SCRIP-BITS

Romans 1:16.      For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:16.    For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Isaiah 56:1.    Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgement, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
 
Oh Friends: ‘It’s raining, it’s raining, on this Black Friday morning. Wonder how it will affect the shopping?’ Yes, it’s Black Friday Friends, the day after the U.S. Thanksgiving, the latest incarnation of shopping days in our calendar year. And like almost everything the U.S adopts, we in the Great White North, seem to do the same. Why eh? They changed their daylight savings time, so we changed ours. Now we’re picking up the Black Friday nonsense too, to encourage shoppers to spend what little hard-earned currency they possess, North, instead of South of the border. Wonder how the merchants will fare, with so many people not working, and the few that are, still suffering from the recent economic meltdown. But however that plays out people, we’ll still shout: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ Now let’s chant our Friday 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.’ Remember though Friends, that it’s important to hear Isaiah’s appeal to keep God’s judgements, but even more so, to put it into practice. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgement (justice), and do justice (righteousness): for my salvation is near (about) to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.’ According to the scholars, Isaiah here introduces God’s message of condemnation on those who refuse to repent, as contrasted with His message of salvation to all who repent. So now we’re getting what will happen if we don’t repent, as opposed to if we do. And Isaiah continues: ‘Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it (from defiling it), and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.’ (Is.56:2) So Friends, we are blessed if we seek justice and righteousness, if we don’t defile the Sabbath, and if we do no evil. But the problem is that we can’t wait too long to do those things: ‘for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.’ Yes my people, God’s judgement and salvation can come at any time, that’s why we need to be prepared. You’ll notice, that from Creation to the final end times, God has a grand plan in place, where He reveals Himself and His plans to man in increasing amounts through the prophets. They made us aware of God’s purpose for our lives on this earth. Isaiah spoke of the salvation and judgement to come, the Messiah all the things surrounding Him. Daniel amplified it in deciphering Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian king’s dream: ‘And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break (crush) in pieces and consume (put an end to) all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.’ (Dan.2:44) Then later on, John the Baptist was the harbinger of more imminent news, as he preached: ‘And saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’ (Matt.3:2-3) Yes my brethren, from way back in Isaiah 40:3, the prophet spoke of one coming to call for repentance and to make the way clear for the Messiah’s arrival. That didn’t happen until centuries later, but as we said, the Lord had a plan to reveal little by little the marvellous things in store for mankind. As John, when admonishing the Pharisees and Sadducees for their sinfulness, informed them: ‘I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose (winnowing) fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his (threshing) floor, and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’ (Matt.3:11-12) Strong words my people, but our God is truthful, and so said, so done. Jesus arrived on the scene, just like Isaiah had foretold in Is.9:1-2. ‘The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up (has dawned). From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (near).’ (Matt.4:16-17) Wow! What accurate forecasting mih breddren! From Isaiah, through Daniel, to John, then to the Real McCoy; Jesus! Only wish our weather forecasters could be so good. (smile) But we need to cut them some slack, for theirs is an inexact science. Please note Friends, what Jesus preached on; repentance, for God’s kingdom was in the offing. He also advised the disciples: ‘And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ (Matt.10:7) Just goes to show how important He considered that statement. Oh my people, what the Lord has given us in the last two thousand years is a chance, an inordinately long time to get right with Him. Jesus came, preached the need for repentance, died on the cross, rose again and ascended so that salvation and eternal life were available. After that it was up to us to accept His most generous offer. Now Friends, our earthly Commercial Law says we have the right to refuse or accept any offers, and can’t be held accountable unless we accept the offers. However, there’s a big difference between that and Jesus’ offer. If we refuse His offer of salvation and eternal life, then we’re held accountable by Almighty God. Accept and we’re fine. Refuse…hn! You’re up the creek with no paddle! And what’s so dangerous about that offer is that we have no idea when it’s going to end or expire. Even Jesus didn’t know. Two thousand years later, we’re still waiting for His Second Coming. Now He could come today, tomorrow, or even two thousand years later. But Friends, are you willing to take that chance and keep putting off your repentance and salvation? I certainly hope not, for it’s a very unwise decision. Please remember Jesus’ parable about the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom at the wedding feast, comparing them to heaven. Five were wise and five foolish. The five foolish ones took no extra oil for their lamps, and as luck would have it, the bridegroom got delayed, so by the time he arrived the lamps of the five foolish virgins had run out of oil. And the wise ones refused to give them any, just in case theirs ran out too after sharing. So the five foolish ones left to go and buy oil. But unfortunately, by the time they returned the door was locked, and though they cried for entry, it was all in vain. And the moral of the story, as Jesus so aptly puts it: ‘Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt.25:13) Oh Friends, I can’t say it any better, so we’ll close on that definitive note from the Master. Consequently, let’s take serious stock of our lives; repent and receive salvation, so that if Jesus comes today, right now, we’ll all be ready. Till we meet again, God in favour, go in peace and LOVE. Much LOVE!…be wise…always carry extra oil…so that whenever Jesus comes…your lamp will be burning brightly…
 

2 Chronicles 7:14.    If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
                                             

HAPPY  THANKSGIVING  DAY  U.S.A!

