Hebrews 10:23: Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
And then it was Thursday. Just one more day to go till freedom Friday, my brethren! So please hang in there, put on your spiritual armour that will allow you to fearlessly engage the enemy in battle, and let the Lord God Jehovah be your guide.
Now I don’t know what’s happening with the birds, but I don’t hear them singing their sweet morning praise. Maybe they sensed the cold, rainy weather that’s supposed to be on tap for the next few days and opted to stay somewhere safe and warm.
But that should in no way affect our thanks and praise, which we’re supposed to give under any and all circumstances. So let’s give a li’l thanks and praise nuh mih people.
‘Oh heavenly Father, we come before You this morning in praise and thanksgiving, for all the blessings and mercies that you’ve given us in the past. We humbly acknowledge all the good things you’re going to do for us today, and all the other todays that we may live.
We ask you to guide and strengthen us that we may walk faithfully with you, and thus be worthy to be called your children, your people. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.’
And now that we’ve floated some sincere, heart-felt thanks and praise up to heaven, let’s look at our Bit. ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)’
Unfortunately for some of you, it’s the same Bit as the last two days, but it contains two very important principles that we should all know and write indelibly in our souls: First, we should hold on strong to our faith, our hope in Jesus Christ, and secondly that our God is ever-faithful, and will keep each and everyone of His promises.
And for this last day on this Bit – I see smiles and hear cheers from some people – I want to bring to our attention some scriptures that reassure us of God’s faithfulness. And there’s no better place to begin than with Bruh Paul’s excellent advice to the Corinthians in his first missive to them.
‘Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken (overtaken) you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’ (1 Cor.10:12-13)
Yes Friends, there’s absolutely no doubt about that! The Lord won’t necessarily keep temptation away from us, but He’ll NEVER allow us to bear more than we can handle!
And I’m not talking from hearsay, but from personal experience. And this is even long before I ever got caught up in the gospel as I am now. Looking back on some of the challenges I faced, I can now see God’s hand at work, leading, guiding and strengthening me, and eventually bringing me out safely, despite my less than stellar obedience.
But that’s just the kind of merciful and magnanimous God He is!
Then we have more assurances from Bruh Paul, this time in his letter to the Philippians. ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil.1:6)
There again Friends, the Lord will continue to shower His awesome grace on believers right up to the very day Jesus returns! He will not start something in you and not finish it. So once we’re being as obedient and sincere as we can, there’s no reason to fear that our God will unceremoniously leave us in the lurch.
And in 2 Thessalonians, Bruh Paul once again utters assurances of God’s faithfulness. ‘But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and keep you from evil (the evil one). And we have confidence in the Lord touching (concerning) you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.’ (2 Thess.3:3-4)
And we’ll end with some words from Jesus, as we LOVE to do whenever possible. This happens while He’s teaching at Capernaum, after He admonishes the people re their seeking Him because He fed them earlier on, not because they wanted to hear the Word. (John 6:1-27)
‘Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.’ (John 6:28-29)
Oh my fellow believers in Christ, that wraps it all up in a nutshell, in one simple statement! Everything you’re seeing is the work of God, and it’s happening because God wants us to believe in His messenger, Jesus Christ.
Yes Friends, that’s the simplest but most overwhelming message of the Good Book: believe on Jesus, whom God sent to enlighten and to save us!
Unfortunately though, too many of us are not doing that. Consequently, our world and our lives are in a troubled mess, proverbially going to hell in a hand-basket.
And the ONLY way to turn that around is for us to bring our lives and our world back to that simple mission statement; believing in Jesus. For that my brethren, is the ultimate in wisdom and simple common sense!
Let’s therefore seriously begin doing that as of today nuh my people. You won’t believe the wonderful changes it will make, both in our individual lives and that of our troubled and misguided world. Much LOVE!
…belief in Jesus Christ is optional…but it is the ONLY sensible option…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 October 2012 Romans 8:32
06 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: atonement, breath of life, christianity, faith, good morning, good news, gospel, grace, Jesus, justification, reconciliation, righteousness., sacrifice, salvation, the Life, the Light, the Truth, the Way
Romans 8:32. He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.
