Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 April 2024 John 14:6.

30 Apr 2024 Leave a comment

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

John 14:6.       I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

And it’s Tuesday, the last day of April 2024. Can you believe it? We’ve already gone through a third of this supposed new year! (smile) But that’ how it’s running these days; neither time nor tide is waiting for anyone. It’s a good thing then that we have Jesus to help us through these fast moving, evil, deceitful and ungodly times! Where would we be without Him eh? Bound up in the evil bonds of Satan, living like so much of the world is, filled with anger, hatred, strife and all the other negative things that are Satan’s attributes. 

But thank God for Jesus, our Saviour, our Lifeline, our Be All and End All! That means these memorable words of His are the gospel truth: ‘Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:4-5) That reminds us of the prophet Hosea’s words when talking about Israel’s return to the Lord. 

‘They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent (aroma) thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon. Ephraim shall say, what have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir (cypress) tree. From (in) me is thy fruit found.’ (Hos. 14:7-8) Yes my people, Israel would at last discover that God was their EVERYTHING, and only with Him first place in their lives would they grow and prosper. It’s the same thing for us today. Only with Jesus in our lives, and we in His, can we ever do much that’s worthwhile. 

And I really like this last verse of Hosea’s prophecy. ‘Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall (stumble) therein.’ (Hos. 14:9) Meanwhile, in Psalm 111, as he outlines ‘The Greatness of God’s Works,’ the psalmist concurs with Hosea’s proclamation. 

‘The works of his hands are verity (truth) and judgement (justice); all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name. The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding  have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.’ (Ps. 111:7-10) Yuh see the psalmist is even quoting Cousin Sol re the fear of the Lord from Proverbs 1:7. 

And don’t think that Cousin Sol doesn’t have anything to say on the subject. (smile) Of course he does. Like he has something to say on just about every topic under the sun. Listen, as he agrees with the other two scriptures. ‘The fear of the Lord prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity. The righteous shall never be moved: but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth (land). The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the forward (perverse) tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh forwardness (perversity).’ (Prov. 10:27-32) 

Oh friends, please let us remember all those words that we’ve just heard and read, and write them indelibly in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, for they will serve us in very good stead, keep us attached to the Lord, provide a lifeline to Him. For, remember without Jesus, and ONLY through Him, will we ever see the Father’s face in the next life. As He says with imperial certainty: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) So it’s imperative that if we want to spend eternity with the Father, Jesus must be the example that we follow in this earthly life. 

And I believe these words from Hebrews are a good way to cement all that we’ve spoken about above. So please read and understand with me: ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness (confidence) to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;  And having an high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:19-25) 

Oh my fellow saints, that is one of the most comprehensive passages of scripture on our basic requirements as believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ! And if we just do what it says, to be strong in Christ, our heavenly high priest, be steadfast in our Christian beliefs because God is faithful; He keeps all His promises. And above all, to LOVE, encourage and edify each other, stirring up the brethren to do good works, while getting together in praise and worship to strengthen the bonds of unity. 

Yes friends, if we’d only do those simple things consistently, our Christian witness would be ever so much better than it currently is. Therefore, I implore us today, to get serious about our faith and consequently lift up ourselves and those around us, so that Christ can be acknowledged and celebrated all around the glorious universe that He’s made for us to enjoy. 

Now, let’s go home proclaiming to all and sundry, to whom we belong, lock stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, it’s our bounden duty to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do. Much LOVE!

…the time to accept Jesus is NOW…it will be too late when you die…

 

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 May 2016 Matthew 5:13-14

28 May 2016 Leave a comment

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

 Matthew 5:13 -14    Ye are the salt of the earth… Ye are the light of the world…

Ah friends it’s Saturday morning once again. What plans do we have in store for this memorable day eh? Note, every day in our lives is a memorable one because we have been granted only so many and thus we need to make the most of each one, for we don’t know how many more we’ll see, if any. 

As they say, yesterday’s gone, today is here, and no one knows about tomorrow. So the only thing we really ever have is TODAY! That means we have to use it wisely. And to help us do that, here are two quotes from our friend Anselm, who always aspires to inspire us.  

The first quote says: ‘Face your fear. Procrastination is the fear of success. People procrastinate because they are afraid of the success that they know will result if they move ahead now. Because success is heavy, carries a responsibility with it, it is much easier to procrastinate and live on the “someday I’ll” philosophy.’ 

And there is much truth to that friends. A lot of us are afraid of success, for whatever reason, and therefore don’t put out all the God-given talent that we have at the time when it will make the most difference. I’ve noticed it in a few associates over the years. They were people just brimming over with talent in their particular field, but they just refused to hunker down and make a real success of it, always seeking the easiest way out. 

And the next quote from Anselm tells us: ‘Finish it.  Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task.’ 

Now that one I can personally testify to my brethren, as no doubt a lot of you can. Nothing is as discombobulating and frustrating as an unfinished task. It keeps bugging you to finish it, but you keep putting it off until the last minute, when it’s either too late or you don’t do a good job on it. 

So the moral of the story it to just get on with whatever you have to do; don’t procrastinate, don’t put it off for another day or time… unless you’re very sure that the Lord has told you to leave it for later. (smile) 

And having said all of that we come to a rather appropriate Bit to support those contentions in the life of the Christian believer. ‘Ye are the salt of the earth…ye are the light of the world…’ 

That’s paraphrasing Jesus words after He declared the Beatitudes. Now let’s hear them in their entirety. ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour (flavour), wherewith (by what) shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle (lamp), and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick (lampstand); and it giveth light to all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt.5:13-16)  

There we have it my fellow believers; the basic essence of how our Christian faith and beliefs ought to play out in this fearful and ungodly world! 

Now hear the scholars on those verses: ‘5:13. The Beatitudes are followed by a summary statement of the basic character of the Christian’s life as salt and light. Ye are the salt of the earth: Again the phrase “ye are” indicates that only the genuinely born again person is salt and can help meet the needs of the world. Salt adds flavouring, acts as a preservative, melts coldness, and heals wounds. Thus it is a very appropriate description of the believer in his relationship to the world in which he lives.’ 

And the scholars continue: ‘5:14-16. Ye are the light of the world describes the essential mission of the Christian to the world. He is the condition (salt) to meet the world’s needs and he has a mission (light) to the world. His light is to clearly shine forth into the darkness of human depravity. 

He is to set his light upon a candlestick, not hide it under a bushel, that is, a basket. Darkness is the absence of light; and darkness alone cannot dispel the light, but the smallest light can dispel the greatest darkness.’ 

And all of God’s people declared a loud ‘Amen’ to that, because it is indisputable, scientifically proven truth! Light always has mastery over darkness, that’s why our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ wants us to be lights in this world of immense darkness.  

And a good analogy of that would be the old lighthouses that you found on so many rocky promontories years aback; they were there to light the way for the sea traveller enveloped so completely by the darkness of the night on the broad expanse of water. That’s how we are supposed to be my people; like lighthouses beaming the light of Christ into this ever darkening world. 

Now that’s our mission, but don’t forget our condition: to be the salt of the earth, to add flavour, healing, help and basically meet the needs of our fellow man. Unfortunately though, too many of us supposed believers are hiding our lights under a bushel, and we have lost all of our saltiness, that’s why our world is in such a mess. 

Friends, we need to be out there meeting needs and showing the way like Jesus did. It’s what He’s expecting of us. Remember, unless we lead the way, His LOVE Revolution will never become successful. His hope for future glory is very dependent on us His supposed followers. We are His foot soldiers, paving the way and saying like John the Baptist did in Jesus’ time. ‘Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ (Matt.3:2) 

Likewise, Isaiah wasn’t only talking about John the Baptist, but also about us, when he prophesied . ‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’ (Is.40:3, Matt.3:3). 

Yes friends, it is now up to us to fight the good fight. It all depends on us now, so today let’s take some time and sincerely ponder our individual situations, as to whether we are truly salt and light on this dark and evil planet. And whatever our conclusion, please, let’s ask the Lord to help us be what we ought to be. He will never refuse such a request. Much LOVE!

…a Christian should never abort his mission…regardless of his condition…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 September 2014 Proverbs 10:29‏

27 Sep 2014 Leave a comment

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

  Proverbs 10:29.   The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Oh Friends, it looks like it’s going to be another Tobago day in the North Country, the fourth one in a row! (smile) That’s how my brother has been referring to the unseasonal warm, bare-back temperatures we’ve been recently having, with bright sunshine, no clouds obscuring God’s vast, beautiful, blue heaven, and a cool, gentle breeze as a most suitable topping to the sumptuous fare.
 
All of this after a less than stellar summer – I seem to be one of the few who liked it – and some fairly chilly weather before autumn had even begun. Now, in early autumn, which began on September 23, we’re having summer-like weather that was sadly lacking during the real summer months. But Friends, there’s not much we can do about that now nuh, just say the Lord be praised, and enjoy it for as long as it lasts.
 
I think sometimes we spend too much time talking about the weather, when our focus, our priority should be on God’s work; saving souls, or rather causing souls to come to Him, so that they can receive the most wonderful gifts available in the universe, namely, salvation and eternal life.
 
And as a prelude to our Bit, here is something that I think blends in nicely with it. I have shared it before, but like so much other stuff, it’s definitely worth sharing again; a refresher course if you like. (smile) I believe I got it from a Joyce Meyer magazine. The author appears to be anonymous, but his or her words do tell the gospel truth.
 
It wisely advises us to: ‘Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.’ Those are certainly words of wisdom and utmost truth, my brethren!
 
And I guess you can see how it ties in with our Bit. ‘The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.’ More gospel truth Friends! But then that’s all we deal with here at the Bit. (smile)
 
Anyhow, when we begin by pruning our thoughts, keeping them as godly as possible, then the process as explained above, leads us to habits that align with God’s Will. That means we walk uprightly, in obedience to His dictates, and thus enjoy His enormous strength and wonderful blessings. Yes my people, everything begins in the mind, with our thoughts, for the mind makes the man, directs his actions.
 
That’s why the ole crook Beelzebub always seeks to capture our minds, because then he can control our behaviour. And that’s also why Jesus said: ‘For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt.6:21)
 
Wherever the things you delight in lie, then that’s where your heart, your focus will be. So to walk sincerely in God’s Will we MUST start out with godly thoughts, and the same goes for walking in disobedience, where ungodly thoughts will prosper.
 
Now let’s check out a couple scripture passages that lend credence to our Bit. Listen to Bruh David from Psalm 37 – the true state of the wicked. ‘Fret not thyself because of evil doers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on his faithfulness)…
 
A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
 
But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs (splendour of the meadows): they shall consume (vanish): into smoke shall they consume (vanish) away. The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again (does not repay): but the righteous showeth mercy, and giveth. For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth (the land); and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off (destroyed). (Ps.37:1-3, 16-22)
 
Oh Friends, Bruh David hit the nail on the head in that psalm! Wickedness might last for a season and amass much physical wealth and power, but eventually the purveyors of wickedness will be destroyed by our Holy God, who dislikes evil. So as Bruh David so wisely tells us, don’t fret when we see evil doers prospering, because they will soon be cut down and wither like grass in the hot sun.
 
Stay upright and obedient to God’s Will and you will be well rewarded. For as Jesus declares: ‘The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
 
As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold (flock), and one shepherd.’ (John 10:13-16)
 
Oh my people, what a mighty promise! If you can’t take encouragement from that and live for Jesus, then I don’t know what else to say. So please, let’s listen to the voice of the Master, and walk upright in His Name, for doing so means we have attained to heavenly wisdom! Much LOVE!
 
