Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 September 2013 Joshua 1:8

17 Sep 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Joshua 1:8.  This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall constantly be in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
 
Oh Friends, it’s going to be a beautiful day, regardless of what the physical appearance might be! I just feel it in my spirit! (smile) Yuh know sometimes when you just feel something, you feel a feeling, you don’t understand why, but you feel it deep down inside?
 
Well that’s the way I feel this morning, as all the new mercies, manna, forgiveness and blessings begin to pour down on me! In fact, that’s how believers in Jesus Christ ought to feel EVERY DAY, since we have His ever-faithful promises to be with us always, leading and guiding us every step of our earthly journey. 
 
Now here’s something I planned to write on a Monday morning, because it’s sort of more appropriate for that day. But all the Mondays seem so chocked full of other stuff, I decided to do it today, since it’s a rather important and useful observation, and I didn’t want to wait too long to bring it to our notice. 
 
It’s taken from an article in the August issue of In Touch Magazine. A homeless, black, older man asks a wealthy, white, Christian man to explain how and why Christians could and do pray to and worship a homeless man on Sundays, then pass the first homeless person they meet on Mondays without even a backward glance, no acknowledgement whatsoever?
 
Wow! From the mouths of babes and the downtrodden often come undeniable words of wisdom!
 
Yuh see what I’m talking about mih breddren? When I read that, it just struck me as being so appropriate that I just had to share it. Remember Jesus had no fixed place of abode, just ‘coched’ (smile) by His friends, family and followers, or wherever the night found Him. So in essence, He was indeed a homeless person. 
 
Now my fellow believers I wanted to draw that non Christ-like behaviour to our attention, because I know that TOO many of us do it, though we really shouldn’t. Anyway, now that it’s been pointed out to us, please let’s pay more attention to the homeless nuh, for in truth, they are a reflection of Jesus.
 
What did He say about that? ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt.25:40b) That’s the poor, the sick, the hungry, the needy, the oppressed, the widow, the orphan, and the homeless to whom Jesus is referring!
 
So Friends, let’s try, no, let’s DO a better job of helping the unfortunate amongst us, because then we’re in effect helping Jesus and being a true reflection of His wonderful, selfless, LOVING character!
 
And at long last, we come to our Bit: ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (shall constantly be in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’
 
And don’t blame me for it being the same over the last few days, but it’s such a powerful and potent bit of scripture, so life changing, that we need to drive it home deep in our hearts, minds and souls! For if we were truly observing it, our world would not be in half the mess that it’s currently in. There’s also plenty scripture, especially in the Psalms, dealing with Meditation on God’s Word, so let’s get to some.
 
And we’ll begin with the words of Asaph from Psalm 77, superscripted, ‘Who is a great God as our God?’ ‘And I said, This is my infirmity (anguish): but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary (holiness): who is so great a God as our God?’ (Ps.77:10-13)
 
And all God’s people immediately shouted the answer to that question: ‘NOBODY!’
 
Yes Friends, there’s NO Being, dead or alive, as great as Jehovah God! Now let’s delve into the longest chapter in the Good Book, that wonderful Bit of God-inspired writing, Psalm 119, ‘The Lord’s judgements are righteous.’ As indeed they are my brethren!
 
The psalmist unequivocally proclaims: ‘I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto (contemplate) thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.’ (Ps.119:14-16)
 
Oh my people, those are statements that ALL BELIEVERS ought also to unequivocally proclaim!
 
And we’ll end with some more joyful and encouraging words from Psalm 104, ‘God’s preservation of nature.’ Here, the psalmist delightfully declares: ‘I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.
 
My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord. (Shout Hallelujah!)’ (Ps.104:33-35).
 
Oh my fellow believers in Jesus Christ, let’s make that declaration loudly and seriously this fateful morning, then diligently put it into practice nuh! For that attitude in a believer’s life is the apex of steadfast faith, everlasting wisdom and gospel truth! Much LOVE!
 
…to faithfully contemplate God’s Word…oh what strength and energy it brings…  
 
P.S. Told you all I was feeling the Spirit this morning! (smile) 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 July 2013 Luke 10:33

30 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Luke 10:33.    But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. 

 
Oh Friends, what is our wonderful city of Toronto coming to eh? A couple days ago the police fired nine shots at an 18 or 19 year old youth on a streetcar, who apparently only had a knife. And it seems like they also tasered him. Now, from what I’ve gathered, there wasn’t any hostage taking situation or anything like that, but they still took him down the easy way.
 
