SCRIP-BITS

Revelation 3:20.    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Friday! Friday the 13th to boot! What some call Black Friday, based on some dark and evil perceptions, retarded superstitions, that Fridays and the 13th bring bad luck. And yuh know what Friends, that’s possibly why I don’t hear as many people joyfully shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ (smile) But I’m here to remind us that what we consider bad luck can occur on any day, or date. The same goes for good luck. The day or date doesn’t matter, for our God doesn’t deal in dark, dismal superstitions. That’s just ole Beelzebub playing mind games with us. So to refute his evil attempts to undermine our faith, let’s all loudly, boldly, and with much enthusiasm, chant our Friday Chant. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ Now that should give us the right perspective for the day. And I sure hope that we all said a heartfelt thanks when we opened our eyes to a brand new day, and asked for guidance and blessing in true gratitude and reverence, and not motivated by fear of the unknown on Friday the 13th. Oh people, we have some unfinished business from yesterday. I never ended the Bit as planned, because it would have been too long for our short attention spans. (smile) But there is a story to how it came about. Before writing it, I was reading a book, trying to study up some on our God. However, while doing that, I casually wondered what I was going to write about. Suddenly the idea about our earthly journey flashed through my mind. Obviously I chuckled and put down the book. The rest, as they say, is history. I guess the Spirit desired that I give us a wake up call on the matter we spoke about. So who was I to say Him nay eh? And our God is so wonderful, moves in such mysterious ways, His glory to shine, that afterwards I didn’t even have to search for a Bit, He presented me with one on a silver, no, a golden platter right at the end. Yes my brethren, that’s how our great God works when we surrender our all to Him, and allow Him to rule and guide every aspect of our lives. Friends, I don’t know if you see or feel God working in your lives, but I certainly do in mine. And the more mature I become in the faith and the study of His Word, the more I notice it. And it’s not so much in the big things, because He must be there for those to work in our favour, but in the small, everyday aspects of our lives. Like you’ll ask for guidance on something, then forget about it, but sometime later, you’ll get this revelation in your spirit, or someone will come along and show you how to handle the situation. Or you’re going out to do something, to an appointment that you think will be problematic, but it turns out to be a walk in the park. That’s God moving in our lives my brethren! And those are the things we ought to concentrate more on, to help keep our hope and faith alive, not necessarily the big ticket items or life changing scenarios. But unfortunately we can’t have or appreciate those things unless we’re walking in step with God. So, let’s do as our Bit advises us: ‘Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup (dine) with him, and he with me.’ Yes Friends, Jesus is alive and kicking, still doing what He did here on earth; going around knocking on the doors of hearts, wanting to see who will let Him in. Jesus is like a door-to-door salesman, except He’s heart-to-heart. And it would be rather wise on our part, if He knocked on our heart’s door and we joyfully opened it and allowed Him to enter and dine with us. Ah mih people, we have to end now, but we’ll do so with a verse of scripture that relates to, shows how Jesus might knock at our heart’s door. It’s from one of Cousin Sol’s LOVE Songs. ‘I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my LOVE, my dove, my undefiled (perfect one): for my head is filled (covered) with dew, and my locks (hair) with the drops of night.’ (Song 5:2) Yes Friends, that’s how Jesus might knock on the door of our hearts. Please, let’s open them and receive Him with joy and LOVE, for He is worthy. More on this tomorrow, our God willing. Much LOVE!…when Jesus comes a knocking…don’t hesitate…gladly run and open the door…
 

