Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 January 2014 Isaiah 2:8

Isaiah 2:8.   Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.
 
Oh Friends, 2013 went out like a lion in respect of the weather, and 2014 has certainly continued lion-like in its wake. (smile) The clean up is still going on in Southern Ontario from the ice storm, added to that there’s been frigid temps and blowing snow causing whiteouts and accidents. We have also experienced an infrequent reality called a frost or ice quake; loud, breaking noises caused by the thick ice cracking up. They don’t appear to be dangerous though.
 
Meanwhile Atlantic Canada is still digging out from their blizzards, with power outages, and unfortunately is expecting more bad weather. Across the pond though, it’s rain, tidal surges and wind that are causing problems, especially along the coasts of Britain.
 
And in a strange difference of culture, apparently the Power Companies will be made to pay for the power outages, unlike in North America, where it’s simply blamed on Mother Nature. Now isn’t that an interesting difference.
 
But Friends… Chuh! I spelled Friends wrong again! I thought I had broken out of that habit. But apparently not. Got it right that last time though. (smile)
 
As I was saying I have some good new for us, a place where we can all go to get away from this disgusting weather. This comes from an inspirational message I get everyday from a Friend. It’s called Anselm’s Quote for the Day, Inspiring You for a Better Tomorrow.
 
And this one was so interesting and appropriate to our situation that I decided to share it with all the Scrip-Bit Family. Some of you might have already heard it, but I think I it’s important and inspirational enough to hear it again.  
 
It says: ‘This is my change of address notice for 2014. I have moved out from 1 Beggars Alley, located at 2 Poverty Lane at the corner of Bleak and Buster Circle. As of today, I have a brand new home. My new address is: Living Well on 3 Abundance Drive, located at the corner of Blessings Street and Prosperity Peak.
 
No longer will I allow myself to travel on Begging Peter to pay off Paul route, located at a dead end intersection called: I Don’t Have, it connects with Borrowers Junction. I no longer hang out at Failure’s Place, near Excuses Avenue, next to Procrastination Point.
 
I’ve moved on to an Upscale Community called Higher Heights with unlimited potential and opportunities for me to succeed. Look at me, each day that I’m awake, I am thankful to be a product of my new environment. All my clothes are tailor made. I’m dressed in life’s finest.
 
Let me introduce you to all of them: Conceive, Believe, Act on, Have Faith, Be Persistent, and Always be Prepared to Achieve. Life is Good because God is good! Care to change your address?’
 
And all God’s people declared a loud and joyful ‘YES!’ 
 
Oh Friends, it would be so wonderful if most of us would certainly change our addresses this year and do move to a better neighbourhood, not necessarily in a physical manner, although that might be good for some, but most certainly in a spiritual and emotional manner, because that is exactly what is wrong with our world today; we don’t take seriously enough the things of God.
 
And that’s all Anselm is talking about there yes; doing life God’s way! It’s in total sync with our faith and all that it entails. But we are so full of pride and our own self-importance that we prefer to live by the dictates of the evil, ungodly world, immortalized in the words of our Bit. ‘Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.’
 
Ah mih people, can’t we see, don’t we understand that the stuff we’re making, and allowing to rule our lives is basically garbage, and the merchants are simply sucking us into buying stuff that we truly don’t need and can’t afford?
 
Just look at the i-phone, the smart-phone, the i-pad, and all the other technological stuff that’s been thrown at us as being so necessary. How long does one last eh? Within a year’s time, most of them are obsolete, and the new stuff on the block isn’t even compatible with the old stuff, but you are encouraged to keep in fashion and style and buy the new version.
 
All it’s doing is making money for the  already rich and famous. You all love Facebook so much, the fellow who started it is now one of the richest men in the world, and getting richer everyday. But what are you getting, just more trouble with greater possibility of your personal stuff been stolen, and the improper stuff we are sending over these social media networks causing serious negative consequences. 
 
Oh my people, all that stuff is keeping us so fictionally busy, that we can’t find time for God. That’s disastrous and very unwise. Listen as the prophet Jeremiah conveyed God’s words to Israel, when they were in the same situation, worshipping idols and other gods, too busy to communicate with the ONE who created them.
 
‘As the thief is ashamed when he is found (out), so is the house of Israel ashamed, they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, Saying to a stock (tree), Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth (begotten me): for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.
 
But where are thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble (calamity): for according to the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah. Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye have all transgressed against me, saith the Lord.’ (Jer.2:26-29).
 
And that’s all gospel, indisputable truth my brethren! We have not only turned our faces, but more disgustingly, our backs on God. But in times of calamity, even from the mouth of the biggest idolater, the first words to blast forth are ‘Oh God!’ or ‘Help me God!’
 
Unfortunately Friends, we can’t have it both ways, we either serve and worship God completely, or we stick with the material things and worldly ways that appear to be more important to us. It’s up to each of us, whether we change our address and come up higher, or remain in the slums that we’re currently living in.
 
I’d strongly advise my people, that we make serious attempts to do the former, because that’s the zenith of wisdom. Much LOVE!
 
Jesus said it so plainly…no man can serve two masters…ye cannot serve God and mammon…  (Matt.6:24) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 January 2014 Isaiah 2:8

Isaiah 2:8.    Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.
 
Oh Friends, can you believe it’s already the 2nd of January 2014? (smile) And I’ve made one mistake already. I put 2013 in the big heading above instead of 2014. But the ole fella’s only human, and that kind of error is usual until the new year really gets into our systems. 
 
But my people, on a more serious note, the Christmas season is coming to an end, and I’m pleading with us, please, please, let’s not allow the kindness, mercy, peace, forgiveness and LOVE that we’ve shown throughout this joyous time to die. Let’s not allow it to turn back to the evil, the anger, the hatred, resentment and other negative emotions that we had, and exhibited before Christmas began.
 