Oh Friends, I don’t know if I’m being obedient or not here, but when I opened the Good Book, I saw a passage that seemed suitable for Today’s Bit. I even researched it. But deep down I was drawn to 2 Chronicles 7:14, especially since I’d just sent the e-mail that dealt with it. So, in my indecision, I turned to it. Next thing…I was researching and writing on it! Them’s the ways our God moves! Before we get into it though, let me wish all our Friends and Families in the U.S. a Happy Thanksgiving Day! Eat, drink and be merry! But please, also give sincere thanks for all you’ve been blessed with, don’t just use it as an excuse to stuff your faces and party. For those of who don’t realize it, our Bit is part of a covenant the Lord made with Cousin Sol when he dedicated the newly built temple. And the amazing thing Friends, is that the wording is so simple and straightforward that even a first-grader could understand it. That brings to mind something I read today about faith and belief, where the author stated that when we were children it was so easy for us to believe, but as we get older, and potentially smarter, it gets much harder to believe. And there’s a lot of truth to it. But anyway, let’s check out our Bit and see if can understand it, but more importantly, believe it and put it into practice. ‘If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ Oh mih breddren, what part of that don’t we understand eh? Let’s break it down: ‘If my people, which are called by name…’ From way back when Moses told the Israelites: ‘The Lord shall establish thee a holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee, if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee. And the Lord shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers to give thee.’ (Deut.28:9-11) Oh Friends, the Lord kept His promise to the Israelites, and also to our more recent forefathers on this side of the Atlantic. And we believers of today are the inheritors of that promise. But unfortunately, along the way we’ve regressed; become soft, indecisive and wishy washy, till now, nobody is any longer afraid of us. That’s why Lucifer and his evil-doers were able to turn the land to such unprecedented heights of ungodliness while we just stood idly by and watched, possibly complaining in low tones, but doing nothing to really stop it. Now listen to Isaiah, as he talks of the Lord, the only redeemer. ‘Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west…. Even everyone that is called by name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.’ (Is.43:5,7) Yes Friends, all the redeemed are the Lord’s, and since we consider ourselves redeemed, then we are indeed the Lord’s, called by His name. So the first part of the Bit definitely pertains to us. Now the second part clearly states that if those called by the Lord’s name, ‘shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways…’ Again Friends, plain, simple, straightforward words. And the first thing required to gain the Lord’s attention is to humble ourselves. Absolutely nothing will be achieved if we seek Him in pride and arrogance, in our own strength, since He has no time for those who consider themselves too good or too big to bow to Him. Hear the Good Book tell it. This is during Shishak’s invasion of Judah. ‘Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak. Whereupon the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves; and they said, The Lord is righteous. And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves; therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance; and my wrath shall not be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.’ (2 Chron.12:5-7) That’s self-explanatory my people. But just in case; (smile) unless we humble our selves before the Lord, admit that we can do nothing in our own strength, all our prayers and other efforts will be in vain. James puts it thus: ‘Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:10) Nuff said there mih breddren! And having humbled our selves, then we need to pray, seek His face and turn from our wicked ways. As we’ve been saying all along, that’s the only way our immediate land, our society and the world at large will ever regain some modicum of lasting peace and prosperity! But who’s listening eh? Certainly not Lucifer and his evil cohorts, for the world in wicked upheaval benefits them. So it’s left up to us, those who claim to be the Lord’s, to do the dirty work and clean up our world, which we can only do with the Lord’s help, and He will only help us if we clean up our act first; meaning consistently and sincerely humble ourselves before Him, search Him out with a right heart and fervent prayer, which hopefully will cause us to change our evil ways. Then, and only then Friends, does the Lord promise and proclaim: ‘then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’ Oh Friends, those conditions were based on Cousin Sol’s entreaty to God when he dedicated the temple. (2 Chron.6:26-27,30) But since I know your short attention span for things godly, I won’t make this too long, so you can read them for yourselves. (smile) Ah mih people, our world is undeniably heading for more strife, division, dissension and possibly all out war, but let’s make this U.S. Thanksgiving Day, the 25 November 2010, a red letter day in History nuh! A day when History will proclaim that God’s people rose up as one, sincerely humbled themselves before Him, diligently sought His face, prayed fervently, and renounced their wicked ways…and the Lord heard them from His throne in heaven and began to heal their land. Oh Friends, please, I implore us to make this day the one that will always be remembered as the day the healing of the nation, of the world began. It’s up to us, Christ’s followers, to pull our world back from the brink of destruction. Till tomorrow then, God willing, go in peace and LOVE with Him. Much LOVE!…and all God’s people, humbled themselves… then prayed fervently…became righteous…and the land was healed…Glory Hallelujah!

