SCRIP-BITS

Oh Friends, it’s Monday – and a special Monday too – six days before the greatest celebration in the world! We’re talking about Christmas Day, when our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was born, the first step in the warm, wonderful and true LOVE that our God showed by redeeming us from sin and death! Wow! Isn’t that an awesome reality? It sure is! As the Good Book so triumphantly declares: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16) And all God’s people shouted a resounding ‘Glory Hallelujah! Thank you ever so much Lord!’ Yes Friends, no greater LOVE than that has ever been, or will ever be shown! So what if we have to get up and go out and labour this cold Monday morning eh? Jesus did way more than that on our behalf. And since we’re in this special festive season of Christmas, with LOVE, Peace and Goodwill to all mankind in such abundance, let’s not murmur and complain about having to work, but instead adopt a right attitude, an attitude that will be pleasing to Jesus and reminiscent of His time, His walk here on earth. To help us get that good attitude then, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn as though we truly mean it. With one, loud 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!’ Now if that didn’t get your adrenaline flowing, ready for battle, my Friends, I don’t know what will. (smile) And yuh know people, that all falls into line with our Bit: ‘Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men (rulers) which are in the city.’ Wisdom is indeed a mighty mover and shaker! Hear how Cousin Sol describes its awesome power in Proverbs 21: ‘A wise man scaleth the city (climbs over the walls) of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence (trusted stronghold) thereof.’ (Prov.21:22) That tells us Friends, that wisdom is more powerful than brute strength. Or as we’d say in the vernacular: ‘Brains will beat brawn any day.’ Cousin Sol also declares in Proverbs 24, that: ‘A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.’ (Prov.24:5) And that’s an undeniable fact my brethren! The wiser we become, the stronger we get, not necessarily in physical terms, although that’s possible too, but for sure mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But what then is this wisdom that’s so wonderful, and where can it be found? We’ll end with an insight into those questions from Cousin Sol: ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy (One) is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.’ (Prov.9:10-11) Yes Friends, wisdom comes from God, beginning with the reverence and awe in which we hold Him. Only when we have Almighty God as the be all and end all of our lives, can we ever hope to attain, to receive, to achieve that great intangible called Wisdom! More on this tomorrow, provided the breath of life still blows in us. Till then, let’s do our duty nuh, by sincerely LOVING our God, LIVING our Faith and SPREADING His Word. Merry Christmas, with Much LOVE!…be wise…fear God…so that you may get…wisdom, understanding and long life…