Revelation 3:20.    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
 
Oh Friends, how is your journey; your earthly journey that is? I know for many of us it’s rough and tough, but please look on the bright side. This earthly existence is only temporary, and as Christ’s followers, we’re headed for a wonderful life throughout eternity, if we only hang in sincerely and walk down here with Jesus; our Guide, Leader, Saviour, Advocate, Prince of Peace, etc. etc. Wow! With a Being so strong and versatile working on our behalf, there’s no need to fear whatever happens to us down here on this often hellish earth. Just remember that Jesus is our end all and be all! With Him, there’s salvation and life everlasting! Without Him, there’s nothing; nothing but death and eternal separation! So please choose salvation and eternal life because that’s the only wise choice. Don’t be fooled by the bright, glittering promises of Lucifer and his evil henchmen, because they involve trickery, sleight of hand, and their rewards are mere baubles; worldly stuff that lose their value, that rot and disintegrate. And in Hades, where those evil folk will end up, there’s only death and eternal damnation. Please my people, please remember that the choices we make here on earth determine the outcome of our eternal existence. So it’s of the utmost importance to make the right decision now. And what’s the right decision, the right choice? And all God’s people, without hesitation, declared in perfect harmony: ‘Jesus! Choose Jesus, for He’s the truth, the light and the way. No one comes to the Father but by Him.’  Yes Friends, that’s the correct answer to the million-dollar question! Or as Sherlock Holmes, that wise detective, would no doubt have said to his close friend: ‘Elementary, my dear Watson!’ (smile) And when one considers all the pros and cons, the choice is simple and elementary. So I sincerely hope that you and yours, like me and mine, have found, or will soon find an everlasting relationship with our Saviour; the Son of God who became man to sacrifice His life, pay an exorbitant price with His precious blood for our horrendous sins against Almighty God. No other supposed deity has done, can do, or will ever do what He’s done. And though the earthly times are hard and painful, when we rest under the LOVING and grace-giving shadow of His wings, we are enabled to handle those trials and tribulations without too much hand wringing and heart failing. Oh people, that’s the great benefit of hooking up with Jesus! He’s always around; always there to lend a helping hand; He’ll never let you down. Now He might not pull you out of the fire or the lion’s den, but He’ll surely enable you to pass through them with negligible bad effects. In fact, like iron strengthens iron, those troubles will strengthen you, and you’ll come out stronger on the other side. Please remember and stand on this most awesome promise of our God. ‘Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon (scorch) thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee (in thy place).’ (Is.43:1-3) Yes my brethren, that’s how much the Lord our God LOVES us. He’s already put everything in place for us, done His part. It’s now left for us to do ours. And that’s to stand strong on His promises, be obedient to His will, and have a right and personal relationship with Him. That’s all He asks of us; have faith, live in a manner that glorifies Him, and communicate with Him on a regular basis. Now that’s not so hard to do, is it? And the wonderful thing about our God is that whatever He requires of us, He also gives us the tools, the wherewithal to accomplish it. No other deity does that. By now you have seen the many wonderful benefits of following Jesus and the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for there’s no one, or nothing as magnificent and magnanimous as the Holy Trinity. They are indeed special my brethren. But you won’t know, can’t experience that wonderful feeling of peace and calm that they engender in our spirit, in all walks of life, until you embrace them wholeheartedly, surrender to their easy yoke and light burden. Hear this great invitation, the greatest that’s ever been offered: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek (gentle and humble) and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:29-30) Oh my people that’s the best offer we’ll ever receive in this life, so please lets accept it with the same generosity with which it’s been offered nuh. Jesus has already died, risen from the dead and ascended to heaven. So it’s a done deal! All we have to do is reach out in faith and accept the offer. It’s the best and wisest contract we’ll ever enter into. So I implore us, that if we should hear His voice calling our name today, please; ‘Harden not your heart, as in the provocation (rebellion), and as in the day of temptation (trial or testing) in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted (tried) me, proved me, and saw my work.’ (Ps.95:8-9) Let’s not be as obstinate, stubborn and rebellious as those Israelites, but joyfully accept the Lord’s most gracious offer, and live contentedly in Him. Much LOVE!…behold…I stand at the door, and knock…if any man hear my voice…and open the door…I will come in to him…and will sup (dine) with him…and he with me… 
 

