SCRIP-BITS

1 Timothy 6:7.     For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Eight days and counting Friends, to that momentous day when Christ our Saviour was born! And all God’s people sang out: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ And I have to chuckle, because the Holy Spirit pulled another fast one on me. Three days ago, I had no intention of counting down the days to Christmas, but in searching for an intro it just occurred to me – or so I thought – that there were ten days left to the big day, and I simply mentioned it. However the Spirit obviously had other ideas, and last night I was made aware that there were nine days left, and I mentioned it. Then suddenly the light went on: ‘Oh, I was being led to countdown the days to Christmas, for whatever purpose!’ Ah Friends, just another instance showing that our great God moves in mysterious ways which are much too high for our comprehension. I guess we’ll eventually find out why He wants us to count them down. Anyway mih people, today is Friday, and I can hear you all chomping at the bit to chant our Friday Chant. So without further ado, Friends, let’s chant: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And having said all of that Friends, please don’t go and kill out yourselves with a set of shopping, baking, cooking, cleaning, wrapping gifts, and all the hundred and one things we think we need to do before Christmas Day. For when the big day finally comes, you’ll be too tired and burnt out to enjoy it in the true spirit in which it was meant to be enjoyed. Oh Friends, Christmas has become so secular and worldly things oriented that we’ve forgotten the true reason for the season; the Birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the only Son that our God sent to die and pay for our sins with His innocent, holy life. That’s the true purpose for the season! But things are so bad, that some of us have never even learned it, and consider all the hullabaloo about gifts, holidays, eating and drinking as what it’s all about. These days, very few of us actually take time to sit down quietly and reflect on the great occasion, so taken up are we with the things surrounding it. But Friends, as Bruh Paul so rightly reminded Timothy: ‘For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.’ So please, let’s stop focusing on the things of this world, and instead focus on Jesus nuh, for He is the reason for the season. Without His Birth, there would be no holidays in December. And do me a favour; the next time anybody wishes you Happy Holidays, please ask them what holidays they’re talking about, and why is December such a joyous holiday season? And if they can’t give you the right answer, or try to tell you some nansi story, please let them know in no uncertain terms that it’s the celebration of Christ’s Birth, and the right greeting should be Merry Christmas, highlighting the fact that that’s the cause for the yearly celebration, and is not just a time for greedy business people to make more money, or simply a time to eat drink and be merry. Oh mih people, it’s high time we put Christ back into Christmas, and not let all the other ancillary activities draw our focus away from Him, for it’s the first of the Big Four occasions He introduced that saved our sinful souls. We’re talking about Jesus’ Birth, Death, Resurrection and Ascension, without which we’d all be certainly following Beelzebub to Hades at the end times. And all God’s people joyfully sang: ‘Praise to the Lamb, who redeemed our sinful souls and reconciled us to the Father!’ Ah mih people, it’s a sad but true fact that the world, including many of us believers, are now more focused on worldly things than on spiritual matters. But just to remind us of the fallacy of that negative direction, let’s listen to some scripture that proves otherwise. First up is the father of all patience, Job, just after he found out the sudden misfortune that had befallen him. ‘Then Job arose and rent (tore) his mantle (robe), and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’ (Job 1:20-21)  Losing his family and all his possessions was obviously a hard blow to accept, but thankfully Job realized that earthly stuff was not the end all and be all of life, but the God of his fathers’ was. I pray that many more of us would come to that wise conclusion since it would make all our lives so much easier and happier. Unfortunately though, we spend too much time wanting and hungering after worldly things and not enough hungering after God. Now hear the psalmist as he directs us to trust in God, not in wealth. ‘Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.’ (Ps.49:16-17) We see it happen everyday Friends, yet we still do all manner of evil things to build up earthly wealth. When are we going to understand the futility of living to amass earthly wealth eh? Cousin Sol also warns of this foolish attitude, and he should know having been recognized as the wisest and richest man who ever lived, but who could find no higher purpose on earth than to serve and worship God. ‘There is a sore (severe) evil which I have seen under the sun, namely riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail (misfortune): and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.’ (Eccl.5:13-15) Oh Friends, I’m imploring us, especially this Christmas season, when the things of the world are uppermost in our minds and hearts, please, let’s no go overboard, let’s take a moderate view, refrain from the tempting glitz and glamour, and instead put some of that effort into concentrating on the real reason for the season; the Birth of Jesus Christ. However we cut up the pie, it’s only when His serving is the largest, that our lives will be filled with peace, LOVE, joy and hope! And isn’t that what we’re all about? Much LOVE!…happy holidays is bland and meaningless…but Merry Christmas…is what the season’s all about…

