Acts 10:38. 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.
Oh Friends, the Lord has blessed us with another beautiful day on this bountiful earth! Praise and bless His Holy Name! Yeh, that’s something we ought to do, because it’s not everyone who was up and about yesterday that are up and about today. So if you’re one of the lucky, blessed ones; not one of those reading their names in the obits, please convey some thanks and praise to our heavenly Father for it. Now here’s a Gaelic Prayer of Peace that I got when I attended the St.Augustine Anglican Church last Sunday in J.A. It says, very wisely and comfortingly: ‘Deep peace of the running waves to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the smiling stars to you. Deep peace of the watching shepherds to you. Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.’ Yes my Friends, I wish that deep peace to all of us today, and sincerely pray that our world will enjoy more peace today than it did yesterday, that war and strife will be less today, than they were yesterday, and our children’s children will enjoy a much more peaceful earthly journey than our generation has done. I pray this in the blessed name of Jesus. Amen. Now let’s engage our Bit for the last time today. And I sense a smile from those of you who don’t like to use a Bit for more than one day, but sometimes the Bits are just so full of wonderful truths and promises that we just have to keep at them until we exhaust all the wisdom they can provide. And this has certainly been one of those. ‘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.’ Wow Friends! Doesn’t that just say plenty? It sure does: God anointing Jesus with His Holy Spirit; Jesus going about healing and doing good; and God being with Him while He did that. And it’s that last part; ‘for God was with him,’ that I want to look at today. And we’ll do so by first looking at a very important passage of scripture. It’s the eye opening conversation between Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and Jesus. ‘The same (Nicodemus) came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles (signs) that thou doest, except God be with him.’ (John 3:2) Now Friends, that’s a statement that both astounds and confuses me. It is indeed a truthful statement, for Jesus could not have done all those miracles without God’s help. So why then didn’t many more people believe in Him eh, especially when the Jewish nation was undergoing such horrendous oppression under Roman rule? I guess the Jews had been looking so long and hard for a war mongering Messiah, that when a peace-LOVING one came, they just could not fathom or accept it, plus the ruling class was genuinely afraid they’d lose their preferred status, and would do anything to protect it. But here’s Jesus’ answer to Nicodemus. And this is where it gets real interesting. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again (or from above), he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus (obviously confused) saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth (wishes); and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.’ (John 3:3-8) Yes mih breddren, that’s the overwhelming importance of the Holy Spirit! Unless we have it, we can’t enter heaven. And we can only get it by being born again, believing and accepting with unswerving faith that Jesus is and was the Messiah, who died to pay for our sins. Notice that Jesus Himself was baptized and born again of the Holy Spirit. (Mark 1:9-11) And as Jesus later said unto a group in the temple: ‘I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.’ (John 8:24) Oh Friends, I surely hope that all of us, who say we believe, do indeed truly believe, so that we don’t die in our sins, for that would be a terrible outcome of this earthly life. At the same time, we should also be concentrating on getting others to truly believe so that they don’t die in their sins, for that was Jesus’ last directive to His disciples, (Matt. 28:19-20) and consequently to us. And we’ll end with the definitive words of Jesus on the topic. ‘When ye have lifted up (crucified) the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.’ (John 8:28-29) And all God’s people declared a loud ‘Amen!’ Yes my fellow believers, our God is always with us when we’re doing His will. Let’s never forget that. So let’s ponder today, whether we’re truly doing His will, and if not, try to bring ourselves in line with it, so that we might continually enjoy His awesome company, just like Jesus did. Much LOVE!…only if we sincerely seek the Lord…will we find Him…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 May 2012 Acts 10:38
17 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: anointing, blessed name of Jesus, born again, come from God, deep peace, earthly journey, Gaelic peace prayer, jesus of nazareth, kingdom of god, miracles, Nicodemus, oppression, prayer of peace, teacher, wonderful truths
Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 May 2012 Acts 10:38
16 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: anointed, blessings, eternal life, faith, free gifts of God, grace, Holy Ghost, Jeus Christ of Nazareth, mercies, praise, redemption, sacrifice, salvation, spirit of jesus, straight and narrow paths, thanksgiving
Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 May 2012 Acts 10:38
15 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: anointing, baptism, branches, doing good, fatigue, Gentiles, God with us, holy spirit, home sweet home, jesus of nazareth, leadership, my beloved son, old broom, power, revelations, vine, wherever you lay your head
Acts 10:38. 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.
