There’s ONLY ONE WAY To Redemption…Through Sincere Belief In Jesus Christ!

09 Apr 2025 Leave a comment

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

John 14:6.       Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.

And Wednesday continues like Tuesday; sunny but windy and chilly. That’s more than welcome though, since we did not get any of that dreadful 8 cm. of snow that was forecasted. Can you imagine the confusion that so much snow would have caused, especially with much, if not all of the snow clearing budget already being depleted. (smile) It seems we might have budgeted for the snow clearing by the amount of snow we received the previous year, and that certainly did not prepare us for the greater quantity we actually received. However, let’s believe that snow is a thing of the recent past, and we won’t have to remember it for another six months. 

In the meantime, let’s remember Jesus, all that He’s done for, is doing, and has promised to do for us. That will keep us safe and secure in both mind, body and spirit. And some upcoming memorable and oh so true words of His to the disciples highlight it all. Jesus in talking to the disciples about His going away, that’s His ascension, to prepare a place for them, concludes thus: ‘And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.’ (John 14:4) But that didn’t sit as well with them as Jesus had figured. For ‘Thomas saith unto him, Lord we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father by me.’ (John 14:5-6) 

Yes friends, that’s one of the biggest truths and foundational principles of our Christian faith! The ONLY way one can get to heaven, or to the Father is through the Son, Jesus Christ! Yes, it’s a one-way street! There’s absolutely no other way to get to heaven and eternal life unless you believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God! So, let’s see if we can come up with some scriptures to prove Jesus’ point.  

And, as per ‘the way,’ there can be no better scripture to prove that fact than these marvellous words of Jesus, where He informs the Jewish Leader Nicodemus: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he sent his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ (John 3:16) That’s the long and the short of the story: either believe in Jesus and have eternal life, or don’t and be condemned to eternal separation and death! No two ways about it. 

And Bruh Paul, in writing to the Ephesians about Christ being our peace, reiterates that fact when he says: ‘For he (Jesus himself) is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition (division) between us… And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain (put to death) the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off (Gentiles), and to them that were nigh (Jews). For through him we both have access by one spirit unto the Father.’ (Eph. 2:14, 16-18) Yes my people, Jesus came and broke down all the barriers through His death and preaching of peace and reconciliation, so that we all could get to the Father through Him. 

And as per ‘the truth,’ we can begin right at the beginning of John’s gospel where he unequivocally states: ‘And the Word (Jesus) was made flesh (became flesh), and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.’ (John 1:14) Then three verses later he writes: ‘For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.’ (John 1:17) Then later on, Jesus Himself in speaking to those Jews who believed in Him, said to them: ‘If ye continue (abide) in my word, then ye are my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth , and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) 

Then to Pilate’s question about Him being a king, Jesus answered: ‘Thou sayest (rightly) that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.’ (John18:37) 

And, as per ‘the life,’ this magnificent scripture highlighting the conversation between Martha and Jesus re the death of her brother Lazarus, says it all. Jesus tells Martha that her brother would rise again, but she mistakenly thinks it’s in the resurrection at the last day. However, Jesus then says to her: ‘I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believeth thou this?’ (John 11:25-26) Now my brethren, that’s a question all of us should take a moment and ponder and see if we believe it, because it hinges directly on where we will spend eternity. 

And as per ‘no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,’ check out these scriptures. Bruh Paul writes to Timothy: ‘For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Who gave his life a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.’’ (1Tim. 2:3-6) 

Then after Peter and John had healed a lame man and the Jewish Leaders took them to task for it, Peter stood up and boldly proclaimed: ‘Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you (rejected by you) builders, which is become the head of the corner (the chief corner stone). Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.’ (Acts 4:10-12) 

And that’s the gospel truth friends! There’s no other name than JESUS by which salvation can be achieved! So, please, let’s remember that and act in the appropriate manner that we can be saved. (smile) Now let’s go home declaring (chuh man!!!) our Wednesday Wail letting the whole 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 in case you didn’t know, there’s a promise for those who endure to the very end with Jesus; that future is going to be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, I recommend that we all stay with Him right to the very end, so that we can enjoy that marvellous future together! Much LOVE!.

..Jesus is indeed…the ONLY WAY…to eternal life…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   7 March 2023 Galatians 5:16.

