Matthew 3:17. And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Ah Friends, it’s another day in the heartache of Hurricane Sandy and associates. It seems the heartless, and thus the evil spirit of capitalism is showing up now in New York and New Jersey, where some people are taking further advantage of the already terribly disadvantaged by selling hard to get gasoline for up to fifty dollars a gallon, while it’s selling in the gas stations for under five dollars. And no doubt some of the die hard advocates of capitalism will consider that proper behaviour; make a buck or several bucks wherever you can, regardless of the hardship your customers are suffering. Thankfully, that’s not the way of Jesus or His genuine followers. I’m sure though, that some of those gouging their fellow man will nonetheless consider themselves Christians, because they claim to believe in Jesus, when in fact they are simply crooks. But as we constantly read in the Good Book, the wicked will get their comeuppance eventually. Enough talk about crooks though, and man’s inhumanity to man. Let’s talk instead about Jesus, who advocates Peace and LOVE, Good Health and Happiness for all mankind to share. And all God’s people shouted a joyful: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Praise the name of Jesus, the Lamb that was slain for us!’ Yes Friends, that’s exactly whom we’re referring to. And what does our Bit say about Him? ‘And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’ This particular incident occurred when Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. John at first refused, claiming that Jesus should be the one baptizing him. (Matt.3:14) However, Jesus persuaded John, saying: ‘Suffer (allow) it to be so now: for thus it becometh us (is fitting for us) to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered (allowed) him.’ (Matt.3:15) Jesus knew that he had to be baptized to fulfill the prophecies that had been spoken of Him by the prophets like Isaiah. Now here are some thoughts on that scripture from the scholars. ‘Jesus sought this outward identification with John’s ministry to fulfill all righteousness. By identifying Himself with those He came to redeem, Jesus inaugurated His public ministry as the Messiah. In regard to the Jewish religious observances, such as synagogue worship, attendance at feasts, and payment of the temple tax, Jesus always met the duties of a faithful Jew.’ The next verse then opened up a whole new chapter in the annals of man’s history here on earth. ‘And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.’ (Matt.3:16) Yes my fellow believers, the heavens were opened and numerous prophecies were fulfilled on that most momentous occasion! And not only that, but the Father also acknowledged to all and sundry, His complete trust in, and sincere appreciation for Jesus, through our Bit that comes after. And this is what the scholars have to say, re that scripture. ‘In the process of His baptism, Jesus went up…out of the water, the prepositions suggesting that He was completely in the water and came up out from it, again indicating immersion. The descending of the Spirit of God fulfilled the predicted sign to John in order to indicate the true Messiah (cf.John 1;33, Is.11:2). The dove was a symbol of innocence and purity (cf. Matt.10:16) and served as an ideal symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit. The voice from heaven is that of the Father, giving His verbal approval to the ministry of His beloved Son. There can be no doubt that all three persons of the Trinity are actively involved here as distinct persons of the Godhead. The Father speaks, the Spirit descends, and the Son is baptized.’ Oh Friends, I couldn’t have said it any better myself. (smile) Now let’s check out a couple of scriptures that provoked all that action. We’ll begin with Isaiah, who had the most to say about Jesus. In chapter 11, he boldly declares: ‘And there shall come forth a rod (shoot) out of the stem (stock or trunk) of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow (bear fruit) out of his roots. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.’ (Is.11:1-2) And on that auspicious day my brethren, in the muddy Jordan, the Spirit of God, did rest on Jesus! For further confirmation of those facts, let’s turn to the Gospel of John, where he talks about John the Baptist thus: ‘The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me (ranks higher than me): for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record (witness), saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode (remained) upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record (testified) that this is the Son of God.’ Wow! What powerful scripture my people! And we’ll end with some wise words of the scholars. ‘The baptism of Jesus serves as proof of His deity to John. The Holy Spirit came on Jesus and remained to assist him in His baptismal work. Before Jesus’ baptism, John knew Him only as a good cousin, not as the Lamb of God. Not until he saw the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus did John realize that He was the Son of God.’ That’s enough for us to ponder on today my people. So please read and inwardly digest all that stuff which will surely help us to understand some of the intricacies of the Good Book concerning our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, through whose selfless sacrifice, our salvation and life eternal have been guaranteed. Much LOVE!…to know, know, know Him…is to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Him…
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 November 2012 Matthew 3:17
10 Nov 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: baptism, capitalism, eternal life, evil spirit, glory hallelujah, good health, gouging, happiness, holy spirit, Holy Trinity, LOVE, my beloved son, peace, salvation, selfless sacrifice, the Lamb of God, the Messiah
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 October 2012 Psalm 26:7
08 Oct 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: awesome planet, blessings, energizing, enthusiasm, free gift of God, grace, Jesus Christ, Monday, rejuvenation, salvation, selfless sacrifice, thanksgiving, things to be thankful for, vitality
HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY CANADA!
