29 Jan 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a father of the fatherless, a good family, a judge of the widows, a positive outlook on life., a strong will, abundance, all ye that are upright in heart, an object of scorn, as smoke is driven away, as wax melts before the fire, be glad in the Lord, Bible, by his name JAH, children of God, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, curse, David danced before the Lord, divine protection, drive them away, duty bound, everything will turn out right in the end, extol him that rideth upon the heavens, faith, favour, find great joy in God, generously bestowed, give thanks, God brings out those bound in chains into propserity, God in his holy habitation, God is a defender of widows, God sets the lonely in families, God's supernatural wisdom, great adoration, he that trusteth in the Lord, heartfelt gladness, holy spirit, in every thing give thanks, Jesus Christ, let God arise, let his enemies be scattered, let the righteous be glad, let the wicked perish as the presence of God, let them exceedingly rejoice, let them rejoice before God, let them that hate him flee before him, LOVE, many sorrows shall be to the wicked, mercy, mercy shall compass him about, negative word, pray without ceasing, promotion, prya, put in a nutshell, rejoice, rejoice before God, rejoice evermore, rejoice ye righteous, self-disicpline, share our undeserved blessings, shout for joy, sing praises to his name, sing unto God, talent, the ark of the Lord, the destruction of God's enemies, the penultimate day of our work week, the presence of God, The Triumphant God, these cold and uninspiring day, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, true believers in Christ, truth, undeserved favour, weep and moan regulalrly, wisdom
Psalm 68:3. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Then it was Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week. And there’s some joy showing through as the week slowly peters out. (smile) And it’s amusing that since the snowstorm on Sunday, everyday has been mostly bright sunshine and not the dreary cloudiness we had hitherto been saddled with. I don’t know if regular sunshine in the winter months is worth the price of such a massive snowfall, but we’re surely glad to see the sun to brighten our spirits, especially in these cold and uninspiring days. (smile)
But on a more serious note, today, I want us to look at a few verses from Psalm 68, titled, ‘The Triumphant God.’ The scholars say that although there is no superscription explaining when this psalm was written, there is general agreement that it was written when the ark of the Lord was moved from the house of Obed-edom to the new location in the tabernacle specially built for it in Jerusalem, and Bruh David danced before the Lord. (smile) (2 Sam. 6:1-18 )
However, what I want us to consider in the first few verses is the magnificent manner in which Bruh David desires the destruction of God’s enemies, talks of His might and power, praises His Holy name, while encouraging us to also sing His praises with joy and great adoration. So please read with me. ‘Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol (praise) him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH (Lord), and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge (defender) of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary (lonely) in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains (into prosperity): but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.’ (Ps. 68: 1-6)
There again, like yesterday, we see friends God’s great interest in the widows, orphans and the downtrodden. But today I want us to focus on the third and fourth verses, that encourage us as the righteous of God to be glad before him, to rejoice exceedingly, to sing praises to his name, to extol Him. And that word ‘extol’ does not simply mean to praise but to laud, to magnify, to exalt, to glorify, to acclaim and greatly celebrate! Yes friends we ought to find such great joy in our wonderful God that we just let it all hang out with praises and worship, fellowship and heartfelt gladness.
It’s like when Bruh David brought the ark home to Jerusalem he felt such a joy and blessing that the Good Book tells us, he danced before the Lord. But to his wife Michal, it was a vile and disgusting behaviour, not fit for a king. However, Bruh David was of a different opinion, and because of her snotty snobbishness, he banned her from his presence, and she was thus childless all of her days. (2 Sam. 6:20-23) That obviously made her an object of scorn and inuendo, for remember the great importance placed on wives bearing their husbands children in those days.
Anyway, getting back to the praise and worship due our magnificent and generous God, listen to these words of Bruh David from Psalm 32, titled ‘Confession and Forgiveness.’ He ends it with these very purposeful verses. ‘Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about (surround him). Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.’ (Ps. 32:10-11) And I believe that’s something not enough of us do on a regular basis. But we do weep and moan very regularly. (smile)
Now, if our God is so good, why do we weep and moan more often than we rejoice and be glad eh? If we know and believe God’s promise that everything will turn out all right in the end (Rom. 8:28) then why are so many of us still so fearful? It means that we don’t truly believe. And what did Bruh Paul encourage the Thessalonians to do? ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (2 Thess. 5:16-18)
That puts it all in a very nice nutshell my people. (smile) Our basic duties are to pray, rejoice and give thanks! And even though it’s difficult to do in these crucial times, we desperately need to increase all three activities if we are to remain true believers in Christ Jesus and children of God. Now let’s do some giving of thanks by declaring our Thursday Blessings; underserved favour most generously bestowed on us by our marvellous God to do His earthly work.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) we’re now duty bound to go out and use those undeserved blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…God made mankind to LOVE…pray to…sing His praises and worship Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
28 Jan 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: another unexpected difficulty, be toast right now, believers in Christ Jesus, care for the orphans and widows, cherish those who follow you, children of God, don't afflict any widow or fatherless child, endure to the end with Jesus, executes just for the oppressed, faith, give food to the hungry, gives food to the hungry, giving him food and clothing, God is mighty and awesome, God shows no partaility, God takes no bribe, God takes umbrage when we mistreat our fellow man, grin and bear it, halfway home, hands on the plough, happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, he doth execute the judgement of the fatherless, healing, help me remember, help the poor and suffering, holy spirit, I rest in your care, if it's not one thing it's another, in this world of plenty, In Touch Devotional Magazine, is still flowing through me, Jesus Christ, keepeth truth for ever, kill yoi with the sword, knee pains, let hope rise in me, lift up the brokenhearted, Lord of Lords, LOVE, love ye therefore the stranger, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my wrath shall wax hot, neither vex a stranger nor oppress him, non-understandable pain, not looking back at the past, not turning back, one limb compensates for another, open the eyes of the blind, our actions are not similar to God's, our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, plagued with all kinds of illness, protect strangers, raises them that are bowed down, relieves the fatherless and widow, remind me of all the ways you are working, restoring, salvation, second wind day, set prisoners free, suffering overwhelms me inside and out, surely hear their cry, te Lord loveth the stranger, tending, thank God, the breath of life, the Lord be praised, the Lord executes justice on behalf of widows and orphans, the Lord gives freedom to prisoners, the Lord looseth the prisoners, the Lord loves the righteous, the Lord opens the eyes of the blind, the Lord turns the way of the wicked upside down, the Lord watches over the strangers, the Lord your God is God of gods, the way of the wicked he maketh crooked, this too shall pass, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, unravel plans meant for evil, vow to improve our efforts, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, what seems hopeless isn't hopeless to you, when despair whispers nothing changes, wherever there's suffering you're there, who you are in my life, who you are in the world, whose hope is in the Lord his God, wisdom, ye were strangers in the land of Egypt, your children fatherless, your wives shall be widows
Deuteronomy 10:18. He (the Lord) doth execute the judgement (justice) of the fatherless and widow, and LOVETH the stranger, in giving him food and raiment (clothing).
