SCRIP-BITS

Luke 23:46.    And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my Spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.

Luke 23: 34.    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…‘

BLESSED GOOD FRIDAY!

Oh Friends, it’s Friday! But a Friday with a big difference. We’re not joyously calling out ‘TGIF,’ because most of us have the day off and are at home anyway. But this Friday is special, one we call Good Friday. And though it’s termed Good, it’s somewhere in between good and bad, because it bears much sadness and grief as well as joy and gladness. It’s sad because our Lord Jesus Christ was humiliatingly crucified on this day, some two thousand years ago. It was a horrific death. I don’t know if anybody else ever suffered such an agonizing death, with nails in both hands and feet, a spear wound in His side, offered bitter vinegar to drink, then viciously left to perish in the noonday sun, betwixt audible jeers and sarcastic cheers. To put it truthfully, it was a tortuous death of great proportions. That’s the sad and grievous part. The good and joyous part is that Christ’s anguished death was sacrificial; a sacrifice to pay for our burdensome sins. The Father wanted to reconcile us to Him, but since He’s holy, just and righteous, He can’t be remiss about sin. His Word says: ‘For the wages of sin is death…’ (Rom.6:23) So all who sinned, meaning all humans, would have had to face death and eternal separation from Him. But He LOVED us so much, that it broke His heart to see His most noble, though oftimes most foolish creation, all congregating with Beelzebub in Hades at the end times. But to do anything worthwhile for us needed someone on whom all our sins could be placed and then sacrificed or written off. The traditional animal sacrifice wouldn’t cut it. But just as animal sacrifices had to be unblemished, whomever God used also needed to be unblemished, not touched by sin. And sadly, the only sinless being beside Himself, was His only Son, Jesus. Wow! What a quandary! Certainly one deserving the term, between a rock and a hard place. He wanted to bring us home, but the only way to do that was to sacrifice His only Son. And we think we have tough decisions to make. But in the long run the Lord decided to bring us home. And all God’s people shouted with joy: ‘Thank you Lord for sending Jesus to die for us!’ But it was indeed a heavy price paid by both Father and Son, and it just shows their exceedingly great LOVE for us sinful, undeserving humans. So although Jesus’ death saddens us, it also gladdens our hearts, because without it there’d be no possibility of reconciliation through salvation, and we’d all still be headed for Hades to spend eternity with Lucifer. Please note Friends, this doesn’t mean that we forego our Friday Chant, because we still need the Lord’s help, especially after this long and joyous Easter weekend. We possibly need it more than ever to recover and go back out to work in reasonably good shape. So let’s chant, with a combination of sadness, for Jesus death, but also for joy with His selfless sacrifice on our behalf. ‘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 my brethren, let’s consider our Bit: Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…’ Those were some of the last words Jesus spoke as he hung on that rugged wooden cross, dying to pay for our heinous wrongdoing, for the wrongdoing of all the ingrates who scourged and ridiculed, then crucified Him with sadistic delight, with much more cruelty than the two thieves beside Him. But even in the throes and agony of death, our Saviour still shone forth like the bright light He was, still is today, and always will be. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ And besides, He was correct in His assessment of the situation, for as Peter later said to the Jews, when he appealed to them to repent and be forgiven: ‘But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you (Barabbas); And killed the Prince (author) of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses….And now brethren, I wot (know) that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things which God before had showed (foretold) by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should (would) suffer, he hath fulfilled.’ (Acts 3: 14-15,17-18) Yes mih breddren, the people who railroaded Jesus didn’t truly understand the Father’s plan. And I guess it was fitting that they didn’t, else they might not have crucified Jesus, and His precious blood would not have been shed to pay for our sins, meaning we’d still be facing purgatory today. What a dreadful thought! That’s why God keeps on saying that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, but yet we refuse to believe Him. (Is.55:8-9) If we could, we’d be on God’s level, and therefore have no need for Him. Like Lucifer, who tried to overthrow God and ended up walking the earth in sorrow, then Adam and Eve, who foolishly tried to usurp God’s power by eating of the tree of Life, and got kicked out of the Garden of Eden in to an earthly life of sin, sorrow and death, continually hounded by the same evil Lucifer. But our wonderful and ever-LOVING Father, in His time, eventually sent His only Son Jesus to pay the high price needed, so that we, like undeserving prodigals, could come back home to the glorious sound of rejoicing and partake of the fatted calf. Oh Friends, this Good Friday, please, let’s all sit down and seriously consider what this day means in our lives. It’s possibly the most important in a believer’s earthly sojourn, for it’s the day that Jesus died on the cross with forgiveness on His lips and His precious blood flowing forth, so that His heavenly Father could justly and righteously forgive us the sins of our souls. Much LOVE!…Jesus…the epitome of…help, humility, sacrifice and selflessness, forgiveness, faithfulness, obedience and LOVE…

