Some More Ramifications and Consequences re the Crucifixion of Jesus!

04 Apr 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Luke 23:46.         And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost (breathed his last).

So we’ve come to our lazy-day Saturday of Holy Week, and many of us are feeling somewhat sad and downcast because of yesterday’s replaying of the horrific scene that took place two thousand years ago in the city of Jerusalem; that’s Christ’s crucifixion. And how can one not be affected by such a brutal and inhumane situation eh, especially to one who had done no wrong, was innocent of all the crimes He was accused of, but was nonetheless battered and bruised by His fellow countrymen, then crucified as a common criminal between two real criminals.

But thankfully Jesus knew exactly what He was doing and why He suffered the indignities and abuse as quietly as He did. It was all because His heavenly Father desired that He pay the price for mankind’s abominable sins by sacrificing His sinless life so that God’s greatest creation could have a chance of bypassing eternal separation from Him, because that’s where we were surely headed if we did not get atonement for our wrong doing. And it’s of the utmost importance that we remember that Christ died to save us from the bondage of sin and the fiery jaws of hell.

Therefore, we ought to regard Him as not only our Lord and Saviour, but also as our Hero. And you know how we honour our heroes with pomp and passion. So why don’t we do the same for Jesus eh? Why do some of us even go so far as to hold Him in contempt despite His life-saving sacrifice for us? Who knows my people? The Lord gave us free will to choose whom we adore and glorify, and if we choose not to adore and glorify Jesus, then we’ll just have to pay the consequences inherent in that unwise decision.

Enough theorizing though, (smile) let’s ease the sorrow in our hearts by the best method there is; that’s prayer, our greatest privilege. So let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, with all sincerity and truth. As one strong voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

Oh friends, there’s nothing better to quench our sadness than seeking to draw closer and more intimate with our heavenly Father! For when we get closer to Him, our sadness falls away and is replaced by a feeling of peace and contentment. It’s like the Bible says: ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength.’ (Neh. 8:10) So when we are sad, our joy is depleted, and when we get close to God, our joy is increased. And though we know that tomorrow we will indeed be joyful because of Christ’s resurrection, today we’re still in the doldrums, and it might just be a good time to sit and consider some of the things Jesus did even while he was being abused and crucified.

For instance while nailed to the cross He prayed thus: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ (Luke 23:34a) How many of us would even consider forgiving those who abuse us in such an inhumane manner eh? Not many, if any. But Jesus was filled with compassion even in His throes of death. And besides, those who crucified Him did not really know what they were doing. they thought they were getting rid of a nuisance, a renegade prophet, not knowing that their evil deeds were serving God’s ultimate purpose of saving mankind.

Then look at how the Bible portrays this touching scene. It says: ‘And one of the malefactors (criminals ) which were hanged railed on him (blasphemed), saying, If thou be the Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss (wrong). And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’ (Luke 23:39-43)

Yes my brethren, even in His suffering, Jesus was still compassionate and kind. And that’s how He would like us, His followers, His disciples, his ambassadors to also be. Unfortunately though, too many of us are exactly the opposite; we have no time for others when we are going through our own problems. Then look at this other even more touching scene from Jesus hanging from the cross.

The Bible tells us: ‘Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he LOVED (John), he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.’ (John 19:25-27) Now wasn’t that very thoughtful of Jesus to leave His mother in a safe and secure situation, for her husband Joseph had probably died already, and in those days widows had a tough time surviving the inequity and unkindness of Jewish society.  

The worst part of the whole affair on Jesus’ part was possibly this one. The Bible says: ‘Now from the sixth hour (noon) there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour (3.pm). And about the ninth hour  (3 p.m.) Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ (Matt. 27:45-46) Yes friends, Jesus hung on that cross from about 9 a.m. to 3.pm before any words of complaint echoed from His soul. And even then it wasn’t even so much a complaint, but more of a big disappointment.

For as the scholars explain: ‘Here we have the high cost to Christ of His atonement for our sins, who was accursed of God as our sin-bearer and suffered the agony of spiritual death for us.’ In other words Christ was painted with the brush of sin, and since the Lord could not countenance sin, He was separated from the Father for the first time ever. And as the scholars note: ‘Even in the midst of bearing God’s wrath for sin, Jesus still calls Him my God. His agony does not overcome His faith.’  Now that’s something we all should try to also achieve; don’t allow anyone or anything to destroy our faith in God.

And to cap it all, a short time later, ‘And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost (breathed his last). (Luke 23:46) So though the memories of Jesus crucifixion are heartrending, let’s remember that He did it willingly as the will of the Father, so we should not despair, for remember, joy comes in the morning, and indeed, there will be great joy…come tomorrow! Much LOVE!

…Jesus suffered greatly for our sins…but both Him and Father thought it worthwhile…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Importance of Sincerely Acknowledging Jesus, and the High Price He Paid for Our Freedom from Sin on Good Friday!

03 Apr 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Luke 23:34a.        ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’

And then it was Friday, a warm but cloudy day, that we call Good Friday. But anyone in their right frame of mind would certainly consider that a misnomer or an inaccurate name for that first Good Friday, a day on which many terrible things happened in the annals of our faith. But then, if we consider the name in the right context of the situation, we can see why it’s a good and fitting name. Why? Because on that First Good Friday Jesus Christ paid the enormous price for our sins with His selfless, sacrificial death on the cross of Calvary.