Ah Friends, we back, back home to our cluttered basement office, in our medium sized house in the north country. (smile) No more balconies in little mansions atop high hills, with cool breezes and lush gardens to titivate the senses. Now it’s books, papers, pictures and all kinds of other stuff surrounding me. But yuh know what? It’s HOME! And I’m comfortable, like the old broom that knows all the corners. It also fits me like a hand in glove because it’s of my making. As the elderly limo driver that brought me home from the airport last night so wisely noted: ‘That’s why it’s called HOME SWEET HOME!’ And that’s the living truth mih people! Be it ever so humble or ever so grand, wherever your heart and soul are comfortable, wherever you lay your head most nights of the year, that’s HOME! One more thing mih people; please don’t expect any extraordinary revelations or words of untoward wisdom from me today, since the ole fella’s in somewhat rough shape. I had to go back to the airport at 2.30 this morning to meet the Duchess, so I didn’t get to bed until the wee hours. In fact I had to put in a most heroic effort to get up just now because I didn’t want any more complaints about the Bit arriving later and later. Hn, hn! Yuh see the sacrifices your ole father makes for you, mih big daughter! (smile) The caffeine hasn’t kicked in yet either. Instead I burned my mouth with the very first sip. And the strange thing about vacations is that when you get back, you’re as tired as ever. You went away to rest and relax, but you usually return home even more fatigued than when you left, and you now need some time to recover from the holiday. I can testify to that right now. But what a way we ‘funnicurious’ eh! But the worst part is all the stuff that’s piled up for you to do in the few days you’ve been away; the snail and e-mail, the bills, the phone calls… Chuh! This 21st century life too busy yes! Anyway, enough of my preamble, let’s see what our Bit has to say. And it’s the same one as yesterday: ‘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.’ Those my Friends, were the truthful, factual words of Peter, when he preached to the amazingly receptive Gentiles at the house of Cornelius the centurion in Caesarea, explaining to them in a clear and concise manner how the whole scenario of Jesus, the gospel, salvation and eternal life came about. Yesterday we jumped the gun and looked at the middle section, how Jesus went about doing good and healing the sick and oppressed because it suited my immediate purpose. Today we’ll look at the first part: ‘How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:’ Oh Friends, we all know of that great moment in time when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the river Jordan: ‘And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened (torn open), and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ (Mark 1:10-11) That was effectively the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, where the Holy Spirit of His heavenly Father empowered Him to do the Father’s will. Without it, He would not have been able to do all those wonderful, miraculous things He did. Likewise Friends, without the marvellous Spirit of Jesus constantly coursing through our bodies and souls, we are unable to do much of anything. As Jesus so clearly stated to His disciples: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5) And that’s the gospel truth Friends! Without the empowering Spirit of our Saviour flowing through us, we’re helpless! Unfortunately though, a lot of believers either don’t know, understand or accept this fundamental, foundational truth of the Christian life. And it’s of the utmost importance that we know, understand and accept it, because just like Jesus was relatively powerless without His Father’s Spirit, we can’t do anything without the Spirit of Jesus. It’s therefore very critical to our well-being my brethren that we allow the Spirit of Jesus, which comes to dwell in us when we believe in Him, to lead and guide us on our earthly pilgrimage. We have to consistently listen to and be led by it. And not only when it suits our individual purpose, but even more so when it doesn’t fit into our personal agenda. I’m chuckling as I realize that my writing this Bit right now is a very good example of that, because I certainly didn’t want to get up when I did, but the Lord woke me up when He thought it was time. Now though I could have gone back to bed, most likely I would have just tossed and turned because of my reluctance to follow the Spirit’s lead. As I keep saying Friends, working for Jesus is not a bed of roses, but it’s always interesting and adventuresome, and above all else, He ALWAYS empowers us to do whatever He asks of us. My writing this Bit this morning is a perfect example of that. Judging from the way I felt when I began, I never expected to write such a coherent Bit, but as I went along, the ideas began to flow in an exceedingly helpful manner. Do you think that was my brilliance? Definitely not, since my brain was all fuzzy with tiredness and sleep! So Friends, in closing, I just want to exhort, encourage, admonish, whatever the word that best conveys the extreme importance of living in harmony with the Spirit for all believers. That’s because the Spirit of Jesus is the true mover and shaker in the lives of all His followers, and without our submission to it, our faith is essentially useless. Consequently my brethren, please let our relationship with the Spirit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be the significant thought we ponder on today. More on this tomorrow, if Almighty God so favours. Till then, please walk safely, peacefully and LOVINGLY with Him and all those with whom we come into contact. Much LOVE!…the only way to truly fathom Jesus…is through the working of His Spirit which dwells in us… P.S. Hopefully it won’t be as late now that I’m back home daughter. (smile) Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 May 2012 Acts 10: 38
14 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: battle the enemy, doing good, families living together, invincible, jesus of nazareth, lead and guide, refreshing, rejuvenation, sure conquerors, the party's over, travel, vacation, vim and vigour, winning souls
Acts 10:38. 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.