John 13:15.    For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
 
Oh Friends, it’s Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, when Jesus was offered up as a living sacrifice for our disgusting sins. And all God’s people gratefully cried out: ‘Thank you Lord for sending Jesus to die for us! And thank you Jesus for dying for us!’ Please remember my brethren that Jesus didn’t have to do it. He could have refused, don’t know how that would have sat with the Father, but because He was so LOVING and obedient, even unto death, He did the Father’s will and saved our sorry souls. Now today is called Maundy Thursday to commemorate the day Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. The Good Book says: ‘He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.’ (John 13:4-5) But when He came to Peter, as usual, he had to cause a hassle, asking if Jesus was also going to wash his feet. Here’s how the Good Book puts it: ‘Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest (understandeth) not now; but thou shalt hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed (bathed) needeth not save to wash his feet, but is (completely) clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.’ (John 13:7-10) Ah Friends, Jesus’ words here are of great significance, for the washing of the feet was a symbolic spiritual cleansing, hence, if Jesus didn’t wash Peter’s feet, then he couldn’t be His disciple. The first washing applies to our original salvation. Once we’re saved, we’re washed clean of all sin. But we can only be saved once, however we’re still sinful, so for any further wrongdoing we only need to repent and God will cleanse us. Thus the foot washing relates to any cleansing after becoming a believer. We don’t need to bathe again, just do a cowboy wash up. (smile) But please note my people that Jesus’ act of foot washing was more than just a symbol of spiritual cleansing. Listen to His words after He finished washing their feet, dressed and sat down with them again. ‘Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master (Teacher) and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord (master); neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.’ (John 13:12-17) Yuh see mih breddren, foot washing in the Hebrew culture was amongst the lowest of the low tasks, a slave’s job, and no self-respecting Jew would stoop so low as to wash someone else’s feet. But our Saviour did it, with pride and grace too, to set and example for us of the ultimate humility. Just imagine the Son of God washing sinner’s feet nuh! You couldn’t get any more humble than that mih Friends! And as He says in our Bit, we ought to follow His example and do to others as He has done to us, which He specified in His golden rule: ‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.’ (Matt.7:12) Oh my people, though the lord and master is greater than the servant, in Jesus’ outfit, humility must abound. Now when there was strife amongst the disciples as to who should betray Jesus and also who should be considered the greatest amongst them, Jesus rebuked them saying: ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief (leader), as he that doth serve. For whether (who) is greater, he that sitteth at meat (at the table), or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.’ (Luke 22:25-27) Yes Friends, that’s the basic motto, the guiding principle of Jesus’ work: TO SERVE! And if we are to be His true followers, then we must also be willing to get down and dirty, to serve in the most humble capacity necessary. I know sometimes it’s hard to swallow one’s pride and do menial work since our social status dictates otherwise, but if God’s Son could do it, so can we. And keep in mind what He also did for us on Good Friday. That selfless sacrifice has never been, and will never be equalled. So let’s consider our sinful selves extremely lucky and be very thankful for a triune Godhead that LOVES us so much. Furthermore, let’s do our best to gratefully return that LOVE, cause it’s what makes the world go round. Much LOVE my brethren!…Jesus’ earthly sojourn…should teach us…to be selfless, obedient and humble… 

