Psalm 102:1-2. Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.
Oh Friends, the heat wave in the northern climes rides on, with another beautiful, hot summer’s day in the offing! And that’s good in one respect, because we’re glad to see and experience the sunshine in these few, short summer months. But too much of any one thing is not good. And our God knew that when He created the universe. That’s why He synced and balanced everything. Unfortunately though, right now our world is badly out of sync, out of balance and the overriding factor is lack of rain. The ground is parched, the crops are drying up, which means increased prices for basic foodstuff, in an already devastated economy. Animals are becoming dehydrated, weak and faint, that includes some human ones too. (smile) The brush is dry like tinder, a veritable magnet for the smallest flame, to unleash forest fires like what we recently saw in Colorado. Oh Friends, we badly need some rain, so please pray that the Lord will soon, if not before, send us some veritable showers of blessings, both up here in Canada and the U.S. Otherwise crapaud soon smoke we pipe! That’s why we couldn’t find a better Bit today than the opening verses of Psalm 102; the psalmist’s cry in distress. ‘Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily.’ It’s what we all should be praying right now my brethren in these dire times! As the caption at the top of the Psalm describes it: ‘A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord.’ And it’s a sad truth Friends, that we’re currently very afflicted and also very overwhelmed by our affliction. We’ve got to do like Bruh David and boldly declare: ‘Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle (tent) for ever: I will trust in the covert (shelter) of thy wings. Selah.’ (Ps.61:1-4) Yes Friends, it’s those kinds of strong, faithful, but yet humble and needy prayers we need to send up to heaven these days of so many serious, unexpected disasters and calamities! If we claim to believers in Jesus, then it’s Jesus we ought to be looking to for succour and relief. We shouldn’t get all worried, bitter and sad about the stuff that’s happening to us, but we have to turn to our heavenly Father and ask for sustenance, because that’s what Jesus ordered us to do. ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ (Matt.7:7-8) But then as James says, oftimes we ask and do not receive, because we ‘ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts (pleasures). (James 4:3) And that’s the awful truth my people! We usually ask for worldly, pleasure seeking stuff, and sometimes that’s fine, but our prayers must be more than just asking. They must also be accompanied by confession, adoration, thanksgiving and fellowship with other believers. It must be an all-encompassing lifestyle my brethren. Only then will the Lord look on us with compassion and mercy. So Friends, in this ungodly, evil and calamitous time, prayer is an essential, extremely important tool in the believer’s arsenal. So let’s all we believers turn to it in true sincerity, with due diligence nuh. Let’s ask the Lord to bless us, help us through these rough days, as we praise and worship His holy name and try to live according to His will. As Bruh David cried out: ‘But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord; for thy LOVING-kindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily (quickly).’ (Ps.69:13-17) Yes mih breddren, I’ll say it again, it’s that kind of strong, sincere prayer we need to float up to heaven. Remember James says that ‘The effectual (effective) fervent prayer (supplication) of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are (with a nature like ours), and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth (land) by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.’ (James 5:16-18) Oh Friends, there are enough righteous still in our ungodly world, that if we all prayed earnestly and fervently, the Lord will look down upon us with mercy, both for rain and some of the other troubles we’re currently experiencing. Ah mih people, it’s time to put our prayer powers to work, both for ourselves and the whole world, because it’s only the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph who can help us now. And that’s the gospel truth! Much LOVE!…and he spake a parable unto the to this end…that men ought always to pray…and not to faint (lose heart)… (Luke 18:1)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 July 2012 Psalm 102:1-2
15 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: affliction, ask and it shall be opened, calamities, crapaud smoke we pipe, devastated economy, lack of rain, overwhelmed by suffering, prayer of the righteous, prayer power, prayer requests, showers of blessings
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 July 2012 Proverbs 16:3
14 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: cast all your cares upon God, changing weather patterns, global warming, LOVE Revolution, natural dsiasters, prophetic vision, Psalm 55, seek first the kingdom of God, the righteous shall not be moved
Proverbs 16:3. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.
