Jude 3. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.
Oh my fabulous Friends in Christ, congrats are in order! I looked through the obits this morning and I didn’t see any of our names, that means we’re still alive and kicking! Praise the Lord! But unfortunately there was one name I knew; Lincoln Alexander, who died last Friday at the ripe old age of 90. And who was Lincoln Alexander, you ask? Well let’s see where to start? I guess the beginning is as good a place as any. He was born in 1922 in downtown Toronto of West Indian parents, in a time when racism was still rife in the country. However Lincoln Alexander grew up to be, not only one of the FIRST BLACK lawyers in the city, but also the FIRST BLACK Member of Canada’s Parliament, the FIRST BLACK Cabinet Minster in the Canadian Government, and finally, the FIRST BLACK Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Ontario. Wow! Imagine a poor BLACK man of West Indian parentage accomplishing all that in those racist times nuh! It seems like he was always chocked full of confidence, but like many truly confident people was still able to be very humble and approachable. I remember when he first became Lieutenant Governor, a lot of folks weren’t happy, but by the end of his term, many of the same ones were pleased with the way he handled himself in the mainly ceremonial post. I don’t know why, in this supposed modern day and age, when BLACK people are very prominent and successful in all walks of life, all over the world, the white populace still gets all up in arms over a BLACK leader. Take for example Barack Obama in the U.S. It doesn’t matter one iota that his mother’s family was and is white, the race card is still being strenuously played. It seems that a dollop of the tar brush is powerful enough to overcome any other colours. Before Obama, they had a fool who ruled for eight years, ran the country right into the ground. But his lack of brainpower and leadership skills didn’t matter because he was white. Then they’re all getting on Obama’s case because he didn’t fix all the wrongdoing in four years, especially with no meaningful cooperation from the other side. Chuh! Anyway, I want to end the comment on Lincoln Alexander with a statement from the current Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, David Onley, as posted in the Toronto Star newspaper “When racism was endemic in Canadian society, he broke through barriers that treated visible minorities as second-class citizens, strangers in their own land.’ And that’s the gospel truth Friends! Onley knows something about discrimination, because he has some physical movement problems and operates from a wheelchair. That was also a sticking point for some people when he was appointed to the post. Anyhow Linc -as he liked to be called- rest in peace my brother. You have been a shining beacon of light to ALL people in this dark world, and for that Jesus will reward you abundantly in the next life. And now, turning to our Bit: ‘Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once (for all time) delivered to the saints.’ I guess you can say Lincoln Alexander did that in his own way. He stood up for his rights and what he believed in, and didn’t let his racist enemies beat him down and give up the fight for a right and good life. Oh Friends, it’s the same way we believers need to stand up strong and fight for our belief in Jesus, because there’s a whole evil world out there trying to put Him down, make Him of no consequence. And sadly, through our less than sterling resistance, they have succeeded in curtailing His importance, position, and power in many aspects of our society and our lives. And if we don’t get serious and truly ramp up our fight against the powerful evildoers, Christ’s church will eventually be decimated and of no use. Now that’s something all of us claim we don’t want to happen, but it won’t be prevented by us merely sitting on our comfortable fat fannies and not putting up strong resistance, and fighting back too. Anyway, what I really wanted to talk about today, is why Jude thought it so very important to write to his friends and fellow believers about earnestly contending for their faith. However, because of time and space constraints, I’ll leave it for tomorrow, when hopefully I won’t have to eulogize anyone else, especially one of our Scrip-Bit family. And we’ll end with an appropriate exhortation on the subject from Bruh Paul to the church at Corinth. ‘Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men (be brave), be strong. Let all your things be done with charity (LOVE).’ (1 Cor.16:13-14) And that’s as it should be my brethren! So let’s relight that fire, that flame of passion we once had for our faith nuh, and rise up in Jesus’ name, like the sure conquerors that we are and fight to the death for what we believe in. That’s the way true believers operate. Much LOVE!…if it’s not worth dying for…then it’s not worth fighting for…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 October 2012 Jude 3
23 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: Black Leaders, bravery, confidence, fight for one's faith, humility, leadership skills, Lincoln Alexander, LOVE, stand up and fight, visible minorities, West Indian parents
Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 October 2012 Jude 3
22 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: common faith, confidence, contend for the faith, diligence, fight the good fight, joy of the lord, Jude, LOVE, mercy, Monday Battle Hymn, Monday Monday, peace, renewed vitality and enthusiasm, sure conquerors, taunts, wiles