It’s obvious that we can’t LOVE everybody, every minute of every day, but we definitely don’t have to descend back to the level of dislike, disgust and depravity that we were at in 2013. It’s high time we come up higher for Jesus’ sake!
 
And here’s a word, a reminder, re coming up higher, from Gramps Schuller (Dr. Robert H. Schuller). He calls it the Possibility Thinker’s Creed. And Possibility Thinking my Friends, is just faith at work, because as believers, we need to see the world through the eyes of faith.
 
So let’s remember and truly believe that: ‘When faced with a mountain, I will not quit! I will keep on striving until I climb over, find a pass through, tunnel underneath, or simply stay and turn the mountain into a gold mine – with God’s help.’ 
 
Yes Friends, let’s start this blessed and prosperous year of 2014, by sowing those seeds of possibility thinking, of faith, deep into the rich and fertile soil of our hearts, souls and minds!
 
Now let’s turn to our very first Bit of this new year. And it’s a very serious Bit my people. ‘Their land also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.’
 
Oh my brethren, Isaiah could surely have been writing about us, instead of the Israelites of old! Why? Because we too have such a multiplicity of idols in our lives these days, that it’s not funny. Remember too, the definition of an idol; anything we place before God in our lives.
 
And that covers a multitude of things Friends, because we seem to place all the material things of the world, as well as all its evil, obnoxious and vexatious policies before the Creator and Controller of the universe. I don’t know how many times we must be reminded that our God is a very jealous deity and wants us to bow down to no other supposed deity but Him. And surely not those that we’ve made with our own hands!
 
It also seems that we’ve completely and conveniently forgotten Jesus’ promise, that if we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, that all the stuff we need, material, spiritual, emotional and whatever else, will be provided to us by our Heavenly Father! (Matt.5:24-34)
 
Please read that again my fellow believers, so that it can sink into our minds and spirits, and thus be manifested in our conscious actions. It’s the only way we’ll ever remove the idolatry from our lives. 
 
And just to show how all this idolatry could backfire on us, we’ll recall one occasion from the Good Book, where the Lord turned His back on His chosen people, Israel.
 
‘And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth (Baals and Ashtoreths), and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the Lord, and served him not.
 
And the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and he sold them into the hands of the Philistines, and into the hands of the children of Ammon.’ (Judg.10:6-7)
 
Yes Friends, the Lord allowed their enemies to humiliate them.
 
‘And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, both because we have forsaken our God, and also served Baalim. And the Lord said unto the children of Israel, did not I deliver you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?
 
The Zidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and ye cried to me, and I delivered you out of their hand. Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry (out) unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation (distress). (Judg.10:10-14)
 
What more is there to say my brethren? Not much. The children of Israel knowingly and wilfully abandoned, turned away from the God of their fathers to worship pagan gods and man-made idols. And the Lord, as promised, punished them severely.
 
Now tell me, why do you think that our individual societies, and our world in general are in such a mess eh?
 
It’s simple Friends; we too have turned away in droves from worshipping the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD, who created us, who LOVED us so much, that He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to be a propitiation, a human sacrifice for our sins.
 
And now, like foolish sheep, we have all gone astray, forgotten Him, and instead turned to idols of our own making. So what else can we expect but disaster and calamity eh?
 
Please ponder on these things today, my fellow believers, and then let’s make a strong and serious effort to overcome those sinful attitudes that we know displease our God. If we don’t want to do it for our sake, then please do it for the sake of our children and those who come after us.
 
Let us not allow it to be said, that our generation caused it all to fall apart. It’s not too late… if we begin RIGHT NOW! Much LOVE!
 
…when will we ever learn…that disobedience to God’s will…will ALWAYS bring serious consequences…
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 December 2013 Deuteronomy 5:32

Deuteronomy 5:32.    Ye shall observe (be careful) to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.
 
And the ice melteth… but then the melted ice freezeth… Yes Friends, that’s the kind of action we had going yesterday; mild temps melting the ice, but with that run off freezing up again during the colder night. What a bam bam! And with the inconsistent weather we’ve been experiencing, there’s no telling how it will all end.
 
Sadly too, there are still many people without power here in Toronto, down in the Maritimes and also over in Europe, where the weather has played havoc with them too this past week, although their problem was mainly rain and flooding.
 
Oh my people, this Christmas of 2013 definitely won’t go down as a wonderful one in many parts of the world. In fact, 2013 won’t go down in the annals of history as such a wonderful year period! What with all the disasters, both natural and man made, we experienced, plus what appears to be endless strife in so many parts of the world. And last, but definitely not least, the significant global economic contraction. Hn!
 
The sad part about the whole situation though is that the wealthy are getting wealthier and still living extravagantly, while the rest of the society is struggling to make ends meet, with their lifestyles plummeting down the socio-economic ladder. But what to do eh Friends? Yes, what to do indeed?
 
Ah mih people, there is ONLY ONE solution to our problems! Turn to Almighty God in serious, sincere and heartfelt conviction and repentance, then live lives that will honour Him! And until we do that, our earthly situation will continue to be disastrous and calamitous.
 
Oh Friends, this no hearsay, but what the Lord commanded Israel, His chosen people, from early on. Note when Moses called the people together and reminded them of the covenant the Lord had made with them at Mt. Horeb, which included the Ten Commandments, which he again reminded them of, and also how they were afraid and promised to do as the Lord said. (Deut.5:1-28)
 
Then the Lord sent them to their tents and told Moses the words of our Bit, which he was commanded to teach them. ‘Ye shall observe (be careful) to do therefore as the Lord your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.’ What’s so difficult to understand about that eh mih breddren?
 
And the Lord continued: ‘Ye shall walk in all the ways which the Lord you God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.’ (Deut.5:33) Again my Friends and fellow believers, very simple and straightforward instructions.
 