And the beat goes on; hot, muggy and dry! Yes Friends, that’s how the summer of 2012 is shaping up to be. And it’s playing havoc with the crops, starting to drive up food prices. The weather system in our world has certainly gone awry, with more abnormal happenings every day. Why is that eh? Could it be that our constant polluting of the atmosphere has finally reached a stage where all the chemical garbage we spew into it is beginning to take effect, with significant abnormalities, now becoming the norm? No doubt about it! Global warming and our unwise environmental actions do play a part in the vagaries of today’s weather patterns. How much of a part our foolish actions play, I don’t know, because there’s also another side to the equation; the divine hand of God. God’s hand is undoubtedly involved in the many abnormal natural disasters we’ve been facing all over the globe for the last few years. But are we heeding any of these warnings? Sadly not. It’s amazing how people will agree that the weather systems are indeed changing, having recently become more volatile and unexpected, but fail to agree on why, and what to do about them. Friends, I humbly submit that the first two things we need to do to bring about some positive change is to stop putting so much poisonous stuff in the atmosphere, and then return to a God-centred lifestyle. Or as our Bit so wisely states: ‘Commit (roll off) thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.’ Isn’t that how the Israelites were first established? Isn’t that how many of the world’s great nations, including the now backsliding U.S.A. were founded; on the worthy principles of Almighty God? So why have we turned away from God eh, more intent on removing Him completely from our society, than at any time in history? How did Lucifer and his evil cohorts become so powerful, while God is becoming a lesser presence every day? Unfortunately my people, I have no answers for those serious questions, but the reality of God slowly drifting out of our society, in favour of Lucifer’s fleshly and worldly norms is a sad and agonizing fact. The important thing though my brethren, is that we believers in and followers of Jesus, are the ones who have to stand up and be counted, be the main force in turning this ungodly, unpalatable situation around. Just think about the foul, inhospitable, erratic world our grandchildren will inhabit if we continue down this foolish, evil, ungodly path we seem so intent on travelling. We need to start thinking with our hearts and not our heads. That’s called LOVE, Friends! And the first action we need to take to enable us to put serious LOVE into play, is recommitting ourselves and our works to the Most High God, as our Bit advises. Bruh David says it loud and clear in Psalm 55, a cry against deceitful friends. ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’ (Ps.55:22) That’s truth at its finest my people! And Jesus, when talking about one master, made it absolutely clear that His heavenly Father should be that one: ‘Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for (do not worry about) your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not life more than meat (food), and the body than raiment (clothing)?…But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow (do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of it self. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt.6:25, 33-34) Ah mih breddren, why is that so difficult for us to accept eh, when there are so many historical precedents, beginning with Abraham’s journey from his homeland, to Israel’s escape from bondage in Egypt, to the founding of the U.S by the Pilgrim Fathers, it’s dramatic rise to power and prominence, and now it’s catastrophic fall from grace, because God is no longer the uppermost factor in its hallowed halls, schools and homes. What did Cousin Sol say about that situation? ‘Where there is no (prophetic) vision (or revelation), the people perish (cast off restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.’ (Prov.29:18) And that’s the living truth Friends, as is being borne out by the devastating calamities being suffered by a world that’s irrationally and bombastically turned away from the ONE and ONLY TRUE God. Oh my people, I’m just a lowly scribe, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure out where we’ve gone wrong, and unfortunately are continuing to go wrong. Now here’s Peter’s prescription for a successful transformation: ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet.5:6-7) Oh Friends, truer words were never spoken! But the long and short of the story is that where the divine laws of the Living God are not subscribed and conformed to by the majority of of its citizens, that society will soon decline and decay from lack of divine guidance and blessings, as well as the imposition of divine punishment. History has proven that many times over! So I don’t know what else to say to get us to smarten up and get faithfully and diligently driving that great engine of LOVE in the LOVE Revolution, for it’s only through that great and wonderful emotion of God that we stand a chance. Much LOVE!…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…for the warning is loud and clear…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 July 2012 Galatians 6:7
