each situation eventually worked itself out to a better than expected ending. Much of it was my fault for doing wrong and unwise stuff. But I understand now that in a sense, it was God putting me through my paces, to see what I was made of, if I could stand my bounce. But that’s one thing I’m proud of Friends; I always take my lumps whenever I mess up. And though I didn’t understand all the ramifications at the time, I nonetheless kept trying to do what was right, while hanging on to whatever glimmer of hope I could find. Sometimes though Friends, there was no glimmer of hope, but I still never gave up. And though my life is still far from perfect, the Lord, in His great and wonderful mercy, has touched my life with a peace and contentment I never imagined possible. As I keep saying, during the last two years the Lord has opened my eyes so much that now everyday I stand in awe and wonder of His amazing LOVE! Through all my sickness and the unexpected death of my mother, I experienced such a feeling of peace and calm that even I was quite surprised by it. But it didn’t happen by magic or miracles, and it wasn’t very easy either. I first had to sincerely believe that the Lord was in control and knew what He was doing, and as He promised, always makes a way where there seems to be none, and in the long run always works things out for the good of those who LOVE and revere Him. And don’t think I didn’t cry out to the Lord, loud and often, cause I certainly did, when the pain, both physical and emotional, wracked my body and soul. But the good thing my people is that the Lord always answered me in some form and fashion; either by easing the pain or giving me the strength to bear it. If nothing else, the years 2010 and 2011 saw my faith blossom and mature, soar to greater heights than I ever expected or thought possible. I guess the lesson here is that we can listen to others tell us all about God, His goodness, mercy, LOVE, forgiveness and otherwise, but until we go through the fire, where He actually and seriously begins to mould us into the image of His perfect Son Jesus, we can never fully understand or appreciate the true value and benefit of a strong, secure and everlasting faith in Almighty God. Ah Friends, regardless of what you might hear or see, please believe that our God is a great and wonderful God, who stands faithfully behind all those who truly believe in and try their best to follow Him. He knows that we’re imperfect, because He made us, but as He faithfully promised, He’ll never leave nor forsake those who come to Him in humble prayer, with hurting heart and seeking spirit. And it’s very sad that so many people in our troubled world don’t know the LOVE and friendship that Jesus provides, and His great desire to ease their burdens. But that’s our job my brethren. Our duty is to spread the good news of Jesus and His LOVE all over the world, as He announced in His great commission to us. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach 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 always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt.28:19-20) And that’s the everlasting truth Friends! So let’s energize ourselves this year of 2012 and seriously and diligently concentrate on carrying out that commission nuh. Oh my people, I’m chuckling here because this is one of those Bits where I had nothing planned. I got an intro, then the words just kept flowing from my pen and my heart. I guess the Holy Spirit decided that today we needed a testimony on faith from me. And yuh know what, I like these spontaneous, from the heart Bits. Anyhow, enough talk, lemme go and find an appropriate scripture to head this up. (smile) Soon Come. I’m back people, less than two minutes later. Who says our God isn’t a good God eh! And we’ll end with our Bit, from Psalm 89, a Maschil (contemplation) of Ethan the Ezrahite, talking about God’s sure mercies to Bruh David. And it gloriously proclaims: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.’ Please Friends, let’s do that today and everyday that we’re alive, for it’s God’s desire. Much LOVE!…it’s of the utmost importance for us believers…to LOVE our God…LIVE our Faith…and SPREAD His Word…so that others can also believe…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 January 2012 Psalm 60:11
28 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: almighty god, bluster, gated communities, incapacity, stop time
Psalm 60:11. Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.
