SCRIP-BITS

Ah mih people, it’s promising to be another hot, humid day in July, though not as hot as Thursday, when we reached temps of 37.9 Celsius, the hottest day in July for many a year. Rain has also been forecasted for some areas, but that hasn’t happened as yet. It’s coming though, only on the Lord’s timetable. Anyway, on this muggy Saturday morning, even if we are somewhat uncomfortable, let’s stand strong in our faith, ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith…’ (Heb.12:2) and also ‘…the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.’ (Heb.5:9) That means, regardless of what’s happening in our lives and the world at large, believers ought always to keep looking to Jesus for strength, leadership and guidance. It is not always an easy task to manage when the pressures of life come against us, but our faith requires it. Turning to Jesus in faith during those difficult times also helps us grow, builds our maturity in the Christian walk, which is essential if we want to become true images of Jesus in this fallen world. That is why, Bruh David, when he fled from his rebellious son Absalom, could say in Psalm 3, a prayer of confidence in God: ‘But thou, O Lord, art a shield for (around) me; my glory, and the lifter up of (the one who lifts up) mine head.’ He knew exactly where his strength and salvation lay; with the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient God of his fathers. And the same still stands true for us today Friends. The Lord God Jehovah is still our rock, our solid foundation and sure refuge, the one who will walk and talk with us through whatever problems we face, and bring us out safely at the end of them all. As Bruh David so gloriously proclaimed in Psalm 5, a prayer for protection: ‘But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest (protect) them: let them also that LOVE thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass (surround) him as with a shield.’ (Ps.5:11-12) And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! The Lord will certainly bless and keep from harm those who obey Him, so it’s only fitting that believers rejoice and shout for joy because we are confident in the Lord’s promises to safeguard the righteous. And if that doesn’t move your spirit, (smile) then hear this from Psalm 28, Bruh David’s prayer for God’s help: ‘Blessed be the Lord, because he hath heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.’ (Ps.28:6-7) Yes Friends, when we place our sincere trust in Almighty God, surrender our will completely to His, then there’s nothing He won’t do for us. He becomes our strength and shield, our provider and protector. We therefore have great reason to rejoice and sing His praises. As our Bit says, the Lord’s also our glory and the lifter of our heads. Now isn’t His glory a spectacular sight to behold! His throne in the heavens all dressed in splendour, and Jesus, our Lord, Saviour and Advocate sitting at His right hand, with the angels singing praises while they do His bidding! His glory is transferred to us when we humbly and obediently seek Him with a pure heart. His Holy Spirit is born within us causing us to lift up our heads in confidence, throw back our shoulders and walk proudly as befits a child of the Most High God, thinking powerful, positive thoughts like: ‘If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom.8:31) ‘The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Ps.27:1)  ‘And now shall mine head be lifted up (in honour) above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.’ (Ps.27:6) Oh my people, the Lord God Jehovah is our mainstay: He created us, provides for and protects us, then receives us in glory. Now since He’s so very good to the undeserving children of men, that’s reason enough for us to worship Him with joy and loudly sing His praises for all to hear! My people, let’s think seriously on the things we’ve spoken of today, and accordingly give our God the great praise, worship and obedience He deserves. As believers, that’s our bounden duty. Much LOVE!…Oh, when I remember the good things my God has done for me…I just want to jump for joy…and sing and praise His Holy Name…