17 Oct 2018
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a draft of air, a glorious future with Jesus, a long road, a longing ache, a perfect heart, a terrific boss, bitterly, bursting with thnaksgiving, captain of my people, colourful sails, deity, dog days, doldrums, eagles, enjoy it, faithfulness, Father of all creation, fifteen years, generously rewards, glory, Glory Halleujah, good in thy sight, grace, gratitude, greatly deserves it, halfway home, heal thee, hearing the surf, heart and soul, Hezekiah, honour, in truth, iron birds, Isaiah, Jamaica, joy, king of Judah, Land of Wood and Water, laughter, loving kindness, mercy, Most High God Jehovah, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, never miss the water, not turning back, obedient to God's will, out of danger, planes, praise, profuse praise, promise, Sea Breeze, set thine house in order, sickness, tears of joy, the breath of life, the captain of my people, the Lord of hosts, the word of the Lord, thy prayer, till the well run dry, unto death, unto thy days, walked before thee, we will follow the Lord, Wednesday Wail, wept sore, Xaymaca, zeppo
2 Kings 6:a. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years…
All praise and honour, glory and exaltation to the Most High God Jehovah, the Lord of hosts, the Great I AM, the Father of ALL Creation! Please give Him much thanks and praise, because He greatly deserves it! He is indeed most worthy of all our thanksgiving! Praise His Holy Name!
And if you’re wondering why such profuse praise to Almighty God at the beginning of the Bit…well it’s simple: My heart and soul are just bursting with thanksgiving and gratitude, because once again He has shown His amazing faithfulness in my life. Yes friends, during the dog days, the doldrums of my illness, I would lie in my bed and hear and see the planes going by in the distance like eagles gliding along on a draft of air, and my heart would just fill with a longing ache to board one of those iron birds and just fly away to some exotic destination.
But yuh know what mih people? In those sad, sick and frustrating times, the Lord would gather me in His Ever-LOVING arms and comfort me with the promise that one day soon, I would fly away on an iron bird to an exotic destination. And friends, in all faithfulness, through His exceeding grace, mercy and LOVING-kindness, the Lord has kept His awesome promise. And that’s why my inner being is just bursting with joy and thanksgiving, and tears of joy are filling my eyes and flowing down my cheeks.
Oh mih people, the ole fella is in J.A, Jamaica; in Xaymaca, the land of wood and water…and beautiful women! Seen quite a few already! (smile) Glory be to the Most High God Jehovah! And the sea, sand, salt, sun…and rum are most excellent, just as the Lord promised! Had a colourful, red, green and blue shark-bite cocktail last night. (smile) How can I therefore not LOVE Him and proclaim His awesome name eh?
Oh my faithful believers, our God is indeed a most wonderful Deity, a terrific Boss, a hard taskmaster who expects diligence and excellence from us, but who also generously rewards us when we are obedient to His Holy Will! Praise His name my people, for there’s no other like Him!
And now, as I write this, feeling the cool sea breeze float through the open door, hearing the surf break upon the sand and see the small boats with their colorful, blue, yellow and green sails, and hear the laughter of other travellers down below, I can’t help but realize how blessed I am! Glory to God!
And as I just read this over, tears again filled my eyes. It’s been a long road my brethren, almost two years of sickness…and not completely out of danger yet. I was so close to going home to Him, but He gave me a reprieve, for which I am everlastingly grateful! As they say here in J.A: ‘yuh never miss the water until the well run dry!’ In my case I was blessed that my well had not run completely dry. So friends, let me seek for a scripture that will admirably fit our Bit today. Soon come!
Oh friends, it didn’t take long. Before I could even open the Good Book the zeppo came; the sickness of Hezekiah, king of Judah. The Good Book says: ‘In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz came to him and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live. Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore (bitterly).
And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came again to him, saying, Turn again and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the Lord. And I will add unto thy days fifteen years…’ (2 Kin.20:1-6a)
Oh friends, I don’t know if I can compare my sorrow and weeping and goodness to Hezekiah’s nuh, but I do know that there was a lot of prayer and some tears. And the Lord in His mercy saw fit to grant me some more time here on earth. I don’t know if it’s fifteen years, or more, or less, but I do know that however much it is, I will enjoy it, and will praise and exalt His Holy name as much as I can, because He has been so good to me and mine. Glory be people!
When someone is good to us, we tell and show them thanks, so why not to our Maker and God eh? And I know that I’m not the only one so blessed, so why aren’t we praising and thanking our Saviour much more than we are eh? I don’t know the answer nuh, but it’s time to go home, so let’s declare our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know our position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong voice now: ‘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 Jesus promised that it will be glorious, then I know it will be so indeed! Much LOVE!
…as for me and mine…we WILL follow the LORD…no doubt about that…
P.S. Sorry that it’s so late, but I was really tired after the long journey…no longer accustomed to it (smile) and I just got the necessary energy to set up my stuff. And as always, when I’m on vacation, I can’t guarantee what time the Bit will go out, (smile) but you will get it. Much LOVE! Time for the beach now!
11 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious future we cannot comprehend, a poignant war poem, a time of peace, a time of war, a touching but controversial poem, a warmongering effort, absolutely nothing, all these things must come to pass, an enduring symbol of remembrance, be not troubled, be yours to hold it high, between the crosses, blatantly seeking power, break the faith with us who die, clothed in a robe dipped in blood, continually fight for freedom, endure to the end with Christ, eyes as a flame of fire, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, faithful and true, famines and pestilences and earthquakes, felt dawn, fighting for democracy, fighting for freedom, freedom is never free, futile promises, halfway home, hands on the plough, hear of wars and rumurs of wars, holy spirit, honouring militayr personnel killed in conflict, In Flanders Fields, in his mouth a sharp sword, in righteousness judging and making war, in the sky, Jesus Christ, John McCrae, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, letting down those who died in the war, loved and were loved, lust for dictatorial power, many crowns on his head, many shall come in my name, mark our place, mercy, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, nation will rise against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore, not looking back, now we lie in Flanders fields, our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, peacekeeping missions, politicians, powerbrokers, progress, Remembrance Day, respect your democratic freedom, row on row, rule them with a rod of iron, sacrifice of soldiers in World War 1, salvation, saw sunset glow, say one thing then do another, scarce heard amid the guns below, short days ago, strife is being felt worldwide, strife is prominent all over our world, take heed that no man deceive you, take up our quarrel with the foe, thank God, the armies of heaven, the beginning of sorrow, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the end is not yet, the fall out from strife, the far left, the far right, the larks still bravely singing fly, the poppies blow, the red poppies growing over the soldiers graves, the Word of god, their deaths would be in vain, though poppies grow in Flanders fields, to a glorious future with Jesus, to smite the nations, to you from fallings hands, transformed a natural image, truth, unprincipled leaders, war, war what is it good for, warmongering tendencies, we are the dead, we lived, we shall not sleep, we throw the torch, Wednesday Wail, wisdom
Today’s Scrip-Bit 11 November 2026 Isaiah 2:4b.
Isaiah 2:4b. nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
And it’s a mostly cloudy Wednesday, this Remembrance Day 0f 2026., originally established as Armistice Day in 1919 to remember World War I soldiers. The date marks the official end of the First World War hostilities, which ceased at the “11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month” in 1918 (when the armistice between Germany and the Allied forces took effect). However, its meaning expanded after World War II to honor all military personnel who have died in conflicts, wars, and peacekeeping missions worldwide. What a waste of young lives it all was, but the claim is that we were fighting for freedom, for democracy.
Hn! What a joke that’s turned out to be now, when all the political leaders are fighting for dictatorial power, doing their best to consolidate power in their own hands, so they can do whatever they desire. And it’s sad that many people around the world are allowing them to do just that, not realizing or understanding that freedom is never free; it’s something you continually have to fight for, and you can never trust those in power to fight for, or even respect your democratic freedom, because it means lessening their own power.
Some leaders are seeking total power by blatant means, while others are being more underhanded, like enacting big laws, with small ones hidden in them, laws that curtail your freedom and rights, while giving those at the top more leverage to build their hidden agendas. So what freedom did all those soldiers die for eh, when things are rolling right back to either the far right or far left, leaving the populace at the mercy of their greedy and unprincipled leaders. The sad part is that too many of us don’t listen and/or pay attention to what the politicians and other powerbrokers are doing, for they say one thing, then turn around and do something else.
It’s all promises; vain and futile promises, as Cousin Sol would describe them. But as one of my friends would no doubt tell me, ‘that’s progress!’ Well if that’s progress, then you can keep it yes, I certainly don’t want any part of it! And that concludes my rant for today! (smile)
Now let’s turn to poem we recite every Remembrance Day, titled In Flanders Fields.’ It was written in 1915 by Canadian physician and soldier John McCrae. And according to one commentary, “In Flanders Fields” is a poignant war poem that reflects on the sacrifice of soldiers in World War I and the red poppies growing over their graves.’ And it’s become so popular because ‘it deeply captured the collective grief of World War I and transformed a natural image into an enduring symbol of remembrance.’
So, please read the poem with me. ‘In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, LOVED and were LOVED, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.’