Well the party’s over my Friends. Time to call it a day! Yes Friends, my Jamdown vacation is done today! Chuh! What a pity! But that’s where the old saying learn to take a little and live long, comes in. I would have preferred a longer vacation, but I’ll take a week in J.A anytime. Unfortunately my people, it’s also Monday, and your mini vacation of two days is also over, time to go back out and labour for the man. Another Monday when we need to rise up in faith and actively pursue our earthly duty of winning souls for Christ. And as always, to help us in that aspect, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with plenty vim and vigour. As one mighty voice 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!’ Now that should get the adrenalin going, give us a jump start, invigorate us sufficiently to go out and battle the forces of evil in Jesus’ name! Ah mih people, by tomorrow, I too will be back to the common task and daily grind, but as I sit here, for the last time on the balcony of the little mansion in Mo Bay, drinking in the sights and sounds of the lush garden in Coral Gardens, committing them to memory, my mind ran back through my movements this past week in J.A, and for some reason, centred on the thought of Jesus going about doing good, hence our Bit. ‘ 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.’ It sort of put my week here in perspective, where I’d get up everyday, sometimes with no definite plan but to write the Bit, then go out and meet people, spread some peace and LOVE, some joy and kindness, bring a smile or a burst of laughter to someone else’s hurting soul. And I think I did that fairly well this week. The ole fella was in his essence this week mih children! (smile) Thank the Lord for the power of His Spirit that coursed through me, helping me to bring a little sunshine in some other people’s lives! And yuh know mih breddren, the holiday ended with a bang, for yesterday was the best day: Church with some beautiful people in the morning, who truly showed me the Christian way; them write mih Bit; then later in the afternoon a spell on the beach at Doctor’s Cave with the Duchess; then a gathering of the clan in the evening. And was that ever wonderful mih Friends! Backfoot! The jokes, the camaraderie, the food and general good time was certainly exhilarating, and showed how families ought to live with each other. As they say, the family that plays together, stays together. And that’s the gospel truth mih people! That was certainly the highlight of my trip. It warmed the cockles of my heart to see family getting along so well together. No fussing and fighting and all the other nonsense, which is so much a part of family life nowadays. Then later in the evening, the Duchess, a male cousin and I headed into town, had a couple of ‘Days at the Beach,’ (smile) I likes it! We listened to some music and I put back on whatever pounds I’d lost with a big piece of cheesecake and a couple scoops of ice cream. It sure went down well! Then on the way home we had some ‘pan chicken’. All in all it was wonderful! I couldn’t ask for a better time! Anyway Friends, I need to go and catch a last dip in the salt, so we’ll end appropriately with a scripture pertaining to Jesus going about His Father’s business. ‘And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of (every) sickness and all manner of (every) disease among the people.’ (Matt.4:23) Now that’s the way we, His followers ought to be too – just going about our Father’s business, with a right heart and clean spirit, just letting the Holy Spirit guide us, doing good, helping whomever, whenever and wherever we can in a peaceful and LOVING manner, just as our Lord, and Saviour Jesus did. Till tomorrow then, when I’ll be writing once again from the north country, God willing obviously, please take care mih people, and go safely with the wonderful God of our eternal salvation. Much LOVE!…our earthly duty…to simply be a vessel…a channel of God’s LOVE and peace…to show it in action every day of our lives…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 May 2012 Psalm 113:9
13 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: active encouragement, backbone, belly, child bearing, good and bad examples, good cheer, goodness, guidance and nurture, joyful mother, memories, mercy, mother, Mother's Day, pain, psalm 113, suffering
Psalm 113:9. He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Yes Friends, in this troubled year of 2012, we should all be praising the Lord for His goodness and mercy toward us! And on this most significant Mother’s Day of my life, I want to wish all you mothers out there on God’s great earth a happy Mother’s Day! Most of you definitely deserve it. And this Mother’s Day is significant to me because it’s the first one I’m experiencing without my biological mother. Oh Mols sugar, the ole fella misses you today, and the tears are welling up in my eyes as I write this, remembering all the good times we spent together. But I know that you are in a much better place now, no more pain and suffering, and you know all I ever wanted was your happiness, for like so many mothers, especially the single ones, you never took an easy step in your life, but it never made you bitter or resentful. Instead, you were always full of joy and good cheer. You also showed me by example how to live a good Christian life. And for that I’ll forever be grateful ‘M’. Sorry about that short break Friends, but the tears began flowing uncontrollably for a moment. It’s strange, for though I miss my mother, and still talk