07 Mar 2023 Leave a comment

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

Galatians 5:16.        This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

And now that we’ve skillfully handled intimidating Monday, kicked it into the dustbin of history, (smile) it’s time to turn our attention to easy-going Tuesday, that’s opened up bright and sunshiny though somewhat chilly and windy. And isn’t it surprising that after we’ve been through Monday, all the other days of the week seem like child’s play. 

That’s apparently because it’s the first day of work after a break, and the first of anything usually brings a li’l doubt, trepidation and fear. But since the Lord has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind, (2 Tim. 1:7) we don’t have to feel awed or intimidated by anything that comes against us, even for the very first time! 

And if we remember these words of assurance from our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, life won’t seem as fearful and intimidating. He says it very calmy and reassuringly: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as he world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27) 

Yes friends, the enemy is always trying to induce or introduce fear into our daily doings, but with Jesus as our solid foundation, the rock on which we’ve built our lives, we have a most potent antidote to the enemy’s wiles and evil schemes. And what’s that antidote you ask? Listen as John describes it in his first epistle. ‘There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casteth out fear: because fear hath (involves) torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in LOVE.’ (1 John 4:18) 

Oh my people, the great antidote to fear is LOVE; the LOVE of God, which caused Him to send His Son Jesus Christ to die for us on that old rugged cross so that we could be saved from our sins. That LOVE for us was so powerful that our Creator could not resist the call to save us. And Jesus states it so clearly and plainly in this scripture that we all know so well. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever 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) 

Now that’s the measure of God’s LOVE for us His disobedient and lawless children! The Lord must certainly have had a heart bursting, overflowing with compassion for us to do such a revolutionary and unexpected thing. And Jesus confirms the powerful effect that LOVE has, with these immortal words to the disciples. ‘Greater LOVE hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.’ (John 15:13) Then He went out and laid down His sinless life for those He considered His friends. 

But please note how you get into that category of friendship with Christ. He said: ‘Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you to do.’ (John 15:14) So you see, to be a true friend of and to Jesus necessitates doing whatsoever He commands us to do. And that’s not always easy, convenient or even makes a lot of sense. But His command is His command, and He won’t command us to do something and then not give us the grace or the anointing to do it. So, even if the command seems farfetched, and out of this world, His divine help will enable us to do it. 

Now that’s where our faith comes in: believing in Him enough to do whatever seems hard, or unreasonable, be willing to make the sacrifice that it entails to be a true disciple of His. And that’s where so many of us fall down. As the old saying goes, our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak. Jesus Himself stated it to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion, when they couldn’t stay awake and watch with Him. ‘What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ (Matt. 26:40-41) 

And indeed, so often we sincerely desire to do stuff, but just can’t dredge up the energy, the fleshly energy to do it. We need to do like Jesus says though, ‘watch and pray that we enter not into temptation,’ because it’s at our weakest, most tired moments that the tempter comes a calling, and when we are most vulnerable to his advances. That’s why in his epistle to the church at Rome, Bruh Paul could write: ‘For that which I do I allow not (don’t understand): for what I would (want to do),that do I not; but what I hate, that I do.’ (Rom. 7:15) 

Yes my brethren, we all suffer from the temptations of the flesh, our basic carnal nature, and oftentimes find ourselves doing the stuff we don’t want to do, while not doing the right stuff we desire to do. And that controversy between our flesh and our godly spirit will always be there while we’re alive on this earth, and thus we need to fight it mano a mano, each and every day. 

And that’s why Bruh Paul advised us re the works of the flesh in his letter to the Galatians. ‘This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things ye would. But if ye be led of the spirit, ye are not under the law (carnal mind).’ (Gal. 5:16-18) 

Ah my fellow believers, it’s a constant struggle to fight off the desires of the flesh, some of which Bruh Paul listed in Gal. 5:19-21, then goes on to list the fruit of the Spirit in verses 22-23. I’d strongly suggest we take some time today to refresh our minds on those two subjects, since they play a very big part in our lives, and manifest if we are truly living for Jesus. 

Now, for those of us who are doing our best in that direction, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) 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!’ 

Now let’s go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with those we meet, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like do! Much LOVE!

