The Essential Requirement for Christians to Unite and Walk in the Light of Christ!

23 May 2025 Leave a comment

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

1 John 1:5b.       God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

And then it was Friday, the end of our work week, with many of us shouting the traditional ‘Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend’s here at long last!’ We’re behaving as though we’ve worked a full, hard week, when it’s been only four, easy days. But that’s the nature of the human animal. (smile) Thankfully too, the rain’s finally stopped in my area, but it’s still very cloudy with a feeble sun trying to make some headway against the dark, threatening clouds. However, it’s also windy as ever! 

I don’t know where these sudden wind storms have come from, but over the last few years they have become a more noticeable phenomenon…even in the summer. But as is our won’t, we’ll blame it all on climate change, the new blame outlet for many of our current problems. Anyway, today, I want us to look at a particular aspect of scripture that John deals with very nicely in his first epistle; that’s walking in the light. He writes: ‘This then is the message which we have heard of him (Jesus), and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.’ (1 John 1:5) 

John is here giving us first hand witness of the teaching he heard from Jesus Himself, when He claimed: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) He’s saying that darkness and light are metaphors for evil and goodness. And since there’s no sin or evil in God, then He’s perfect and good. Now, do we believe that my brethren? We ought to, otherwise our faith is of no use. For, as John continues: ‘If we say that we have fellowship with him (Jesus), and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not (practice) the truth.’ (1 John 1:6) 

And according to the scholars, ‘walk in darkness means walking in sin. John may have had in mind people who claimed to have a close relationship with God, but whose lives were clearly characterized by sin. Such a state of affairs, John says boldly is impossible; such persons are lying.’ And, sadly, that’s seems to be the state of affairs with many supposed believers; we might believe or say that we’re walking with Christ, but we’re actually lying to ourselves. Otherwise our world would not be in its current disaster mode, we would have made much more headway against the devil and his evil cronies than we have. 

But talk is cheap, while true discipleship and sacrifice are rather expensive, and many of us don’t have the wherewithal to stand up and fight Beelzebub, or refuse the charm of his worldly offers. However, as John further proclaims: ‘But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ (1 John 1:7) And that is such a necessary truth my people! Our God is light; has no sin nature, therefore if we walk in His light, then we too would have no sin nature, be set free from the bondage of sin for which purpose Christ died on the cross of Calvary. 

His shed blood cleanses us from all sin, and is supposed to draw believers closer together. But that isn’t happening as it ought to, for today, the church of Christ is split into so many denominations, cliques, groups, etc. etc., and there’s so much animosity amongst us over such petty stuff, that it’s unbelievable. The devil doesn’t even have to try to divide and conquers us, no, for we’ve already divided ourselves. No wonder he’s having such an easy time, for the church cannot produce any worthy offence unless it’s united. 

Oh my people, everyday our world is slipping and sliding ever deeper into disaster and chaos, sadly following Satan’s ungodly and sinful route to hell fire and damnation! But as disciples of Jesus, we cannot allow that to happen, for He’s put His utmost trust in us to help bring the world to salvation and eternal life. Remember His Great Commission, (Matt. 28:19-20) where we’re supposed to go out to all nations and make disciples of them, teaching them all that He’s taught us? So why aren’t we being more successful eh? Because we’re not united, and therefore we’re not putting out the necessary effort to keep Satan at bay. It’s as simple as that. 

Just look around at how many of us go to church on Sundays and behave so holy and righteous, then look at our conduct from Monday to Saturday…just like the rest of the world. That’s obviously not conducive to kingdom building. But friends, we have to do something, and do something right now, if we want to stop the serious slide down into the quicksand of hell. So please, let’s get wise, get united and start fighting seriously for Jesus nuh. He deserves that much from us. And to help us on our way, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine help in these disastrous times. 

Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…  because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. Oh 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. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. 

We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the 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!’ 

Now, my faithful brethren, we cannot just simply pray and wait for God to move on our behalf. No! We also have to help ourselves, for as the old saying goes: ‘the Lord helps those who help themselves!’ Much LOVE!

