SCRIP-BITS

Ah mih breddren, I’m sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings, but it’s Monday. Yes, the day we all love to hate is here. Isn’t it surprising how it seems to come around so quickly, much quicker than Fridays and the weekend? Anyway, instead of getting all worked up or sad and blue over it, let’s just put forth a valiant effort and sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, as loudly and enthusiastically as we can. As one earthly 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 doesn’t that make you feel better able to deal with the evil, ungodly world waiting out there to pounce on you? Yeh Friends, it’s not an easy row we’ve chosen to hoe, for this Christian faith of ours not only demands a lot, but also expects excellent quality work too from its adherents. But don’t worry, once we keep in close, sincere contact with Jesus, He will safely see us through the problems we encounter on our earthly pilgrimage. Just look at people like Hannah, Elisabeth and Mary, who had bigger problems and uncertainties than most of us, but who sincerely went to God with them and were eventually rewarded for their faith. All of them mouthed such immortal words of faith that they’ve been enshrined in the Lord’s Word as excellent examples for us to follow. Then there’s Bruh David, who was possibly the human who most magnified and glorified the Lord throughout his life. Listen to his words re the Lord hears the righteous: ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall be continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.‘ (Ps.34:1-3) Then there’s the prayer of the prophet Habakkuk, exalting the Lord’s guidance of His people out of Egypt, through the wilderness and finally into the Promised Land. And he ends by saying, though life may be pretty rough, ‘Yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hind’s (deer) feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.’ (Hab.3:18-19) Yes my people, that’s how we believers in these rough and dangerous modern times ought also to behave! Let’s remember that Christ has already won the victory, and we’ll participate in it if we stand steadfast and strong in faith with Him. And quite appropriately, we’ll let Mary’s moving Magnificat take us home this beautiful Monday morning. (smile) ‘And Mary said, My soul doth magnify (exalt, glorify, big up) the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate (lowly, humble state) of his handmaiden (maidservant): for behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things: and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats (thrones) and exalted them of low degree (the lowly and humble). He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. He hath holpen (helped) his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.’ (Luke 1:46-55) Wonderful sentiments for us to ponder today Friends! Much LOVE!…give to Him who deserves glory and exaltation…His rightful glory and exaltation…