SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, it’s another beautiful day in God’s universe! It’s also fitting that we give some thanks for being so blessed to see it. And a loud shout rises up to heaven: ‘Thank you Lord!’ Unfortunately though my people, today is also Monday, that dreaded first day of the workweek. However that dread only affects the unbelievers, for we followers of Christ have an in with the Most High God, through prayer, which helps us to come up above the normal human fear and anxiety. And on a Monday we offer the Monday Morning Battle Hymn, asking for strength and guidance. So in one, loud, cohesive, ‘anthemic’ voice, (smile) let’s sing it out like we mean it. ‘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 incredible 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!’ And again Friends, I have to marvel at how our Monday Morning Battle Hymn lines up so nicely with our Bit: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ Extremely powerful and moving words of faith, encouragement and truth my brethren! For even though we find ourselves in the deepest, darkest valley, of disappointment, misfortune, sickness, or whatever negative circumstances the world throws at us, even if it verges on physical death, we ought to stand strong in our faith, for our God has solemnly promised never to leave or forsake us. And the only way to survive this cruel and wicked world is to stand on the promises of our God. And that’s exactly what Bruh David did, that’s why he could write so surely and forcefully about it. But Job, the father of patience, cursed the day he was born when his horrible trials befell him. ‘Let the day perish wherein I was born, and the night in which it was said, There is a man child (male) conceived. Let that day be darkness; Let not God regard it from above (may God above not seek it), neither let the light shine upon it. Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it (claim it); let a cloud dwell (settle) upon it; let the blackness of the day terrify it.’ (Job 3:3-5) Yes mih people, Job’s troubles were very sorrowful, especially when he seemed to be living a fairly righteous life. But however harsh the reality Friends, unlike Job, we need not go to such lengths and curse the day of our birth, we need to bear up better under the tribulation. And we can do it if we have truly sown the seeds of faith and trust in our wonderful and amazing God deep down in our hearts and souls. It’s not easy, but we can do it if we believe that everything that comes against us has passed through God’s minute examination, and would not have happened if He didn’t see a useful purpose for it. And though Job was absolutely floored by his sudden, unprovoked tribulation, I like how he strongly defends his integrity later on: ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways (defend my ways) before him. He also shall be my salvation: for a hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.’ (Job 13:15-17) Bravo Job! Yes Friends, that’s the way we ought to be; faithful and trusting, regardless of what comes against, knowing deep down that our God works out everything to the good of those who LOVE Him and who are called to do His will. (Rom.8:28) So stand strong my brethren despite the serious upheavals in our world, for the Lord God Jehovah is still in control, and in His time, will make everything right for those who serve and worship Him with a right heart. More on this tomorrow, our God willing. Till then, be sure to LOVE Your God, LIVE Your Faith, and SPREAD His Word! Much LOVE!…only the strong survive…only the strong survive…