SCRIP-BITS

Psalm 29:2.    Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
 
Oh Friends, it’s time for a break from all the complexities and horrors of life, so today I’m endeavouring to talk only about good things. And all God’s people shouted: ‘Glory Hallelujah!’ (smile) And we can begin by giving thanks that we’re alive and kicking, with a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, food on the table and a job to go to that provides us with money for the necessities of life, all courtesy of our magnanimous God. So let’s offer therefore, a loud and grateful ‘Thank you Lord, for all the mercies and blessings you’re bestowing on us this wonderful day! We praise you, and bless your Holy Name!’ And in keeping with that attitude, here’s a quote attributed to Luther Burbank, the American Botanist: ‘Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.’ And isn’t that the living truth Friends! Flowers make us feel so much better, just by seeing and smelling them. They bring a warmth and appreciation for Mother Nature to our souls, where before we had a cold, disgusting feeling. And why do they work that magic on us? Because they are one of God’s many gifts to us, bringing beauty, romance and a certain light heartedness to our troubled spirits. That’s what nature is all about; to open the windows of our souls, our eyes, and calm the raging beast therein. Our God doesn’t do anything without a purpose. He knew that we would have moments of loneliness, of heartache and pain and thus imbued his nature creations with a beauty and serenity that would calm and refresh our hurting hearts. That’s why we ought to do as Bruh David says in our Bit: ‘Give (Ascribe) unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty (majesty) of holiness.’ Yes Friends, for all the Lord has done for us, is currently doing, and will do in the future, He certainly deserves our never ending praise, worship and the glorification of His Holy Name! And remember this too my brethren, our God never tires of our reverence and service, praise and thanks, because that’s exactly why He created us; to serve and fellowship with Him. What a wonderful Creator! Now hear how our God relishes our praise. Back when several nations got together to invade Judah, King Jehoshaphat prayed for the Lord’s intervention, because he knew he couldn’t defeat the combined armies. (2 Chr.20:1-12) The Lord sent this message through His Spirit to a young man named Jahaziel, telling them not to worry: ‘Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ (2 Chr.20:15) They wouldn’t even have to fight: ‘Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set (position) yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.’ (2 Chr.20:17) And they all fell down and worshipped the Lord. Next day, they arose and did as God told them. As they were going out, ‘Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper. And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth forever. And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.’ (2 Chr.20:20-22) Yes Friends, while the people sang praises to God, He confused their enemies so that they killed off each other and Judah enjoyed great spoil without having to lift a finger, just their voices in prayer and praise. (2 Chr.20:23-25) Ah mih people, our God does move in mysterious ways, but praise and worship will always touch His heart, for that is what He enjoys and deserves. That means praise and worship ought to be a big part of our lives, for it doesn’t only please God, but it also strengthens us and makes us joyful. So if you want to be strong and joyful…Praise the Lord! And we’ll close with a few verses from Psalm 96, a call to praise God: ‘O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Sing unto the Lord, bless his name; show forth (proclaim the good news of) his salvation from day to day…Give (ascribe) unto the Lord, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: fear (tremble) before him all the earth.’ (Ps.96:1-2,7-9) Yes my people, our great God is certainly worthy to have all the accolades we offer Him, so let’s keep offering them nuh, with grateful hearts and loud voices. Much LOVE!…God’s face lights up with sunshine…and His heart jumps for joy…when His earthly children praise and worship Him…