Romans 6:12.    Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
 
Aye mih beautiful Friends in Christ! All yuh enjoying today’s blessings? And all God’s people joyfully shouted: ‘But nuh must! We’re alive! And the Good Book says that every day is filled with new mercies and blessings! And we God doh lie, so if He say is so, then it must be so!’ That’s gospel mih people! And it’s also good to get our day off with a little chuckle, a little humour to ease up the pressure and set the right tempo. So every morning, as soon as possible, we ought to float a prayer of thanksgiving up to heaven, then exercise our smile and laugh muscles, so that we can fill our spirits with joy. For remember that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Neh.8:10) Without it, we’re lost and very vulnerable, easy pickings for Lucifer and his cadre of bad boys. Consequently, keeping our souls full of joy is one way of fulfilling the advice of our Bit: ‘Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.’ Yes my brethren, if we’re filled with God’s Word, His joy, His promises, His faith and His LOVE, there’s no way Lucifer and his evil cronies can infiltrate our spirits. That’s why men of faith like Bruh David were always communicating with the Lord re their earthly behaviour. ‘Concerning the words (works) of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. Hold up my goings in thy paths (uphold my steps), that my footsteps slip not.’ (Ps.17:4-5) And again in Psalm 119, he beseeches the Lord: ‘Look thou upon me and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those (as thy custom is towards those) that LOVE thy name. Order (direct) my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.’ (Ps.119:132-133) Ah Friends, it’s very important to remember that living a godly life in a mostly ungodly world is not easy. We will always have trials and tribulations; one after the other and sometimes many together, but with Jesus’ help, with Him as the sure foundation of our souls, we can make it, and not only make it, but be very successful against the evil of this world. Remember His words: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) Wow! What an awesome statement! And if yuh think that’s awesome, then listen to these promises from Revelation. In writing to the Church at Ephesus, Jesus declares: ‘He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.’ (Rev.2:7) Glory Hallelujah! That means mih breddren that unlike Adam and Eve who were prevented from eating of the tree of life, those who hang tight with Jesus to the end, will be able to eat any and everything in the Garden of Eden when He takes us home. What a joy to know! Meanwhile, to the Church at Thyatira, He proclaims: ‘And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over nations…And I will give him the morning star.’ (Rev.2:26,28) And all I can say to that Friends, is a mighty ‘Wow!’ So my people, there’s nothing to worry about if we concentrate fully, stay as focused as possible on the Lord and His Word and continually talk to Him. We need to run every problem, every decision, everything in our lives by Him before we act. For as Bruh Paul advises the Colossians on the subject of sin in our mortal coils: ‘Mortify (put to death) therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection (overboard passion), evil concupiscence (desire), and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.’ (Col.3:5-6) And Peter puts it thus: ‘Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.’ (1 Pet.4:1-2) Well Friends, that’s all for today. The scriptures we’ve looked at all speak for themselves, and I sure hope that they will take deep root in our souls, bodies and minds, and richly percolate therein, so that we can walk without fear of the enemy, in the goodness and righteousness of God, as true followers of Jesus. This I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen. Much LOVE mih people!…for sin shall not have dominion over you…for ye are not under the law…but under grace… (Rom.6:14) 
 

Romans 6:12.    Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
 
Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in the life! I sure hope that we all gave thanks for being able to see and enjoy it. And since we’re believers, followers of Christ, we will definitely enjoy it, come what may…right? As the man says: ‘This is the day the Lord’s made, we shall rejoice and be glad in it!’ Okay, so some days are harder than others, but everyday we have Jesus’ help available to us. It’s entirely up to us whether we use it or not. Remember Job told his wife that we can’t have good only and no bad, and that still holds today. (Job 2:10) However, when we completely surrender our souls to Jesus, the bad days aren’t as bad as if we hadn’t surrendered. That’s the beauty of living with, for and in Christ, my people! Through His Holy Spirit He lessens our burdens, we don’t feel the lash of the worldly whip as much: ‘For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:30) And we keep Jesus in our hearts by concentrating on heavenly or spiritual things much more than the worldly junk with which we’re confronted every day. As C.S. Lewis reputedly said: ‘All that is not eternal is eternally useless.’ Words of wisdom my people! Concentrating on the eternal thus enables us to live up to the advice and direction of our Bit: ‘Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.’ We noted yesterday that this means to stop letting the many tentacles of sin overwhelm us; to stop allowing it to dictate and control our lives, otherwise we won’t be truly in, of and with Jesus. Bruh Paul then expanded on our Bit to the Roman Church: ‘Neither yield (present) ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield (present) yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments (weapons) of righteousness unto God.’ (Rom.6:13) That’s it exactly Friends! We have to stop giving in to sin in our everyday confrontations with it. Instead, as believers, as born again in Christ, we should present ourselves to God, give into His work. That’s what being born again means; living for Christ, doing what he wants rather than what we, in our worldly and sinful flesh desire. Bruh Paul called for a definite and determined commitment from the Roman Church. Today Friends, we need an even stronger and more determined commitment to live for Christ in this way more evil and ungodly world. Oh my people, without that total surrender and assertive, sometimes even aggressive commitment to Christ, we can’t do His work. Yes, we most certainly need to have an action oriented not passive response, for as I keep saying, Christianity is an action-oriented faith. Jesus went about doing. He never stayed stationary or passive. That means we have to be firm, positive and forward looking with strong, determined hearts, souls and minds, if we want to be successful against an enemy that’s very determined to spread their evil ways and wreak worldwide havoc on God’s earth. And in the immortal words of Bruh David, who seems to have run the entire gamut from saint to sinner and back again, we can boldly pray: ‘Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great (much) transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength (my rock), and my redeemer.’ (Ps.19:12-14) Yes Friends, it’s only with that kind of sincere, heartfelt plea, and an ardent desire to serve God, come what may, that we can truly keep sin at bay, and prevent our mortal bodies from being ravaged by its deadly effects. More on this tomorrow, God willing, as we still have scriptures to share. And my people, please don’t take this subject lightly, because our very salvation and the rewards thereof depend on not giving in to sin. As the song says: ‘The good things we do in life…determine what tomorrow brings.’ Much LOVE!…as much as the Word dwells faithfully in us…so much shall we be able to repel sin…