Esther 10:3.    For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.
 
Oh Friends, like our world has officially gone mad yes! What with N. Korea stupidly shelling S. Korea, and one fool ‘s comment on the computer that he doesn’t mind World War III beginning, because he’d like to live in a time of war. Well better you than me yes buddy! I’m glad I was born after the second one ended, and I certainly hope the good Lord takes me home before number III begins, for I can assure us that it will be extremely horribly, with many of us not surviving it, and definitely not enjoying it. We seem to forget the telling admonition of the old song: ‘War! What is it good for? Absolutely nothing!’ But unfortunately, like N. Korea, in many countries around the world the people are suffering terribly, some even starving, while the foolish, power hungry, war mongering leaders are living high on the hog, and military might is favoured over food for the nation. Oh what a sad tale eh! Yuh know friends, I wrote that intro without a Bit in place, but when I opened the Good Book to look for one, it opened on the last page of Esther and the first of Job, and the first words my eyes read were these, the last verse of Esther: ‘For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.’ Well if that wasn’t a God inspired moment, I don’t know what is. I obviously concluded that it was meant to be Today’s Bit, and deservedly so, since it deals with the same sort of nonsense that’s happening in our world today; intrigue, deceit and corruption in very high places that’s causing the ordinary man extraordinary suffering. Haman, the haughty fool, tried to trick the king into killing off the Jews, during their captivity in Babylon, but Esther and her uncle Mordecai, with their own intrigue, overcame Haman’s treachery. As the Good Book tells it: ‘And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains (eunuchs), said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified (his anger subsided).’ (Esth.7:9-10) Poetic justice Friends! Haman hanged on his own gallows! Or as they would say in another time: ‘Hoisted on his own petard!’ A petard was a small engine of war, formerly used to blow in doors, etc. And later on they hanged his ten sons too. Oh my people, the important thing to recognize here is the hand of God moving behind the scenes, as it so often does. What Haman and his cohorts meant for the Jew’s harm, the Lord turned into their good, with one of their own openly acknowledged as Queen, and her uncle Mordecai as Prime Minister, second in command of the land. It’s a mirror image of what the Lord did back in Egypt when Pharaoh also elevated Bruh Joseph to the second most powerful post in the country. When Bruh Joseph deciphered Pharaoh’s dreams, then told him how to solve the problem they foretold, re the seven fruitful and seven years of famine, here’s Pharaoh’s response: ‘And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the spirit of God is? And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet (as discerning) and wise as thou art: Thou shalt be over (in charge of) my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.’ (Gen.41:37-40) Yes my people, when we walk steadfast and strong with the Lord, despite our many trials and tribulations, He does reward us admirably. But Friends, the most important part of our Bit is the very last part: ‘and speaking peace to all his seed.’ My brethren, from day one, right until the Father declares it’s over and Jesus returns to set up His kingdom, it’s absolutely essential that all believers and their leaders speak for peace. And not only simply speak for it, but raise a great hue and cry for it! Why? Because without peace, we can’t truly live and enjoy the many blessings of this world that our Creator has provided for our benefit. Lack of peace only brings destruction and ruin, and nobody wins. But mankind’s so stupid and short-sighted, we still cry for war. A good example of that is when Nehemiah went up from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem. Listen to the sentiments of his enemies. ‘When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.’ (Neh.2:10) Sanballat was apparently the governor of Samaria, who caused the Israelites much grief during his term of office. But there again Friends, the Lord worked it out for the good of His people when they stood strong and obedient to His will. And that’s exactly what we believers have to do today my Friends, for if we don’t stand up against the legions of Beelzebub, who will eh? The world’s hope, our children’s children’s hope and future, lie in the hands of today’s followers of Christ! And that’s no joke Friends. Now let’s hear some words for PEACE! Psalm 29, the voice of the Lord in the storm says: ‘The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.’ (Ps.29:11) And here are some more of Bruh David’s entreaties for peace. ‘Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.’  (Ps.34:14) And in his prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, Psalm 122, he ends it thus: ‘For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.’ (Ps.122:8-9) Oh my people, in peace is the only way to live a successful and satisfying life on this earth! So please, let’s seek and pursue it, and simultaneously get rid of the warmongers who only want to destroy. And finally some words of Jesus on the subject: ‘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) Now hear this gem: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) Yes Friends, let’s listen to our Lord and Saviour and develop peace in our hearts and in this crazy war-like world; His kind of PEACE! Till tomorrow then, God willing, go in peace, LOVE and safety with the Lord. Much LOVE!…stand up, stand up for Jesus…the trumpet call obey…till every foe is vanquished…and Christ is Lord indeed…
 

 Isaiah 52:12.    For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward.