And as this commentary tells us: ‘Jesus’ death on the cross serves as a “ransom for many,” acting as the required price to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and death. He served as a substitute, offering his life to satisfy divine justice and reconcile humanity with God.’  As He Himself says: ‘For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (be served), but to minister (serve), and give his life a ransom for many.’ (Mark. 10:45)

And we arrived at that situation because God the Father desired to give His sinful creation a chance to come back to His fold, but as a righteous and just judge, that could only happen if our sins were paid for. And since only a sinless person could pay for sins, and since Jesus was the only sinless person in the universe, then He was obviously the only choice as the payee.

Now, having our sins paid for, is a wonderful thing, but the injustice and ‘sufferation,’ the cruel and inhumane treatment that Jesus went through to make that outcome possible, is heartbreaking and distresses the soul. We read about how He was betrayed by one of His trusted disciples, Judas Iscariot for thirty pieces of silver and arrested on the night before the Passover in the Garden of Gethsemane, taken before the chief priests and elders, where He was mocked, humiliated and sorely abused.

The scriptures say: ‘And the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote (struck) him. And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, saying, Prophesy, who it is that smote (struck) thee? And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.’ (Luke 22:63-65) And when the council of Jewish leaders could not find good false witnesses against Jesus, they questioned Him about who He was, asking, ‘Art thou then the Son of God? and he said unto them, Ye say I am (You say rightly). And they said, what need we any further witness (testimony)? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.’ (Luke 22:70-71)

Then they took him to Pilate, the governor, accusing Him of blasphemy and sedition, or stirring up the Jewish people against the Roman government, for apparently only the Roman Governor could pronounce a death sentence, and that is exactly what the Jewish leaders wanted. But Pilate, on hearing that Jesus was from Galilee, sent Him to Herod, who had jurisdiction over that area. And though Herod questioned Jesus extensively, Jesus answered him nothing. ‘And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. and Herod with his men of war, set him at nought (treated him with contempt), and mocked him, and arrayed (dressed) him in gorgeous robe, and sent him back to Pilate.’ (Luke 23:10-11)  

But Pilate found no fault with Jesus, no truth in what He was accused of, and told the people He would chastise and then release Him, as their tradition called for one Jewish prisoner to be released at the Passover. ‘And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas: (Who for a certain sedition (insurrection) made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.’ (Luke 23:18-19) And though Pilate tried to reason with the crowd, they kept on calling loudly for Christ’s crucifixion.

‘And so, Pilate willing to content the people (wanting to gratify the crowd), released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him (flogged with a Roman scourge), to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away into the hall , called Praetorium; and they call together the whole band (a group of  Roman soldiers). And they clothed him (Jesus) with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head. And began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews! And they smote (struck) him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.’  (Mark 15:15-20)

Oh friends, you see the unfair and unjust abuse and mockery that Jesus took on our behalf. So how can we ever be ungrateful and treat Him without the respect and devotion He deserves eh? No way! But unfortunately many of us don’t consider Him as highly as we ought, and foolishly refuse to accept His payment for our sins, foregoing the glory of salvation and eternal life for one of eternal separation from Almighty God, thus making Jesus’ sacrificial death of no use to them.

Blessedly for Jesus though, as he was bearing His cross through the streets of Jerusalem, falling down from the weight and human tiredness, the soldiers compelled a man, Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross to a place called Golgotha, where they crucified Him, along with two thieves, one on either side of Him. Can you imagine lying on the ground on a wooden cross and have people driving nails into your hands and feet, without anything to ease the pain, although they apparently gave Jesus wine mixed with myrrh which would have dulled the pain, but Jesus refused it. Then having the cross being lifted up and placed securely in a hole, and you left to dehydrate, or if you were wounded, to bleed and eventually die in the hot sun.

That’s what Jesus endured for us my fellow believers. But you know He was ever so obedient to the will of the Father, obedient even unto death on the cross. And even in the throes of death, stabbed in the side with a javelin, given sour wine to quench His thirst, while the soldiers cast lots for His garments, as prophesied by Bruh David in Psalm 22:18, and the Jewish leaders continually  mocking Him, Jesus still found the goodness and mercy to declare: ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ (Luke 23:34a)

Yes my fellow believers, that’s the ultimate in forgiveness! And it will do us well to take a few moments of this Good Friday and contemplate what Jesus suffered for us ungrateful sinners, and see if we cannot come up higher in our appreciation for Him! Much LOVE!

…Jesus…the Son of God…sacrificed His sinless life…so that we sinners could live and be free from the bondage of sin…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Importance of Holy Week and the Necessity for Believers to Emulate Jesus’ Example of Living this Earthly Life!

02 Apr 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

John 13:15.        For I have given you and example, that ye should do as I have done unto you.

It’s Holy Thursday friends; a somewhat chilly and cloudy spring day. And we’re now getting down to the nitty gritty of this Lenten season, although lots of things happened during the past week; Jesus taught the multitudes, spoke to the disciples about what was to happen to him, although they never fully understood what He was talking about. They still didn’t think that He would  die and leave them alone.