12 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: beautiful summer's day, dark tempestuous nights, evil spirits, glorious future, God is not mocked, greet our Maker, raging storms of life, rise and shine, thanks and praise, the Lord searches all hearts, vim and vigour, what you sow you shall reap
Galatians 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 July 2012 Galatians 6:7
11 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: fear God, give and it shall be given to you, God is not mocked, God LOVES a cheerful giver, help others, Hour of Power, I choose Jesus, Jesus is the ONLY ONE, trust in God, what you sow you shall reap
Galatians 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Oh Friends, oh Friends, yesterday morning after writing the Bit, the ole fella was watching an old Hour of Power Service from the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, and in the middle of it this beautiful young lady, Moriah Peters, began singing this song that just thrilled me all to pieces. Mama Mia! And children yuh know how yuh ole father can carry on crazy when a piece of music thrills him! Hn! Oh Friends, it was so nice, I just had to play it twice. I believe the song was titled, ‘I choose Jesus.’ But here’s the chorus: ‘I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus, The one who first chose me. I choose Jesus, I choose Jesus, From now and eternity.’ Wow mih breddren! The music was a rocking R&B riddim, and the young lady had a great voice and was also very convincing about having chosen Jesus! I had to call up my young daughter later in the day and ask her to get a copy of the music for me. And besides, with a name like Moriah, I should have known that she was gifted, was the real deal, since Moriah is also the name of a place on God’s Little Acre, Tobago. (smile) Got to put in a plug for sweet Tobago, any time I can! But seriously Friends, choosing Jesus is a sentiment that the entire world ought to be gladly and proudly singing about, because He’s the only real solution to all our earthly problems. Nothing, or no one else even comes close to solving them. Beelzebub and all his flashy but worthless earthly fandangle is a foolish waste of time. Jesus Christ is the ONLY ONE who can open heaven’s door for us my people! And if we foolishly try to open it by any other means we’ll be sadly thwarted, ingloriously repelled. Oh Friends, Jesus is indeed our ONLY HOPE, and we can only come to the Father by living the way Jesus desires that we live, in peace, LOVE and generosity. That’s why our Bit solemnly warns us: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): for whatsoever a man soweth (does, practices), that shall he also reap.’ It’s gospel truth Friends, the foundation of the universe! Just like how Jesus built His earthly church on Peter and the disciples, the same way Almighty God built His universe on the principle of sowing and reaping. The famous British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill said it this way: ‘We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.’ That statement brooks no argument whatsoever Friends! Neither does this one by Charles Dickens: ‘No one is useless in his world who lightens the burden of it for anyone else.’ Both statements relate right back to the universal principle of sowing and reaping my people, for helping others is our raison d’être in this life! Now let’s look at some scriptures that also point to that fundamental principle of eternal wisdom. First up is Bruh Paul’s directive to the Corinthians, re God LOVES a cheerful giver. And isn’t that a fact! ‘But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully (with blessings). Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity (compulsion): for God LOVETH a cheerful giver.’ (2 Cor.9:6-8) Oh my people, it’s right there in black and white, and though written almost two thousand years ago, the principle hasn’t changed, because our great and LOVING God, nor His Word ever changes! So why can’t we wise up and accept the eternal fact that we’ll only reap what we sow, and start sowing only good seed eh? Our stubborn reluctance, refusal to do so, certainly ‘confuffles’ me. Meanwhile, Cousin Sol declares it boldly and wisely when he exhorts us to obedience in Proverbs: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine.’ (Prov.3:5-10) Oh Friends, do you realize that those 5 verses serve as a paraphrase to the whole Bible. If you followed only those 5, you could live a fairly decent and righteous life, because they remind us again to trust God, be obedient to Him, to share generously with both God and man, because that’s how we will be raised up, how our own situation will be improved, be increased. Oh my brethren, I don’t know what else to say that will convince us to start sowing good seed so that we will reap a good harvest, so I’ll just let Bruh David take us home. Hopefully we’ll listen to him, as he boldly declares 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) Please remember that Friends. In fact, let’s write it indelibly in our hearts, souls and minds, so that it will readily show forth in a positive manner in all our earthly doings. It’s wisdom of the highest order. Much LOVE!…to sow, to sow…only good seed…so that our harvest will also be…an abundance of good…of divine blessing…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 July 2012 Galatians 6:7