Oh Friends, oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in Paradise! Hn, hn! And some of you, whose lives contain nothing whatsoever to equate with that legendary place are wondering if I’m crazy. Who knows eh?  Well if it’s not Paradise where you are, then let’s call it the Promised Land. And there you can’t call me crazy, because as the song rightly says that ‘the Promised Land is not Asia, is not Africa, is not Europia, is not America,’ in fact it’s not a physical place at all: ‘The Promised Land is a State of Mind.’ Yes Friends, that’s what we’re trying to build here today, a state of mind that envisions Paradise. Wow! And don’t say we can’t do it, because we indeed have all the tools to do so. We have the faith, hope and LOVE of the Father, in the person of Jesus Christ. We have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us, and the Word to show us the right paths. All that’s left is for us to put those things together and lift our minds. And here’s a quote from that famous American author and activist, Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) that will jump-start us. ‘Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.’ Oh my people, that’s gospel! For if we don’t go confidently where our dreams lead, then they’ll never come to fruition, and we’ll be wasting all those wonderful ideas and schemes that the Lord’s put in our hearts to make this earth a better place. Remember too that the Lord recently sent us a message to begin dreaming again and also to dream large. I guess that quote’s a reminder for us to get a move on with the dreaming scene. But note too what our Bit says: ‘For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward (rearguard).’ Yes my people, that’s a word of caution which Isaiah advanced when he spoke about the deliverance of Zion from captivity. Those same words of caution can be applied to our situation today. Though we need to go out strong, confident and courageous, we ought not to go hastily. And yes my young D, I’m not practicing what I preach, because I’m typing too hastily and making too many mistakes. (smile) The old people knew that when they cautioned us, ‘more haste, less speed.’ It’s a proven fact, for the more we hurry, the less we accomplish. And my hasty typing is a perfect example: I’m trying to type quickly so that I’ll finish fast and get the Bit out early, but with all the mistakes I’m making, I’m defeating the purpose. The only time the Lord really required some form of haste from His people is on that first Passover in Egypt. ‘And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded (a belt on your waist), your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord’s passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the first-born in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgement: I am the Lord.’ (Ex.12:11-12) Otherwise my brethren, we’ve always been instructed to not go hastily. Hear Cousin Sol: ‘Also that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good: and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.’ (Prov.19:2) So to even walk too quickly is a sin. And again: ‘Go not forth hastily to strive (bring a lawsuit), lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.’ (Prov.25:8) So Friends, in all things we ought not to move forward too quickly, because in whatever we do, two things are essential. The first is: ‘for the Lord will go before you.’ And all God’s people gratefully shouted: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Without the Lord going before us my people, we are certainly doomed. Just look at what’s happening to our world now with all the ungodliness that’s terrorizing it. Oh Friends, the Lord is our Guide! If we go forward without Him at the front, without Him leading the way, then we’ll eventually get lost, frustrated, confused and filled with despair, just like we are these days. Man is a very poor and inefficient guide, so it’s no wonder our society, our world is falling apart. Listen to how Micah prophesied it; re the promise to the remnant, and remember we’re the remnant. ‘The breaker (one who breaks open) is come up before them: they have broken up (out), and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the Lord on (at) the head of them.’ (Mic.2:13) A very wise and astute promise Friends, with the Lord leading the way. So since we’re the remnant, it’s absolutely essential that we have the Lord going before us to pave the way. And the second absolute essential in our lives people, is as Isaiah states: ‘and the God of Israel will be your rearward (rear guard).’ And all God’s people joyfully shouted: ‘Thanks be to thee O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our Guide and Protector!’ Yes Friends, as the young people would say today, ‘the Lord has our back.’ And this is something He’s done from day one. Listen to the Good Book tell it: ‘And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them: and the pillar of cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night.’  (Ex.14:19-20) Praise the Lord, my people, for His constant watching over and guarding the sinful, undeserving children of men! So Friends, I hope you got the picture. The long and short of the story is that we shouldn’t rush into things, but first think them through with godly patience and contemplation. Oh I know that sometimes we need to make split second decisions, but even then, how long does it take to plead: ‘Oh God, please show or tell me what to do?’ Not very long my brethren, but long enough to give God the chance He desires, to be involved in all the aspects and decisions of our lives. And have no fear, for if you’re sincere in your questioning, He will answer you; with perfect timing too, for He’s the master of timing. Oh my people, as believers it’s ever so important that we cause God to be involved in our entire lives, so that we can get the proper protection He’s promised; both to go before us and show us the right way, and also to come after us and protect our rear. All armies need a guide at the front and someone guarding the rear. In this case we’re just exceptionally fortunate that the Most High God Jehovah does both jobs for us, very efficiently too. And if the truth be told Friends, the Lord’s not asking much from us, for as our Creator, Guide and Protector, communication is essential. But He will not impose His will on us, we have to go to Him and ask for His help. So if you truly want Him to be your Guide and Protector, then please dial His hotline that’s never busy, and operates 24/7. Till the next today, God in favour, walk safely with Him. Much LOVE!…the believer’s duty…LOVE Your God…LIVE Your Faith…SPREAD His Word…
 

Isaiah 1:3.     The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Battle Stations all! Heed the trumpet’s call! Yes Friends, that awesome, awe inspiring, joyful day, Monday (smile) has rolled around again! That means it’s time to resume workweek hostilities; to rebuke the iniquity workers, to fight with peace, LOVE and joy, the unbeatable weapons of our Leader Jesus! But before we go into battle, let’s all proudly sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with mucho gusto: ‘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 now that the adrenalin’s pumping Friends, ‘Hie thee to thy charger, and attack!’ (smile) With wisdom and common sense though, as befitting a good soldier in Christ’s army. Now let’s contend with our Bit: ‘The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib (manger, feed trough): but Israel doth not know (understand), my people doth not consider.’ Yesterday we saw that Isaiah’s condemnation of his people also applies to the sorry state of our world. And we ended with a rather good description of our leaders; ‘An assembly of treacherous men,’ courtesy of Jeremiah 9:2. But Friends, please remember that just as Israel eventually smartened up after being punished for their disobedience, we too can smarten up and return to a LOVING, merciful and forgiving God. Because as Isaiah says: ‘Except the Lord of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.’ (Is.1:9) Oh Friends, exult, for though our world is being savagely beaten up, the Lord has indeed left a small remnant! That’s us, the believers in and followers of Jesus. We are the remnant that’s responsible for turning this ungodly ship of humanity back to the Most High God! Thankfully, like the ox and the ass we know our Master! How did Jesus put it? ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine…My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck (snatch) them out of my hand.’ (John 10”14,27-28) And all God’s people joyously shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Blessed is the Lamb that was slain for our sins!’ Yes my brethren, we believers, the sheep of the good shepherd Jesus, have been given the unenviable task of swinging the pendulum of ungodliness and evil that’s currently perverting our world, back to trust, faith and obedience to the Most High God Jehovah. And though we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit of Jesus, we all know that it’s not going to be an easy task, for Lucifer and his cronies will not willingly give up their ill-gotten gains, their fleshly lusts and man made idols. We will have to take it from them, or so overwhelm them with the Word and our Christian lifestyle that they have no other recourse but to be convicted and repent of their evil ways. But please remember that though we are engaged in hostilities, the battle is not really ours, but the Lord’s, and with Him, nothing is impossible. So Friends, I’m imploring us in Jesus’ Name, let’s come together as one nuh, let’s get serious and be about the Lord’s business! He’s depending on us to be brave and courageous, and like good sailors, to weather the violent, deadly storm that’s battering our beautiful world. And as I keep saying, our standing steadfast and strong amidst all the turmoil is the only way our grandchildren will ever have the opportunity to live in some sort of peaceful, LOVING environment. We certainly owe it to them after the many mistakes we’ve made in our stewardship of the planet. Till tomorrow then, God in favour, battle courageously in the Father’s sturdy, spiritual armour, under His brilliant ‘generalship’!  Much LOVE!…believers need to be very proactive…take the battle to the enemy…if they truly want to defeat the evil powers of darkness…

