The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Understanding the Need to Speak Blessings over God, Themselves and Each Other!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   15 July 2026   Numbers 6:24.

Numbers 6:24.        The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

So we’ve come to Wednesday, our second wind day, and it’s a completely different day to yesterday; not as hot and very cloudy, as though rain’s in the offing. And wouldn’t that be a wonderful blessing for the parched earth. Unfortunately though, with climate change supposedly in action, you can’t take anything for granted; the day might look one way and then turn out to be entirely different.

Oh, the duchess just informed me that the cloudiness outside was not a harbinger of heavenly blessings, but of smoke from wildfires burning in the province. Hn, Hn! And there I was ever so wisely forecasting rain. (smile) But regardless of what kind of day it turns out to be, let’s make sure and catch our second wind so that we can continue doing good work for Christ! And all God’s children said, ‘Praise the Lord! Amen!’

And today we’re going to look at an interesting topic, that of praying for Family and LOVED Ones, as set out in a prayer card from the In Touch Organization. So please pray with me: ‘God, please bless my family and friends. I trust them to Your infinite wisdom and LOVE. Provide for their needs and protect them. Draw them close to You. For those who don’t know You, Please open their eyes to salvation through Your Son, Jesus. Show me where I need to purify my heart or seek forgiveness. Make me a blessing to each one – LOVING, encouraging,, and helping wherever I can. Thank You for all the ways You tenderly care for us. Amen.’

Yes my brethren, praying for friends and families is one of our most important duties, entrusting their lives to God to look after them, like He looks after us. We’re also supposed to bless them. We ought to speak a blessing over ourselves, our families and our friends every day when and where possible. Please don’t allow any of your resident family to go out each day without praying a blessing over them.

And the scriptural basis for this prayer all began way back when the Lord instructed Moses about speaking blessings over the children of Israel. ‘And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee (look on you with favour), and give thee peace.’ (Num. 6:22-26)

Wow! Only a wonderful and LOVING God would ever detail that kind of directive to His people. And that’s the amazing kind of God we serve my people! Give Him thanks and praise for being so wonderful to us the undeserving children of men!

And the scholars offer an interesting explanation of that blessing. They say: ‘The special blessing of the Lord upon His people was pronounced by Aaron, the high priest, and by subsequent priests of the Lord. Known as the “priestly blessings” or “Aaronic blessing”, it was pronounced with hands lifted up (Lev. 9:22). In later Jewish tradition, the blessing was pronounced at the conclusion of the morning and evening sacrifice. The form of the blessing consists of three sentences of two parts each. The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you (look on you with favour), and give you peace.

Illustration:  The early church fathers viewed the blessing as a reflection of the Trinity. The first part the work of the Father, the second part the work of the Son, and the third part the work of the Holy Spirit. Application: The significance of the blessing indicates the special relationship between God and His people which is mediated by the one pronouncing the blessing, as can be seen in Jesus’ Beatitudes of blessing (Matt, 5:3-12; cf. Deut. 9:1).’  

And we certainly see the blessedness of Jesus in the 8 blessings of the Beatitudes, describing the spiritual characteristics of one who has been saved and attempts to live a godly life. And blessings were also important to Bruh Paul, who in every letter he wrote in the Bible, except in Romans, early on, he introduces a form of blessing like this: ‘Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.’ Then He gave thanks for them being a part of the church and believers in Christ Jesus.

And there are many other blessings to be found in the scriptures, so let’s look at a couple of them, as space and time permit. And we all know this famous one from Bruh Paul to the Philippians: ‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:7) Then in John’s third epistle, writing to his friend Gaius, he declares: Beloved, I wish above all things (I pray that in all things) that thou mayest prosper and be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth.’ (3 John 1:2)

Meanwhile Psalm 1 tells us: ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law he doth meditate (ponder) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (streams) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps. 1:1-3)

Yes my people, those who live and work for the Lord are indeed blessed, and we must also remember to pour out our blessings on God, on ourselves, our families and LOVED ones, and even those we don’t really know, for we never know what difference a simple blessing can make to a hurting or discouraged soul. Now, let’s declare 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 an even more than glorious future awaits those who endure to the very end with Jesus. I plead with us to be wise and do just that, so we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!