Jude 3. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Aye Friends, mercy, peace and LOVE be unto you this chilly, autumn, Monday morning, or whatever the weather is like in your area. The fact of the matter is that it’s time to go out and labour once again. And since our spirits are usually lethargic and full of rebellion on Monday mornings, we need to uplift them, so that we can fight a good fight in Jesus’ name, in the evil, ungodly world that constantly tries to batter and bully us and steal our joy. But since the JOY of the Lord is our strength (Neh.8:10) we certainly can’t afford to have that stolen. Therefore, in order to boost our tired, unenthusiastic, ebbing spirits, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in strong voice with sincere hearts. As one big, harmonious earthly choir now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Wow mih people! That was wonderful; definitely energetic and exhilarating! All the heavenly host stood with mouth-opened awe, then gave a rousing ovation of ‘Hallelujah!’ at the end. Now let’s carry that strong, enthusiastic, faithful, battle hardened attitude out into Lucifer’s domain, and let him and all his wicked cohorts sit up and take notice nuh. But please note, we can’t just run on adrenalin alone, we also have to be ‘wiswise’ (use wisdom), as we live in accordance with our Bit. ‘Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once (for all time) delivered unto the saints.’ Ah Friends, it’s what I’m also trying to get us to do, don’t know with how much success though. (smile) Jude here, is reputed to be Jesus’ half brother. ‘Is this not the carpenter’s son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?’ (Matt.13:55) In Greek, Jude is really Judas, but it’s translated as Jude to avoid confusion with Judas Iscariot. And it’s interesting as one scholar notes, that instead of being a name dropper and saying he was Jesus’ brother, Jude instead opens his missive as ‘Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James…’ (Jude 1) He shows real humility. But I have to laugh at the mysterious ways in which our God certainly moves, re how Jesus’ family rejected Him when He walked on earth with them, but afterwards that same family, in particular James and Jude found the faith and had successful ministries. Just like Jesus said, two verses later, when the crowd in His hometown were offended by His Messianic claims. ‘A prophet is not without honour, save (except) in his own country, and in his own house.’ (Matt.13:57) And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! But getting back to our Bit, here’s the scholar’s general take on it. ‘Beloved indicates the close relationship between Jude and his readers. Jude was evidently planning to write a less urgent doctrinal letter but was forced by developments to pen this earnest exhortation. Jude conceives of Christian faith as having a definite, unchanging and unchangeable content.’ One scholar believes that Jude had intended to write about ‘common salvation,’ it’s joys and benefits, but was steered by the Holy Spirit towards the more pressing problem of believers diligently fighting to protect and further their faith. And that’s quite possible and very plausible, as I have received such change of direction many times over the years. And by the way, ‘common salvation’ doesn’t mean it’s common in a derogatory or negative sense, but rather that it was meant as a gift that could be received by everybody. As Bruh Paul greets Titus: ‘Titus, mine own (my true) son after (in our) common faith:’ (Titus.1:4a) Ah Friends, I sure hope that the Bit makes sense because I have so much information I want to share, but since you’re all wise believers, I know you’ll be able to fathom it all. (smile) Now let’s end with a similar exhortation from Bruh Paul to the Philippians. ‘Only let your conversation (conduct) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or also be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing (no way) terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token (a proof) of perdition (destruction), but to you of salvation, and that of God.’ (Phil.1:27-28) Yes Friends, that’s the only way to go! More on this tomorrow, provided we’re still alive and kicking. Till then, may God bless and keep us, so that we can walk worthy of Him. Much LOVE!…a true believer’s earthly walk must show confidence…since he’s assured of salvation…through Jesus Christ…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 October 2012 Psalm 73:27
21 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: autumn, controversy, fight the good fight, jesus name, propsperity, rock the boat, run a good race, squeaky wheel, strong faith, wicked
Psalm 73:27. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