Sometime during the week, while lunching in Bethany with Simon, a Pharisee, Jesus was also anointed by a woman, bearing an alabaster box (flask or vial) of spikenard precious (expensive) ointment. Supposedly it was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus. She brake the box (vial) and poured it on his head, washed his feet with her tears, then wiped them with her hair, kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. Some of those around were indignant, calling it a waste of valuable oil, which could possibly have been sold for three hundred pence, or the yearly income of a rural worker, and been given to the poor.

“And Jesus said, Let her alone, why trouble ye her? She hath wrought a good (beautiful) work on me. For ye have the poor with ye always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand (beforehand) to anoint my body to the burying (for burial). Verily I say unto you, wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.’ (Mark 14:6-9)  And just as Jesus said, two thousand years later,  we’re still talking about that incident.

During that week, Jesus also washed the feet of His disciples. One night He got up from the supper table, took off His clothes, girded Himself with a towel, poured water in a basin, and began washing the disciples feet. When He gets to Simon Peter: ‘Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet are you washing my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now (you don’t understand); but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed (bathed) needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit (completely clean): and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should (would) betray him, therefore he said, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and was set down  again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord; and ye say well; for so I am. If I then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you and example, that ye should do as I have done unto you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them.’  (John 13:6-17)

That same evening, as Jesus was preparing for His betrayal, He said to them: ‘I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, he that eateth with me hath lifted up his heel against me. Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me: and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you will betray me.’ (John 13:18-21)

Obviously the disciples were confused and wondered whom it could be, then John, leaning next to Jesus asked Jesus who it was. ‘Jesus answered, he it is, to whom I shall give a sop (a piece of bread), when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly…. He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.’ (John 13:26-27, 30) That’s when Judas apparently went out and conferred with the Jewish leaders to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. They wanted Him dead, but were afraid of a possible riot with the many outsiders in the city to celebrate the Passover. Judas however promised an opportunity to betray him without the multitude around.

Finally, the day of the Passover arrives, and when the disciples ask Jesus where He wanted to celebrate it, He said to Peter and John,’ Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in. And ye shall say to the goodman (master) of the house, The Master (Teacher) saith unto thee, where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the Passover with my disciples? And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready. And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.’ (Luke 22:10-13) Reminds us of the donkey and the colt on Palm Sunday.

Later that evening Jesus sat at supper with the twelve disciples, ‘And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat, this is my body which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me. And he took the cup , and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for you and for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day I drink it new in the kingdom of God. And when they had sung an hymn (or hymns), they went out into the Mount of Olives.’ (Mark 14:22-26 )

And that’s where the night’s drama really began. They retreated to a favourite spot of Jesus called the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus said to them, ‘Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (James and John), and began to be sorrowful (grieved)  and very heavy (deeply distressed). Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here (stay here), and watch with me. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayer, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch and pray with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me except (unless) I drink it, thy will be done.’ (Matt. 26:36-42)

Jesus then went back to the disciples and again found them asleep. Not saying anything to them, He went away and prayed the same words for the third time, then went back to the disciples, and said to them, ‘Sleep on now, and take your rest (are you still sleeping and resting?): behold the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.’ (Matt. 26:45-46)  

And while He was speaking, Judas arrived with a great number of people from the Jewish leaders, armed with swords and staves. ‘And forthwith He came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master (rabbi), and kissed him, (an arranged sign to the soldiers). And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.’ (Matt. 26:49-50)

Yes friends, Holy Week is just the introduction to a sorrowful Good Friday, but we do have a joyful Easter Sunday to look forward to! Much LOVE!

…Jesus…the shining example that believers ought to emulate…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Amazing Power of a Small Amount of Mountain-Moving Faith when harnessed with God’s Omnipotence!

01 Apr 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 17:20a.            If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove (move);

And then it was Wednesday, our second wind day, but unfortunately we’re on the late, late bus, no I won’t deceive you on this 1st of April, April Fools Day. (smile) But I went to my church group, then I ran a few errands, which always take longer than planned, and by the time I got home the ole fella was tired, and therefore had to rest a spell to catch his second wind. What a great excuse for All Fool’s Day, as we call in the West Indies. But it’s the truth and I’m sticking to it. (smile) And since we’re running late, I’ll endeavour to keep the Bit short and sweet… although I sometimes wonder if the word short exists in my vocabulary. (smile) Yes, it’s a smiley kind of day!

Anyhow, in my attempt to keep things short and sweet, here is an encouraging passage from The Hour of Power 50th Anniversary Book of Daily Motivation and Inspiration by Dr, Robert H. Schuller. The passage is aptly titled ‘Don’t Get Discouraged,’ and that’s a wonderful motivator for us today in these very dark and discouraging times. I’m sure I shared this already, but as with so many other things, this is worth sharing again and again. So please read with me, as Dr. Schuller advises us.

‘Do not be discouraged if you do not accomplish everything that you set out to accomplish. Surely if you do not expect to succeed you will hold back your full power, investment and enthusiasm. Immediately, the kind of people who would help to move you on to victory begin to draw back. Your conservative and cautious attitude will reflect itself in an anxious look on your face that will disturb and discourage people from helping you. There are two major reasons why people fail. Both stem from a lack of mountain-moving faith.

(1) People who fail are often people who are indecisive. They cannot make decisions swiftly and surely. The fast moving opportunity is past  before they decide – too late – to take hold. (2) Then some decisive people fail because after making the decision, they fail to move forward with an expectant confidence. They grab the opportunity only to lose nerve, get cold feet, and begin to wonder if they have done the right thing. They have gripped the plow but now they are looking back. Want to be a success? Develop the ability to appraise opportunities intelligently, seize opportunities swiftly, and promote these opportunities confidently.’

