We Humans ought to appreciate God’s Goodness much more than We do!

24 Apr 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 107:15.        Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-KINDNESS), and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

So we’ve come to Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, a warm and sunshiny day, and we’re just panting for Friday, like a hungry or thirsty animal panting for food or water. Oh, how I wish we could be like the sons of Korah say in Psalm 42: ‘As the hart (deer) panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?’ (Ps. 42:1-2) 

And Bruh David corroborates it in Psalm 63, ‘A Thirsting Soul’ while  in the wilderness, running from his arch enemy King Saul. He writes: ‘O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul longeth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;’ (Ps. 63:1) 

Yes friends, it’s the living God we should be panting and thirsting for; not the day when we get a break from work! For who do you think allows you to have that break eh? In the long run, it’s the living God! In fact everything that you have or get, initially flows from Almighty God! It might come through other people, but it all originates from the grace, mercy and LOVE of our heavenly Father! As Bruh David spells out in the next couple of verses. ‘To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee (looked for thee) in the sanctuary. Because thy LOVING-KINDNESS is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.’ (Ps. 63:2-4) 

Now that’s how we supposed believers ought to be behaving, not looking forward to the material, perishable things of the world, as so many of us are currently doing. It’s like Jesus says in the Beatitudes: ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’ (Matt. 5:6) 

And the scholars offer this interesting explanation of that verse. ‘These future possessors of the earth are its presently installed rightful heirs, and even now they hunger and thirst for righteousness. They experience a deep desire for personal righteousness, which in itself is a proof of their spiritual rebirth. Those who are poor and empty in their own spiritual poverty recognize the depth of their need, and they hunger and thirst for that which ONLY God can give them. They shall be filled refers to a complete satisfaction. The psalmist proclaimed: “He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Ps. 107:9) 

And that’s the indisputable truth my fellow believers! When we sincerely hunger and thirst for the righteousness of God, He fills us up, because that is His very nature, which He cannot deny. And we find one of the best examples of that in the Book of Acts, on the Day of Pentecost when the church members were sitting together in a room, ‘And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues (in other languages), as the Spirit gave then utterance.’ (Acts. 2:2-4) 

Oh my brethren, that was certainly an unusual outpouring of righteousness all at once, but it marked the beginning of the Holy Spirt indwelling believers and not operating outside on certain occasions. It’s what God promised the Israelites in the prophesy of Ezekiel. ‘A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgements, and do them.’ (Ezek. 36:26-27) 

And this commentary offers an explanation of those verses. ‘They promise a spiritual transformation, where God will replace the Israelites’ “heart of stone” (stubbornness, resistance) with a “heart of flesh” (responsiveness, obedience), and infuse them with a “new spirit,” symbolizing a renewed relationship with God and obedience to His laws. This promise is a type of the New Covenant, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, offering spiritual renewal to all believers. 

In essence, Ezekiel 36:26 is a powerful message of hope and spiritual renewal, promising a restoration of the Israelites’ relationship with God through a transformation of their hearts and minds. This transformation is also seen as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant, where God’s spirit dwells within believers, enabling them to live in obedience and righteousness.’ 

Now that ought to help us believe God’s Word even more, as those prophecies in the Old Testament keep being fulfilled in the New Testament. Consequently, our behaviour ought to be like the psalmist says in Psalm 107: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-KINDNESS), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass (bronze), and cut the bars of iron in sunder.’ (Ps. 107:15-16) 

Yes, friends, the Lord has broken all our chains and released us from the prison of sin and being hell bound through the auspices of Christ’s work on the cross of Calvary. That means we should be thankful, grateful and show it through our obedience and LOVE, especially since He’s further showered us with our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings to do His earthly work. So let’s declare and activate them right now nuh. 

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 (yeah!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share those blessings with 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!

…instead of yearning for perishable earthly things…we ought to ye yearning for imperishable spiritual or heavenly things…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 November 2022 Psalm 107:8.

04 Nov 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 107:8.        Oh that men would praise (given thanks unto) the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men.

So friends, we’ve finally come to the day that we all look forward to, Friday! And everybody’s had their shout of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! The weekend is near and party time will soon begin!’ Some of us in my area will also proclaim: ‘Thank God the so and so fog is also gone!’ Yes friends, that fog was with us, all over the southern half of the province yesterday, with scattered patches of sunshine occurring during the afternoon hours. 