to her every day, I haven’t cried over her in months. I guess the many good Mother’s Day memories just stirred up the dormant emotions. But enough of my sentimentality, let’s get on with writing the Bit. (smile) Ah Friends, mothers are the most important people in our lives. They physically carry us in their wombs for nine months, then experience excruciating pain to birth us, then spend the best years of their lives nurturing and guiding us. Wow! What towers of strength! They are also the ones who usually form our character by their teaching and everyday example. Chuh! Stop it nuh tears! They want to flow again as I remember the excellent teaching and example my mother Molly set me. Unfortunately it was only late in life, after hearing some horrendous stories about other mothers, that I realized she was amongst the best mothers in the world. Oh my brethren, I have so many examples of her unconditional LOVE and wise guidance, some of which I never took, and afterwards paid a hefty price. She was never loud and ignorant with me, but I could always tell when she was displeased, and in my time, I sure felt the rod, in my case, the strap of correction, which undoubtedly made me a better person today. The Good Book says God is LOVE, and it seems that He put a greater portion in mothers then in fathers, for they are usually the catalyst, the binding thread that keeps families together. Where there are strong, LOVING mothers, there are strong, LOVING families! Some believe that because Eve was the originator of sin, the Lord placed the arduous task of child bearing and rearing on her and her fellow women. But even if that’s so, He also gave her the parts to bear her earthly burden, just as He does for each of us. (1 Cor.10:13) The sad part of the story though is that just as mothers can be good examples, they can also be bad ones, and I want to share a couple scriptures about mothers that caught my attention. The first one is about Deborah, the prophetess, who once judged Israel. In her time she brought peace and security to Israel after she and Barak defeated their enemies. And in her joyful song of praise, she astutely declares: ‘The inhabitants of the villages ceased (village life ceased), they ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that I arose a mother in Israel.’ (Judg.5:7) No better description of nurturing and guidance beside ‘MOTHER’ can be found in any language. Now let’s introduce our Bit for today: ‘He maketh (causes) the barren (childless) woman to keep house (dwell in a home), and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.’ There is indeed method to our God’s seeming madness my people! Look at all the supposed barren women, from Sarah onward, who through faith, prayer and trust in Almighty God, eventually became wonderful mothers. One of the best examples of that is Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. She cried out to God in her barren state, and promised to dedicate any offspring to the Lord. The Lord in His LOVING-kindness blessed her with Samuel, and she kept her vow and gave Him to be the Lord’s servant at an early age. (1 Sam:2) Unfortunately though, we also have mothers like Athaliah, whose son, Ahaziah, ruled Judah for a time. Hear how the Good Book refers to her: ‘He (Ahaziah) also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly.’ (2 Chr.22:3) How sad it is when a mother can actively encourage her children to do evil. But that’s the nature of the beast; some are good and some are bad. Let’s just hope that overall, we get more good apples than rotten ones. Oh Friends, on this Mother’s Day, please, let’s all honour and show LOVE to our Mothers, in spite of their shortcomings, for they are human just like the rest of us, and thus liable to make mistakes. And anyway that’s a God-given commandment, not a mere suggestion of mine. ‘Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.’ (Ex.20:12) So regardless of how or what our parents turn out to be, it’s our bounden duty to honour, LOVE, and cherish them! My Friends, let’s seriously and actively live that commandment from today onward nuh. Much LOVE!…a mother’s job…is to be the bedrock…the backbone of the family… P.S. Sorry this is so late Friends, but I went to church and it took about two and a half hours, which I’m not accustomed to. But it was indeed time well spent, the congregation was very welcoming, and I enjoyed the refreshing sense of worship in a West Indian congregation that I haven’t experienced in a long while. Took me back to my boyhood days in Tobago. Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 May 2012 Psalm 71:22
12 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: Eden, fleshly lusts, forsaken, fun and joy, god, heaven, heavenly Father, hustle and bustle, lush garden, old acquaintances, peaceful, sinful pleasures, thanks and praise, tranquil, vibe
Psalm 71:22. I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