And in there somewhere is a lesson for all of us, because discouragement has become so rampant in our society because of the evil and ungodliness that’s permeating it. But the first thing we all need to have is as Dr. Schuller calls it, is ‘mountain-moving faith.’ It’s like Jesus said to the disciples who could not cure an epileptic boy. When they asked why? ‘Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove (move); and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’ (Matt. 17:20)

Yes friends we need to start with faith, not necessarily plenty, but strong. And I like how this commentary explains it. “Faith the size of a mustard seed” is a metaphor from Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 17:20) indicating that even a tiny amount of genuine, living faith can achieve monumental spiritual feats, such as moving mountains or uprooting trees (Luke 17:6). The mustard seed represents a small beginning with massive, God-given potential.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people!

For, as the commentary continues: ‘The mustard seed was considered one of the smallest seeds, yet it grows into a very large plant, symbolizing that small, authentic faith can grow and accomplish great things. However, the message is not to trust in the size of our own faith, but in the power of God, with whom nothing is impossible. The metaphor encourages believers to trust God even in the face of massive, insurmountable obstacles (mountains). In essence, having faith the size of a mustard seed means having a small amount of sincere trust that, when placed in God, can produce significant results.’

And after having the faith to do whatever we want to do, then we must act decisively on it, expecting it to be successful, not being luke-warm and non-enthusiastic about the outcome. And we can only do that properly if we communicate with our heavenly Father through the auspices of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us.  For as Jesus told the disciples: ‘Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth” for he shall not speak of himself (on his own authority), but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of (what is) mine, and shall shew (declare) it unto you.’ (John 16:13-14)

Oh my people, living this life successfully is a matter of having faith, communicating continually with God, then doing what He says with diligence and excellence, keeping our hands on the plow and not looking back, for as Jesus says: ‘No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of heaven.’ (Luke 9:62) That means, as this commentary tells us: ‘Luke 9:62 is a profound biblical proverb emphasizing total commitment to following Jesus. It signifies that discipleship requires forward-focused, undivided devotion, warning that looking back at past comforts, sins, or regrets compromises one’s service and spiritual progress.’

And above all friends, it means never giving up, for in Jesus’ vocabulary ‘giving up’ does not exist. It’s as Cousin Sol says in Proverbs: ‘A just (righteous) man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity.’ (Prov. 24:16) And that’s as short as we could make it, (smile) so let’s go home now declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And if we’re faithful and endure to the very end with Jesus, then we will also enjoy a more than glorious future, one we cannot comprehend or imagine, promised to those who stick it out! So let’s be wise and endure nuh! Much LOVE!

…Christians have enough tools and support from Christ…to not give into discouragement…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Importance of Christians Knowing that Christ will gladly accept Their Burdens and give Them Rest in Return!

31 Mar 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 11:28.           Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Ah friends, like March was determined to go out like a lion this year…and he certainly did with the thunderous roar of a mighty lion and the amazing brilliance of light that he unleashed during the night time hours. I don’t know if I’ve ever heard such thunderous thunder, (smile) like it wanted to destroy the place, the same way a big detonation of ammunition does. And the brilliance of the lightening was extraordinary. It was so strong that the Duchess had to cover a glass scale in our bathroom with a cloth because the lightening was throwing dangerous reflections off of it.

At one point, while sitting on the side of my bed, the thunder roared and the lightning flashed so brilliantly that it came clear through the aluminum blinds and curtains at the window. Anyone looking directly at it would surely have been blinded. But thankfully all of that is over now, and for the last day of March, we have just a damp, somewhat cloudy day. Yes, believe it or not, March is now done like dinner, and like the other months, it has passed by rather quckly. But isn’t that what our society is all about…speed? 

And today we’re going to offer up an interesting heartfelt prayer from the March In Touch Devotional, that I’m sure will resonate with some of us. So please pray with me. ‘Lord, I’m tired – tired of the burdens I carry, both those given to me and the ones I picked up myself. The truth is, I’m afraid to release them to You. I don’t know who I’ll be without their familiar weight on my shoulders. Father, help me each day to let one fear, one problem fall into the dust, forgotten. Fill the spaces left behind with warmth and light – the overflowing joy that comes only from knowing You until there is no room, no need, to take them up again. In Jesus name, amen.’

Yes my brethren, all of us have some fears or problems that’s been with us for so long that if we let them go, we won’t know what to do with ourselves, we’ll feel strange, possibly naked. But thankfully that’s what Jesus is there for; to alleviate all our fears, to take them to Himself and free us from them. That’s why He offers the Great Invitation to all who are troubled, fearful and weary.

Listen to these wonderful words of encouragement and reassurance. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30)

Oh my people, have you ever heard anyone else offer such freedom and relief from our earthly burdens and heartaches? Obviously not! And if anyone tries to do that, then you’ll know that they’re just a charlatan, an impostor, a fake, a fraud, for it’s only our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that has the power to take away our burdens and replace them with His light yoke. Listen to Him again from the gospel of John, where He invites us to come to Him so we can experience the good life.

