SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, the ole fella is in a bleh mood. Nothing’s really wrong, but I guess it’s one of those times when we feel down spirited for no good reason. And having said that, here’s an insight which some of us might not realize. It’s a quote from the ‘Hidden Treasures, abundant living in the riches of proverbs,’ by Gloria Copeland. No I haven’t finished reading it as yet. (smile) It says: ‘The Counselor Himself, the Holy Spirit, lives in your spirit to lead and guide you – but you have to take the time to draw from the deep waters of His counsel.’ Now that’s an overwhelming fact in a believer’s life my people! Once we’ve accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us, but if we don’t pay careful attention, talk to and listen to Him, His presence will be all for nought. It just doesn’t happen by osmosis, but by specific action on the believer’s part. The same thing applies to our Bit. ‘He maketh me to lie down in green pastures (pastures of tender green grass): he leadeth me beside the still waters (waters of rest).’ If we don’t get actively involved in the whole Christianity action Friends, then we’re just wasting Christ’s time and ours. How do you think the shepherd finds green pastures for his sheep, or calm waters for them to rest by? He has to actively search out these places, and then the sheep must be willing, trust Him enough to follow His lead and guidance. Now yesterday we saw how Jesus used the shepherd and sheep analogy to help us understand what He’s all about. But my brethren, the whole thing is a partnership between Jesus and those who choose to believe in Him. Jesus has already done His part, and it’s up to us now to do ours; listen carefully to Him, through His Spirit that dwells in us, then follow Him by taking the necessary action that helps us stay true to our beliefs.  And though that’s a pretty tall order living in this violent, greedy, evil world, Jesus has made it much easier by calling us to Him with His great invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly (gentle and humble) in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt.11:28-30) Oh Friends, how many of us have taken that invitation to heart and truly accepted it eh? Not nearly sufficient of us, I’m afraid, else our world would not be in the mess it’s in! But that’s also one of the ways that the Good Shepherd is leading us to a place of nourishment and rest beside calm streams of water. Once we hold on to His proffered hand, wherein lies strength, safety, security and provision, the stress and strain of this wicked world will no longer affect us to the degree that it does when we try to handle it on our own. And that’s where Jesus wins them all my people; in the sure strength and majesty of His awesome power backed by His unrivalled LOVING-kindness! Oh Friends, truly walking with Jesus ought to bring at least one thing to our humble spirits; a sense of peace, an awareness that things are under control, and we don’t have to worry though we’re surrounded by hell fire and brimstone, because our Good Shepherd has us resting beside calm and peaceful waters, munching rich and nourishing grass. And if we don’t have that peace of mind as a believer, then something’s wrong, something’s getting in the way of our communication with the Most High God, and we need to fix it ASAP. And here’s one more thing which many believers overlook; the onus is on us to accept Jesus, and allow Him to live through us. Jesus doesn’t owe us anything. He’s already sacrificed His life, thereby paving the way for us to come to salvation and eternal life. It’s like the law of offer and acceptance: The spilling of His precious blood offers us a way to escape death and eternal separation from Almighty God. Now it’s up to us to accept or decline that offer. And declining Jesus’ superb offer is the biggest mistake we can ever make in this earthly life, for the ramifications will sadly haunt us till eternity. There’s no other offer than can even come close, for acceptance also means living under His wonderful yoke into the next life. Hear John, the beloved disciple, tell it as the Holy Spirit revealed it to him. He saw a numberless multitude, dressed in white robes, sitting before the throne of God, offering thanks and praise, honour and glory: ‘These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in the temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on (strike) them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed (shepherd) them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears (every tear) from their eyes.’ (Rev.7:14-17) That’s the beautiful reality true believers have to look forward to Friends! You’d be crazy not to grab it NOW, while there is yet time, and hold on to it for dear life! I know I’m going to. Hope you are too. Much LOVE!…as for me and mine…we’ll follow the Good Shepherd…to the ends of the earth…and even beyond…   P.S. I’m no longer in a bleh mood, but full of energy and vitality! (smile)