Psalm 26:7. That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all your wonderful works.
Well a Happy Thanksgiving to all you beautiful people in the world of the Scrip-Bit! Yes Friends, it’s Thanksgiving Day in this wonderful land of Canada! And are there ever so many things for us to give thanks for? They certainly are too numerous to mention, including the things we take for granted, like food, clothing, shelter, jobs, good health, friends and families. Please Friends, I urge us to be very thankful for those basic necessities of life because a major portion of our world is sadly lacking in them. But to my mind, as I recently mentioned, the two most important things to be thankful for are firstly, the overwhelming fact that we are alive and in fairly good health! Yes my people, it deserves much thanks that the Good Lord saw it fit to allow the breath of life to continue flowing through our mortal bodies this Monday morning, so that we can enjoy another day of life on the awesome planet that’s He’s created for us to enjoy. Oh I know that some of us are shaking it a tad on the rough side, but even then, I don’t think we’re ready to be called home as yet. That brings me to the MOST important thing for which we need to be thankful: SALVATION, the free gift of God, earned by Jesus Christ for us through His sacrificial death on the cross at Calvary! Now what can be more important than that eh mih breddren? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! For through Jesus’ selfless sacrifice, and God’s gift of grace, we’ve been washed clean of all our abominable sins for all time, and have also been guaranteed a place with Jesus through all eternity! Wow! And all God’s people gave a truly grateful shout of joy: ‘All praise to Jesus, our Lord and Saviour! For He is indeed worthy to be praised! Now since it’s Thanksgiving Day in Canada, that means it’s also a Public Holiday, so the majority of us don’t have to go out and labour today, ‘Praise the Lord!’ But unfortunately the majority of the world still has to. Consequently, we still have to sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to energize those who have to go out into this ungodly world and face the heathen hordes. So, with exceptionally loud voice, and in sweet tune, (smile) let’s sing our fighting song: Let’s make it rock both the heavens and the earth with sincere thanks! All together 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!’ That was most excellent mih people! We were so believable that we even had all the heavenly host singing along with us. The Father’s face was glossed with a broad smile, and Jesus pumped His right hand in victory! Wow! So let’s go out now and put all that we just vocalized into solid, positive action, so that Jesus won’t be disappointed and become a laughingstock of the evil, ungodly felons of this fallen world, who are diligently seeking the demise of His church down here on earth. And that’s exactly what our Bit extols us to do: ‘That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all your wonderful works.’ Oh Friends, it’s becoming more important everyday for us to tell the world with heartfelt thanks what our Lord and Saviour has done for us, so that we can regain the ground recently lost to the infidel, and thus pull our very sick, confused and troubled world up out of the mire into which it is steadily descending. Psalm 26 is about Bruh David being falsely accused of some wrongdoing, but he refuses to give up, and wisely turns his face to the God of his fathers for help. Listen to his words before our Bit: ‘Judge (vindicate) me, O Lord; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the Lord; therefore I shall not slide (trip). Examine me, O Lord, and prove (try) me; Try my reins (test my mind) and my heart. For thy LOVING-kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth. I have not sat with vain (idolatrous) persons, neither will I go with dissemblers (hypocrites). I have hated the congregation of evildoers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass (go about) thine altar, O Lord.’ (Ps.26:1-6) Oh my brethren, we also have to walk in integrity, and not frolic with nor follow the wicked, if we want to be considered good servants, stewards of God. Ah my people, the Lord will judge all our hearts individually, but on this Thanksgiving Day of 2012, please, let’s sit for a moment and ponder all that we have to give thanks for, which, compared to most of the world is plenty. Then, because of our abundant blessings, let’s get truly joyful in spirit and go out and share with the rest of the world, whether it be time, talents, treasure or simple advice. Let’s tell the world, loudly, boldly, joyfully and with much thanks, how the Lord God Jehovah has been exceedingly good to us! That’s the way true believers are supposed to behave. Much LOVE!…if we’re not generous…freely giving and sharing…then we’re not true followers of Christ… (P.S) All you Canadian thanks givers, please remember, that drunk or sober, you must mind your business, and don’t give Lucifer any chance to get into and disrupt your souls. That means go easy on the partying. (smile) Much LOVE!
