SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, our world seems to be crumbling right before our very eyes, and also under our very feet. Instead of finding true and lasting solutions to our existing problems, we apply band-aid solutions where possible, because everyday brings a host of new problems. If it’s not another natural disaster, it’s a new theatre of strife and war, more economic faltering or famine and sickness. So what are we to make of it all eh? Most of us are too small in political stature and economic power to make a sizeable impression on the world stage, but we can all make a difference in our own backyards, starting with our families, friends and neighbours. We first have to fix the problems at the local, grassroots level, because that’s where most of them originate, and if we don’t, then they escalate to worldwide problems. Before we can do anything worthwhile though, we need a strong lifeline to personally hold on to, a solid foundation to build on, something that will give us the strength, wisdom, enthusiasm and staying power that is essential for making a difference in this evil, confused and ungodly world. And the only place to get that secure lifeline and solid foundation is in the lifeline of hope, the solid foundation based on our proven faith in the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for He ALONE has the wherewithal to substantially change things. But for that to happen, we have to work with Him, not against Him, as so many of us today seem intent on doing. Oh my people, if Almighty God created the universe and all therein and still controls it, who better to turn to for help eh? The Good Book, the holy and truthful Word of the Lord says so, so it must be so. And Bruh David in his godly wisdom puts it nicely in our Bit: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament (expanse of heaven), showeth his handiwork (the work of his hands).’ Yesterday we saw how the Lord spoke the world into existence. (Gen.1:1-5), today it’s the firmament: ‘And God said, Let there be a firmament (expanse) in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.’ (Gen.1:6-8) So in the first two days, we have a basic structure; a sort of upstairs – heaven, and a downstairs – land and water. And thus it went on, until the seventh day when the Lord was satisfied with His creation and rested. Now when we look at this mammoth creation, so tied in together like clockwork and self-sufficient in all aspects, how can we not see the hand of a great Creator? That’s what Bruh David saw, and he uses the first six verses of Psalm 19 to prove that a powerful creative force, namely God, does exist. I like how the scholars put it: ‘The heavens are God’s preachers in the sky who proclaim 24 hours a day the truth that God exists (vv.1,2); furthermore they speak a universal language (vv.3,4).’ In light of those remarks, it’s only fitting that we share those verses. ‘Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth (reveals) knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line (measuring line) is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle (tent) for the sun. Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth (rising) is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.’ (Ps.19:2-6) Oh Friends, the very fact of day and night happening from the beginning of time, one after the other every 24 hours, and all over the earth, speaks volumes about our Creator. And note how Bruh David describes the sun as a most fetching bridegroom, as it rises above the horizon, and goes about its daily journey, from one end of the earth to the other, without fail, as a strong man running a race. To top it all off; nothing escapes the sun’s heat. Consequently my brethren, there is only one place, one Being to turn to for lasting help; the Lord God Almighty. Unfortunately though, a major portion of the earth’s inhabitants have turned away from the Most High God, so He’s left us to our own devices, to stew in the pot of our evil, lustful and worldly ways. Therefore to get help from Him, we’ve got to return to obediently serving and worshipping Him with true hearts, minds and souls. Oh Friends, I don’t know how many of our problems stem from our disobedience and rebellion to God’s Word, but I’m sure some of it is directly connected to that. It says so in the Good Book from Genesis to Revelation. So let’s smarten up and return to our godly ways nuh. Like Jesus’ story of the Prodigal Son, (Luke 15:11-32) the Lord promises to greet us with open arms when we come to Him in repentance. So why are so reluctant and stubborn to take Him up on His offer? He alone knows. And we’ll end with a fitting Eastern Proverb: ‘The acts of this life are the destiny of the next.’ And that’s gospel mih breddren; whatever we do in this life will determine what happens to us in the next! Much LOVE!…him that hath ears to hear…let him hear…