Oh Friends, once again I’m writing to you in Jesus’ name from the little mansion in Mo Bay, after a successful and exhilarating trip to Kingston yesterday, where I renewed old acquaintances and reminisced on times gone by. And yuh know it’s strange, but I can feel a significant difference between the two mansions. Although it was nice and peaceful in Jack’s Hill, I could still feel the throbbing, the hustle and bustle vibe of the big city, while in Mo Bay, there’s a greater sense of peace and calm, a more countrified, easy going atmosphere. And as I sit on the balcony here, looking out over the lush garden below, sipping some coffee, a sense of what it must have been like in that first garden, Eden, comes over me. The birds are singing sweet, comely praises to their Maker, the leaves are rustling quietly in the cool, gentle breeze that washes over both them and me… Oh Friends, it’s just a quiet tranquil scene; one that eminently lends itself to thanks and praise! So let’s bring in our totally appropriate Bit nuh. ‘I will also praise thee with the psaltery (lute, lyre) even thy truth (faithfulness), O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.’ For sure mih people, for sure! Thanks and praise to Almighty God is a continual must, for He created us to glorify Him! Hear the psalmist corroborate that: ‘Praise ye the Lord (sing Hallelujah): for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely (beautiful).’ (Ps.147:1) That’s undoubtedly the living truth Friends! For the Lord faithfully looks after the sheep of His pasture. And all God’s children gave a joyful, mighty shout: ‘Oh thank you Father God!’ Now let’s turn for a spell to the last part of our Bit; ‘O thou Holy One of Israel.’ The psalmist knows exactly to whom He’s offering pleas and praise, the God of His fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Unfortunately though, most of today’s world don’t have a clue about Him, or even if they do, they ungraciously shunt Him aside for the fleshly lusts and pleasure of this sinful, ungodly world. As Isaiah said to Judah: ‘Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.’ (2 Kin.19:22) Oh Friends, sadly, that’s ever so true! Beelzebub is in control today, just like he was back in Isaiah’s time. ‘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. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib (manger or feed trough): but Israel doth not know (understand), my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden (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 away (turned) backward.’ (Is.1:2-4) Ah mih breddren, how sad it is to see what our once wonderful world has now come to! And unless we stop this free fall in to sin and ungodliness, we going to fall all the way down to Hades to spend eternity with Lucifer. And believe me, the fleshly lusts and pleasures that we running down now, won’t be down there. There’ll be no pleasures, just eternal ‘sufferation’! All the fun and joy will be in heaven! Glory Hallelujah! So Friends, it’s up to each individual to make a conscious choice for eternity; enjoy the pleasures of the world now, and eternal death and damnation in Hades after. Or suffer the pangs of evil now, overcoming them through the help of a faithful Lord and Saviour, Jesus, then living with Him in eternal splendour and glory afterwards! Wow! What a wonderful scene to look forward to! So my brethren, I’m imploring us to make the wise choice; Jesus. Please, please, don’t be penny wise and pound foolish, choose Jesus, the only sensible choice! Now let’s end as we began; on a joyous note of thanks and praise. ‘Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely (beautiful) for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise (joyful shout). For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth,’ (Ps.33:1-4) And all God’s people said a loud, praiseworthy, ‘Amen!’ Much, Much LOVE mih people!…as for me and mine…there’s no doubt…we will follow Jesus…right to the ends of the earth…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 May 2012 Psalm 71:22
11 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: fellowship, fun, glorious kingdom, gratefulness, memories, never give up, praise and thanks, relaxation, selfless sacrifice
Psalm 71:22. I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday and plenty of you are trilling: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ But here’s a better mantra, one I overhead yesterday afternoon while waiting in the supermarket parking lot for the Duchess and the Lady of the Manor. I didn’t see the lads involved because they were hidden by a wall behind me, but their voices came through loud and clear, and from the timbre, they had to be between five and ten years old. The loudest one was saying to the other: ‘Mi nyar give up! Mi cyan give up!’ I smiled to myself when I heard that, thinking; ‘Son, you don’t know what words of wisdom you’re speaking nuh!’ Yes my people, never give up should be the motto of Jesus’ followers! How can we be intimately associated with the most powerful Being in the universe, the Creator of all things bright and beautiful and talk about giving up eh? Not at all Friends! The two things just don’t go together, especially after Jesus so selflessly sacrificed His sinless, holy life so that we could be redeemed and reconciled to the Father. Chuh! We can’t even think about giving up, much less talk about it. And to help us stay strong and devoted, let’s chant out 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.’Ah Friends, most of you are overjoyed at the two days off coming up, but I’m not so happy though, because Friday means my holiday is almost over. Anyway don’t worry for I’m still making memories, and today I’m writing from a little mansion in Jack’s Hill, looking out over the sprawling city of Kingston, having travelled by the Knutsford Express Bus this morning. It’s certainly good to have well to do Friends in each area eh! (smile) And the Lord’s been so good to me this past week in J.A that I’d be rather ungrateful to complain. I might be many things, but ungrateful is certainly not one of them, thus the choice of our Bit for today: ‘I will also praise thee with the psaltery (lute or lyre), even thy truth (faithfulness), O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.’ Yuh know my brethren, we don’t give our wonderful God as much thanks as He really deserves. We quick to cry out to Him in times of trouble, but thanks and praise don’t seem to figure into our lives as much as they ought to. Who you think enables us to have good times eh? It’s the Lord God Jehovah! But when life is good we’re too busy with the things of the world to bother with God. And that’s totally wrong my brethren, for when trouble comes and you call out to God, He’ll ignore you, just like you ignore Him. And I’m sure you don’t want that to happen, so please pay attention to the Lord when times are good as well as when they’re bad, cause it’s all in your best interest. Remember a couple days ago we were saying that we need to commune with the Father especially in the rough times; we need to praise and thank Him for sending the troubles, which inevitably strengthen us and continue the makeover of our character into the likeness of Jesus. Now here’s what our attitude should be like at all times. The psalmist rightly declares: ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth (declare) thy LOVING-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn (harmonious, melodious) sound. For thou Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.’ (Ps.92:1-4) And all God’s people joyfully shouted: ‘Praise the Lord for His goodness to men! Amen!’ Yes mih people, until we’re giving continual thanks and praise to our God, living in a state of being where those two things come automatically and continuously, we’re not LOVING our God to the fullest of our abilities! Well that’s about it for today Friends. Time to go and see some old, familiar Kingston sights and people, relive some old memories. Talk to you tomorrow then, if the good Lord’s in favour. Much LOVE!…to truly be a follower of Jesus…LOVING our God…LIVING our Faith…and SPREADING the Word…must take priority in our earthly pilgrimage…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 May 2012 Psalm 23:2
10 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: cleanse, feed the flock, giving thanks, green pastures, heal, LOVE, peace, rejuvenate the spirit, still waters, stress, sweet praises
Psalm 23:2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.
Oh Friends, from the balcony of the little mansion in Mo Bay, I write these words to you in the peace and LOVE of Jesus Christ! Praise His Holy Name! Yeh, it’s another beautiful day in Mo Bay, with the leaves of the trees swaying in the gentle breeze, with birds singing sweet praises, dogs barking and human voices rising to be lost in the atmosphere. My only regret is that it’s already Thursday; the week’s almost over. Wishing now that I’d taken at least two weeks off instead of one. But them’s the breaks! Got to be thankful for small mercies, cause it could have just as easily been no time at all. And the ole fella’s still giving thanks, still pinching myself to make sure it’s real! Oh mih breddren, the Lord’s been so good to me this week that there’s only one Bit suited to declare it: ‘ He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters.’ The Lord truly has been my shepherd, for I have lacked nothing. Wherever I’ve gone, people have been happy to see me, even those who don’t know me, and have all treated me right royally. What more can I ask eh? NOTHING! Like Ezekiel conveyed the Lord’s promise to Israel: ‘I will feed them in a good pasture, and upon the high mountains of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie in a good fold, and in a fat (rich) pasture shall they feed upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down, saith the Lord God.’ (Ezek.34:14-15) The Lord sure has fed, and is still feeding me, in a rich green pasture here this week Friends, on the hillside of Mo Bay, and I am lying down in peace and comfort. I know that the problems of the world have not passed away, but I’m not watching any news or reading any papers this week, just letting it all go by without much personal involvement. I’m still praying and hoping for the best for one and all, but I’m certainly not allowing it to affect my soul. As it were, I’m just lying down in the pastures of green, resting my spirit beside the still, peaceful waters, letting my soul just concentrate and rejoice in the goodness of the God of my salvation! It’s a time out to rejuvenate the spirit, cause next week I’ll be back to the daily task and constant grind. My people, I’d strongly suggest that every so often we get away from the world and all its nonsense, just relax and fill our souls and minds with the wonder of our God. Just allow Him to come into us to cleanse and heal our stressed bodies and souls; revitalize them with His sure presence and power. We need time off from the troubles of daily life, so we can get refreshed and be able to adequately handle them again. We’re just like any mechanical device; every so often we need tuning up too, since the pressures and demands of our daily lives in the evermore confused and troubled world will eventually drain us of our godly power, if we don’t take the time to seriously address it. And Friends, it’s not like I’m not peaceful and strong back in the north country, but here I’m experiencing a different, higher level of peace, where the stress and strain of daily living are not as great, and personally I don’t have any serious decisions to make; except when and what to eat, when to sleep, when to go to beach etc. (smile) By the way, Sunset Beach (that’s the poor man’s beach) was nice yesterday evening, fully reflecting its name, as a beautiful sunset took place while I was there for a dip. In my realm, when you just want a dip, you go to Sunset. When you want a day at the beach, you go to Doctor’s Cave. Anyway, enough of my ramblings, let’s end by looking all the way forward to that final time when Jesus shall lead us to green pastures, beside still beautiful waters for eternity. ‘They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (shepherd) them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears (every tear) from their eyes.’ (Rev.7.16-17) Oh Friends, that’s an everlasting, faithful promise! Let’s keep it in our vision; look towards its eventuality, and therefore set our compass, our life’s course in that direction. It’s the only way of living that’s wise and sensible! Much LOVE!…to live for Christ…is the wisdom of the ages…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 May 2012 Psalm 69:30
09 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: blessings, faith and confidence, magnify the Lord, mercy, praise, rejoice, salvation, strength and shied, strong and healthy, thankful, thanskgiving, trust
Psalm 69:30. I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Oh Friends, a nice, cool breeze is blowing in over the hills this Tuesday morning as I sit on the balcony of the little mansion in Mo Bay to write to you. I’m admiring the lush garden down below me, while sipping a concoction of sorrel and pineapple. Now don’t get any ideas, there’s no alcohol in it. (smile) It’s simply a cold, refreshing drink. However, I did hit the daily double yesterday; a nice physical day at the beach with the Duchess at Doctor’s Cave, then later in the night, at a restaurant in the city, I revived it with an exotic cocktail also called ‘a day at the beach.’ And was it ever delicious! Just the thing to round off the day! Oh, sorry, I forgot about the wonderful goat-belly soup that I had in between! I know some of you are wrinkling up your faces in disgust, but that’s your misfortune. I came here to get strong and healthy and that’s the kind of food that performs that function. Consequently, I had to change my first choice of a Bit today, because it was too sad and beggy-beggy; (smile) a cry of distress. And right now I’m certainly not in distress. After all my good fortune, blessings and mercy, with being granted another sunny day on God’s wonderful, bountiful earth being the most exciting and enthralling, I had to give praise and thanks, thus our much more appropriate Bit: ‘I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.’ That’s for sure Friends! The Lord’s praise has continually been in my mouth since I hit the goodly shores of J.A. But overall, His children ought to give Him much more praise and thanks, and magnify His glorious Name much more than we normally do. We shouldn’t only praise Him when things are going well, but also in the rough times. I recently read a book where the author insists that praising God for the misfortunes in our lives, enables Him to work faithfully and turn those situations around. In other words, instead of griping when trials and troubles come our way, we should thank and praise Him for allowing them into our lives. Yes my people, whatever the situation, good or bad, praise and thanks is always the best way to handle it. It shows that we have the utmost faith and confidence in our God to make all things right, if it suits His purpose. It’s time we stop the everlasting whining and complaining about our mostly petty troubles, and instead just keep on doing God’s bidding and being thankful. Being thankful also has an added psychological effect, in that when we concentrate on giving thanks, we tend to forget or ignore our problems. The mind just concentrates on the good aspects of our lives, of which there are many. Like Bruh David in Psalm 13, where he begins by crying out and asking the Lord how long He’ll forget him and hide His face (Ps.13:1) but ends up: ‘But I have trusted in thy mercy (LOVING-kindness); my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.’ (Ps.13:5-6) Yes Friends, we tend to forget all the good things the Lord’s already done for us when new troubles come upon us. We ought not to though, for if we truly believe that our God is faithful and powerful, can do all things, then why should we think that He’s forgotten us? We should be claiming, like Bruh David: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.’ (Ps.28:7) I have to chuckle yes people, because the two psalms of Bruh David I’ve quoted here, all begin with crying out for help and mercy, but both end up with praising, glorifying and admitting trust and faith in God’s power and LOVING-kindness. And that’s how it should be with us my brethren; when we cry out for help, it should always be with confidence and trust that it will be given, which ought to lead to the eventual giving of thanks for the sure coming of relief. And Bruh David does it again in Psalm 69, a cry of distress, from which our Bit is taken; he begins by bemoaning his unfortunate plight, but ends up with praise and thanksgiving. Because: ‘This shall also please the Lord better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God. For the Lord heareth the poor, and despiseth not his prisoners. Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein.’ (Ps.69: 31-34) Please mih people, let’s make it our priority today to adopt that praise and thanksgiving attitude, regardless of what comes against us nuh. It will endear us to the Father and thus give Him more reason to cherish and bless us. Much LOVE!…the lips of all God’s creatures…should be constantly, continually dripping with His praise, thanksgiving and glory…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 May 2012 John 15:4