Proverbs 13:25.     The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.
 
Nine more days Friends! Only nine more days to one of the biggest celebrations and most eventful occasions in the annals of mankind; Christmas Day! That special, special day when our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born, causing the angels and shepherds to fill the night with song and heartfelt rejoicing and those three kings to come from afar to pay homage to one greater than them, bringing their best earthly gifts of frankincense, gold and myrrh. Wow! Can you imagine that Friends? In those days of camel and donkey travel, those three wise and powerful men must have received a very powerful and compelling message to make them travel all that distance to see what many considered an ordinary baby boy of low earthly estate, lying in a rough, crude stable surrounded by dirty animals. But Friends, through the mighty Spirit of the Most High God, those three men, led by that unusually bright and shining star, knew that they were going on a most worthwhile mission, to be a part of history, to see God personified. They ventured so far from their homes because the righteousness of their hearts propelled them to that humble stable in Bethlehem, where a momentous occasion in history was being played out, and they desired greatly to be a part of it. And they have been immortalized, both in the Good Book and in song: ‘We three kings of Orient are. Bearing gifts, we traverse afar. Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star…’ And just like those kings, my friends, we ought to feel a bubbling up, a wellspring of joy rising in our souls to celebrate this awesome season of our Saviour’s Birth. And as Cousin Sol so rightly points out in our Bit: ‘The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.’ Oh Friends, we can take that both literally and figuratively. Literally, meaning that the righteous eat till they’re satisfied, while the wicked are greedy and gluttonous. And figuratively, as we shall take it, the righteous is satisfied and contented with whatever they have at any particular time, while the wicked are never satisfied, but always desire more. As Bruh Paul states: ‘Not that I speak in respect of want (in regard of need): for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.’ (Phil.4:11) Yes my people, that’s one of the many instances where the righteous lord it over the wicked; we’re not greedy and ‘gravalicious,’ but know how to be satisfied with whatever we have. That doesn’t mean we’re not supposed to want more, but simply until more comes, we’re contented at that level. And furthermore Friends, the righteous have strong support from the Lord, as Cousin Sol proudly proclaims: ‘The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance (desire) of the wicked…Blessings are upon the head of the just (righteous): but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.’ (Prov.10:3,6) Oh mih breddren, how much more encouragement do we need eh, to see that the righteous lead a much better life than the wicked? We shouldn’t need anymore. But just in case, (smile) here’s some more. ‘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) And for good measure, hear Bruh David, who’s talking from personal experience, not hearsay. ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever (always) merciful, and his seed (descendants) is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for ever more.’ (Ps.37:23-27) Oh my people, there’s no way to dispute those soul-deep words, for Bruh David was both righteous and sinful and consequently experienced God’s blessings but also felt His wrath and punishment. However, because overall he was a righteous man who sincerely sought his God, Jehovah could call him His Friend, and a man after His own heart. Wow! Oh my brethren, that’s the acclamation we should all be seeking from the Lord; to be worthy enough to be called His Friend and a man after His own heart. That’s what I pray everyday my people, because when you’ve reached that stage, it means you’ve earned God’s trust in friendship, and that your heart operates as close as possible to that of the Creator Himself. What an awesome experience that must be mih people! It certainly can’t get any better than that! But Friends, we can never attain to such glory unless we practice true righteousness, because that’s what it takes to come to God and earn His trust and Friendship. And we’ll close with some more incentive to work towards that glorious goal. Listen to these words of Bruh David when he narrowly escaped death and changed his behaviour before Abimelech the priest. (1 Sam.21) The Psalm’s rightly entitled, ‘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) That’s self-explanatory my people. All I can add to that is a loud, sincere, AMEN! Oh Friends, let’s smarten up and begin choosing righteousness over wickedness nuh, for wickedness doesn’t pay in the long run, and Jesus’ people are long term believers. Much LOVE!…the unrighteous will spend a rough eternity in Hades with Lucifer…while the righteous will enjoy the comfort of salvation and eternal life with Jesus…your choice…
 