…God blesses us…so that we can bless others…

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

Be Contented With What You Have, For God’s Blessings Will Always Surpass Your Trials and Tribulations

Hebrews 10:23.       Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Oh friends, if there’s one thing we know it’s that one day follows the next like clockwork, because that’s the way God made it. That means Sunday always follows Saturday, which further means that it’s time for true believers in Jesus Christ to gather in His sanctuary, or wherever possible, to engage in fellowship with Him and with each other. And we’ll open today’s fellowship with a true and sincere song by Jamaican Gospel Artiste Jabez, titled ‘Drinking From My Saucer, from his album God Never Fails! 

And we all know that as gospel truth! So let’s  offer up some sweet sacrifices of praise in a mid tempo, soulful rendition of this truth-laden song. But before we sing, we pray: ‘We Worship You Lord, we worship You with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds.’ Then, singing: ‘I’ve Never Made A Fortune, And It’s Probably Too Late Now, Oh, but I Don’t Worry About That Much, Cause I’m Happy Anyhow. And As I Go Along Life’s Journey, I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow. I’m Drinking From My Saucer, Because My Cup Has Overflowed. 

I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches, And Sometimes The Going’s Rough, But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus, And That Makes Me Rich Enough. I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I Remember Times When Things went Wrong, And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin, But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke, And the Sun Peeped Through Again,’ 

(Monologue:) ‘You know, right now you may be going through some rough times in your life, but I’m here to encourage you today, not to give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! I pronounce a blessing upon your life, upon your family. You must prosper and be in good health in the name of Jesus. I believe it with all my heart.’ 

(Singing:) ‘So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living, When The Way Grows Steep And Rough I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings Jesus, For I’m Already Blessed Enough, And May I Never Be Too Busy, To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord, Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes My cup has overflowed… Thank You Lord, that my cup has overflowed…’ 

Ah mih people, almost all of us believers can agree on the truth of those words, encompassing the many trials we’ve experienced, but also the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us during our lifetime, especially in those times when we didn’t know our right hand from our left, or what step to take next. And that’s the beauty of our Triune God, He saves us, just when we’re about to go under. And though we might never accumulate many riches, we will always be contented if we walk with the Lord, for as Bruh David says in Psalm 23: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.’ (Ps.23:1) 

Now that should stop all worries, but He’s also promised that we can do all things through His strength, (Phil. 4:13) and will provide for all our needs, (Phil. 4:19), as well as His strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9) And we all know one of His many names is Ever-Faithful, so what’s there to be worried about eh?  

Remember what the author of Hebrews also writes: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’  (Heb. 10:23-25) 

Yes friends, that’s what we ought to be doing: staying faithful, living in LOVE, gathering to celebrate our faith and encouraging each other to do good works. And that’s especially important in these evil and ungodly times, when it seems like the last days are upon us. Now, more than ever, we need to be strong and take on the enemy, mano a mano and let him know that we Christians are not pushovers, but mighty in Christ Jesus, willing to battle him to the death! 

And although many of us are still finding the going tough, believe me, we’re living better than most of the world, so let’s stop complaining and appreciate all that we have, for compared to may others, our cup is truly overflowing, so that we must drink from our saucer. Let’s also remember, that in Jesus’ economy, giving up is never an option. Those words don’t occur in His vocabulary. 

And we need to hold on to this awesome promise found in Romans: ‘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) That assures us that although things might go wrong during our earthly sojourn, in the end, the Lord will make it all right. Remember how Cousin Sol said it in Ecclesiastes: ‘Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.’ (Eccl. 7:8) 

In other words, ‘The end of a matter being better than the beginning highlights the importance of perseverance. We are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith and actions.’ And that’s what following Jesus is all about; remaining steadfast and strong, true and faithful, despite the trials and tribulations we will undoubtedly face. And what better words to end with than these most reassuring one from Jesus, where He encourages the disciples thus: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’  (John 16:33) 

And we know that’s true because Bruh Paul says it in his first letter to the Corinthians: ‘But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor, 15:57) Meaning that ‘Jesus broke the power of sin and its relationship to death. His death on the cross paid for our sins so that believers will not face the eternal second death. His resurrection from the dead conquered death.’ And if you don’t believe Bruh Paul, you might believe Jesus Himself when He says to John in Revelation: ‘I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell (hades) and death.’ (Rev. 1:18) 

Now, if you can’t believe Jesus, then something’s seriously wrong with your faith, and you’d better check it out immediately. Much LOVE!

