SCRIP-BITS

Mark 4:40.    And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?
 
Oh people, I’ve just finished reading the obits and I didn’t find any of our names or pictures listed there, which means we’ve been granted yet another day on beautiful planet earth. Thank the Lord! So please, I implore us to use this day wisely since we don’t know how many more, if any, we will be granted. And using it wisely simply means in the service of the Lord; facing some problem(s) with plenty faith, righting some wrong, and/or helping someone in need. Before tackling each situation we encounter today, let’s first ask ourselves: now what would Jesus do if He was in my shoes? Hopefully we’ll come up with the right answer, then apply it with faith and confidence. In these turbulent times Friends, it’s only Jesus sanctioned answers or solutions that will make a true and lasting difference. But Friends, we have to believe this first, before it will ever work. Look at our Bit: ‘And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?’ Jesus, having been asleep in the stern of a boat when a storm arose, was summarily awakened by His scared to death disciples, saying: ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.’ (Mark 4:38-39) That’s when He questioned their faith in our Bit. Now after that, the Good Book says: ‘And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this (who can this be), that even the wind and the sea obey him.’ (Mark 4:41) And these were men who had been with Jesus for some time and had seen Him do all sorts of miracles, but still did not have that deep faith to believe that He was truly the Son of God and could do all things. But my people, it’s only when we truly believe and trust in Jesus that He works in our lives. Listen to the Good Book again: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb.11:6) That’s why, per the scholars, Jesus in His travels continually questioned His hearers faith, so He could spur them to greater trust. We have a perfect example of that when Jesus calls Peter out of the boat to walk on the water towards Him. In the beginning, Peter’s faith was sky high, so he walked confidently, but shortly thereafter, when he experienced the wind’s velocity, he panicked, and the level of his faith dropped like a heavy stone in water, and he began sinking, fearfully crying out: ‘Lord save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.’ (Matt.14:30-33) Unfortunately Friends, we are the same way, though we shouldn’t be. Our Faith is constantly being tried and tested and we’re always afraid until the Lord shows up and helps us. But there shouldn’t be that fear if we sincerely believe and trust in Jesus to make our rough paths smooth and our winding roads straight. It’s only human to have some genuine concern, but the deep fear that so many of us have just facing everyday life should not exist in a true believer. God has helped us on numerous occasions in the past, so if we are still believing in Him, why then the fear that He might do otherwise? Oh Friends, I know that our world is going through some turbulent and tremulous times, which are unfortunately being reflected in our personal lives, consequently we don’t know whom or what to trust, because everybody and everything seems to be letting us down. But take heart. If you’re a believer, ask yourself if Jesus has ever let you down? I’m sure the answer will be no. That therefore means you can put your faith and trust in Him with no reservations whatsoever. Simply keep reading His word, standing steadfastly on His promises and doing His Will, and He will most definitely see you through whatever hardships you’re now facing. And if you’re not a believer, but hard times are also overwhelming you, then take a leap of faith, put your trust in Jesus today, you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Believe me, He will stand up for you. He won’t necessarily wipe away all your problems, because He’s not there to cater to all our whims and fancies, but for sure He’ll enable you to bear them with a lighter heart and greater peace of mind, and eventually bring you through them safely. That’s His promise. Trust Jesus today Friends, like you’ve never trusted Him before. It’s the wisest thing you’ll ever do. Much LOVE!…who stilled the gusting wind…who calmed the angry sea…who shed His blood on Calvary…for a poor sinner like me…JESUS…my Saviour…my Comforter…and my Friend…