SCRIP-BITS

Ah Friends, disasters, disasters, all over our world! If it’s not extensive flooding in Australia, Brazil and Sri Lanka, with all the attendant misery, then it’s human upheaval in some new theatres of Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Sudan over their referendum. But regardless of the disaster, or what causes it, we know, believe, have faith in, and are sure of one thing: our God Jehovah is still in control and has promised to watch over His adopted children; meaning those who place their faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ. What an awesome promise that is my Friends! In fact it’s the only thing that keeps many of us from going insane in this mad, crazy, evil and corrupt world. Oh my people, in these turbulent times we need to grasp tightly and hold on for dear life to the promises of the Most High God, else we’ll flounder and eventually go under. And with that in mind, here is the sixth instalment of our New Year’s ponderings: ‘I will make happy memories this year. I will run in the rain, play in the snow, and be spontaneous with my family and friends. I will give them the gift of my time and attention.’ Now those sure are wonderful resolutions, and certainly do justice to the old adage: ‘the family that plays together stays together.’ Yes Friends, those are among the basic things needed in Christian surroundings. Remember Jesus said that the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy, but ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’  (John 10:10) That means He didn’t come to earth to die as a sacrificial lamb so that we could continue leading miserable, frightened and unhappy lives, but that we could have joy, live life to the fullest, even to overflowing. I’m not promising to play in the snow right now (smile) but I’ll surely walk in the rain and do all the things that make joyful memories. And believe me Friends, it is important that we make happy memories, for when we get old and incapacitated it is much better to have good, pleasant stuff to look back on, rather than only negative memories. I discovered the wisdom in that just recently, when I sat in my rocker and remembered certain escapades in bygone times that surely made me chuckle. My brethren, please, let’s make it a habit to be joyful as much as possible, although the times they are gloomy and unsure. And it all starts at the same place; with our spirit, and God’s wisdom being entrenched therein. ‘But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration (breath) of the Almighty giveth them understanding.’ Yes my people, we can do nothing without those wise and generous doses of upliftment and encouragement, of grace, mercy, LOVE, forgiveness, etc. etc. that our God showers down on us each and every day. Oh enough of me! Let’s allow the Good Book to do the talking! And here is Job’s wise declaration after the Lord showed him his ignorance. ‘Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts (the mind)? Or who hath given understanding to the heart?’ (Job 38:36) The answer to that and more is obviously the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! And the Preacher corroborates it all: ‘For God giveth to a man that (who) is good in his sight wisdom and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, (the task of gathering and collecting) that he may give to him that is good before God.’ (Eccl.2:26) Now hear the Good Book re Daniel and his three friends’ refusal to eat the king’s food in Babylon, most likely because it was offered to idols and also prohibited by Jewish law. All they ate for ten days was pulse (vegetables) and water. ‘As for these four children (young men), God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning (literature) and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.’ (Dan.1:17) And we know that when all the young men were brought before the king, Daniel and his three amigos not only looked the best physically, but were also adjudged to be the brightest mentally. Why? Because Infinitely Everything gave them the wisdom, strength and will power to overcome Babylon’s indoctrination. Oh Friends, there are numerous passages in the Good Book on wisdom, but we’ll close with one spoken by Jesus, when He rebuked the people in the areas where He’d done most of His work, and yet they still did not believe and repent. ‘At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save (except) the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.’ (Matt.11:25-27) Oh my people, the Lord God is the giver of all good things. Even Jesus recognized it and bowed to His unfailing wisdom. So who are we, mere mortals, creations of God, to dispute His wisdom and plans eh? Oh Friends, to make it as believers, it’s essential we stay in close contact with the Lord and His Holy Word. Till we meet again, God willing, please tread the straight and narrow, so that He will bless us with wisdom and understanding through His Holy Spirit. Much LOVE!…but we preach Christ crucified…unto them which are called…both Jews and Greeks…the power of God…and the wisdom of God… (1 Cor.1:23-24)