SCRIP-BITS

Job 23:10.     But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 
 
Oh Friends, isn’t wonderful when you talk to someone you haven’t spoken to in ages, only to discover that they also have a strong faith in God and an earnest desire to serve Him, like you do? It sure is! Yesterday I called an old friend to offer my condolences on the unfortunate and sudden passing of one of his children, and you wouldn’t believe the enthusiasm we both expressed in living for God. It was certainly a revealing and refreshing moment for me. Now here’s a quote from Robert Nathan that gives us some good insight into living this earthly life. ‘Give thanks for sorrow that teaches you pity; for pain that teaches you courage – and give exceeding thanks for the mystery which remains a mystery still – the veil that hides you from the infinite, which makes it possible for you to believe in what you cannot see.’ Those are true words my people! We can’t always run away from problems, or be always courageous either, but whatever fear we feel, we’ve got to handle it with inner strength, which means entrusting it to our heavenly Father, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit, because strengthening us is one of His many purposes. That brings us to our Bit, where poor Job, beset by calamity and fickle friends, proudly proclaims: ‘But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.’ Oh Friends, what a stirring moment it would be in heaven, if most believers could say that with authority and true sincerity! Anyway, yesterday we looked at scriptures on the first part of our Bit: ‘But he knoweth the way that I take.’ Today, let’s check out some on the second part: ‘when he hath tried me, I shall come forth like gold.’ First up are some words from Bruh David in a prayer for protection against oppressors. ‘Thou hast proved (tested) mine heart; thou hast visited me (searched me out) in the night; thou hast tried (examined) me, and shalt find nothing (evil): I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.’ (Ps.17:3) What confidence my brethren! Bruh David really had it going on with the Father! Now listen to these heartfelt words of the psalmist in talking of the great works of God: ‘For thou, O God, hast proved (tested) us: thou hast tried (refined) us, as silver is tried (refined). Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy (an abundant) place.’ (Ps.66:10-12) Wow Friends! Those truly are encouraging sentiments! Please believe them, for they are true, and let’s write them indelibly in our hearts, because they are words for all believers to live by. And finally words from James, who puts it this way: ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proven), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE Him.’ (James 1:12) Yes mih people, trial and testing are an integral part of our earthly journey with Jehovah God, for that’s what brings us more like Jesus. It certainly isn’t an easy row to hoe, but as men of faith have proven, witnessed and testified down through the ages, if we totally trust and surrender our lives to the Lord’s will, though He tests us harshly and constantly, He will eventually bring us out safely and we’ll be much the better for it. That’s His promise. Please believe it, for then your perspective on this earthly life will be greatly enhanced. Much LOVE!…placing our lives entirely in the Father’s hands…that’s the wisest decision we can ever make… P.S. There certainly can be no complaints about the Bit’s length today. (smile) Much LOVE!