SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, our great and gracious God has seen fit to grant us another magnificent day on His spectacular creation, Planet Earth! And all God’s people shouted: ‘Thank you Lord!’ So what are we going to do with it eh? How are we going to use that wonderful gift? I’d humbly like to suggest that we make the most of it by being obedient to the Lord, by doing His will; by serving others like Jesus did when He was here on earth, by spreading the good news; Jesus’ gospel and the Father’s awesome, unconditional LOVE for all of us. Oh my people, that all boils down to living a life that honours and glorifies God in the eyes of men, so that they too will long for salvation and the guidance and power of His Holy Spirit. In other words Friends, the best way to spend today, in fact all our days on planet earth is in furthering God’s kingdom. Our knowledgeable Bit states that: ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.’ And as we saw yesterday, Cousin Sol lists a number of things that fall under that banner. (Eccl.3:2-8) But my people, the important thing to note is that whatever we’re doing, whatever act in which we’re engaged, the eventual purpose should always be the furthering, the enlarging, the spreading of God’s Word and His earthly kingdom, for that’s our main purpose on this earth as specified by Jesus in His final words to the disciples. ‘Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt.28:19-20) Yes Friends, that’s our job down here. And as Cousin Sol so rightly reminds us: ‘I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose (every matter in which one delights) and for every work.’ (Eccl.3:17) Yes my people, Cousin Sol is sure that there’s also a time for judgement and justice. We’d better believe it too, and continue or start living right, otherwise things will be real sad for us when that time of justice arrives and we’re judged guilty by the Master. Unfortunately Friends, there will be no recourse, no appeal to any Higher Power, since there’s none. So it’s very advisable to repent NOW, and get in good with God before it’s too late. Remember, He can call us home to Him at any time. So please heed these words of Cousin Sol: ‘What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail (task or endeavour), which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it (with which to be occupied). He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world (eternity) in their heart, so (except) that no man can find out the work that God maketh (does) from the beginning to the end.’ (Eccl.3:9-11) Oh Friends, God has given us tasks to keep us occupied here on earth, which He’s filled with beauty. He’s also placed a longing in us for both earthly knowledge and understanding of eternal things, but our quest for that knowledge and eternal understanding is frustrating, limited as we are by our mortal and finite limitations. So all we can do, as Cousin Sol further declares: ‘I know that there is no good in them (nothing better for them), but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.’ (Eccl.3:12-13) That’s so true my Friends! But here’s another useful idea on the topic of a time for everything. I guess that many of us first became aware, or fully aware of our Bit from the song by the British band, the Byrds, several decades ago, during the time now referred to as the British Invasion, when British bands were conquering the world like their colonizing fathers before them. The name of the song was ‘Turn, Turn, Turn.’ Now if we can only remember how the song goes. (smile) ‘To everything- turn, turn, turn. There is a season- turn, turn, turn. And a time for every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, a time to die. A time to plant, a time to reap. A time to kill, a time to heal. A time to laugh, a time to weep. To everything- turn, turn, turn. There is a season- turn, turn, turn. And a time for every purpose under heaven.’ I won’t write all the lyrics, but there are three other verses with the chorus after each. The persons who put the song together obviously edited the scripture passage to suit their own purposes, but the main theme is still there, and it is a great way to remember this important Bit of the Good Book. Awright Holy Spirit, please accept my humble apology: ALL of the Good Book IS important. The Holy Spirit took umbrage with my cavalier treatment of the Good Book’s contents. (smile) But seriously though Friends, when times get rough, humming the song can be a good influence, to remind you that there’s a time for everything, that those rough times will pass and good ones will come, for everything turns around eventually. And we’ll close with the last verse from the song: ‘A time to gain, a time to lose. A time to rend, a time to sow. A time to LOVE, a time to hate. A time of peace, I swear it’s not too late.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people! It’s definitely not too late, so let’s get out there and work hard for peace and LOVE nuh! This is their time! And if you don’t believe me, just think about the kind of world your children’s children will inhabit, if peace and LOVE don’t win the ongoing battle. Much LOVE!…please people…let’s turn, turn, turn…from our evil ways…back to the Father and His righteousness…