Ah friends, it is a touching poem, but it also carries some controversy. The last word of the first sentence was apparently written ‘grow’ but it was changed to ‘blow’ later on to describe the poppies blowing in the wind, giving a more dramatic effect. And the last verse is also claimed as being a warmongering effort, inciting us to keep on fighting, and if we don’t, we’ll be letting down those who died in the war, causing their deaths to be in vain. But despite the controversy, the poem remains popular all over the world and is still recited each Remembrance Day.
And as per the main culprit in it all, ‘WAR?’ Hn! What can we say? Mankind has always had warmongering tendencies, but we don’t think there’s been as many wars going on at the same time in our world as right now. For there are wars all over the universe; both international – between different countries, as well as civil, that’s within individual nations. Strife is so prominent that you have to be very careful where you’re going these days, even for a short vacation. And there are all sorts of references to war in the Bible, even some that God sanctioned to help Israel conquer the promised land. And Cousin Sol in his wisdom even spoke of ‘ a time of war, and a time of peace.’ (Eccl. 3:8b)
Meanwhile Jesus warned us thus: ‘Take heed that no man deceive you. for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers (various) places. And all these are the beginning of sorrow.’ (Matt. 24: 4-8)
Oh my people, this certainly is a time when there’s strife in many different places, and is it ever sorrowful! For so many are unnecessarily suffering from this strife. They don’t have anything to do with it, yet the fall out from the strife is being felt worldwide. And if this is just the beginning of sorrows, per Jesus, then what will it look like as it gets closer to the end eh? I hope I won’t be around to find out.
And Revelation 19:11-16, does speak about Jesus preparing for war, ‘called Faithful and True, sitting on a white horse, eyes as a flame of fire, with many crowns on his head and in righteousness, judging and making war. Clothed in a robe dipped in blood, called the Word of God. And the armies of heaven follow him on white horses, clothed in fine white, clean linen. In his mouth is a sharp sword, to be used to smite nations, then rule them with a rod of iron, while treading the winepress with fierceness and the wrath of Almighty God. And on his robe and thigh was written KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’
But the best scripture on war comes from Isaiah. ‘And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks (pruning knives): nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.’ (Is. 2:4b) Oh my brethren, that’s the day we all long for, and it will happen, but only in the Lord’s time. So until then, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know of our wonderful position in Jesus Christ.
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 for those who endure to the very end with Jesus, they will experience a future so glorious, that their minds cannot comprehend it. So please, let’s endure to the end with Jesus, so that we can enjoy that incomprehensible glorious future together! Much LOVE!
…war…what is it good for…absolutely nothing…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
10 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a sinful and ungodly life, acceptable unto God, alienated form the life of God, as God hath dealt to every man, assume a new nature or charcter, be not conformed to this world, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, bought with a price, bring us more into line with God's viewpoint, by the mercies of God, calloused, can't afford to take a break, changing our lifstyle, Christian teaching, corrupt according to deceitful lusts, created in righteousness and true holiness, easy to be conformed to the world, faith, Father I praise you, give much thanks and praise to Almighty God, given themselves over to lasciviousness, giving control of our minds to God, giving me new life in Christ, glorify God in your body and spirit, growth in Christ, having the understanding darkened, help me stay focused on your word, holy spirit, hurry, I learn to follow Jesus, I rely on your grace to transform me, if God spares life, in the vanity of their mind, insensitive, Jesus Christ, keep sliding back, lead me gently back, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, live like Jesus desires, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, mercy, moral and godly conduct, no one can take that from me, not make any real progress, others can come to know and love Christ like we do, perfect will of God, practical bits of advice, Prayer Cards from IN Touch Ministries, present thinking, present your bodies a living sacrifice, prove what is that good and acceptable perfect will of God, put off concerning the former conversation the old man, put off the old man, put on the new man, renounce our old conduct, resist being poured into the mold of the world, sacrificing Jesus on the cross at Calvary, salvation, Satan plays mind games with us, Satan's attempts at temptation, seek to be like Christ, seek to grow in Christ, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, show me how to let go of old ways, something to concentrate on and action every day, sunny skies, take up our cross every day and follow Him, thank you for helping me grow every day, the beloved of God, the blindness of their heart, the futility of their mind, the hardening of their hearts, the ignorance that is in them, the Lord's awesome help, the measure of faith, the mind is a battlefield, the truth is in Jesus, think of himself more hghly than he ought, think soberly, to become more like your Son, to work all uncleanness with greediness, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, value systems of the world, walk not as other Gentiles walk, what a joy it is, when my heart begins to drift, which after God is created in righteousness, wisdom, with God's help it's doable, worry, ye are not your own, ye have not so learned Christ, your body is the temple of the holy Ghost, your reasonable service
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 November 2026 Romans 12:2a.
Romans 12:2a. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
More sunny skies on this autumn Tuesday in early November my people! Oh it’s somewhat windy, but the basic temperature in the mid-teens is excellent. I don’t remember when last we’ve seen the sun so regularly as in these past few weeks, and the temperature has also been mostly in our favour. And for that, we give much thanks and praise to Almighty God! Now, today we’re going to look at one of the Prayer Cards recently put out by the In Touch Ministry; this one titled, ‘Growth In Christ.’
So please pray with me: ‘Father, I praise You for giving me new life in Christ. What a joy it is to become more like Your Son! Help me stay focused on Your Word as I learn to follow Him. When my heart begins to drift, lead me gently back. Show me how to let go of old ways, even as I rely on Your grace to transform me. Thank You for helping me grow every day.’
Yes friends, it’s only with the Lord’s awesome help that we can ever seek to grow in Christ, and it’s something we need to concentrate on and action EVERY DAY of our lives. We can’t afford to take a break, otherwise we’ll keep sliding back and not make any real progress. As Jesus says, we need to take up our cross EVERY DAY and follow Him. (Luke 9:23) And the Prayer Card further advises: ‘It’s easy to be conformed to the world. But you can resist. Seek to be like Christ instead.’ Now that’s a great desire and purpose, but it’s definitely not as easy as it sounds, however, as with everything else, with God’s help it is doable.
And how do we do it? By doing as Bruh Paul exhorted the church at Rome. ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 12:1-3)
Oh my people, it all begins with understanding that our bodies are a holy temple to the Lord, since His Holy Spirit dwells within us. Bruh Paul says it thus to the Corinthians. ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods.’ (1 Cor. 6:19-20) Yes my brethren, we do not belong to ourselves, but to God Almighty, who paid the price for us by sacrificing His Son Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.
Therefore we ought to behave in a manner that both pleases and glorifies God. And once we understand that, it leads us to not conforming to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Another important point to note is that all changes or decisions begin in our minds, for it’s the director of our actions and bodies. That’s why it’s claimed that the mind is a battlefield, for everything passes through it, including Satan’s attempts at temptation, as he plays mind games with us. So in actual fact both Satan and the Lord are fighting to get control of our minds.
And the first step in giving control of our minds to God is to stop conforming to the ungodly and evil things of the world. As the scholars explain: ‘Resist being poured into the mold of the present thinking, value systems, and conduct of the world.’ Now that’s not easy to do, especially in today’s busy and coercive society, filled with numerous eye and mind pleasing distractions. And it’s only through the righteousness and mercies of our wonderful God can we ever hope to make such a change, and even more importantly, stay changed. For the devil is always tempting us to change our thinking back to his ways.
And Bruh Pail further elucidates his exhortation to be transformed, when He says to the Ephesians. ‘This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through (because of) the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness (hardening) of their heart. Who being past feeling (becoming calloused, insensitive) have given themselves over unto lasciviousness (licentiousness), to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ (Eph. 4:17-24)
Yes my people, Christian teaching desires us to put off the old man, to renounce our old conduct of a sinful and ungodly life, and put on the new man, by the renewing of our minds, or by changing our minds about our lifestyle, and keeping them constantly changed, on a course that will bring us more and more into line with God’s viewpoint. So, in other words, at conversion, when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, we must assume a new nature or character and conduct that’s moral and godly. And if you’re wondering how in heaven’s name can you do that, then tune in tomorrow, if God spares life, and we’ll look at some of the many practical bits of advice Bruh Paul gives for changing one’s mind and moral behaviour, and furthermore staying changed.
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!’