Yesterday though, hundreds of angry family and citizens marched through downtown Toronto expressing their disappointment and dismay, vociferously protesting the heavy handed display of force by the police in that particular incident, and the cowboy, Wild West behaviour of cops in general these days.
 
They seem to think that they are a law unto themselves and can do as they please, and the sad part is that nothing ever seems to happen to them when they step out of line. Not one cop has been found guilty of any offence, serious or otherwise and sentenced to jail time. The investigating body always seems to find that the cops did no wrong.
 
Meanwhile, the Police Chief and the head of the Board that oversees them, just keep on mouthing a set of foolish platitudes and excuses, while the cops continue running roughshod over those they’re supposed to be protecting. And the funny thing about justice is that it must only be done, but it must also appear to be done. And that’s certainly not happening around here these days.
 
And why do you have to fire nine shots at a man in an enclosed streetcar, surrounded by law enforcement officers, who didn’t seem to be causing anybody on board any problems? Nine shots sure are a lot. Those cops should be taken back to the range and taught how to shoot.
 
Anyway Friends, let’s see if we can get some understanding of this oftimes macabre life, by turning to our Bit. ‘But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him.’
 
Now yesterday we weighed in on the enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans, as well as the point that Jesus wanted to prove, re LOVING our enemies. Today, we’ll look at how we can do that, despite the dislike or other negative emotions in our souls.
 
And the main way to do that is by having and showing compassion to them. LOVING here doesn’t necessarily constitute or involve hugging and kissing etc, but more treating others we might dislike with compassion, as the Samaritan treated his natural enemy, the injured Jew, while his fellow Jews passed him by on the other side. 
 
Oh my brethren, at times like those, our personal feelings or feuds MUST be put aside for the greater good of mankind!
 
And how does the dictionary define compassion? ‘Pity inclining one to spare or help, sympathetic pitying.’ I don’t like the use of the word pity there, because it implies a sort of negative, condescending connotation. I believe empathy might be a better word.
 
However, from that definition, we can clearly see that the cops in the situation above displayed no compassion whatsoever. They were not interested in helping the young man, but simply in putting him down, in quelling the dangerous situation. And it’s been proven over the last few years that the cops don’t have sufficient training in how to deal with unstable people, and apparently little or no inclination to learn.
 
However, let’s look at some scriptures that deal with that great word, compassion, which should be a staple emotion in each and every believer in Jesus. Unfortunately though, many of us don’t show it, and instead react with the same take down mentality as the trigger-happy cops.
 
The first scripture deals with another parable of Jesus, that of the lost, the prodigal son, who, when he realized the mess he had made of his life, decided to go back home, apologize to his father and ask for a servant’s position. ‘And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.’ (Luke 15:20)
 
Note Friends, that the father didn’t even wait to hear what the son had to say, but immediately welcomed him with opened arms, his only interest being that the son he’d lost had been found, and returned home in good shape.
 
And that’s exactly how our heavenly Father deals with us! His main concern, regardless of our failures and apologies, is that we come back home to Him, safe and sound. Just returning home to Him brings forgiveness and compassion.
 
Wow! What a wonderful God we serve my people! It amazes me everyday when I think about the LOVE, mercy, compassion, forgiveness and grace that He confers on us, even though we’re lost, unworthy and like the things of the world, like the prodigal son did.
 
Now the important question is, do we act like that towards our fellow man? Not as often as we should. Even our close friends and family we try to beat down when they do wrong. How then can we be compassionate to strangers and enemies eh?
 
The only way is if the Holy Spirit of Jesus is actively working in our souls, since our normal human nature is to react in an antagonistic manner. That means then that compassion is something we have to consciously and actively work on, since it doesn’t come naturally. And we all know it’s not easy to LOVE and be compassionate to neighbours and enemies, but it’s what Jesus desires and fully expects from ALL of His followers.
 
And we’ll end with this description of Jesus, when He saw the many lost and scattered souls that daily flocked around Him, just dying to be saved. ‘But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted (were weary), and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.’ (Matt.9:36)
 
Oh my brethren, the same can be said of today’s generation! There are enormous numbers of people running around lost, looking for a shepherd to take care of them, and we believers are the ones who are meant to bring them to salvation, for we are Jesus’ latter day disciples. 
 