And it’s interesting to note that when the Israelites obeyed, they prospered, and when they did not, great calamity befell them. But although they experienced both the good and bad, subject to their obedience or disobedience, they still never learned and continued their naturally sinful rebellion against their God and King.
 
So I guess the question can be asked, why should we be any different, or rather any better? Firstly because we’ve have a much more intimate knowledge of God, through Jesus Christ and the Good Book. Then we’ve evolved to possibly a higher level of natural intelligence, plus the historical lessons from the many nations down through the ages, who’ve tried to live without God and failed.
 
Unfortunately though, all of that just seems to have made us more stubborn and resistant to God’s Word, and more intent on doing our own, sinful, rebellious thing. But Friends, we keep saying that our God doesn’t change, neither does His Word, so why should our society fare any differently to all those others who were crushed for their disobedience eh? No reason whatsoever!
 
And it’s not like the Lord didn’t repeat His message numerous times to His people. But since time and space are against us, we’ll just look at one instance. Even in the choice of a King, the Lord was very adamant about how he should be chosen and behave. 
 
‘When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess it, and shalt dwell therein, and shalt say, I will set a king over me, like as all the nations that are about me; Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
 
But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
 
And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites: And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear (stand in awe of) the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
 
That his heart be not lifted up (proud) above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his day in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.’ (Deut.17:14-20)
 
Oh my people, nothing there has changed. We still need to have godly leaders, not corrupt, ungodly ones who are only intent on making themselves rich and powerful, but rather wise and honourable, leading the people in obedience to the Lord’s commands.
 
Obviously those conditions aren’t being maintained today, so why should we be so surprised at our demise eh? Our countries were built on the Christian ethic, so if we lose that Christian ethic, there’s only one possible result; our eventual downfall.
 
It’s high time for us to wake up my brethren, and return to sincerely worshipping the ONE and ONLY TRUE GOD: He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!
 
Remember what we’ve been saying for the past few days? That the Lord’s our Judge, our Lawgiver, our King, and that He will save us. Now if that’s true, and we really believe it, then let’s put all it entails into serious action nuh, for then we’ll truly be considered wise. Much LOVE!
 
…the Lord exalts the obedient…but the disobedient are trampled by His wrath…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 December 2013 Isaiah 33:22

Isaiah 33:22.   For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.

 
And the clean up continues…slowly but surely… Yes Friends, the clean up of Southern Ontario continues on this cold, freezing, winter’s day, Christmas Eve of 2013. Ah Lord eh!
 
I would like to apologize though to my fellow Ontarians for my somewhat cavalier attitude towards our recent ice storm. Well it wasn’t really cavalier nuh, but I just didn’t take it as seriously as I should, and was more preoccupied with my little area, which wasn’t too badly hit, neither did we lose power.
 
But on watching the news yesterday morning, I was shocked to see the damage that had been done in the Greater Toronto Area, especially in the City of Toronto itself. They really got blasted! Many neighbourhoods have still not even been reached because of the fallen trees and wires, and they’ve been in total darkness and freezing cold since at least Saturday night, early Sunday morning.
 
It’s been reported that at the height of the storm over six hundred thousand Ontarians were without power, half of that in the Greater Toronto Area. And though the relief crews are working around the clock, the damage is so extensive and requires so much manual, physical labour, that it will take a fair amount of time to clean it up.
 
You know when these disasters strike, it’s simply human nature that all of us who are affected want and expect relief right away. But unfortunately that’s seldom possible, so many of us have to bear the affliction as best we can, with God’s help and whatever our fellow man can provide.
 
And one of the arguments going on is whether an Emergency situation should have been declared. Mayor Ford said that he didn’t think the situation warranted it. If the wind and rain we had expected during Sunday had happened, then he might have called it.
 
But I’m sure those who are still suffering the black out and freezing temps will be of another opinion. One of the problems with calling an Emergency is that many of the people who would come and help are unfortunately dealing with disastrous situations in their own areas.
 
However, it’s sure that this Christmas of 2013 – Chuh! I’m somewhat ahead of the game yes, for it’s the second time on my rough draft that I wrote 2014. Yes Friends, this Christmas of 2013 will not be such a joyous one in many parts of Southern Ontario, and possibly in the Maritime Provinces on the East coast too, since the storm is supposed to be heading there now.
 
There will be many memories, but certainly not joyful, Christmas ones. One good thing that seems to have come out of this calamity though, is that neighbours and friends are actually going out of their way to help each other. Praise the Lord! As they say, good can usually come out of bad.
 
And please Friends, as we ask whenever disaster strikes, that you pray for those suffering it. Today I ask you to pray for us here in Ontario and the Maritimes, and also help in whatever other way you can. When you sit down to enjoy your family relationships, please remember to float up a sincere word or two for all the beleaguered families who can’t enjoy it like you.
 
Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.’ 
 
Yesterday Friends, we were looking at scriptures that corroborated that awesome truth, and today we’ll continue doing the same, for it’s very important that we understand the importance of Christ being our EVERYTHING, and in this particular case, our JUDGE! 
 
Listen now to Bruh Paul as he talks to the Roman church about Christ being the ONLY JUDGE. ‘For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
 
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived (lived again), that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why does thou set at nought (despise) thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ.’ (Rom.14:7-10)
 
Yes my people, once we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we belong to Him completely, and live and die for Him, just as lived and died for us.
 
Now check out this info from the scholars’. ’14:10. The judgement seat of Christ: See 1 Cor. 3-10; 2 Cor. 5:10. The judgement seat of Christ is not punitive. It is for the sake of rewards, and every believer will be there, though some will receive special rewards for faithfulness.’
 
