SCRIP-BITS

1 Timothy 2:1.    I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.
 
Oh Friends, it’s March, and the lion of winter has come in fairly quietly, with just a bit of cold, no snow or stormy winds…well not yet. But we believers, though we complain some, we don’t let that sort of thing worry us because it’s all part of nature, and there’s nothing we can do about it anyway. However, here is something that we can all do, which will benefit us tremendously: ‘Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child.’ That’s taken from the March calendar of Covenant House, the fine organization that helps homeless teens in Toronto, and is attributed to Ron Wild. It’s a wise quote, for though we’re to seek and gain the wisdom of the world and of God, the essence of heaven can only be seen through the unquestioning child-like faith and trust that children display. Jesus specified this when He admonished the disciples for preventing some children to come to Him for blessing. ‘Suffer (allow the) little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’ (Mat.19:14) In that same vein, to avoid the confusion, resentment, hate, anger and violence that surrounds our everyday lives from seeping into our souls, we also need to look at the world through those same child-like eyes. If we don’t, the world and all its problems will surely drive us bonkers, or more bonkers, since some of us are already off our rockers. (smile) But enough of all this crazy talk, let’s check out our Bit. ‘I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.’ Over the last few days we’ve been looking at the different types of prayers Bruh Paul set forth for Timothy, and the reasons why he thought prayers should be offered ‘for all men.’ The first reason was for those in authority, so we could enjoy peace all around us. (1 Tim.2:2) The second was because it pleases God very much. (1 Tim.2:3) And the third reason, which we’ll explore today, is. ‘Who will (desires to) have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.’ (1 Tim.2:4) Yes Friends, such prayers enable salvation to be wrought in our lives, for God wants all His children to be saved. And He makes this quite clear, not once, but twice in the same passage of Ezekiel. ‘Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?… For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.’ (Ezek.18:23,32) So mih people, though our God won’t put up with our sinful shenanigans, deep down, His utmost desire is for every single soul He created to be saved. And He’s already done His part; providing salvation and eternal life through Jesus. It’s now left up to us to accept those wonderful free gifts, if we desire the best for our immortal souls. And steadfast prayer is one way by which we can accomplish that. As for all men attaining to the knowledge of truth? That’s simple. Listen to Jesus as He lifts His eyes to heaven and prays for his people. ‘Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power (authority) over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.’ (John 17:1-3) Now that’s the living and eternal truth my brethren! And here is Bruh Paul’s corollary to Jesus’ statement. ‘For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time…I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.’ (1 Tim.2:5-6,8) So Friends, the synopsis is that prayer is very valuable in each and every area of our lives. Without it, we’d be like a rudderless ship, adrift on a stormy sea, being tossed to and fro, without any guidance and direction. But when prayer is a major part of our lives…Wow! It means there’s a helmsman at the wheel of our lives, Our God, who brings peace, stability and calm to all our relationships: first of all, that with Him, that with ourselves, then those with our fellow men. Oh my Friends, we can’t ask for a more valuable tool. So if we truly desire real peace and calm in our lives, and in our world, both the first and last step is prayer. Let’s make some serious efforts to improve our prayer lives then nuh mih people, because both our turbulent world and us desperately need it. Much LOVE!…and he spake a parable unto them…to this end…that men ought always to pray…and not to faint (lose heart)… (Luke 18:1)