Isaiah 1:3.    The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Oh Friends, our Bit is a part of Isaiah’s first pronouncement against his people, on God’s behalf. He began it thus: ‘Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.’ (Is.1:2) Oh my people, many of us can say the same thing of our children; we raised and nourished them as best we could, but in the end, they ungratefully turned against us. But Isaiah’s analogy becomes even more important when we take it the way he meant it against Judah: as a rebellious nation turning away from the God of their fathers. Unfortunately my brethren, Isaiah’s words can also apply to our current generation, especially when he continues: ‘Ah sinful nation, a people laden (heavy, weighed down) with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone (turned) away backward.’ (Is.1:4) And isn’t that the awful truth my people? The same way Israel ‘dissed’ the Lord, the same way we’ve ungratefully turned away from the God who prospered us, to the fleshly lusts and man made idols, conveniently forgetting our original benefactor in the heady times of plenty. I guess it’s just a normal part of man’s innate, sinful nature to forget who brought us to the dance. I certainly like Isaiah’s imagery with the beasts of the field, who know their masters and don’t turn away from serving them when they’re well treated. But sadly we can’t say that about mankind though. ‘The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib (manger, feed trough): but Israel doth not know (understand), my people doth not consider.’ What a shameful but true categorization my people! This generation has turned away from the Holy One of Israel in such droves, that it boggles the imagination! How did that happen eh? What led us to regress so swiftly and in such large numbers? Unfortunately Friends, I can’t answer those questions, but I can certainly see the giant swing away from God manifested in the great glorification of fleshly lusts and inanimate man made objects. Consequently, our society is on the brink of disaster. Just as Isaiah said of Israel, we’re seeing it happen today. ‘Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.’ (Is.1:7) The full force, the full brunt of our downfall hasn’t been administered as yet Friends, but anyone who cares, or dares to look, can clearly see the awesome similarities between Isaiah’s time and ours. And it all stems from our disobedience to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the Creator, Provider and Supreme Controller of the Universe. But when yuh really consider the situation mih breddren, just like the Israelites, we real boldface, and stupid too yuh know! They experienced all of God’s mighty miracles when He brought them out of bondage in Egypt and led them to the Promised Land that they did not deserve, yet surprisingly, they eventually turned against Him. And if you asked any of our recent forefathers, they’d surely tell you that the Lord God Jehovah was very instrumental in their rise to prominence and prosperity. So where, why and how did we lose faith and trust in Him eh? The prophet Jeremiah made a similar analogy to Isaiah when he mourned the desperate state of the Jews: ‘Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle (turtledove) and the (swift) crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgement of the Lord.’ (Jer.8:7) How heartrending my people! But the truth is that today, we fall into the same category as the Jews of old. Beelzebub has us so fooled, so blinded by the blinkers he’s put on us, that we can’t see the very serious negative effect our ungodliness is having on our immediate society, and by extension, the entire world. The whole world is now gone astray, gone mad! I don’t know if there’s ever been another time in man’s existence when violence and strife, confusion, evil, lies and deceit, distrust, oppression and suppression have ever been so rampant. If you pay too much attention to the news nowadays, you’ll go crazy, with the amount of dissension, dissatisfaction and negative elements being noised abroad. Ole Lucifer must be jumping for joy now, having made us all so fearful, anxious and worried, that we’ve stopped dreaming and having bright visions of our futures. Now hear this passage from Jeremiah: ‘Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! For they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth, for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.9:2-3) Oh Friends, doesn’t that sound just like our leaders today? ‘An assembly of treacherous men,’ is a brilliant description of those we have leading our world today. It’s sad, but unfortunately very true. However Friends, that doesn’t mean we should just throw in the towel and give up. Remember yesterday we said that term doesn’t exist in the believer’s vocabulary? Well it doesn’t, so please keep up the fight against evil, stand steadfast and strong, tread quietly and firmly, but also with a big stick over your shoulder to let Lucifer know we mean business! (smile) Tomorrow, God willing, we’ll continue this topic. Till then, go safely, under God’s protection. Much LOVE!…in these evil and arduous times…all believers need to fight the good fight of faith…more intensely than ever before…