That means, we now have to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…to live for Jesus…one must live like Jesus…moral and godly…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
09 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a life-saving raft, a state of upheaval, a time of peace, a time of war, a time to be born, a time to break down, a time to build up, a time to cast away, a time to cast away stones, a time to dance, a time to die, a time to embrace, a time to every purpose under heaven, a time to gather stones together, a time to get, a time to hate, a time to heal, a time to keep, a time to keep silence, a time to kill, a time to laugh, a time to lose, a time to love, a time to mourn, a time to plant, a time to pluck up that which is planted, a time to refrain from embracing, a time to rend, a time to sew, a time to speak, a time to weep, Ai (Artificial Intelligence, AI qualifications, all over the world, all things work together for good to them that love God, atrocious greed, becoming more inequitable, benefittiing from their selfish schemes, big money, boggles my imagination, buffeted and bombarded by the enemy's evil schemes, called according to God's purpose, Christian need to get serious about their faith, complaining about the toughness of life, continual oppression brings revolution, continual slide into fewer opportunities, disastrous times, divine aid, divine inspiration, embrace the promises of the Bible, evil and ungodly things being done, faith, fight the good fight for Jesus, fill us with steadfast faith, firing low scale people, for the betterment of all, further feathering their already feathered nest, furthering your glorious kingdom, get worse before it gets better, God has a sovereign design behind everything, have not learned from our mistakes, herald further deprivation, hogwash, hold on to for dear life, holy spirit, humble servants, in our favour, into the enemy's ranks, Jesus Christ, jobs, keep us keeping on, keeping lives and families together, killed the middle class, lead and guide all your servants, look for another job, LOVE, make worthwhile inroads, meet the enemy in battle, mercy, no benefits, oppression, our Father who art in heaven, our world is falling apart, our world is in an uproar, over the weekend, power enamoured leaders, power hunger, praise and thank you, refrain from intimacy, rejuvenation of spirit, repression, rising up in protest, sad commentary on our leaders, sally forth with confidence, salvation, serve a useful purpose, society is at its highest level ever, sure conquerors, the all-embracing love of Jesus, the bastion of society, the bottom ninety percent, the devil's advocate, the eventual outcome, the horns of deprivation and uncertainty, the lower strata of society, the only certainty in this world, the only option is to revolt, the only solid foundation, the only true answer, the renewed vitality and enthusiasm, the same old dead-end job, the throne of grace, the top echelons, the top ten percent, the wisdom of Solomon, the wreckage being caused to so many young lives, the young generation, tired of empty promises, to begin a new week of work, to every thing there is a season, truth, uneasily balance, unprincipled technocrats, we know we're invincible, we're not afraid, wearing your powerful protective spiritual armour, weary souls, wisdom, write indelibly in our hearts, your incredible aura of love
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 November 2026 Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Ecclesiastes 3:1. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
‘Ahoy there mih bredrin, it’s a cloudy and cold Monday! What’s new with you eh?’ And all I get in response is a sour sneer: ‘What you think eh? It’s Monday, and I’m back in the same old dead-end job, working for pennies, with no benefits, listening to a set of people continually complaining about how life tough, like I didn’t know that.’ And playing the devil’s advocate, I ask: ‘So why don’t you look for another job?’ The look got even uglier: ‘Look for another job?’ came the astonished reply. ‘In this economy? Hn! When last have you looked for another job with just the basic qualifications eh?’
‘Not for a while,’ I answered. ‘Well then, you better had don’t start looking …unless you have AI qualifications, because that’s all they’re hiring nowadays, for big money too!’ I sagely nodded and replied, ‘I see.’ ‘Yes, AI is all the rage now, and they’re firing low scale people like me, and bringing in AI to do my lowly job. It’s a wonder I still have a job!’
Ah mih people, life is indeed getting rougher and tougher for many of us, but especially for those in the lower strata of society. And it doesn’t seem as though things will get any better in the near future. As they say, it might just have to get worse before it gets better. Can you imagine it? At a time when society is at its highest level ever, with the most wealth, education and technological advancement, our world is falling apart, it’s becoming even more inequitable than it previously was.
The atrocious greed and power hunger at the top is terrifying. They’ve conveniently killed the middle class that was once the bastion of the society. Now you’re either in the top ten percent or in the bottom ninety, for there’s nothing in between anymore. Unfortunately, our world is now being run by a handful of unprincipled technocrats and power enamoured leaders, who are only interested in further feathering their already highly feathered nest, while those below them uneasily balance on the horns of deprivation and uncertainty.
It boggles my imagination to behold the evil and ungodly things they are doing yet pretending that it’s for the betterment of all. As the man said, ‘Hogwash!’ Only the top echelons are benefitting from their selfish schemes. And the people, especially the young generation, are tired with all the empty promises and the continual slide into fewer opportunities with even less benefits that only herald further deprivation. No wonder they are rising up in protest all over the world.
It’s a sad commentary on our leaders, who either don’t care, and/or don’t see the wreckage they are causing to so many young lives. What’s wrong with mankind eh? Have we not learned from our many mistakes down through the years, that continual oppression and repression eventually brings revolution? Apparently not. At some stage the people will get so fed up that they believe their only option is to revolt. And no one truly wins when that happens, but in the light of the then existing circumstances, that always seems to be the only answer.
However, the only true answer seems to be found in the wisdom of Cousin Sol, speaking as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, where he puts forward the reasoning that Almighty God has a sovereign design behind all events of the universe He created. Listen, as he expounds his theory. ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get (gain), and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend (tear apart), and a time to sew (sew together); a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to LOVE, and a time to hate (refrain from intimacy); a time of war, and a time of peace.’ (Eccl. 3:1-8)
Yes friends, that’s the only way to rationalize what’s going on in our very troubled world, that’s facing more unfortunate upheaval every day. And for the individuals, particularly Christians, we need to truly get serious about our faith and embrace the promises of the Bible like we’ve never done before, because that’s the only solid foundation there is in these disastrous times. And it’s promises like this one found in Romans, that we desperately need to hold on to. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28)
Now that’s something we need to write indelibly in our hearts and hold on to for dear life, like it’s a life-saving raft, because it is indeed one, as it assures us that regardless of what happens, in the long run, the Lord our God will work it all out for our good. So, although our world is in an uproar, and we don’t know what’s going to happen next, we can rest assured that the eventual outcome will be in our favour if we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and endure with Him to the very end. Now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, for some much-needed divine aid to keep us keeping on.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; 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 weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.
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 allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to 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, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And with that divine inspiration, let’s get out there and fight the good fight for Jesus! Much LOVE!
…the only certainty in this world…is the all-embracing LOVE of Jesus…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
08 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a crown of life, a dreaded task, a good soldier of Christ, a song of worship, against principalities, and having done all, anti-slavery stance, be a light in this dark world, be able to stand against the wiles of the devil, be able to withstand in the evil day, be brave, be never wanting there, be strong, be strong in the Lord, Carlene Davis, Christ is Lord indeed, cower with fear, danger, despite our many failings, Dudley A Tyng, each piece put on with prayer, evangelical revival, faith, feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, finished my course, finished my race, forth to the mighty conflict, fought a good fight, from victory unto victory, George Duffield Jr, God loves us, God's faithfulness, his army he shall lead, holy character, holy spirit, in the power of his might, in this evil and ungodly world, it must not suffer loss, Jesus Christ, Jesus' disciple, kept the faith, knowledge of the truth of God's Word, let courage rise with danger, lift high his royal banner, loins girded with truth, LOVE, mercy, moral conduct, more importantly, our duty, our world would not be plagued with, plenty prayer, put on the Gospel armour, put on the whole armour of God, putting it into action, quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, quit you like men, refuse to become uncomfortable, refuse to sacrifice for Christ, reggae riddim, reign eternally, rocking good, salvation, salvation and eternal life, serve him against unnumbered foes, sincere appreciation, so many evil and ungodly actions, soldiers of the cross, spiritual armour, spiritual wickedness, spread the good news of Christ's gospel, stand fast in faith, stand in his strength alone, stand up for Jesus children stand up, Stand up Stand up for Jesus, standing on Christ my Saviour, standing on the promises of Christ my Saviour, Standing on the promises of God, standing up for Christ is an honour, standing up steadfastly for Christ, strength to strength oppose, take unto you the whole armour of God, take up our cross daily, tell them to stand up for Jesus, the arm of flesh will fail you, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel truth, the helmet of salvation, the Lord's sanctuary, the next the victor's song, the rulers of darkness, the shield of faith, the spiritual battle is real, the strife will not be long, the sword of the Spirit, the trumpet call obey, the Word of god, this day the noise of battle, this his glorious day, thou therefore endure hardness, till every foe is vanquished, to give thanks and praise, to him that overcometh, to stand, to stand strong for Jesus, truth, warlike imaagery, watch ye, we wrestle not against flesh and blood, where duty calls, wisdom, with the king of glory, ye dare not trust your own, ye that are men
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 November 2026 Ephesians 6:11.
Ephesians 6:11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil.
Here we are again my fellow believers, gathered in the Lord’s sanctuary on this sunshiny autumn day in November, to give thanks and praise for His wonderful kindness and faithfulness to us, the ofttimes rebellious and disobedient children of men. But that’s the wonderful God we serve; He LOVES us despite our many failings, because He created us and knows what we are capable of. So, let’s show some sincere appreciation by opening with a beautiful song of worship, titled ‘Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus!’
The song was written by American preacher George Duffield, Jr. (1818 – 1888). One commentary tells us that ‘Duffield was apparently inspired to write the song after hearing the dying words of a Presbyterian colleague, Dudley A. Tyng, who having been ousted from his own congregation for his strong anti-slavery stance, preached to large crowds in weekday meetings sponsored by the YMCA. His work spearheaded an evangelical revival in Philadelphia early in 1858.