…the flesh and the Spirit are natural enemies…but with God’s help…our spirit can certainly win… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ  

Today’s Scrip-Bit   7 July 2022 John 11:25.

07 Jul 2022 Leave a comment

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

John 11:25.      Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live. ​

Ah Lord eh! These days I’m not anxious to open e-mails from friends that I don’t normally correspond with, because they always seem to bring negative news. I got one such e-mail this morning from an old friend from university days, about the passing of another old friend from back then. Her name was Maxine Roberts. I haven’t seen her since back then or heard much about her, but it appears she carved a very good path for herself in the Jamaican Diplomatic Service as an Ambassador for her country. Now that doesn’t surprise me because I remember her as a bright and lively young lady, some fifty odd years ago. May you rest in peace Maxine. And my condolences to your family. 

But it is a tad difficult to hear of the passing of people you haven’t interacted with for a long time, since it then gets you to thinking about the times you shared, be they good or bad, and wondering if they ever remembered those same times before they moved on to the other life. And the sad part is that many of our friends pass on with negative thoughts about us, thoughts that we had hopes of one day fixing, but never got around to. And then suddenly, it’s too late. But, as they say, that’s life! 

And it doesn’t make sense worrying about it, but it should make us aware of how short life is, and the suddenness with which it can end, therefore energizing us to make whatever amends we need to make with our surviving friends and family as soon as possible. We all know that we came from the dust of the earth and that someday that’s where our bodies will return, but fathoming death, especially a sudden and unexpected one, is still hard for the human nature to accept. But accept it we must, if we want to live out our own lives in a positive and godly manner. 

And as believers in Christ Jesus, it is easier for us to accomplish than for unbelievers. That’s because we have the ever-faithful promise of salvation and eternal life through belief in Christ. Jesus Himself said it to Martha when He came back to Bethany after her brother Lazarus’ death. Martha though, wasn’t happy with Jesus’ late arrival and said to Him. ‘Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.’ (John 11:21-22) 

Now that is what you call strong faith! And some of you might say that’s because Jesus was very friendly with her family. But Jesus was friendly with a lot of other people, including His own family, who didn’t believe in Him. The Good Book continues: ‘Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:23-26) 

And that’s the very same question that Jesus is asking many of us today? Do we truly believe in Him and the power He has to grant eternal life? Now Martha didn’t have the benefit of the scriptures we currently have, nor of yet seeing Christ crucified and risen, but her answer was quick and unequivocal. ‘She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.’ (John 11:27) How many of us would answer Jesus’ question so plainly and quickly today eh? I really don’t know nuh, but I’m sure it wouldn’t be sufficient to make a significant difference in our current evil and ungodly world. 

And there are so many examples of Jesus trying to instill into us the major benefit of believing in him, but we just won’t listen. Let’s see if I can drum up a few more instances of Jesus talking about the importance of believing in Him to receive eternal life. And we don’t have to look very far to find this scriptural gem. It’s one we all know and like to quote, but don’t seem to really believe since we still don’t acknowledge Jesus as the resurrection and the life. Jesus said it loud and clear: ‘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.’ (John 3:16) 

Now my brethren, tell me how much clearer can that get eh? It’s simple: if you don’t believe in Jesus, you are not going receive eternal life, instead you will perish! And are you willing to take the chance that Jesus is wrong? For your sake I hope not. Then there was the Samaritan woman who came to the well to draw water and engaged Jesus in conversation. That alone was itself a poignant and unnatural moment for Jews and Samaritans, though related, didn’t mix, in fact detested each other as the latter had intermarried with Gentiles during the Assyrian captivity. (2 Kin. 17:24-41) 

And as the woman so knowingly pointed out when Jesus asked her for a drink of water. She said to Him: ‘How is it that thou being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.’ (John 4:9-10) The woman then proceeded to question Jesus’ ability to draw water from the well. 

But ‘Jesus answered and said unto her. Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again. But whosoever drinketh of the water I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be like a well (fountain) of water springing up into everlasting life.’ (John 4:13-14) And although the woman didn’t fully understand what Jesus was talking about, she was wise enough, wiser than many of us today, to understand the importance of His words, Therefore, she ‘saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.’ (John 4:15) 

Another instance where there was much less knowledge of Jesus than we have, but greater trust and faith! And just in case you won’t believe Jesus, then let’s see if you’ll believe John the Baptist when he says: ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth (remains) on him.’  (John 3:36) Yes friends, the anger of God remains on those who don’t believe in His Son Jesus Christ. 