And as He told the ones He actually walked with: ‘The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.’ (Matt.9:37-38)
 
Yes Friends, let’s pray that the Lord will move in many hearts of His people, to go out and help to save the lost, the poor, the downtrodden, the sick and needy, because our society desperately needs it.
 
Yes my people, if we’re ever to climb out of the mire in which we’re currently floundering, many more believers have to go forth and harvest the lost souls, with lots of compassion. That’s heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
 
…true compassion comes from a heartfelt feeling of…LOVE, kindness, mercy and forgiveness…in other words…from a heart filled with the attributes of Jesus…
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2013 Matthew 25:35-36

07 Jul 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 25:35-36.   For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
 
Oh Friends, oh Friends, as I keep saying, our God is indeed a magnificent and mysterious God yes! He constantly bends over backwards to help us, and in the process, amazes us with His LOVING-kindness. Now here’s a personal testimony to His goodness.
 
Yesterday morning I was listening to some music on the R&B channel of the t.v and my mind happened to focus on a song I had heard about a week before. The song had taken my heart by storm then. I even considered calling my young daughter and asking her to get it for me, as we had been big fans of the artiste in the early stages of his career. But as the Lord would have it, I didn’t call her.
 
Then yesterday morning, a couple of minutes after the tune flashed through my mind, I heard the opening bars of this music that caught my attention, and when I looked up at the screen, lo and behold, the title of the song that greeted me was, ‘Who do we think we are?’ by John Legend, featuring Rick Ross. And yuh better believe mih people, that the ole fella was immediately transported to musical heaven, because that was the tune I had just thought about!
 
And they say that our God isn’t good and doesn’t move in mysterious ways to satisfy us? Nonsense yes! He certainly does!
 
Aye mih young D, I hope you got the message. (smile) Cousin John has a tune out that the yuh ole father truly, truly likes, and you know when he likes a tune, he just goes crazy over it, regardless of what anybody else thinks.
 
Anyway Friends, enough about me and my little miracle moment, though as I keep reminding us, it’s in the small, sometimes seemingly unimportant things that our God shows His favour, works His miracles. So please pay attention to the small things in your life, because that’s where we often encounter stuff that truly opens our eyes and thus builds our faith.
 
And talking about faith, here’s an excerpt on the subject from an article by Father Bob Colaresi, the Director of the Society of the Little Flower, St. Therese, taken from the 2013 summer issue of their magazine, Between Friends.
 
He begins the article thus: ‘This Year of Faith is a call to deepen our lives as followers and friends of Jesus. We continue to be invited to walk the path of faith: faith in God’s presence, power and LOVE, faith in other people, and faith in our selves as the dwelling place of God. Jesus constantly said to everyone He healed: “Your faith has saved you!’
 
And that’s the undeniable truth my brethren! Our faith is what keeps us going on. But then part of that faith is to show it in good works in action, as specified by our Bit: ‘For I was an hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’
 
Yes my people, those are the things our Lord, Saviour and Leader, Jesus Christ expects of His followers. And today I want to highlight a few scriptures that show those were very important things to our God, long before Jesus ever came to earth in human form. Listen to Isaiah, as he talks about true religion in Chapter 58.
 
The Israelites were fasting and doing other stuff to get God’s attention, but not with right hearts and motives. Thus God admonished them: ‘Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact (exploit) all your labours (labourers).
 
Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite (strike) with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?
 
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens (bonds of the yoke), and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal (share) thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out (homeless, wandering) to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?
 
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health (healing) shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward (rear guard). Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.
 
If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth (pointing) of the finger, and speaking vanity (wickedness); And if thou draw out (extend) thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity (from darkness), and thy darkness (gloom) be as the noonday.
 
And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought (dry places), and make fat (strengthen) thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee (offspring, descendants) shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths (streets) to dwell in.’ (Is.58:3-12)
 
Oh Friends, after reading that section, I just had to include the whole thing, because it just encompasses all that our Bit talks about. So yuh see, is from long time now that our God has been trying to teach us that to help the poor and downtrodden, to share our wealth with the less fortunate is the way to prosperity and His LOVING-kindness.
 
Then Jesus came and preached the same message. But have we learned that lesson yet? Not really, because we still insist on concentrating on our selfish, worldly lusts and desires, instead of helping the way too many unfortunate souls in our wealthy societies.
 
