SCRIP-BITS

Jeremiah 10:23.       O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
 
Oh Friends, have you seen the date – 27 January? That means in another 4 days, January 2013 will be history, cast into the vast oblivion of time. But in my mind’s eye, it seems like January only just began, like we celebrated New Year’s a few days ago, and not a whole four weeks ago. Anyway, the purpose behind that observation is to bring us to the sombre realization that time is passing us by rather quickly, and consequently to remind us of our New Year’s resolution to develop and even closer walk, closer relationship with Jesus than we had last year. I sure hope we have not already reneged on that promise, as we do to 99 % of them. Remember that was the only resolve we were going to have, in fact the only one we truly need, since becoming more familiar and friendly with Jesus encompasses all the other things we need to improve our lives. That’s why He says when you give Him priority status in your life, everything else falls in to place. (Matt.6:33) So please, let’s take a gander back at this past month, and see how we’ve done on that particular resolution nuh, then try to bring our efforts up to a respectable level for this next month. And a brilliant idea just struck me: I think I’ll just have us review our LOVE WALK on a monthly basis, rather than on a yearly one. That way, if we do fall behind, we won’t have as much backlog to make up. (smile)  Having said all that, we can therefore segue smoothly into our Bit. ‘O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.’ And Friends, if you don’t see the essential truth in those words spoken by Jeremiah donkey years ago, then I suggest you go and get your brain checked out, because in the life of every man who has ever walked this earth, since Adam sinned, there have been numerous occasions when he has chosen, or desired to walk a particular path, but through divine intervention has ended up walking an entirely different one. Thus these quintessential words of wisdom from Cousin Sol. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth/ straight) thy paths.’ (Prov.3:5-6) Oh my brethren, if we were to follow only one bit of advice from the Good Book, I think that would be it, because it takes into account the workings of all aspects of our lives. And to cement that fact, the psalmist wisely declares: ‘O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!’ (Ps.119:5) Yes my fellow believers, we desperately need to find out the ways of the Lord and keep them, since He is the one that controls our very going out and coming in. As Cousin Sol says later on: ‘The preparations (plans) of the heart in (belong to) man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.’ (Prov.16:1) That tells us in no uncertain manner that the Lord has sovereign power and control even over our thoughts and words. So we’d better smarten up and pay attention to His dictates, otherwise we can, and oftimes will find ourselves going in a very different direction from the one we set. And that’s the voice of personal experience my people, because my intentions were always to write, but certainly not on scriptural stuff. The Lord had other ideas though. And whose plan has obviously prevailed? The Lords! So I know therefore of which I speak. (smile) So please realize this bit of wisdom ASAP: ‘For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth (observes, weighs) all his goings.’ (Prov.5:21) We don’t merely exist to do our own thing, but more so the Lord’s. And Cousin Sol further confirms all the above by declaring: ‘When a man’s ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.’ (Prov.16:7) Oh Friends, is that why so many of us are surrounded by so much enmity? It might be something to consider. Now here’s one more piece of eternal wisdom from that world renowned sage, Cousin Sol: ‘Man’s goings (steps) are of the Lord; how can a man then understand his own way?’ (Prov.20:24) Simple common sense Friends, simple common sense! But please contemplate it seriously, for it can make or break you. And after you’ve done that, then ask the Lord, in all wisdom and sincerity, like Jeremiah did: ‘O Lord, correct me, but with judgement (justice); not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.’ Jer.10:24) Yes my people, it’s wise to submit to correction, while asking for mercy. Much LOVE!…just a closer walk with thee…blessed Jesus is my plea…ever walking close to thee…let it be…dear Lord…let it be…