…it’s time for Christians to unite…and sincerely stand up and fight for Christ…His sacrifices on our behalf demand it…

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

The Struggles Believers Face In Their Attempts To Overcome Sin As Exemplified By the Apostle Paul! Part 1

19 Mar 2025 Leave a comment

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

Mark 14:38.       Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

Sunny days are here again! Glory Hallelujah! Yes friends it’s another sunshiny and warm day, warmer than yesterday, with temps up in the high teens, and people are already out walking without a lot of clothes on. Let’s hope that spring is truly in the air and the devious weather doesn’t turn around and bite us in the you know where. (smile) 

Now, et me apologize for the lateness of the Bit, what with it being Wednesday and I had to go to my church group at mid-morning, then I had an afternoon doctor’s appointment. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the medical help, but it’s intruding too much on my normal day to day affairs. 

Anyway, today, we’re going to look at an interesting scripture…sorry, all scripture is interesting… (smile) where Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane with His most intimate disciples, Peter, James and John, going through an agony of soul and spirit over His upcoming crucifixion. But every time He goes away to pray in private, He comes back and finds them sleeping. One time when He came and found them sleeping, He admonished them thus, saying to Peter: ‘Simon, sleepest thou? couldest thou not watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.’ (Mark 14:37-38) 

And right there my brethren we have a major human problem. Our spirits are ready to follow God, but our flesh is weak, readily falling to the temptation of the enemy and his evil associates. Unfortunately, this did not start recently, but way back in time as Genesis tells us of man’s wickedness. ‘And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart (intent or thought) was only evil continually (all the day long).’(Gen. 6:5) 

And one could easily mistakenly believe that we’re living in those times because the wickedness of man in this generation is so perverted and pervasive that I’m sure the Lord is saying the same thing about us. Why are we so wicked and ungodly eh, and have no LOVE for ourselves and each other? Note I didn’t mention God in that, because it’s so obvious that we have no regard for Him whatsoever, otherwise our wickedness would not be so all pervasive. 

But thankfully, there are some scriptures that try to explain our wicked situation, like this one from Bruh Paul to the church at Rome, where he talks about his struggle against sin. ‘For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal (fleshly), sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not (I don’t understand why): for what I would (want to do), that do I not; but what I hate, that I do.’ (Rom. 7:14-15) Now that’s a problem we all have my fellow believers, because we have a sin nature that tends to lead to sinful rather than godly stuff. 

And Bruh Paul was no different than us, as the scholars explain. ‘The law is spiritual, means that it has the characteristics of the Spirit and is consistent with the character of God. Meanwhile, I am carnal, explains the biographical nature of what follows and is designed to reveal the real struggle the apostle experienced in the flesh. His experience is also exemplary, for it shows the problems all believers experience in their battle with sin.’ And that’s no lie, as Bruh Paul continues to show. 

‘If then I do that which I would not (I don’t want to do), I consent unto (agree with) the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For then good that I would (want to do) I do not; but the evil which I would not (don’t want to do), that I do.’ (Rom. 7:16-19) 

Oh my fellow believers, how many times have we found ourselves in such a situation eh? Wanting to do the right thing, but ending up doing the wrong one, and we’re at a loss as to why we did what we didn’t want to do, instead of what we wanted to do. It’s certainly a human predicament, as we’re so often dominated by sin and sinful pursuits. And we’ll stop there for today, as Bruh Paul goes on make several other tough statements that would make the Bit way too long and confusing to digest all at once. If God spares life tomorrow, then we’ll continue with Bruh Paul’s epic struggle with our sin nature. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (chuhhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry 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 please, let’s not forget the added promise that if we endure with Jesus right to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So, let’s make plans to meet at the very end and together enjoy the marvellous future promised then nuh! Much LOVE!

…man’s sin nature was inherited from our forefathers…but it can be made to bow…by the works and words of Jesus

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

Deception and Disobedience…the Bedrock of Sin!