…our God detests evil so much…that He sacrificed His only Son…to get us to renounce it…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 September 2014 Proverbs 10:29

26 Sep 2014 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 10:29.     The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

Well… ‘The party’s over my friends. It’s time to call it a day…’
 
Yeh mih people, the party with my brother and his wife is unfortunately over. Steups! They moved on last evening, obviously after another eventful and satisfying day, to spend some time with other friends in a different part of the province.
 
Are they ever so blessed, getting to spend great times with different people in different areas! Certainly an interesting kind of nomadic holiday experience! (smile) That unfortunately means I’ve gone back to my staid, simple, hum drum life. (smile)
 
But I’m not complaining nuh, because I was blessed with a totally unexpected and wonderful experience over the last few days!
 
I guess the good Lord saw that the ole fella needed a bit of cheering up, of enlightenment, and/or a little reward for sincerely trying to walk in His Will, and sent my brother and his wife to inject some new life in my somewhat banal existence. Hn, hn! As the old people would say, after one time is two yes!
 
And it’s now time to get back to the same old, same old daily routine. But that’s what life is really all about yes my brethren; daily routine. Everyday cannot be totally different and be chocked full of excitement.
 
And that is what the world cannot seem to understand, that’s why we’re always seeking and searching for excitement, oftimes in all the wrong places. But what we really need to learn, is how to take pleasure and comfort from our daily, often bland and unexciting routine.
 
And believe me, there is joy, pleasure and comfort in knowing that our days will be generally the same, without a lot of topsy turvy, unpredictable stuff to drive us crazy. The world’s driving us crazy enough as it is with its unpredictability. We now need some stabilty and predictability. (smile)
 
And speaking of that Friends, yuh know today is Friday…?
 
And suddenly the joyous shouts ring out: ‘Oh Lord, I completely forgot that yes! TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday…and the weekend looms big and bright and beautiful! No work…and plenty play. Thank you ever so much Lord that it’s Friday!’
 
Now hold down here a minute mih breddren. Please don’t get too carried away with the worldly thoughts of the weekend, you have to get your God involved there too. As Jeeves would say, just a modicum of circumspection please. (smile)
 
And to help us do that, let’s chant our Friday chant, so that we can bring the weekend into a better and brighter perspective. As one chanter 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.’
 
Now that’s more like how we should view and approach the weekend.
 
And finally, turning to our Bit, we gratefully and proudly proclaim the wise and encouraging words of Cousin Sol. ‘The way of the Lord is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.’
 
No doubt about that my brethren! All those who seek to walk uprightly, to walk obedient to God’s Will, will surely be blessed with His strength, because that’s just a natural consequence of walking in His Will. The opposite of that is also true: those who seek to do evil, to walk outside of His Will, will be eventually destroyed. It’s as simple as that.
 
Unfortunately though Friends, the majority of mankind doesn’t seem to believe that overwhelming truth, and continue to foolishly walk, in fact relish in walking contrary to God’s Will.
 
Now let’s look at some other scriptures that try to drive home that point. And right in Psalm 1, we have the psalmist stating quite simply and straightforwardly: ‘Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.’ (Ps.1:5-6)
 
Meanwhile, the prophet Nahum boldly declares: ‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. But with an overrunning (overwhelming) flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies.’ (Nah.1:7-8)
 
How much more do we need to hear and see eh Friends, before we change from our wicked ways?
 
And we’ll end with this daring, but ever so true proclamation from Bruh Paul to Timothy. ‘Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’ (2 Tim.2:19)
 
Ah mih people, that’s the best advice we can receive on this Friday morning, another beautiful summer’s day in late September!
 
So please, let’s take it to heart nuh, let’s show our great wisdom by doing our best to abstain from iniquity and walk in God’s Will, so that we can receive His wonderful blessings instead of His curses and eventual destruction. For that’s truly wisdom of the highest order! Much LOVE!
 
…as Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) is wont to say…the best way to live this earthly life…is simply to obey God…and leave all the consequences to Him…indisputable truth…

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 June 2012 Ephesians 6:4

17 Jun 2012 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 6:4.    And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
 
                                                                                                               HAPPY  FATHER’S  DAY!

Oh Friends, unfortunately it’s become another one of the many money-making, commercial days on our calendar. It also shows up the many open and festering wounds in our society. But at least it brings some families together, and I guess we have to be thankful for those small mercies whenever we get them. Anyway, to all you Father’s out there; the good, bad and indifferent, HAPPY  FATHER’S  DAY! I know that the position of father in the households of our society has been severely lessened and eroded for a variety of reasons, consequently, there are many fewer families with live-in fathers, and too often the poor mothers also have to play the role of father. This obviously is not in the best interest of the family, especially the children. But I’ll beg to differ here just a little, for in some respects a family is better off without a father present, if that father cannot or will not do what our Bit dictates. ‘And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture (training) and admonition of the Lord.’ Yes Friends, an ungodly live-in father can do much more damage to a child than an absentee one. I talk from some experience here. As far as I know my father was as godly as they came back then, but thank the Lord I didn’t live with him, because we could never see eye to eye on any subject, and I’m sure if we had lived together, I would have turned out much worse than I did. Hn, hn! Don’t get me wrong, he supported me financially and took some interest in my education, but even when I attained manhood, our ideas still never gelled. Strangely though, since I’ve attained middle age, I’ve seen the wisdom in some of his pronouncements, and I often wish I could be as cool, suave and unflappable as him, and not the loudmouth I’ve become. But that’s because I wear my passion on my sleeve, (smile) and he didn’t. Anyway my brethren, we all know that there are too many dead-beat or absentee fathers in our society today, and it just seems to be getting worse as the young people, both men and women, don’t seem to take the bringing of children into this world as seriously as they should. It’s something we older folks should have drilled into the young people’s heads when we had the chance, and though it might be a bit late now, we still ought to try. And in the irresponsible society we now live in, too many men go around fathering children, unconcerned about how those unfortunate children will fare in this evil, cruel, ungodly world. They beat their chests with false, macho pride at how many baby mothers they have, utterly unconcerned about how those baby mothers are going to mind those babies. Ah Lord eh Friends, sometimes when I hear them with the stupid boasts, I feel like taking a bull-pestle to them! However, let’s move on and hear what the scholars have to say about our Bit. ‘Fathers can provoke their children to wrath by injustice, loss of temper, undue severity, cruelty, favouritism, suppression, sarcasm, ridicule, and misuse or abuse of authority. Nurture basically means “training,” here denoting spiritual education. Admonition is instruction that points out one’s responsibilities and duties. Of the Lord is in Greek a subjective genitive. This indicates that behind the parents’ rearing and instruction of their children stands the Lord as the chief teacher in child education. Parents do not rear children alone.’ Oh my brethren, I couldn’t have said it any better myself. I just hope that I made a passing grade as a father using those principles. I wasn’t spectacular, but I think I was good enough eh children? (smile) And yuh know Bruh Paul thought fatherhood so important that in his letter to the Colossians, he again admonishes: ‘Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.’ (Col.3:21) Oh my people, fathers have such important roles in children’s lives; guide, leader, provider, that children suffer considerably when there’s no good father figure around. And from the very beginning the Lord thought fatherhood so important, here’s what He says of Abraham: ‘For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement (righteousness and justice); that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.’ (Gen.18:19) Oh Friends, there’s no higher compliment the Lord could pay to a father! So all you fathers out there, I’m begging, pleading, beseeching you to become responsible and seriously look after the welfare of your children. You might have had a bad example of a father, but that doesn’t mean you have to continue the negative cycle. Sadly, it’s the children who eventually suffer the most, and consequently we raise a generation without proper morals and principles, and thus begins the decline of the society. Remember Friends, a society is only as strong as the principles on which it’s built and functions. More on this tomorrow, the Good Lord willing. Till then, fathers please show greater interest in your children, it’s your bounden duty, plus you will also be well rewarded, here on earth, and in heaven above. Much LOVE!…though Jesus was God…to whom did He look for guidance and direction…His heavenly Father…there’s no better example for us to follow…