But yuh know what. That frustrating and oh so dangerous fog came back last night and was there until the early hours of the morning. Thankfully though it seems to be all dissipated now and we are blessed with wonderful, cloudless sunshine! All glory to God for His goodness to the children of men! 

And as we are on that point of God’s goodness (LOVING-kindness) to mankind, I guess it’s only wise to check out some scripture on the subject. And the most recognizable is that verse from Psalm 107: ‘Oh that men would praise (give thanks unto) the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men.’ (Ps. 107:8) And why is that eh? The psalmist was pondering and recollecting all the good things that the Lord had done for his people, descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And he found that verse so important that he inserted it three times in the psalm. 

Before that first time he was talking about how they wandered in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, with nowhere to go and no one to help them. ‘Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.’ (Ps. 107:6-7) That’s certainly goodness and mercy on God’s part to the disobedient and unfaithful children of men, for which we ought to be thankful! 

Now, let’s read what the psalmist says after that first time. ‘For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron (prisoners); Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned (despised) the counsel of the Most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. 

Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would praise (give thanks unto) the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men.’ (Ps. 107:9-15) 

Now doesn’t that give us cause to sit up and think about our own problems, our wandering in the deserts of futility and arrogance, about our disobedience to God ‘s word, and therefore living in the shadow of death, in darkness, prisoners of Satan, bound by the chains of affliction and sin? It certainly ought to! Just look around at our lawless, unruly, selfish, arrogant, strife-filled world and you will certainly see a reflection of the days of Israel’s lawlessness and ungodliness, when they got too big for their britches and found themselves in trouble of their own making. 

It’s the same thing happening with us today. We’ve gotten so big with our fickle and faithless selves, that we’re even attempting to throw God out of our society! Hn! What gall! What stupidity! As though the awesome Deity that created the world and all therein would ever allow His creation, foolish minions that He created with His own two hands, to remove Him from His universe. 

Hn! What’s wrong with us eh? Can’t we see that right down through history, every nation, every society that tried to overthrow or get rid of God, was itself overthrown? As we are won’t to say in jest, but ought to take very seriously; they met their Maker! And that’s the gospel truth; we all have to meet our Maker at some stage of the game, either now in our disobedience or at the judgement seat of Christ, when the Lord’s ready to dispense final judgement. 

And I believe the next few verses of the psalm before the third use of our Bit, will help to wake us up from our foolish and sinful slumber. Please read, understand and inwardly digest. (smile) ‘For he hath broken the gates of brass (bronze), and cut the bars of iron in sunder. Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat (food); and they draw near unto the gates of death. 

Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and blessed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise (give thanks unto) the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing (joyful singing).’ (Ps. 107:16-22) 

Now my supposed faithful believers in Christ, if that doesn’t wake us up, and make us take a good look at our individual and societal lives, and cause us to make the necessary changes, then we certainly deserve whatever happens to us in Satan’s evil world. As the psalmist said back there in verse 20, the Lord sent His word, that’s both Jesus, who is considered the Word, and also His word, the gospel of Christ to save us. 

But again, we have free choice to choose what we will. Please remember though, that there are serious consequences attached to the wrong choice, so we’d better get wise and make the right one right now, for there’s no time to dilly dally. since Jesus’ return is imminent, And once He returns, or we die, there’s no second chance. 

And for those of us who have chosen to serve the Lord, let’s go home imploring the Lord’s mighty help through our Friday Chant, because that’s the only sensible option available to us in these turbulent and very trying times. All together now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the several viruses and our many other problems are causing. We can’t seem to fix them on our own Lord, that means we desperately need your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the viruses and the simmering unrest in our land. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, and avoid any more serious setbacks. 

And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land that’s threatening to boil over, as a means of restoring faith in You, 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 with that prayer, comes the duty to turn our lives around in the name of Christ, and truly become the faithful believers we promised to be. Much LOVE!

…only through Christ Jesus…can the goodness…the LOVING-kindness of the Father be accessed… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ             

Today’s Scrip-Bit   18 April 2022 Psalm 107:15.

18 Apr 2022 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 107:15.      Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 

And then it was Monday…Easter Monday! Jesus Christ has risen, He’s taken over the reins of our lives, the reins that Satan used to guide us in the sinful activities of our earlier life! But now, through His awesome resurrection, Jesus has broken the chains of sin that held us captive. Like He read on that fateful Sabbath day from the word of Isaiah (61:1), in the synagogue in His hometown of Nazareth: 

‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captive, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (oppressed.) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’ (Luke 4:18-19) Yes friends, Christ was that bearer of Isaiah’s prophecy of Good Tidings of salvation for the people of Zion! As He said to them after reading the Word: ‘This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (hearing).’ (Luke 4:21) 

Oh my people, in this Easter Season when Christ rose triumphant from the grave, the fulfillment of so many scriptures took place. As the psalmist so readily and truthfully declares (chuh!!!) in Psalm 107 – God’s wonderful works to the children of men. ‘Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness, and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder (broke their chains in pieces).’ (Ps. 107:13-14) 

And that’s exactly what Jesus accomplished through His magnificent resurrection! Breaking chains; setting captives free, healing the blind and broken-hearted, bringing sinners out of darkness into the marvellous light of his wonderful gospel of peace, LOVE, grace, mercy, salvation, reconciliation to the Father and the ever-faithful promise of eternal life! 

Remember how Jesus said it to Nicodemus when he came to Jesus looking for answers. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17) 

Yes my fellow believers, in all the hurrah and whatever, we’ve forgotten God’s purpose for sending His only Son to earth in human form…to save us! And all we need to do is simply believe – believe in Him…that He is indeed the Son of God, and thus has the power to save us, to set us free from the darkness of this evil world. Everything else is simply topping on the cone! (smile) 

And that’s why we sinners, set free by the LOVE, grace and mercy of God ought to do like the psalmist continues in Psalm 107: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-kindness), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he hath broken the gates of brass (bronze), and cut the bars of iron in sunder (broken them in pieces).’ (Ps. 107:15-16) 

Ah my brethren, how much more shall Jesus do before we truly LOVE and sincerely accept Him as our Lord and Saviour? He came to earth as a man, died on the cross to pay for our abominable sins, triumphantly rose from the dead, setting us free from the deadly and murderous grip of Satan, thus giving us a chance, an option to get away from the overwhelming and stifling darkness and gloom of this topsy-turvy world and be successfully reunited with our Creator! What more can He do eh? I really don’t know nuh. 

But there just seems to be something about sin, it’s short lived and consequential pleasures, that keep calling, keep driving us back to the gloom and darkness of Satan’s evil empire. However, for all our sakes, please, please, let’s remember that  ‘the wages of sin is death – eternal separation from Almighty God; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ (Rom. 6:23) So, without Jesus living in our hearts, souls and lives, through the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, we don’t have a chance of escaping hellfire and damnation! 

It’s as simple as that my people! Believe and survive…or don’t believe and die! That’s it in a nutshell. Jesus can’t do any more than He’s already done. It’s all up to us now, and believe me, that decision to follow Jesus or not, is the most important one we’ll ever make. So please carefully consider all that’s been said and done before you decide, because once it’s all over there’s no changing of minds, no going back. 

And maybe this favourite saying of Uncle Charles (Charles Stanley) re the principle of seed time and harvest, might help us to make the right decision. He wisely says: ‘We reap what we sow…more than we sow and later than we sow.’ Simply meaning that ‘future consequences are inevitably shaped by present actions.’ So, whatever we hope to achieve in the future, we must set those wheels in motion right now. In other words, we can’t hope to plant peas and reap corn or something different than peas. Likewise, we can’t hope to dwell in conspicuous sin in this earthly life and then reap eternal life in heaven with Jesus. It just won’t happen. 

In wisdom then, let’s see about our eternal destiny right now nuh, by going to God in prayer, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn and asking for His divine help to solve our many difficult problems. Altogether now: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Easter Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. We desperately need Your divine help, for You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. 

Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.  

And Father, we pray that you will ease the pain of the many who are suffering from negative situations. Please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

Now let’s go and do what we’ve promised. It’s the only way friends; the only way to Jesus’ heart! Much LOVE!

…to know what to do…and not do it…is sin…and sin brings death… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8