SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, the good, sunny weather that’s graced my area for the last week or so, is supposed to end today with rain all weekend. I just looked outside and it’s already begun. Chuh! But as Job says, we must learn to accept that good and bad usually go hand in hand. (Job 2:10)  But then too as Galileo Galilei, (1564-1642) the Italian scientist extraordinaire who formulated the basic law of falling bodies, is reputed to have said: ‘We cannot teach people anything: we can only help them discover it within themselves.’ That’s true in many cases, where we can only guide others, to find certain truths within themselves. And it seems like our Bit falls within that category. ‘He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.’ Now that’s the gospel truth my people! We can’t teach others to control their spirits, we have to lead them to the truth and hope they find the necessary will to do so. However, if we don’t possess the ability to control ourselves; our temper, our anger, our tongue, our physical reactions, then we are indeed like a wasted and dilapidated city, with no walls, where anything and everything goes. With no control over our spirit, our defences are down, or nonexistent; we react the wrong way to the pressures of life, giving in to our flesh, our circumstances, and the wiles of the enemy, thereby increasing our problems. And that’s certainly not the sensible or Christian way. But Cousin Sol realized that controlling one’s spirit was extremely important in all walks of life, that’s why he addressed it several times in different ways in his writings, especially in Proverbs. Let’s check out a few. ‘He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.’ (Prov.16:32) There we see that though you’re a great warrior, if you can’t control your spirit, then you become a much lesser personage in the eyes of both God and man. And yet again he declares: ‘He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit (impulsive) exalteth folly.’ (Prov.14:29) Ah Friends, Cousin Sol had such a way with words. If you can control your wrath, then you’re considered to have much understanding, like the fool who keeps his mouth shut, (Prov.17:28) but if not, you ‘exalteth folly,’ raise foolish behaviour to a high level it doesn’t deserve. And I guess that’s a big reason why so much folly exists in our society today, because everything now calls for haste, for speed, and when we’re not satisfied with the speed at which things are moving, like the long, slow lines to purchase stuff, the incessant traffic jams, a comparatively slow computer, our defences drop, we get angry and lose our cool. Then in Chap. 19, Cousin Sol further states: ‘The discretion of a man deferreth his anger (makes him slow to anger); and it is his glory to pass over (overlook) a transgression.’ (Prov.19:11) Yes my brethren, only in so far as we can control and discipline our spirits, are we able to walk purposefully in the will of God. And there’s only one way to achieve that discipline and control; by reading, studying, meditating on and digesting the Word of God. Only the Word can give us the discipline to stop and think before we talk and/or act. To rule our spirit requires that we remain calm and steadfast in the face of any adversity we face. And it’s a very good and worthwhile goal, one that all believers should attain to. Unfortunately though, it just doesn’t happen by osmosis, we have to work diligently at it. We have to renew our souls; thoughts, minds, hearts and emotions with the Word, which means spending serious time with God, to overcome the deficiency in our spirit. And the real culprit is not so much the anger nuh, but more the impatience which leads us to anger. As we said before, our society has become so impatient, that if we don’t get it ‘now for now,’ we get upset in a flash. And sadly, this rush to get stuff done immediately permeates right down to the core of our needs as a society. Just look at all the uprisings taking place in the Middle East and Africa. The existing conditions have been in place for years, but all of a sudden we expect them to change and get better immediately. And when it doesn’t happen, we get impatient, then angry, which leads to unnecessary strife and violence. Now it doesn’t mean that we’re wrong to want reform, but good reform doesn’t happen overnight, doesn’t happen without proper planning, foresight and forethought, otherwise we often end up jumping from the frying pan into the fire. And just as when we lose control over our individual spirit, when we lose control over our collective spirits, we suffer serious damage, with our cities not only broken and left without walls figuratively, but also literally, in the destruction and destabilization that follows. Oh Friends, this is only an overview of a very serious predicament that is currently challenging our world, and all the negative happenings aren’t making it any easier for us to learn and apply control of our spirits, but it’s something we have to work diligently at, else the bucket bottom soon drop out and everything crash. So I’m imploring us to delve into the Good Book with a passion, and get in agreement with God, ASAP, so that we can retake control of our spirits, our societies and our world, before the enemy destroys it, as he seems inclined to do. Much LOVE!…the Word…the Word…only the Word can set us free…

Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in God’s universe! It’s also fitting that we give some thanks for being so blessed to see it. And a loud shout rises up to heaven: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Unfortunately though my people, today is also Monday, that dreaded first day of the workweek. However that dread only affects the unbelievers, for we followers of Christ have an in with the Most High God, through prayer, which helps us to come up above the normal human fear and anxiety. And on a Monday we offer the Monday Morning Battle Hymn, asking for strength and guidance. So in one, loud, cohesive, ‘anthemic’ voice, (smile) let’s sing it out like we mean it. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And again Friends, I have to marvel at how our Monday Morning Battle Hymn lines up so nicely with our Bit: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Extremely powerful and moving words of faith, encouragement and truth my brethren! For even though we find ourselves in the deepest, darkest valley, of disappointment, misfortune, sickness, or whatever negative circumstances the world throws at us, even if it verges on physical death, we ought to stand strong in our faith, for our God has solemnly promised never to leave or forsake us. And the only way to survive this cruel and wicked world is to stand on the promises of our God. And that’s exactly what Bruh David did, that’s why he could write so surely and forcefully about it. But Job, the father of patience, cursed the day he was born when his horrible trials befell him. ‘Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child (male) conceived. Let that day be darkness; Let not God regard it from above (may God above not seek it), neither let the light shine upon it. Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it (claim it); let a cloud dwell (settle) upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.’ (Job 3:3-5) Yes mih people, Job’s troubles were very sorrowful, especially when he seemed to be living a fairly righteous life. But however harsh the reality Friends, unlike Job, we need not go to such lengths and curse the day of our birth, we need to bear up better under the tribulation. And we can do it if we have truly sown the seeds of faith and trust in our wonderful and amazing God deep down in our hearts and souls. It’s not easy, but we can do it if we believe that everything that comes against us has passed through God’s minute examination, and would not have happened if He didn’t see a useful purpose for it. And though Job was absolutely floored by his sudden, unprovoked tribulation, I like how he strongly defends his integrity later on: ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways (defend my ways) before him. He also shall be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.’ (Job 13:15-17) Bravo Job! Yes Friends, that’s the way we ought to be; faithful and trusting, regardless of what comes against, knowing deep down that our God works out everything to the good of those who LOVE Him and who are called to do His will. (Rom.8:28) So stand strong my brethren despite the serious upheavals in our world, for the Lord God Jehovah is still in control, and in His time, will make everything right for those who serve and worship Him with a right heart. More on this tomorrow, our God willing. Till then, be sure to LOVE Your God, LIVE Your Faith, and SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…only the strong survive…only the strong survive…

‘Thank you Lord! We praise, honour and glorify your Holy Name, for so mercifully blessing us with another beautiful day on Planet Earth!’ And the grateful cry of God’s people echoed all around the world as they gave Him heartfelt thanks for the new mercy and grace available each new day from His unending wellspring. Wow! Isn’t that wonderful? It sure is. Yes Friends, the first thing we ought to do every day when we open our eyes, or simply become conscious and realize that we’re still alive, is to offer up a prayer of thanksgiving, because it means that the Lord isn’t finished with us down here, He still has earthly work for us to perform. And if He still has stuff for us to do, then we know, with full assurance, that He will safely lead and guide us if we surrender our all to Him, and try to keep a right heart. As Bruh David says in our Bit: ‘He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.’ That’s ever so true my people! When we sleep, read His Word and meditate on it, the Lord restores our souls. He washes away the filth of the world that’s clogged them up during our interaction with the evil that constantly surrounds us. He refreshes our minds, will and emotions, bringing them back into sync and harmony with His thinking and His priorities. Now this needs to be an everyday occurrence since we interact with the wicked world everyday. But as usual, we first have to come to Him and offer up our petitions, then remain faithful and patient, knowing that in His time, He will do what is necessary for us to succeed; that He will lead us along paths of righteousness so that His Name can be glorified. Now judging from the number of times Bruh David appealed to God for righteous guidance, nobody understood this principle better than him. Here are a few examples of his constant pleading for righteousness and right leading. In Psalm 5, a prayer for protection, he pleads: ‘Lead me O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.’ (Ps.5:8)  Then in Psalm 25, a prayer for guidance and protection, he declares with heartrending honesty and desire: ‘Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day…All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name’s sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity, for it is great. What man is he that feareth the Lord? Him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease (in goodness) and his seed (descendants) shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps.25:4-5,10-13) And again in Psalm 27, the Lord is my light and my salvation, he genuinely pleads: ‘Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain (smooth) path, because of mine enemies.’ (Ps.27:11) The last example comes from Psalm 143, superscripted, teach me to do thy will: ‘Cause me to hear thy LOVING-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee…Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken (revive) me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off (put an end to) mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.’ (Ps.143:8,10-12) Oh Friends, from those excerpts it’s plain to see that Bruh David constantly asked for the refreshing of his soul, and guidance for his daily walk. And so should we, my people. But the big difference between Bruh David and too many of us is stated right there in the last line above: ‘for I am thy servant.’ Yes mih breddren, Bruh David sincerely tried to walk in obedience to God and please Him, that’s why he could keep asking for guidance and protection, which the Lord gladly gave him. Now a lot of us go to God for all sorts of stuff, which is okay, but do we truly attempt to walk in paths of righteousness, are we meek and humble, do we have the servant attitude that Jesus displayed? Those are the million dollar questions? Fortunately, or not, only the individual believer and God know the true answers. However Friends, it’s imperative that at some stage of our lives, the sooner the better, if we intend to mature as Christians, we should be able to answer those questions with a joyful, YES! It doesn’t come easily, but if we sincerely desire to walk with God, then we’ll seek Him in all aspects of our lives, and we’ll find Him, as he has promised: ‘And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’ (Jer.29:13) Nuff said mih people! Much LOVE!…seeking and finding God…all has to do with the state of our hearts…

Oh Friends, the ole fella is in a bleh mood. Nothing’s really wrong, but I guess it’s one of those times when we feel down spirited for no good reason. And having said that, here’s an insight which some of us might not realize. It’s a quote from the ‘Hidden Treasures, abundant living in the riches of proverbs,’ by Gloria Copeland. No I haven’t finished reading it as yet. (smile) It says: ‘The Counselor Himself, the Holy Spirit, lives in your spirit to lead and guide you – but you have to take the time to draw from the deep waters of His counsel.’ Now that’s an overwhelming fact in a believer’s life my people! Once we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, but if we don’t pay careful attention, talk to and listen to Him, His presence will be all for nought. It just doesn’t happen by osmosis, but by specific action on the believer’s part. The same thing applies to our Bit. ‘He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (pastures of tender green grass): he leadeth me beside the still waters (waters of rest).’ If we don’t get actively involved in the whole Christianity action Friends, then we’re just wasting Christ’s time and ours. How do you think the shepherd finds green pastures for his sheep, or calm waters for them to rest by? He has to actively search out these places, and then the sheep must be willing, trust Him enough to follow His lead and guidance. Now yesterday we saw how Jesus used the shepherd and sheep analogy to help us understand what He’s all about. But my brethren, the whole thing is a partnership between Jesus and those who choose to believe in Him. Jesus has already done His part, and it’s up to us now to do ours; listen carefully to Him, through His Spirit that dwells in us, then follow Him by taking the necessary action that helps us stay true to our beliefs.  And though that’s a pretty tall order living in this violent, greedy, evil world, Jesus has made it much easier by calling us to Him with His great invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly (gentle and humble) in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30) Oh Friends, how many of us have taken that invitation to heart and truly accepted it eh? Not nearly sufficient of us, I’m afraid, else our world would not be in the mess it’s in! But that’s also one of the ways that the Good Shepherd is leading us to a place of nourishment and rest beside calm streams of water. Once we hold on to His proffered hand, wherein lies strength, safety, security and provision, the stress and strain of this wicked world will no longer affect us to the degree that it does when we try to handle it on our own. And that’s where Jesus wins them all my people; in the sure strength and majesty of His awesome power backed by His unrivalled LOVING-kindness! Oh Friends, truly walking with Jesus ought to bring at least one thing to our humble spirits; a sense of peace, an awareness that things are under control, and we don’t have to worry though we’re surrounded by hell fire and brimstone, because our Good Shepherd has us resting beside calm and peaceful waters, munching rich and nourishing grass. And if we don’t have that peace of mind as a believer, then something’s wrong, something’s getting in the way of our communication with the Most High God, and we need to fix it ASAP. And here’s one more thing which many believers overlook; the onus is on us to accept Jesus, and allow Him to live through us. Jesus doesn’t owe us anything. He’s already sacrificed His life, thereby paving the way for us to come to salvation and eternal life. It’s like the law of offer and acceptance: The spilling of His precious blood offers us a way to escape death and eternal separation from Almighty God. Now it’s up to us to accept or decline that offer. And declining Jesus’ superb offer is the biggest mistake we can ever make in this earthly life, for the ramifications will sadly haunt us till eternity. There’s no other offer than can even come close, for acceptance also means living under His wonderful yoke into the next life. Hear John, the beloved disciple, tell it as the Holy Spirit revealed it to him. He saw a numberless multitude, dressed in white robes, sitting before the throne of God, offering thanks and praise, honour and glory: ‘These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in the temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on (strike) them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (shepherd) them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears (every tear) from their eyes.’ (Rev.7:14-17) That’s the beautiful reality true believers have to look forward to Friends! You’d be crazy not to grab it NOW, while there is yet time, and hold on to it for dear life! I know I’m going to. Hope you are too. Much LOVE!…as for me and mine…we’ll follow the Good Shepherd…to the ends of the earth…and even beyond…   P.S. I’m no longer in a bleh mood, but full of energy and vitality! (smile)