A multitude of people had followed Jesus over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee after He did the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes, but as He told them. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me not because ye saw the miracles (signs), but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat (food) which perisheth, but for the meat (food) which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then they said unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he had sent.’ (John 6:26:-29)

Yes sir, it’s that simple! All the Lord expects of us is to believe on the One whom He sent to earth to save us. And after the people desired of Him, the bread that came down from heaven, ‘Jesus said unto them I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise (certainly not) cast out.’ (John 6:35-37)

Obviously Jesus was talking there about the spiritual and eternal life, which one can only acquire through Him. As He says later on: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6) That’s why so many of us are tired and worn out, because we don’t truly and fully believe in Jesus. We say it, and think we believe it, but it doesn’t show up sufficiently in our everyday lives, thus we never reach the point where we feel free and unburdened.

And furthermore, some of us are like those spoken of in this passage from Jeremiah. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.’ (Jer. 6:16) So then you stand your bounce and suffer the consequences of disobedience. No wonder Uncle Charles (Dr. Charles Stanley) always said ‘Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him.’

Yes friends, if we obey God, we won’t have to worry about the consequences. But if we don’t then we’ll surely pay the high price disobedience demands. And with the world in this awful state, it only makes sense to cling to the One who can give us peace of mind. That’s Jesus Christ!

Now, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having said that, it now behooves us to go out and share the LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…ONLY in Jesus…can we find true rest from our earthly cares and concerns…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Importance of Knowing Jesus’ Actions on Palm Sunday and how They Affect our Christian Faith!

30 Mar 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 21:13.        And he said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it into a den of thieves.

And so, after celebrating Psalm Sunday, Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem like the King He is, on a never ridden donkey, with all the celebration that engendered, we come right back to Monday, another opening day in a new week of work! What can be more disheartening eh? (smile) But remember as Bruh Paul admonishes, if you want to eat, you ought to work, (2 Thess. 3:10) so we must get with the programme if we want to be successful in this life. 

Anyway, here’s another interesting and glorious achievement that Jesus apparently accomplished on that first Palm Sunday. Matthew writes: ‘And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast (drove) out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew (overturned) the tables of the money changers, and the seats of then that sold doves. And he said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it into a den of thieves.’  (Matt. 21:12-13)

Yes friends, Jesus could get angry enough to do damage to the evil doers in the temple. And the scholars explain that ‘A similar cleansing is recorded at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, (cf. John 2:13-22) indicating His disdain for the corruption of organized religion which lacked purity of life and the power of God. In light of the seriousness of what He had come to do, Jesus could not tolerate such gross perversion of the temple, meaning the whole temple area on Mount Moriah including all the precincts and courts.’ 

Brother! To get Jesus so angry, it must have been a big, ungodly operation throughout the temple. Now, here is another explanation from the scholars, per the Moneychangers, that tells us of the scale of the wrongdoing going on back then in the Lord’s house. They say: ‘Temple dues could be paid only in sacred coinage, and it was necessary to change one’s money. The selling of doves was for purposes of sacrifice. This exchange became a source of extortion for the family of the high priest, who personally controlled it. In reality the atmosphere amounted to a public bazaar.’

Ah Lord eh! And the priests were the ones who were supposed to set godly standards. But come to think of it, that’s not so different from nowadays, where many priests are gouging their own congregations and those they deal with for personal gain. And per It is written, the scholars write: ‘In His condemnation, the Lord quotes from the Greek Septuagint version of Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11.’  And we shall squeeze in those two verses for our elucidation. (smile)

The first one says: ‘Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.’ (Is. 56:7) Then the passage from Jeremiah states: ‘Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it, saith the Lord.’ (Jer. 7:11)

However, Jesus’ cleansing of the temple was not the last action in the temple for that day, for Matthew graciously informs us: ‘And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple and saying, Hosanna to the son of David, they were sore displeased (indignant), And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings (nursing infants) thou hast perfected praise.? And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.’ (Matt. 21:14-17) 

Wow! Jesus Himself seemed to like the drama that went on between the Jewish religious leaders and Himself. He must have taken great joy in putting them in their place when they brought their nonsense to Him. And by the way, that quote about praise from the mouths of babes and sucklings seems to be another concoction of Jesus from Ps. 8:2, where Bruh David writes: ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings (nursing infants) hast thou ordained (established) strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still (silence) the enemy and the avenger.’ 

Then there’s this verse where Jesus prays: ‘I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.’ (Matt. 11:25) So friends, Palm Sunday was indeed a good day for Jesus:  He accomplished three…no four things that day. First, He was publicly acknowledged as the Messiah; secondly, He cleansed the temple of the ole crooks and them, then He healed those that needed healing, and finally, He put the Jewish leaders in their place, before walking out and leaving them with their mouths hanging open!

All praise to Jesus our wonderful Lord and Saviour. And having said all of that, let’s now go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid, to help in these turbulent times. Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. 

Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. 

Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us 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!’ 

Now, if we want to truly receive divine aid, we need to increase our Christian witness, because it is definitely not up to scratch, otherwise our world would not be is such a terrible evil and ungodly state! Much LOVE!

… Jesus is the One and Only necessity we have need of…our lives are completely fulfilled with His wonderful presence in them…  

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Great Importance of Palm Sunday in the Christian Calendar and the Christian’s Life!

29 Mar 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 21:9b.        Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. 