Oh Friends, as the multicoloured leaves fall off the trees, leaving more and more of them naked every day, so are the days in my neighbourhood getting ‘chillier and chillier.’ Note I said chilly, not cold, because the real cold days are yet to come. But as autumn ‘nippily’ races towards its crescendo, you can surely sense the cold days of winter just hovering stealthily in the background. But what’s a body to do eh? That’s how God made this planet earth; some places have four seasons, some only two, wet and dry. But being the wise and kindly God that He is, He made us very adaptable, physically and emotionally able to withstand the rigours of any physical environment we end up dwelling in. Then in even greater affirmation of His wisdom and LOVE for us, He willingly sacrificed His Holy Son Jesus so that we could be cleansed of our abominable sins, and then sent His Holy Spirit to indwell us, so that we can live in spiritual peace. But talking about Jesus, why does the mere mention of His name cause such a stir amongst humans eh? You can call every other name under the sun, and none creates half the controversy that Jesus’ does. I guess it’s because of the awesome power and marvellous majesty inherent in the very name itself! I’m talking about a particular incident that recently took place in a small, backwater Texas town. It seems that the High School cheerleaders had bits of encouraging scripture emblazoned on their banners; stuff like, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Now would you believe that situation ended up in a court of law, because someone took umbrage re the Christian messages on the banners. Thankfully though, the court decided in the cheerleaders favour, although the supposedly wronged person plans to appeal the decision. Oh Friends, what’s it coming to eh, that you can’t even wave a banner for Jesus in the land of the free and home of the brave? My people, we have to take these seemingly small and innocuous matters seriously, cause it seems okay for other faiths to broadcast their heretical messages in what’s supposed to be a Christian land, but Christians can’t do likewise without some big uproar. Everyday some evildoer jumps up and complains about their rights and freedoms, so what’s happening to ours eh? My fellow believers in Christ, it’s essential that we stand up strong and fight back furiously, or else little by little, they’ll whittle away our freedoms, until we’re a minor player in our own land, which could eventually entail persecution for our beliefs. That’s definitely not acceptable my brethren, especially since the evil cronies of Lucifer have already taken prayer out of our schools and public places. The problem with us Christians is that we’re way too complacent; we talk a lot, but there’s very little action to back it up. We rationalize that we’re leading a comfortable life and don’t want to rock the boat, for fear that it might capsize. But Friends, if the boat isn’t rocking, that means it’s becalmed, nothing’s happening, life’s not moving onward and upward, as it should. And remember it’s the squeaky wheel that get’s the grease. The so-called Christian politicians are appeasing all these complainers, because the votes of the dissatisfied persons are more important to them for the purpose of re-election, than their Christian heritage. Oh my brethren, can’t we see that every other faith stands up and fights for its belief, much more than we Christians do? The Muslims, the Jews, Hindus Sikhs, they don’t take any guff from anybody re their faith. But we Christians just sit back and expect to enjoy the good life forever without putting up some kind of fight for our faith. All these other faiths have come from other lands and are slowly but surely wresting control of the affairs of state, and thus the lives of those who dwell therein. Nobody says that you can’t worship or practice your faith, but certainly not at the expense of mine! Our problem in the western world is that we have gotten too fat, lazy and comfortable. Consequently the fire inside us is slowly dying, or has already died. Just look at one of the biggest problems in our current society, obesity. Meanwhile, more than half the world is starving. That’s the problem with prosperity; it breeds distaste and apathy. Look at the Israelites of olden times. Every time they got prosperous, they forgot who caused them to be thus; the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Falsely they believed that it was the work of their own hands and therefore forsook Jehovah God. But then, every time they went their own way, ‘sufferation’ would haunt them, until they’d finally wake up and smell the roses, repent, turn back to God, until the next time they became prosperous. Oh my people, the same situation is happening to us now. We’ve become, fat, lazy and apathetic, worshiping the things of the world over those of God, and the ground is slowly sliding away from under us. But foolishly and with false human pride, we’re not paying attention the basic problems that are eroding our society; lack of trust in our Supreme ruler, and lack of LOVING-kindness for each other. We have allowed greed, envy and selfishness to overtake righteousness, and we are now paying the price. ‘Sufferation is all around us, and it’s not going to get better until our attitude towards Almighty God and each other change substantial for the better. And I’ll simply end with our Bit, from Asaph’s momentous psalm, re the mystery of prosperous wickedness. ‘For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee (who are unfaithful to thee).’ Yes Friends, wickedness prospers some, but not for long. Like the early morning dew, it is soon destroyed by the heat of the rising sun. Please my fellow believers, let’s wake up from our foolish, lazy slumber and start smelling the roses instead of the coffee nuh. It’s time we got our act together and began seriously fighting back against the heathen infidel, otherwise we’ll end up amongst the has beens and also ran, thus not holding true to Bruh Paul’s advice to run a strong and diligent race. Much LOVE!…he who does not hear…will surely feel…eventually… P.S. Sorry that the Bit is a tad late, but I was having problems with Internet Explorer and finally had to change to another programme.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 October 2012 Proverbs 4:7
