SCRIP-BITS

Psalm 116:5.    Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.
 
Oh Friends, are you enjoying the manna, the mercies, the blessings, the protection that’s flowing down to you this new day from our great and wonderful God? I sincerely hope so. If not, then you’re missing out on the best part of this earthly life. Everyday we have new opportunities to step up higher, to grow our faith and to further God’s kingdom, but we have to reach out for those opportunities and the goodness our God provides. Those things won’t just fall in our laps while we sit and wait. No Friends, we have a big part to play in the relationship with God, which entails getting up and doing, asking for and accepting. Remember Christianity means action; active not sedentary living. Unfortunately though, too many of us believers are living the sedentary life, enjoying all the creature comforts the world provides, thus getting obese in body, sloppy and uncaring in mind and spirit. That lifestyle certainly detracts from our witness in honour of a most kind, LOVING and caring God, as so truthfully proclaimed by our Bit. ‘Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.’ And all God’s people jumped for joy and shouted: ‘Praise Him, Praise Him, Glory Hallelujah! He is LOVE! He is LOVE!’ Yes Friends, the God we serve and worship is a most excellent Deity! Just in that one verse, He’s described as being ‘gracious, righteous and merciful.’ Wow! No other supposed god possesses all those exemplary qualities! He’s been the same since day one, so it’s obviously been widely noted over the years by the many who have faithfully revered and worshipped Him, while finding favour in His sight. Hear Bruh David on the subject, in thanksgiving for God’s mercy. ‘The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous (abounding) in mercy (LOVING-kindness). He will not always chide (strive): neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy (LOVING-kindness) toward them that fear him.’ (Ps.103:8-11) Oh Friends, Bruh David wrote those encouraging and inspiring words many moons ago, but they’re still very true today because our God doesn’t change. However, we have to get up and claim these benefits by faithfully communicating with the Lord. As I said earlier, it just won’t fall in our sedentary laps, as too many believers expect it to. My brethren, let’s get one thing straight about our God: He’s not in the handout business; He’s not just there to satisfy our selfish desires! He is indeed a good God, but as the saying goes, we have to earn most of our keep. If we work on His behalf, then he will reward us. But if we simply dawdle on our fannies and do nothing constructive to further His kingdom, then He won’t do much to uplift us either. Always remember that God’s covenant with us is a two way street; if we do our part, then God will do His. Now listen to Ezra’s testimony. Another man of great faith who went through much tribulation on the Lord’s behalf, but stood resolute and strong, and eventually succeeded in his mission, obviously with God’s help. ‘O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.’ (Ezra 9:15) Yes my people, the Lord looked down with kindness on the Jewish people in captivity in Babylon when they repented of their sinful, ungodly ways and helped them return to their land and eventually rebuild Jerusalem. Oh Friends, it’s the same way He’s waiting on us today to repent of our abominable sinful lifestyle and return to the comfort and shelter of His wide opened, protective and LOVING arms. Until we sincerely do that my people, our world will be awash with calamity and disaster. More on this tomorrow, if we don’t read our names in the obits. Till then, please, let’s WALK GOOD, LIVE GOOD, TALK GOOD, AND DO GOOD! Much LOVE!…he who hath ears to hear…let him hear…or he will eventually pay and exorbitant price for his disobedience…