Oh my brethren, there are so many who desperately need our help, but are not getting it because of our insensitivity. But to be a true believer and follower of Jesus, we cannot let insensitivity capture and take over our souls. We have to be sensitive to the needs of others, whatever they may be, and try to help ease their burden, as Jesus desires of us. Otherwise we’re not true followers of Christ, plain and simple.   Selah.
 
Yes Friends, food for thought. Take a moment and ponder it. By those guidelines, are you a true believer? And if not, why not? Much LOVE!
 
…talk is cheap…but taking action…means stepping out of our comfort zone…and that’s the mark of a true believer…
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 May 2013 Psalm 138:6

13 May 2013 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 138:6.     Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

Ah Friends, unfortunately it’s Monday once again, and the Mother’s Day celebrations are over for another year. Sadly, they were marred somewhat in my area by cloud, rain and strong winds. I understand that we had hailstones too, and some places further north even had snow. So much for the blossoming summer weather. Chuh! Hopefully though, not too many of us are suffering this morning from the aftermath of those celebrations, (smile) and won’t get up feeling worse than is customary on a Monday morning. I know celebrations are wonderful, but when we overdo it, the price we pay later on is simply not worth it. Anyway, life goes on, whether we’re feeling up to it or not. The good thing though is that we worship a healing, caring and LOVING God, who’s only too willing to fix us when we’re hurting and/or broken. And one way He does that is by hearing our cries for help, our prayers, and granting them. So on this rough Monday morning, let’s cry out to Him for help and sustenance by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. Now, in whatever voice you can manage, croaking or otherwise (smile) but with a sincere and true heart, let’s sing. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Oh Friends, that wasn’t very powerful. Truthfully, it might be better termed pitiful. But that’s the whole idea about crying out for help. If you’re strong and able, then you don’t need help. And if it’s one thing our God LOVES to do, is to help the weak and pitiful. Our Bit declares that quite plainly. ‘Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto (He regards) the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.’ Yes my brethren, it’s the same Bit from two days ago. I wasn’t finished with it, but Mother’s Day forced me to put it aside till today. And if you remember, we ended that day with Jesus quoting Hosea 6:6, to the hypocrite Pharisees, re the Lord desiring mercy, faithfulness and not sacrifice from His followers, when they complained to the disciples about His eating with sinners and tax collectors. And as Bruh Paul told the Corinthians: ”For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than man.’ (1 Cor.1:22-25) Words of awesome truth my people! Remember too, that Jesus Himself dealt more with the sick and suffering, the outcasts and those from the lower rungs of society. As He said: ‘For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.’ (Matt.18:11) And unfortunately, those at the bottom of society’s totem pole, are usually the lost ones, who need healing and saving more than those higher up. However we put it though Friends, our God is undoubtedly a champion of the small, oppressed man. Cousin Sol wisely tells us: ‘Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly (weak, humble) (Prov.3:34) And Isaiah solemnly declares, re condemnation of Israel’s idolatry: ‘For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.’ (Is.57:15) Yes my people, it is always the Lord’s will to help those who are downtrodden, oppressed, fallen on hard times and any other negative situations that may affect their lives! But we have to call on Him in humility and true repentance. That’s the key to His mercy and forgiveness. Please, let’s remember that and act accordingly today. Our lives will be all the better for it. Much LOVE!…come unto me…all ye that labour and heavy laden…and I will give you rest…for my yoke is easy…and my burden is light… (Matt.11:28, 30)
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 August 2012 Psalm 37:8

19 Aug 2012 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Inspirational Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 37:8.     Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
 