And here again is Bruh Paul, as he gives Timothy the charge to preach. ‘I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.’ (2 Tim.4:1)
 
Meanwhile, the psalmist Asaph in Psalm 75, a warning to the wicked, boldly and rightly proclaims: ‘But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up (exalts) another.’ (Ps.75:7)
 
Indisputable truth, my brethren! And we’ll conclude with some more memorable words of truth from Peter’s first epistle, where he is talking about being good stewards of God’s grace.
 
‘For the time past of our life is enough (may suffice) to have wrought (done) the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness (licentiousness), lusts, excess of wine (drunkenness), revellings, banquetings (drinking parties), and abominable idolatries:
 
Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot (dissipation), speaking evil of you: Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick (living) and the dead.
 
For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. But the end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.’ (1 Pet.4:3-7)
 
And isn’t amazing and amusing my people, how we’ve come to that scripture in this Christmas season, a time when we’re usually prone to excesses of the flesh? (smile) There must be a godly reason for it. So please let’s take Peter’s words as a warning on two counts; of Christ being our eventual and eternal judge, as well as not to overdo the eating and drinking this Christmas season.
 
Let’s spend some more time pondering on the great gift of Jehovah God; the birth of Jesus, the real reason for the season. Much LOVE!
 
…He shall call to the heavens from above…and to the earth…that he may judge his people… (Ps.50:4) 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 November 2013 Genesis 12:2.

Genesis 12:2.   And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing.
 
Ah mih people, once again the Lord has seen it fit to bless us with another glorious day of life on Planet Earth! Isn’t that wonderful? It sure is! And for that let’s give Him a loud shout of  ‘Thank You Lord, for being so good to us! We praise You and Bless Your Holy Name. Amen.’
 
And I won’t get into any long preamble today, (smile) because in this promise there’s a lot of scripture I want to share. Remember we’re currently dealing with the promises of God to man. And today’s promise is one of the greatest promises ever given by our omnipotent God to one of His creations. It’s His call to Abram.
 
Hear how it starts: ‘Now the Lord had said unto Abram (High Father), Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee. And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ (Gen.12:1-3)
 
Oh Friends, what a great promise for a move of obedience. The Lord called Abram to leave his father’s house in Haran to go out, only the Lord knew where.
 
However my fellow believers, it’s very important that we study, pay great attention to Abram’s behaviour, his great faith and fortitude, for as believers, the Lord’s constantly leading and guiding us to do things and go places that seem to have no basis in the reality of our situations. But like Abram, once we’re convinced the guidance and direction is of our God, then we need to make tracks and do it.
 
Now Abram had no way of knowing where the Lord was planning to take him, or what sort of life he was going to have. For heaven’s sake, he was already seventy-five years old, wealthy and quite settled in his ways. The only thing he lacked was a child, an heir from his own loins.
 
So why would he pull up stakes at that late stage of his life and head out with his whole family and his possessions on some nomadic journey that some unknown God told him to take eh?
 
On the face of it, the many negatives definitely outweighed the positives. In fact, judging from the outward aspects of the situation, there were no positives whatsoever. But despite all the negatives that seemed to colour the situation, something in Abram made him do it.
 
I guess the Lord filled that little reserved space in Abram’s soul with His Spirit. The same space that is reserved for God alone in all His human creations.
 
The promises were indeed enormous, but I don’t know if at seventy-five, with wealth and comfort to last my lifetime, I’d want to journey into the great unknown, just to father a great nation, or to make my name great.
 
Oh, I’d better shut up here yes, because knowing the Lord’s penchant for making one eat one’s words and for drama, at seventy five, He’ll just find some new mountain for me to climb. (smile)
 
‘So I’m sorry Lord. I take that back. That was just a slight aberration on my part. Please forgive me. I’ll go anywhere you send me, at any age. Thank You Lord for your mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name I pray.’
 
Doh laugh nuh Friends, I’ve made that kind of mistake before, and paid dearly for it.
 
Anyway people, God also made other promises to Abram. When Abram and his nephew Lot separated – remember Lot went with him on the nomadic journey – because the land was too small for all their herds and people to live comfortably.
 
While Lot went toward the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord said to Abram: ‘Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed (descendants) for ever.
 
And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord.’ (Gen13:14-18)
 
The only problem though Friends, is that Abram was possibly eighty by then, and his wife Sarai around seventy, so where were these descendants like the dust of the earth going to come from eh? But that didn’t seem to bother Abram, he kept on believing in the Lord, having faith in His pronouncements.
 
Another key point here is how would we have reacted? Right now we know more about God and His strengths, purpose and plans than Abram ever dreamed about, but yet we still hem and haw when God directs us to do simple tasks in His Name.
 
Can you imagine if forty years ago, He’d told to me to pull up stakes in T&T and go to cold, rough, foreign Canada where I’d make a big name for myself, what would my reaction had been? I doubt I would have just done it. Though, for all you know, He might have purposely engineered the job frustration I felt in T&T, which eventually made me leave.
 
Like Abram, I was doing well, lacked for nothing in the Government’s job, except job satisfaction, with all the foolish politics being played in higher places hampering the work I was hired to do. And since my mother was already in Canada, I figured it wouldn’t be too difficult to get here.
 
But it hasn’t been easy, and the job satisfaction hasn’t really been any better. At least in T&T we don’t pretend to have this great work ethic, as they do in Canada. In T&T I would certainly have had a much easier and possibly more successful life.
 
So Friends, please be careful of what you wish for, of the frustration you find in what you have or do, because in many cases, what you rush off to, is much worse than what you left behind.
 
Anyway my brethren, with those words of wisdom, we’ll close for today. I have to chuckle because I never planned to get into my situation, but the Spirit just brought it to mind, and it just seemed to fit naturally. In any case I couldn’t have got in all the scriptures I wanted today, so God willing, tomorrow we’ll continue looking at Abram and all the promises God made him.
 
