SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, sorry for this being so late, but like the three hour time difference between Toronto and Vegas finally got to me. I just could not get up this morning. And seeing that I’m now living on Vegas time for the next few days, it might appear late to many of you, though to me it will be normal. But getting down to more important matters: Friends, our North American world is a mess! What with a serious hurricane on the East Coast and a heat wave on the West, things are pretty bad. Hurricane Irene seems to be mercilessly battering the East Coast, and temps in Vegas and the surrounding area will be over a hundred for another day, with no sign of it cooling down for the week. But the heat certainly doesn’t stop the Vegas strip from humming, as it was last night. Checked it out myself, but though the buildings are nice, the whole atmosphere is a tad too gaudy, superficial and excessive for my liking. And sadly, the people who could possibly least afford to lose money, are the ones giving it to the casinos in droves. But who am I to judge their business eh, when I can barely handle my own? (smile) Anyway, the more important matter right now is the mass evacuation of the East Coast, especially the shutting down of New York City. Wow! Who would have ever thought it? Irene must be really considered a high level threat for such ominous warnings to be issued and dire actions taken. Please, let’s pray for all those caught up in it. And for those of you who read the Bit, I sure hope you can do so today, whatever your situation, and that it will give you some much needed encouragement, help you keep your faith strong so that you can successfully ride out whatever problems you’re currently encountering. Now turning to our Bit: ‘Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away (rejected) concerning faith have made (suffered) shipwreck.’ Yes my brethren, that holding of faith is an extremely important aspect of a believer’s life. In fact, it’s our spiritual life support system! Bruh Paul thought it essential to warn Timothy of it in the battle against evil because some of their fellow believers had either made light of or rejected the gospel, only to suffer irreparable damage afterwards. Unfortunately Friends, the same thing applies to our times. Many of us have either completely rejected the gospel of Christ, or have been merely luke warm about our faith and have  indeed suffered some serious setbacks because of it. Who knows if much of the calamity we’re presently undergoing, in all walks of life, might even be a result of our collective sinful, ungodly living? In any case people, it’s time for all men to turn to God, to repent of our sinful, evil ways, and gratefully accept the forgiveness, the mercy and saving grace of our wonderful, ever-LOVING God. It’s time to be wise and faithful! As James so wisely advises: ‘Is any among you afflicted (suffering)? let him pray. Is any merry (cheerful)? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults (trespasses) one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual (effective) fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ (James 5:13-16) Yes Friends, that’s the sure prescription for whatever ails us! And believe me, a lot of negative stuff is ailing us these days! But with strong faith in a faithful God, we can conquer anything that comes against us. And just to remind us of our God’s faithfulness and our wisdom in trusting Him, let’s listen to these very encouraging words of Jeremiah, when he was going through some very rough times. ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam.3:21-23) Please hold on tightly to those words and the great hope they signify, my people! Whatever storm we’re going through right now, whether it be literal or figurative, the Lord God Almighty, Creator of the heavens, earth and all therein, He will see us through it all, if we cling to Him in sincere faith! So let’s just hang on to Him for dear life, and He will never let us down! Much LOVE!…the only remedy for fear…strong faith in Almighty God…