10 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: boomerang effect, don't judge, extraordinary happiness, languishing in abject poverty, look after the sick and needy, man's inhumanity to man, plant seds of righteousness, stop liking the things of the world, thanks and praise for life, unspeakable joy
Galatians 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Oh Friends, it’s a new day and the ole fella’s extraordinarily happy! Wow! I don’t know the reason for this state of extraordinary happiness, because nothing extraordinary has happened in my life recently. In fact I felt lousy yesterday, weak and lacking energy, but I plodded on nonetheless, like I’m supposed to. I guess the extra joy must come from feeling much better today. Whatever the reason is though Friends, please, let’s give the Lord a big shout of praise and thanks because we’re alive and kicking and living better than the majority of people in our world. Oh Friends, it’s so sad to see so many people sick, hurting, oppressed, poor and hungry, when there’s so much in the world, enough that no one should have to go hungry or homeless. But unfortunately mankind has become such a rapacious, selfish, greedy disgrace, that the one percent at the top now possess more than all the other 99 percent put together. Hn! How sad! No wonder some wise man once said: ‘Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!’ And that’s the gospel truth Friends! Only it’s much worse now, for it’s no longer thousands but billions that are mourning. Think about that nuh mih breddren; billions of people on this fruitful earth are starving and languishing in abject poverty while a handful of us live high on the hog. And that’s not only in the underdeveloped countries, but also in the developed and supposed first world states. No wonder too that the Most High God is so disappointed in us, His most wonderful creation. But who wouldn’t be eh, since we’re living such shameful, ungodly, evil lives? That brings us to our Bit: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): for whatsoever a man soweth (does, practices), that shall he also reap.’ And we know that’s gospel truth Friends, that’s why so much unusual stuff is happening to us these days. The Lord’s trying to warn us about our disgusting way of life, but sadly, very few are listening, especially amongst the powers that be. They are still greatly enamoured of Lucifer and his wicked, godless ways. But remember my people that our Bit is the foundation principle on which the Lord’s built His universe. So like the boomerang we spoke of yesterday, whatever we give out, the same will be returned to us. And it’s not like we don’t know that, for Jesus said it clearly and simply: ‘Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom (pocket). For with the same measure that ye mete (use) withal it shall be measured to you again.’ (Luke 6:37-38) It doesn’t take a rocket scientist mentality to understand that whatever you do, and however you do it, the same will be done to you. Yes Friends, if we judge, condemn, do not forgive, do not give, or give grudgingly, the same thing will happen to us. Why can’t we understand that and change our selfish, greedy ways eh? But here are two relevant quotes from two famous men. The first is from Robert Louis Stevenson, (1850-1894) Scottish writer, most famous for the book ‘Treasure Island’, a long ago staple in schools. He says: ‘Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.’ Sure words of wisdom Friends! Meanwhile John Bunyan (1628-1688) the English writer renowned for his book, ‘Pilgrim’s Progress,’ rightly declared: ‘You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who cannot pay you back.’ Those are also words of undeniable wisdom my people! For Jesus also said it quite plainly. ‘When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again (invite you back), and a recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed (crippled), the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense (repay) thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.’ (Luke 14:12-14) So Friends, why aren’t we, the supposed followers of Jesus, following His instructions more widely and generously than we are eh? For it’s no secret that supposed Christians are some of the most selfish and greedy humans around. But when calamity and affliction overtake us we wonder why, then piously hold our heads and bawl: ‘Why me Lord?’ It’s simple Friends; because we’re not living the kind of life Jesus died for us to live. We’re still too enamoured of Beelzebub and his worthless useless baubles, that only have a flashy front but nothing of real and lasting substance beneath. And we’ll end with some tough LOVE from Bruh Paul to the Romans: ‘And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and (thou) doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds.’ (Rom.2:3-6) Please Friends, let’s seriously ponder those words today, because they are very important re where we’ll spend eternity, then try and bring our lives into better sync with Almighty God and His laws. That’s wisdom at its zenith. Much LOVE!…we shall all receive our comeuppance…in the same manner in which we dished it out… P.S. I want to apologize for leaving out the ‘not’ in ‘God is not mocked,’ in the heading of yesterday’s Bit. The ole fella’s only human. (smile) Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 July 2012 Galatians 6:7
