SCRIP-BITS

Psalm 122:1.    I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
 
Oh Friends, it’s a gloomy Thursday morning in my area after lots of rain and stuff last night. But since we’re pilgrims on this earth, we’ve got to diligently plod on despite our circumstances. And though the day seems gloomy, our spirits are definitely not; they’re soaring with joy, because we know that all the good things like blessings and mercies that God gives us each new day are waiting for us to gratefully accept. So we say a bright and appreciative, ‘Thank you Lord!’ And our Bit today contains one of the best ideas we can ever have or put forward, and putting it into practice only enhances it a hundred fold. ‘I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.’ Wow! What a glorious sentiment! What better place to go than to God’s house eh? To sit and talk, meditate and communicate with Him in His own appointed place. What an awesome opportunity and pleasure! That’s why going to church is so highly recommended to believers. There’s just something different and unusual about being in God’s house; a feeling, a presence that we don’t or can’t seem to get anywhere else. The scholars believe that this psalm was written after a pilgrimage to Jerusalem: ‘Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of (as a testimony to) Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are set the thrones of judgement, the thrones of the house of David.’ (Ps.122:4-5) Yes my Friends, to give thanks to our amazing and wonderful God is one reason we go to church, but also to fellowship with other believers, for there is strength in numbers, and to find peace and comfort in our souls, for sometimes the aura of God just seems to be more plentiful in His house than anywhere else. Now let’s look at some scriptures which show that going to the tabernacle, temple, church, sanctuary, whatever you call the place where God has set up shop, so to speak, has always been, and will continue to be, a very important part of believers’ lives. Listen first to the master prophet, Isaiah, talking about the day of the Lord: ‘And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’ (Is.2:3) The prophet Micah, in reference to turning swords into ploughshares, says the same thing in Chap.4:2, almost quoting Isaiah word for word. And Zechariah, in talking of the promised restoration of Jerusalem, boldly proclaims: ‘Thus saith the Lord of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people(s), and the inhabitants of many cities: And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another saying, Let us go speedily (continually) to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord.’ (Zech.8:20-22) Oh my people, that promise, like all the others of our most faithful God, was kept; Jerusalem was restored and even to this day, though it’s embroiled in turmoil and strife, thousands of people make pilgrimages to God’s city every year. How great is our God eh? Now all of us can’t make pilgrimages to Jerusalem, but we can certainly go to our local church, tabernacle, sanctuary or temple where God has established a physical place of communion and restoration for us. And if by chance you don’t believe me, (smile) then check out Jesus’ itinerary when He walked amongst us here on earth. No one spent more quiet time alone, communicating with the Father than Him. That shows our great need to do likewise. He also never missed an opportunity to preach and teach in the temple, and wherever He found Himself on the Sabbath, He always honoured the Father by going to fellowship in that area. So how can we do any less eh my brethren? In closing, let me share a saying which declares that ‘sometimes an empty church has more room for God.’ Now, from personal experience, I’ve found that to be quite true. Fellowship with others in church is right and good, but sometimes our individual spirits just need some one on one time with the Father in His house with nobody or nothing to distract us. Unfortunately nowadays churches, like most other public buildings, are locked up when they’re not in use. But if you’re ever lucky enough to pass by an open church, just step inside and sit for a while. Oh Friends, you’ll be amazed at the quantity and quality of vibes you’ll receive just sitting there quietly drinking in God’s holy and peaceful presence! Till tomorrow then mih people, our God in favour, please walk safely with Him, for He’s our strong rock and sure salvation. Much Love!…there’s no feeling so pleasurable and uplifting…as private communication with Almighty God…