And Tuesday has morphed into a sunshiny Wednesday, our second wind day! And many of us do need to catch that second wind after the harrowing last few days with the winter snowstorm and the resultant digging out and cleaning up. But let’s remember that we’re are children of God, believers in Christ Jesus and thus can do anything He desires us to do, because He enables, He strengthens us to do His will. And all God’s children said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’
Now, let’s to look at this month’s prayer from the In Touch Devotional, which is certainly an interesting and most appropriate one. So, please pray with me: ‘Lord, when suffering overwhelms me inside and out, help me remember what seems hopeless isn’t hopeless to You. You give food to the hungry and set prisoners free. You open the eyes of the blind and lift up the brokenhearted. You cherish those who follow You and care for the orphans and widows,
You protect strangers and unravel plans meant for evil. You do. You do. You do. In every place where there’s suffering, You’re there – tending, healing, restoring. That is who You are in the world. That is who You are in my life. When despair whispers, “Nothing changes,” remind me of all the ways You’re working. Let hope rise in me as I rest in your care. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
Oh my people, that prayer surely resonated with me, because in the last couple of months I’ve just been plagued with all kinds of illness, one directly after the other and if my faith wasn’t fairly strong, I’d be toast right now. And I have to laugh here, because right now I’m going through another unexpected difficulty; my right knee began seriously acting up a couple of days ago, although I was at home during the snow storm and did not do anything too strenuous to disturb it. And although I have intermittent knee pains, this was the worst I’ve ever felt, like my whole knee was going to disintegrate on me.
So, here I’ve been for the last two days hobbling around the house, in excruciating, non-understandable pain (smile) trying to get down to the basement to write the Bit, then get back upstairs. And I must admit that today the pain in the right knee has calmed somewhat, but because of my having to use the left one to compensate for the right, the left one is now beginning to act up. Ah Lord eh! As the old people would say, if it’s not one thing, then it’s another. And I know that this too shall pass, but the problem is when?
But the truth of the matter is that our wonderful God is always with us, healing, cleansing and comforting us. So although I’m in pain that I don’t like, I know that the Lord is working, and in His own time, He will bring the matter to a successful end. And I just have to grin and bear it, and say the Lord be praised! (smile) But on a more serious note the Lord has always been partial to the sick and suffering, the poor and brokenhearted, widows, orphans and strangers. And it’s no coincidence that right from the beginning the Lord warned the Israelites about looking after those kinds of people.
Listen to His directives through Moses in Exodus, as they begin their journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. ‘Thou shalt neither vex a stranger (sojourner), nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.’ (Ex. 22:21-24) Oh friends, it could not be put any clearer than that.
Then in Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the younger generation of God’s directives. ‘For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward (the great God, mighty and awesome who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe). He doth execute the judgement (justice) of the fatherless and widow, and LOVETH the stranger, in giving him food and raiment (clothing). LOVE ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ (Deut. 10:17-19) And I like how the Lord keeps reminding them that at one time they were strangers in Egypt and were treated handsomely by the Egyptians.
Meanwhile in Psalm 67, which advises us to ‘Trust in the Lord,’ the psalmist writes: ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God: Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever: Which executeth judgement (justice) for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth (gives freedom to) the prisoners:
The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord LOVETH the righteous: The Lord preserveth (watches over) the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down (makes crooked). The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Praise ye the Lord.’ (Ps. 146:5-10)
Yes my fellow believers, that’s the nature of our great and wonderful God, and there are several other scriptures that describe Him in that manner, but the important point here is if we consider ourselves children of God, then our actions should be similar. Unfortunately though, our actions don’t seem to be similar, otherwise in this world of plenty, so many would not be suffering. So let’s take those words we’ve read today very seriously nuh, write them deep and indelibly in our hearts, and vow to improve our efforts to help the poor and suffering.
Now, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus! As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we truly LOVE Jesus, then we will endure with Him to the very end, so that together we can enjoy the promise of an even more glorious future than we can either ask or imagine! Much LOVE!