Now, for those of us who believe, and are doing our best to convince others, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Thursday Blessings, which have been generously bestowed on us by God, so that we can 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 activated those blessings, let’s go out now and use them generously on Christ’s behalf! Much LOVE!

…only believe…that’s all Christ is asking…one has nothing to lose…and so much to gain…if one only believes… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 July 2021 Hebrews 13:8.

17 Jul 2021 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 13:8.     Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.

One more rainy day, sleeping-in summer Saturday! And we sure are having a few of them. But who’s complaining eh? Certainly not me. (smile) I guess the Lord’s trying to make us appreciate the sunshine more when we do get it. And imagine, at nine o’clock on a summers’ day, the temperature is only 19 degrees. And this the height of summer. The weather patterns sure are changing. But thank God that One situation, or pattern NEVER changes: that’s Almighty God sitting strong and sure upon His heavenly throne controlling ALL things! Glory to God my faithful brethren! 

And by the way, I did not receive any quotes from our friend Anselm this week, so we just have to fly by the seat of our pants today. (smile) But the Lord has already pointed out the direction in which He wishes us to proceed; His unchanging and thus stable nature. And on the Pastor’s Corner Website, I found this interesting commentary on the subject by Brian Moore – not the one that some of us know (smile). 

It opens thus: ‘The God of the Bible never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. That is why He is the only secure place man can put his faith and trust in. The fact that God is eternally unchanging makes Him unlike any other being in existence. Everything and everyone else in life changes constantly. Relationships change, people change, landscapes change, health changes, culture changes, etc. With everything around us changing so rapidly and our immediate future being filled with such uncertainty, we need to find an unchanging place to put our hope in. 

Lamentations 3:22-24 says, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,“Therefore I hope in Him!”” Malachi 3:6 says, “For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” God is unchanging in His existence, in His Attributes, and in His counsel. That is why He is where unshakeable hope comes from.’ 

And that’s the everlasting truth my people! Our God never changes, and because some of us don’t believe it, or still have some doubts, today we are going to look at some scriptures that authenticate that statement. We’ve already heard what Malachi and Jeremiah has to say, so let’s move on to Hebrews, and the author of that Book, which many believe was written by Bruh Paul, unequivocally says: ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever.’ (Heb. 13:8) 

Oh friends, you could not get any closer to unchanging than that! Meanwhile James, Jesus’ brother, tells us in no uncertain terms: ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning.’ (James 1:17) And the scholars add their two cents worth to James’ statement. 

On the Immutability of God, which James specifies in that verse, they say: ‘Since all changes are either for the better or for the worse, God is unchanging because He is perfect and cannot get any better nor become worse. The Scriptures describe God’s nature, will and character as immutable or unchanging. Illustration: To be immutable, however does not mean to be immobile. God also has the qualities of personality and can act, think, create, and make decisions. Application: God is unchanging, therefore, Christians can depend on His LOVE and power, because God has not changed since biblical times, (First Ref. Ps. 9:7; Primary Ref. James 1:17; cf. Lev. 19:2).’ 

Now a tidbit from Isaiah on the subject. ‘The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God will stand for ever.’ (Is. 40:8) Mama O Mama! What constancy and stability we have in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! Now hear these remarkable, but oh so true words from the psalmist as he cries out for help to the Lord. 

‘I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundations of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure (continue): yea, all of them shall wax (grow) old like a garment; as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end.’ (Ps. 102:24-27) 

Oh my people, my people, how much more do we need to satisfy us that our God is not only good, LOVING, generous, merciful and kind, but also unchangeable eh?  And don’t think for one moment that we’ve run out of scripture that attest to that fact nuh. (smile) So listen up. The psalmist declares with sure authority: ‘The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.’ (Ps. 33:11-12) 

What wonderful assurance of stability! And doesn’t it make you feel like you’re riding on a cloud of joy, knowing that you are one of those people whom the unchangeable, everlasting, ever-LOVING God has chosen for His own inheritance? It ought to. And we can never leave out these marvellous words of Isaiah. ‘Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.’ (Is. 40:28) 

What more can we ask eh friends? But just in case you still have doubts, let’s listen to Moses, who probably had more intimate dealings with God during his lifetime, than any other human being. He says in his only Psalm. ‘Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place (refuge) in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed (given birth to) the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting thou art God.’ (Ps. 90:1-2) 

And yuh know what everlasting means mih people; never-ending, endless, without end, perpetual, undying…that means forever! So, if you want something or someone to hold on to that does not change or die, then the Lord God of Israel is the One to hold on to. 