1 Chronicles 22:12.    Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.
 
Oh Friends, I sure hope the weather in your area is better than that in mine. By me, the rain is pouring down, and occasionally I hear the distant thunder rolling, as well as pellets of hail striking my office window. And all we can do is grin and bear it. Yes, because the Lord’s in control, and since His mind and thoughts are much loftier than ours, we just have to trust Him to see us through whatever befalls us. Remember to take every situation as though it came from God, that way there’s only one place to go for succour. Oh, that last roll of thunder wasn’t distant nuh Friends, but right over my house. Hn! And though you know it won’t cause any real problems, yet it’s loud growl and roar certainly can be intimidating, make us tremble in our shoes. But strong Christians don’t fear, just like rude boys, (smile) for as we said above, the Lord is in control and works everything out for the good of those who LOVE and obey Him. (Rom.8:28) But then again, how do we acquire this non-fearful attitude? Ostensibly, it should be bred in us from childhood through Christian parents, through what they teach us and from the example of their own lives. However, parents are human too, so they are liable to make mistakes, and sometimes it’s safer and less problematic to ‘do as I say, and not as I do.’ But the worse mistake a parent can ever make is not teaching their children about God. This brings us to our Bit: ‘Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God.’ There Friends, we find Bruh David invoking God’s blessing on Cousin Sol when he handed over Israel’s throne to him. And though Bruh David did his thing, and paid the price, he never strayed far from the God of his fathers. Now what I want to address today, is how we treat our children nowadays. What do we tell them; first about God, and then the world? What kind of language do we use to them; uplifting or defeating words, positive or negative affirmations? I am of the opinion that too many of our children hear and see too much negative stuff, that’s why so many of them have no solid foundation of positivity to build on, and are so easily led astray by Lucifer and his wiles and lies. But look at what Bruh David wished for his son; wisdom and understanding, so that he could rule properly. Now how many of us bless our children thus eh? How many of us even bless them at all? When they are going to school, work, or far away, do we even say to them, something like ‘may the Lord bless you and keep you?’ Remember Friends that the spoken word is of the utmost importance in a believer’s life and a huge part of his spiritual arsenal, for the Lord spoke the world into existence, and whatever we speak in faith usually comes true. And again, judging from the selfish, insecure, follow the leader attitude that young people display, I don’t think that enough of us parents speak words of blessing over our children, or anybody for that matter. We read it a lot in the Bible, but too often consider it to be old fashioned and out of date. But my people, I’m here to tell you that’s one of the world’s, one of Lucifer’s lies. He’ll do anything to try and stop us from speaking godly words over anybody at all. The youth today are into believing Lucifer; that earthly wealth and celebrity status are more important than things like spiritual well-being. Thus they do anything to further that goal, right down to selling their souls. And it’s only when they reach that supposed pinnacle of wealth and social status they realize that it’s all a fool’s game and definitely not worth the heartache and pain, then regrets crop up, which can lead to very foolish and unstable behaviour. And though nothing is really wrong with having wealth and social status, the problem though is how we acquire them. The options are Lucifer’s less than sensible way, or God’s righteous plan. As Bruh David told Sol when he handed over Israel’s throne to him: ‘Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfill the statutes and judgements which the Lord charged  (commanded) Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.’ (1 Chr.22:13) Yes my people, the Lord’s way is always the best; most profitable and least stressful. And the good thing about doing it His way is that we don’t have to worry about losing whatever we have gained. Unless we screw up terribly, what we build through God will generally last. Bruh David and Cousin Sol are excellent examples of that, for though both of them messed up, neither of them or their families ever went begging bread. Ah Friends, it’s sad to see our once beautiful world, now so overwhelmed by negativity. It’s heartbreaking that things like strife, violence hatred, greed, envy, oppression, fear, anxiety, hunger and poverty are front and centre in a world that is overall so prosperous. And sadly, the powers that be seem more interested in making it worse. But fortunately my brethren, we believers are still here and focused on our God, and still believing that we can make a difference. But we also need positive action, lots of it, to turn it around. And although we might not be able to teach the old dogs new tricks, we can certainly teach the children the better way. So please people, let’s concentrate our godly efforts on the youth, so that the next generation won’t be as godless and wicked as this one. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to teach them, to raise them in the service and worship of God. Much LOVE!…our world won’t ever turn around…unless we teach the children to pray… from birth…
 

Jeremiah 1:19.    And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.
 