08 May 2012 Leave a comment
John 15:4. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Surprise! Surprise! Oh Friends, from a little mansion in Mo Bay, I’m writing these words for you! That’s just a little play on the old Reggae song ‘From a little cottage in Negril.’ Yes Friends, the ole fella’s in Mo Bay, Xayamaca; the Land of Wood and Water; Rivers and Springs! Believe it people, it’s true; the ole fella’s in Jamdown! Wow! I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s true! (smile) Let’s back up a bit here though and talk about the Arawak Indian name for Jamaica, ‘Xayamaca.’ Tell me nuh, how many of the young people today know that that was the Amerindian name for their country and what it means? Do they still teach stuff like that in school? I sure hope so, else we’d just keep on losing our rich heritage and culture of the West Indies, until all is lost and forgotten. That would surely be a sad day! Anyway, I’m not here to gripe and complain, but to lay back, relax and enjoy the sea, sand, sun and rum. I’ve already gotten the first three, the last will come later, I hope. (smile) Yeh Friends, I touched down in Mo Bay yesterday afternoon, and believe me, the change in everything has certainly been refreshing! Yuh know I’ve been saying I’ll check out the sunshine when the time’s right? Well I could have come before, but I just never had peace in my soul, re the timing. But now the timing’s right, because it is the Lord’s! Remember on Holy Thursday night, during the Gethsemane watch, He told me to abide in him – with patience, so I was just trying to do that. And finally I was rewarded with this trip, that by the way, just fell into my lap, without me doing anything, IN HIS TIME! That’s the important thing Friends; it was God’s timing not mine. Unlike the fiasco of last year when I went to California and rushed impatiently to the beach, then lost my wedding ring in the cold, rough water, then also got lost physically trying to get back home. That obviously wasn’t His timing. Sorry that this is so late, but yesterday was somewhat hectic and my Jamaican family told me that I was on vacation, so I should just relax and not rush myself. (smile) And yuh better believe Doctor’s Cave beach was nice yesterday afternoon! I just revelled in the beautiful blue salt water! From the first dip I could feel a marked difference in both my body and soul. And as I sit here now on the quiet balcony of the little mansion, looking out at the abundance of colourful flora, including all kinds of fruit trees, my soul’s at peace, and my body’s feeling healthy. The arthritic woes have taken a back seat. Thank the Lord! And late last night, after all the ‘confuffleation’, I was sitting on the balcony conversing with my Maker, listening to the crickets and other insects singing loud praises to Him. Yuh know they’re so loud, it’s hard to hear anything else, and they carry on all night, sounding like and earthly angelic choir. And while they were singing His praises, I was giving my utmost thanks! That’s all I could do, for no words could truly convey the heartfelt feeling that ran through me. And I’m still giving plenty thanks now! (smile) Ah mih people, it’s certainly refreshing; the change in pace, the scenery, the atmosphere, everything is just so much more conducive to good health and long life. And when I went looking for a suitable Bit to convey this abide in me principle, wonder of wonders, I found this obvious and most appropriate one! ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.’ And that’s the living truth Friends! If we abide in Jesus, do what He asks and wait patiently on Him to make the necessary moves, we will bear much fruit, and much good fruit at that. Now it’s not always easy to abide in patience, because the world has a very different outlook on life to Jesus. But as believers, we’re called to stand strong and steadfast in faith against the world and wait for Jesus’ timing. And I can tell you from personal experience, that if we adhere to that basic principle, we will be very successful in whatever we do! It’s a very simple but mountain moving principle my breddren. But we’ve been so conditioned and spoiled by the upsurge in technology, which gives us almost everything now for now, that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to wait on the Lord. But listen to these wise words of advice from Bruh Paul to the Colossians: ‘If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled (steadfast), and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister.’ (Col.1:23) Yes my brethren, our only hope of survival and success is to stay grounded and rooted in the faith so selflessly bestowed on us by Christ Jesus! Hope and faith in the Word is the only thing that will bring us joy and peace in this crazy, confused and troubled world. So please, let’s seriously endeavour to get the Word into us, then faithfully live it nuh. Only then will we bear an abundance of good fruit. Much LOVE!…the Word…the Word…that’s where man’s salvation…both earthly and heavenly lies… P.S. The Bit might be somewhat disjointed, but that’s basically from my enthusiasm in being in J.A. And the Bits from here this week might be a bit irregular because of my unscripted, unplanned, fall as they wish movements. (smile) But don’t worry, you will get them…eventually. Much LOVE!
