SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, it’s Monday! And the immediate response is a loud snort and an angry ‘Steups!’ Hn, hn! Yes Friends, regardless of how much we dislike Mondays, we should really learn to take it in stride since we can’t get away from it. Let’s be thankful that in our society we only have to work five days a week. In some others seven days a week is the norm, there’s no weekend off. However, to chase those Monday blues, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, which should get us revved up and going. With one loud and sincere voice now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And now that our bleary eyes are fully opened, it’s time to consider our Bit: ‘I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man.’ Ah Friends, it’s always tough to assume great responsibility when it’s thrust upon us by someone’s death, especially at a young age, like Cousin Sol becoming king of Israel in early manhood. But as we saw yesterday, Bruh David gave him the best advice possible under the circumstances; to continue seeking the God of his forefathers, like he did, and all would be well with him. It’s the same advice Moses gave Joshua when his time came. ‘And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ (Deut.31:7-8)  Yes my people, it is the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob who causes us to prosper on this earth; nothing or no one else! If we walk steadfastly with Him, then our footsteps will be well guided on the rough and rocky path that’s this earthly life, and eventually we’ll be called home to heaven to spend eternity with Him. God’s effective and beneficial guidance was indelibly proven by Israel’s escape from bondage in Israel, and when Joshua’s time came to depart this earth, he strenuously reminded the people of that fact. ‘And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.’ (Josh.23:14) Yes Friends, ALL God’s promises were fulfilled concerning Israel, yet they veered so often away from His path that it boggles the imagination. Unfortunately, it’s the same thing that we have done; in the time of prosperity, turned our backs on our Creator, who only desires to LOVINGLY lead and guide us to green pastures, beside peaceful waters. Ah mih breddren, we certainly won’t get any marks for wisdom in this life if we insist on choosing to bypass the wonders of salvation and eternal life that are associated with Infinitely Everything, and hang instead with the fallen angel Beelzebub who reigns over the kingdom of death, destruction and eternal damnation. Now let’s close with these words of wisdom from Bruh David to Cousin Sol; words that put the whole matter into its proper perspective. ‘Only the Lord give thee wisdom and understanding, and give thee charge concerning Israel, that thou mayest keep the law of the Lord thy God. Then shalt thou prosper, if thou takest heed to fulfill the statutes and judgements which the Lord charged (commanded) Moses with concerning Israel: be strong, and of good courage; dread not, nor be dismayed.’ (1 Chr.22:12-13) That says it all Friends! Please, let’s take that wise advice and run with it, for we desperately need it today. Much LOVE!…hearken to the Word…and it will always lead you aright…