Come on down my fellow believers, it’s Sunday, and one of the big days in our faith. You cannot afford to miss this glorious day we call Palm Sunday when our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made His triumphant kingly entry into the city of Jerusalem! And it all began with a prophecy that was backed up by God’s Spoken and Purposed Will, as was declared by the prophet Isaiah. ‘Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.’ (Is. 46:9-10)

Right there friends, we have the assurance that all of the prophecy in the Bible will eventually come through, because the Lord said so. And He has no cause to lie.  (smile) And we’ll prove the accuracy of those statements right now with this prophecy from Zechariah, re Psalm Sunday. The prophet reassures his people. ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold thy king cometh unto thee: he is just (righteous) and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.’ (Zech, 9:9)

Thus said Zechariah many years before Jesus appeared on earth. And here’s how Matthew describes the reality of the situation on that amazing Sunday morning, some two thousand years ago. ‘And when they (Jesus and the disciples) drew nigh (near) unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethpage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against (opposite) you, and straightway ye shall find and ass (donkey) tied, and a colt with her: loose (untie) them, and bring them unto me. And if any man say ought (anything) unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.’ (Matt. 21:1-3)

Yes friends, we can see the assurance of power in Jesus’ directive. There was no hemming and hawing about them getting the donkey and its colt, just say that the Lord needed them, and they would be sent right away. How many of us have that kind of power and can wield it wisely? Not too many of us. Anyway, Matthew then writes: ‘All of this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek (lowly), and sitting upon an ass (donkey), and a colt the foal of an ass.’ (Matt. 21:4-5)

Now that was the prophecy, let’s see if it plays out the way it was prophesied. Matthew doesn’t give us any insight into what happened when the disciples went to gather the donkey and her colt, he simply writes: ‘And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them.’ (Matt. 21:6) But Mark does. He informs us: ‘And they (the two disciples) went their way, and found the colt tied without (outside) in a place where two ways (streets) met; and they loose (untied) him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.’ (Mark 11:4-6)

Then Matthew continues the story. ‘And they brought the ass (donkey), and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him (Jesus) thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way (road); others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed (spread) them in the way (road). And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.’ (Matt. 21:7-11)

Oh my people, what a great day that was in Jerusalem, as the scholars say that Jesus officially offered Himself to Israel as her long awaited Messiah. And Hosanna means ‘Please save.’ Meanwhile they conclude: Riding on the colt of an ass marked the official entry of Israel’s kings. Thus Jesus arrives in the full declaration of His kingship.’ Just like He will again when He comes back to reign on earth for a thousand years. And having heard the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry, let’s offer up sweet sacrifices of praise in an old hymn written especially to celebrate that occasion by Henry Milman in 1820. And it’s most appropriately titled: ‘Ride on, Ride on in Majesty!’

And there’s only one way to sing this song; in a rich, soulful, enthusiastic, scintillating, joyful, mid-tempo version. So, singing: ‘Ride on, ride on in majesty; hark, all the tribes Hosanna cry. O Saviour meek, pursue thy road with palms and scattered garments strewed. Ride on, ride on in majesty; in lowly pomp ride on to die. O Christ, thy triumphs now begin o’er captive death and conquered sin. Ride on, ride on in majesty; the angel hosts beyond the sky look down with sad and wondering eyes to see the approaching sacrifice. Ride on, ride on in majesty; the last and fiercest strife is nigh. Thy Father on the sapphire throne expects thee, LOVED, anointed Son. Ride on, ride on in majesty; in lowly pomp ride on to die. Bow thy meek head to mortal pain; then take, O God, thy power and reign.’ 

What beautiful sentiments my people, encompassing Jesus’ magnificent entry into Jerusalem, as well as noting that though riding high just then, He was slated soon thereafter for a sacrificial death. And I’ve always been partial to this particular line: ‘Ride on, ride on in majesty; in lowly pomp ride on to die.’ See how it ties the two activities together; riding in majesty today with death waiting in the wings. 

And I can just imagine the angels in heaven looking down on Jesus ‘with sad and wondering eyes to see the approaching sacrifice.’ They knew how the whole situation would change dramatically and drastically in a week’s time. But there was nothing anyone could do, for that’s how the Father planned it from the beginning of time. And what better way to put it than: ‘Ride on, ride on in majesty; the last and fiercest strife is nigh. Thy Father on the sapphire throne expects thee, LOVED, anointed Son. Ride on, ride on in majesty; in lowly pomp ride on to die.’

Yes friends, Jesus rode on in lowly pomp and died for us, but the best is yet to come, as the song says: ‘Bow thy meek head to mortal pain; then take, O God, thy power and reign.’ Yes, in due course of time, Christ will have annihilated all His enemies and will eventually, take His throne as King of Kings and Lords of Lords. For, once more, that’s the way the Father planned it, and therefore, that’s how it will turn out! Enjoy today’s majestic entrance, for next week we will be weighed down with sadness at Jesus’ sacrificial death! Much LOVE!

…today’s tears of joy…will be next week’s tears of sadness…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Acquiring True Knowledge of God and Actioning It in Their Lives!

28 Mar 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hosea 4:6a.         My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee,

Yes mih bredrin, it’s our lazy-day Saturday! The day we can do whatever we want without too much hassle …well, except from our spouses and our children. But here’s a great idea; get them to laze around with you too, so the whole family can enjoy a peaceful, restful, relaxing, lazy-day together! Hope you have success achieving that. (smile) But before all the laziness creeps in, let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer in all sincerity and truth.