04 Sep 2024 Leave a comment

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

2 Samuel 12:9a.       Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight?

Well friends, it’s Wednesday, and although we’ve only worked one day so far, our tired bodies and spirits are crying out for refreshing from all the festivities of the Labour Day weekend. And hard as it is to drag ourselves through the remainder of the week, we rise to the occasion and do it, all the time eagerly looking forward to Friday and the upcoming weekend to catch up on some rest and relaxation. (smile) It is indeed a steep price we pay when we practice to disobey! 

And Sir Walter Scott got it quite right when he said: ‘Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.’ And that’s the gospel truth my people; deception always carries a harsh price when it’s found out. And so does disobedience, for which there are always consequences, especially in the eyes of God. As this commentary says; ‘The result of disobedience can be an inconvenience, or it can be life altering. For Saul, disobedience in not following God’s instructions had severe consequences. In 1 Samuel 31 many fell dead, all the Israelites were forced to flee, and Saul’s army along with his sons were killed.’ 

And if we don’t listen, God will discipline us, as He sees fit. The scriptures rightly and wisely give us these gems on obedience. ‘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) 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) 

Oh friends, there are no wiser words to be found in all the Bible. If you were to choose any small portion to live by, those would be it. For as Uncle Charles  – the late Dr. Charles Stanley always impressed upon us: ‘Obey God, and leave all the consequences to him.’ That is certainly wisdom in spades! But, unfortunately mankind was born with a sin nature and with it comes the free will of God, which so often leads to disobedience. But what’s even worse than disobedience itself, is trying to hide or excuse the disobedience, especially from God. Remember God sees and knows all, and it’s impossible to hide anything from Him. 

Case in point, the man that the Lord called His friend and a man after His own heart; Bruh David. He fell into the sinful trap of adultery with his friend’s wife Bathsheba, then wove a heinous crime to have her husband killed when he found her pregnant. Now, generally speaking, Bruh David took his problems and faults to the Lord quite quickly after they happened, but on this one he said nothing at all. But let’s remember that the Lord’s hands are long and His reach is over a thousand generations. 

And about a year later, as Bruh David was comfortably ensconced in his throne, the prophet Nathan came and told him a story about two men in a city, one rich with many flocks, but the other poor with just one lamb that was like a child to him. However, one day a visitor came to the rich man and instead of killing one of his own flock to feed the visitor, he killed that one lamb belonging to the poor man. Obviously Bruh David rose up in rage against the rich man for such a travesty of justice. ‘And he said to Nathan, As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die (deserves to die).  And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.’ (2 Sam. 12:5-6)  

But can you imagine Bruh David’s surprise and anguish when Nathan said to him,: ‘Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul. And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things (many more things). Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 

Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil (adversity) against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of the sun. For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.’ (2 Sam. 12:7-12) Yes friends, that’s the kind of punishment disobedience to God can bring, especially on one who’s been so blessed by the Lord. 

And though Bruh David sincerely repented as we can read in that famous Plea for Forgiveness, Psalm 51, and though the Lord forgave him, he nonetheless never fully knew rest again, for the Lord did indeed cause him much pain from right within his own family. Starting with the death of his son with Bathsheba. Then Ammon, one of  David’s son, raped his half sister Tamar, and a couple of years later another son, Absalom had his revenge by killing Ammon. And to top it all off, that same Absalom rose up in rebellion against his father that led to civil war, during which Bruh David was deceived and betrayed by supposed faithful followers, and Absalom was killed. 

When Bruh David heard the news, the Bible says: ‘And the king was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept: and as he went, thus he said, O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son.’ (2 Sam. 18:33) Yes, my fellow believers, although the Lord forgives our sins, we usually have to pay a penalty for them, especially such glaring and evil ones as Bruh David’s. As the scholars advise: David’s sin brought the name of the Lord into disrepute. Such knowledge ought to serve as a deterrent to willful sin the part of believers.’ That’s why it’s wise to stay in God’s good graces as much as possible. 

Now let’s go home declaring (steupsss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry 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 on an even brighter note friends, it’s been promised that if we endure with Jesus right to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! Hope to see you there! Much LOVE!

…deception and disobedience…two words that leads mankind to a multitude of sins and sorrows…

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