SCRIP-BITS

Hosea 9:7.     The days of visitation are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine iniquity, and the great hatred.
 
Oh Friends, it’s only another ten days to that exciting and rejoicing time in Christianity, Christmas Day! That’s when we celebrate the miraculous birth of out Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! Note I didn’t say ten shopping days till Christmas, because I’m not interested in the shopping aspect, though that’s what many people are caught up with. They’re not interested in celebrating new birth and what it means to a sad, disgraced world. Hn! Riddle I this nuh! When a baby is born in this evil world, do we run out and do stuff and ignore the baby itself? I don’t think so. We might buy a few gifts and have a small celebration, but most of the focus is on the child itself. We gush in wonder over the miracle that’s birth; how beautiful the baby is, contending, sometimes hypocritically, how much they look like their mother, father or some other family member, with everybody wanting to touch and hold the new born, for they are the centre of attention. So why then, in Jesus’ case, do we forget and/or ignore, the most important and influential new born ever, and focus on the celebrations instead? I suppose that in a world that has become so secular, religious events and celebrations have lost much of their significance, especially in Christianity. But whatever the reason(s) Friends, here’s a quote by Antoine de St. Exupery, the French born aviator and writer (1900-1944), which gives us good direction for these turbulent times. It simply says: ‘In these times one must write with one’s life. This is the challenge to us all.’ And it’s the truth mih people! We all have to fight and battle in some circumstance or the other, and can leave a worthwhile mark on the world with our lives or not. As believers in Jesus Christ, we’re challenged to leave a good mark, to make a good difference with our lives, and it’s up to us to rise above whatever adversity we face, with Jesus’ help of course. In some cases the choices are ours to make, then there are others where the choices are made for us. In the latter instances, we just have to make the best of the hands we’re dealt, but when we’re asked to step up to the plate, it’s our responsibility to make good and godly decisions. I think this ties in very nicely with our Bit: ‘The days of visitation (punishment) are come, the days of recompense are come; Israel shall know it: the prophet is a fool, the spiritual man is mad (insane), for the multitude (greatness) of thine iniquity, and the great hatred (enmity).’ These crazy, confused, disastrous days can certainly be considered as the days of visitation, of punishment, of recompense for our great wrongdoing and our great multitude of sins. But we believers have to rise up in these uncertain times and make the right decisions about our lives and the lives of those around us. Are we going to be afraid or are we going to stand strong and courageous in these troubled times? Obviously it’s much easier to run scared and hide inside our little nests. However, if we desire to be true followers of Jesus, that’s not the decision for us, because Jesus never ran from any adversity. Of course He encountered difficulties and was sorely tempted, but He faced up to all the adversity like a man and wrote His story with His life. Oh Friends, that’s what we’re called upon to do now. When the roll is called up yonder, we must all be proud to step out in confidence, knowing that we have made a good difference on this earth, that our lives were like shining beacons that drew others to Christ. Wow! So although our time is evil and warlike, with fools for prophets, as Jeremiah lamented: ‘Thy prophets have seen vain and foolish (false and deceptive) things for thee: and they have not discovered (uncovered) thine iniquity, to turn away thy captivity; but have seen for thee false burdens and causes of banishment (false and misleading prophecies).’ (Lam.2:14) And though many of our spiritual people be mad, falling under Micah’s condemnation: ‘If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood do lie (should walk in a false spirit and speak a lie), saying, I will prophecy (preach) unto thee of (concerning) wine and of strong drink; He shall even be the prophet (preacher, word dropper) of this people.’ (Mic.2:11) But in spite of all that negativity my people, there is hope, and we are expected to make Christ-like decisions in our lives, based on the words of Jesus. ‘Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers (various) places. All these things are the beginning of sorrows. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted (tribulation), and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity (lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax (grow) cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.’ (Matt.24:4-14) Yes Friends, those are the words we ought to live by, not those of false prophets, corrupt leaders and mad spiritualists, of which there are many in our world trying to lead God’s children astray, trying to lead us into the evil clutches of Beelzebub. But please Friends, let’s not allow them to do so. Let’s stand firmly rooted in Jesus! Let’s look to our Sovereign Lord for guidance, not the false, crazy and corrupt shysters of this evil world. And if we’re not afraid, but take a strong stand for Jesus, it will pay enormous dividends in the end. Remember, we’re not interested in Lucifer’s short-term goals, but in the long-term prospects of Jesus. So stick with Jesus, and He’ll stick with you. It’s the wisest decision you’ll ever make. Much LOVE!…Lucifer’s short term goals…earthly wealth and power…Jesus’ long term assurances…salvation and eternal life…your choice…