Oh Friends, yesterday was one of the many perfect summer days we’ve recently experienced in the Greater Toronto Area; bright sunshine, a cool breeze and a multiplicity of  (plenty, plenty) LOVE and JOY floating all around! (smile) And speaking of LOVE and JOY, I also discovered an amazing truth: nobody can party like Christians when they truly let their hair down and decide to party. In actual fact, logic dictates that by reason of our overwhelming LOVE for each other and the abundant JOY that dwells in our souls, both so freely granted by Christ, the Master of LOVE and JOY, we ought to be the heartiest partiers around, since partying is a direct derivative of those two outstanding emotions. ‘Elementary, my dear Watson!’ as the renowned British sleuth, Sherlock Holmes would say to his sidekick. (smile) And I proved it yesterday, when my local church had a boat cruise out on Lake Ontario. Oh Friends, a day cruise on a lovely summer’s day around Toronto’s harbour is a joy to experience. To the waterfront side, you have the daily increasing concrete jungle cluster of high-rise buildings lining it as far back as you can see, with the C.N. Tower, towering majestically above it all. Meanwhile, out on the water, the many sailboats and different kinds of watercraft dance all around on the beautiful but deceitful and treacherous waters of Lake Ontario, weaving in and around the outlying islands which all have their own activity. I even saw one lone, brave sailor paddling his little canoe over the swells, way outside. Better him than me yes! The only thing that possibly beats that sight is a night time cruise, which shows up the sparkling lights of the buildings and the outlying islands. And believe me, yesterday between 12 and 4 p.m. the St. Francis congregation, our friends and families, we mash up the T.O. harbour on the Riverboat Gambler, an old paddle wheel cruiser! Chuh mih people! I didn’t see any of the many other boats out there, big or small, with a party as hearty as ours! Even the broken and lame, like myself, were hopping and rocking! Ditto for several people who were in wheelchairs! To tell you how good it was, I sat next to a grandmother soon to be ninety seven years old. Yes Friends, 97 large ones, and she was as aware and sprightly as a young doe! (smile) Well just a little exaggeration really. She reminded me of my ole mother Mols, who’s partying somewhere up in heaven now. Anyway mih brethren, the food was good, the beverages wet and refreshing, and the music was most excellent! It was strictly ‘big people music,’ as Dr. Jay, a local D.J. calls it. None of the chupidness that the young people nowadays call music. Call it ole school, or whatever, but when the rockers, the soca and the funk cascaded across the deep, dark green waters of Lake Ontario there wasn’t a foot not tapping or a finger not drumming to the scintillating riddims! I never knew that some of those people who look so serious and sedate in church could step that well. And the best part is that it was all led by our partying leader, our very own Pastor Jeff. He definitely set the tone for the afternoon’s proceedings right from the very start. And it’s amusing that as we were leaving the boat, one of my faithful readers told me that he was sure to read about it in Today’s Bit. At the time though I wasn’t even thinking about the Bit, but concentrating on my aching knees and what the later hours would bring. But it seems like you were right Scottie. And James, you missed an excellent gathering of God’s people, dancing, singing and giving praise to their Creator. So yuh see Friends, that’s why people ought to come to know Jesus. Not so much for. the partying, which is surely interesting, but for the abundant LOVE and JOY He instils in the hearts, minds, bodies and spirits of His followers. And that’s exactly why Bruh David so strenuously and sincerely warns us about the true state of the wicked in our Bit: ‘Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (for it only causes harm).’ Now that’s undoubtedly gospel truth mih breddren! And here’s why: ‘For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider (look diligently for) his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.’ (Ps.37:9-11) Oh Friends what better life can you desire, and above all, also get on earth, than that which Jesus promises… no, not only promises, but also faithfully delivers to all those who wisely choose to put their belief, faith and trust in Him eh? NONE WHATSOEVER! So why are so many of us so reluctant to accept the abundance of LOVE, JOY and PEACE He offers here on earth, then SALVATION and ETERNAL LIFE with Him when we depart this evil and troubled earth? It surely boggles my mind. Many even become angry and violent, at the very mention of His Name. There must be something awfully powerful about Jesus yes, if He could bring out such contrasts in humans. No other name in history has ever caused, or will ever cause so much controversy. Oh Friends, just reading the gospel stories about Jesus, His humility, His LOVE for mankind, especially the poor, the downtrodden, sick and needy, His constant willingness to help, the way He bore His burdens, including the physical cross and the sacrifice of His sinless life on it without a whimper, how can you not feel close to Him, not LOVE him eh? Only if your heart, mind and spirit are wrapped up in evil, false pride, selfishness and greed could you fail to understand and comprehend His great gift and selflessness to mankind. And as we like to do whenever possible, we’ll end with some definitive words on the subject from Jesus. ‘The thief cometh not but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:10-11) Nuff said my people! More on this tomorrow if God favours us with the breath of life. Till then, please let’s seriously consider the true state of our lives nuh, ensuring that we embrace Jesus, so that it will be well with us. That is certainly wisdom at its zenith! Much LOVE!…as for me and mine…we’ll most definitely follow Jesus…hope you and yours…come to the same wise conclusion too…
 
 

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