Till then, please let’s listen closely to whatever God is saying to us, and obey His dictates, because He knows the plans He has for us, ‘thoughts of peace, and not evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope). (Jer.29:11) That’s a divine promise, so please let’s be wise and heed it. Much LOVE!
 
…our omnipotent God…has NEVER…and WILL NEVER renege on a promise…since He can do whatever He promises…

 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    

Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 October 2013 Psalm 109:5

Psalm 109:5.    And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my LOVE.
 
And suddenly it was Friday! And in recognition of that fateful day, a loud and raucous shout rang out from the workingman. ‘TGIF! Thank the Lord it’s Friday at last! Thought this week would never end, cause it’s just been one headache after another. But give God praise and shout again: ‘TGIF! Thank the Lord is Friday!’
 
Yeh Friends, some of us look forward with great anticipation to Friday and the start of the weekend. And nothing’s wrong with that, because we are entitled to some time off from the daily rush and common grind. The problem though is how we use the weekend when it arrives.
 
And since our Friday Chant wisely advises us on the proper use of the weekend, let’s chant it then with great gusto. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
 
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
 
Yes my people, we need to use the weekend very astutely, otherwise we’ll just make life even more difficult than it already is, when the new workweek begins. Why bring unnecessary problems on ourselves eh, when we’re already dealing with so many caused by others?
 
And our Bit highlights that quite nicely. ‘And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my LOVE.’
 
Oh Friends, many of us can declare those same words this morning, because we live in such a deceitful, unrighteous, unfaithful and evil world. That means, oftimes the good we’ve done, is sadly repaid with resentment and wicked works. 
 
And I can tell you from hard experience, that that is one of the most hurtful experiences we’ll ever encounter, especially when a close family member, or someone we considered a friend or an ally perpetrates it. But unfortunately such is life my brethren.
 
As Jesus said to the Jews, who on one instance took up stones to stone Him: ‘Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?’ (John 10:32)
 
Yes Friends, though we often want to repay the wrong done to us with another wrong, we need to do like Jesus did, just continue on with our good deeds, leaving revenge in God’s hands.
 
Bruh David, in the Psalm from which our Bit is taken, a prayer for punishment for the wicked, cried out to God for justice. ‘Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan (an accuser) stand at his right hand. When he shall be judged, let him be condemned (found guilty): and let his prayer become sin. Let his days be few; and let another take his office.’ (Ps.109:6-8) And he goes on for another dozen verses advising the Lord how to deal with his enemies.
 
Now that’s the way it should be Friends. Though we don’t need to tell God the justice that we seek, we do need to leave any revenge up to Him, as He adamantly proclaims: ‘To me belongeth vengeance, and recompense; their foot shall slide in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.’ (Deut.32:35)
 
Oh my brethren, I know that’s often hard to do, especially when the wound caused by the hurt and disappointment is fresh, and the anger is really pumping, but do it we must, if we are to consider ourselves true believers in Christ.
 
And as Bruh Paul so wisely and rightly tells us in Romans 12: ‘Recompense to (repay) no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men.’ (Rom.12:17) And that’s what the followers of Jesus are expected to do, all the time, my brethren!
 
But we do have wise words of Cousin Sol, from which to take comfort, as he declares: ‘Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.’ (Prov.17:13) Gospel truth my people, so please beware of how you handle those situations!
 
And we’ll let Bruh David take us home with his own words of wisdom. ‘The heathen (nations, gentiles) are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken (caught). The Lord is known by the judgement which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.   Higgaion (meditation or song).  Selah.’ (Ps.9:15-16)
 
Yes Friends, the wicked are usually caught up in their own wickedness and suffer the shame and misery set for the righteous. That’s the Lord’s way! We can therefore have some comfort and peace when wrongdoers come against us, for our mighty God will handle it all on our behalf. We couldn’t ask for more than that.
 
And all God’s people loudly and gratefully declared: ‘Oh what a wonderful God we serve and worship! Give Him much thanks and praise for His goodness and LOVING-kindness to the undeserving children of men! Amen!’
 
Now let’s go out today and do just that, my fellow believers in Christ! Much LOVE!
 
…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 October 2013 Hosea 13:1

Hosea 13:1.   When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.
 
Oh Friends, I can’t believe it nuh! But ignorance is a helluva thing yes! Can you imagine it? The leaders of the U.S. have really shut down most of the Federal government’s business, in classic blinkered style, in partisan support of their selfish, foolish, petty, hang-ups!
 
And the sad result is that thousands of government employees have been sent home, until only the Lord knows for sure, without pay, because the leaders have not voted the money necessary to pay them. But yuh know what, the same selfish, petty, foolish leaders in congress are still going to get paid, in spite of their bumbling! What hypocrisy!
 
Ah Lord eh! And as always, it’s the poor and needy who suffer, while the rich and powerful continue to profit, regardless of their evil and greedy ways.
 
So you don’t like ‘Obamacare,’ the medical plan recently instituted to help millions of Americans who can’t afford to go to the doctor. But if you want to chop it up, do you have to do that on the backs of the poor and helpless, by shutting down the government and putting even more pressure and suffering on the masses? I don’t think so. Especially not when the nation is just trying to fight its way out of one of its worst recessions.
 
But we’re behaving as if the rich and powerful have ever truly cared about the masses, except as a pedestal, a footstool on which to build their power and material wealth. They spout a lot of rhetoric and make grandiose promises, but in the long run, it’s always what’s in their best interest that gets the green light.
 
And sadly, too many of the masses fall for the lies, sweet words and deceitful promises of their leaders. But as some wise man once said, we get the leaders we deserve. And that’s gospel, people! 
 