At Tyng’s deathbed, caused by a farm accident in which he lost an arm, Duffield and others asked if he had any final message. Tyng replied, ‘Tell them to stand up for Jesus!” At Tyng’s memorial service on April 25, 1858, Duffield preached on Ephesians 6:14 and concluded his sermon by reading his new hymn text, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” Several lines in that original text referred to Tyng’s words and ministry.’
And having heard of the remarkable origins of the song, let’s now offer it up with sweet sacrifices of praise in an easy rocking sincere, heartfelt, reggae riddim version, as per that done by the renowned Jamaican Gospel Artiste, Carlene Davis. Singing: ‘Stand up, stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the cross; lift high his royal banner, it must not suffer loss: from vict’ry unto vict’ry his army he shall lead, ’til ev’ry foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey; forth to the mighty conflict in this his glorious day: ye that are men now serve him against unnumbered foes; let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose. (Chorus: Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus, children stand up. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus children stand up. Yes we are standing on Christ my Saviour, standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ my saviour, standing on the promises of God.)
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in his strength alone; the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own: put on the gospel armor, each piece put on with pray’r; where duty calls, or danger, be never wanting there. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long; this day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song: to him that overcometh a crown of life shall be; he with the King of glory shall reign eternally.
(Chorus: Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus, children stand up. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus children stand up. Yes we are standing on the promises of Christ my Saviour, standing on the promises of God. Standing on the promises of Christ my saviour, standing on the promises of God. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus, children stand up. Stand up, stand up, Stand up for Jesus children stand up.)’
That was rocking good my people! However, we shouldn’t be only singing it, but more importantly putting it into action in this evil and ungodly world. Remember, as Jesus’ disciple it’s our duty to take up our cross and follow Him every day. To stand strong for Him, to be a light in this dark world and spread the good news of His gospel which offers salvation and eternal life. Unfortunately though, not enough of us supposed Christians are standing up steadfastly for Christ, otherwise our world would not be plagued with so many evil and ungodly actions.
We obviously are not following Bruh Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians. ‘Watch ye, stand fast in faith, quit you like men (be brave), be strong.’ (1 Cor. 16:13) Neither the one to Timothy. ‘Thou therefore endure hardness (hardship), as a good soldier of Christ.’ (2 Tim. 2:3) That’s very obvious when so many of us cower with fear, or refuse to become uncomfortable or sacrifice anything for Christ. But nonetheless, here’s how we begin standing up for Jesus.
As Bruh Paul says to the Ephesians: ‘Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities (rulers), against powers (authorities), against the rulers of the darkness of this world (age), against spiritual wickedness (wicked spiritual beings) in high places. Wherefore take unto you (take up) the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.’ (Eph. 6:10-13)
Yes friends, putting on our spiritual armour is the first action necessary in standing up for Jesus, for you cannot defeat any enemy unless you are first secured from personal attack. And why after doing all, do we still have to stand? Because the devil will keep on attacking us, and if we’re not armoured up, then we have no chance of defeating him. And there’s no time to get into a full description of the spiritual armour, but here’s a quick basic breakdown of our spiritual armour.
They are our loins or waist girded with truth (a knowledge of the truth of God’s word); the breastplate of righteousness protecting our upper bodies (holy character and moral conduct), our feet shod with the preparation of peace, (special shoes allowing an eagerness to advance against the enemy), the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the enemy (believing God’s promises and thus limiting doubt), the helmet of salvation (the certainty of salvation), the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, and finally prayer. Yes my people, all that spiritual armour is of little use unless it’s accompanied by plenty prayer.
So, now that we know what it takes to be able to stand up for Jesus, let’s get out there and do that nuh! It’s imperative that we do something to quell the terrible negativity that’s spreading all around us, for as this commentary so wisely states: ‘The challenge of “Stand Up for Jesus” is proclaimed through the military metaphors Paul uses in Ephesians 6:10-18. Although some decry the warlike imagery, the spiritual battle that Christians must fight is very real. Christ’s victory is assured even if we do not always move “from victory unto victory” in our earthly lives.’
And that’s the gospel truth. We must stand and fight, so that at the end, we can all say like Bruh Paul: ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (run my race), I have kept the faith:’ (2 Tim. 4:7) Now that’s how we all ought to go out! Much LOVE!
…for all Jesus has done for us…standing up for Him should be an honour…not a dreaded task…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
07 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a shot of God's amazing peace, all that are in the utmost corners, all these nations are uncircumcised, automatic reaction, be not wise in thine own eyes, behold the days come, bring forth thy righteousness as the light., cease from anger, circumcision of the heart, commit thy way unto the Lord, deepen my breath, delight thyself also in the Lord, do my duty, dress for the weather, dwell in the land, dwell in the wilderness, evildoers shall be cut off, evildoers shall be destroyed, exercise loving-kindness judgement and righteousness, faith, fear the Lord and depart from evil, feed on his faithfulness, forsake wrath, fret not thyself because of evildoers, fret not thyself because of him who prospers, fret not thyself in any wise to do evil, give thee the desires of thine heart, God's greatest attribute is love, grin and bear it, he shall bring it to pass, he shall direct thy paths, health to thy body, health to thy navel, holy spirit, I am the Lord, I marvel to think you can't be contained, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, I want to be with you now, in all sincerity and truth, in all thy ways acknowledge him, in these evil and ungodly times, in these things I delight, increase my awareness of you today, it only causes harm, Jesus Christ, know you all the more, lazy-day Saturday, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, lean not unto thine own understanding, let him that glorieth glory in this, let not the rich man glory in his riches, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, LOVE, loving God like there was no tomorrow, many people have no use for God, marrow to thy bones, mercy, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, neither let the mighty man glory in his strength, Oh God help me, pay serious attention to the Bible, peace and comfort for the righteous, peace that mankind cannot comprehed, physicial circumcision, problems we can't handle in our own strength, punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised, punishment for evildoers, quiet my soul, raises its unwelcome head, relax my muscles, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, salvation, seeking more intimacy with God, slow my thoughts, soon be cut down like the grass, strength to thy bones, take time to ponder our situation with God, thank you for this tenderness, that he understandeth and knoweth me, the house of Israel, the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass, the man who brings wicked schemes to pass, those that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth, thou shalt be fed, thy judgement as the noonday, thy justice as the noonday, trouble falls on their plate, trust also in him, trust in the Lord and do good, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, truth, uncircumcised in the heart, wisdom, wisdom of the highest order, wither as the green herb, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 November 2026 Jeremiah 9:24a.
Jeremiah 9:24a. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord…
It’s a somewhat cloudy and chilly lazy-day Saturday my people, but that doesn’t matter if you are staying home. However, if you’re going out, it would be wise to dress for the weather. (smile) And I was able to enjoy some lazy-day time lolling around in bed earlier on, but it never lasts as long I would like, for the inevitable always raises it’s unwelcome head; I have to get up and come down to write the Bit. But that’s what I signed up for, so I just have to grin and bear it, get up and do my duty.
And on this first Saturday in November – can you imagine, we’re already a week into the month – let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, with all sincerity and truth, seeking to get more intimate with our wonderful God. 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 if we were sincere and serious, the Lord will gladly answer our prayer with a shot of His amazing peace, a peace that mankind cannot comprehend, but we can certainly feel and appreciate. For remember that the Lord created us to LOVE, honour, glorify and be intimate with Him! And since His greatest attribute is LOVE, then any sincere seeking of intimacy with Him would obviously be greatly welcomed and appreciated. And that’s especially so in these evil and ungodly times, where numerous people have no use whatsoever for God until trouble falls on their plate, and then their automatic reaction is, ’Oh God, help me!’
But that’s not what our heavenly Father desires. No! He desires to have people seeking Him sincerely ALL THE TIME! Not only when they encounter problems they apparently can’t handle in their own strength. That’s why Cousin Sol wisely advises us in Proverbs: ‘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 or straight) thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones.’ (Prov. 3:5-8)
Yes friends, that’s what we get for sincerely seeking the Lord at all times, for keeping His commandments and LOVING Him like there was no tomorrow. And Cousin Sol is not the only one who thus exhorts us to trust and LOVE the Lord. Listen to the prophet Jeremiah, as he talks about the glory in knowing the Lord. ‘Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise LOVING-KINDNESS, judgement (justice), and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will punish all them which are circumcised with the uncircumcised; Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that are in the utmost corners, that dwell in the wilderness: for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.’ (Jer. 9:23-26)
Ah mih people, yuh see what’s of the utmost importance to our God, not physical circumcision like Israel had, or even uncircumcision like the Gentiles had, but circumcision of our hearts. That’s where it’s at today! Our hearts need to be cut and cleansed and reshaped into LOVE and adoration for Almighty God! For that’s what He desires of His human creation. Do you think He sent Jesus to earth just for the fun of it? Absolutely not! This is all serious business my people. Do you think the Lord also had the Bible written for fun? No! He’s a serious God and whatever He says is what He’ll do.
