Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 February 2021 Jeremiah 29:12.

Jeremiah 29:12.     ​Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto (listen to) you.

Aye friends, can you believe it, we in February now, January done already! Brother! How come January finish so quick eh? Didn’t we just celebrate New Year’s? But with all the recent confusion, it seems we never noticed January just speeding by like greased lightning! (smile) And if we don’t pay attention, February, and even the whole of 2021 could just speed by and leave us in the same sad and tragic situations that it began with, or even worse ones. Who knows how this world shaping up these days eh? Only our heavenly Father…and He doesn’t seem to be letting on. 

So what are we supposed to do under those uncertain and ofttimes critical circumstances eh? Just keep on doing what we been doing; having faith and trusting in the Lord God Almighty and LOVING each other like there was no tomorrow! If you claim to believe in God, His promises and all that He stands for, then you have no choice but to keep praying, being obedient to His word, giving thanks, helping your fellow man, and looking forward to Christ’s Second Coming. Now that also means being fully prepared for it and not getting caught with yuh pants down below yuh knees. (smile) 

Ah mih people, this world is really something else yes…but please remember that our God is also something else, and He’s bigger, brighter and better than this world. In fact, He created it and all therein, and still controls it, although some of us and the evil powers in it, think that they do. But don’t be fooled people, nothing happens in this universe unless our Lord allows it to happen. He might not cause it, but if it doesn’t suit His purpose, somewhere down the line, then it won’t get anywhere. 

So we need to understand that whatever is happening in our world today is serving some useful purpose in God’s overall plan. And yes, lots of things might seem wrong, unfair and cause us pain, sometimes it’s even our wrong decisions that cause problems. But whatever the reason, it’s still our duty to stand strong and fight the good fight, knowing that in the long run, because of God’s promises, we will come out victorious. 

And I know that many of us are scared of all the controversial stuff that’s happening in our lives right now, but remember that we believers are to be the beacons of light to the unbelieving world, so we have to put on a brave face, raise the level of our faith, and show them that Christ is indeed the ONE TRUE WAY for all mankind to go! His momentous and indisputably true words: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me,’ (John 14:6) ) tells the whole story. 

And to boost our assurance, let’s take a gander at some reassuring scriptures. (smile) And I think this verse is fitting to be the first in our set. Through the prophet Isaiah, the promise of a free offer of mercy to all. ‘So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void (empty), but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.’ (Is. 55:11) Yes friends, that’s the first lesson we need to learn; that the Lord’s promises are not empty, whatever He promises He will keep, because he’s a faithful God! 

Consequently, we also need to be faithful, for as Hebrews tells us: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) So we can’t get close to God unless we truly believe that He exists and does indeed reward those who diligently seek Him. Thus these promises through the prophet Jeremiah: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope). (Jer. 29:11) 

And how will we reap that promise? ‘Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto (listen to) you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’ (Jer. 29:12-13) Oh my people, there’s that recurring theme that runs throughout the entire Good Book; we need to continually seek God with all our hearts, souls, bodies and minds. That’s a basic part of both the Old and New Covenants He made with us. Sincerely seeking Him is paramount to all that we do. 

That brings us to these last few practical steps from Bruh Paul to the church at Rome that show the awesome LOVE of Christ through the believer’s actions. ‘Rejoicing in hope; patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing instant (steadfastly) in prayer…Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not…Recompense (repay) to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest (have regard for good things) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth (depends on) you, live peacefully with all men.’ (Rom. 12:12,15,17-18) 

No, living for Christ is not easy, especially in these controversial and turbulent times, but when we remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, then we know that it’s all possible in Jesus’ name! Now, let’s participate in that recurring theme above nuh; seeking God sincerely, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, letting Him know all our hopes and fears and desires. 

As one voice now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You that this Monday morning we’re alive and standing in faith despite the mass confusion that’s currently prevailing in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems; the pandemic of Covid -19, the racial, political, and religious strife that’s ignited worldwide, plus the natural disasters like storms, famine, drought, plagues, climate change, wildfires, earthquakes and erupting volcanoes that suddenly seem to be blossoming more and more as time goes by. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously come short in obedience and compliance to Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, and You have faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us, ordinary folks, as well as our leaders, employers and medical personnel, wise guidance, and direction to bring our problems under control. 

And for those who are currently suffering from the many negative situations, we pray that You will ease their suffering and heal them. Father, please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again we say: Amen!’ 

And as God considers the state and motives of our hearts, we must move along and do our part, keep our promises in the partnership. Much LOVE!

…be not overcome of evil…but overcome evil with good… (Rom. 12:21)  

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 November 2016 Psalm 28:7.

Psalm 28:7.    The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

And then it was Friday… And mama yo, I couldn’t stand the noise in mih ears, the raucous singing of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! We going to be jamming all weekend! Is fete and more fete! We drinking…drinking from dusk till dawn! We doh care who vex… For as they say, who vex loss. Thank God is Friday yes! Thank God for the weekend oui!’ 

Oh friends, sadly, that is the pleasure seeking attitude of a large portion of our society towards the weekend. 

Ah Lord eh! They think it’s okay to waste it in wine, women and song, but that’s a serious fallacy. The weekend is for some enjoyment yes, but not totally. But try as we can, we can’t get that segment of our population to give up their licentious and ungodly ways on the weekend. 

Anyhow, we have a different song we sing; our Friday Chant, which shows a better and godlier way to use the weekend. Let’s chant it in all sincerity now nuh. In unison: ‘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.’ 

Yes my people, that is indeed the better way to celebrate the weekend! We need to refresh ourselves for another week of work, not continue to stress and strain our already frail minds and bodies. 

But we can only do those kinds of things when we have a sincere faith and trust in the ONE and ONLY TRUE and LIVING God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! 

Where we can confidently say like Bruh David does in our Bit: ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.’ 

Oh my people, my people, when that kind of confidence dwells in us, then our spiritual strength is so strong, that we can certainly move mountains with the Lord’s help! 

Look at the amount of negative circumstances Bruh David overcame, not because he was a saint, but because he held God in the greatest esteem possible and always communicated with Him, regardless of the circumstances. 

That’s how we need to live in these uncertain and confusing times my brethren! Without God at the forefront of our lives, we stand little chance of getting through this life successfully. 

But enough of me, (smile) let’s get to some scripture which emphasizes what we’re talking about; trust and confidence in Almighty God. Listen to Bruh David from Psalm 13 – How long, O Lord, how long? 

‘But I have trusted in thy mercy (LOVING-kindness); my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.’(Ps.13:5-6) 

Oh friends, I can certainly testify to that, because the Lord has indeed dealt bountifully with me. Glory to God! It doesn’t mean you have an easy life – in fact it’s often more difficult as the Lord tests you, but the rewards, the adventure and pleasure involved, are certainly worth the trials He might put you through. 

Now hear Bruh David again, this time from Psalm 112 – Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord. ‘A good man showeth favour (is gracious), and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion. 

Surely he shall not be moved (shaken) for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed (steadfast), trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies. 

He hath dispersed (distributed abroad), he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever, his horn (strength) shall be exalted with honour. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.’ (Ps.112:5-10) 

That is what happens my brethren when we seek the Lord first in everything that we do. Now let’s end with some more confident words from Bruh David from Psalm 18 – Thanksgiving for deliverance. 

‘The Lord liveth; and blessed be my Rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. 

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen (Gentiles), and sing praises unto thy name. Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed (descendants) for evermore.’ (Ps.18:46-50) 

Ah friends, I do hope that all that positive scripture raised our confidence level and trust in Almighty God this Friday morning, and will allow us to rise to any occasion that comes our way, for that’s its purpose. Much LOVE!

…the Lord God works diligently on our behalf…when we diligently seek Him with a right heart… 

P.S. Let’s remember to keep on praying for Scotty, our Scrip-Bit family member who is currently in the hospital. I hear he’s doing a li’l better. So please, let’s keep bombarding heaven with our prayers for him. Much LOVE!