09 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: bounden duty, God is not deceived, God is not mocked, heathen hordes, invincible, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, renewed vitality and enthusiasm, spread the gospel worldwide, steadfast faith, sure conquerors, whatever you sow you'll reap
Galatians 6:7. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Oh Friends, it’s Monday, the day we all LOVE! And I suddenly hear a whole lot of hissing, booing, and cursing. ‘What, LOVE Monday! Are you crazy man? What have you been drinking or smoking?’ Unfortunately Friends, all I’ve been doing is drinking water. (smile) Oh I know how we all hate to get up and go to work after a fun-filled weekend, but there’s a good logic towards LOVING Mondays. Sadly though, it comes from that same getting up and going out to work, for that causes us to go out amongst the heathen hordes where we can propagate the gospel, which we all know is our bounden duty. Note that some of Jesus’ last words to His disciples were: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.’ (Matt.28:19-20) And where else can we teach others about Christ eh, if not in the world, outside of our comfortable homes? So my people, if we’re true, devoted, diligent and faithful followers of Christ, we should be just dying for Monday to roll around, so that we can get back out there amongst the numerous unwashed, passionately broadcasting the most excellent, never-ending benefits of embracing Jesus Christ, the One and Only Superstar, as our Lord and Saviour! And Friends, I know we all want to do just that, but though our spirit is willing, our fallen flesh is weak. Anyhow, we also know that where there seems to be no way, our Saviour will always make one. And for Mondays, it’s through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, where we lively up ourselves in the Lord, give our willing spirits a boost, that jumpstart it requires to get us rolling. So all together now, in one loud, brash, defiant, but yet humble and worshipful mood. (smile) ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And now that we’re all set and rearing to go my brethren, let’s check out our ever so important Bit: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked (outwitted, outfoxed): for whatsoever a man soweth (does) that shall he also reap.’ Oh Friends, that is the gospel of all gospel truths, for it’s the very foundation, the overriding principle on which God has built His Word and His Universe! As you should all know by now, we cannot outwit or outfox God, for He is all powerful and all-seeing. The scholars give this example: ‘To disobey God’s commands and then escape divine punishment would be to outwit God, thus making a mockery of Him and His Word.’ That will NEVER happen Friends! Therefore, whatever we practice or do, be it good or evil, we will eventually reap a harvest of the seed we’ve sown. I like to think of it as a boomerang; no matter how far you throw it, it will eventually come back to you. Likewise, our deeds will come back to prosper or haunt us. So Friends, if we want to reap things like happiness, prosperity and generosity, then we first have to sow seeds of happiness, prosperity and generosity. The Lord will not give them to us unless, like the farmer, we first plant a seed. So let’s get out there and plant plenty good seeds nuh, so that we can reap an exceedingly abundant harvest of good! Now here’s an appropriate scripture for us to ponder on today: ‘For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth of the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ (Gal.6:8) More gospel truth Friends! Please let’s pay close heed to it. Much, much LOVE, mih people!…the wise will sow seeds of LOVE…while the wicked those of hate…but both will reap their reward in the same currency in which they sowed…for you can’t plant peas and expect to reap corn…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 July 2012 Proverbs 10:30
08 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: all things work for our good, blessings, choose life, curses, faithfulness, God is on the throne, God's faithfulness, God's promises, righteousness., twice as fruitfull, walk in humble obedience
Proverbs 10:30. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2012 Proverbs 10:30
07 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: curses and blessings, faithfulness, global warming, He is faithful that promised, heat-wave, heavenly blessings, meditate on God's Word, obedience, the glass half-full, the righteous shall be blessed, the wicked destroyed
Proverbs 10:30. The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.