…God LOVES us all…but He takes umbrage when we abuse or mistreat our fellow man…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
26 Aug 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a deadly weapon, a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, an individual and corporate matter, assurance of salvation, be familiar with God's word, belieivng God's promises, children of God, Christian armour, climate change, comes from the gospel of peace, do what's right in God's eyes, don't go into battle if you're properly dressed for it, dressed in the armour of God, duty bound, eagerness, eagerness to contend with Satan, faith, freeing him from anxiety, girded your waist with truth, having your loins girt about with truth, holy character, holy spirit, hurry, in the Spirit, Jesus Christ, knowledge of the truth of God's Word, life to see another day, LOVE, meat and potatoes, mercy, moral conduct, obedience to known truth, of the joints and marrow, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, possess a sense of eagerness, prayer for divine aid, prayer is indispensable, praying always with all prayer and supplication, produces a godly life, protect one from doubts, quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, salvation, scripture to abttle the enemy with, share His love with my neighbours, sharper than any twoedged sword, special shoes called caligae, spiritual combat, stand our ground, stand therefore, taking God at His word, the beginning of the cold season, the beloved of God, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel gives peace to the believer, the helmet of salvation, the hope of salvation, the importance of prayer, the last Tuesday in August, the preparation of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the sword of the Spirit, the Word of god, the Word of God is quick and powerful, to advance against the devil, to go out and share the love and friendship of Christ, to take the fight to him, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, watching thereunto, wisdom, with all perseverance and supplication for all saints, with the Spirit's help, without prayer God's armour is inadequate, worry, your feet shod
Ephesians 6:14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And it’s cool, windy, somewhat sunny, but partly cloudy on this last Tuesday morning in August. Yes, I did say the last Tuesday in August, for come Monday, we’ll be talking about September. And you know what that means; the beginning of the cold season, unless we have some climate change eccentricities. (smile) In any case, these last few days have been rather cool, possibly to have us adjust to the cool temps that are on the way. (smile) And the computer is promising afternoon rain, but that’s okay, for nothing can harm us once we’re fully dressed in the armour of God.
Now that’s what we spoke about yesterday, and promised to continue our refresher course today, if the good God gave us life to see another day. And it seems like He’s done just that, so let’s get into the meat and potatoes of the armour of God, what it actually is. Yesterday, we saw why we so badly need it, today we’ll discuss all the ramifications of what it is, thanks to Bruh Paul’s writings to the Ephesians. We stopped yesterday where he advised us to take up the whole armour of God and then to stand our ground.
Today, he continues: ‘Stand therefore, having your loins girt about (girded your waist) with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked (one). And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God:’ (Eph. 6:14-17) Now those are the basic parts of the armour of God, as Bruh Paul likens them unto the protective armour that the Roman soldier wore back then.
And according to the scholars, The belt of truth, is like the belt the Roman soldier wore around his waist, which held most of the other pieces of his armor. And in the believer’s case this belt of truth is a knowledge of the truth of God’s Word, which like the old soldier’s belt, holds all our other pieces of Christian armour, based on our knowledge of the truth.
Then there’s the breastplate of righteousness, or the breastplate which is righteousness. A breastplate of leather or metal was worn on the soldier’s chest and prevented damage to his upper body, for the Christian this represents a holy character and moral conduct. Obedience to the “truth” known produces a godly life (righteousness).
Meanwhile, the preparation of the gospel of peace, means ‘eagerness that comes from the gospel of peace.” That is, as the Roman soldier wore special shoes called caligae, enabling him to advance against his enemy, so the Christian must have on his feet (possess) a sense of “eagerness” or “willingness” to advance against the Devil and take the fight to him. Such “eagerness” to contend with Satan “comes from the gospel of peace.” The gospel gives peace to the believer, freeing him from anxiety though he advances against such a powerful foe.
Next we have the shield of faith, which the soldier carried to prevent missiles thrown at him, or weapons thrust at him from hitting him, therefore believers have a shield of faith to block all the enemy’s threats. That means taking God at His word, by believing His promises. Such trust will protect one from doubts induced by Satan.
And then comes the helmet of salvation. The Roman soldier wore a helmet to protect his head, and so do we believers. Or as the scholars point out, since the readers are already Christians, they are not here urged to be saved. First Thessalonians 5:8. Describes this helmet as “the hope of salvation” that is the certainty (assurance) of salvation. In other words, our helmet protects our heads by assuring us of salvation, leaving no doubts to the reality of the situation.
And last but not least, we have the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Now that means the pieces of scripture with which we battle the enemy, and you cannot quote any scripture unless you know it. That therefore means we have to be very familiar with God’s Word if we want to use it as a deadly weapon against the enemy. Remember how the author of Hebrews characterizes the Word of God? ‘For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of (able to judge) the thoughts and intents (intentions) of the heart.’ (Heb. 4:12)
Wow! What a powerful weapon is God’s Word. In fact it’s the most powerful weapon in the universe! So if we’re wielding it as a sword against the enemy, he’d better look out! (smile) And those are the parts of the armour of God and some basic explanations of their purpose. However, there’s one more aspect of that armour without which, nothing will happen. That’s prayer. As Bruh Paul says: ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and the supplication for all saints.’ (Eph, 6:18)
And the scholars tell us that ‘Praying is grammatically linked to “stand” in verse 14. Without prayer God’s armour is inadequate to achieve victory. Prayer is indispensable. Always means “on every occasion,” that is, when Satan attacks. In the Spirit signifies that with the Spirit’s help such prayer for divine aid is to be made. Watching thereunto means “being vigilant in this very matter” of prayer. They are to pray not just for themselves but also for all saints; spiritual combat is both an individual and corporate matter.’
And so it is my people! As true believers in Christ Jesus, we don’t only look out for ourselves, but for all the saints of our faith. Now, I sincerely hope and pray that that refresher course on the armour of God has indeed refreshed and renewed our spirits and souls and has made us more aware of the spiritual warfare in which we’re engaged as children of God. And that we will always dress in the Lord’s armour, before going out to fight for His glory.