Romans 6:12.       Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Isaiah 66:13.    As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
 

HAPPY  MOTHER’S  DAY!

Well a Happy Mother’s Day to all you beautiful Mothers out there in Christendom! It’s your day today, so please enjoy it. You are certainly the salt of the earth and the light of the world, for you are the ones who keep our societies functioning in a half decent fashion. Without your often superhuman efforts, our world would be in an even worse state than it is. You are the glue that keeps most families together in this day when true families are fast becoming a thing of the past. Left to men alone, we’d just be a brawling, macho, egotistical, anarchic society. Yours might have been the original sin, but believe me you’ve paid for that a million times over, and unfortunately are still paying for it. But that only makes you stronger, because the Lord never gives us a burden we can’t bear. Your lot, though hard, is closer to God’s functions than the male of the species. You stoically bear the burden of reproduction, promising never to go through it again, but right after the birth, you are full of joy and wonder at the newborn, then do the reproductive thing soon after again. Then you are entrusted with the care and raising of that newborn, truly a lifelong task. But you do it without complaint…well not too many. (smile) And whom do we all run to when problems beset us? Mother! For you are our earthly source of comfort, our pride and joy. That’s why the Lord said in the Bit: ‘As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you…’ Note, He didn’t say as one whom his father comforts, because Mothers were made with that built in comfort function that no man can really match. Mothers are the closest beings to God on in the universe because they reproduce, create, feed, nurture, provide for, comfort and console with LOVING-kindness and tender care, bless and guide with often godly wisdom. Wow! What a wonderful being; a Mother! And though the father might rule the household, it’s the mother who makes it run smoothly. Check out all the after school activities. It’s usually the mothers who do most of the transporting to and from. It’s also the mothers who mainly drop off and pick up the children from kindergarten or the babysitter, because in this supposed age of enlightenment and prosperity, most mothers can’t afford to simply be stay-at-home moms, but have to go out into the evil world and make a living too, so that the family can make ends meet. And in many cases they still have to come home and do all the household chores. But don’t worry mothers, men are slowly but surely getting a better appreciation of your worth and value when you go out to work, although they still refuse to accept and value your efforts as only a homemaker. But yuh know what, a majority of men who feel they are so important because of their high powered jobs in the outside world, wouldn’t last a day being a homemaker. And I’m talking from experience here. I’ve done it for short spells, and believe me, it’s no fun. Hn! The cooking, cleaning, washing, getting the children ready for bed and school, then being an accommodating and appreciative wife when your husband comes home tired and stressed out is no easy chore. But many of you mothers do it with a joyous grace that can only come from God. And above all mothers, it’s mainly through your efforts that the children are taught the Word of God, and kept on the straight and narrow path. Unfortunately though, in too many areas of the world, mothers, and women in general, are still being treated like second class citizens. That is very very wrong, my fellow man. The Good Lord gave us women and mothers to LOVE and cherish! ‘And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him (a helper comparable to him).’ (Gen.2:18) The Lord took pity on Adam in his loneliness and gave him a companion: ‘bone of my bones, flesh of my flesh.’ (Gen.2:23) So whenever a man abuses a women, technically he’s in fact abusing himself. Now that’s somewhat sadistic, wouldn’t you say? But that’s another topic for another day. However we will say to all the men out there, please treat the female of the species better. And to the women, please stop putting up with a lot of the nonsense that men do. In some respects you encourage it by not coming out strongly against their wrongdoing. Also you women, please, please band and bond together in sisterhood, and look out for each other, as men do in their brotherhood, for there is power and strength in numbers. I wish all you Mothers a blessed and happy day. Keep on doing what you’re doing here on earth, for your efforts will be well rewarded in the hereafter. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Much LOVE!…a Mother’s LOVE…is second…only to God’s…