And we are going to end with the best scripture of all time: ‘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.’ (John 3:16) And that’s the crowning scripture my fellow saints in Christ, for without that magnanimous gesture on the part of our great God, everything else is meaningless. 

So please, let’s not allow it go to waste nuh, let’s accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour, so that we can dwell with Him, the Father, and the Holy Spirit right down through eternity. That’s wisdom of eternal proportions! Much LOVE!

…our God is a rock…a fortress… a strong foundation…on which to lean and build on…                                                                                         

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 June 2021 John 3:17.

29 Jun 2021 Leave a comment

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

John 3:17.     For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

And a good Tuesday morning, or afternoon, (smile) to you my Scrip-Bits friends and family! Well, it seems like we’re having a couple of hot summer days in a row, with temps in the high twenties, even the low thirties! Wow! Now isn’t that wonderful! It’s tanning time in the northern climes! Saw one fella out the street just now in shorts and no top, barebacked, trying to assimilate some rays. Hope he has on sunscreen though, because that sun can sure be powerful and deadly at times! 

All the air conditioners are running in the area. But who knows how long that will last eh? The weather has been so topsy-turvy recently, that the temperature can go right back down tomorrow. But thank God we have a Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who is not topsy-turvy, but steady, steadfast, reliable, faithful and unchangeable! Bless His holy name my people! That’s why the song declares: ‘Give me Jesus, because that’s all I need!’ And isn’t that the living truth! Jesus is all we ever and will ever need, both in this world and in the next! 

And why is that you ask? Because He is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings! The warrior General with a two-edged sword in His mouth; that means He can create and destroy with His powerful words! The One who fought the enemy, that foolish fellow called Satan, fought Him tooth and nail, mano-a-mano, and took away the keys to Satan’s kingdom, hell, death and the grave, by His death on the cross at Calvary and His triumphant resurrection three days later! 

Now, Satan is a toothless enemy, a dog with plenty bark, but no bite, unless we give him the opportunity to get a toehold in our lives. And on top of all that, Jesus is our refuge, our fortress, our good shepherd, our comforter, the answer to our every need, our strength and joy. No wonder so many of us are calling out for Jesus, we bow down and worship Him, because He’s our shelter in the storm, our guide and co-pilot, who never leads us wrong. 

However, the path that He chooses to lead us along is not an easy one; it’s straight and narrow, with many pitfalls along the way, but with His unerring guidance, we can be certain to make it to the very end of that straight and narrow road, where an eternal rest called heaven and eternal life awaits those whose who sincerely believe in and follow him! Glory be mih brethren! 

Oh my people, how can we ever go wrong when we faithfully desire the person whose name is above every other name eh, and to whom all the world will eventually bow to and worship? No way friends! That’s why, in birth, life and death, Jesus is all we need! And Jesus Himself said so on several occasions. Let’s look at a couple nuh. First and foremost are His immortal words to Nicodemus, who, under the cover of night, came seeking wisdom and understanding. 

‘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) 

What a remarkable and momentous pronouncement my fellow believers! It’s the basic reason for all that He’s done! This sinful world of ours needed saving, and that’s what Jesus came to do. He came to show the great LOVE of the Father towards His human creation. And as Bruh Paul so rightly said to the church art Rome: ‘But God commendeth (demonstrated) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) Yes friends, Christ died a substitutionary death for us, meaning he died in our stead, that because He died, we don’t have to die. Now how thankful should we be for that largesse eh? Very, very thankful, I would think! 

Then listen to Jesus as He rebukes His disciples when they wanted to call down fire and brimstone on a Samaritan village that refused to make Him welcome. ‘Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.’ (Luke 9:55-56) There again friends, in His own words, Jesus proclaims that He is our Saviour, not our destroyer, like the evil enemy and his evil cohorts try to make us believe, because His way is not as broad and destructive as theirs. 

