SCRIP-BITS

Job 12:13.    With him (God) is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
 
Oh Friends, welcome to a wet and gloomy Wednesday (really Tuesday), courtesy of a thunderstorm that wailed through my area a couple of hours ago. The wind and the rain weren’t too bad, but the lightning was sure powerful and pretty, lighting up my room like daylight, and old Thor played a strong, extended solo on his thunder clapper set. (smile) But I guess, after having two beautiful days like we’ve had on Monday and Tuesday (really Sunday and Monday), it’s only normal to expect an imperfect one. And in keeping with that thought on the land, here’s a quote attributed to George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Anne Evans, the British 19th century writer, taken from the Covenant House Calendar for June: It simply states: ‘We could never have LOVED the earth so well if we had no childhood in it.’ And that’s a fact Friends. Our LOVE for the earth and all therein is based to a great extent on our growing up on it. When we grow with something, we get comfortable with it and most of the time appreciate it more. And come to think of it, that thunderstorm might have just been the Good Lord setting the stage, preparing the land for the rather hot day we’ve been promised. Whatever the reason though, we can be assured that it’s only for our benefit, since that’s the way our God works. As our Bit so calmly and wisely declares: ‘With him (God), is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.’ Truer words were never spoken my brethren, for the Lord of all creation is indeed wise and mighty! How could He not be, having created such an awe inspiring creation, then controlling it with His powerful hand? Yesterday we heard Job acknowledging God’s amazing wisdom and power, today, let’s listen to his supposed friend, Elihu, do the same. ‘Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor (justice to the oppressed).’ (Job 36:5-6) And yet again when he counselled Job on God’s works and wisdom. ‘Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out; he is excellent in power, and in judgement, and in plenty of (abundant) justice: he will not afflict (oppress). Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.’ (Job 37:23-24) Oh Friends, those are such true and excellent descriptions of our kind and ever-LOVING God! Our mortal brains are way too small and imperfect to understand, to comprehend His awesome Being, therefore we must revere and respect Him, as we tend to do to any human potentate, while remembering His total dislike of pride and conceit in His most glorious creation. And what better way to end out Bit than with the immortal words of Bruh Paul to the young pastor Timothy, re the good fight of faith: ‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth (gives life to) all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession. That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable (blameless), until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall show (manifest), who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.’ (1 Tim.6:11-16) Yes Friends, our God is the amazing and all-powerful Being who created and rules the universe. Let us never forget that, and thus walk with our heads held high, shoulders back, with joy overflowing from our hearts, being manifested through big, friendly smiles on our faces, while displaying a physical attitude of helpful LOVE like Jesus did. I pray this in Jesus Name. Amen. Much LOVE mih people!…he who shows sincere respect and reverence for his Creator…will be well rewarded…both in this life…and the next…