Oh Friends, yesterday I heard a rocking reggae tune whose lyrics thrilled me so much that I just had to share it. The name of the song is ‘I’ve got joy.’ I don’t remember the female singer’s name, but the words, though simple, like those of Jesus, are meaningful and magical. And here they are. ‘I’ve got a joy deep down inside of me, that makes we want to shout, how good God has been to me.’ Oh mih people, that ought to be a constant claim of all believers! It’s worthy to be our anthem, because if you’re a true believer in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, then God has surely been good to you, and for that you ought to be joyous and thankful. With the Holy Spirit of the Most High God Jehovah dwelling in us, there ought always to be a deep and resounding joy in our souls, a light in our eyes reflecting Jesus, and a jaunty spring in our steps, otherwise out faith is in vain. I’m sure we all know Christians, good people too, but who are misguided and go around serious and sour, dragging along and constantly claiming or giving the impression ‘woe is me.’  But that’s not true Christianity, for Jesus never went around sour and miserable, despite His many problems, and neither should we, especially if we insist on telling unbelievers how our faith is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Now it truly is, but who’d want anything, regardless of how great it is, when it has you always looking and behaving like a ‘poe me one’ (hard done by)? Nobody! That’s why people turn away from us when we behave negatively; our words don’t fit our walk. Anyway Friends, I sure hope that all of us believers will, sooner than later, come to the point where we’re so ecstatic and joyful in the Lord that our joy and good humour is irrepressible, and pours forth from us like an overflowing dam. Only then will unbelievers truly hearken to our claim that following Jesus is really wonderful. But the first step in accomplishing this worthwhile goal, or any other, is to believe; believe that it can be accomplished. And that’s what our Bit is all about today; believing we can do things if the Lord directs us to do them. This was the Lord’s promise to Jeremiah: ‘And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the Lord, to deliver thee.’ The Lord knew that He was figuratively sending Jeremiah into the lion’s den, because his countrymen would not listen to his prophecy, and furthermore would try to do him physical harm. And in the beginning poor Jerry was sorely afraid, plus doubtful that he could do the Lord’s bidding, and claimed: ‘Ah, Lord God! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child (youth). But the Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.1:6-8) Oh Friends, it’s like that more often than not. Whenever the Lord calls us, we try to wiggle out because we know that it will take plenty stick to it power and hard work, which is anathema to the normal human soul. Look at when God called Moses, he claimed that he was unable to speak to his people or Pharaoh because of a speech disability, apparently he stuttered. (Ex.4:10) The Lord didn’t fall for that measly excuse though. ‘And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.’ (Ex.4:11-12) But Moses still wasn’t satisfied. ‘And he said, O my Lord, send I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…’ (Ex.4:13-14) Yes people, that’s how the Lord feels towards us when we keep finding excuses not to do His bidding, though He promises to help us. And the strange thing is that though the Lord eventually gave him Aaron as a mouthpiece, it was indeed Moses who stood up and spoke to the Hebrews and Pharaoh without any help from Aaron. So Friends, please remember that the Lord has answers for all our little piddling excuses, but also He never gives us a job to do without the tools to do it. And until ALL Christians wholeheartedly believe that fact and act on it, Christianity will continue to flounder through lack of sufficient effort on our part. Please note my brethren, that my personal situation speaks directly to the problem, where four years ago, when the Lord broached the Scrip-Bit idea, I chuckled and claimed my inability because of insufficient biblical knowledge. But the Lord didn’t give up on me, and we’re now in the fifth year of writing the Bit. ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ And it hasn’t been easy, nor has it been my own ‘stick to itiveness’ that’s caused it, but the Lord’s hand of blessing upon me. It does take personal time, effort and dedication, but most of all God’s guidance and strength. So my people, I know that God has called each of us to perform some ministry in His Name, and sometimes it scares us, but don’t worry, whatever it is, He will surely help us to do it, if we trust and believe in Him. And though we might not be called to do great things like Moses, Joshua, Jeremiah and the other great people of faith, just remember that whatever task the Lord assigns us, He considers it necessary, else He would not ask us to do it. So let’s all stand strong and steadfast, believe, and in faith, with a deep joy singing in our souls, step out courageously to do His work. That’s how Christ did it, and to be serious Christians, we must do likewise. Much LOVE!…true faith…can certainly move mountains…
 

Psalm 22:26.    The meek shall eat and be satisfied: they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your heart shall live forever.