We complain about our leaders and governments, but who put them there eh? We the people! And we the people can also remove them! I do hope the people of the U.S. do wake up soon and see the very low esteem in which their current leaders hold them, and vote them out of office.
 
But my brethren, when we disobey the laws of God and turn to the things of man and the world to lead and guide us, what else can we expect eh?
 
As Cousin Sol so wisely declared long ago: ‘Where there is no vision (prophetic vision or revelation), the people perish (cast off restraint): but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.’ (Prov.29:18)
 
Unfortunately my brethren, God has been removed from too much of our world, especially in the U.S. and the law of God, to all intents and purposes no longer reigns there.
 
Anyway, let’s pray loud, long, and sincerely that the those ruthless and insincere leaders will soon come to their senses and realize that their small-minded actions are hurting the entire country, in fact the entire world, for though their world status has recently dropped, it’s still remains, as the U.S. goes, so does the rest of the world.
 
Ah Friends, I don’t want to even think, much less talk about it, because it just gets me going, and unfortunately my displeasure won’t change a thing, except raise my blood pressure, which is already too high. So let’s turn to our Bit, and ease up the pressure some. (smile)
 
‘When Ephraim spake trembling, he exalted himself in Israel; but when he offended in Baal, he died.’
 
And the scholars have this to say about it. ’13:1-16. When he offended in Baal, he died: Under Ahab, the nation gave itself to the worship of Baal, and the result was spiritual death. The nation’s spiritual decline also resulted in political decline (cf. 1 Kin.16:31).’
 
And that’s exactly what’s happening in the U.S. and most of the world today, my brethren! The spiritual decline of the Western World is causing all sorts of political and economic decline. And I’ll quote the reference from 1 Kings, so we don’t to look it up. (smile)
 
It talks about when Ahab marries Jezebel. ‘And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.’ (1 Kin.16:31)
 
Oh Friends, it all comes right back down to our worshipping idols, the things of man’s hands, the things which do not fall under the law of God.
 
And the scholars’ rightly point out. ’16:31. As in the case of Solomon, political state marriage was to have a disastrous effect for Israel (cf. 21:25). Ahab’s reign was to bring Israel to its spiritual depths. Jezebel’s name means ‘Where is the Prince?’ (Baal)’
 
And the Good Book further states about Ahab. ‘And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above (more than) all that were before him.’ (1 Kin.16:30). Now that’s saying something about Israel’s sad state… and also our own!
 
Ah mih people, we’re just wrong, so wrong in turning away from Almighty God, especially at this most crucial and critical juncture in the history of mankind, for it augurs no good whatsoever. But the good news is that there’s still life, thus there’s hope that we can turn this unbelievable fiasco around. How, you ask?
 
As the Good Book wisely advises: ‘Therefore turn thou to thy God: keep mercy (LOVING-kindness or faithfulness) and judgement (justice), and wait on thy God continually.’ (Hos.12:6) It’s the ONLY way out of our misery, my people.
 
And we’ll end with this verse that confirms that statement. ‘Yet I am the Lord thy God from (ever since) the land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no god but me: for there is no saviour beside(s) me.’ (Hos.13:4)
 
Ah mih breddren, until the nations of the world take that statement to heart, and return to living by it, there will be nothing but disaster, calamity and gross ‘sufferation’ all over God’s great earth!
 
And what boggles the imagination is that we have numerous examples of just that fact happening all down through the ages. But apparently as man evolves, gets more advanced, technologically etc. he begins to feel that he needs God less and less. But that’s the biggest lie and self-deception, my brethren!
 
And as usual, in this ungodly world, it falls to us, the true believers in Jesus Christ, to try and rectify the situation. So please, let’s put our hands to the plough nuh, and don’t look back, but move straight ahead and try our best to remedy the sad situation we’re in, for that’s our bounden duty. We are the world’s glorious ray of hope! Much LOVE!
 
…when will mankind ever learn…that it’s not possible to live peacefully and prosperously…without the gracious hand of Almighty God upon us….
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 September 2013 Psalm 135:15

Psalm 135:15.    The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.
 
Oh Friends, on this glorious, but a tad chilly morn, the last Sunday in September 2013, I think we should begin our message with a hymn of praise to our wonderful God, Jehovah. So please sing this old, but ever timely hymn with me.
 
‘Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children, God is LOVE, God is LOVE; (repeat). LOVE Him, LOVE Him, all ye little children, God is LOVE, God is LOVE; (repeat). Thank Him, thank Him, all ye little children, God is LOVE, God is LOVE; (repeat) 
 
Oh yes my people, there’s no better way to start our day than with some thanks and praise to our ever-LOVING God! Now let’s hope that all of us who are able to, will get out some time today and fellowship with other believers, for we need that strength and reassurance that fellowshipping brings.
 
That’s why the Lord gave us ONE day each week, regardless of which one you choose, to get together and worship and celebrate His Holy Name. That’s a chance to get away from the evil world and all the ungodly things it has to offer and filter some godly stuff into our precious souls with praise and worship. And all of that fits in very nicely with our Bit: ‘The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.’
 
Ah mih Friends, during our work week, we’re constantly bombarded by all the idolatrous things the world has to offer, so we’ve got to make the most use of the opportunity on Sundays, or whenever you celebrate the Sabbath, to put replenish our souls by reasserting that the Lord God Almighty is the ultimate mover and shaker in our lives. 
 
Now for the last two days, we’ve been looking at scripture that supports our Bit, and today we’ll continue to do the same. There’s plenty scripture on idolatry my Friends, and we need to get it all into us, so that we can resist the attractive siren call of the idols of the world.
 
And we’ll begin with Moses’ warning the Israelites. In Deuteronomy Chap. 4, from verses 15-27, he warns them about turning to the worship of idols when they go into the Promised Land and become prosperous and successful.  Letting them know that it would provoke God to anger, and He would then scatter them amongst the heathen.
 