Many of us think about heaven and hell and eternity as a joke, but why would the Lord keep harping on it, throughout the Bible, if it wasn’t a serious reality of the time to come? And all throughout the Bible He talks about punishment for the evil doers and peace and comfort for the righteous, do you think the Lord just likes to talk? I very much doubt it. So it would be wisdom of the highest order to pay serious attention to what the Bible says, especially if you consider yourself a Christian.
And we’ll close with these wise and wonderful words of Bruh David from Psalm 37, that give us the same advice, but in a gentler way. (smile) ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on his faithfulness). Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (it only causes harm). For evil doers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:1-9)
Oh my fellow believers, it could not be put any simpler or more straightforward than that! So please, on this first lazy-day Saturday in November, it’s essential that we take some time to ponder how we’re each shaping up as per the wise advice we’ve heard today, and then ask the Lord to help us improve our situation, because we’re all not as good as we can be! Much LOVE!
…the Lord God Jehovah is a serious God…so whatever He says…is for real…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
06 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: affliction or persecution arises, all these things are done in parables, already behind time, at one time or another, because it had no root, breath of life, bring forth fruit, caused to stumble, choke the word, contamininated soil, defeat the simmering unrest in our land, defect from the truth, desires for other things, did yield fruit that sprang up, disciplined enough, divine help, doctrine, don't count the cost, endure but for a time, fail to respond tothe word sown, faith, fidelity, followers of Christ, for the word's sake, four kinds of people who hear the gospel, Friday chant, Friday Mantra, further your glorious kingdom, have a race to run, have no root in themselves, he that hath ears to hear let him hear, hear the Word, hearing they may hear and not understand, help us to be responsible, his satanic matesty, holy spirit, illegitimate matters, immediately it sprang up, immediately offended, immediately receive the gospel, impulsive people, increased and brought forth, it becomes unfruitful, it had not much earth, it withered away, it yielded no fruit, Jesus Christ, legitmate matters, LOVE, make the most of each day, mercy, no depth of earth, obedience, offended because of persecution, omnipotent help, other fell on good ground, our serious problems are escalating, our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffe, our witness for Christ is not good enough, preoccupied people, receive our comeuppance at sometime, receive the word with gladness, refresh our memory, rejection of the gospel, remain solid ground, salvation, Satan cometh immediatetly, Satan has a stranglehold on our world, seeds sown on stony ground, seeing they may see and not perceive, some a hundredfold some sixty some thirtyfold, some fell among thorns, some fell by the wayside, some fell on stony ground, sown among thorns, sown on good ground, spiritual reality, stand strong and steadfast, such as hear the word, take priority over the gospel, take the gospel to heart, taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the cares of this world, the days keep rolling along very quickly, the deceitfulness of riches, the fowls of the air devoured them, the fruit of faith, the lusts of other things, the mystery of the kingdom of God, the parable of the sower, the seed is the word of God, the sower soweth the word, the thorns grew up and choked it, the throne of grace, the weekend is here at last, there went our a sower to sow, these ungodly times, they by the wayside where the word is sown, truth, unresponsive people, unto them that wre without, unto you it is given to know, when the sun was up it was scorched, wisdom, wise guidance, with Jesus' awesome help, your generous help
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 November 2026 Mark 4:14.
Mark 4:14. The sower soweth the word (the seed is the word of God).
And it’s another upcoming weekend as our Friday Mantra reminded us this cloudy and windy first Friday in November. Voices were raised in gleeful shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend is here at last!’ Yes friends, the days keep rolling along very quickly, as though they have a race to run and they’re already behind time. But that’s okay, for as believers in, and followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t need to worry about the quickly passing days because we are taught to, and are disciplined enough to make the most of each day with His awesome help.
And since the Lord God Almighty was gracious enough to allow us to enjoy His breath of life for another day, it’s only right that we keep our promise to continue looking at the parable of the Sower and the seed. And to refresh our memory and bring some continuity to the topic, we’ll quickly review the parable. Today however, we’ll give you Mark’s version. (smile) He writes: ‘And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine (act of teaching as well as the content), Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: and it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air devoured it up.
And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up, and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred (fold). And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And when he was alone, they that were about him, with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery (secrets or hidden truths) of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without (outside), all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted (turn), and their sins should be forgiven them.’ (Mark 4:2-12)
You see that Mark, as well as Luke, don’t record like Matthew does, the full explanation Jesus offered to the disciples as to why He spoke to the people in parables. And as I said yesterday, I believe it was important for us to at least know about it, that’s why I used Matthew’s version. But now knowing it, we can use the shorter versions of the story. (smile) Anyway, Mark continues: ‘And he (Jesus) said unto them, Know ye not (don’t you understand) this parable? and how then will ye know (understand) all parables?
The sower soweth the word (the seed is the word of God). And these are they by the wayside, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction (tribulation) or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended (caused to stumble).
And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts (desires) of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.’ (Mark 4:13-20)
Yes friends, those are the explanations for the different places that Jesus spoke of in the parable. And per the scholars, ‘Jesus interprets the parable thus: ‘The four soils represent four kinds of people who hear the gospel. (1) Unresponsive people, they by the way side, fail to respond to the seed or word (gospel) sown, so Satan quickly removes it lest they be saved. (2) Impulsive people, the stony ground, are those who immediately receive the gospel, but not counting the cost, have no root (spiritual reality) in themselves. They believe for a while, but soon are offended (defect from the truth) because of persecution. Their rejection of the gospel is as speedy as their reception of it.
(3) Preoccupied people, those among thorns, allow legitimate matters (cares of this world) and illegitimate matters (deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things), to take priority over the gospel. And (4) some people, good ground, hear and receive (take to heart) the gospel, which bears the fruit of faith, obedience, and fidelity in them.’ And unfortunately, all of that still happens today, possibly even more than back in Jesus’ time, as our world becomes more deceitful, greedy, evil and ungodly, and his satanic majesty prances around with a big smile on his ugly face.
But fortunately we all receive our comeuppance at some time or another, and Satan and all his evil cronies will eventually receive theirs, while we, the righteous ones will dwell in peace and LOVE with our heavenly Father! And as we look forward with great anticipation to that time, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine help to remain solid ground, bearing plenty good fruit. 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. You know 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 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 the sad fact my fellow believers, is that we also need to wake up and smell the coffee, because our soil has become contaminated, thus our witness for Christ, is not as good as it ought to be, else Satan would not have such a stranglehold on our world. So let’s get up right now and begin doing something productive about it nuh! Much LOVE!
…with all the contaminants currently floating around…it is indeed difficult to maintain good soil…but with Jesus’ help, it is certainly possible…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
05 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a blatant lie, a positive outlook on life, a prayer on someone else's behalf, a sower went forth to sow, abundance, an hundrefold, be converted, because they had no root, bestowed upon our thirsty land, blessed are your ears for they hear, blessed are your eyes for they see, blessed with success, brought forth fruit, clear direction for my life, come to know and love him like we do, courage, creativity, curse, Deat Lord Jesus please bless these people, desired to see those things ye see, difficult challenges, divine protection, don't be dicouraged from praying, ears are dull of hearing, faith, favour, fell among thorns, forthwirh sprung up, from him shall be taken what he hath, fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, get the full gist of the message, good friends, good ground for the seed of God's word, grow into a tree with many branches, had not much earth, have a lot on their shoulders, have more abundance, have not heard them, he who hath ears to hear let him hear, hearing they hear not, hearts grown dull, hidden teachings, holy spirit, if God spares life, immediately sprung up, insight into the scriptures, it is given unto you, Jesus Christ, LOVE, mercy, most of all spread your good news, negative word, neither do they understand, no deepness of earth, other fell into good ground, Our Daily Bread Ministries, penultimate day of our workweek, prayers for rain were nswered, right heart motives, salvation, self- discipline, self-control, showers of blessings, sixtyfold, some fell upon stony places, some seeds fell by the wayside, spake many things unto them in parables, stuck in rocky ground, supernatural strength, talent, the fowls came and devoured them up, the parable of the sower, the path of their way to good ground, the sun's shining, they seeing see not, they were scorched, they withered away, thirtyfold, this people's heart is waxed gross, thorns sprung up and choked them, thorny ground, to hear those things you hear, to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, to those who need help, truth, understand with their heart, undeserved blessings, use our blesings to help others, veiled truths, when the sun was up, who are my brethren, who is my mother, who says God doesn't answer prayer, whosoever hath not, whosoever hath to him shall be given, wisdom, your humble servants
Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 November 2026 Matthew 13:16.
Matthew 13:16. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
And who says that God doesn’t answer prayers eh? That’s a blatant lie! For yesterday our prayers for rain were answered in the early evening and late night periods, when showers of blessings were bestowed upon our thirsty land. And then on this Thursday morning, the penultimate day of our work week, it opened bright and sunshiny again, though with a bit of a chilly wind. But the sun’s shining! That’s the important thing! So please don’t let anyone discourage you from praying, for once your heart and motives are right, the Lord will answer you. It might not always be the answer you desire, but you will surely get an answer.