Psalm 22:1.    My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?

Proverbs 25:28.    He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Psalm 23:5.    Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a beautiful morning! It’s also Friday, which means shouts of joy will be heard all around the world: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’  Yes my people, the end of the workweek is nigh, so let’s give God some thanks for that and humbly ask for blessings of rejuvenation on the weekend. All together now, in full voice, let’s raise our Friday Chant to God in heaven, where Jesus sits beside Him, ready to go to bat for us. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’ And by the time the last echoes of Amen, reached heaven, Jesus was already pleading our case. And all God’s people gratefully declared: ‘Oh thank You Jesus! You are most worthy to be praised!’ And that for sure He is my brethren! He’s certainly a chip off the old block, the Father, who, in the words of our Bit, so favours His faithful children, that Bruh David gushed: ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.’ Oh Friends, what a most magnanimous God we worship! I can’t get over how good He is to us, though we’re so undeserving of His LOVING-kindness. Yuh know, we’re not only dependent on Him like a mere dumb sheep, looking for a safe and sensible guide or shepherd, but we’re also honoured guests at the sumptuous banquet He holds for us, right in the middle of our enemies too, so that they can all witness His immense power and glory, and the great and plentiful blessings He pours out on those who walk in His will by faith. And per the scholars, ‘connected with this honoured position is abundant provision, vindication before one’s enemies, and eternal celebration of God’s goodness.’ Wow Friends! Our God is wonderful! There is no doubting it. And I’m sure all of us at some time or another have enjoyed one of those sumptuous feasts prepared for us in the midst of our enemies. Now this not only refers to actual food, but also to occasions and circumstances where we’ve been wronged, falsely accused, or persecuted, but we’ve stood strong and waited for God’s vindication right in the presence of those who tried to hurt us. Oh my brethren, there’s no greater feeling of thankfulness and appreciation than to be totally vindicated before God and man! Neither is there any greater joy than to see the wicked turn tail and run before the Lord’s awesome might and majesty! Now hear the psalmist, re God’s preparation of the food scene: ‘He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb (vegetation) for the service of man; that he may bring forth food out of the earth; And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.’ (Ps.104:13-15) Yes Friends, through His ingenious machinations, our God enables us to have food and drink and oil. And He’s so generous my people, that when He blesses us, it’s not through halfway measures, or stinginess. No! Our God goes the whole way, and even beyond, anointing us with oil and giving us so much that our cup overflows with bounty and thus runs over. All I can say is ‘Wow!’ As the psalmist so rightly proclaims: ‘For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered. But my horn (strength) shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn (wild ox): I shall be anointed with fresh oil.’ (Ps.92:9-10) Ah Friends, anointing with oil was a big thing in olden times. It meant that one was blessed, looked on favourably, or was being given some important job that necessitated anointing. That’s why it’s mentioned so often in good terms and circumstances. A good example is when Samuel anointed Bruh David king; though he was still very young, it was a promise of God’s favour to come. Oh my people, at last we’ve come to the end of deciphering this magnificent psalm. You know when I chose the first verse as our Bit, so many days ago, I had no intention of going through the whole thing verse by verse, but by the end of that first day, I knew that was the Spirit’s plan. And what an interesting, all encompassing work it is, that’s why it is so LOVED and venerated by all and sundry. And finally, to all those who faithfully accept its tenets and arguments, here’s what is promised, what’s in store: ‘Surely goodness and mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.’ (Ps.23:6) And God’s people filled the air with joyous shouts of thanks and praise! Yes Friends, only a strong, confident, magnanimous and magnificent Deity, like our God, can both promise and do such wonderful things. Please don’t let His incomparable LOVE and goodness go to waste. Accept Him in your heart TODAY! Much LOVE!…the wisdom of the ages…try Jesus…you won’t regret it…for He’ll never let you down…