‘And there shall ye serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.
 
When thou art in tribulation, and all these things are come upon thee, even in the latter days, if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and shalt be obedient unto his voice; (For the Lord thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy father which he sware unto them.’ (Deut.4:28-31) 
 
And Friends, we all know that the Israelites did not heed Moses’ warning and eventually turned to idol worship, not once, but several times. And God, being the faithful keeper of His promises, dutifully scattered them amongst the heathen. But by the same token, each time they woke up from their stupidity and repented, He was also faithful and merciful to restore them to their land and prosperity.
 
Oh my people, please remember that our God doesn’t change, and like the Israelites, we have a covenant with Him, through Christ Jesus to stay away from idols and graven images. However, like the Israelites again, we’re not fulfilling our part of the contract, but instead are heavily into worshipping the things of the world. No wonder so much calamity and disaster are currently plaguing our world. 
 
So it’s obvious that if we want to eliminate the catastrophe in our world, then WE have to change. We have to get out of the worldly rat race, CUT OUT the pre-eminence of worldly things in our lives. We can see from the Israelites’ example that all is not lost, that while there’s life, there’s always hope, for our God is a most merciful and forgiving Deity.
 
Thus, if we sincerely repent and turn from our evil ways, He will once again, enfold us in His LOVING embrace, but it all depends on us my people. We hold the key to both our earthly and eternal destiny, and His name is Jesus!
 
So let’s use it to unlock the door to righteousness, salvation and eternal life, like we’ve been taught nuh. It’s the only wise, sane and sensible thing to do, provided we want to save and improve our world. You don’t have to be rocket scientist to figure that our Friends.
 
So, though I have more stuff to share, taking into consideration our busy schedules and already overworked mental systems, (smile) I’ll leave us to ponder on those things that make for a godly and righteous life. Much LOVE!
 
…God’s world doesn’t change…He who is disobedient….will ALWAYS pay a stiff price for their disobedience…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 September 2013 Isaiah 54:17

Isaiah 54:17.   No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me.
 
Oh Friends, it seems like I owe my poor, departed mother another apology on this Sunday morning, the first day of September 2013. Not only did it take me almost two years to go and visit her, it seems that I was so taken up with T&T’s Independence celebrations yesterday, that I failed to mention it was also the second anniversary of her going to be with the Lord. I guess the ole fella’s simply showing his age and human frailty. (smile)
 
Thanks for reminding me Di, although as I told you, it wasn’t a complete forgetting, because the flowers on the altar at church today will be donated in her memory. And you know Mols sugar, that whatever nonsense or mistakes your Sonny Boy might make, he will NEVER forget you!
 
How could I eh, after the wonderful relationship we shared for sixty something years, especially since it was an experience chocked full of LOVE? For as Cousin Sol says in his Song, your banner over me was one of continuous LOVE! That’s not to say there weren’t some tumultuous times, but they were few and far between and never lasted very long.
 
And I’m not the only one who thinks that time is going by rather quickly, because everybody I tell that she’s been gone to Paradise for two years now can’t believe that it’s already been that long.
 
That’s why, my fellow believers, we can’t afford to dilly-dally with the work we’ve been commissioned to do for Christ here on earth, since we can be called home unexpectedly at any time. And what are we going to tell the Father when He asks why we didn’t do a better job eh, that we didn’t have enough time?
 
No Friends that’s not going to pass muster, because he’s going to turn back the clock and show us all the time we wasted being involved in sinful worldly endeavours, when we could have been spreading His Word.
 
That brings us to our Bit: ‘No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me.’
 
Now a lot of us claim that promise, and so we should, but as with a lot of other scriptures, we take them out of context, and only use the parts that seem beneficial, while conveniently forgetting the other aspects. And in this particular promise, we always seem to leave out the very important proviso: ‘This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord…’
 
Yes Friends, if you’re not a servant of the Lord, then that promise is null and void! And furthermore, whatever righteousness we might have, doesn’t come from our own efforts, but from the Lord God Jehovah, our Creator and Provider. And having straightened that out, (smile) let’s look at some scriptures that fortify that, no, those awesome promises, because we’re promised physical, vocal and spiritual protection with righteousness.
 
Wow! And people still refuse to believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! How unwise and foolish!
 
Isaiah himself tells us, re Ariel (Jerusalem; lit- lion of God) and her enemies, that though the Lord distresses Jerusalem, yet in the end:  ‘And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel (Jerusalem), even all that fight against her and her munition (fortress), and that distress her, shall be as a dream of a night vision.
 
It shall even be as when a hungry man dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, he is faint, and his soul hath appetite (still craves): so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion.’ (Is.29:7-8)
 
And just before our Bit, Isaiah trills thus to God’s everlasting LOVE for the children of Israel, and those who follow His commandments.  ‘And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children. In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
 
Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument (weapon) for his work; and I have created the waster (destroyer) to destroy.’ (Is.54:13 -16)
 
So my people, there’s nothing to fear if we are walking obedient to God’s will, for as we’ve seen, He has promised on several occasions to protect us from our enemies when we so do. But unfortunately in these evil, turbulent and dangerous times, we have forsaken our God, have not even taught our children His Word. So what else can we expect but disaster, calamity and misery eh?
 
I don’t know if there’s ever been a time in man’s history, even during the two great wars, where mankind has been engaged in warfare on so many fronts at the same time. The scale of fighting might not be as large as in the two world wars, but we have many more nations inflamed in both external and internal strife. It’s possibly easier to pick out the few nations that are not involved in some kind of deadly strife.
 
Oh Friends, when are we ever going to learn eh? The Most High God created us, and though He’s given us freedom of choice, He still retains overall control. And He has continually warned us to keep His commandments, to serve and worship Him in sincerity and truth, while also providing glaring examples of the disastrous happenings disobedience can bring.
 