Oh Friends, yesterday was indeed a hot one! Even the wind was hot! Thankfully to day won’t be as hot – at least that’s what the forecasters say, but you can’t trust them too much with their rather inexact science. A couple of days ago, they were predicting storms in my area, Hn! Up to now we haven’t seen a drop of heavenly blessing! The grass is not as dry as before though, because the Duchess has been blessing it with plenty earthly water. Just hope I can pay the water bill when it comes. (smile) Anyway Friends, all over North America the heat’s been abnormally rampant, one commentator even links it to global warming, but we need more evidence to justify that. However, whatever the cause, it’s hot, so please take care to put on sun screen if you’re going outside for any length of time, drink lots of cold fluids to keep hydrated, and try to stay in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned areas. And remember, as believers in Christ, we have to look on the positive side of the ledger; the glass being half-full rather than half empty, of which our Bit quite rightly informs us. ‘The righteous shall never be removed: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth.’ Ah mih people, wise words from Cousin Sol! It’s also a very important premise, as well as fact, under the rule of Almighty God, and it’s clearly stated several times and several ways in His Word. Let’s look at a few of them. In Psalm 37, the true state of the wicked, Bruh David says it this way: ‘For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (land); and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off (destroyed).’ (Ps.37:22) Meanwhile, in an earlier chapter of Proverbs, Cousin Sol states it thus: ‘The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation (dwelling) of the just.’ (Prov.3:33) Yes Friends, the Most High looks down on those who sincerely try to walk in obedience to His Word with much favour. Not so the wicked and disobedient though. Listen to what he told the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land, re the penalties for disobedience. ‘But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments…I will also do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption (a wasting disease), and the burning ague (fever), that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart; and ye shall sow your seed in vain (without profit), for your enemies shall eat it.’ (Lev.26:14,16) And that’s the good part! Oh my people, please make it a point to read Leviticus 26, if you don’t know it, and see the difference between the blessings of obedience and the penalties for disobedience. The latter takes up almost two pages, while the former does less than one page. That just goes to show Friends, how serious our God is about obedience to His Word. Now hear this from Zechariah, re the curse of the flying roll: ‘Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off (purged out, expelled) as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth (swears falsely) shall be cut off as on that side according to it. I will bring it (the curse) forth, saith the Lord of hosts, and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name: and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof and the stones thereof.’ (Zech. 5:3-4) The Lord’s serious about His curses and blessings Friends. As you can see there’s even a special one for thieves and blasphemers. But remembering that the glass is half full rather than half empty, let’s end on a positive note, the blessings of the righteous. In the very first Psalm, the psalmist profoundly proclaims: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (mockers). But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law does he meditate (ponder, contemplate) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps.1:1-3) Wow! As I keep saying, what a wonderful and gracious God we serve and worship! Yes my people, that is the Lord’s desire, His promise to those who are faithful and obedient to His Word. Please, I implore us, let’s ensure that we’re numbered amongst the righteous nuh, so that we will be eternally blessed as the Lord has promised. That’s the only earthly avenue that projects true wisdom. Much LOVE!…let us hold fast the profession of our faith…without wavering…for He is faithful that promised… (Heb.10:23) P.S. No complaints about length today though Friends, cause it’s short and sweet! (smile) Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 July 2012 Psalm 115:1
06 Jul 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: batten down the hatches, Friday chant, furthering Jesus' kingdom, glorify God, our bounden duty, renewed and refreshed, rest and relaxation, soul body and mind, TGIF!, the Promised Land, the weekend