Oh Friends, the ole fella’s under the weather this morning. A stubborn cold seems to have me in its grip. But only total incapacity or death can stop the Bit from going out. Ah better shut mih mouth here though, before the Lord decides to take me up on my boast, (smile) for He does delight in testing our bluster. Sadly, or rather luckily, I haven’t had a real cold for so long now that I’ve forgotten how lousy it can make you feel, as it drains, just saps the very energy from your lifeblood. And despite all the stuff I’m taking, it still has to run its course. It’s like fear in its workings, which saps the faith out of our souls and makes us wimpy, anxious and prone to worry. Unlike the normal cold though people, we cannot allow fear to run it’s course, otherwise it will stay with us permanently, and we’ll live a constantly fearful life. Fear has no natural stop time like the cold. We have to seriously and diligently work at eliminating it as soon as possible, nip it in the bud if we can. And how do we do that? By turning to Almighty God in faith, trust and total surrender! Note Bruh David’s plea in our Bit: ‘Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.’ Yes mih people, man’s help is very unreliable. Look at all the gated communities that have sprung up because of fear, with men guarding them. Unfortunately they are still liable to the evil that men do, because man is a finite, incomplete source of help and protection. Anything man-made can be unlocked or broken into by man. Look at all the security systems, dogs and otherwise that are supposed to protect our homes and businesses, yet they are still vandalized. The security guards with weapons on armoured trucks, they too have been robbed. So there’s no real help in man and his means. Oh Friends, it’s only in the presence of Almighty God, or His presence in our lives that a man can feel safe, and be guaranteed serious and sincere help in times of trouble. Bruh David ended Psalm 60, a prayer for help against the foe, with these words of assurance and comfort: ‘Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.’ (Ps.60:12) And that’s the undeniable truth my people! It is only with God’s help that we can overcome our enemies in this evil, oppressive world. Listen to what Bruh David says in Psalm 34, the Lord hears the righteous: ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want (lack) to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want (lack) any good thing.’ (Ps.34:8-10) Then in Psalm 40, praise for answered prayer, he boldly proclaims: ‘Blessed is the man that maketh the Lord his trust; and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps.40:4) Oh Friends, I do hope we’re getting the picture here, that it’s absolutely necessary to have faith and trust in the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob if we’re to live a fruitful, successful and prosperous earthly life. And if those scriptures haven’t convinced you, (smile) let’s try a few more, starting with Psalm 84, titled, blessed are they that dwell in thy house: The psalmist at the end, confidently declares: ‘For the Lord God is a sun and shield: The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.’ (Ps.84:11-12) Moving on to Psalm 118, where the psalmist is giving thanks for the Lord’s salvation, he also stoutly declares: ‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.’ (Ps.118:8-9) And we’ll end with some inspiring and uplifting words from Psalm 146, the blessedness of trusting God. The psalmist truthfully states: ‘Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man (human being), in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth (spirit departs), he returneth to his earth: in that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.’ (Ps.146:3-5) And that Friends is the gospel truth! No ifs, ands or buts about it. The only being it makes sense to trust completely is the Most High God Jehovah, who made the universe and everything in it, and still controls what happens therein. Man’s help can indeed be useful at times, but in the long run, it will inevitably let you down. So let’s be wise nuh and trust in the one true source of help – Almighty God! Much LOVE!…man is quick to promise help…but when push comes to shove…it’s only God…who will not disappoint you…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 January 2012 Psalm 18:3
27 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: glorious kingdom, innocent prey, jehovah god, mighty god, psalm 18, roaring lion
Psalm 18:3. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s Friday! The weekend is here at last! And all God’s hard working people boldly declared: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ Yes my brethren, we know you’re tired and all that, but the weekend is not simply a time to laze around and vegetate, we still need to keep in touch with Jehovah God and do His will, keep His earthly kingdom functioning properly. And to help us do that, to give us the motivation to keep on keeping on, let’s chant our Friday Chant in loud voice, with much enthusiasm. On three; one, two, three: ‘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.’ Yeh mih people, though there’s a time for rest and relaxation, we can never afford to shut down God’s kingdom work, it has to be kept going 24/7, because the enemy never sleeps, never let’s up. As Peter so rightly declares: ‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith…’ (1 Pet.5:8-9) And that’s the gospel truth Friends, for Beelzebub is always on the prowl, looking for innocent prey. And the best way to resist and/ or defeat the evil one is doing like Bruh David says in our Bit: ‘I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ That’s because our God is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He sees everything, is everywhere and can do anything. What a mighty God! So why do we refuse to sincerely call on Him in time of trouble eh? In Psalm 18, a prayer of thanksgiving and deliverance from all his enemies, especially the wicked, jealous Saul, Bruh David boldly and truthfully declares: ‘It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect…It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.’ (Ps.18:32,47) The writer of Psalm 91 also staunchly proclaimed: “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’ (Ps.91:2) Yes Friends, we need to remember that without Jehovah God in our corner, we can do nothing much for ourselves. And right here, let’s note Jesus’ words to His disciples: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him,the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5) Also Bruh Paul’s statement to the Philippians, where he humbly, but confidently proclaims: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil.4:13) Yes my people, it is our great, wonderful. LOVING, and merciful God who gives us the wherewithal to do anything and everything. The sad fact though is that too many of us, believers included, pass it over, don’t take it seriously enough, thus the high state of fear, tension, worry and anxiety that exists in our world. Oh Friends, we have seen how fickle and faithless the souls and promises of our fellow man can be, so why do we still in many cases, turn to him first, rather than the most powerful and faithful Being in existence, Almighty God? I really don’t understand it. Theoretically it should be a no-brainer. Logic should dictate that we always go to the mightiest and most helpful when we need or seek help. The problem though is that we can’t just go to Almighty God for help without believing and trusting in Him, in His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit. and we have to believe with strong faith too, not just a wishy-washy attitude, with no real heart motive, for remember that’s where the Lord looks before considering our pleas. So Friends, as of today, let’s promise ourselves to faithfully work on increasing our faith in God, so that there’ll be absolutely no doubt in our hearts and minds as to our real Provider and Protector, and no hesitation to approach Him first, always, for help. And to end, let’s hear what the angels and elders, thousands of thousands, are saying in heaven with loud voices: ‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory and blessing.’ (Rev.5:12) Oh Friends, we couldn’t find a better person to build a personal relationship with than Jesus. Please, I implore us to write that deep in our hearts, minds and souls, for it’s wisdom at its highest. Much LOVE!…in both good times and bad…my strong faith will keep my attention focused on Jesus…from who my life and my strength come…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 January 2012 Isaiah 43:13
26 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: dr robert schuller, isaiah 43, spirit shields, truthful answer, uplifting scriptures, workaday world
Isaiah 43:13. Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
Oh Friends, as I keep saying our Lord does indeed work in mysterious ways! And what made me say that this time? Well I’ve been reading this Devotional by Dr. Robert Schuller, Hours of Power, for a few years now, and most of the devotionals strike some familiar chord as I read them year after year, but this one, hn! Truthfully this is the first time I really noticed this one. Today it just jumped out at me, and I realized that I had to share it. The title is Begin Each Day With A Positive Seed Thought. And it says: ‘Dress your mind when you dress your body. No discreet person would go into the world half dressed. No wise person will consider himself well dressed unless his mind is wearing a “positive idea” as a shield against the negative forces that will strike him before his workday begins. Make a hobby of collecting “shields for the spirit” that can fortify your mind as you move into the workaday world. Try these spirit shields.’ Then he goes on to give a few uplifting scriptures that can be used as shields. I won’t include them because we can all find the ones that are most appropriate and helpful to us personally. But Friends, I daresay that’s a jolly good idea! It could be immensely helpful when we get dressed in the body in the morning to also dress our minds and souls with affirmations of scripture. It will surely boost our spirits, filling us with pride and courage to go out and further the Saviour’s kingdom. Now turning to our Bit, which I had no trouble finding today, for as I opened the Good Book, that was the first passage my eyes fell on. Oh thank you Lord! And our Bit says: ‘Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it (reverse it)?’ And the simple, obvious, truthful answer to that Friends is ‘NOBODY!’ For there’s nobody greater or higher than our God! He created the universe and all therein, and still controls it. He says, ‘before the day was I am he.’ And Moses concurs in Psalm 90 by enthusiastically declaring: ‘Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place (refuge) in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed (gave birth to) the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.’ (Ps.90:1-2) And Moses should really know about our God, for he had so many miraculous dealings with Him. It therefore follows that if the first part of our Bit is true, then the next part ‘and there is none that can deliver out of my hand,’ must needs be also true, for if our God is the greatest and existed before the universe was created, then who can overpower Him? And the same answer applies: ‘NOBODY!’ Hear again what the Lord says through His prophet Isaiah: ‘Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Lord God, and his Spirit hath sent me.’ (Is.48:16) Yes my people, our God has never spoken in secret, He’s always told it like it is right from the beginning with our forefather Adam. According to the scholars, many people have seen a reference to the Holy Trinity in that verse. It does sound plausible, if one asks the question, who is it that the Lord and His Spirit have sent? The last line of our Bit is also a powerful acclamation of our omnipotent God. He calmly but with great confidence says: ‘I will work, and who shall let it be (reverse it)?’ And that answer once again Friends is a resounding, ‘NOBODY!’ Job, who underwent a mighty test from God, said it this way: ‘He (God) is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?…Behold he taketh away, who can hinder him (turn him back)? Who will say unto him, What doest thou?’ (Job 9:4,12) And Isaiah concurs with: ‘This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations. For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?’ (Is.14:26-27) Ah Friends, as believers in the Most High God Jehovah, and followers of His most precious Son Jesus Christ, we know without a doubt that nobody or nothing in this universe is greater than, stronger, wiser, more LOVING, kind, merciful and forgiving than our heavenly Father. So let’s allow that to eliminate the fear in our souls nuh, the fear that this crazy, confused, unjust, evil world has caused to seep in there. Faith in the omnipotence of the Holy Trinity should make us unafraid of what the world can do. As Jesus warned: ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt.10:28) And that’s how we ought to operate Friends! In this auspicious year then of 2012, please let it be said that believers in Jesus Christ threw fear out of their souls and increased their faith so much, that they made a meaningful difference in the ongoing LOVE Revolution, and thus brought a greater modicum of peace to God’s wonderful world. Much LOVE!…fear restricts true LOVE…but faith empowers it…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 January 2012 Matthew 6:33
25 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: everyday miracles, glorious god, loving god, surrogate sister, thanks and praise
Matthew 6:33. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Morning Neighbuhs, morning! It’s a brand new day, and we’re alive and kicking! Wow! What a blessing! I sure hope that we all gave thanks and praise to our great and glorious God when we awoke to another eventful and exciting day, because that is absolutely necessary if we are to function well in these evil and turbulent times. Anyway, yuh know how I’m always telling us to look for and admire the small, simple, everyday miracles that God does in our lives? Well listen to this one that happened to me yesterday. You read how I was lost yesterday, not knowing what to write in the Bit, but I persevered, as I should, and eventually something decent came together. Now usually when I struggle with the Bit, it ends up wowing me, through God’s hand obviously. But for some reason yesterday’s Bit didn’t end up wowing me. Though I knew that it was decent enough, since the Lord would never allow me to put out something not worthy of His name, I still felt a strong thread of doubt running through my being. But lo and behold, I don’t even think it was quite ten minutes after sending out the Bit, that I got an e-mail from a friend, in fact a surrogate sister, telling me how the Bit was good, and how much she enjoyed and appreciated it. All I could say was ‘Wow! Thank you Lord!’ Thanks a whole lot too Cher! I’m glad that He used you as His messenger. Now Friends, tell me that that wasn’t the great, all knowing hand of our merciful, kind and LOVING God moving on my behalf. He knew that if I hadn’t gotten some affirmation regarding the Bit, I would be doubtful and not happy, so therefore He inspired someone whose opinion I trust to contact me and dispel my doubts. What really amazed me though was the speed with which that affirmation came. So Friends, if we want to be happy on a day to day basis, we have to be concerned about and pay attention to the small things in life, for oftimes that’s where the Lord works His wonders. That means we have to value the uneventful, everyday occurrences as well as the big, eventful occasions. And since we have so many more small matters to deal with, than large, if we don’t pay attention to them, we’re liable to not see a lot of God’s good hand working on our behalf. Oh Friends, other believers can give you all the glorious testimony they want, but until you try it and experience it for yourselves, you’ll never appreciate it as much. That’s exactly why Jesus says in our Bit: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. ‘Yes mih people, God’s kingdom work, doing the things He desires, should always be first on our list! Granted we have other things to do on this earth, like work and look after our families; get clothes, food, and shelter for them, but the wonderful thing about all this is that Jesus explicitly promised that if we put the things of God first, our heavenly Father will ensure that whatever we need to live a successful, prosperous earthly life will be forthcoming to us in some way or other. And all we old fogeys saw it in action, because when we were growing up, many of us didn’t have much worldly possessions, but we never lacked the necessities of life, like food, clothing and shelter. That’s because our parents style of living was much simpler and godlier than today. Back then, people shared without having to be begged, beseeched and badgered. It just came naturally, in fact, was expected. Today though, that’s almost impossible for the young generation to fathom, and that’s the fault of us old fogeys, because we never taught them the unbelievable, intrinsic value of sharing. Now perhaps the best example of someone seeking God’s kingdom first, and then being overwhelmed by His blessings is Cousin Sol. When he became king of Israel, after Bruh David’s death, God asked him in a dream what he wanted. Cousin Sol asked for wisdom and understanding to rule God’s people. That pleased God so much that He granted him his wish: ‘Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and understanding heart, so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.’ (1 Kin.3:12) Now it’s obviously great to have our wishes granted, but because Sol’s focus was on God, rather than earthly possessions, God was even more generous: ‘And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honour: so that there shall not be any (anyone) among the kings like unto thee all thy days.’ (1 Kin.3:13) Oh Friends, what a wonderful God we serve and worship! I never tire of saying that because I see it everyday, and you can too, if you look for it. And the Lord further promised Cousin Sol: ‘ And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days.’ (1 Kin.3:14) Now Friends, that’s the same basic thing Jesus is telling us today: If we walk in His ways, seek His kingdom first, then all our everyday needs will surely be met. And Cousin Sol did follow God’s way for most of his life, till today, thousands of years later, he’s still known as the wisest and richest man who ever lived. Those accolades came because he set his sights, his focus on God’s work above all else. Oh my people, in these uncertain and troubled times, we too need to focus ever so much on God’s work, the eternal things of heaven, rather than the passing fancies of this world, if we hope to be blessed and made to overcome life’s inevitable difficulties. That’s wisdom at it’s zenith! Much LOVE!…he who listens, will prosper…but he that is disobedient, will suffer great hardship and loss…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 January 2012 Isaiah 41:6
24 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: canaanite woman, fear mongering, good courage, isaiah 41, negative emotion, truthful statement
Isaiah 41:6. They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.
Oh Friends, this life can be so amusing and annoying at times eh! A few moments ago, I was sitting here at my desk, looking at all the stuff around me, lost, like in limbo – not the dance. (smile) The Good Book was opened in front of me and I had asked for guidance, but I still didn’t know what to write. I was there, like the Canaanite woman with the demon possessed daughter, who had come to Christ, saying ‘Lord, help me.’ (Matt.15:25) A little while later, in a moment of inspiration, I got up and went over to my ‘P.S. I LOVE YOU’ Poster, and began reading the quotes I had never used before in the Bit. Lo and behold, this one struck me as being very relevant. ‘Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers, why not gather your own bouquet.’ Now that’s both a very interesting and truthful statement. Sometimes we sit around waiting for others to bring or do stuff for us and end up waiting in vain, when it would be much easier and more productive if we just did it ourselves. This waiting for, or expecting others to do stuff is one of the bad habits our world has recently adopted. We all want the glory that can come from actually doing, but none of the hard work or the possible negative side effects. We see this especially in North American styled societies, where for example, we’re very reluctant to help someone in distress, afraid that later on, if something negative happens, they will turn around and sue us. Oh my people, these days basic fear and fear mongering are widespread in our society, and sadly, instead of the positive emotion of faith being the backbone of our society, it’s quickly moving to the negative emotion of fear. But we all know that’s not right, faith should be our most active and widespread emotion. Our great God explicitly states: ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ (Is.41:10) And we know that whatever Jehovah God proclaims is the living truth! So why my Friends are we still so afraid of life and the problems it brings eh? Why are we afraid, reluctant and too selfish to help others eh? Look at what our Bit says, when talking about the final restoration of Israel: ‘They helped every one his neighbour: and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage (Be strong).’ Unfortunately my brethren, we can’t afford to wait until the end times – though these might even be it – to start coming together and helping each other. We used to do it before when our society wasn’t as busy and self-centred as it now is. And we can certainly do it again, if we so desire, with the Lord’s help of course. The Psalms make it abundantly clear that our source of help comes from God. ‘I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills (mountains), from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.’ (Ps.121:1-2) ‘Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield.’ (Ps.33:20) ‘God is our refuge and strength; a very present (an abundantly available) help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear…’ (Ps.46: 1-2) Ah Friends, that’s only a small sample of scriptures showing God to be our source of help, but what it all boils down to is that though these times are very troubled and worrisome, believers should not be afraid, for whatever happens, the Lord has promised to protect us, and we should be strong enough in faith to stand on His promise. That doesn’t mean we should sit and do nothing, but rather be more active than ever in His Name. We need to get up off our hefty rear ends and begin helping ourselves as well as others. Do consider the negative possibilities, but don’t let them intimidate you and drive you to inaction. Remember, Christianity is an action movement. Note the word play there: both action and movement. It’s not like a limpid, unmoving pool with no natural outlet, waiting there for someone to come and stir it up, but more like a strong flowing river, continuously moving towards its destination, in many cases, the open sea. That’s how Christianity ought to be my people; continuously moving towards the greater good, the way of Jesus, that leads to our eventual destination – heaven. Oh Friends, no true believer can be happy with the way Christianity is shaping up today. It needs to be much improved in all areas if we are to give the world a realistic and faithful image of what Jesus desires. So please, in this fateful year of 2012, let’s all get a move on and try to improve it, for time is running out, and Jesus is definitely not happy with our efforts. Much LOVE!…we’re all to blame…for we have all sinned…and come short of the glory of God… (Rom.3:23)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 January 2012 Romans 5:19
23 Jan 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: battle hymn, glorious kingdom, humble servants, steadfast faith, ungodly world, weary souls
Romans 5:19. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! Yes you heard me right; it is Monday, so cut out the plaintive moaning, there’s no getting away from your duties. You chose to take up your cross and follow Christ, therefore rise and shine and prepare yourself for battle. Jesus has already issued His marching orders, so please shake off the sleep, tiredness, laziness, fear or whatever is holding you back, and get a move on. And to help us get in warrior mode, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with great gusto. 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!’ Oh Friends, what a wonderful opportunity it is to serve Jesus, the One who’s done so much for mankind, what no one else in all of creation could do! That’s being a worthy sacrifice for all of our sins from day one, right throughout eternity. As Bruh Paul so appropriately puts it to the Romans in our Bit: ‘For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.’ Yes mih people, from the day our forefather Adam disobeyed God and brought sin into the world, all of his descendants thereafter were tainted by sin; were born, lived in and died under the evil aura of sin. However, our wonderful God, in all His might, wisdom, LOVE, mercy and forgiveness, devised an ingenious plan to repatriate us to His side; the sending of His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross, to shed his precious, sinless blood as a one time sacrifice for the sins of the entire world. And all God’s people raised their hands, hearts, eyes and minds to heaven and gratefully declared: ‘Oh thank you Father for sending Jesus to reconcile us to You. We praise You and bless Your Holy Name, now and forever! Amen.’ Ah mih breddren, that reconciliation, with the consequent salvation and promise of eternal life are the greatest gifts ever bestowed on man. And Jesus was definitely obedient, as we can see from the gospels, where He constantly made obeisance to His heavenly Father, and gave Him all the glory for all the wondrous acts He, Jesus, did here on earth. Bruh Paul says it well to the Philippians, re Christ: ‘Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in the fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil.2:6-8) That is the epitome of obedience Friends! I’m sure that a mere handful of us, if so many, would even contemplate such obedience, much less follow through with it. So why are we so reluctant to be obedient to Jesus eh? And it’s not like He’s asking us to do anything even close to what His Father asked of Him. But yet we hem and haw over living a decent life in His name and telling people about Him, in fact denying them the opportunity to be saved and receive salvation and eternal life like us. Foolish fear about what the world will say and think about us makes us keep quiet or even like Peter, deny that we know Him. Oh Friends, how shameful that is; to claim that you’re a follower of the greatest person who ever lived, but then be ashamed or afraid to stand up for Him! Jesus didn’t want His living and dying to be kept a secret. He wanted it to be noised abroad to the whole world. People of other religions, none of which can hold a candle to ours, because it’s the living truth, are much more vocal and proud of theirs than we are of ours. Oh Friends, it’s time we stopped hiding our lights under bushel. Jesus said: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt.5:16) And that is exactly what He did while here on earth. So Friends, if Jesus could be obedient to His Father, and we claim to be His followers, then shouldn’t we be obedient to Jesus too? I’ll leave that for each of us to ponder today, and pray that we all come to the right conclusion. This scripture should help us: ‘Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Called of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.’ (Heb.5:8-10) Yes Friends, obedience brings great rewards. Much LOVE!…oh how could believers not be wildly enthusiastic and excited about Jesus…after all He’s done for us…and not want to shout out the good news to the entire world as He asked us to do…
