Jeremiah 30:9. But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
Oh Friends, I read an interesting quote today, which I just had to share. It’s attributed to Faith Baldwin (1893-1978) the famous American romance writer. It says: ‘Time is a dressmaker specializing in alterations.’ I found it amusing, insightful and true, since time does keep changing us, remodelling our perspectives and circumstances. We seldom get something completely new, but mostly alterations; a little change here, a slightly bigger one there, an in-between one somewhere else, and oftimes that’s better than big, upheaval-like changes. And the message there is that it’s time to look at ourselves, our total lives, and seriously consider what changes, what alterations we need to make in our current situations, so that we will be better set for serving the Lord. I guess it’s doing like Jesus says, pruning the branches of the vine so that it can bear fruit more abundantly. We also need to realize that we can’t change others, and stop trying to do it. Unfortunately, many of us waste our time and energy trying to change those around us, and when we don’t make any headway, or as much as we desire, we get frustrated and miserable. Oh Friends, only the individuals involved can make changes to their lives, and as many of us have found out from hard experience, even when we seriously need and want to change, we need God’s help to do it. This brings us to our Bit, and the great promise contained therein. ‘But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I shall raise up unto them.’ Now over the last two days we’ve seen how this promise began to be fulfilled with the return of God’s people from Babylon to Israel, the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the rest of the Promised Land, through God’s intervention in the heart of Cyrus, the Babylonian king. We’ve also looked at some scriptures that highlighted the Lord’s promise. And I’m chuckling here Friends, because yesterday I planned to put in a certain passage that dealt with the first half of the promise, but it would have made the Bit way too long, so I didn’t, and today I decided to ignore it altogether and move on to the second half of the promise, only to have the Spirit invoke it’s veto powers. So here’s Ezekiel’s take on the situation as he talks about the Lord’s care for His flock: ‘Therefore I will save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle (sheep and sheep). And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it. And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil (wild) beasts to cease out of the land: and they shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods. And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.’ (Ezek.34:22-26) Yes mih people, the Lord promised peace, showers of blessing, and a most worthy, guide, king and shepherd to watch over His people. And they all shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Ezekiel was so sure of this promise that he basically repeats it in Chapter 37, when he speaks of the restoration of a united Israel. ‘And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the heathen (nations), whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains of Israel; and one king shall be king to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgements, and observe my statutes, and do them. (Ezek.37:24) Yes Friends, it’s obvious from all the scriptures we’ve looked at, that the Lord had a most viable long-term plan for His people. And tomorrow, God willing, we shall look at the second half of that great promise and see how it was fulfilled. Till then, please walk safely in LOVING fellowship with the Lord God Almighty, our Creator, Provider and Safe Keeper. Much LOVE! …first comes the promise…then the faith to accept and wait for it…then the joyful fulfillment…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 January 2011 Jeremiah 30:9
05 Jan 2011 Leave a comment
Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 January 2011 Jeremiah 30:9
04 Jan 2011 Leave a comment
Jeremiah 30:9. But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
Oh Friends, can you believe it’s already January 4? The celebrations are winding down, and by next week we’ll have forgotten about Christmas and a Happy New Year, and moved on to the next big thing in the shopping calendar, Valentine’s Day. How sad it is that our lives are governed and ruled by one money-spending event after another, making the monetary aspect of our society its driving force and guiding light, rather than the adoration, worship and reverence of Almighty God! However faithful Friends, there’s no need to worry, for our God is still in control, and we don’t have to do everything or follow every worldly lust that the evil, ungodly proponents in our world put before us. That’s the beauty of being a believer; we live in this world, can enjoy its comforts and God-given blessings, without being a part of its ungodly aspects. Praise the Lord! That’s because we have great promises like our Bit, made to us by a faithful, omnipotent, omniscient, ever-LOVING God! ‘But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.’ Now yesterday we saw the beginning of that promise come true, where by decree of Cyrus, the Persian king of Babylon, those Israelites who desired to go back to Jerusalem and the land of their fathers were given permission to do so. And thus, under Ezra, Nehemiah and other volunteers, the rebuilding of Jerusalem and consequently Israel, began. But what of the scriptures surrounding this promise? Let’s check out some, starting with the free offer of mercy to all, advertised so splendidly and courageously by Isaiah. ‘Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight in fatness (abundance). Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.’ (Is.55:1-7) Oh Friends, what more can we ask eh? The free gift of salvation, so generously bestowed by our God, is free to all and sundry; all we have to do is receive it. If you are spiritually hungry and thirsty, you can come and eat and drink for free. Included in all of that freeness is an eternal covenant with the Gentiles, just like the one He made with His chosen people, Israel. And, as the scholars so rightly declare; His invitation to all men is clearly stated by the appeal to ‘seek ye the Lord,’ and ‘call ye upon him.’ Wow! What a mighty and majestic, but also kind and LOVING Being is our God! And it just boggles my imagination that so many people turn down this great offer. I guess it’s partly because the offer is so overwhelming, and also free, that it scares us into thinking there must be something wrong somewhere. For something so good could not also be free. This comes from our man-made fear and caution that big and good things should be expensive, and if they’re ever offered for free, a warning sign immediately rises up, saying that it’s too good to be true, for nobody in their right mind gives away expensive, worthwhile things. And that’s usually true in man’s world my Friends, but here we’re dealing with the Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven, earth and all therein. He doesn’t need anything from us, except our obedience and worship, cause He made us, and everything in the world, including us, already belongs to Him. We have to get out of the mindset of dealing with immortal, Almighty God in the same manner in which we deal with mortal man, because they are two entirely different situations. Now hear Hosea: ‘Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the Lord their God, and David their king; and shall fear the Lord and his goodness in the latter days.’ (Hos.3:5) Yes my brethren, when Israel finally comes to her sense, she will turn from her idols back to the God of her fathers, truly reverence and worship Him, and enjoy His many blessings. Oh people, I believe that that prophesy can surely be applied to our present, evil, cruel, violent, idolatrous, ungodly times. We need to come to our senses and turn back to the One, True God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob because it’s the ONLY WAY that our world will escape the certain destruction we’re headed for in our mad rush for earthly wealth, power and glory. Ah friends, let’s stop being so stupid and stubborn nuh, trying to fight the omnipotent One who created us and LOVES us so much, He sacrificed His only Son so that we wouldn’t be eternally separated from Him. Now God willing, we’ll continue this topic tomorrow. Till then, take care, and live to LOVE and serve your God. Much LOVE!…it’s a fool’s wisdom…to fight against Almighty God…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 January 2011 Jeremiah 30:9
03 Jan 2011 Leave a comment
Jeremiah 30:9. But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday; the first working day of 2011! A lucky few will remain at home enjoying the last of the season because the holiday again fell on the weekend, but most working stiffs will have to wearily get up and get out to face the working world for yet another year. Thus it is very necessary for us to rise up strong and victoriously sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. 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 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 mih people! And some of us had more than two days off, so we should be more than ready to go out and engage the foe in a fight to the death. Now Friends, in keeping with our resolution that 2011 will be a better year than 2010, let’s write it deep in our hearts, souls and minds, then let’s look steadfastly to that outcome with all the faith we can muster, for it won’t happen unless we see it through the eyes of faith. Remember, our winning ticket is that faith, that ultimate belief that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will eventually overcome that evil fool Beelzebub. As somebody once said, they’d read the Good Book, read how it ends in Revelation, with Jesus as the majestic winner, so we need not worry about the end result, just resist the frustrations and temptations of the evil one until that time. Wow! And Friends, knowing that it ends in our favour, ought to give us a healthy jumpstart in our walk of faith with Jesus. That brings us to our Bit: ‘But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up unto them.’ Oh people, that’s possibly the greatest promise in the Old Testament… no, in the entire Good Book, since the New Testament is basically a fulfillment of the latter half of that promise. Our God promised the disobedient remnant of the captive children of Israel that one day, when they had learned their lesson and returned to righteousness in His Name, they would return to the land of their fathers and He would do a great thing. As he said to Jeremiah: ‘Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him (enslave them).’ (Jer.30:7-8) And all God’s people shouted in unison: ‘Praise the Lord, for He is worthy to be praised!’ And isn’t that the gospel truth mih breddren! For in the midst of Israel’s trouble, their captivity, He promised to restore the Promised Land to them, and to break the yoke of slavery and bondage that their enemies had over them. And Friends, He did just that: Ezra, Nehemiah and others returned from captivity in Babylon during the Persian reign, and began rebuilding Jerusalem, obviously with the Lord’s intervention, that’s why Cyrus, the Persian king was so generous. Hear him: ‘Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house (temple) at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.’ (Ezra 1:2-3) Now why would a heathen king make such a highly dramatic proclamation if the Lord had not moved his heart eh, the same way he hardened Pharaoh’s heart when they were in bondage in Egypt? Oh Friends, what a great God we worship! A God who makes promises long before they are to happen, then steadfastly keeps them at the appointed right time. All I can say to that is Wow! And on that note of wonder, we’ll end today, hopefully with God’s grace to continue it tomorrow, for there’s a lot of scripture yet to be written in our hearts. Yes mih people, the Spirit was at His adrenalin sparking best today! (smile) So till we meet again, please go safely with the Most High God Jehovah as your guide, protector and provider. Much LOVE!…our God is a good God…just wait patiently on Him…and He will show you His goodness and mercy…that’s not hearsay…but my personal testimony this Christmas season…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 January 2011 Proverbs 30:14
03 Jan 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 30:14. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
Oh Friends, it’s the second day of 2011! How are we feeling today after all the New Year’s celebrations eh? I know that many of us are feeling lousy from all the partying, the numerous libations we imbibed and the mountains of food we consumed. And it’s such a lousy feeling that we’ve faithfully promised ourselves not to let it happen again… until the next time that is. (smile) Because like so many other promises we make, in time we’ll forget the terrible hangover and hurting stomach and do it again, and once more pay the awful price, for too many of us simply don’t learn from our mistakes. We become greedy and gluttonous, just like the fourth group of sinners that Agur the sage refers to in our Bit: ‘There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.’ Yes Friends, those are the greedy, the warmongers, the oppressors and suppressors, the purveyors of violence, who delight in taking advantage of others. Job says it well: ‘I was a father to the poor: and the cause (case) which I knew not I searched out (investigated). And I brake the jaws (fangs) of the wicked, and plucked the spoil (prey) out of his teeth.’ (Job 29:16-17) Oh my people, that’s how we believers ought to act in these evil and ungodly times! We need to stand up against those who hunger and thirst for earthly wealth and power, and in their great desire, rob and steal and exploit their fellow man, taking away what little the poor folks have, often by illicit and illegal means, thus condemning them to an even poorer state. Oh Friends, the poor and righteous suffer at the hands of the wicked and venomous every day, right in front of us, and like the story of the Good Samaritan says, we either pass by on the other side or cast an impersonal glance, then go on our way, without even trying to help. But sadly my people, that’s not the Christian way. It certainly was never Christ’s way. Jesus was never too busy or otherwise preoccupied to help, especially the sick, the poor and needy, and if we’re to be a genuine reflection of Him, then we ought to make time to do the same. And it’s not like we don’t know that if we allow free rain to the greedy, wicked, shark-like predators disguised as humans, that they will gleefully swallow up as much as they can get their evil talons on without batting an eyelash. And remember too, that our resolution for this year of 2011 is to improve the sorry state of our world, which unfortunately we can’t do without standing up to the oppressors, and also helping those in need. And let’s not fool ourselves Friends by thinking that we’re secure in our little middle class world, for when the carnivores are done with the poor, their next target will be the one lowest on the totem pole, which will be the middle class, where most of us comfortably reside. In fact they’ve already started in on the middleclass, with higher taxes and higher cost of living, loss of jobs and wage roll backs. So standing up to the wicked oppressors is not simply an altruistic exercise, but also one of self-preservation. As Bruh David cautioned the prideful wicked. ‘Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs (plans destruction); like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.’ (Ps.52:2-3) Yes Friends, that’s the nature of the beast we’re dealing with; forever hungry and rapacious, only thinking of their evil selves and ambitions. This brings us to an interesting question asked by Bruh David in his song on the foolishness of men: ‘Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? Who eat up my people as they eat bread, and call not upon the Lord.’ (Ps.14:4)The answer to that must be an obvious NO! Oh mih breddren, listen to how Amos puts it nuh: ‘Hear this, O ye that swallow up (or trample on) the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail., Saying When will the new moon be gone (past), that we may sell corn (grain)? And the Sabbath, that we may set forth (trade) wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit? That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes (sandals); yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat (the bad wheat)?’ (Amos 8:4-6) My people that sounds just like what’s happening in our world today! The days of plenty are behind us, and the racketeers have made the portions smaller, but increased the price with unfair weights and measures, also selling unwholesome food, while people are pawning their earthly treasures at ridiculously low prices just to live, since they have no jobs. It’s time we believers actually stepped up to the plate and did something concrete about all the cruelty and criminality that now reigns in our world, instead of simply talking about it, for without action, talk is useless. And Christ’s ministry always was, is and will be one of ACTION! Friends, we’ve got to plead wholeheartedly with the Lord as Bruh David did: ‘Break (away) their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord. Let them melt (flow) away as waters which run continually: when he bendeth his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as cut in pieces.’ (Ps.58:5-7) And while we’re waiting for God to do His part, my brethren, we have to do ours, to break the strangle hold that Lucifer and his evil minions have on our world. Let’s get ready for a long, arduous struggle, if we’re serious about reclaiming our world, for the enemy won’t give it up easily. That’s for sure! Much LOVE!…fighting for Jesus is never easy…but the rewards sure are worth it…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 January 2011 Proverbs 30:13
03 Jan 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 30:13. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Oh Friends it’s 2011! And a Happy New Year to you all! Hope we didn’t overdo the partying and are now paying the price. (smile) Anyway, our world has experienced a rough 2010, let’s hope that 2011 will bring more positive occurrences and a truly happy year. The unfortunate fact though is that nothing will change unless we change it. If we keep on living the same ungodly, evil lives, then the results will be the same, even worse. So let’s begin the year with an interesting, exciting quote, attributed to Alicia McKenzie Swain. And it says: ‘Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.’ Oh my people, those aren’t only very beautiful words, but also very true ones! The big towering oak doesn’t need special courage to withstand the storms of life, simply because it is big and towering. However the small, fragile bud that dares to open in the cold, snowy weather does need a whole heap of courage to do something so drastic, since it’s not really built to withstand those weather conditions. And in light of the crazy, violent, wicked, corrupt world in which we currently live, it is going to take a lot of courage on our part to bring about any worthwhile changes, especially when those in power seem to like the status quo, and even prefer that we become more ungodly and evil. But please remember, as believers, we can do anything through the workings of Almighty God. But we have to develop that courage like the blossom daring to open in the snow. Shall we make that our 2011 New Year’s resolution? And all God’s people shouted in unison: ‘Yes!’ (smile) So that’s settled; for 2011 all believers have resolved to improve their courage and make sure that our world experiences a better year than the last. And Jesus smiled and proudly raised a fist at His people’s intent, to retake the world in His Name. Wow! And there’s no better way to do so than by checking out our Bit. ‘There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up (lifted up in arrogance).’ Sadly, too many of us know that fact personally, and yesterday we saw what’s in the offing for those who portray a life of arrogance and pride before the Lord God Jehovah; harsh punishment leading to eternal separation from Him. And the Lord forbid, that’s the worse possible thing that could ever happen to a human being. So how do we change, and or counteract that unwise attitude? Here are two of the best examples: The first is based on Bruh David’s words, as he talks of humility before the Lord: ‘Lord, my heart is not haughty (proud), nor mine eyes lofty (conceited): neither do I exercise (concern) myself in great matters, or in things too high for me (too difficult or profound). Surely I have behaved (calmed) and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned chid. Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and forever.’ (Ps.131:1-3) Oh Friends, as the scholars so rightly declare, that’s an intensely personal song of humility, expressing Bruh David’s declaration of humility, trust and call for hope. That’s certainly more like how we ought to behave. Now here’s the crowning glory my people, found in Bruh Paul’s missive to the Philippians, re Christ’s humility. He begins by setting them on the right path: ‘Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but also every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil.2:2-11) Oh my people, we obviously can’t be perfect like Jesus, but there’s nothing that says we can’t try to come up as high as we can, and besides, that’s exactly what Jesus expects of His followers. So please, I implore us not to let Him down, for He’s depending wholeheartedly on us. Much LOVE!…remember our 2011 resolve…to grow in courage…and to improve our world…in Jesus’ Name…Amen…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 December 2010 Proverbs 30:13
03 Jan 2011 Leave a comment
Proverbs 30:13. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday, and also New Year’s Eve! Wow! What a double whammy! Let the partying begin! (smile) Unfortunately though some have already begun partying with the day off, while others still have to go out and labour before they can party tonight. That means our Friday Morning Chant is doubly important today, what with all the wild celebrations in the air. So Friends, let’s chant it with much gusto, even louder than we’re going to sing Auld Lang Syne later on. ‘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.’ Oh Friends, please remember in all of your excitement and partying that come Monday, nothing would really have changed, except that you’re too tired to go to work. Some will again be lucky to get Monday off because the holiday fell on the weekend, but most of us working stiffs will have to face the daily commute and the waiting enemy, since we’re expected to show up and labour as usual. So please don’t let all the jolly shouts of ‘Happy New Year’ and the numerous hugs and kisses, even from total strangers, dim your perspective. And it seems like the Spirit wants us to focus on certain kinds of people whom the Psalmist Agur observed during life’s ongoing activities. Agur outlines four special groups: The first, which we talked about some time ago, is: ‘There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.’ (Prov.30:11) The second was our Bit yesterday: ‘There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.’ (Prov.30:12) And the third is our current Bit: ‘There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up (lifted up in arrogance).’ Oh my people, unfortunately all three groups are just as prevalent today as in Agur’s time, and not only because we’re operating on a much larger scale of society and the world than back then, but because ungodliness and evil have become the leading lights of our society and the world in general. None of that however detracts from the fact that it’s wrong and doesn’t sit well with our God. We all know that nothing gets the Lord’s dander up like pride and arrogance in His children, since that means He’s relegated to some unimportant role, if any, in their lives. Let’s look at some scriptures that bear out these truths. First up are Cousin Sol’s words on the seven deadly sins. And what’s the first one he names? ‘A proud look…’ (Prov.6:17) Yes Friends, pride, arrogance and haughtiness will make us pay a stiff penalty in the courts of God’s justice. Meanwhile, listen to Isaiah when he talks of the coming judgement on the proud. ‘The lofty (proud) looks of man shall be humbled,and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon everyone that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low.’ (Is.2:11-12) And again when he speaks of the woes pronounced on the faithless. ‘And the mean people (man) shall be brought down, and the mighty (each) man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled. But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgement, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness (hallowed).’ (Is.5:15-16) Oh Friends, you don’t have to be a brain surgeon or rocket scientist to decipher from those passages that all those who have not humbled themselves before the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will in His time be taught a harsh lesson for that destructive, ungodly behaviour. Please, let’s try and not be amongst that sad, unfortunate lot, for it will not be a very nice experience. And seeing that today is a really busy day, with all the party plans still not completed, we’ll end here. God willing, we’ll continue it tomorrow, for there’s much more to say on it. In fact the best is yet to come! (smile) Till then, please walk safely with the Lord and don’t overdo the partying. Much LOVE!…remember…in God’s scheme of things…the proud shall be abased…but the humble exalted…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 December 2010 Proverbs 30:12
30 Dec 2010 Leave a comment
Oh Friends, it’s the eve of New Year’s Eve! Wow! What a profound and potent statement! (smile) I guess all the preparations are in full swing for the numerous parties, the countdown, the hoarse and off-key singing of Auld Lang Syne, because most of the people are already in their cups when that happens, and the many New Year’s resolutions we’re going to make, plus all the hugging and kissing and the ‘Happy New Year’ greetings that will be so lavishly dished out. But Friends, please don’t go overboard. It’s surely nice to party and have fun and ring in the New year, but unfortunately nothing much changes. Two days later we’re right back where we began. In fact many people open the New Year in worse shape than they closed the Old one. it’s all part of the worldly, money grabbing, fleshly lusts, where we allow our feelings and emotions to run riot. But do sit down and take notice. Nothing really changes from one day to the next, except possibly our false expectations are brought back to reality. It does nothing to curtail the unconscionable violence, hatred, poverty, oppression, corruption, hunger, sickness and the myriad of other problems under which our world is currently labouring and suffering. Even all our Happy New Year greetings are empty, because a few days later we either pass those same people on the street or at work without even a smile or a nod of recognition, and the resentment we felt in the Old Year raises its ugly head again. As for the resolutions…hn! Before the week is out, we’ve either broken most of them or retired them to oblivion because we just can’t be bothered to keep them. The old ways were so much nicer and easier. (smile) And as I heard a guest on a radio show last night quite rightly say: If the resolution is worthy, then there’s no need to wait until New Year’s, it ought to be started RIGHT NOW! And I say Amen to that! Oh Friends, don’t think that I’m ‘dissing’ New Year’s Eve partying, because I have wonderful memories of some, and I won’t be doing any partying this year because of my knee problems, but like Christmas just past, we have to know and understand the whys and wherefores of the celebration. It’s fine to ring out the Old and ring in the New Year, but it must be done from a sensible standpoint, feet firmly planted on the ground, not from a giddy sense of worldly pleasure, because our world certainly doesn’t need just another feel-good moment, with no real substance behind it. But enough of my whatever you choose to call it. Let’s get to our Bit, which Agur, the sage, prophetically diagnosed so long ago. ‘There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.’ That’s the living truth Friends! Many of us, especially in this free-for-all, ungodly society of today, feel we are the cat’s meow, in our own eyes, so clean and pure, noble and righteous, when in reality we’re servants of Beelzebub. We put on all the airs and graces in company, but behind closed doors, hn, it’s a completely different story. And if our hearts are analysed, the dirt and evil contained therein would be most worthy of Lucifer, but definitely not of Almighty God. Oh my people, though some of us might truly believe that we’re pure and holy, that is the work of the enemy, since our actions don’t corroborate our words. And to clarify it all, let’s hear some scripture that deals with this particular problem. We’ll begin with wise words from Cousin Sol: ‘All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.’ (Prov.16: 2) Yes Friends, the Lord searches our hearts and souls for right motives, while man can only see our outward colours. Now hear the Lord talking of the punishment for the rebellious, through His prophet Isaiah: A people ‘Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These are a smoke in my nose (cause my wrath to smoke), a fire that burneth all the day. Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, even recompense into their bosom.’ (Is.65:5-6) Oh mih breddren, when we make those holier than thou decrees, we’re only stoking the Lord’s anger against us. And we all know people who behave like that, so it’s not merely a figment of my imagination. Now listen to Jesus tell it like it is. With His superb understanding of human behaviour, He puts it into a true practical perspective. ‘Two men went into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican (tax collector). The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote (beat) upon his breast, saying, God be merciful unto me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased: and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’ (Luke 18:10-14) Oh Friends, that’s self-explanatory! But for good measure, here are some words of Bruh Paul to Titus, re warnings against false teachers. ‘Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate (disqualified).’ (Titus 1:15-16) My brethren, those are words of truth and wisdom, I implore us to heed them if we want to remain in the Father’s good graces, for we’re each responsible for our own salvation. Much LOVE!…remember…the world sees our outer man…but God judges us by the inner being…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 December 2010 Ezekiel 8:12
29 Dec 2010 Leave a comment
Ezekiel 8:12. Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The Lord seeth us not; the Lord hath forsaken the earth.
Oh Friends, some days I wonder if it isn’t better to read your name in the obits than not to. (smile) Our world has reached such a state of evil and looming violence that sometimes one feels like Bruh Paul: ‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ (Phil.1:21) He means that though in life one magnifies the Lord, yet to die, to get away from this evil world is better because it’s a promotion, an increase to something better, namely a heavenly presence with Christ, where you no longer have to put up with the world and all its evil nonsense. Our world has certainly become a very taxing place to live, both literally and figuratively, and the things done behind closed doors…hn! Some of them would certainly boggle our imaginations if we knew them. The few that I know about already cause me to seriously wonder about mankind, so can you imagine what those I don’t know about would do? Steups! Ah mih people, it’s amusing but also rather sad when we talk of how history repeats itself. But our world is at a stage now where it greatly resembles the Israel of Ezekiel’s day, when he had the vision of the abominations going on in Jerusalem and thereabouts. The Lord brought these abominations to his attention. ‘Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients (elders) of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery (room of his idols)? for they say, The Lord seeth us not; the Lord hath forsaken the earth (land).’ Ah Friends, another sad fact is that it’s the leaders, those in high places who are engaging in most of the abomination; the secret worshipping of idols and false gods. And if the leaders are doing it, it’s only natural for the people, or at least some of them, to follow the leaders’ lead. As Bruh Paul so aptly puts it in his message to the Ephesians: ‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world (age), against spiritual (hosts of) wickedness in high places.’ (Eph.6:12) That’s why believers need to be fully clothed in spiritual armour if we want to successfully thwart those attacks of the spiritual enemy. The real sorrowful part though is that just like those engaged in the evil abominations in Ezekiel’s time figured the Lord didn’t see them, because He had abandoned their land, it’s the same way the fools engaged in high wickedness today feel; there’s no God, and if there is, He doesn’t care anyway. It sounds just as Bruh David says in his psalm, re the foolishness of men. ‘The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.’ (Ps.14:1) Isaiah said it even more explicitly: ‘Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us? Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay (you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay): for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing framed (formed) say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?’ (Is.29:15-16) Oh Friends, please don’t be fooled by the foolishness of men. The Lord God Jehovah is alive and well, and firmly in control of everything. He sees and knows all, but He’s just allowing some of us foolish and evil men to play at being god and think they’re running things. But have you ever noticed, that throughout history, it’s when the evil rulers reach the peak, the zenith of their power that it suddenly begins to fall apart? Instead of being strengthened it generally dissolves, often in fire and brimstone too. That’s the Lord’s hand intervening my Friends. He never allows us to really get too big for our breeches. The real question though my people is how did we get to this high level of wickedness and evil in just a generation? Thirty years ago, we were nowhere close to it. Half of the stuff that now leads us down the garden path didn’t even exist. Here is another truth that the Lord spoke unto Ezekiel that also pertains to our time. ‘Then said he unto me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceeding great, and the land is full of blood (bloodshed), and the city full of perverseness: for they say, The Lord hath forsaken the earth (land), and the Lord seeth not.’ (Ezek.9:9) Oh Friends, that’s so true that it hurts deeply. The earth is thoroughly soaked with human blood, for bloodshed seems to be one of our favourite pastimes. And there are atrocities and perverseness galore, everywhere. And we still foolishly believe that the Lord doesn’t see. Ah Lord eh! But Friends, please listen very closely to these words of the Lord’s to Ezekiel: ‘And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head (repay their deeds).’ (Ezek.9:10) Oh my people, please do not be fooled by the false promises and directions of the wicked, for they shall eventually pay for their wickedness. Contrary to popular opinion, the Lord is orchestrating things, and in His own time and manner, the wicked will be destroyed and the faithful saved. But it’s also time for us to wake up and pay serious attention to what’s happening in our world, and not be taken in by the mad rush for earthly power and glory that seems to be so widespread today, because you’ll end up selling your soul to Beelzebub if you do. And you know that means eternal separation from God; the worst thing that can ever happen to a child of God! So please be careful. Much LOVE!…trust in the Lord…wait on Him…do good…and He will uplift you in His time…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 December 2010 Mark 4:30
28 Dec 2010 Leave a comment
Mark 4:30. And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Happy Christmas Tuesday Friends! Oh yes, it’s still Christmas! In fact it should always be Christmas. Why? The Christmas spirit should prevail year round because we’re so joyful and happy that Jesus came to earth and bought us salvation and eternal life, that peace, joy and goodwill to all men would be a natural outgrowth of that positive emotion. Okay, so it’s a bit much to ask, but why dream small, when big dreams are so much more enjoyable and profitable eh? (smile) Oh Friends, the peace joy and goodwill of the season is till with us. Please pray that it doesn’t return to the old cutthroat, backstabbing, resentful, angry mode too soon, because we all know that it eventually will. To counteract that attitude though, we need to incorporate our Bit into the lives of as many people as possible. It’s jesus telling the parable of the mustard seed. ‘And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison (parable) shall we compare (picture) it?’ And that’s a very good question my people! But as always, Jesus provides an answer. And if anybody should know, it’s Him. ‘It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less (smaller) than all the seeds that be in the earth: But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air (birds) may lodge under the shadow (shade) of it.’ (Mark 4:31-32) Yes Friends, Jesus in His wisdom stuck with the agrarian comparisons because that’s what His listeners best understood. So He takes one of the smallest seeds on earth, the mustard seed, and paints the picture of it being planted, in rich, fertile soil now. Then when it grows, it becomes bigger than all the other herb trees which had larger seeds. In fact it’s so large, having great branches, that it provides a perch of shade, rest and comfort for the birds. Wow! Yes my people, that is how Jesus saw His kingdom being built. Though what He was doing at the time, preaching the message of salvation, seemed insignificant and not making much headway, He dreamed that it would eventually be promoted and promulgated till it encompassed the entire earth and all its inhabitants, providing both material and spiritual sustenance for all who took shade under it’s wide umbrella. Now that’s what you call a worthwhile and purposeful dream, my Friends! But to tell the truth, that’s the same way most things are built; starting small, from the ground up, putting down strong foundations, so that the resultant large edifice will not sink or topple over, because it’s well grounded. Each believer is also supposed to be like a grain of mustard seed. Whatever ministry God calls us to perform in His Name, we’ve got to plant it in fertile soil, then nourish and nurture it with His ever present help, and add it to the worldwide movement. Each of is is like a branch of the beautiful vine called Jesus, and we need to be fruitful and multiply so that we can increase the kingdom and make Jesus’ dream come true. However my people, we can only do that by staying in God’s good grace, by being obedient to His will, otherwise our ministry won’t flourish, and it will be eventually cut off the vine and burnt like trash. Now I doubt that any serious believer wants that to happen to them, so let’s all get out into the cruel and evil world and sow some good seed in some fertile ground. And the only way to truly do that is by LOVING our God, LIVING our Faith, and SPREADING the Word. Now please note that ALL three conditions are necessary to fulfill the job. And we’ll end with some scriptures that show some serious ministry and kingdom building in the Chruch’s early days. And the most obvious one is Peter’s address to the people at Pentecost, after the apostles received the power of the Holy Spirit. ‘And with many other words did he tetify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward (crooked) generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about thre thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.’ (Acts 2:40-42) Note too Friends, the most important thing in those verses is not so much that many people believed, but afterwards they continued believing and followed the dictates of the gospel. The quest is not for fly-by-night believers, but for eternal souls. Then there’s the time John and Peter were preaching in the temple, which caused them to be later imprisoned, but nonetheless the Good Book states: ‘Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of men was about five thousand.’ (Acts.4:4) Furthermore, during the apostles sojourn in Jerusalem they did so many signs and wonders amongst the people that all those afflicted with a malady flocked to the temple and its environs hoping to get healed. ‘And believers were the more (increasingly) added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.’ (Acts 5:14) And the last passage concerns Bruh Paul’s ministry in Ephesus. The Good Book proudly proclaims: ‘So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.’ (Acts 19:20) Oh Friends, the job of growing Jesus’ kingdom like a flourishing mustard tree is now ours. Have we embraced that duty with all our hearts, minds and souls? If not, then we should begin NOW! And if we have, let’s up the ante, because our world is on the brink of a truly violent and war-like period, and it’s only the far reaching tentacles of the Word that can ever bring it back from the disaster it’s currently courting. MuchLOVE!…for the children’s sake…let’s turn our world around…using the LOVE of Jesus…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 December 2010 Psalm 140:4
27 Dec 2010 Leave a comment
Psalm 140:4. Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday! A lucky day for some who have it off, because Christmas and Boxing Days fell on the weekend, but not so lucky for many who have to go back out and labour today. That means we still need to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. So let’s get right to 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 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 in light of what we just prayed, I believe we have a very suitable Bit, taken from Bruh David’s prayer for deliverance from evil men. ‘Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings (to make my steps stumble).’ And believe me Friends, there are many such people in our world. I’ve never been one to think evil of people, possibly because of my naivety (smile) and my upbringing, but sadly my brethren, over the last few years my eyes have truly been opened to the magnitude of wickedness and evil in our world, and often right below our unsuspecting noses. Thankfully, I still haven’t been undone by evil people. Although a few have betrayed me, none of them, for your information, have prospered more than me, neither materially nor spiritually. Praise be to a Most Faithful God! And since I’ve been writing this Bit, my faith and trust in the Most High has certainly increased. This has helped me to put those betrayals behind me, and still not look for deception in every nook and cranny. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been all wine and roses, but through the Lord’s great mercies, I have been saved several times from hitting rock bottom. And though there might be deception in and around us Friends, we can’t allow ourselves to focus on that, but rather be careful of whom you allow into your inner circle and concentrate on the good that God has in store for us. If we pay too much attention to darkness, or look for wickedness and deceit everywhere, we’ll just end up going nowhere, doing nothing worthwhile and thus producing no good fruit for the kingdom. Oh my people, the Lord has faithfully promised never to leave or forsake us, and if we have sincerely believed in His Word, then there’s no need to go around constantly seeking darkness in the light. Suffice it to know that darkness does exist, and occasionally it will try to overshadow our light. But then again, since light is stronger than darkness, and you can’t have shadows without light, we ought not to dwell on the evil that exists, but on the good that both surpasses and suppresses it. Remember too that our minds are God’s greatest invention, and what we think on, is usually what we become. Oh my brethren, when the forces of evil do come against us, we need to always turn to God first, and like the psalmist who cried for help in his old age, possibly plead: ‘Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up (upheld from birth) from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels (womb): my praise shall be continually of thee.’ (Ps.71:4-6) Yes Friends, let us not be afraid of the evil doers or of their evil ways, because as our Leader and Saviour, Jesus Christ has boldly and truthfully proclaimed: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) That’s gospel mih Friends, so please keep on standing strong and steadfast in the Lord Jesus, and don’t let the enemy frighten you, for once you have Christ’s mark on you, you’re untouchable. Much LOVE!…oh believers…let the light of Jesus in you…brightly shine forth…into a dark and evil world…that’s our mandate…
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