And talking about offering prayers to Almighty God, I recently received a newsletter from Our Daily Bread Ministries of Canada that contained this very interesting prayer. It reads: ‘I am 12 years old! I cannot give because I have no money. But I am thankful for what you do. I felt like I was supposed to write this letter. I have a prayer for you: Dear Lord Jesus. Please bless these people. They are your humble servants, and they have a lot on their shoulders. May they grow into a tree with many branches to those who need help. May they help those who are stuck in rocky ground, and thorny ground, and the path of their way to good ground. (Matt. 13:4-8) And may they most of all spread your good news. In your name, Amen.’
Mama Mia! Now that’s a beautiful prayer, especially from a 12 year old child. And the wonderful thing is that it’s on behalf of someone else; a group of people he doesn’t really know, but he knows their good work, and the difficult challenges they face in doing it. That means someone taught him about God at an early age… Oh how beautiful it would be if many more children would be taught about Christ at an early age, as they are supposed to be taught! And I like how this 12 year old even has useful insights into the scriptures, there mentioning Jesus’ parable of the Sower and the seed, that’s very appropriate to the work of Our Daily Bread Ministries.
And I guess that’s a sign for us to talk about that parable today. (smile) So what’s it all about eh? Now, according to Matthew that parable was spoken shortly after Jesus family came to look for Him, and He seemed to slight them by asking, ‘Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?’ (Matt. 12:47-50) for he writes: ‘The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship, and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore.
And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, ‘Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith (immediately) they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
And the disciples came and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? And he answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God (veiled truths or hidden teachings): but unto them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Therefore I speak to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross (grown dull), and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted (turn), and I should (would) heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.’ (Matt. 3:1-18)
Ah friends, that’s a much more detailed explanation of why Jesus taught the multitudes in parables than the other gospels have, and I thought that we ought to get the full gist of the message, that’s why I stayed with Matthew’s gospel. And we’ll stop there for today, because continuing on would only make the Bit too long, with too much scripture to comprehend in one sitting. So tomorrow, if God spares life, we’ll continue looing at the parable and its meaning. Now, let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings, generously bestowed by our wonderful God to help us 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 are now expected to use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…let’s hope that we are good ground for the seed of God’s Word…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
04 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a catch 22 situation, a curve called failure, a door called confusion, a driver called Jesus, a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again, a spare called determination, after ye have done the will of God, an engine called perseverance, be able to bear it, be constant in prayer, be patient in tribulation, be strong faithful and persevering, cast not therefore your confidence, catch our second wind, caution lights, caution lights called family, curves, destruction, DETERMINATION, don't look forward to hell fire and damnation, endure to the end with Jesus, enjoy that more than glorious future together, faith, flats, flats called jobs, God is faithful, great recompence of reward, halfway home, hands on the plough, have need of patience, he that abideth in me and I in him, he that shall come will come, he will not tarry, holy spirit, I am the vine ye are the branches, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, if any man draw back, if thou faint in the day of adversity, in a dry and thirsty land where no water is, insurance called faith, Jesus can empower us to do anything, Jesus Christ, look forward to heaven and Jesus, LOVE, make a way of escape, make it to a place called success, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, no giving up in Christ's kingdom, no temptation taken you, not allow you to be tempted above that ye are able, not an easy task to walk the straight and narrow road, not focusing on what has gone before, not turning back, our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, perseverance, problems to overcome on the road to success, red lights, red lights called enemies, rejoice in hope, salvation, showers of blessings, so glad to be alive, speed bumps, speed bumps called friends, sticktoitiveness, straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus, strength in the face of adversity, strong patience filled with plenty faith, stumble into calamity, success, such as is common to man, test our belief in Christ, thank God, the ability to hang in despite unfavourable odds, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the flip side of the coin, the indisputable truth, the just shall live by faith, the life sources of living things, the most important aspect is Jesus, the road to Success, the road to success is not straight, the same bringeth forth much fruit, the true test of one's endurance, the wicked shall fall into mischief, them that believe to the saving of the soul, threat of rain, thy strength is small, to test our mettle, too much of anything is not good, truth, we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, Wednesday Wail, wisdom, with the temptation, without me ye can do nothing, ye might receive the promise, yet a little while, you only get strong by facing adversity
Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 November 2026 Proverbs 24:10.
Proverbs 24:10. ‘If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.’
Aye friends, on this first catch our second wind Wednesday in November, it’s another fairly warm, but this time somewhat cloudy morning in my neighbourhood. However, I don’t think there’s a serious threat of rain, although we could use some heavenly showers of blessings. It’s certainly good to have lots of warm, sunshiny days at this time of the year, but as they say, too much of anything is not good. And if we continue with this dry spell, we’ll soon come like Bruh David says in Psalm 63, ‘a dry and thirsty land, where no water is.’ (Ps. 63:1b) And we definitely don’t want that to happen, so let’s pray for a little rain to moisten the ground and keep the streams flowing with beautiful water. For water is one of the life sources of living things, along with blood, breath and food.
And today, we’ll share an interesting article on a most important subject, ‘Success.’ I believe I’ve shared it before, but who knows. Anyway, last night while searching through some old papers, I suddenly saw this yellow sheet of foolscap amongst some other stuff. And, drawn to the unusual, coloured paper, I pulled it out, and was pleasantly surprised to find two interesting articles written on it. Unfortunately, neither gave any information about their origins, and I obviously don’t remember where I got them from. (smile) And, for want of a name, we’ll call todays offering, ‘The Road To Success.’
So please read with me: ‘The road to Success is not straight. There is a Curve called Failure… A Door called Confusion… Speed Bumps called Friends… Red Lights called Enemies… Caution Lights called Family… You will have Flats called Jobs, but if you have a Spare called Determination… An Engine called Perseverance… Insurance called Faith.. A Driver called Jesus.. You will make it to a place called Success.’ Now isn’t that the indisputable truth my fellow believers? With determination, perseverance, faith and Jesus, we can make a success of anything!
And obviously the most important aspect of the situation is Jesus, of whom Bruh Paul so rightly declares: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:13) Now as a Christian, that’s one of the first things we need to know and then believe: Jesus can empower us to do anything that He desires of us. And to cement that conclusion, Jesus Himself adds an interesting take on the flip side of the coin, when He tells the disciples: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth for much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5) So you get the picture? With Christ you can do any and everything, but without Him, you can do nothing!
Now, although Jesus will always be working with and around us on jobs that He desires us to fulfill, there will always be problems to overcome on that road to success, like the many curves, speed bumps, red lights, caution lights and flats, that we mentioned above. And though Jesus may remove some of those problems, most likely He won’t remove all of them, seeking possibly to test our mettle, our belief in Him. That’s where those things called determination, perseverance and faith come in. Now don’t get me wrong; Jesus will always help you through whatever storm you’re battling, but He won’t always extricate you from it.
As Bruh Paul says in 1 Corinthians: ‘There hath no temptation taken (overtaken) you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear (endure) it.’ (1 Cor. 10:13) And the basic idea there is that God won’t always allow us to escape the temptation or the problem, but will ensure a way for us to work though whatever it is and come out in one piece on the other side. That means we need to develop what they call sticktoitiveness; that strong patience filled with plenty faith, or perseverance. The ability to hang in although the odds don’t seem to favour us.
And one of the first things we must also learn in our walk with Christ is that there’s no giving up in His kingdom. That’s why Cousin Sol says in Proverbs: ‘For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity).’ (Prov. 24:16) That means every time you fall or fail, you need to get back up and keep going, obviously with the help of Jesus. And I like this other Proverb of Cousin Sol on the subject. ‘If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.’ (Prov. 24:10)
Oh yes! As the scholars explain: ‘Strength in the face of adversity is the true test of one’s endurance.’ And believe me, the Lord will test you in ways you won’t even understand, and sadly the only way to grow that faith and endurance we need to stand strong in adversity is by going through adversity. That’s the catch 22 situation. You only get strong by facing difficulty. The good thing though is that with every difficulty you face and come through with Jesus’ help, your faith gets stronger and you are able to walk a better Christian walk. And there are many scriptures on determination, perseverance and faith, but we don’t have time nor space for them, however, I believe this passage from Hebrews combines them all in a good explanation.
The author exhorts believers: ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience (perseverance), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry (delay). Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition (destruction); but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.’ (Heb. 10:35-39) Yes friends, we don’t look forward to hell fire and damnation, but to heaven and Jesus, however, it’s not an easy task to walk the straight and narrow road that leads there. So we need to be strong, faithful and persevering.
Now, let’s go home 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 for those who endure to the very end with Jesus, they have been promised an even more glorious future than they can ask or imagine. So let’s endure to the end with Jesus, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!