So it’s up to us now Friends to rally round the cross of Christ and try to drum some sense into the hard, stubborn minds of our fellowman. That is if we want our children and future generations to live in a somewhat peaceful world. 
 
And in closing, I know that some people try to knock the Old Testament, saying it’s out of date and of no use now. But my brethren, that’s a fallacy, pure foolishness, because the Old Testament is the setting, the foreshadowing, for fulfillment by the New Testament. And throughout the New Testament you’ll find Jesus and all the disciples and apostles quoting important scripture from the Old Testament.
 
So please don’t listen to anyone who tells you that nonsense! You can’t properly understand the New until you understand the Old, just like you cannot tell where you’re going, until you know where you’ve come from. Much LOVE!
 
…our earthly pilgrimage may be rough and rocky…but if we concentrate on walking with God…then though we occasionally stumble…we’ll never fall…that’s the Lord’s faithful promise…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 August 2013 Jeremiah 17:9

Jeremiah 17:9.   The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (incurably sick): who can know it?
 
Oh Friends, morning is breaking, just like all those other mornings of the past! And to sweeten matters, God’s daily blessings are also being prepared anew – no stale stuff – as has been done each and every day, right down through the ages. So our daily bread is on its way, accompanied by new mercy and forgiveness. What an awesome package that is my people!
 
And all God’s children declared a loud, joyous and grateful: ‘Thank You Lord for Your overwhelming generosity and LOVING-kindness! We LOVE You Lord, and praise Your Holy Name! Please help us to continue serving and worshipping You with fullness of hearts, souls, bodies and minds. Amen.’ 
 
Yes my Friends, our God is ever-faithful and generous to us, although we don’t deserve it. But that’s just the kind of Deity He is; that’s just the kind of heart He possesses. The problem though is that our honesty and faithfulness cannot be guaranteed. For as our Bit so wisely declares: ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (incurably sick): who can know it?’
 
And the answer to that rather imposing question my brethren, is ONLY Jehovah God!
 
That’s because our hearts are naturally inclined to deceit and selfishness. It can get so bad, that at times we even fool ourselves, thinking that we have such wonderful and upright hearts, only to later discover the true wickedness buried deep in them.
 
Cousin Sol, in describing a worthless and wicked man, said it a long time ago. ‘Frowardness (perversity) is in his heart, he deviseth mischief (evil) continually; he soweth discord. Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly; suddenly shall he be broken without remedy.’ (Prov.6:14-15)
 
And sadly Friends, that’s a rather apt and appropriate description of a great number of humans on God’s great earth, including many so-called believers. No wonder our world is in the sorry state it’s in!
 
Jesus Himself, on the subject of good and corrupt fruit, had this to say re our hearts. ‘O generation (brood, offspring) of vipers, how can ye being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.’ (Matt.12:34-35)
 
And if anybody should know about that sort of thing, it’s certainly Jesus!
 
Then later on, in explaining what defiles, Jesus says: ‘That which cometh out of the man defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness (licentiousness), an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.’ (Mark 7:20-23)
 
Ah mih people, I guess Jesus condemns us all right there, since we all are guilty of at least one or more of those misdeed, and they all stem from what’s happening down in the depths of our souls.
 
Now listen to the scholars: ‘Many apparently thought that the food itself forbidden by parts of the Old Testament (see, e.g. Lev.11) rendered the eater unclean. Jesus is not challenging the accuracy of the Old Testament. He is pointing out that what one produces from, not what he takes into, himself is the essence of the human sin.
 
In context, Jesus is pointing out the futility of seeking spiritual salvation by means of ritual observances, like dietary laws, which are incapable of purifying the heart (i.e., the moral life) A clean heart is something different from a properly cared for digestive tract.’
 
And while declaring that all things come to the righteous and to the wicked, the Preacher imparts this bit of wisdom. ‘This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.’ (Eccl. 9:3)
 
But why is the heart so maligned eh? That’s partly because as the scholars explain: ‘Heart could often be translated “mind” in the book. Since the Hebrews had no separate word for “mind,” the word “heart” often served to represent the seat of the intellect. The key to the whole man is his mind. Whatever captures the mind captures the man.
 
The Old Testament word ‘heart’ often refers to the physical organ of the circulatory system. Both Testaments also see the heart figuratively as the centre of the personality or spiritual life. The heart is the seat of intellect, emotions, will, and moral consciousness. It is the personality which has that extraordinary ability to perceive itself.
 
The heart is presented as the seat of conscious life and the fountainhead of life. Illustration: Jesus taught that sin came out of the heart of people, thus defiling them (Mark 7:21-23). Yet after conversion, one of the characteristics of Christians is that they have the law of God written in their hearts. (Heb.8:8-12). Application: Christians should LOVE the Lord with all their hearts (Matt.22:37). (First ref. Gen.6:5; Primary ref. Prov.4:23; cf. Rom.2:15) 
 
Please note that I’ve quoted several of the references the scholars gave us, so you shouldn’t have any problems reading the rest. (smile) Remember though that the references are for our benefit; to help us better understand the scriptures.
 
And we’ll end with this rather appropriate reference from Cousin Sol. ‘Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.’ (Prov.4:23) 
 
Yes Friends, it all begins in the heart and the mind, and then spreads like wildfire after that! So to avoid all the evil and ungodly things that we can become involved in to our detriment, we need to guard our thinking and emotions very carefully, otherwise we’ll certainly get caught up in plenty calamity.
 
And that definitely doesn’t smack of that most worthwhile attribute called wisdom. So let’s consider ourselves warned. Much LOVE!.
 
..to him that hath ears…let him hear…or else he’ll pay an exorbitant price for his disobedience…
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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