20 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: awesome blessings, earthly needs, eternal truth, faithful promise, holy spirit, reverence of God, seek wisdom, understanding, widom, wonderful god
Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Oh Friends, the ole fella seems to be having a case of writer’s block, because I can’t come up with a witty or interesting intro this morning. (smile) But the good part is that I’m alive and kicking, thanks to the most wonderful Deity, whom I serve and worship! Ah Friends, that in itself is an awesome blessing, for with Him constantly in my corner and by my side, I need not fear anyone or anything. Added to that, He provides all my earthly needs, once I stay in good relationship with Him. Wow! And furthermore, though I may sometimes be lonely, I’m NEVER ALONE, because His Holy Spirit resides within me. Mama Mia! The only problem is whether I use the Holy Spirit as wisely as I should, for He will not encroach upon my freedom of choice. That’s why we’re going to talk about wisdom again today. For the last time though, I faithfully promise. (smile) Don’t know why believers are so against hearing the same topic of scripture for a few days straight nuh, especially when it’s the most important attribute we can acquire here on earth, and one which we desperately need judging from the troubled state of our lives in particular, and our world in general. But that seems to be the nature of the beast, and all I can do is to persevere with it. Oh, I indeed hesitated about talking about wisdom again today, but the pull was finally too strong for me to ignore it. So here we go once more with our wise Bit: ‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ Yes Friends, there’s absolutely no doubt that when we possess wisdom, and the understanding that flows from it, then we’re able to handle any and everything that comes against us, because it’s wisdom that shows us how and where to go, and what to do and say. With it in our possession, we can unlock any door and be at peace. Why? Because those essential attributes come from God Himself, and if we truly possess them, then our souls will be at peace, wherever we are, in whatever situation we find ourselves. Today we’ll talk about the everlasting nature of WISDOM. Listen to Cousin Sol as he declares of WISDOM: ‘The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth. While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields (outer places), nor the highest part of the dust (the beginning of the dust) of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass (drew a circle) upon the face of the depth (deep): When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree (its limit), that the waters should not pass (transgress) his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him (Jewish tradition): and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delight s were with the sons of men.’ (Prov.8:22-31) Ah mih people, that’s eternal truth! Remember in a previous message we saw that the Lord used WISDOM to make the universe and all therein? (Prov.3:19-20) Oh Friends, before we go further, let me give you a brief comment of the scholars, re those verses: ‘Although some have associated verses 22-31 with the creative work of the preincarnate Christ (before He was born of flesh and blood) (cf. John 1:1-3; Col.1:15-17) who is revealed as the Wisdom of God (1 Cor.1:24; Col.2:3), the major emphasis of the context is on God’s own use of wisdom in creating the universe.’ That means wisdom was with our heavenly Father from the very beginning of time, and will be there also for all eternity. That’s because it’s WISDOM and its various associates like prudence, discretion, knowledge and understanding that drive the everlasting engine of God’s affairs. Without WISDOM and those other attributes, everything will fall apart. That’s why WISDOM further declares: ‘Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not (do not disdain it). Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me, findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.’ (Prov.8:32-36) What more can I say to that eh my people? Not much, cause Cousin Sol said it all. But I can strongly advise us to seek wisdom, understanding and all those things which make life down here on earth a tad easier than normal. And to end, hear some more words of wisdom on the subject. (smile) ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy (One, Spirit) is understanding.’ (Prov.9:10) So please Friends, let’s get serious about finding wisdom and understanding nuh, for they are the essence of life, and until we truly find them, we’ll be sadly lacking both physically, and spiritually. Much LOVE!…only they who are wise…are truly alive…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 October 2012 Proverbs 4:7
19 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: discretion, enthusiasm, Friday, furthering God's kingdom, knowledge, moral discipline, perversity, principal thing, Proverbs, renewed in body & mind, right heart, successful living, TGIF!, truth, understanding, weekend, wickedness, wisdom, Wisdom of Solomon
Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday, and I know we’re all eager to see the end of it, so that we can relax and enjoy the weekend. But please, let’s be patient and careful in our enthusiasm, for much can happen betwixt the start and end of the day. Let’s not be hasty and rush into anything as we declare ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ And to help us curb that enthusiasm, let’s chant our Friday Chant. In full voice now: ‘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 in that chant Friends, we adhere to the sagacity (smile) of our Bit. ‘Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ That’s undeniable truth my people! And we should all know by now that WISDOM and understanding come from God. But it’s only when we seek them of Him with a sincere and right heart, that He will grant them to us. And no doubt some of you are unhappy that we’re talking about wisdom for yet another day, but the truth of the matter is if we had been suitably and sufficiently imbued with wisdom and understanding, we would not have made many of the mistakes we’ve made in our lives. And furthermore, if the wisest man ever, Cousin Sol, didn’t believe that wisdom was such an important aspect of our lives, he wouldn’t have spent so much time in Proverbs talking about it, even to purposely declaring in our Bit that it was the principal thing for us to acquire on this earthly journey. And for us to be able to achieve that goal, there must be directives and instructions for us to follow, as well as the consequences of not following them. Thus from the opening of Proverbs, Cousin Sol declares his purpose in penning them; ‘To know wisdom and instruction: to perceive (understand or discern) the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgement, and equity; To give subtilty (prudence) to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.’ (Prov.1:2:4) And here are some explanations from the scholars: ‘Wisdom is the key word of the book and basically means “skill in living;” the skill to live life successfully. Instruction refers to moral discipline of one’s life, not to classroom instruction. Understanding means the capability to distinguish between true and false, good and bad, what matters most and what does not matter at all. Wisdom, a different Hebrew word from that used in verse 2, means, “wise behaviour, wise dealing, good sense.” Justice is the same word as righteousness and refers to conformity to God’s law. Judgement is a legal term used of a judge’s verdict and refers to right behaviour. Equity is fairness in one’s dealing with others.’ Now that puts us all on the same page as to the meaning of the words. And having defined his purpose, Cousin Sol goes on to relate how it will affect us. ‘A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain (inquire) unto wise counsels:’ (Prov.1:5) That means, anyone, educated or not, with a desire to learn, can be wisely instructed by obeying the instructions of the book. And in every chapter he declares some aspect of WISDOM, some of which we’ll look at, as time and space dictate. In Chapter 2, Cousin Sol deals with the reward of heeding wisdom: ‘When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things (perversity).’ (Prov.2:10-12) And in Chapter 3, we saw yesterday that wisdom and understanding made man happy and gave him all sorts of good things in this earthly life. (Prov.3:12-18) We also saw that the Lord used wisdom to create the universe. (Prov.3:18-20) Then in Chapter 4, Cousin Sol talks about a ‘father’s wisdom,’ that gives wise advice to children. ‘Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline (turn away) from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: LOVE her, and she shall keep thee.’ (Prov.4:5-6) Then he goes into our Bit and tells about some more good stuff that comes from wisdom, that we heard yesterday. (Prov.4:7-9) After that, he acknowledges that there are two paths to follow: ‘Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straightened (hindered); and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast (firm) hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.’ (Prov.4:11-13) And on the second path he advises thus: ‘Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it (do not travel on it), turn from it and pass away. For they sleep not, except (unless) they have done mischief (evil); and their sleep is taken away (robbed), unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence…The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.’ (Prov.4:14-17,19) And since time and space are against us, we’ll end here with a significant verse that Cousin Sol saw fit to include in the spiel about the wicked, but which I left out. Listen closely now. ‘But the path of the just is as the shining (bright) light, that shineth more and more (ever brighter) unto the perfect day.’ (Prov.4:19) And that my Friends is the gospel truth! So please let’s grasp it and hold on to it very firmly, that we might come to know true WISDOM, and get true understanding. Much LOVE!…keep thy heart (mind) with all diligence…for out of it…are (flow) the values of (abundant) life… (Prov.4:23)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 October 2012 Proverbs 4:7
18 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: abundant blessings, believers, burning passion for Jesus, death and destruction, fire in our souls, get understanding, God's awesome kindness, gospel truth, happiness and joy, Lucifer's lies, paths of peace, strong and faithful in Jesus, tree of life, undeserving children, wisdom, wonderful god
Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Hi there you beautiful people, fellow believers in Christ! How goes it this glorious Thursday morning eh? I hope we are all standing strong and faithful in Jesus, and thus enjoying the abundant blessings He has prepared for us each and every day. Ah mih people, when I consider how wonderful our God is to us, undeserving though we are, I just have to shake my head in amazement and shout out a heartfelt, ‘Thank You Lord! We LOVE and worship You, today and forever!’ Oh Friends, there simply are no words in any language to really describe, to truly do justice to the awesome kindness and caring that the Lord God Jehovah has for His sinful, rebellious, disobedient children. And since those attributes lead to very foolish and brain-dead acts on our part, I decided to repeat our Bit from yesterday which deals with WISDOM, hoping that it will ignite a spark, then a flame, then a brightly burning passionate fire in our souls to turn from our foolish, rebellious, disobedient ways, and seek WISDOM, without which, we’ll never truly understand or even come close to our awesome God. I think our Bit says it very simply and truthfully: ‘WISDOM is the principal thing; therefore get WISDOM: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ Yes my brethren, without WISDOM in this evil, ungodly world, we’re totally lost and oh so liable to follow the wiles and lies of Lucifer down the broad highway that leads to death and destruction. Yesterday we ended with the powerful scripture of James on how and where to get WISDOM; from Almighty God, with a sincere longing and a heart of true faith, not wavering in the slightest. And that’s the way it always was, and always will be! Let’s see how important WISDOM is in our existence, both here on earth and also in heavenly places by listening closely, with both our ears and our hearts, as Cousin Sol solemnly proclaims in Proverbs 3: ‘The Lord by WISDOM hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths (deeps) are broken up, and the clouds drop down dew.’ (Prov.3:19-20) Ah my people, WISDOM is such an important element in our world, that God used it to create the universe! Now if God needed WISDOM to do that, why wouldn’t we mere mortals need it too, since we’re His creation? And if you’re still not convinced about the prudence and common sense of acquiring WISDOM and understanding from Almighty God, then listen again to Cousin Sol as he describes a whole heap of things that WISDOM encourages and procures. Remember too, that Cousin Sol is still reputed to be the wisest man who ever lived, so if any mortal should know about knowledge and WISDOM, it should be him. ‘Happy is the man that findeth WISDOM, and the man that getteth understanding: For the merchandise (gain) of it is better than the merchandise (profit) of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her (holds her fast).’ (Prov.3:14-18) Oh Friends, that’s nothing but gospel truth! WISDOM is indeed more profitable than either silver or gold, as well as other precious jewels, like rubies! Nothing we can desire in this fallen world can be compared to her, because her ways are pleasant and peaceful, and acts like a tree of life to those who embrace her, and even more importantly, she brings happiness and joy to all who hold on to her tightly! Wow! What a miraculous entity is that thing we call WISDOM! The billion dollar question then Friends, is if WISDOM is so great and wonderful, why aren’t many more of us actively and consciously seeking that which comes from God, than the fallible, evil and foolish supposed wisdom of man eh? I suppose that in spite of all our godly spiel, we’re still yoked more tightly to the things of the world rather than the things of God. Oh my people, how often must I remind us that whatever Lucifer promises us, the Most High God can offer us much more, and we won’t be led down the garden path, as we would be following the evil leader of death and darkness. But I guess Lucifer’s baubles have more glitz and glamour attached to them, than God’s. But please remember my people, that all that glitters is not gold, and most of Lucifer’s shining trinkets are merely gold-plated brass, whereas, our great God only deals in the real stuff, in the truth. If He’s really all-powerful, and can make or break anything, why then would He resort to falsehood to bring His children home to Him eh? No reason whatsoever my brethren! Lucifer however lacks that power, so he has to rely on lies, innuendo and all the other negative stuff that prevails in his dark, dismal and evil world. And we’ll end with this most wise and appropriate scripture: ‘The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion (legacy) of fools.’ (Prov.3:35) Oh Friends, I couldn’t say it any better than Cousin Sol, the wisest mortal to ever draw breath. So please, let’s wake up and pay serious attention to our attitudes today nuh! If we don’t, we’re liable to lose all the riches, both of heaven and earth. Much LOVE!…to those who listen…many rewards are thrust upon them…while to the deaf…death and destruction prey upon them…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 October 2012 Psalm 15:1
14 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: a pure heart, build on today, effort, idols, Jesus, seek God, speak truth, thanks and praise, today is here, tomorrow never comes, vanity, walk uprightly, work righteousness, yesterday's gone
Psalm 15:1. Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
