SCRIP-BITS

Well hello there my wonderful Friends in Christ! It’s Monday morning! And I hear the groans and moans because that means it’s time to get up and get with the programme. (smile) So let’s start off on the right foot by generating some positive energy into our tired, listless souls by singing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in full voice. All together now: ‘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!’ Oh Friends, we’ve just done what Bruh David declared in our Bit; we’ve asked for guidance and protection! ‘Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.’ (Ps.25:4-5) Yes my people, our day should always be structured around the wishes and desires of our God. Having asked for guidance and direction, then we ought to listen carefully for answers which come through the workings of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us. Now note that those answers aren’t always loud and direct, but oftimes can be just a still, small voice deep down in our souls saying, ‘Yes or no; do that, or don’t do it.’ But if we have been consistent with God, there will always be an answer. It’s our duty to listen for it. And Bruh David wasn’t the only man of faith who pleaded with the Lord for guidance. We find it as far back as Moses, when the Lord drafted him to lead His chosen people out of bondage in Egypt. Moses was complaining about his lack of help for that brutal task. ‘And Moses said unto the Lord, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, show me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people. And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.’ (Ex.33:12-14) So my brethren, even Moses who turned out to be a man of great faith and a great leader had doubts and called on the Lord to help him get rid of them. That answer didn’t even truly satisfy Moses and he persisted, until the Lord decided to show him His back, for anyone who saw His face would die. (Ex.33:15-23) So please don’t be afraid or ashamed to call on the Lord in your time of doubt or uncertainty, for that’s all a part of His Fatherly responsibility, and He delights in been called on, for even the smallest, nitty gritty thing. Oh Friends, our calling on God pleases Him immensely, because it shows that we’re truly desirous of a personal relationship with Him. However, there is one addendum to that; we must contact Him on a regular, if not constant basis, not only when we have problems, but also when times are good. For our relationship with Almighty God to work, there must be one on one, continual, ongoing dialogue between both parties, the same way successful human relationships are built. That way ensures us of a continuous outpouring of His godly guidance in our lives, through the Holy Spirit. Anything less my people, is not good enough. Remember, Jesus operates on a basis of excellence, and His followers are expected to do the same. And we’ll end with a few things that will cause us to ramp up our standard of excellence; namely the seventh instalment of our New Year’s ponderings: ‘This year I will be a good student. I will read the newspaper. I will read as many books as possible. I will watch less television. I will be affectionate and daring. I will use my God-given talents. Especially I will watch for answers to prayer and give God the glory. I will give thanks every day for the LOVE of God.’ Wow! Friends, if we can accomplish those things, then we’re well on our way to excellence! Just be careful about reading the newspapers though, for their basic trade is in bad and sorrowful news, and too much of that is not good for the human soul and psyche. So till tomorrow, God willing, when we’ll continue with this Bit, please do your best and leave the rest to God. Much LOVE!…please remember…that there’s no better person to hang out with than Jesus…but hanging out with Jesus…is an individual decision…no one else can make it for you…