Now, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…if you’re not properly dressed for battle…you should not go into battle…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
11 Aug 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a life that aligns with God's will, a merciful forgiving and gracious God, accept our shortcomings, being confident of this very thing, children of God, clay in the potter's hands, continue in sin that grace may abound, dead to sin, death, defense attorney, divine aid, ease the pain, ensures our relationship with God continues, faith, faithfully promised, freed from the eternal consequences of sin, God forbid, hazy, he which hath begun a good work in you, heavenly perch, holy spirit, hot, humble ourselves, humble servants, humid, if any man sin, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ the righteous, Jesus is our heavenly advocate, led astray by the enemy, lies, living for Christ is the only way to go, LOVE, loving the Lord with all of our hearts, mass confusion, mercy, not an an excuse to indulge in sinful desires, of the many suffering from negative situations, only Christ is perfect, open our eyes to a new day, perform it until the day of jesus, pray, put on the new man, salvation, secures our salvation, separation from God, show them your awesome grace and mercy, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, sinned and disobeyed your Word, strong faith in Christ, summertime Monday, thank you for life, the BIBLE, the deadly arrows of the enemy, the God who heals, the only way to go, the propitiation for our sins, the reject the sinful nature of the flesh, the sufficency of Jesus' blood to cleanse all sin, the truth of the matter, this evil world, this is the day the Lord has made, to hear and answer our prayers, to live a life that reflects God's character, truth, walk as new persons in Christ, we can do all things though Christ who strengthens us, we have an advocate with the Father, we will rejoice and be glad in it, wiles, wisdom, wise guidance, ye sin not
1 John 2:1b. And if any man sin, we have an advocate (intercessor) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Well, it’s a new work week, another hot, hazy, humid summertime Monday! And though these summer days can be rather hot, irritating and uninviting, we’ll take them anytime over the cold, frosty winter days that are not too far in the offing. However, for all the irritation, frustration and uncertainty the weather brings, we know that we can handle it all through the amazing strength and grace of Jesus, through whom we can do anything that’s necessary. (Phil. 4:13)
That’s why every time we open our eyes to a new day, we can also say: ‘This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) Yes friends, every new day we see is a cause for rejoicing, despite the many problems we might end up facing, for we know that Jesus is there with us in each step we take, He is looking after us from His heavenly perch, making sure that we don’t go astray, or get led astray by the enemy, who has many goodlooking wiles and believable lies in his arsenal.
It certainly ought to reminds us that Jesus is also seated at the Father’s right hand in heaven being our advocate and intercessor. And what does that mean? This commentary explains it thus: ‘This means that Jesus pleads our case before God, acting as our intercessor and defense attorney. He secures our salvation and ensures our relationship with God continues.’ So although Jesus’ work on earth is completed, not so in heaven, because He still has to plead our cases before the Father up there.
John tells it this is way in his first epistle. ‘My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not (may not sin). And if any man sin, we have an advocate (intercessor) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.’ (1 John 2:1-2) And although we have Jesus, whose advocacy is powerful, based on the sufficiency of His blood to cleanse all sin, both past and present, the imperative of the situation is that we ought not to sin.
No! For although, through faith in Jesus, believers are freed from the eternal consequences of sin (death and separation from God), that freedom is not an excuse to indulge in sinful desires. But it’s a call to live a life that reflects God’s character and aligns with His will. It’s like Bruh Paul says in Romans 6, where he anticipates the objection that that the amazing and free grace of God encourages sin. He writes: ‘What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. (Certainly not!) How shall we that are dead to sin (who died to sin), live any longer therein?’ (Rom. 6:1-2)
No friends, once we’ve put on the new man in Christ, we cannot go back to our old sinful way of life. And yes, we will still be tempted, possibly more because we’ve become children of God. Oh, it’s a lifelong aspect of our Christian walk, but thankfully we have the power and authority of the Holy Spirit to help us refute the deadly arrows of the enemy. To help us live in the Spirit and to reject the sinful nature of the flesh.
And though it’s not easy to resist the mind boggling and captivating things of the flesh, if we put our hearts, souls, minds and bodies to it, we will get better with each passing day. It’s also true that we will never achieve perfection, because only Christ is perfect, but if we keep striving towards that goal, we will have much success. For remember what Bruh Paul wrote the Philippians? ‘Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begin a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6)
In other words, the Father is continually working on us, like clay in the potter’s hands to bring us into the full image of Christ, and once He’s begun the work, He will not stop until it’s complete. And all of that is such a great package my brethren! Jesus atones for our sins by His death on the cross of Calvary, and is now in heaven advocating for us, meanwhile the Holy Spirit dwells within us to lead, guide and comfort us, and the Father is quietly moulding and shaping us into the amazing image of His Son!
Wow! What more can we ask for eh my people? Nothing whatsoever! And because of all those wonderful things happening in our lives as Christians, we therefore should do our best to forsake the sinful nature of our flesh and walk as new persons in Christ, LOVING the Lord with all of our hearts, bodies, souls and minds, and our neighbours as ourselves, for those are the two great commandments. (Matt. 22:37-39)
Now, it’s time to put our heads and hearts together and through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, go to the throne of grace seeking divine aid for our numerous earthly problems, as we have been so wisely advised to do. (Heb. 4:16) Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but 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. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us 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!’
But the truth of the matter friends, is that unless we do what the Lord advises, that’s humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek His face, we won’t be receiving any divine aid. So let’s wake up and accept our shortcomings and improve on them nuh! It’s all for our benefit! Much LOVE!
…sincerely living for Christ is…the ONLY WAY TO GO…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
06 Aug 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: adversity, apocalyptic judgement, behold I make all things new, blameless, catch our second wind, children of God, christianity, cleansed from all effects of sin, come like a thief in the night, divine origin, divine purpose, endure to the end with Christ, enjoy eternity with the Father Son and Holy Spirit, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, filled with the strength of Christ, God himself shall be their God, God himself shall be with them, God's promises are true, growing in spiritual maturity, halfway home, hands on the plough, he is faithful to His word, he that sat upon the throne said, holy conversation and godliness, holy spirit, I saw a new heaven and a new earth, increasing our witness for Christ, indisputable truth, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the only one we need, joy, look for new heavens and a new earth, LOVE, mercy, neither sorrow nor crying, no more death, no more pain, no more sea, not turning back, nuclear holocaust, patience, peace, perseverance, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, salvation, shall be burned up, so glad to be alive, thank God, Thank you Jesus, the BIBLE, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people, the day of the Lord, the earth and the works therein, the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the end will be even better than the beginning, the eternal habitation of the saved, the final judgement, the former things are passed away, the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, the holy city, the Millenium, the new Jerusalem, the tabernacle of god is with men, the thousand year reign, they shall be his people, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, warning to live in righteousness, Wednesday Wail, wherein dwelleth righteousness, wipe away all tears, wisdom, without spot, write for these words are true and faithful, you're the Best
Revelation 21:5a. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.