As one strong voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

And now, that peace and calm we’ve been seeking is slowly filtering into our souls, bodies and minds, as the Lord grants us our wish of greater intimacy with Him, for that’s one thing He will never refuse, since that was of the purposes for which He created us – to LOVE and be LOVED in return!  And, as is so often the case, I have no idea of what we ought to talk about today. So, as always, (smile) let’s open the Bible and see what the Lord has in mind.

And the Good Library opened at an interesting aspect as declared by the prophet Hosea. ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no more priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.’ (Hos. 4:6)  Now that’s a heavy indictment from the Lord. And as the scholars explain: ‘The cause of man’s problems is lack of knowledge. It does not stem from a shortage of information, but rather from rejection of information.’

And you know what friends, we are faced with the very same problem today, for there’s oodles of information concerning God and His kingdom out there, information like never before, but unfortunately too many of us are refusing to acquire that information. Thus Hosea continues: ‘As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart (desires) on their iniquity.

And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward (repay) them their doings (deeds). For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom (harlotry), and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the Lord (ceased obeying the Lord). Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.’ (Hos. 4:7-11)

Wow! What a poignant, potent and true statemen is that last verse! Lasciviousness mixed with alcohol do turn one’s heart from the Lord God Jehovah. And according to the scholars: ‘They are the problem; that is the priesthood. They have not helped the people face their sin and deal with it. Rather they have gloried and taken pleasure in the sin of the people. Therefore, Like people, like priest: The priest of God is corrupted, and made like the sinning people, not vice versa.’

And that’s the same problem that exists in today’s society. The priests, instead of seriously preaching the gospel, of getting the people to deal with their sin in true repentance and forsakenness, have merely been watering down the message, turning it into a feel good situation, so that the people are no longer truly concerned about their disobedience towards God and the necessity for sincere repentance and forgiveness.

We’ve come to a time where there’s no longer one truth, that of Almighty God, but of several truths, and idols are rampant in our society. And remember that idols don’t have to be actual physical images, but anything that takes away first place from God in our life is an idol. That means we place more importance on whatever that is, rather than on God. And it seems we have forgotten the first words of the Ten Commandments in which the Lord gave as our basic moral compass.

‘Thou shalt have no other gods beside me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them (worship them), nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting (punishing) the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that LOVE me, and keep my commandments.’ (Ex. 20:3-6)

What’s so difficult to understand in the Lord’s position eh my people? It’s as clear as day. But then we wonder why our society, our world is in such a dreadful mess. It’s very simple; we have turned away from the God of our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. That’s why Isaiah commented thus when talking about woe to those who follow strong drink. ‘Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.’ (Is. 5:13-14)  

And there’s absolutely no doubt that in these most evil and ungodly times that hell has greedily opened her mouth and is daily engorging herself with a multitude of unrepentant sinners. Ah friends, our world is certainly going to hell in a handbasket, and most of us are doing nothing to try and stop it. Why is that eh? Can you imagine the chaos and destruction that will be left for out children to bear, if this drunken charge into hell fire and damnation is not stopped, or at least slowed down considerably?

I believe that is a good situation for us to ponder on, this lazy-day Saturday, and hopefully come up with some ways and means to at least slow it down, the best being a return to worshipping the One True God Jehovah! Much LOVE!

…ONLY obedience to God’s will…can turn our evil and ungodly world around…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Overwhelming Importance of the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares in Today’s Ungodly Society!

27 Mar 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Matthew 13:43b.        Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Oh mih people, Friday, that long awaited day, is here at last! Therefore, we can offer up our Friday Mantra: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend is finally here!’ What would we do without the weekend eh? I don’t know. Our forefathers must have had it really hard when they were forced to work six and seven days a week, but thanks be to their fighting spirit, we’ve cut it down to five, and some are blessed enough to have only a four day work week. But let’s remember the hefty price our forefathers paid for reducing the work week, and truly appreciate it, and thus work diligently and efficiently as unto Jesus.

And today, we’ll look at an interesting parable of Jesus, that of the Wheat and the Tares (weeds), one we don’t hear a lot about. Jesus said to the multitude: ‘The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade (grain) was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.’ (Matt. 13:24-26)

Now, according to this commentary, ‘Tares are weed plants (specifically darnel,) that look almost identical to wheat in their early stages, acting as a poisonous, bitter choking weed in grain fields. In appearance, they are incredibly similar to wheat, making them difficult to identify until the wheat bows down with grain and the tares remain upright.’

And Jesus continues the parable. ‘So the servants of the house-holder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while we gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of the harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.’ (Matt. 13:27-30)

And it’s obvious that Jesus’ audience back then would hardly understand what He was talking about. Oh, they knew about wheat and tares because it was an agrarian, or agricultural society, but Jesus’ hidden meaning would have gone over their heads, much like it would go over ours. (smile) So what does He mean?

The scholars offer these explanations. ‘24-27. This parable serves as a warning to the labourers in the field (the world, vs. 38). Unlike the Jewish form of the kingdom in the Old Testament, where citizens could easily be recognized, during the church age, converts will be made from all over the world and received upon their profession of faith. Thus, it will be easier to slip in some counterfeits who profess the church, which is the subject of these parables.