Galatians 6:9.    And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Ah my Friends, what’s there to say today that will put a positive spin on things eh? Oh I know! I saw a quote today, one we’ve already used, but which works well in conjunction with our Bit. It’s also something that we need to be continually reminded of. It’s short, and simple, but very provocative and truthful. Harold Russell tells us that: ‘There is no formula for easy living. Anyone who says he has one is either joking or lying.’ I know some of you might not consider that positive, but it is, in the sense that it keeps us firmly rooted on Mother Earth, hopefully in the Word, and not focused on the glitzy, high flying sense of easy living that’s foolishly being bandied about today. Everybody figures the world owes them a living, and an easy one at that. But Friends, I’m sorry to burst your bubble, there’s no success in anything at all without hard work. Even if you want to be lazy and good for nothing, you still have to work hard at it to be successful. And if you get a lucky break at the beginning, to make it last, you’ve still got to work your butt off. Even the celebrities we so adore and put up on pedestals, the sensible ones that is, have to work seriously to keep their careers going and not be asked the embarrassing question of:’what have you done lately?’ So please don’t be fooled by all the easy goes being advertised out there, especially on the Internet, for even the successful crook has to work hard to stay one step, or preferably several steps ahead of the law. And Friends, there’s no situation that calls for more putting our noses to the grindstone than being a follower of Jesus. Jesus expects us to work hard in doing good, just like He did. The Good Book puts it thus: ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.’ (Acts 10:38) Friends, we’re also anointed with the Holy Ghost, that means God is also with us and therefore we have no excuses to not emulate our Leader. And to do that, we need to develop His characteristics which were based on doing good and spreading LOVE to all and sundry. That’s why our Bit staunchly states: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (don’t lose heart).’ Oh my people, well doing for the believer should be automatic, be like a second nature, like getting up everyday and automatically getting dressed, without having to think about it. For that’s how our Saviour operated. He never turned His back on an opportunity to serve or do good, and neither should we. That’s where our true Christian attitude should blossom forth; where we should be walking all our big talk. Yes Friends, I know that’s our biggest drawback. That’s why Bruh Paul told the Corinthians: ‘Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain (futile) in the Lord.’ (1 Cor.15:58) Yes my people, our God is a great rewarder of those who diligently further His kingdom. Bruh David declared it long ago in Psalm 62, God only is my rock and my salvation. ‘Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest (rewardeth) to every man according to his work.’ (Ps.62:12) So there’s nothing to fear regarding our rewards for diligent work on God’s behalf, since He’s proven Himself, many times over, to be a righteous and just God. Bruh Paul also informed the Corinthians: ‘Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God (God’s fellow workers): ye are God’s husbandry (field), ye are God’s building.’ (1 Cor.3:8-9) That encapsulates everything my people. Though we perform different tasks, we’re all labouring towards the same worthwhile purpose, furthering the kingdom, and we’ll all eventually receive rewards depending on our efforts and the fruit we bear. Now, here are some encouraging and comforting words from James, re patience in the Lord’s service. ‘Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman (farmer) waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish (establish) your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh (has come near). Grudge (grumble) not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold. The judge standeth before the door.’ (James 5:7-9) Oh mih breddren, what excellent advice! Please, let’s take it to heart! Though life’s not easy, our God is good and faithful, and as believers that gives us unwavering hope and trust in Him, His Word and His promises. Consequently, each of us needs to make a strong showing in whatever area we’re called to. We definitely cannot afford to faint, get weary or lose heart. And don’t even think about giving up, for that term does not exist in the believer’s vocabulary! Oh Friends, Jesus knew that it was hard, since He experienced it first hand, and even needed the Father’s Spirit to help Him do His sacrificial duty. So He knew, being lesser mortals, we couldn’t do it on our own, that’s why He sent His Spirit to dwell in us, to lead and guide us in our rough and rugged earthly journey. And we’ll end with some more appropriate words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians: ‘As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:10) So people, let’s hang in there despite all the trials and tribulations, knowing full well that they will all eventually pass, and concentrate seriously on furthering the kingdom through our tireless efforts on God’s behalf. We pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Till we talk again tomorrow, God willing, please stand strong and steadfast in the Lord. Much LOVE!…to truly reflect Jesus…we must walk our talk…like He walked His…

Joel 2:28.    And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my sprit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.

