SCRIP-BITS

Ah Friends, it’s one of those days when writer’s block seems to have subtly crept in. I asked for guidance, but so far the Spirit has not granted my desire. I’m tired of talking about negative stuff like hurricanes, volcanoes, wars etc, because constant talk on those topics eventually tends to drag down, to tire one’s spirit, and we’re supposed to be about uplifting the spirit. We can’t ignore the negatives, but we surely should not be making them our platform, so to speak, although compared to the bad stuff, there’s not a whole lot of good in our world to focus on. Nonetheless, we’ve got to keep keeping on, and the only way to do that is by keeping our focus steadfastly stayed on Christ, for He is our be all and end all. With Him beside us, we can do anything; move mountains, part the seas, even soar with the eagles. However, without Him, we become mere sluggards in an evil, ungodly, sluggish world. So the point is that the Lord’s an essential element in our lives; the One who lifts us up and crowns us with glory. When our lives are soured, uninspired, lacking motivation, we need to look on high for solace and rejuvenation. When our lives are going along fairly well, we still have to look to heaven, this time to give thanks for the mostly undeserved mercies and blessings we’re enjoying, as well as praying for their continuation. No wonder Cousin Sol says in our Bit, which comes from his moral, ethical, and spiritual precepts: ‘The preparations (plans) of the heart in (belong to) man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.’ Yes Friends, though a man’s heart basically makes his own plans, in the long run, the Lord is sovereign over his thoughts and words. He created and controls us as He sees fit. Poor Jeremiah obviously agreed with that line of thinking when he tearfully cried out: ‘O Lord, I know that the way of a man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord, correct me, but with judgement (justice, mercy); not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.’ (Jer.10:23-24) Cousin Sol adds to that with a couple more proverbs: ‘A man’s heart deviseth (plans) his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.’ (Prov.16:9) Then later on he laments: ‘Man’s goings (steps) are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?’ (Prov.20:24) How true that is my people! We all make supposed serious and right plans, but instead end up doing stuff we never planned or even dreamed of. Why is that eh? Is it because we don’t have total control of our lives? I would say so. But the most important thing for the believer is to concentrate on God; His word, His promises, His faithfulness, mercy, forgiveness and His unconditional LOVE! That is what keeps us going strong and steadfast along the straight and narrow path. As the last half of our Bit indicates, though we make plans; ‘the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.’ Yes Friends, the last word is always from our God! When we find our selves in unplanned situations, or even if we planned them, but suddenly seem to lose our reasoning and/or our tongues, don’t worry, the Lord will lead us aright, tell us what to do and say, if we bow to His eternal wisdom. Hear how Jesus said it: ‘And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against (to) them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought (do not worry) how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.’ (Matt.10:18-20) Oh my people, it’s ever so important for us to work with and listen to the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, for the Lord sent Him to be our trustworthy guide, companion and comforter. Whatever aid we need, He’s there to provide it. But we’ve got to listen closely to Him and heed His advice, otherwise we’ll end up totally lost and estranged from the Father, which is the worst thing that can ever happen to us. Now listen to Peter, talking about his words being grounded in truth: ‘For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (origin). For the prophecy came not in old (any) time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ (2 Pet.1:16-21) Oh my brethren, today that same Holy Spirit dwells in each believer, and is our sturdy lifeline to the Lord God Jehovah. It’s His main means of communication with us, and if broken can lead us to much sorrow and pain. So please, let’s pay particular attention to that small voice that whispers in our souls, for it’s the voice of God talking to us, telling us what to say and do on His behalf. And we’ll close with some of Bruh David’s last words, which touch on the subject: ‘The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.’ (2 Sam.23:2-3) Yes Friends, just like the Spirit spoke to Bruh David, He speaks to each one of us. Let’s pay close attention, so that we can be just and righteous, live in peace, revering and worshipping the Lord, as He desires. Much LOVE!…to each man…God gave a direct line to heaven…abuse or don’t use it…at your own peril…