SCRIP-BITS

Hebrews 13:16.     But to do good and to communicate (share) forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
 
Oh Friends, here comes that bright and ever-faithful sun, rising majestically over the horizon, as it has done every day for eons. And just like the sun’s been rising everyday, so too have wonderful blessings and mercies come from the Lord God Jehovah, every single day from the beginning of time. And we have a most faithful promise from our God, that both will continue to do so, until they are no longer necessary. Wow! What an amazing God we worship! Now here’s a Prayer for Hope by Dr. Schuller that I was guided by the Spirit to share, possibly because our world is so mired in quicksand that a torrent of Hope is all that can keep us from going under. It says: ‘I have a strong, serene feeling that God is planning something good for me today. I cannot explain it, but I have a deep feeling that wonderful things are in store for me. I am expecting God to surprise me with His tender mercy. He will turn my hurts into halos. He is guiding my life in such a way that whatever happens to me will prove to be a beautiful blessing. Thank you, Lord. Amen.’ Oh Friends, how can we not agree with that eh? It’s such an uplifting and comforting prayer, providing a strong sense of Jesus working positively in our lives. However, just as we feel the awesome power of Jesus moving on our behalf, we must remember that His blessings are not for us to enjoy alone, but also to share with others. As our Bit so rightly informs us: ‘But to do good and to communicate (share) forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.’ And that’s gospel Friends! It’s an indisputable fact, as we all know, but are not always so ready to fulfill. And as we pointed out yesterday, the majority of our problems come from a ridiculous inequity of worldly possessions, which causes outrageous poverty and misfortune to too many of God’s children. Why is that eh, when caring and sharing are the foundation stones on which our Christian faith is built? Look at what happened after Pentecost, (Acts 2) when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples with a burning desire, and they mightily preached the gospel in tongues, so some three thousand souls understood and received Christ. The Good Book declares: ‘And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted (distributed) them to all men, as every man (anyone) had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord (mind) in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat (food) with gladness and singleness of heart (simplicity). Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be (were being) saved.’ (Acts 2:44-47) Yes Friends, that was the only way Christ’s Church could have survived back then, and the same also applies today. Obviously we’re not called to sell all our possessions and pool the results, but we are called upon to share what the Lord has blessed us with, and to live good with each other. Please remember that everything belongs to the Lord, and we’re only stewards, managers – not very good ones at that – of whatever He’s seen fit to put in our power. And if you don’t believe me, listen to Bruh Paul’s directive to the church at Corinth. ‘Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order (orders) to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store (lay something aside, and store up), as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings (collections) when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality (gifts) unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet (fitting) that I go also, they shall go with me.’ (1 Cor. 16:1-4) So how come then mih people, that so many believers today are so loathe to share God’s blessings with others who are less fortunate eh? And it’s not like if we share we’ll lose whatever we have. On the contrary, the more we give, the more we will receive. It’s the simple principle of sowing and reaping, which Jesus talked about so much in His earthly ministry. Here is the definitive word on it – from Jesus of course. ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom (the fold in a garment used as a pocket). For with the same measure that ye mete (use, give) withal it shall be measured to you again.’ (Luke 6:38) Oh Friends, it’s a simple lesson; whatever we sow, we’ll reap, and the more we sow, the bigger our harvests will be. And in these very troubling times it’s of the utmost importance that believers lead by personal example, caring and sharing with the poor, downtrodden, sick and hurting, so that Jesus’ ministry will be furthered here on earth, our rewards piled up in heaven, and the Father greatly glorified. That’s our bounden duty, let’s perform it with right hearts and motives nuh. Much LOVE!…a Christian’s duty…to sow plenty good seed…in Jesus’ Name…