Oh Friends, would you believe that it’s only after I came to transfer the handwritten Bit to the computer that I remembered today was Friday. I was so lost in my own doings that I did not hear you all crying out in relief: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ Please accept my humble apologies. (smile) Now let’s do as we ought and chant our Friday 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 I hope we all sincerely prayed that, with vim and vigour too. (smile) Now here is how I originally intended to begin the Bit. Oh Friends, I hope you all enjoyed yesterday’s Sermon from the Basement, because I enjoyed writing it. And to show how our God does move mysteriously, a friend e-mailed me saying that she had been dreaming big dreams for herself and her family, but was filled with doubts re the wisdom and possible futility in doing so. However, when she read the Bit, she immediately felt positive and reassured. Praise the Lord for that mih people! And please don’t think that because I’m writing all this scriptural stuff that I’m this great guru or fountainhead of wisdom, for I am not. In fact, God is doing a work in me by having me write this Bit. I’m learning as I go along too. Remember my first reaction to God’s suggestion to write it was my lack of biblical knowledge. But knowledge can only be gained by diligently pursuing it, and thus the Lord has kept me pursuing knowledge of Him and His wonderful ways over the last three and half years. I have matured and improved, but am still a long way off from being as good as I can be. Friends, we’re all works in progress in God’s eyes. The important thing is not to beat ourselves up, consider ourselves unworthy, or lose hope and faith when we don’t measure up to what we think are God’s standards. Don’t forget that the Lord knows us better than we even know ourselves. He knows what we’re capable of. He knows that we’re frail, weak humans, for He’s the one who made us. However, His LOVE for us is so strong, that He’s willing to overlook our failures once our hearts and motives are right and we’re sincerely trying to walk the path He’s laid out for us. Oh Friends, I’m chuckling, because I don’t know where all the above came from, or where it’s going, but I know for sure that the Bit will end up being fine because the Lord’s hand is moving on my behalf. Would you believe I haven’t even opened the Good Book yet to check on a Bit, though I have something in mind. I just sat down here, asked for guidance, pulled the paper towards me and began writing. And between you and me, I just LOVE writing these Bits that just seemingly come up out of the blue, because then I really get the feeling that the Lord is trying to say something to me. What? I don’t always know, but there’s a definite impression that the Spirit’s about and moving in ways I can’t truly fathom. But since I claim to have surrendered my soul, my will and my mind to God, then I have to be willing to be led by His Spirit. Oh my people, I know a lot of believers still can’t understand or fathom the Spirit element in our lives, but believe me, it’s REAL! I can tell you that from first hand experience. Without the help of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, the Guide, the Comforter, whatever you choose to call Him, I could not have successfully accomplished the writing of this Bit. Sometimes I’m totally lost and dumbfounded, or struggling, not knowing which way to turn, but as you can see, everyday I manage to come up with something sensible that lauds and magnifies our great and wonderful God. Praise Him people! That Bit yesterday is a perfect example of how the Spirit works in us: three separate ideas on three separate occasions just came together and gelled as one in my mind. Now that certainly wasn’t just my brilliance, but something greater than me, working in me. So my brethren, please don’t listen to the many naysayers about the reality of the Spirit and its role in our lives. Every believer has Christ’s Spirit living in them, the problem is for us to sit down and consider His workings, to take time out to listen and understand, then obey His dictates. So if you feel that still, small voice within you trying to converse, to strike up a conversation, please sit still and listen. If we don’t, or can’t connect with Him, it’s surely our fault, for once we’re true believers, I can guarantee that He’s abiding within us, within the very heart of our beings, and don’t let anybody tell you differently. This is not a set of mumbo jumbo, as some seem to think. It’s as real as you and I are! He’s sent to help us see life and do it the way the Father desires. And if we truly believe and have the heart’s desire to follow Jesus, to pattern our lifestyle after His, then His Spirit will surely show us how to do it. And when we put it all into practice, what happens? Obviously something beautiful! ‘And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.’ Yes my people, that’s when the Lord generously pours out His Holy Spirit, His blessings and mercies on us, and we become peaceful, LOVING and prosperous. The Spirit obviously wanted me to highlight Him and the very important part He plays in our everyday lives. And I sincerely hope that I’ve done it well enough so those of you, who never took Him seriously before, will do so now, because if you don’t, you’ll never be able to walk fully in the Lord. Oh Friends, all kinds of thoughts continually batter at our minds for attention, but it’s essential we ensure that they line up with God’s Word before we embrace them. Remember we’re fighting a spiritual battle, and the first place Beelzebub attacks us is in our minds, in our thoughts, for that’s where everything begins. And the Holy Spirit is extremely helpful in assisting us to sift our thoughts, to sift the wheat from the chaff. Oh my people, if you hear Him calling today, please don’t ignore it, because it might just be a wake up call that’s very important to your life and your well-being. So until tomorrow, God in favour, please walk safely under His protective wings. Much LOVE!…we can only walk this earth successfully…with the Spirit of Jesus leading and guiding us…