And when Jesus talks about the parable of the lost sheep, He once more reiterates His basic purpose: ‘For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.’ (Matt. 18:11) And we see it even more forcefully, when Jesus ate at the house of Zaccheus, the tax collector, who afterward repented and promised to restore fourfold to anyone whom he had wronged. Jesus said to him. ‘This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’ (Luke 19:9-10) 

And as the scholars explain: ‘19:10. The words seek, save, and lost all appear elsewhere in Scripture in a shepherd context. This verse may be taken as a kernel statement of the central theme of Luke: Jesus is the compassionate, searching Herdsman who seeks to save those who can by no means save themselves.’ Now, right there in a nutshell is our major problem friends; we cannot save ourselves, that’s why we needed someone like Jesus to save us! 

And believe me, He was, and is, and will forever be, the ONLY ONE who’s capable of saving us from the abominable sinful condition we were in, and still are in. That’s because our salvation needed a sinless soul to pay for those abominable sins of ours, and Jesus was the ONLY sinless soul beside the Father in existence. And that’s why He’s the Greatest, the ONE and ONLY Superstar in the universe! All else is folly and foolishness! 

So friends, I do hope that these few words (smile) I’ve penned this morning will bring you to a knowledge of Jesus, and activate you to find out more about Him, then accept Him as your Lord and Saviour. And if you have already done that, then hopefully, these words will draw you even closer to Him. Now for those of us who are serious about Jesus, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know who and whose we are. 

So as one strong 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 the world. Amen!’ 

And if we are sincere, then, as good representatives, we’ll go out now and spread, generously share that amazing friendship and awesome LOVE of Jesus with those we meet. Much LOVE!

…all I need is Jesus… He is the answer to ALL my prayers…today, tomorrow, and through eternity…                                                                                      

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 December 2020 Acts 12:5.

15 Dec 2020 Leave a comment

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

Acts 12:5.     ​Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

Aye mih people, sing it with me nuh this winter Tuesday morn with a dusting of snow on the ground: ‘What a good God we serve, what a great God we serve, what a faithful God we serve!’ One more time: ‘What a good God we serve, what a great God we serve, what a faithful God we serve!’ And isn’t that the God-awesome and gospel truth! Jehovah God: He of many parts and names, is indisputably El Numero Uno, Number One! No doubt about it, for there’s none else like Him! Bless His most holy name! 

And you all must be wondering why the ole fella so enthusiastic and praiseful eh? Well it’s quite simple. Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals, acted faithfully on two people very near and dear to my heart who had surgery yesterday. Yes, they both seem to have come out of it successfully… Give God all the praise and glory, because He’s promised to look after His people, and that’s what he does as faithfully as ever! 

And that’s also why we say and know that prayer is the most powerful and potent tool and force in God’s universe! Yes, prayers were made for them, just like the Good Book talks about how prayers were made on Peter’s behalf when he was in jail facing certain death. ‘Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.’ (Acts 12:5) 

Well just like the Lord divinely released Peter, (Acts 12:6-11) the same way He divinely brought my people through surgery. Praise His holy name! The big difference there though is that when my people knocked on our door after they were relieved and released, we didn’t think that the messenger who brought the news was crazy, as the early church did when Peter showed up at the door of John Mark’s mother’s house where they were praying for him. 

The Good Book tells it thus: ‘And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken (answer), named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad (out of your mind). But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.’ (Acts 12:13-16) 

Now what does that say of their faith eh? Not a whole lot. But we can’t be too hard on them because unfortunately we still do that same thing fairly often. I don’t know why, but we ofttimes pray for things and people, and when they happen, we refuse to believe, or have difficulty believing it. What’s the point of praying for it then eh? I think it shows a lack of true faith and trust in God. We talk much about His wonderfulness, but when it comes to accepting it by faith, we fall woefully short. Just look at the people who prayed for Peter. 

But please remember these immortal words of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: ‘Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire. When ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’ (Mark 11:22-24) 

So yuh see friends, the whole of our faith hinges on the word ‘belief!’ Even Jesus’ most prominent pronouncement requires the ability to believe: ‘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.’ (John 3:16) We need to believe before we see my brethren. But I guess with our human nature and the way of the world so greatly ingrained in us, sometimes that’s difficult to do. Even when we see it first, we often refuse to believe it. 

