SCRIP-BITS

And the beat goes on! Yes Friends, the ice, both black and white types, the snow–covered ground, the chilly winds and double-digit below freezing temperatures all continue unabated. But yuh know what, we in the North Country are hardy folk, and though it’s often frustrating, we can handle it, especially since we are born again people of faith; faith in Jesus Christ. And we all know Friends, that there’s nothing in this world that gets you up and going like that awesome spiritual power! And all God’s people shouted a joyful: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ Now since it’s also Monday, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with much verve: ‘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 we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. 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, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all 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. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Wow mih people! So with that fire lit in and under us, we should now be prepared to go out into the evil world and give Lucifer and his iniquity workers heck. And turning to our Bit: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Please note Friends, that Jesus’ statement left no room for any qualifications; no ands, ifs and buts. It was a simple, definitive statement: If you’re not born again spiritually, then you just can’t get into heaven. End of story. And John the Baptist began it all when he declared of the Light that he was sent to herald: ‘That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (the right) to become the sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ (John 1:9-13) Yes my people, to ever enter into the hallowed presence of God, we must be born not only of man, but also of God. And it’s very sad that millions of people in our world have never even heard of Jesus, and further millions who have heard but yet refuse to believe. Oh my brethren, it’s our job to go out there and make sure that they hear it and hopefully believe it, then willingly accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour too. We cannot force them to do it, because it’s an individual decision, but if we live the way we ought to, then they’d recognize the enormous difference Jesus makes in our lives and will gladly want to embrace Him themselves. Remember examples work much better and quicker than mere talk, which we’re so good at. We all know what’s required of us, so let’s get out there and do it nuh! Let’s LOVE our God, LIVE our Faith, and SPREAD His Word! That’s the proper way to get others to come to Christ. We sang earlier on about bearing fruit for the kingdom, well that’s how to do it. Unfortunately too Friends, we are the only ones who can turn our dark, evil world around. And Jesus is depending on us to do just that. Remember He christened us ‘the light of the world,’ and that light was not meant to be hidden under a basket or some other kind of shade, but to shine forth His eternal and everlasting glory to all the ends of the earth. Nuff said today. More born again scripture tomorrow, God in favour. Till then, tread safely with the Father, but carry a big stick too. (smile) Much LOVE!…to encourage others to be born again…we have to let our brilliant light, which reflects Jesus…shine brightly on and into their darkness…