…rejoice in hope…be patient in tribulation…be constant in prayer… (Rom. 12:12)
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
03 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abused and rejected Jesus, all bare him witness, all that we can ever need, all they in the synagogue, appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, battened down the hatches, be called trees of righteousness, blessed with sunny and warm days, but Jesus passing through the midst of them went his way, cast him headlong over the cliff, challenge Jesus' authority, come to know and love him like we do, comfort all that mourn, console them that mourn in Zion, disicpline, don't have to worry, don't have to hurry, duty bound, faith, filled with wrath, first Tuesday in November, God gifted us Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour, heal the brokenhearted, his commandments are not burdensome, his commandments are not grievous, holy spirit, in god's eyes, is not this Joseph's son, Jesus Christ, Jesus read Isaiah's prophecy in His hometown of Nazareth, Jewish unfaithfulness, led him to the brow of the hill, LOVE, mercy, more than you sow and later than you sow, never look a gift horse in the mouth, no prophet is accepted in his own country, only fools refuse God's gifts of salvation and eternal life, opening of the prison to them that are bound, preach good tidings to the poor, preach good tidings unto the meek, proclaim liberty to the captives, proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, repercussions, rose up and thrust him out of the city, salvation, sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, that God might be glorified, the beloved of God, the cold weather, the day Jesus visited his hometown of Nazareth, the day of vengeance of our God, the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Jesus, the Father's great love for His human creation, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, the gifts of salvation and eternal life, the importance of Isaiah's propehecy, the Lord God hath appointed me, the oil of joy for mourning, the planting of the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears, this is the love of God, to give unto them beauty for ashes, to live in peace and harmony discipline is essential, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, we keep His commandments, when they heard these things, wisdom, wondered at his gracious words, work to earn our salvation, you reap what you sow
Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 November 2026 Luke 4:21.
Luke 4:21. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (hearing).
And on this first Tuesday in November, it’s another fairly sunny and warm day in my neighbourhood, with a few dark clouds floating around trying to be a threat to the sunshine, but I’m pretty sure they won’t prevail. On the other hand, I don’t know how and why we’re so blessed to be getting so many sunny and warm days this late in the year, but we’ll certainly accept them with much gratitude, because when the cold weather does hit, and be sure it will eventually, we won’t be seeing any of them for a long while.
That brings to mind the old adage, never look a gift horse in the mouth. (smile) And I believe that adage is very appropriate in the case of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Because of the Father’s great LOVE for His human creation, He gifted Jesus to us to be our Saviour, to be all that we can ever need, but we’re so ungrateful that we challenged His authority and presence, abused and wholeheartedly rejected Him. Now if the Lord had said we had to work exceedingly hard to earn our salvation, we would have indeed battened down the hatches and done it.
But because the gift of salvation and eternal life are basically free, only needing us to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, and live a decent moral life, we find that’s too easy and not very believable. It points to the foolishness of man’s supposed wisdom that says, if it’s too easy, then something’s wrong. Thus we’ll go to all kinds of lengths and difficulties to accomplish hard stuff, but the easy stuff we’ll neglect or simply pass by, even though it’s to our benefit to accept it. That recalls the interesting and oh so true saying of John in his first epistle. ‘For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome).’ (1 John 5:3)
No my people, the Lord’s commandments are certainly not burdensome. Yes, they will take some discipline, but for man to live together in peace and harmony anyway, discipline is essential. And we show our great disregard for God’s commandments by having plenty discipline to do the wrong things and not enough to do the right ones. But let’s remember that favourite saying of the late Uncle Charles (Dr. Charles Stanley); ‘You reap what you sow…more than you sow…and later than you sow.’ Meaning that there will be repercussions for whatever you do, and sometimes they will be very harsh and difficult to accept, but it’s what you sowed.
So, it’s wise to consider what we are sowing before we sow it, since we’ll most likely get a big harvest, of either bad or good, depending on what we sowed. And I’m chuckling here, because I don’t know how I got into that sermon above there, since the Good Book opened this morning at Isaiah’s prophecy of the things that the Messiah, Jesus would come to earth to do. The passage is titled, The Acceptable Year of the Lord. And Isaiah writes: ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord God hath appointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek (poor); he hath sent me to bind up (heal) the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto (console) them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.’ (Is. 61:1-3) Ah friends, it’s a lot of stuff that Jesus would be doing, and it’s not only to help us foolish humans, but also to glorify God the Father. And glorifying our heavenly Father has also become our duty, because it’s one of the reasons He created us in the first place.
And the importance of Isaiah’s prophecy was shown on the fateful day that Jesus visited His hometown of Nazareth. As was His habit, He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and they gave him the book of Isaiah to read. Jesus found the passage that we’ve just read, about ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,’ but stopped at, ‘To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’ (Luke 4:18-19) And per the scholars, that indicated that the day of vengeance (final judgement) had not yet come. After that Jesus closed the book, returned it to the minister, and sat down.
‘And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (hearing). And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?’ (Luke 4:20-22) And that began the controversy. For Jesus began telling them some truths about their Jewish unfaithfulness. (Luke 4:23-27) ‘And all they in the synagogue when they heard these things, were filled with wrath (rage), And rose up , and thrust him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him headlong (over the cliff). But he passing through the midst of them went his way.’ (Luke 4:28-30)
Can you imagine it? The people of Jesus’ own home town Nazareth, not only rejecting Him, but worse yet trying to kill Him! It proved His words to them: ‘No prophet is accepted in his own country.’ (Luke 4:24) And it’s the truth. Many famous people are not as well received in their home towns as they are in other places. Unfortunately though, time and space are against us, but hopefully we did further enrich our scriptural knowledge. (smile) 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, we’re now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him as we do! Much LOVE!
…only fools refuse God’s gifts of salvation and eternal life…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
02 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a debt we can never repay, a heinous fate, a man of sorrows, a new week of work, acquainted with grief, as sheep going astray, bare our sins in his own body on the tree, be made the righteousness of God in Christ, be set free, become discouraged in your souls, being dead to sins, bruised for our iniquities, buffeted and bombarded by the enemy's evil schemes, by whose stripes ye were healed, can't make head nor tail of what's happening, carried our sorrows, Christ also suffered for us, Christ's sufferation, committed himself to him that judgeth righteously, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners, deceit, despised and rejected of men, despising the shame, encompassed about, endured the cross, esteem him stricken, faith, falling apart, feel deep in our souls, fill us with steadfast faith, finished my course, finished my race, follow his steps, followers follow their leader's example, for the joy that was set before him, forgiven of our sins, forsaken by men, fought a good fight, furthering your glorious kingdom, giving us righteousness, go out and challenge the enemy, go out to meet the enemy in battle, go round the mulberry bush, God made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin, guilty of no wrongdoing, he hath borne our griefs, he was despised, heifer dust, hereunto were ye called, heroes of faith, hid our faces from him, holy spirit, hostility of sinners, humble servants, humbly ask, in his own self bare our sins on the tree, in return, invincible, Jesus Christ, Jesus died a substitutionary death, Jesus keeps us keeping on, Jesus offered his sinless life for our sinful ones, Jesus paid our sin debt in full, Jesus took the punishment that we deserved, jobs, jobs that serve a useful purpose, keeping lives and families together, kept the faith, lay aside every weight, leaving us an example, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds, live unto righteousness, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, make worthwhile inroads into the enemy's ranks, mano a mano, mercy, neither was guile found in his mouth, nothing's changed in our lives, now ready to be offered, now returned unto the shepherd, on solid ground, one thing we are grateful for, our Father who art in heaven, pains, peace that we can't understand, Penal Substitution, pierced through, praise and thank you, quiets our souls, reject Jesus' offer of salvation and eternal life, rejuvenation of spirit, run with patience, run with perseverance, running their tough races with perseverance, sally forth with confidence, salvation, same old, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, sickness, smitten of God, spiritual encouragement, struck down by God, sure conquerors, surrender our all to you, surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, taking our sins, that's what disciples do, the author and finisher of our faith, the chastisement of our peace, the example we should be setting, the Great Exchange, the indwelling Holy Spirit, the living truth, the originator and perfector of our faith, the presence of Jesus in our lives, the race set before us, the renewed vitality and enthusiasm, the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls, the sin that ensnares us, the sin which doth so easily beset us, the time of my departure is at hand, things seem to be unravelling, to lead and guide all your servants, truth, walking in the footsteps of Jesus, we esteemed him not, we're not afraid, wearing your powerful protective spiritual armour, weary souls, when he suffered threatened not, when he was reviled reviled not again, who did no sin, wisdom, with his stripes we are healed, wounded for our transgressions, your incredible aura of love
Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 November 2026 2 Timothy 4:7.
2 Timothy 4:7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith:
Well friends, here we go round the mulberry bush again on this mostly sunny and warm first Monday in November. Nothing’s much changed in our lives or the world over the weekend, so it’s the same old, same old that we’re back to at the beginning of this new week. However, there’s one same old that we are everlastingly grateful for, and that’s the continued presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in our lives, because He is the one that keeps us keeping on, when things seem to be unravelling, to be falling apart, and we can’t seem to make head nor tail of what’s happening around us.
He is the One, through His indwelling Holy Spirit, that quiets our souls and sets us aright, puts us back on solid ground, by offering His awesome peace that we can’t understand, but can certainly feel deep in our souls. What would we do without Him eh? I refuse to dwell on that possibility. Jesus has done so much for us, that I can’t see or understand how supposedly wise and sensible people could reject His marvellous offer of salvation and eternal life. So today, let’s look at some of the things He did for us, the ‘sufferation’ He underwent on our behalf.