Hosea 9:7.     The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.
 
Oh Friends, it’s only another ten days to that exciting and rejoicing time in Christianity, Christmas Day! That’s when we celebrate the miraculous birth of out Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! Note I didn’t say ten shopping days till Christmas, because I’m not interested in the shopping aspect, though that’s what many people are caught up with. They’re not interested in celebrating new birth and what it means to a sad, disgraced world. Hn! Riddle I this nuh! When a baby is born in this evil world, do we run out and do stuff and ignore the baby itself? I don’t think so. We might buy a few gifts and have a small celebration, but most of the focus is on the child itself. We gush in wonder over the miracle that’s birth; how beautiful the baby is, contending, sometimes hypocritically, how much they look like their mother, father or some other family member, with everybody wanting to touch and hold the new born, for they are the centre of attention. So why then, in Jesus’ case, do we forget and/or ignore, the most important and influential new born ever, and focus on the celebrations instead? I suppose that in a world that has become so secular, religious events and celebrations have lost much of their significance, especially in Christianity. But whatever the reason(s) Friends, here’s a quote by Antoine de St. Exupery, the French born aviator and writer (1900-1944), which gives us good direction for these turbulent times. It simply says: ‘In these times one must write with one’s life. This is the challenge to us all.’ And it’s the truth mih people! We all have to fight and battle in some circumstance or the other, and can leave a worthwhile mark on the world with our lives or not. As believers in Jesus Christ, we’re challenged to leave a good mark, to make a good difference with our lives, and it’s up to us to rise above whatever adversity we face, with Jesus’ help of course. In some cases the choices are ours to make, then there are others where the choices are made for us. In the latter instances, we just have to make the best of the hands we’re dealt, but when we’re asked to step up to the plate, it’s our responsibility to make good and godly decisions. I think this ties in very nicely with our Bit: ‘The days of visitation (punishment) are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad (insane), for the multitude (greatness) of thine iniquity, and the great hatred (enmity).’ These crazy, confused, disastrous days can certainly be considered as the days of visitation, of punishment, of recompense for our great wrongdoing and our great multitude of sins. But we believers have to rise up in these uncertain times and make the right decisions about our lives and the lives of those around us. Are we going to be afraid or are we going to stand strong and courageous in these troubled times? Obviously it’s much easier to run scared and hide inside our little nests. However, if we desire to be true followers of Jesus, that’s not the decision for us, because Jesus never ran from any adversity. Of course He encountered difficulties and was sorely tempted, but He faced up to all the adversity like a man and wrote His story with His life. Oh Friends, that’s what we’re called upon to do now. When the roll is called up yonder, we must all be proud to step out in confidence, knowing that we have made a good difference on this earth, that our lives were like shining beacons that drew others to Christ. Wow! So although our time is evil and warlike, with fools for prophets, as Jeremiah lamented: ‘Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish (false and deceptive) things for thee: and they have not discovered (uncovered) thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (false and misleading prophecies).’ (Lam.2:14) And though many of our spiritual people be mad, falling under Micah’s condemnation: ‘If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie (should walk in a false spirit and speak a lie), saying, I will prophecy (preach) unto thee of (concerning) wine and of strong drink; He shall even be the prophet (preacher, word dropper) of this people.’ (Mic.2:11) But in spite of all that negativity my people, there is hope, and we are expected to make Christ-like decisions in our lives, based on the words of Jesus. ‘Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers (various) places. All these things are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted (tribulation), and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax (grow) cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ (Matt.24:4-14) Yes Friends, those are the words we ought to live by, not those of false prophets, corrupt leaders and mad spiritualists, of which there are many in our world trying to lead God’s children astray, trying to lead us into the evil clutches of Beelzebub. But please Friends, let’s not allow them to do so. Let’s stand firmly rooted in Jesus! Let’s look to our Sovereign Lord for guidance, not the false, crazy and corrupt shysters of this evil world. And if we’re not afraid, but take a strong stand for Jesus, it will pay enormous dividends in the end. Remember, we’re not interested in Lucifer’s short-term goals, but in the long-term prospects of Jesus. So stick with Jesus, and He’ll stick with you. It’s the wisest decision you’ll ever make. Much LOVE!…Lucifer’s short term goals…earthly wealth and power…Jesus’ long term assurances…salvation and eternal life…your choice…
 

Hosea 9:7.    The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, the ole fella’s alive and kicking! Well not kicking as powerfully as I would like, but kicking much better than I was yesterday morning at this time. The knee surgery seems to have been very successful. Would you believe that I have less pain now than before, even though the knee is all cut up? Either the Lord intervened miraculously, or the opiates were real good, or even both. (smile) Oh Friends, it was certainly a spiritually awakening day in my life! I remember lying on the hard, narrow operating room table, laughing and talking with the two nurses and two doctors and listening to some music in the background, then next thing I was waking up in Recovery, bright eyed and bushy tailed, like after a good rest. I don’t have a clue as to what went on in the O.R Room. Thank you medical staff. But what amazes me most Friends, is my total lack of worry or concern over the whole procedure. While my family was anxious and concerned, the ole fella never batted an eyelash in worry. I just wanted to get it over and done with. And surprisingly too, although I had almost a two hour wait above the appointed time, I didn’t even have a small fit. I was cool as a cucumber, not even praying as much as would possibly be expected; just standing strong and surrendering it all to the Lord. And even more heartening is that since I came home, after a short nap, I’ve been up and about, doing my usual do, obviously against my family’s desire, finally getting in the Christmas spirit, singing and munching on some Christmas goodies and generally making a nuisance of myself. (smile) But how to please people eh? When I’m cranky and miserable, they complain. Now that I’m joy filled in the Christian groove, they’re still complaining. Oh my people, all of that just shows and tells me that I’ve climbed another rung in the Christian maturity ladder. Wow! Please join me in a short prayer of thanksgiving. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, your humble servants praise your Holy Name and offer plenty, plenty, plenty thanks for bringing the ole fella through this surgery so successfully. In particular for allowing me not to miss a beat in continuing to spread your Holy Word. We know that you answer the prayers of those who sincerely seek you, and I know it’s not my prayers alone that you answered yesterday, but also those of all who prayed for me. Oh Father, we sincerely thank you and bless your Holy Name, also asking that you continue to shower us with your mercy and blessings as we continue our efforts to further your kingdom. We humbly pray this in the righteous and victorious blood of your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen!’ And thank you too Friends, who prayed for me, because there’s usually a greater chance of success in numbers. But on a more serious note, it seems that the winter weather is still playing havoc in South Western Ontario, in the Sarnia area, near the U.S border with Detroit. A State of Emergency has been declared in that area, where Police and Emergency Medical Service staff are busy trying to rescue some 300 persons stranded on Highway 402 because of the extreme weather conditions. Even the relief people are having a hard time getting to the scene. In some places plows could not even clear the roads because of reduced visibility caused by the high winds, and many roads remain impassable. Oh Friends let’s pray for all those caught up in that emergency, for if you’ve never been stranded on a lonely, isolated road in a serious snow storm it can get very scary. It’s very easy to get lost or in a serious accident driving in poor visibility. And if you decide to pull over and stop, then you can have someone else run in to your vehicle, or run out of gas and just simply freeze to death in the vehicle. Getting out and trying to walk is possibly the worse thing you can do, for then you’ll definitely get lost and end up freezing to death in some snow bank or snow covered field. So Friends, although the snowy weather may seem romantic and adventurous, it’s no joking matter. I’ve had my fair share of escapades during my thirty odd years in the country and can testify that some have been real scary. Meanwhile out in Alberta, near Edmonton, wild forest fires are burning out of control, and on the West Coast, in Vancouver, the recent shooting of 10 people out there, near to the Mayor’s house, are being linked to gang violence erupting at a house party. Now if it’s not safe close to the Mayor’s residence, where is it safe eh? And on the East Coast of this great country of Canada, much rain and strong winds of up to 130 kms per hour are being forecasted for the early part of the week, another variant of the major storm hitting the U.S North East and Canada. Now Friends, those are only a few of the serious negative things happening within Canada. Can you then imagine the negative situations taking place over the entire world? Right now they surely do seem to outweigh the positive ones. Some of you are possibly even asking, what positive situations are there in our evil, warmongering, greedy, violent, oppressive world. Some of you are even thinking, like Hosea did, that ‘The days of visitations (punishment) are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad (insane), for the multitude (greatness) of thine iniquity, and the great hatred (enmity).’ And you may be right. But Friends, there are positives in our world, positives that are much greater and more powerful than the negatives. And the first and foremost is that the Lord God Jehovah is still sitting on His throne in the high heavens, and He is still running things in the entire universe. And it’s of the utmost importance we believe that, for if we don’t, then all hope is lost. Another important and powerful positive is that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave His innocent life as a sacrifice for our sins, is now sitting at His Father’s right hand, advocating on our behalf. And believe me Friends, there’s no better advocate in all the world than our Jesus! And to back it all up, we have the immense power of the Good Book, God’s infallible Word, which contains all His promises and His faithfulness in keeping those promises if we do His will. That’s a most wonderful positive too! So my people, despite all the evil and confusion currently reigning in our world, things are not completely hopeless, for once the Lord is in control, there’s abundant hope. We just have to believe, to have faith, to work and think positively in accordance with the scriptures, aided by the personal experiences we’ve had as believers. So please, let’s not allow all the negatives in our own lives and the world at large to get us down, because we know and hold the ONE trump card that can turn it all around in a moment; the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is His Name; Creator of the universe and all therein, the Great Provider and Safe Keeper. And Friends, it’s so beautiful and powerful to know that when we rest within His protection, no harm can come to us. Ah mih people, the Bit’s been a bit of a hodge podge, but it contains many essential truths, positive testimony and above all God’s unconditional LOVE, therefore it must be beneficial in many respects. (smile) Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll continue with it. Till then, please, let’s go forth in joy and peace to LOVE our God, SPREAD His Holy Word and LIVE our vibrant and energizing Faith. Much LOVE!…never lose HOPE…for while there is life…HOPE is always present…
 

Hosea 9:7.    The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.

Hebrews 4:1.     Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.

Joel 1:3.    Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.

1 John 2:15.    Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him.

Oh Friends, I hear and see you all jumping, singing and shouting: ‘TGIF, TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ But hang on a minute nuh, don’t get too carried away, for remember Friday is just starting, you still have to go out and labour today. (smile) However, to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much verve and gusto. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And hopefully the heavy snowfall promised for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) happens mostly on the weekend when there’s not that much traffic on the roads. But coming to think of it, that’s certainly not as true as it was just a few years ago. Now everyday, Saturday and Sunday included, the roads are jammed packed with traffic. Where’s everybody going? I don’t know. And the trouble is that they’re rushing around madly just like during the week. I guess this Christmas season will only intensify the mad rush, for a lot of it has to with our Bit: ‘Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him.’ Yes Friends, a lot of that weekend traffic consists of those who are foolishly in love with the world and its evil, deceptive things. That’s why they’re on the road; they’re going to indulge themselves in some worldly or fleshly lust. And as John continues after the Bit: ‘For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.’ (1 John 2:16-17) Oh Friends, those words are so true that they’re frightening! Pride, evil lusts and desires are so much a part of our world today that it boggles the imagination. Unfortunately my people, those ungodly things now rule our world, and and we all know that they should not. Where and why have we gone wrong? Bruh Paul wrote thus to the Galatians: ‘Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world (age), according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.’ (Gal.1:3-5) Oh my brethren, Christ died for us, sacrificed His Holy, Innocent, Righteous self for us on that infernal cross so that we could be free from sin. And two thousand years later, what are we doing? Wallowing with glee and pleasure in that same sin; like pigs wallow contentedly in mud! What a crying shame my people! Our sinful, ungodly behaviour is making a mockery of Jesus’ sacrificial death. If we’re content to wallow in the proud, sinful desires and lusts of this world, then Jesus might have been much better of staying in heaven where He belonged, and was surely much more appreciated. Our evil behaviour certainly doesn’t say much about the reverence, respect and LOVE that we have for Jesus and the Father, otherwise we wouldn’t be so involved in the wicked affairs of the world. Oh Friends, please listen closely to James as he tells us what is what. Like Bruh Paul, he doesn’t mince words here. In fact the times are so evil now, that they definitely are not conducive to mincing words. ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whoso- ever therefore will (wants to) be a friend of the world is the (makes himself an) enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy (yearns jealously)? But he giveth more grace. wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye doubleminded. Be afflicted (lament), and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness (gloom). Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:4-10) And all God’s people bowed their heads and said a quiet Amen. Why? Because they were ashamed. Their hearts and consciences had outed them, shown them up for what they truly were; lovers of the world and all it’s fleshly lusts and desires. Oh Friends, the only way to overcome this shameful behaviour is to repent before God, and ask Him to mercifully cleanse our hearts, souls and minds of any behaviour that’s unpleasing to Him, then help us to stay steadfast and strong on the true, but rather narrow path which leads to Him. My people, if we’re too in love with the world, then it’s time to stop RIGHT NOW! Hopefully we all know the state of our hearts and what evil lurks there. And if we’re not sure, please petition God to show us it immediately so that we can repent and change before it’s too late. My people, we’ll close with a verse of scripture that dates way back when, but which is still very applicable today. Our God is speaking through His servant Moses: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.’ (Deut.6:4-5) Oh Friends, He didn’t say anything about loving the world with the passion we do today. It’s Him, our God, that we must LOVE passionately. Please, let’s stop loving the world and start LOVING our God instead nuh. Only then will we be set free from the fleshly lusts and emotions of this evil world.. Much LOVE!…remember…in this evil world…all that glitters is not gold…but is mostly brass plated…

1 John 2:15.    Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him.
 
A blessed Thursday to all you Friends and believers, wherever you are in this evil ungodly world! Greetings from the Most High God Jehovah, who has looked down with concern and dismay on the afflictions of His earthly children. He has seen them abused, suppressed, oppressed, persecuted and killed all because of their great faith in Him. And believe me people, His heart is heavy, but unfortunately we’ve got to follow the plan He put in place long ago; sending His only Son Jesus to die for our disgusting sins, so that whoever believed in Him would be gracefully granted the gift of salvation, which would eventually lead to eternal life with our Triune God. And don’t you think the Father knows that we’ll all encounter some rough times down here? He sure does. And so does Jesus, our Saviour, Advocate, etc. etc. Jesus knows it from first hand experience down here on earth, for He endured such hardship down here that most of us will never even come close to undergoing. So Friends, when the trials and tribulations of this world beset us, both before and behind, please don’t give up or give in. Please take solace in the thought that our heavenly Father knows and sees all, and in His time will reward us for our steadfast faith in His Son Jesus, and will exact the necessary vengeance from the wicked followers of Beelzebub. That means we truly don’t have much to worry about, just mainly keeping ourselves as free and unspotted from the world as possible. As John so rightly says in our Bit: ‘Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any many love the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him.’ And I didn’t capitalize all the ‘loves’ because I don’t think that ‘love’ for the world should be lifted up, much less compared to or placed on the same pedestal as the Father’s LOVE. Anyway Friends, the reasoning behind John’s directive is simple; loving the world and the things in it are a curse, anathema to the believer’s soul. It leads us to all kinds of wrongdoing, idol worshipping and things that don’t gel with Jesus’ directives, His bright and eternal future for us. He came to earth and died for us, so that we could be released from the darkness of this evil world. Consequently, being enamoured of the world and its things will only return us to the sinful darkness that Jesus died so innocently and sacrificially to release us from. In other words, we’d be making a mockery of Jesus’ terrible death on the cross. It would have been a waste of time, all for nought. And that my Friends, is one thing we certainly cannot afford to let happen! Listen to Bruh Paul put it in his blunt, to the point manner: ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom.12:1-2) Yes Friends, once that Holy Spirit comes to live in us, we need to change our entire lives, our entire way of thinking, talking and doing; forsaking the world and all the tempting temptations it holds, and accepting instead the grace, mercy, forgiveness and spiritual salvation wrought so dearly for us by Jesus’ ransomed death. Bruh Paul broke it down further for the Ephesians: ‘If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) according to the deceitful lusts; And be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place (an opportunity) to the devil. Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph.4:21-32) Oh Friends, I never intended to print all of that, but as I read it through, looking for an appropriate place to stop, I couldn’t find any, because everything there deals with being a new person in Christ, with putting away the old things of the world. The Spirit also seemed to agree, since He raised no dissenting voice. And sometimes too, we need more than just a general reminder of a particular doctrine, we need more individual do’s and don’ts to help up us actually and faithfully put it into practice. That’s what this section of Bruh Paul’s letter to the Ephesians does; it provides us with useful, everyday pointers of the kind of behaviour we ought to refrain from and the kind we must embrace, if we want to become true believers. And as you can imagine, it has used up all of our space and time, so we’ll continue this very important topic tomorrow, God willing of course. Although I don’t see why He would object, since we’re only trying to LOVE our God, LIVE our Faith, and SPREAD His Word. Till tomorrow then, keep in good standing with the Lord, and He will bless all your endeavours. Much LOVE!…through rose tinted glasses…the world certainly looks deceptively beautiful…but to the naked eye…its real ugliness and deceptiveness is revealed…

Luke 4:43.    And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
 
Oh Friends, it’s finally dawned on me that winter is here. Yes people, the little snow and the dire cold of the last few days, made even worse by strong, cold February and March like winds, finally woke me from my reverie. And what’s worse is the promise of lots of snow this weekend, comparable to what’s now gripping the city of London, some seventy odd miles down the road. They are certainly having a rough go of it. Can’t dig themselves out fast enough, before they’re inundated with more snow. Let’s pray for them Friends in their time of need. Perhaps I could do like Jesus, when they asked Him to stay in Capernaum: ‘And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.’ However, I’ll have to move to somewhere warm, with no snow and cold icy winds. (smile) Jesus though didn’t move out of the area, He went around preaching in other cities of Galilee. As Matthew describes it: ‘And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness (every sickness) and all manner of disease (every disease) among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers (various) diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils (demons), and those which were lunatic (epileptics), and those that had the palsy (were paralyzed); and he healed them. And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.’ (Matt.4:23-25) And according to the scholars, Jesus’ Galilean ministry was a very significant feat, since no prophet had arisen in Israel for over four hundred years. Then suddenly that silence was broken by the proclamation of the Gospel, the Good News of God’s kingdom, by John the Baptist and Jesus. The people must have felt relieved to hear something good and promising after all those years of silence. But yuh know Friends, if there’s only one thing we can learn from Jesus, let it be His strong, steadfast dedication to the job He was sent to do, as our Bit shows. He knew that he was only on earth for a short period and during that time had to get His message as far and wide as possible. That’s why he never stayed in one place for too long, especially after hearing that John the Baptist had been imprisoned. That meant He was the only one then going around preaching: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand (near): repent ye, and believe (in) the gospel.’ (Mark 1:15) We also see Jesus’ dedication to His mission after talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. When His disciples brought Him food and told Him to eat, His reply was: ‘I have meat (food) to eat that ye know not of.’ (John 4:32) This made the disciples wonder if someone else had brought Him food while they were away foraging for some. But Jesus passionately informed them: ‘My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’ (John 4:34) Though Jesus had to consume some physical food to stay alive as a human, He considered the sacred mission entrusted to him by His Father much more important than food for the body. The winning of souls for His Father acted like spiritual food for His own soul and took first place in His life. Oh my brethren, do we take our work for Jesus as seriously as He took His for His Father? I certainly hope so. We obviously can’t come up to Jesus’ work ethic, but we can surely strive for excellence in all matters, as he desires of His followers. Now listen as Matthew further describes the situation when Jesus went around teaching and healing in Galilee. ‘But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted (were weary), and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.’ (Matt.9:36-38) Yes Friends, Jesus was filled with compassion for the great number of lost humans, wandering forlornly like sheep without a shepherd. This brings us to the very important question: Do we have compassion on those who are sick, weary, tired and lost? Our answer ought to be an instant affirmative. If not, then we’re not following in Jesus’ footsteps. And Friends, please note, as He told the disciples that the harvest was great but only a few reapers to gather it, that very same situation, if not a worse one, also exists today. There are millions of unbelievers out there in the evil, mixed up world, who have never heard of Jesus, but sadly, only a few, a miniscule amount in comparison, to bring them to Him, to repentance and salvation. We are now those labourers Jesus spoke of my people. Our job is to go out there into the plenteous fields of the evil and ungodly and harvest them for Him. But to do that successfully we need to be strong, steadfast and serious about the job He has entrusted to us, just like He was in doing the Father’s will. And I know that some of you wondered what yesterday’s sermon (smile) had to do with the Bit. But Friends, I’m here to tell us that it had everything to do with it. For it reflected our lack of doing Jesus’ work by letting the evil minions of Lucifer demean and desecrate the Holy Birth of Jesus and the great spiritual awakening it stands for. We allowed them to minimize its significance so that now many have no idea, much less proper regard for the true value of Christmas. So don’t think it was just some rant from the Holy Spirit through me. It was taking all of us to task, for we had not fulfilled our jobs as true labourers in reaping the harvest of unbelievers. Instead, we allowed the plentiful harvest to stay and rot in the fields, making it very fertile ground for Lucifer and his evil cohorts. And I hope we are ashamed and truly repentant for our lack of diligence in harvesting the significant crop of ripe unbelievers. And now, having seen how Jesus put His hand to the plough and never looked back, I hope that we will be much more aware of our duty and perform it in a much more diligent manner. Oh Friends, if we don’t up the ante, and do much better than we’ve done, then we’ll be letting Jesus down, sadly disappointing Him. And one thing He made sure of, was not to disappoint His Father. He carried out His mission with flying colours! Let’s try to do the same with ours nuh. And I just LOVE it when we are able to close with Jesus’ words on any topic. Hear these now, and let them bring light to out hearts, souls and minds, my brethren. ‘I must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ (John 9:4-5) Please remember Friends, we are now entrusted to be the light of the world, so let’s go out and be such. Till we meet again, God in favour, please walk safely with Him. Much LOVE!…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)