Oh Friends, it’s Monday morning, so let’s raise our voices loud and clear in song, let’s joyfully proclaim our Monday Morning Battle Hymn to the world: ‘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 that we might not like; jobs that might be unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but they serve a useful purpose on this our earthly journey; keeping lives, limbs and families together in fairly comfortable circumstances. 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, where we’ll be constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, lies and wiles. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know that the evil enemy can do us no harm once we’re surrounded by your powerful, protective aura. We humbly ask that you give your Holy Spirit charge over and guidance to each and every one of 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 here on planet earth! All this we pray in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And an Amen of mighty proportions rocked the earth and heavens! Yes my people, that’s why our Creator gave us such a powerful mental machine consisting of mind and imagination; so that we can dream in a big, creative manner. And I’ve no doubt that if we all keep thinking along the lines of our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, while doing our best to put them into practice, one day that dream of a mighty host of believers singing it will eventually come true. Such is the stuff that dreams are made of and made for. Oh my brethren, isn’t it wonderful to be alive, and serving such a LOVING, merciful, gracious, forgiving, kind hearted, omnipotent, omniscient God? Wow! It sure is! That’s why we needed a Bit today to inspire us, to build our hopes, faith and expectations. And none does that better than: ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.’ Oh my Friends, for all the heartaches and troubles we faithfully suffer today, when that new tomorrow comes, what rejoicing and gladness there’ll be! Listen to how the great prophet Isaiah declared it in talking of Israel’s restoration to Zion. ‘And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.’ (Is.35:10) What an awesome promise my people! And Isaiah felt so strongly about it, that he repeated it in Chapter 51:11, when he held forth on the faithful being called to courage. Yes Friends, it’s that sort of unabated joy and gladness we have to look forward to as we journey out into the evil, ungodly world and give it our best and most faithful shot in Jesus’ name. And just in case you didn’t like Isaiah’s promise there, then hear this one: ‘For your shame ye shall have double (double honour); and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them.’ (Is.61:7) Oh mih breddren, if that doesn’t move and motivate you to live a good, godly, faithful earthly life, then I don’t know what will! (smile) Perhaps the words of that other great prophet, Jeremiah, will do the trick. ‘They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is my first born.’ (Jer.31:9) Yes people, the Lord is indeed a kind, gracious and merciful Father to all His repentant children. What more can we ask for eh? We sow in tears, but reap in joy! And all God’s people shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah! Worthy is the Lamb to be praised, who gave His innocent life on the cross, so that our sins could be washed away, and our souls made white as snow!’ And the psalmist further declared: ‘He that goeth forth (to and fro) and weepeth, bearing precious seed (a bag of seed for sowing), shall doubtless come again with rejoicing (shouts of joy), bringing his sheaves with him.’ (Ps.126:6) Now my people, it’s certainly good to have all those strong promises of scripture in our souls, but like everything else, they won’t come true unless we keep our part of the bargain, the covenant with the Lord, meaning to walk our talk. Therefore listen to Bruh Paul’s very wise and timely advice. ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal.6:9-10) That’s right Friends, it’s the responsibility of all those who believe in Christ to stand strong, exhibit much intestinal fortitude, sowing seeds of victory while waiting expectantly in faith for the day of the glorious harvest. So let’s all go out today and stand strong, fight hard for Jesus’ kingdom nuh! The rewards are awesome! Much LOVE!…he who sows in faith…shall reap in victory…bringing in the sheaves…bringing in the sheaves…we shall come rejoicing…bringing in the sheaves…
SCRIP-BITS 