And then it was Wednesday…and many of us need to catch our second wind…if we ever caught our first, (smile) what with all the festivities of the past weekend. But the good thing is that being children of God, we have the capacity to handle a lot of work and adversity, because we’re filled with the strength, joy, LOVE, peace, patience and perseverance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! And all of God’s children said a loud and grateful, ‘Thank You Jesus! You’re the best! The Only One we need, and will ever need!’
And that’s an indisputable truth! All this world needs is Jesus: Jesus in live and living colour! But the powers of the world seem to think otherwise, that’s why our world is going through so much disaster and chaos. Anyway, the good thing is that we know in His good time, Jesus will return to this God-forsaken earth and make it brand new. Remember what Peter says? ‘But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.’ (2 Pet. 3:10)
Now that’s when Christ comes back in judgement, not the Rapture, for that day results in the final apocalyptic judgement. By the way, the heavens that shall pass away with a great noise, is merely the atmospheric heavens above the earth, not where the throne of God resides. (smile) And the noise and heat and burning up that Peter refers to, could even be a nuclear holocaust, which we’re not very far from right now, with all the nuclear posturing that’s currently taking place among the nations of this groaning earth!
And because of that possible apocalyptic situation, Peter therefore warns us to live in righteousness. ‘Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness. Looking for and hasting (hastening) unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.’ (2 Pet. 3:11-14)
Yes friends, since all that stuff is going to happen, and since the Lord has promised on numerous occasions to destroy the wicked from off the earth, that means we have to live to a high standard of peace, LOVE, righteousness and joy, in other words, show true faith in Christ, so that we won’t be cast into hell fire with the wicked. Now that’s the tough side of the equation, but then, there’s also this glorious situation of a new earth and a new heaven, as John explains in the Book of Revelation, where he enthusiastically declares:
‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great shout out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.’ (Rev. 21:1-5)
Yes my faithful brethren, that’s what we have to look forward to! As the scholars tell us, that’s ‘the eternal state, following the Millenium (thousand year reign) and the final judgement, centering in the new Jerusalem as the eternal habitation of the saved (cf. Heb. 11:10). The first heaven and the first earth are replaced by a new heaven and a new earth, predicted by Isaiah (cf. Is. 65:17; 66:22). The present universe will thus be cleansed from all the effects of sin (cf. 2 Pet. 3:7, 1013). Since there will be no more sea, the increased land space will be fully capable of handling large numbers of redeemed people from all ages.
The New Jerusalem is fully described in Rev. 21:10-22:5. It is a holy city, totally separate from sin. It is being prepared as the habitation of the bride of Christ (cf. vs. 9) . From God shows its divine purpose and out of heaven its divine origin. And, as per the Tabernacle of God: The presence of God will be with His people, and He will forever dwell with them. A primary purpose of redemption will be accomplished: the complete fellowship of God with His redeemed people. In the eternal state, there will be no tears, death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Everything will become new. God’s promises are true, and He is faithful to His Word. (cf. 19:11).’
What more can I say eh my fellow believers? It’s been explained as fully and simply as possible. And please look up those references, you will find them very pertinent to the scriptures they reference. I obviously don’t have the time or space to spoon feed us with them, as I am won’t to do. (smile) But seriously though, having gotten all that information as to what will happen in the end times, it is therefore very important to ensure that we’re amongst those who will enjoy eternity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!
That means, concentrating on increasing our witness for Christ, while growing in spiritual maturity, doing our best to bring souls to Him, and becoming as much like Him as possible. And to show that we are endeavouring to do just that, let’s declare our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our most 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 by the way, it’s been further promised, that those who endure to the end with Christ will enjoy an even more glorious future than our finite minds can even imagine or comprehend. So let’s be wise and stand strong in faith for Christ right to the very end, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!
…the end …will be even better…than the beginning…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
25 Feb 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a fine line between, a stranger, a twinkle in your eye, abilities, accomplish our God-given tasks, as God has dealt every man, belittlement of self, blowing one's own trumpet, children of God, don't think too highly of yourself, duty bound, every man that is among you, exaggerated, excessive pride, face with honesty, faith, for men to seek their own glory is not glory, genuine appreciation, given me as special gifts, Glory be, good news, haughty, holy spirit, humility, hurry, ice, ice freeze, icy conditions, in god's eyes, it is not good to eat much honey, Jesus Christ, let another man praise thee, live up to our spiritual gifts, lock stock and barrel, looking innocuous, LOVE, mercy, mud-crawling, not thine own lips, not thine own mouth, One Year Book of Bible promises, packing a serious wallop, prideful, remind me again, riding a beautiful float, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, sane, Sane Estimate, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing gifts of Jesus with others, someone has to build the float, spiritual gifts, strife-filled places, talents, temps above freezing, temps plummet below zero, the beloved of God, the easy ride, the measure of faith, the most dangerous aspect of winter, the righteousness of God, the ungodly state of our world, the whole wide world, think soberly, through the grace given unto me, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, waving to cheering crowds, wisdom, with God's help, worry
Proverbs 27:2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.