Psalm 19:1.    The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament, showeth his handiwork.

James 1:12.    Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE Him.
 
Oh Friends, the new day’s dawned bright with promise! That means the Lord’s still in control! Praise Him! I’ve even seen a couple of trees starting to sprout green buds, meaning spring is finally, literally here, and our winter weary souls should also be experiencing a rejuvenation of sorts. Praise the Lord! It certainly has been a long and confusing winter, but it’s all over now, bar the shouting. And we’ll certainly hear the shouting in the next week or so, when hopefully the temperature will stay steady in the teens, and summer madness will take over the land. Be careful though Friends, in all the euphoria celebrating winter’s end, please don’t lose focus of what’s truly important; God’s purpose, and not the world’s ungodly leanings and leadings. Thankfully, our Bit helps to remind us of that essential fact. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proven), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE Him.’ Yesterday we talked about temptation’s purpose, but let me add one more scripture on the subject. The Good Book says, re the Israelites journey to the Promised land: ‘(The Lord) Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove (test) thee, to do thee good at thy latter end.’ (Deut.8:16) Yes Friends, we’re placed in temptation’s path, or vice versa, to test our spiritual mettle. And what happens when we’ve passed the test with flying colours? ‘…for when he is tried (has been proven), he shall receive the crown of life…’ And all God’s people shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Yes my fellow believers, for our steadfast faithfulness we’re rewarded by our God with a crown of eternal life. Rewards are added to our heavenly account. And who knows, in the Lord’s wisdom and LOVING-kindness, we might even receive some earthly benefits too. But the biggest and best will be stored for when we go home to Him. Now hear Bruh Paul on the matter: ‘And every man that striveth for the mastery (competes for the prize) is temperate (has self-control) in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible (perishable) crown; but we an incorruptible (imperishable).’ (1 Cor.9:25) Oh my brethren, please remember that our lives on earth are only temporary. We’ve been placed here to be tried and tested, to see if we can be trusted with the guardianship of God’s Word and His material possessions. The earth is just a staging point, a trial run, to weed out the sheep from the goats, a dress rehearsal for the real McCoy in our eternal home. Now here’s a pertinent reminder from Bruh Paul’ second letter to the Corinthians, which I think we all desperately need in these confusing, fast moving, evil and ungodly times. ‘For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound (abound) to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not (do not lose heart): but though our outward man perish (is perishing), yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.’ (2 Cor.4:15-18) Oh Friends, please, I beg of us to take those words to heart, to write them indelibly in our souls, so that we’ll stop looking at the worldly stuff with lustful and envious eyes, and concentrate instead on our heavenly purpose, that eventually ‘we can receive the crown of life, which God hath promised to them that LOVE Him.’ A promise that Jesus confirmed when He declared: ‘And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.’ (Matt.10:22) Oh my Friends in Christ, God’s done His part, it’s now time for us to do ours. Let’s not be found wanting. Much LOVE!…a word to the wise is sufficient… P.S. While I’m editing this a soulful rendition of The Lord’s Prayer is guiding me along. ‘Our Father, who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done. On earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory. For ever…and ever. Amen.’ And would you believe they just  played another soulful version? Wow! A most appropriate way to begin or end our days Friends! For it’s all about Jesus! Much LOVE! 