But we better believe that’s how it is in God’s kingdom. In His economy, you won’t see much of anything until you believe. And that’s just a way to build our faith and trust in Him. If we could do it all in our own strength, then we wouldn’t have any need for God. But the sad truth of the matter is that we are rather feeble without God’s help, that’s why we struggle so much when we stray away from Him. No wonder Jesus castigated those around Him so often with words like ‘O ye of little faith!’ (Matt. 8:26) 

Yes my people, it takes great faith to sincerely follow Christ, and that faith is not easily built either, or in a short time. Just look at the ‘sufferation’ Bruh Paul endured nuh. Most of us would have given up long before we even begun. (smile) But he persevered, and eventually won his race, won the crown of righteousness that the Lord had set aside for him, and for all who LOVE and stand steadfast and strong in His awesome name. (2 Tim. 4:6-8) Now likewise, we modern day believers need to come up over our problems, rather than have them come up over us, especially in these tough and uncertain times. 

We Christians ought to be the salt and light to the unbelievers; truly let the Lord’s word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path; to lead and guide us in this dark and evil world, shining ever so brightly like a city set on a hill, like a lighthouse on a rocky promontory and giving light and flavour to the whole world! Wow! That’s when the world will know what a real Christian, and the Church, the Body of Christ, truly are. We need to have faith, enthusiasm, positivity, hope, and LOVE to burn! That means improvements and increase all around! 

And because we are so blessed by Christ’s selfless sacrifice on the cross for us, we definitely need to come up higher. And now that Christmas is coming too, when we celebrate Christ’s birth… Brother! We believers ought to be the happiest, the ‘joyfullest,’ the most easy going, cheerful and generous people on God’s great earth, because Christ has overcome the world! And only when we truly and sincerely show those Christian traits and values, only then will the unbelievers take us seriously and want to come to Jesus to get the awesome joy and faith that we possess. 

Now let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting this evil world know who and whose we are. In strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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 the world. Amen!’ 

So what we waiting for then eh? Let’s go out and share Christ’s LOVE and friendship! (smile) Much LOVE!

…it’s high time for Christians…to seriously walk their talk… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 February 2017 John 3:16.

27 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

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

John 3:16.   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.

Awright friends, it’s the big day, Monday, so let’s rise and shine and go about God’s business the way we ought to nuh. But we won’t be able to do that unless we had a good Sunday; one of fellowship and praise and worship with some rest and relaxation, preparing us for today’s efforts and adventures. 

But not to worry, we have the antidote for all of your Monday blues and whatever is currently taking away your joy in Christ. Remember, the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Neh.8:10) No joy – no strength. So let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with all the energy and enthusiasm we can muster. 

In harmony and fine voice now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; 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 last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. 

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 let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, 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, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ 

Beautiful friends, beautiful! Jesus, our choirmaster was smiling from ear to ear and swinging His director’s baton with the joy of an impressed leader. Wow! Long time we haven’t seen Him that enthused. So with that wonderful adrenaline now flowing through our bodies, let’s kick start our motors and get right down to business with our ever-awesome Bit. 

‘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.’ 

Everlasting words of truth to live by my brethren! And why wouldn’t they be, since without God’s awesome, amazing, unconditional and magnanimous LOVE, we’d be just easy marks, simple fodder for Lucifer and his evil cohorts. And for those of you who are tired of hearing about LOVE, especially God’s LOVE – I sincerely hope they aren’t any Christians in that group – I believe today is the last day for that Bit. 

And as I’ve been doing over the last few days, I’m just going to share relevant scripture on the subject. And what better place to begin than with the original promise of God to deliver us from our iniquity eh? 

Listen to Isaiah: ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement, and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is.9:6-7) 

And the zeal of the Lord did indeed perform that promise by His sending His only begotten Son to die for our sins on the cross of Calvary! No greater LOVE was ever shown than in that action friends, which proves that our wonderful, our magnificent Creator is ever-faithful and true to His promises! 

Now hear this wise advice from John from his first epistle. ‘LOVE not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man LOVE the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.’ (1 John 2:15-17) That’s just Christianity 101 my fellow believers! 

