Romans 5:8. But God commendeth (demonstrated) his (own) LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Ah yes, Monday it is – the last Monday in this crazy and unprecedented year of 2020! And believe me, the craziness and ‘unprecedentation’ (smile) won’t be over for a while yet, mainly because mankind is such a foolish, unpredictable animal that refuses to get together under one big, safe and secure umbrella, that of Almighty God!
And this quote from the website preachology.com explains: ‘The Umbrella of God – what is that exactly? The symbolism of the umbrella is the protection of God’s covering. When we as Christians turn our lives over to God, He in turn promises to guide and protect. As we know an umbrella shields us from the rain pouring down upon us. If we were to picture God holding a giant umbrella over his people, what would happen if one or more decided to walk outside that umbrella?
Of course, that is obvious; they would no longer have the protection of that shield (umbrella) and they would be drenched with the rains falling. God is always there for us. It is always us that walks away from him. He promises if we will follow his words, and walk in his light, we will have his protection. Often in the faith we can find ourselves walking outside this umbrella without thinking. The cares of the world and burdens of life can at times overwhelm even the most honest of Christians.
We find ourselves trying to put the problems of life upon ourselves and not giving them to God, and walking in a freedom that boggles the mind of any non-Christian. Often temptations will surround this umbrella and like any, they will attempt to lure all they can away from this protection. Outside that safety zone, they are vulnerable to any attack of the enemy. It is much like a herd of sheep and the wolf that hunts them. The wolf will attempt to frighten the sheep, creating a chaos in the herd – causing them to separate and run away from the protection of the Shepherd.
Having done this the wolf can search for the weakest one, outside that umbrella of protection, and make his kill. As long as the sheep stay near to the Shepherd, he can protect them. When the sheep begin doing their own thing, that ability to protect is lessened. Much like our Pastors – their words of guidance can only help, if we apply those words to our lives – amen.’
And therein lies our problem friends! We wander away from our Good Shepherd, in the mistaken thought that through our free will, we can do better on our own. Or like now, the big bad wolf has frightened us with all the adversity that currently surrounds us and just like the flock of sheep we scatter in fear, helter-skelter and yon. But unfortunately, that doesn’t help us, it just makes matters worse, since by that action we play right into the enemy’s hands. Yuh know the ole army tactic of divide and conquer? That only makes us more liable to capture, for remember there is always more safety in numbers.
Oh my people, when are going to learn eh, that in times of adversity, or any time at all really, but especially in the rough going, we don’t run from God, but to Him? As Peter so wisely advises in his first epistle: ‘Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.’ (1 Pet. 5:6-7) And if that isn’t the gospel truth, then I don’t know what is nuh!
Just look at the season we’re celebrating right now nuh; Christmas! That’s when the Lord sent His only Son to earth as a baby boy to begin His wonderful plan of salvation for us disgusting sinners! Why yuh think He went to so much trouble to save us eh? Because He blooming well LOVED us! Why can’t we accept and believe that eh? Are our skulls so thick with egotism and pride and all the other negative stuff of the world, that we can’t believe our Creator LOVES us?
Chuh man! The Good Book says it loud and clear: ‘But God commendeth (demonstrated) his (own) LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) How many of us are willing to do something good for those who wrong us before they atone in some form and fashion eh? Not too many! But God in His great LOVE for us, put Himself out by sacrificing His Son for us while we were still deep in sin. Now doesn’t that touch a tender chord in your heart? It ought to.
And hear what the psalmist had to say about all that nuh in Psalm 91 – God is a refuge and a fortress. ‘He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.’ (Ps. 91:1) Now you couldn’t get any safer than that that friends! And the psalmist continues: ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’ Ps. 91:2)
And believe me people, until we come to that very serious realization that our ONLY hope is in God Almighty, the evil wolves of Beelzebub will keep threatening, making us afraid, scattering and devouring us. So let’s do what we ought to be doing all along nuh, casting our cares on the Lord, turning to Him in prayer, what we call our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.
Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You that this Monday morning we’re alive and standing in faith despite the mass confusion that’s currently prevailing in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems; the pandemic of Covid -19, the racial, political, and religious strife that’s ignited worldwide, plus the natural disasters like storms, famine, drought, plagues, climate change, wildfires, earthquakes and erupting volcanoes that suddenly seem to be blossoming more and more as time goes by.
Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously come short in obedience and compliance to Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, and You have faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us, ordinary folks, as well as our leaders, employers and medical personnel, wise guidance and direction to bring our problems under control.
And for those who are currently suffering from the many negative situations, we pray that You will ease their suffering and heal them. Father, please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again we say: Amen!’
And please remember, the Lord doesn’t just listen to our words, but looks at our hearts. So if we’re not sincere…then crapaud smoke we pipe! Much LOVE!
…only under God’s umbrella…are you truly safe…
SCRIP-BITS 