James 1:12.    Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE Him.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a brand new day, with brand new mercies, blessings and forgiveness! Wow! And all God’s people joyfully declared: ‘Oh praise the Lord for His LOVING-kindness to the children of men!’ Yes mih breddren, we’re alive and kicking, some stronger than others, (smile) but that doesn’t mean we can’t do whatever God has called us to do, for our weaknesses, if sincerely acknowledged, always brings God’s help. As He so nicely put it to Bruh Paul when asked to remove the thorn from his flesh: ‘My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength (power) is made perfect in weakness.’ (2 Cor.12:9) So my people, whether we’re kicking high, low, or in between, with God’s help we can do His will for our lives. And here’s a Chinese Proverb from the Covenant House Calendar for May, which lends itself nicely to this argument. ‘Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.’ Now that’s the living truth Friends! It doesn’t matter how fast we grow, especially in our faith, but that we’re always learning and growing. Look at the mighty oak tree, born of a lowly acorn, it takes numerous years to reach its full and glorious height. But when it does, it can stand tall and strong, last for centuries. The same goes for us humans, we have to be growing and learning continually, but in our own strength and at our own pace, however the Lord has individually set us up. Of tremendous importance too, is that we don’t regress, but stand strong in and on what we’ve already learned and accomplished. That brings us to our Bit: ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proven), he  shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE Him.’ Oh Friends, that verse should be an epiphany, an awakening to us all, for it brings into clear focus one of God’s purposes for our lives: to be tested. Please realize and accept that this life is an out and out test of our character and trustworthiness, which is done through temptations, among other things. Everyday of our lives we’re tempted. These trials and temptations serve a couple of purposes. The Lord’s testing to see if our endurance and faith are up to scratch, how we handle them, if we truly believe and have surrendered our lives to Him? And if we have, then we’ll immediately turn to Him and ask for guidance, then either wait patiently on His working, or go where He leads us. And if we pass the tests, rewards can be forthcoming, some here on earth, but most are assuredly banked in heaven for our future use. Consequently, believers should not always attempt to seek ways to escape from trials and temptations, but rather to work through them, since God desires that we use them as tools in the maturing of our faith. And I have an interesting comment from the scholars, who claim that believers should pay more attention to our Bit, than to 1 Cor.10:13, where Bruh Paul tells the Corinthians: ‘There hath no temptation taken (come upon) you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear (endure) it.’ Yes my people, it’s usually to our benefit if we undergo the trials, rather than try to get out of them. Obviously, as the Lord’s promised, He will provide a means of escape if He sees that we truly can’t handle them. But it’s always to our advantage to suck it up and drive on. And we’ll close today with another word of encouragement from James on the subject. ‘Behold, we count them happy (blessed) which endure. Ye have heard of the patience (perseverance) of Job, and have seen the end (intended by) of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful (compassionate), and of tender mercy.’ (James 5:11) Job suffered plenty, though not in complete silence, but he never lost his faith in the Lord, and for that faithfulness the Lord rewarded with him twice what he’d lost. That’s the generous and magnanimous nature of our God. So Friends, though the Christian life is not easy, the rewards, both here on earth and in heaven are truly magnificent, for those who bear their earthly burdens with true belly and backbone. Therefore, let’s all endeavour to stand steadfast and strong in the Lord, knowing that whatever comes against us, a lot of which we often don’t understand, is for a divine purpose, and will always work out for our eventual good, because the Lord God Jehovah has promised, ‘that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’  (Rom.8:28)  More on this tomorrow, our God willing. Till then Friends, I implore us to LOVE our God, LIVE our Faith and SPREAD His Word. Much LOVE!…trials and temptations are sent to test and strengthen us…not to abuse or punish us… P.S. I turned to Wack 90.1 as I was editing this, and a lovely piece of gospel soca sang out at me: ‘Things are getting better,  For the Lord is on my side, Things are getting better for me.’  Yes Friends, things are getting better for all those who believe! Please, let’s number ourselves amongst them. Much LOVE!