And we’ll end, most fittingly with some more words of John. ‘There is no fear in LOVE; but perfect LOVE casteth out fear: because fear hath (involves) torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in LOVE. We LOVE him, because he first LOVED us. If a man say, I LOVE God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that LOVETH not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he LOVE God whom he hath not seen. And this commandment have we from him, That he who LOVETH God LOVETH his brother also.’ (1 John 4:18-21) 

Ah friends, I do hope that this series of messages on LOVE sparks a revolution in our hearts, souls and minds, so that we can improve our LOVE quotient, for both God and man, as that’s the ONLY thing that will make our world truly go round on a joyful axis. Much LOVE!

…only LOVE can break a heart…only LOVE can mend it again…

 

 

 

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 February 2017 John 3:16.

25 Feb 2017 Leave a comment

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

John 3:16.   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.

And then it was a spring- like Saturday: with even more spring like temps forecasted into the upcoming week, except for a few short-lived pockets of winter weather in between. Ah friends, I’ll take that weather any time yes, especially since in my less than perfect state, I’ve been grounded, can’t go anywhere to get away from the winter season. 

By rights, I should now be in warm, sunny Tobago, but the good Lord in His mysterious and merciful manner, after causing me to be grounded, as promised, has made a way for me to handle the situation by making the place not as cold and snowy as it usually is. All thanks and praise to Him! I have to believe that otherwise I would just go crazy. (smile) 

Anyway, let’s check out a couple of our friend Anselm’s quotes for this past week, as he endeavours to inspire us. The first one states: ‘Just because Fate doesn’t deal you the right cards, it doesn’t mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential.’ 

And we all know about that my believing brethren; it simply means no giving up, because while there is life there is hope, and with Christ, anything is possible. So we just have to play with the hands that we’re dealt. The Lord has a reason for dealing them to us. We just have to go to Him and find out how to play them. 

And the second quote is even more interesting. It tells us: ‘The graveyard is the richest place on earth, because it is here that you will find all the hopes and dreams that were never fulfilled, the books that were never written, the songs that were never sung, the inventions that were never shared, the cures that were never discovered, all because someone was too afraid to take that first step, keep with the problem, or determined to carry out their dream.’ 

Some of you might have heard that quote before, but it is gospel truth! And why is that? Because a lot of those people gave up, they refused to plod on with the talent that God gave them, and therefore so many unfilled dreams and actions died with them. What a waste! As they say: Talent will not, education will not, wealth will not; only patience, perseverance and hard work will. 

Yeh mih people, we need to get down and dirty, put our noses to the grind stone and our hands securely to the plough, without looking back, if we want to be successful in this world. 

Now it’s time to bring in our Bit; that awesome fulfillment of one of Almighty God’s promises in Isaiah 9:6 – a Saviour for the world! ‘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.’ 

And it was all based on the magnificent and magnanimous emotion termed ‘LOVE! Wow! How wonderful is that eh friends? There are no words to suitably describe the emotion or God’s action. And today I won’t get into any ‘sermonizing,’ (smile) I’m just going to share some scripture passages that highlight the word LOVE and it’s association with Jehovah God. 

Listen closely my fellow believers to the words of Bruh Paul to the Ephesians. ‘But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great LOVE wherewith he LOVED us,  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us (made us alive) together with Christ, (by grace ye are (have been) saved. And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 

That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness (LOVE) toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ (Eph.2: 4-8) 

That ought to be self-explanatory to believers. Now hear John from his first epistle. ‘Beloved, let us LOVE one another: for LOVE is of God; and every one that LOVETH is born of God, and knoweth God. He that LOVETH not knoweth not God; for God is LOVE. In this was manifested the LOVE of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 

Herein is LOVE, not that we LOVED God, but that he LOVED us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought also to LOVE one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we LOVE one another, God dwelleth in us, and his LOVE is perfected in us.’ (1 John 4:7-12) 

I don’t think there is a better treatise on the topic of LOVE, my brethren. And we’ll close with these words from Bruh Paul to the Thessalonians. ‘Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath LOVED us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish (establish) you in every good word and work.’ (2 Thess.2:15-17) 

And that’s my sincere hope and wish and desire for all of us today my brethren. Much LOVE!

…and now abideth faith…hope…LOVE…these three…but the greatest of these is…LOVE…