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 May 2012 Psalm 71:22
11 May 2012 Leave a comment
in Inspirational Living Tags: fellowship, fun, glorious kingdom, gratefulness, memories, never give up, praise and thanks, relaxation, selfless sacrifice
Psalm 71:22. I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
Oh Friends, it’s Friday and plenty of you are trilling: ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ But here’s a better mantra, one I overhead yesterday afternoon while waiting in the supermarket parking lot for the Duchess and the Lady of the Manor. I didn’t see the lads involved because they were hidden by a wall behind me, but their voices came through loud and clear, and from the timbre, they had to be between five and ten years old. The loudest one was saying to the other: ‘Mi nyar give up! Mi cyan give up!’ I smiled to myself when I heard that, thinking; ‘Son, you don’t know what words of wisdom you’re speaking nuh!’ Yes my people, never give up should be the motto of Jesus’ followers! How can we be intimately associated with the most powerful Being in the universe, the Creator of all things bright and beautiful and talk about giving up eh? Not at all Friends! The two things just don’t go together, especially after Jesus so selflessly sacrificed His sinless, holy life so that we could be redeemed and reconciled to the Father. Chuh! We can’t even think about giving up, much less talk about it. And to help us stay strong and devoted, let’s chant out Friday Chant. ‘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.’Ah Friends, most of you are overjoyed at the two days off coming up, but I’m not so happy though, because Friday means my holiday is almost over. Anyway don’t worry for I’m still making memories, and today I’m writing from a little mansion in Jack’s Hill, looking out over the sprawling city of Kingston, having travelled by the Knutsford Express Bus this morning. It’s certainly good to have well to do Friends in each area eh! (smile) And the Lord’s been so good to me this past week in J.A that I’d be rather ungrateful to complain. I might be many things, but ungrateful is certainly not one of them, thus the choice of our Bit for today: ‘I will also praise thee with the psaltery (lute or lyre), even thy truth (faithfulness), O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.’ Yuh know my brethren, we don’t give our wonderful God as much thanks as He really deserves. We quick to cry out to Him in times of trouble, but thanks and praise don’t seem to figure into our lives as much as they ought to. Who you think enables us to have good times eh? It’s the Lord God Jehovah! But when life is good we’re too busy with the things of the world to bother with God. And that’s totally wrong my brethren, for when trouble comes and you call out to God, He’ll ignore you, just like you ignore Him. And I’m sure you don’t want that to happen, so please pay attention to the Lord when times are good as well as when they’re bad, cause it’s all in your best interest. Remember a couple days ago we were saying that we need to commune with the Father especially in the rough times; we need to praise and thank Him for sending the troubles, which inevitably strengthen us and continue the makeover of our character into the likeness of Jesus. Now here’s what our attitude should be like at all times. The psalmist rightly declares: ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High: To show forth (declare) thy LOVING-kindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night, upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery; upon the harp with a solemn (harmonious, melodious) sound. For thou Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands.’ (Ps.92:1-4) And all God’s people joyfully shouted: ‘Praise the Lord for His goodness to men! Amen!’ Yes mih people, until we’re giving continual thanks and praise to our God, living in a state of being where those two things come automatically and continuously, we’re not LOVING our God to the fullest of our abilities! Well that’s about it for today Friends. Time to go and see some old, familiar Kingston sights and people, relive some old memories. Talk to you tomorrow then, if the good Lord’s in favour. Much LOVE!…to truly be a follower of Jesus…LOVING our God…LIVING our Faith…and SPREADING the Word…must take priority in our earthly pilgrimage…
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