…though trials will come…if we stand steadfast and true…the faithful promises of God…will help us triumph over them…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 February 2021 Psalm 23:5.

Psalm 23:5.     ​Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.

Sunday morning, Sunday morning; time for worship, time for giving thanks and praise on the Lord’s Day! And though it’s still only through technological means with no physical gathering, we don’t care, because we can worship our wonderful God through virtual reality just as well as in person…well, it does lack something, (smile) but it serves the purpose. It’s definitely better than no worship at all. So let’s get right to some praiseful singing. And this morning’s song is one we did some time ago, that I find so glorious and true. It’s something done by the artist called Javed, (Javenius Walker) and titled ‘Drinking From My Saucer.’ 

Wow! I wonder how many of you remember when tea was served in cups with saucers to hold the overflow or spillage. And sometimes when the tea was too hot, you’d pour it into to your saucer and drink it from that, as it would cool faster on the broader surface. You couldn’t put out a cup without a matching saucer. But that was many moons ago. Children nowadays don’t even know what’s a saucer. Anyway, that’s where the idea for this song comes from. So in a rich, soulful, sincere voice of sacrificial praise, let’s sing. 

‘Intro: ‘We Worship You Lord, we worship You with all of our hearts souls, bodies and minds. It’s to Your throne we come, with praise and thanksgiving for your many blessings. (Verse: I’ve Never Made A Fortune, And It’s Probably not Too Late Now, Oh, but I Don’t Worry About That Much, Cause I’m Happy Anyhow. And As I Go Along Life’s Journey, I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow. I’m Drinking From My Saucer, Because My Cup Has Overflowed. 

I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches, And Sometimes The Going’s Rough, But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus, And That Makes Me Rich Enough. I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. 

I Remember Times When Things went Wrong, And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin, But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke, And the Sun Peeped Through Again, So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed.’ 

(Monologue: ‘You know, right now you may be going through some rough times in your life, but I’m here to encourage you today, not to give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!I pronounce a blessing upon your life, upon your family. You must prosper and be in good health in the name of Jesus. I believe it with all my heart.’ 

(Verse: And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living, When The Way Grows Steep And Rough, I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings Jesus, For I’m Already Blessed Enough, And May I Never Be Too Busy, To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord, Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes My cup has overflowed… ‘ 

Oh friends, indeed our cups have overflowed with the many blessings that the Lord has showered down on us His children! And if we refuse to acknowledge that, then we’re unworthy to be called children of God! I know I’ve been so blessed, that if I only open my mouth to complain the Lord will just take them away, because I have no reason whatsoever for complaining, although complaining is something we do so well in our wealthy society. 

And I just LOVE the words of the song. They are simple, but truthful and right to the point. So even if I’m not wealthy in personal possessions, that doesn’t bother me, because I’m still happy. And as believers, we don’t need worldly riches to make us happy, at least we ought not to. (smile) And anyway, as we go along the sometimes rough paths of life, with Jesus as our friend, we usually reap more and better than we sow. 

That’s why Bruh David could write so emphatically in Psalm 23 – The Lord is my shepherd. ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.’ (Ps, 23:5) Yes mih people, when we walk sincerely with Jesus, that’s the kind of life we enjoy. It’s not easy, but it’s oh so rewarding and adventurous! 

I’m also reminded there of these awesome verses in Psalm 92, where it talks about the righteous man: ‘The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing (plump and green); To show that the Lord is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.’ (Ps. 92:12-15) 

Now why would we want to be anything other than righteous eh? And as the song further states, when things go wrong and our faith ebbs, as we pray and remember the promises of our wonderful God and all that He’s done for us in the past, suddenly the dark clouds break and the sun peeps through and our lives once more return to some semblance of normalcy, but with a stronger anointing of faith! 

And this magnificent and reassuring scripture from Jeremiah, says it in spades. ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see (fear) when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful (anxious) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.’ (Jer. 17:7-8) Even more reason to be righteous and trust in the Lord! 

So my fellow saints, in these tough and trying times, let’s promise to seek after righteousness nuh, like Jesus desires of us; put out trust in God, help others bear their load in His name, and not grumble and complain when things get a li’l tough, as they will occasionally do. That way we will always be assured of drinking from our saucers, because our cups are overflowing with divine blessings. That’s divine wisdom! Much LOVE!

…God’s children don’t run down blessings…blessings run them down…