SCRIP-BITS

Ah Friends, the days are beginning to get chilly in the northern climes, bringing thoughts of that lovely season, winter, to mind. Wow! You all know I’m joking, right? But the truth is that it will soon get real cold and miserable, though we hardy northerners will bear it staunchly and not allow it to stop us from enjoying our social season, for that’s when we really go out and socialize and party. Summer is for vacations in the country. It’s like the quote of the unknown author who says: ‘There are three good reasons to be a teacher – June, July and August.’ – holiday time for teachers. When I first came to Canada, that situation struck me as being backward. Why would you brave the rigours of winter to go to school and socialize, and waste the summer vacationing? But I eventually discovered that it does make sense. You can’t stay cooped up inside for at least three months of the year, though many attempt it. And going to school and otherwise in the winter, does make you a hardy soul. Being a follower of the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob also helps a lot in conquering the winter woes and blahs. That’s because, as our Bit says: ‘Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.’ Oh Friends, I can tell you some stories about moments in my winter journeys, especially the early ones, that if I hadn’t had faith in Almighty God, I wouldn’t be writing this now. And back then my faith was nowhere as strong and open as it is now. But on several occasions, I can vividly recall the Lord in His grace, mercy and righteousness, lifting, or rather extricating me from those dire situations. In hindsight, when I look back at my life, not only in winter, but in all seasons, there are numerous occasions when the Lord, in His righteousness, graciously and mercifully helped me to escape serious misfortune. I for one, can never doubt His exceeding goodness to the undeserving children of men. Bruh David certainly got it right when He says in his psalm of praise: ‘The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy (gracious) in all his works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.’ (Ps.145:17-19) Yes Friends, when we revere the Lord and seriously try to walk in His ways, He will guide and protect us. Poor Jeremiah knew this when he claimed: ‘Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee…’ But then he proceeded to query God’s judgement, having seen the wicked prosper and the deceitful happy. (Jer.12:1) Anyway people, despite the same things happening today, we know that God has a plan to exterminate the workers of iniquity, all in His good time. That great visionary Daniel, in praying for his ungodly people solemnly declared: ‘Therefore hath the Lord watched upon the evil (kept the disaster in store), and brought it upon us: for the Lord our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.’ (Dan.9:14) Oh my brethren, doesn’t that sound just like what’s happening in our world today? We have turned away from God, and consequently, the devastating calamity He promised to those who disobey His Word, it’s now befalling our wicked, sinful world. My Friends, please remember that our God is indeed a wonderful Deity to those who sincerely LOVE and obey His statutes. However, for the rebellious, disobedient children of sinful men, He’s promised certain death and destruction. And though He’s widely known for His grace, mercy and righteousness, He’s also known to be very faithful in keeping ALL His promises. So please, I implore us not to be taken in by the enemy, and follow in the footsteps of the wicked, thinking that nothing will ever happen to us. That’s a fool’s wisdom, for the Good Book Says otherwise, and there are numerous examples throughout History proving it to be true. Please place your trust in the Lord God Jehovah, so that you and your descendants might live. Much LOVE!…you can choose to live with God…or die with Beelzebub…but as for me and mine…we will live with the Lord…