The enemy is Satan and the tares (darnel) are false converts. The darnel, although it resembled the wheat did not come to fruition (didn’t bear fruit). Thus Jesus words: The good seed …sprung up, and brought forth fruit, again, emphasizing that true converts produce fruitful lives. By contrast, false converts produce no lasting fruit.’

Then, as per verses 28-30, the scholars note: ‘The servants asked what could be done with these tares. To uproot them would be to damage the entire crop. Root up…the wheat with them: The implication seems to be that too much scathing (caustic criticism) of people’s genuineness of faith may damage the saved before it exposes the lost. Let both grow together indicates that there will always be some false professors among true Christian believers until the time of harvest or judgement. Note that the tares are gathered, bound, and burned first, whereas the wheat is gathered into my barn (heaven).’

Now, that’s a tough parable to break down, and not surprisingly, even the disciples didn’t understand it, and later asked Jesus for an explanation. ‘He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world (age); and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world (age).

The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity (practice lawlessness); And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.’ (Matt. 13:37-43)

Oh friends, none of that needs further explanation. Jesus explained it fully, and if we don’t receive it, then that’s our problem. As He says, ‘Who has ears to hear, let him hear.’ So it’s all up to us now. We cannot say we didn’t know. Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse. Now let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant for divine aid in these crucial times. And you’ll notice that I’ve reworked it with an older version, and made it a little shorter. (smile)

Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work. It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. Our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving, and we desperately need your help to fix them. Heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So please give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. 

And despite the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, help us to be responsible, and get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that we can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out next week and further your glorious kingdom by the good example that we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’

And to receive that divine aid, it now behooves us to go out and set the good example that we were talking about! Much LOVE!

…the time for serious Christianity…is RIGHT NOW…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Godly Wisdom Dictates that Christians ought to Wait on God’s Timing in All Things!

26 Mar 2026 Leave a comment

by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Psalm 37:34.        ‘Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it.’

Oh friends, how wonderful it is to awaken to the sweet singing of the birds on a spring Thursday morning, or any morning for that matter! It’s certainly uplifting to hear them offering their morning sacrifices of praise to their Maker and Provider, in such a natural manner. They can’t think like we do, but they know that they must serenade the one who provides for them. Only wish that more of us would do like them.  

And on this fairly warm but cloudy and drizzly penultimate day of our work week, instead of wishing that tomorrow and the weekend would hurry up and come, let’s focus instead on the many tasks we need to perform today, for some of us might not even be around to see tomorrow. That’s why I believe the Lord guided me to these scriptures for today on waiting on Him and His timing.

Listen to these wise words of Jeremiah from his Lamentations. ‘The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lam. 3:25-26) Yes my people, waiting on our God is most important, but sometimes extremely difficult to do especially in these times of total impatience and the excessive reliance on speed.  

And waiting on God is so important that there are many scriptures that call for it. So let’s look at a few of them, so that we can renew our minds and spirits on the subject. (smile) Hear, as the prophet Isaiah, talks about God’s graciousness and mercy. ‘And therefore will the Lord wait. That he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgement (justice): blessed are all they that wait for him.’ (Is. 30:18)

And we all know this next popular scripture from Isaiah. ‘He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. ‘ (Is. 40:29-31)

Now all of us want to ‘mount up with wings as eagles,’ but we don’t want to do the waiting on the Lord. And not wanting to wait is a sad byproduct of this society’s addiction to speed, to have everything move faster and done more quickly. We’re regularly offered new devices, and in many cases they’re not really much better than the last one, but they are always faster, and that gets our eyes blazing and our mouths salivating for them.  

Meanwhile in Psalm 130 – Hoping and Waiting for the Lord – the psalmist declares: ‘I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning Let Israel hope in the Lord: for with the Lord there is mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS), And with him is plenteous (abundant) redemption.’ (Ps. 130: 5-7) Wow! What great reasons to wait on the Lord: abundant redemption and plenty mercy!

Then there are a couple of scriptures from Bruh David that we all know, but don’t necessarily action them. (smile) The first comes from Psalm 127 – My Heart Shall Not Fear.  he writes: ‘I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait (in faith) on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith), I say, on the Lord.’ (Ps. 27:13 -14) Bruh David could not have put it any clearer or stronger than that my faithful brethren. And we all know his story, where although he made some bad mistakes, he waited on the Lord for most of his life, and he was successful as a king, a warrior, a poet and a musician.

And yes, it is hard to wait on the Lord’s timing. I can tell you that from personal experience, because I’ve been through it earlier on in life. When I didn’t wait, my projects were unsuccessful, but when I waited, they bore good fruit. Right now, I have several projects waiting in the wings, but not doing anything about them, either because I’m too lazy to jump start them, (smile) or the Lord has me in waiting mode. I’d like to think it’s the latter, but who knows,?

Anyway, I’ve learned from hard experience that when the time is right, things will happen. Therefore I’m doing as Bruh David says in Psalm 37 – Trust in the Lord – ‘Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.’ (Ps. 37:4) And do I ever have several desires of mine heart still left to be manifested, in the short time I have left! (smile)

 And lastly, there’s this verse also from Psalm 37, where Bruh David  advises us to: ‘Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it.’  (Ps. 37:34) Yes my people, if we want to see the goodness and mercy of God, then we have to wait on His timing. That’s the living truth. Now, let’s declare and thus activate our undeserved Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection!

I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…in the Lord’s kingdom…timing is everything…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

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