And I believe the best place to start is with the prophecy of Isaiah. He speaks thus of Jesus several hundred years before it became reality. ‘He is despised and rejected of (forsaken by) men; a man of sorrows, (pains), and acquainted with grief (sickness): and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs (sickness): and carried our sorrows (pains): yet we did esteem (reckon) him stricken, smitten of (struck down by) God, and afflicted. But he was wounded (pierced though) for our transgressions, he was bruised (crushed) for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes (blows that cut into His body) we are healed.’ (Is. 53:3-5)
Now tell me, should one man, especially one who is guilty of no wrongdoing, be made to suffer such a heinous fate? Obviously not! But Jesus suffered exactly such a fate on our behalf. He offered His sinless life for our sinful one, taking our sins and giving us His righteousness. Bruh Paul says it quite plainly in 2 Corinthians. ‘For he (God the Father) hath made him (Jesus) to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Cor. 5:21)
One Overview refers to that action as ‘The Great Exchange or Penal Substitution, grounded primarily in the New Testament.’ Yes, Jesus took the punishment that we deserved, died a substitutionary death, so that we could be set free, be forgiven of our abominable sins. And yuh still want to tell me that we don’t owe Him anything? Heifer dust! Meanwhile, listen to how Peter describes the situation. ‘For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Who did no sin, neither was guile (deceit) found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again (in return); when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes (wounds) ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop (Overseer) of your souls.’ (1 Pet. 221-25)
And all of that is the living truth my people! Isaiah prophesied in the Old Testament, and it came to pass in the New Testament. Jesus paid our sin debt in full for us, and it’s a debt we can never repay. However, Jesus isn’t looking for repayment, all He’s expecting, is as Peter says, that we should copy His example, follow in His footsteps. And how do we do that? Listen as the author of Hebrews explains: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses (heroes of faith), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:1-3)
Now that’s the general kind of example we should be setting; walking as closely as possible in the footsteps of Jesus, because that’s what disciples do. And we all know that it’s not easy, but it’s doable with Jesus’ help. Look at all those heroes of faith that endured running their tough races with perseverance. Like Bruh Paul said to Timothy: ‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: ” (2 Tim. 4:6-7) Now that’s how we ought to bow out of this world. And to help us do that, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; 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 weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.
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 allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to 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, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Now, with that spiritual encouragement under our belts, let’s go out and challenge the enemy, mano a mano! Much LOVE!
…Jesus is our leader…and followers always follow their leader’s example…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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The Importance of Christians Knowing, Understanding and Believing God’s Promises in Times of Crisis!
09 Nov 2026 Leave a comment
by randyobrien50 in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living Tags: a life-saving raft, a state of upheaval, a time of peace, a time of war, a time to be born, a time to break down, a time to build up, a time to cast away, a time to cast away stones, a time to dance, a time to die, a time to embrace, a time to every purpose under heaven, a time to gather stones together, a time to get, a time to hate, a time to heal, a time to keep, a time to keep silence, a time to kill, a time to laugh, a time to lose, a time to love, a time to mourn, a time to plant, a time to pluck up that which is planted, a time to refrain from embracing, a time to rend, a time to sew, a time to speak, a time to weep, Ai (Artificial Intelligence, AI qualifications, all over the world, all things work together for good to them that love God, atrocious greed, becoming more inequitable, benefittiing from their selfish schemes, big money, boggles my imagination, buffeted and bombarded by the enemy's evil schemes, called according to God's purpose, Christian need to get serious about their faith, complaining about the toughness of life, continual oppression brings revolution, continual slide into fewer opportunities, disastrous times, divine aid, divine inspiration, embrace the promises of the Bible, evil and ungodly things being done, faith, fight the good fight for Jesus, fill us with steadfast faith, firing low scale people, for the betterment of all, further feathering their already feathered nest, furthering your glorious kingdom, get worse before it gets better, God has a sovereign design behind everything, have not learned from our mistakes, herald further deprivation, hogwash, hold on to for dear life, holy spirit, humble servants, in our favour, into the enemy's ranks, Jesus Christ, jobs, keep us keeping on, keeping lives and families together, killed the middle class, lead and guide all your servants, look for another job, LOVE, make worthwhile inroads, meet the enemy in battle, mercy, no benefits, oppression, our Father who art in heaven, our world is falling apart, our world is in an uproar, over the weekend, power enamoured leaders, power hunger, praise and thank you, refrain from intimacy, rejuvenation of spirit, repression, rising up in protest, sad commentary on our leaders, sally forth with confidence, salvation, serve a useful purpose, society is at its highest level ever, sure conquerors, the all-embracing love of Jesus, the bastion of society, the bottom ninety percent, the devil's advocate, the eventual outcome, the horns of deprivation and uncertainty, the lower strata of society, the only certainty in this world, the only option is to revolt, the only solid foundation, the only true answer, the renewed vitality and enthusiasm, the same old dead-end job, the throne of grace, the top echelons, the top ten percent, the wisdom of Solomon, the wreckage being caused to so many young lives, the young generation, tired of empty promises, to begin a new week of work, to every thing there is a season, truth, uneasily balance, unprincipled technocrats, we know we're invincible, we're not afraid, wearing your powerful protective spiritual armour, weary souls, wisdom, write indelibly in our hearts, your incredible aura of love
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 November 2026 Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Ecclesiastes 3:1. To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
‘Ahoy there mih bredrin, it’s a cloudy and cold Monday! What’s new with you eh?’ And all I get in response is a sour sneer: ‘What you think eh? It’s Monday, and I’m back in the same old dead-end job, working for pennies, with no benefits, listening to a set of people continually complaining about how life tough, like I didn’t know that.’ And playing the devil’s advocate, I ask: ‘So why don’t you look for another job?’ The look got even uglier: ‘Look for another job?’ came the astonished reply. ‘In this economy? Hn! When last have you looked for another job with just the basic qualifications eh?’
‘Not for a while,’ I answered. ‘Well then, you better had don’t start looking …unless you have AI qualifications, because that’s all they’re hiring nowadays, for big money too!’ I sagely nodded and replied, ‘I see.’ ‘Yes, AI is all the rage now, and they’re firing low scale people like me, and bringing in AI to do my lowly job. It’s a wonder I still have a job!’
Ah mih people, life is indeed getting rougher and tougher for many of us, but especially for those in the lower strata of society. And it doesn’t seem as though things will get any better in the near future. As they say, it might just have to get worse before it gets better. Can you imagine it? At a time when society is at its highest level ever, with the most wealth, education and technological advancement, our world is falling apart, it’s becoming even more inequitable than it previously was.
The atrocious greed and power hunger at the top is terrifying. They’ve conveniently killed the middle class that was once the bastion of the society. Now you’re either in the top ten percent or in the bottom ninety, for there’s nothing in between anymore. Unfortunately, our world is now being run by a handful of unprincipled technocrats and power enamoured leaders, who are only interested in further feathering their already highly feathered nest, while those below them uneasily balance on the horns of deprivation and uncertainty.
It boggles my imagination to behold the evil and ungodly things they are doing yet pretending that it’s for the betterment of all. As the man said, ‘Hogwash!’ Only the top echelons are benefitting from their selfish schemes. And the people, especially the young generation, are tired with all the empty promises and the continual slide into fewer opportunities with even less benefits that only herald further deprivation. No wonder they are rising up in protest all over the world.
It’s a sad commentary on our leaders, who either don’t care, and/or don’t see the wreckage they are causing to so many young lives. What’s wrong with mankind eh? Have we not learned from our many mistakes down through the years, that continual oppression and repression eventually brings revolution? Apparently not. At some stage the people will get so fed up that they believe their only option is to revolt. And no one truly wins when that happens, but in the light of the then existing circumstances, that always seems to be the only answer.
However, the only true answer seems to be found in the wisdom of Cousin Sol, speaking as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes, where he puts forward the reasoning that Almighty God has a sovereign design behind all events of the universe He created. Listen, as he expounds his theory. ‘To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get (gain), and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend (tear apart), and a time to sew (sew together); a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to LOVE, and a time to hate (refrain from intimacy); a time of war, and a time of peace.’ (Eccl. 3:1-8)
Yes friends, that’s the only way to rationalize what’s going on in our very troubled world, that’s facing more unfortunate upheaval every day. And for the individuals, particularly Christians, we need to truly get serious about our faith and embrace the promises of the Bible like we’ve never done before, because that’s the only solid foundation there is in these disastrous times. And it’s promises like this one found in Romans, that we desperately need to hold on to. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28)
Now that’s something we need to write indelibly in our hearts and hold on to for dear life, like it’s a life-saving raft, because it is indeed one, as it assures us that regardless of what happens, in the long run, the Lord our God will work it all out for our good. So, although our world is in an uproar, and we don’t know what’s going to happen next, we can rest assured that the eventual outcome will be in our favour if we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and endure with Him to the very end. Now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, for some much-needed divine aid to keep us keeping on.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; 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 weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.
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 allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to 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, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And with that divine inspiration, let’s get out there and fight the good fight for Jesus! Much LOVE!
…the only certainty in this world…is the all-embracing LOVE of Jesus…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien