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…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 August 2012 Psalm 37:8
19 Aug 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: anger, controversy, downtrodden, eternal life, evil, evildoers, greed, humble, humility, Jesus, joy, Lake Ontario, LOVE, meek, needy, party, peace, poor, pride, resentment, salvation, selfishness, sick, Toronto, worry, wrath
Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 May 2012 Acts 1:5
30 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: a new day, alive and kicking, close relationship, holy spirit, humility, Pentecost, pour out my Spirit, preparedness to do God's will, rebirth, reconciliation, restoration, start with prayer
Acts 1:5. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Oh Friends, it’s a new day and we’re still alive and kicking! Wow! Praise the Lord! Now here’s an interesting prayer to start our days, taken from Dr. Robert H Schuller’s Daily Devotional, attributed to Norman Grub (1895-1993) an American missionary, statesman, writer and theological teacher. It says: ‘Good morning Christ. I LOVE You! What are you up to today? I want to be part of it! Thank You God. Amen!’ Isn’t that nice Friends; simple and straightforward? For sure! I believe that’s the kind of prayer the Lord truly appreciates, because though it’s so short and simple, it still fulfills all the necessities. It glorifies Him with LOVE; is humble, yet confident, and displays a whole lot of enthusiasm and preparedness to do whatever Jesus desires. Oh my people, are we displaying those properties in our prayers to our ever-LOVING God? I sure hope so. Now let’s continue looking at the wonderful workings of the Holy Spirit, beginning with the heart warming promise of Jesus in our Bit: ‘For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.’ And even more compelling and heart warming was the fulfillment of that promise on the Day of Pentecost! Now today, I want to share two Old Testament examples of the Spirit being used on particular individuals, and also a couple more instances where the Lord promised it. And the first of those instances of the Holy Spirit on man that we want to share comes from the very important prophet Isaiah. In Chapter 61, where he’s bringing good tidings of salvation to Zion, he confidently declares: ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek (poor); he hath sent me to bind up (heal) the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.’ (Is.61:1) And the Spirit of God obviously had to be on him, especially in those olden times, for him to do such mighty deeds! Now hear Ezekiel after the Lord commissioned him to be a prophet: ‘So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat (anger) of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.’ (Ezek. 3:14) But nuh must Friends! The Lord’s hand is strong upon all whom His Spirit indwells! Ezekiel, like Jeremiah, had a hard time accepting God’s commission, but as always, the Lord’s will prevailed. Please my people, when the Lord comes a calling on us to perform some particular work in His Holy Name, please, let’s not fight it, for we will only cause ourselves unnecessary trouble, grief and heartache, since the Lord will eventually prevail. And I can testify to that from personal experience, for when He approached me about writing the Bit, like Sara, I laughed. But here I am some six years later, writing it with pleasure. Yes Friends, when the Lord says jump, it’s best to ask right away, how high Lord? That’s because the longer you delay and complain, the higher you’ll eventually have to jump. Now here are two more instances from the Old Testament where the Lord promised to send His Spirit upon His people. Yesterday we heard from Joel (Joel 2:28-29) today, let’s listen first to Isaiah declare that the Spirit of God would be in Israel: ‘Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.’ (Is.44:2-4) Then Ezekiel proudly proclaims in his promise of restoration and renewal of Israel: ‘And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you (them); and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh: That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances (judgements), and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.’ (Ezek.11:19-20) Ah Friends, yuh see how our wise and mighty God works! Each prophet that arose in Israel, though they brought some sad tidings, they always brought that faithful and everlasting promise of rebirth, of restoration, reconciliation and salvation from the God of their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And note too, how it all dovetailed smoothly and was fulfilled by the coming of Jesus. That was God’s plan from day one! So in light of all those promises and their fulfillment in the earthly pilgrimage and person of Jesus, how can we ever doubt the authenticity and truth of the Good Book eh? Oh Friends, I’ll leave us to ponder that today, and also strongly advise us to get in touch, in close relationship with the Holy Spirit of Christ which indwells us, for He’s there to lead and guide us. However, since He’s not the pushy, aggressive type, if we don’t consciously seek Him out and ask for His wise and godly advice, then follow it, we’ll surely get lost on the highway to hell, taunted by, and falling for Lucifer’s evil wiles and lies. And we definitely don’t want that to happen! So please cozy up to the Holy Spirit today. It’s wisdom at it’s finest. Much LOVE! …we cannot stay on the straight and narrow path…without the Holy Spirit’s help… P.S. The Bit was late, partially because my young daughter called me on the phone this morning and had me gabbing instead of writing. (smile)
Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 May 2012 Isaiah 42:1
24 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: faith, Gentiles, good health, holy spirit, humility, messiah jesus christ, new mercies and blessings, old testament prophets, precious blood, servant, unconditional LOVE
Top o’ the morning to all you godly Friends and neighbours in Jesus Christ! I sure hope this missive reaches you all in good health and wealth. And if perchance it doesn’t, then when you read it, you will be buoyed by the good news it brings, and the Holy Spirit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus will course through your mind, body and soul to bring healing and cleansing. This is my prayer for all of us this beautiful Thursday morning, as new mercies and blessings rain down from heaven through the exceptional grace and unconditional LOVE of our Creator, Provider and Holy God. Now, without further ado, let’s turn to our Bit; one of the most powerful and prophetic prophesies (smile) found in the Good Book. ‘Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect (my chosen one), in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgement (justice) to the Gentiles.’ Yes Friends, it’s all about Jesus; His coming to earth to save our sinful souls. Listen to the scholars’ take on it. ‘My servant is identified here as a person rather than a personification of the nation of Israel. With all the traits of King, Prophet, and High Priest. He is none other than the Messiah, Jesus Christ Himself. He is also called mine elect (bechiri; set apart for a definite purpose) and the One in whom I have put my spirit. The New Testament quotes this prophecy as being fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ (Matt.12:8-21) The ministry of the Servant of the Lord will be to bring forth judgement (or justice) to the Gentiles and in the earth. His kingdom knows no barriers of nationality or race. Of all the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah saw this fact the most clearly. While Jesus’ early ministry was to the house of Israel, His ultimate commission extended to the Gentiles as well.’ What a truly wonderful God we serve my people! It boggles my mind when I think of how His LOVE for us was so great that He sacrificed the holy, sinless life of His only Son to bring redemption and reconciliation to our worthless, sinful souls. And all God’s people raised their voices heavenward in a mighty shout of joy, praise and gratitude: ‘Oh thank You heavenly Father! Thank You for sending your Son Jesus to shed His precious blood as a sacrifice, so that our sin debt could be pain in full! We praise You, and bless Your Holy Name! Amen!’ Ah mih people, the story of Jesus, Holy God, coming to earth and doing what He did, is the most awesome and amazing one ever told and also fulfilled. Wow! And Jesus was the sure personification of that prophecy, as Matthew 12:17 declares: ‘That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying…’ And Matthew goes on to quote Isaiah 42:1-4, 49:3, as evidence for the fulfillment of the prophecy. (Matt.12:18-21) Now let’s touch on the first important point in our Bit: ‘Behold my servant…’ Yes Friends, that word ‘servant’ is ever so important in our Christian faith, because that’s the way Jesus came a calling; as a humble servant. ‘And whosoever will be chief (first) among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many.’ (Matt.20:27-28) That definitely means, my fellow believers, that we should ALL have that spirit of servanthood in us, if we’re true believers! And if we don’t, then our faith is false, it’s not a true reflection of the character of Jesus. Now let’s close with this definitive statement on the matter from Bruh Paul to the Philippians: ‘Let this mind be in you, (keep thinking this, constantly maintain this attitude) which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God (didn’t assume God-like qualities); But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil.2:5-8) Friends, oh Friends, it’s that kind of humility which our world so sadly lacks and so badly needs today! Instead of everybody wanting to be el numero uno, the first, the most powerful and popular, and sitting at the highest seat, let’s bring back the true spirit of Jesus nuh, where He desires to see us graciously and humbly serving each other, not always jockeying for the top spot. That way others will truly see His wonderful character shining out from us like the bright Morning Star which He so avidly personifies, and will come to LOVE and serve Him just as much as we do. Oh my brethren, that’s how we should be winning souls for Jesus! More on this tomorrow, the Lord willing. Till then, please let’s come down off of our high horses and walk the humble walk of Jesus. Much LOVE!…without the attributes of humility and servanthood…no man can be a true believer in Jesus…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 May 2012 Isaiah 40:28
07 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: aura of love, battle hymn, confidence, difficulty & pain, enthusiasm, godly kingdom, humble servants, humility, invincible, Monday, praise, renewed, sure conquerors, vitality, worker bees
Isaiah40:28. Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.
And it was Monday! Yes Friends, it’s Monday, a glorious day when all the worker bees come back out to labour. (smile) However, please remember that we’re no longer slaves to the world, but the eminent children of the Most High God Jehovah, and as such are worthy of respect and deference. So please, let’s hold our heads up high as we go out to work today, and don’t consider ourselves working for earthly, mortal man, but for our heavenly Father, to bring His righteous and godly kingdom to fruition. This will ease some of the difficulty and pain we suffer during the work day. And to help us do that, let’s come before the Father with confidence and proper humility and sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn as loudly, enthusiastically and sincerely as we can. As one voice now! ‘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!’ Now that ought to set us on the right track Friends! So let’s turn to our Bit, one of the most encouraging pieces of scripture found in the Good Book: ‘Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.’ That’s an undeniable fact my people! The words, tired and faint don’t exist in our God’s vocabulary. Instead He rejuvenates the faint and weary, giving them strength to carry on. We saw a perfect example of that yesterday in that my ebbed spirit was soon lifted up when I cried out for help and also persevered in my task. Now today I want us to look at some scriptures that pertain to the last part of our Bit: ‘there is no searching of his understanding.’ That’s also an undeniable fact my fellow believers! Try as we can, none of us mortals can unlock the secrets, the wisdom and understanding of our omnipotent Creator, because He is immortal, with ways and thoughts much higher than ours. (Is.55:8-9) From that we can rightly discern that we’re like in kindergarten, while the Lord already has His doctorate. That’s how far superior His intelligence is to ours. So it’s not surprising when Psalm 147, solemnly proclaims: ‘Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite (innumerable).’ (Ps.147:5) And trust the Preacher to hit the nail on the head: ‘As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit (wind), nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.’ (Eccl.11:5) And that my brethren is a gospel truth, if ever there was one! Meanwhile the prophet Nahum dispenses this bit of wisdom: ‘The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked; the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet…The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies. (Nah.1:3,7-8) More gospel truth mih breddren! And we’ll end with wise words from Bruh Paul: ‘O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed (repaid) unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.’ (Rom.11:33-36) Oh Friends, none of those statements are open to argument, for they are all the unadulterated, unalterable truth! And we also see Bruh Paul’s brilliance with words, where in verses 34-35, he combines the words of Isaiah, Jeremiah and Job to further his argument. Oh that all believers could be so wise and learned in the scriptures! But that will come eventually my people as we read, study and meditate on the infallible Word of our God. Now that’s our task for today. Please carry it out without any murmuring or complaints, for it’s in our best interest to do so. Much LOVE!…can the clay tell the potter what to make…or how to make it…likewise we can’t tell our Creator what to do…or how to do it…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 April 2012 Psalm 116:16
11 Apr 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: affliction, backsliding, faithful, fervour, humble, humility, new beginnings, passion, personal relationship, rededication, resolutions, servant, testimonies, worldwide happenings, zeal
Psalm 116:16. O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
Oh Friends, wasn’t it just the other day we celebrated New Years, the Western world version? So how come it’s already the middle of April eh? This year of 2012 is certainly moving along at breakneck speed, and with lots of mostly bad worldwide happenings too. Remember our resolutions at the start of the year? Rededicating ourselves to Christ; finding a new passion, a new zeal, a new longing for Him? So how are we doing on that now eh? Please check on it to see if we’re on target or backsliding. Has that flame been rekindled in our hearts and lives, are we walking along Christ’s path with a new flare, a new passion? I certainly hope so, because a quarter of the year’s already gone, which means we have to seriously buckle down and improve our LOVE-Walk, for that’s what truly living for Christ entails. That brings us to our Bit: ‘O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.’ Oh my people, can we sincerely make those claims? I can definitely make one: ‘the son of thine handmaid.’ Yes, I am the son of a mother who faithfully worshipped the Lord, as are many of you readers. But unfortunately that’s not of much help unless some of that faithful worship of our parents got transferred into our own lives. Christ does acknowledge faithful family members, but His main goal is working in each individual, despite their family background. Relationship with God is a very personal thing, so until we can say individually, with much surety, like the psalmist, ‘O Lord, truly I am thy servant,’ the faithfulness of our parents doesn’t mean all that much. It will cause the Lord to look down on us with some favour, but it certainly won’t allow us to pass go and freely enter the halls of heaven. (smile) Friends, our destiny with heaven depends on our individual beliefs and subsequent behaviour. The author of Psalm 119 pleaded thus with the Lord: ‘Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy (LOVING- kindness), and teach me thy statutes. I am thy servant; give me understanding; that I may know thy testimonies.’ (Ps.119:124-125) Yes fellow believers, until we humble ourselves, come down to a servant-like status, like Jesus did, we can’t effectively learn or disseminate God’s laws, for being a part of the Lord’s army entails much humility, much humbleness of mind, body and soul. Without it we can never be good ministers of His Word, good ambassadors of His lifestyle. That’s why Bruh David in Psalm 143, entreated the Lord: ‘Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken (revive) me, O Lord, for thy name’s sake: for thy righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy mercy cut off (put an end to) mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.’ (Ps.143:10-12) Ah Friends, living for the Lord God Jehovah is not easy, but if we’re serious, and truly turn to Him in trust, hope, faith and surrender, He will guide us through every situation and bring us out stronger and more faithful. In Romans 8:28, He’s promised that all things will work together for good to those who LOVE and serve Him, and also that we’re more than conquerors (Rom.8:37) And I can personally testify to both those promises, for if I wasn’t working under His protective banner, I would be out wandering aimlessly, like the Israelites, in some wilderness now. But because of my trying to be a God-faithful servant, I am living a life of prosperity. Now that doesn’t mean that my life is problem free, not by a long shot! In fact when you walk with God, you probably encounter more problems, as He tests you, raises the level of your faith and makes you more like Jesus. But throughout all the difficulties you’ll definitely have peace of mind and a deep trust that whatever happens, it will all work out for your good in the end, because the Lord has faithfully promised it. Unfortunately, you don’t learn or appreciate these things until you actually go through the fire and experience them. That’s why faith is such a big thing in our belief system. Now here’s an appropriate ending, which encompasses all we’ve spoken about. It’s from Psalm 86; Teach me thy way, O Lord. Bruh David is solemnly declaring: ‘But thou, O Lord, art a God of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Show me a token (sign) for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, Lord, hast helped me, and comforted me.’ (Ps.86:15-17) Without a doubt Friends, when we turn to the Lord in all sincerity, He will help and comfort us. Never forget that! Much LOVE!…to serve the Lord…in honesty and truth…is thy servant’s greatest desire…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 March 2012 Psalm 119:89
04 Mar 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: God's Word, great commission, humility, teach all nations
Psalm 119:89. For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.
Oh Friends, ‘Do you want to know what is on the mind of God? Then look at Jesus! Do you want to know the will of God? Then Look at Jesus! Do you want to know what is in the heart of God? Then look at Jesus! Jesus is the exact revelation of what is on the mind and in the heart and in the will of God!’ Those are words of awesome truth from my current favourite book, ‘My Jesus is …Everything,’ by Anne Graham Lotz. She breaks down her topics so simply and nicely that I’m being led to share several of them with you. Yes my people, if you want to know anything about the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, LOVING, faithful, kind, merciful, forgiving God we worship, then all you have to do is look at Jesus! For He was and is the earthly incarnation of the Most High God Jehovah! Only because He came to earth in a body like ours and lived amongst us, do we have some true semblance of what our God is really like. Until that time, though God communicated with us through His prophets, no one had ever seen Him in living colour. And such is the human mind that it tends to believe only what it sees, stuff in the physical realm. However with Jesus’ coming, our spiritual dealings with God were now also made manifest in the flesh, and thus more understandable. It also gave greater meaning to the words of the psalmist in our Bit and the two verses that follow: ‘For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled (stands firm) in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth (endures). They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for they are all thy servants.’ (Ps.119:89-91) Without a doubt Friends, the heavens and earth work for the Lord and operate on the solid foundation of His Word! In Ethan the Ezrahite’s contemplation on God’s sure promises to Bruh David, he solemnly declares: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy (LOVING-kindness) shall be built up for ever; thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.’ (Ps.89:1-2) Meanwhile, Isaiah gives it a more earthy feeling: ‘The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.’ And that’s the undeniable truth my brethren! The Lord’s Word is the solid, immovable, unchangeable rock upon which we can totally build our lives; both earthly and heavenly, without fear of ever being misled, misguided or deceived. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Jesus: ‘Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.’ (Matt.24:35) We couldn’t ask for it any plainer or simpler than that Friends. And that’s one of the things I admire about Jesus and His teaching; He never gets into any long discourse or diatribe, but breaks it down as simply and plainly as possible, so that even the dumbest of us can understand, (smile) except in some of the parables where He intentionally tries to confuse His listeners. Then we have Peter’s words on the subject, where he calls for Christian dedication: ‘Being born again, not of corruptible (perishable) seed, but of incorruptible (imperishable), by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away. But the (spoken) Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.’ (1 Pet.1:23-25) Yes Friends, strong, and true words from one who walked with Jesus! In verses 24 and 25, he even quotes Isaiah’s words on the subject, keeping that connection between the Old and New testaments that Jesus Himself forged. Now here’s the last word on the topic from the scholars: ‘Being born again (lit. having been born again) refers to all believers having been regenerated by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, which communicates His offer of salvation to mankind. Thus, our salvation rests, from the human perspective, upon our willing reception of that offer.’ Oh my brethren, have we willing received that free offer of salvation and eternal life from Jesus? I sure hope so. And if we have, then let’s go out and tell the many others who haven’t even heard about it, so that they too can hear the Word, believe it, and humbly bow before the cross of Christ, accepting Him as their ever-LOVING Lord and Saviour, for that’s what we’ve been called to do. Much LOVE!…our great commission…Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost…Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you… (Matt.28:19-20)
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