And the good news this Tuesday morning friends, is that the temperature is about 4 degrees above freezing! Wow! We haven’t seen above freezing temps in a long, long while. And although it’s somewhat cloudy and damp, what with a li’l drizzle earlier on, and the snow melting some, thankfully, the sun is fighting valiantly to make its presence felt. (smile)
Let’s hope that the snow doesn’t melt too quickly and cause flooding, or there isn’t too much water in the streets and walkways, so that it doesn’t freeze to ice, when the temperatures plummet below zero at nightfall, and cause even more problems. For the ice is the most dangerous and treacherous aspect of winter, because it can show up at anytime and anywhere, looking innocuous, but packing a very serious wallop. So, if we have to go out at night, or even in the early morning hours, please let’s be careful with the icy conditions that might exist out there.
Now, let’s turn to this interesting and rather apt poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, simply titled, ‘Sane Estimate.’ And I’m obviously not sure if I’ve ever shared this one before, but even if I have done so, we know that they all are worthy of sharing several times. (smile)
So, please read with me: ‘Lord, help me to face with honesty And genuine appreciation The talents and abilities You have given As special gifts to me. Give me a sane estimate of myself. Neither exaggerated nor mud-crawling. Just SANE, as Your Word admonishes. May I be joyfully satisfied With Your unique plan for me. When at times I’d secretly LOVE to ride On a colourful float Beautifully adorned Waving to cheering crowds Smile at me, Lord. With a twinkle in your eye Remind me again That somebody has to build the float.’
And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren! Someone has to build and decorate the float before we can ever dream of riding on it, and ofttimes the job falls to us, but we don’t want to get into the building, just the riding and looking pretty up there. But that’s not what our God likes to happen all the time. Yes, sometimes we might get the easy ride, but more often than not, we are expected to build the ride.
But getting back to the basic premise of the poem, our sane thinking of ourselves, that’s especially important in these times with so many power-hungry, dictator-like, arrogant, greedy and egotistic people and leaders around the globe. The world’s gone crazy for power and glory; however one can get it. Note the number of physical and very emotional strife-filled places in our current world. And it doesn’t seem to be getting better, but worse. However, as true believers in Christ, we are expected to hold a sane and rational opinion of ourselves; not too haughty and prideful, but neither too lowly and unimportant, or as the poem says, ‘mud-crawling.’
And believe me, many of us Christians do exactly that; have too low an opinion of ourselves, believing we’re not worthy of acknowledgement or any importance, and thus remain forever mired in the mud-crawling attitude. But please, let’s remember that God has NEVER made anything or anybody without a useful and important purpose. That’s why He’s given each of us special gifts, talents and abilities, so that we can accomplish the important work He’s created us for. And if we keep demeaning and belittling ourselves, then we’re basically saying that God doesn’t know what He’s doing, which obviously is heifer dust. (smile)
And the scripture verse for our poem today tells it very much like it ought to be. Bruh Paul makes it quite clear to the church at Rome in these admonishing words. ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 3:12) Yes friends, that’s how we ought to behave. And Bruh Paul goes on to explain it more fully in the verses that follow (4-8), which you can, or rather are expected to read and meditate on for yourselves. (smile)
Meanwhile, the scholars explain those verses (3-8) thus: ‘The righteousness of God will cause the believer to conduct himself in humility in the local church. Paul meets two dangers that the individual faced in the exercise of his spiritual gifts. He might overestimate himself and try to exercise a gift God never gave him. Or he might underestimate himself and fail to exercise the gift God has given to him. Paul shows that God has given each believer specific gifts to enable him to do what God wants him to do. No one is excluded.’
And please note that last sentence friends; NO ONE is excluded from God’s generous giving of spiritual gifts, since He has work for every believer to accomplish. And as we all know, Cousin Sol has a word, or several words on all those things that trouble mankind. (smile) Here are couple on this subject of humility and sane estimating of oneself.
The first one says: ‘It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search (seek) their own glory is not glory.’ (Prov. 25:27) There’s much truth in that; eating too much honey is not good for us, neither is seeking our own glory, or as the old folks would say, ‘blowing one’s own trumpet.,’ which fits in very nicely with this other quote from Cousin Sol. ‘Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.’ (Prov. 27:2)
And it’s very noticeable in today’s world that that proverb is not being much heeded, if any at all, because everybody, from the top leaders, right down to the lowliest folks are blowing their own horns. Because that’s what the world believes it takes to get ahead in its evil and ungodly state. But children of God, we know so much better, so please, let’s live up to our spiritual gifts nuh, and with God’s help, neither overdo nor underdo our God-given capabilities.
Now, it’s time to go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that declaration, (yesss!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE, gifts and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…there’s a fine line between excessive pride and belittlement of self…it’s called HUMILITY…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
02 Jan 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a good attirude, a physical sign, a real crisis, a strong will, a successful Christian life, abundance, all who walk with God face conflicts, answer your letter, anticipate as you wait, Bible, bounden duty, cast thy burden upon the Lord, children of God, christianity, clear direction for my life, common task, conflicts, courage, creativity, curse, daily grind, faith, favour, fear not, Gideon, glorify God's name, God is never too late, God is not a God of confusion, God loves His people, God never contradicts himself, God sends only silence, God wants to buttress us, God will never disappoint our hope, God will work everything out for good, God's agenda is the truth, God's faithfulness, God's highest intention, God's infallible word, God's supernatural wisdom, good health, grow in spiritual maturity, he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved, he shall sustain thee, he will not fail thee, He will not fail thee neither forsake thee, holy spirit, hope in a promise, I asked for a sign, incorrigibly hopeful, intimacy with god, Jesus Christ, joy, know His will, lo I am with you always, LOVE, mercy, negative word, neither be dismayed, no sudden hailstorm, not baby us, on our own two feet, One Year Book of Bible promises, our only evidence, permit the righteous to be shaken, presumptuous, provides wise advice through the Bible, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, seek signs, self-control, sincerely believe in God, stand strong, step out to do God's work, still waiting, talent, thanksgiving, the dry fleece, the festivities are over, the hope that He himself implants, the Lord doth go before thee, the promises in God's word, the wet fleece, Thursday Blessings, to free us from unnecessary props, train us to trust His word, trials, tribulations, trust and faithfulness in God's promises, truth, urgent decisions, wisdom, writing in the sky, you can't see ahead, you don't stand alone
Psalm 55:22. ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).