Bonjour mes amis! (smile) That’s supposed to be the French equivalent of ‘Good morning my Friends.’ And though in my area it was a wet, rainy night, and the day has begun cloudy and damp, it is definitely a good morning! First of all because we’re alive and kicking, with the breath of life from God flowing generously and graciously through our bodies. Then, most importantly, we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour! Wow! So how could it be anything but a good morning eh my people? And I have a li’l something to share that helps make life even better. I don’t think I’ve shared it before, and it seems like something I’ve rustled up myself. It’s not earth shattering, but certainly enlightening and helpful. It says: ‘The Gospel is the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ and His offer of Salvation, through His Birth, Death, Burial and Resurrection, to be received by Faith!’ And without a doubt Friends, that’s indeed GOOD NEWS! In fact it’s the BEST NEWS available here on earth! And it blends in beautifully with our Bit: ‘He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things.’ That’s just simple logic and common sense my brethren. For if the Lord sacrificed the life of His ONLY Son Jesus for us, which is the greatest sacrifice that was ever made, why wouldn’t He give us the lesser things we need to live a righteous earthly life eh? No reason why not! And the verse that precedes our Bit, which we all know and like to quote conveniently, certainly enhances it. ‘What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:31) And the emphatic answer to that question my Friends, is a big NOBODY! I think we can best explain our Bit by turning to Romans 5, where Bruh Paul talks about the results of justification. Beginning in verse 6, he rightfully declares: ‘For when we were yet without strength, in due time (at the right time), Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his (demonstrates his own) LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now (having been) justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more being (having been) reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation).’ (Rom.5:6-11) Yes Friends, if while we were still abominable sinners, and thus enemies of the holy, righteous and just God, He allowed His Son to be sacrificed for us, then all things; joy, reconciliation, salvation, etc. etc. are now and forever more ours, if we believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. And the scholars add this colour commentary on our Bit. ‘For us all: This does not teach or necessitate limited atonement (the view that Christ died only for the elect), for Christ died for all the sins of all the world (2 Cor.5:19). His death is effective unto salvation, however, only for those who call upon the name of the Lord. (Rom.10:13,17).’ Yes my brethren, contrary to some opinions, Christ didn’t die for the elect few, but paid the price for ALL sin, for ALL time, for ANY INDIVIDUAL who acknowledges Him as the WAY, the TRUTH, the LIFE, and the LIGHT, and thus the ONLY MEANS by which Salvation can be had! And earlier on in Romans 4, where Bruh Paul talks about the promise realized through faith, and says of Abraham: ‘He staggered (wavered) not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong (strengthened) in the faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded (convinced) that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for (because of) our offenses, and was raised again for (because of) our justification.’ (Rom.4:20-25) Here’s the scholar’s commentary: ‘But for us also: The principle of justification valid for Abraham is valid for all believers. Raised again for our justification: Because Jesus was raised from the dead we know that His sacrifice on Calvary was accepted in God’s sight and Jesus’ righteousness is available to all.’ Yes Friends, ALL that Jesus did, is available to ALL who call on the Father through His Holy, glorious name. That’s what is so great about Christianity; it’s an all inclusive body, not exclusive like some other faiths. And all you need to do is to call on Jesus’ name in sincere repentance and receive salvation through the free gift of God’s wonderful grace! How can anything be better than that on this troubled planet earth eh? So my people, I implore us to remember our wonderful heritage as Christians, and the awesome price Jesus paid for our redemption. Consequently let’s do our best to use it wisely, and spread His Word as He commissioned us, (Matt.28:19-20) because it will be our great loss if we don’t. Much LOVE!…Christians should use the power of Christ to build His church…as He desires…not to tear it down…as some are doing…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 September 2012 3 John 4
18 Sep 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: compassion, disappointment, discouragement, eternal life, faith, forgiveness, glory, good news, gospel, honour, justice, LOVE, mercy, peace, power, salvation, steadfastness, thick skin, truth, understanding, winning, wisdom
3 John 4. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
And a blessed good morning to all you beautiful people out there in Scrip-Bit Land! It’s supposed to be cool and rainy in my neck of the woods today, (it’s already raining) but that’s of no importance. Why, you ask? Because just like neither sleet nor snow stops the mail delivery, so nothing stops the followers of Jesus on their earthly mission to spread the good news of the gospel to all and sundry. And what’s the good news? The peace, LOVE, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, truth, justice, wisdom, understanding, salvation and eternal life that’s found in Jesus and His humble but ever so powerful way! And all God’s people shouted a joyous: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ But the truth of the matter my Friends is that it’s not always easy to follow in Jesus’ path, for Lucifer and his evil minions have made believers the number one target of their wicked and ungodly fiery darts. Today though, I have a few words to share from the Hour of Power Devotional by Robert H. Schuller which will help us in repelling Lucifer and his evil works. The words are: ‘If you will learn how to be disappointed without being discouraged, you need never be defeated.’ What an awesome truth Friends! And when I read them today, a flashlight just went off in my brain, and I knew I had to share them. It’s a simple but powerful strategy, for what’s the first thing or thought we embrace when we experience disappointment? It’s discouragement, oftimes laced with a strong desire to just give up, to let it all go to waste. But my people, that’s the wrong attitude to adopt, for disappointment doesn’t always mean failure or defeat, and if we truly learn to endure disappointment without it making us want to throw away all our hard work, then we’re winning. Believers need to have what the old people called ‘a thick skin.’ That means not letting unimportant things get us down or all worked up. I’m learning that with writing this Scrip-Bit, because not everybody agrees with or like what I write. And believe you me, supposed believers can be the nastiest critics when they’re ready. However, please remember that giving up on Jesus is NOT an option in a believer’s playbook! Those words don’t exist in Jesus’ vocabulary, which means we have to stand strong and steadfast regardless of what or who comes against us. That’s why John so happily declared in our Bit: ‘I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.’ He was exceedingly happy to hear that his buddy Gaius was standing strong and true in the faith. And he also expresses that joy in his second epistle, where he begins thus: ‘The elder unto the elect (chosen) lady and her children; whom I LOVE in the truth; and not I only, but also they that have known the truth. For the truth’s sake, which dwelleth (abides) in us, and shall be with us for ever.’ (2 John 1-2) Now the ‘elder’ there is John himself, and according to the scholars, the ‘elect (chosen) lady’ could either mean a personal friend and her family or a local church. Now, re the truth John speaks of, it will be helpful to have some explanation from the scholars. They declare that: ‘To LOVE in the truth means (1) truly, really to LOVE, and (2) to LOVE in a fashion consonant with the Christian meaning of that word. The truth which John and others have known is a combination of factual knowledge regarding the Word of God and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.’ Also, ‘John LOVES his readers for the truth’s sake or “because of the truth,” which likely has reference to the personal presence of Christ (John 14:6) The cardinal fruit of the Spirit of Christ is LOVE (Gal..5:22)’ Then a couple verses later, John states: ‘I rejoiced greatly that I found (some) of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.’ (2 John 4) Listen to the scholars here again: ‘Walking is a Jewish idiom for “living.” John is saying that we should “live by the truth,” or in accordance with God’s revealed word and will.’ That’s gospel my brethren! How else can we live for God if we don’t live by His Word and His Will eh? It’s just like living in any group, be it two or more; certain rules and regulations must be laid down and followed, if there is to be harmony and not anarchy in the group. Likewise if there’s to be harmony amongst the followers of Jesus, then we all need to live in close agreement and joyful practice of His dictates. And not to be outdone, when Bruh Paul couldn’t go to visit the Thessalonians, he also told them of his happiness at their steadfastness in the faith. ‘For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.’ (1 Thess.2:19-20) Yes my brethren, all believers should be filled with unspeakable joy when they hear of others walking steadfastly in the LIGHT and LOVE of Jesus, for that’s what this life is all about. And what better way to end than with the words of Jesus. When Pilate asked Him if He was a king, Jesus answered: ‘Thou sayest (rightly) that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth, heareth my voice.’ (John 18:37) End of story Friends! So now, if we have indeed heard Jesus’ voice, then let’s go out and sincerely and energetically live that truth nuh! Much LOVE!…to truly LOVE Jesus…we must walk steadfastly in His way…just like He walked steadfastly in His Father’s…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 April 2012 Luke 1:4
13 Apr 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: belief, certainty, comprehensive, enthusiasm, eyewitnesses, fellowship, Friday 13, gospel, relaxation, rest, sanctification, spiritual zest, understanding
Luke 1:4. That thou mighest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
Ah mih old Friends, it’s Friday… And there’s an instantaneous shout: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday yes!’ Ah have to laugh, because after all the church going and heavy partying of last weekend, the work week must have been a tad on the rough side, and therefore everybody’s just dying for Friday to come. But it’s also Friday the 13th, Black Friday, you say. So what? We’ve just finished celebrating Good Friday and Easter Sunday, no evil spirit can touch or even come close to us now, cause we’re basking in the glory of a resurrected Christ, our Lord and Saviour! Just the joy and passion in our hearts and souls will send any evil spirit running away in fear! Remember though Friends that the weekend is not all fun and games, it’s also a time for some serious reflection on our lives. And to get us rounded out, let’s chant our Friday Chant like we mean it. I know the physical enthusiasm level is a bit low, but the spiritual zest is high, and combined with the spiritual strength of Jesus, we can surely roust the angels in heaven (smile) All together now: ‘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.’ Well that ought to raise the level of whatever was low and give us the right perspective for the weekend. So let’s turn to our Bit: ‘That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.’ Oh my people, that comes from the introduction of Luke’s gospel, where he sets out his reasons and otherwise for writing it. ‘Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration (narrative) of those things which are most surely believed among us. Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of (accurately followed) all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order (an orderly account), most excellent Theophilus.’ (Luke 1:1-3) Luke was a medical man; ‘the beloved physician,’ as Bruh Paul calls him in Col.4:14. He was not an eyewitness to Christ’s ministry, but associated with some who were, and also had access to written accounts of it and figured there was need to produce a comprehensive account of the whole thing. The scholars explain it best: ‘Luke states his purpose and method. He wants to supplement Theophilus’s knowledge of the grounds of Christian certainty. He also wants to give his own summation of the gospel events which, already in Luke’s time, are being committed to writing by various authors. As to method, Luke combines his knowledge of other writings with the eyewitness testimony of people he knows. He also lays claim to a comprehensive understanding, not only of historical data, but also of its theological significance. Theophilus means ‘Friend of God.’ By the way Luke addresses him he appears to have been a man of high standing.’ Yes Friends, though nobody knows who Theophilus was, luckily for us Luke had the desire to give him a sure foundation, strong groundings in the Word of Christ, which he must have heard of in his daily walk. Luke also mentions Theophilus in Acts 1:1, so he must have thought him worthy enough to pen two books; Luke and Acts, to show Theo that all the talk about Jesus was really real, and also to boost his faith, if he was a believer. Luke must certainly have been close to some of the old disciples and Bruh Paul, if the latter could call him ‘beloved.’ He must have also witnessed some of the stuff he writes in Acts. My purpose to day Friends, is the same as that of Luke to Theo; to tell us of the certainty of the things we’ve heard and been taught about Christ, and to encourage us to read, understand and use the gospels in our daily lives, so that we can back up and verify the teachings and our personal knowledge. That is the only way in which we can truly become knowledgeable about the life and times of Christ, the Saviour who we claim to follow. Thus when asked about our faith, why we believe, we can have a good and sure answer. And we’ll close with some meaningful words from one of the eyewitness to Jesus’ story, the beloved disciple, John. ‘And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through (in) his name.’ (John 20:30-31) And here’s an appropriate note from the scholars: ‘John tells us here he wrote the gospel for purposes of conversion, that ye might believe, and of sanctification, that ye might have life.’ Oh Friends, therefore let’s be wise nuh; let’s read the gospels and believe, so that we might be sanctified and enjoy all the other benefits of being a follower of Christ! Much LOVE!…to believe…to have faith…to hope for that we see not…to truly live for Jesus…is the most worthwhile earthly life we can ever live…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 March 2012 Proverbs 4:23
11 Mar 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: Bible, fountain of life., God's Word, gospel, jehovah god, moral consciousness, significant, spiritual life
Proverbs 4:23. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.
Ah Friends, working for the Lord God Jehovah is no easy task nuh. I just spent a good forty minutes looking for a Bit I could get my head and heart around. To make matters worse, the move back to Daylight Saving Time tonight, meant I had an hour less to play with. However, that time I spent poring over the Word was definitely not wasted, because I came across a lot of stuff that I either didn’t know before, or just never paid attention to, figuring it was not significant. But believer me brethren, EVERY WORD IN THE GOOD BOOK IS SIGNIFICANT! Every time you open it, you’ll see something that you’ve never seen or understood before. That’s the beauty of God’s Word! And though God’s work can be difficult, Friends, it’s always rewarding! I eventually came across a scripture verse that immediately spoke to my head and heart, saying; ‘I am Today’s Bit!’ (smile) It’s a rather timely verse too, words of wisdom from Cousin Sol: ‘Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.’ And that’s the gospel, gospel truth my people! Now I’ll let the scholars give us a brief dissertation on the subject, so that we can get the right perspective. (smile) ‘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. Jesus taught that sin came out of the heart of people, thus defiling them. 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)’ And the heart, my fellow believers, is indeed the fountain of life; for it keeps the blood pumping through our bodies, and thus the breath of life flowing within us, and it’s also the repository for our emotions, whether we do good or evil. No wonder Jesus placed so much emphasis on it in His teaching. Listen to some of His words on the subject. In talking about good and bad fruit, He staunchly declares: ‘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. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.’ (Matt.12:34-37) Oh Friends, we’ve all encountered problems in that respect. Then regarding things that defile, Jesus rebuked His listeners thus: ‘Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast (eliminated) out into the draught? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.’ (Matt.15:17-20) Yes Friends, it’s not what we put into our inner man that really defile us, but what comes out of it. And when talking about a tree being known by its fruit, Jesus solemnly proclaims: ‘For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt (bad) tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.’ (Luke 6:43-45) Oh my people, Jesus left no doubt that what goes on in our hearts is of the utmost importance in our lives. And if we want to truly follow Him, we have to clean up our hearts. Now let’s end with His most significant pronouncement on the affairs of the heart, something that all Christians need to do, if they are serious about their faith. ‘Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.’ (Matt.22:37-38) Ah mih breddren, we all know that in our minds, but how many of us truly follow it our hearts eh? Not nearly enough, otherwise our world would not be in such a sad state. I ask us today to sit down and explore our hearts, right down to the deepest regions, and see whether we’re harbouring any evil there, then ask the Lord to forgive us, so that He can make our faith strong and our way prosperous. Much LOVE!…the heart is the fountain of…wisdom, life, hope and faith…if it’s not right with God…then nothing in our lives will be right…
SCRIP-BITS 