Psalm 115:1. Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday! The eve of two days of freedom, or as close as we’ll ever really get. That’s why everybody’s so happy, and joyfully declaring to each other: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ Oh Friends, what would most of us do without the weekend to look forward to eh? And believe me, we have to be very careful, diligent and strong to protect it, because if the greedy, evil politicos and their wealthy evil counterparts get the chance, they will gladly even take those two semi-free days away from us. So let’s batten down the hatches, and prepare to fight tooth and nail for that privilege and many others they are either taking away or planning to take away. Our forefathers’ fought too hard, even giving up their lives for the few measly benefits workers now have. We can’t afford to let the evildoers come and retake them. In the meanwhile though, let’s enjoy the weekend, but with ‘a modicum of circumspection’ as Jeeves would say. And to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday Chant with much verve and gusto. All together now, as one glorious voice: ‘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.’ Yes mih people, we have to be circumspect about how we use our days off. The Lord God Jehovah should always be front and centre in our consciousness. And our Bit today certainly highlights that sentiment. ‘Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy (LOVING-kindness), and for thy truth’s sake.’ What we have to remember Friends is that we’re made for God’s purpose(s), not Him for ours. Thus, whatever happens in our lives, on earth or in heaven, is supposed to be all for God’s glory, not ours, as so many of us wrongly believe. And the Lord has made it clear on several occasions in His Word, that what He does is not always for us, but because He wants His Name to be glorified and not polluted or profaned. The first good example of that is when Moses brought the Israelites out of Egypt, and he tells them: ‘Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For (because of) my righteousness the Lord hath brought me in to possess this land: but for (because of) the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out from before thee. Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform (fulfill) the word which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Understand therefore, that the Lord giveth thee not this good land to possess it for thy righteousness; for thou art a stiffnecked (stubborn, rebellious) people.’ (Deut.9:4-6) So we see it’s not because the Israelites were so righteous that the Lord brought them out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land, because they were not, but because the inhabitants of the land were wicked and He had to keep His promise to their forefathers. Likewise Friends, many times what He does for us, is not because we’re so righteous either, but to protect His name and image or to keep some promise He’s made. Hear what He says about that through Isaiah: ‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give another, neither my praise to graven images.’ (Is.42:8) Yes mih breddren, the Lord’s very jealous of His name and glory. He has an immaculate image to project and protect, therefore He will not allow anyone to besmirch them. Listen to Him again, this time through Ezekiel: ‘But I wrought (acted) for my name’s sake, that it should not be polluted (profaned) before the heathen, among whom they were, in whose sight I made myself known unto them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.’ (Ezek.20:9) Oh my people, that just goes to show what lengths the Lord will go to protect His name and His majestic image. And He further reminded them when He promised the future restoration of Israel: ‘Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord God, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel…Then the heathen (nations) that are left round about you shall know that I the Lord build (rebuilt) the ruined places, and plant that that was desolate: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it.’ (Ezek.36:32,36) Ah Friends, strong words from our God, words that still resonate with us today, since He or His Word changes. Therefore let’s do our best to uphold His righteousness and not to provoke His anger any more than we’re already doing with the sinful, ungodly, wicked lifestyle we’re currently promoting in our society. Remember the last days are on the horizon, and the unrighteous are still many, so let’s do our part in our little area to glorify His name and cut down on the numbers that will be destroyed on that fateful day nuh. It is our bounden duty. Much LOVE!…to help others come to Christ…that’s the believers’ main goal…