And then it was Thursday; the second day of this new year of 2025! Can you believe it? All the festivities, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, are now over and we, unfortunately have to go back to the daily grind and common task. It’s back to work and the slogging it entails, especially when we got a bit of snow this morning, which makes driving and walking even more hazardous than normal.
But we are God’s children and are expected to endure whatever trials and tribulations come our way, with a good attitude, still filled with joy and thanksgiving, knowing that our wonderful God has promised to work everything out for our good eventually. (Rom. 8:28) And if there’s one thing we’re sure of is God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises. So let’s get out and do what we have to do to glorify His great name! End of Sermon! (smile)
And today I want to share an interesting and a most appropriate writing for these turbulent and uncertain times, from Our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one is titled: ‘I Asked for a Sign.’ Don’t know if I’ve ever shared it before, but if I have, it’s very worthwhile sharing again. (smile) So please read with me.
‘Even as I answer your letter, you are perhaps still waiting while God sends only silence. There is no sudden hailstorm, no writing in the sky. The crisis is real, and you don’t want to be presumptuous. Like Gideon in Judges 6, you want to feel the wet fleece. Or the dry fleece – you don’t care which one. You just want to know!
You don’t stand alone! All of us who walk with God face conflicts that involve urgent decisions. God is not a God of confusion. We can know His will. When our faith is very new, He may send a sign to fortify us. However, I am convinced that God’s highest intention is to free us from unnecessary “props.” He wants to buttress us, not baby us. Above all, He wants to train us to trust His Word, not the wool!
When He encourages us to hope in a promise, that hope may be our only evidence. At this moment you can’t see ahead. However, you can still be incorrigibly (not given to change) hopeful! You can anticipate as you wait, knowing that God will never disappoint the hope He Himself implants. He is never too late. Remember: Not the wool but His word.’
And will it ever do us much good if we remember that for this new year. It’s not about signs and wonders, but about trust and faithfulness in God’s promises found in His inalienable (cannot be altered), infallible (flawless) Word! And yes, many of us seek signs before we step out to do God’s work, and sometimes we might be blessed enough to get them, as when we’re young believers, but as the writing says, the Lord wants us to stand strong, on our own two feet, as it were, not always desiring ‘props’ from Him.
Once we know that He is faithful and will not let us go astray, we can stand strong and step out in faith. Obviously, we must seek His advice on the matter, but we don’t always have to be like Gideon and need a physical sign. No. We read His Word and the Holy Spirit will speak to us His indomitable but calm and quiet manner…if we’re listening.
And there are two statements in the writing that I think bear reiterating. The first is that we don’t stand alone! No! Never! For our omnipresent God is always by our side. He promised that way back in time to the Israelites, when Moses assured them: ‘And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ (Deut. 31:8)
Jesus also assured us of His faithfulness when He promised the disciples: ‘… and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) And so did the author of Hebrews, when speaking of the Lord as our helper. ‘Let your conversation (conduct) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ (Heb. 13:5) So there you have it; God is always with us.
And the second statement I want us to consider is that God is not a God of confusion. Certainly not! He has every move planned out down to the last minute, to the last detail. And Bruh Paul states it loud and clear when talking about the Author of Peace to the Corinthians. ‘For God is not the author of confusion (disorder), but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.’ (1 Cor. 14:33)
And what does that mean? This commentary explains it thus: ‘God never contradicts himself. He never has to go back and apologize because he “misspoke.” His agenda is the truth, pure and simple. He LOVES his people and provides wise advice through his written word, the Bible.’
Yes friends, it’s in the Bible, the Lord’s Word, our Guidebook for Earthly Living, that we will find the basics of all we need to know. That’s where we truly get to know Him, and we will never know Him unless and until we dig deep into it and meditate constantly on what it says.
And before we forget, (smile) the Bible promise for today’s reading comes from Psalm 55; these most encouraging words of Bruh David: ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken). (Ps. 55:22) Now that’s another important promise that we need to take to heart if we’re to grow in spiritual maturity and intimacy with God in this new year.
And the great thing about our God is that He gives us all the tools we need to do His work; for instance what we call our undeserved Thursday Blessings. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. As one 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 said all of that, it’s now our bounden duty to go out and use those undeserved blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…to live a successful Christian life…one must sincerely believe in God…and the promises in His Word…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Aug 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: according to his riches in glory, all the tools, all these things shall be added unto you, became obedient unto death, Bible, chaos, children of God, christianity, climate change, courage, creativity, curse, divine protection, even the death of the cross, faith, favour, good health, handle whatever comes against us, have good success, human reasoning, humbled himself, in the form of God, Jesus, Jesus Christ, know who we are in Christ, let this mind be in you, LOVE, made himself of no reputation, made in the likeness of men, make thy way prosperous, meditate therein day and night, meditation on the word of God, my God shall supply all your needs, negative word, no need to boast, obeying God's word, observe to do all that's written therein, one truth fron the Bible is worth more than all the wisdom of man, Praise the Lord, refuse to go to God, satanic reasoning of men, seek ye first the kingdom of God, shall not depart out of thy mouth, spiritual things are wiser than carnal ones, tempestuous world, the essence to success, the form of a servant, the light of the world, the salt of the earth, the spiritual reasoning of God, this book of the law, true believers in Christ, truth, where the true answer lies, wisdom
Joshua 1:8a. This book of the law shall not depart out of (be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night,
Where has all the hot weather gone, in this August month eh? You’d think it was September! Yes friends, this past week has been sunny but rather chilly in my neck of the woods, no use whatsoever for the A/C. It’s tough to even get the daytime temperature in to the early twenties, much less the thirty we expect in mid August. The windows are also closed at night, for fear of freezing. (smile) The scenario is not helped either by the ever constant, vibrant, cool wind that accompanies it. I guess this is one of the effects of climate change. Let’s hope then that in September and October, we’ll have the hot weather that we’re missing right now. (smile)
But thankfully, as true believers in Christ Jesus, we have all the tools to handle whatever comes against us. And all God’s people said a loud and grateful: ‘Praise the Lord!’ And yes, He does deserve much thanks and praise for all that He’s done, is doing and has promised to do on our behalf! He’s provided us with EVERYTHING we need to make a good go of it in this crazy and tempestuous world.
And the first and most important thing, is as the Lord told Joshua in no uncertain terms when He made him leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of (be constantly in) thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8)
Oh my people, right there is the very essence to success! Meditation on the word of God, then putting what it says into practice! Not all the nonsense that the world writes about success. None of those books on so-called success and prosperity can even come close to what one can gain by reading, studying, and putting the Lord’s word into practice!
But we blatantly refuse to accept what the Creator of the world and the One who allows us to get wealth says, in foolish favour of what sinful and ignorant man writes! Please remember that ONE truth from God’s word is worth more than ALL the wisdom of man. As Bruh Paul puts it to the church at Corinth: ‘Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.’ (1 Cor, 1:25)
And what does that mean? Listen to this commentary. ‘When Paul speaks of the “foolishness of God,” he is not implying that God is foolish. Rather he is saying that since God’s way of reasoning is in accord with things of the spirit, it confounds the reasoning of this world. It is wiser than human reasoning, because spiritual things are wiser than carnal ones.’ And that’s exactly why our world is in such a disastrous and chaotic state! We have not been listening to the spiritual reasoning of God, but to the carnal, Satanic reasoning of men! And what else can you expect from a satanic soul eh, but total chaos and strife, because that’s the very nature of Satan!
Remember too that Jesus backed up that scripture in Joshua, when he told His listeners: ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) That’s God’s indisputable and faithful promise! If you seek the things of His kingdom, then all that you need will be given to you. And God has no need to lie, because with His omnipotence, He can do exactly what He says! And Bruh Paul also promised in his epistle to the Philippians, that our needs will be met when we sincerely seek the Lord and serve Him. ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19)
What more do we want or expect eh my brethren? And it’s not like there aren’t oodles of believers who are living comfortably while obeying God’s word, but most of them don’t have to bray or boast about their possessions, because that’s not the attitude of true believers. We ought to go about our business without too much fuss, working for the Lord, being the salt of the earth and light of the world, enjoying whatever He blesses us with, and sharing it with others who are less blessed.
Jesus was the Son of God, could do miracles and anything else He so desired, but He didn’t go around boasting about it. In fact He took the opposite attitude, that of a servant, gave up all his privileges. As Bruh Paul writes to the Philippians. ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil. 2:5-8)
Yes my fellow believers, Jesus was the greatest, but He never boasted about it, because He was sure of Himself. He knew who He was, and let it show in His works, rather than in His boasts. It ought to be the same way with us: when we know who we are in Christ, are sure that we’re the children of God, then we don’t need to boast about it, but just show it in how we live our daily lives. And we can never be sure that we’re children of God until and unless we read, meditate and put God’s Word into practice in our daily lives. It’s as simple as that my people!
And what amazes me about mankind in these turbulent times, is that we’re trying everything we know in man’s lexicon to make things better without any success, but for whatever reason, we simply refuse to go to God, where the answer truly lies. Sadly, such is the hold that Satan has on us. But for those of us who are trying to live right, lets’ go home declaring (chuh!!!) and thus activating our Thursday Blessings, generously bestowed by the Lord to do His earthly work.
As one strong 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 (steups!!!) it now behooves us to go out and share the benefits of those blessings with others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…Success 101…read, meditate and put into practice…God’s Word…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
23 Jun 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a bountiful serving of grace mercy and love, a chaotic world, a pipe dream, a Red-Letter day, angels will attend, be careful for nothing, Bible, blameless and harmless, burdened with a load of care, children of God, Christ has promised you His wealth untold, christianity, count your blessings, counting our blessings, counting our problems, discouraged, do all things without murmurings and disputings, does the cross seem heavy, every doubt will fly, faith, fellowship, frustrated believers, frustrated in your difficulties, give you comfort, god, God is over all, guard your hearts and minds, in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, in every thing give thanks, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Johnson Oatman Jr., LOVE, money cannot buy your reward in heaven, name them one by one, opportunities hiding in them for a turnover, see what God has done, shine as lights in the world, singing as the days go by, sweet sacrifices of praise, tempest tossed, the great invitation, the peace of God, the will of God, thinking all is lost, to your journey's end, truth, unknown circumstances, upon life's billows, wisdom, without rebuke, your home on high
1 Thessalonians 5:18. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
And as it does every seven days, Sunday is on board, meaning it’s time to hie ourselves to the Lord’s sanctuary to fellowship with other believers, to give thanks and praise to our great God and receive a bountiful serving of His grace, mercy and LOVE as we embark on another week of unknown circumstances and actions in this chaotic world.
And the song we’re going to open with today is one that’s ever so appropriate for these vile and ungodly times. It was written by Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1922) an American Minister, but also a prolific hymn writer, and it’s fittingly titled ‘Count Your Blessings!’ It’s a song we know and LOVE, but obviously don’t pay sufficient attention to its words, otherwise so many of us believers would not be as miserable, anxious and frustrated as we are.
Anyway, today we’re going to work on that by offering up that song with sweet sacrifices of praise, in a heartfelt, up-tempo mode. Now, we’re going to begin with a rollicking rendition of the chorus to set the overall atmosphere, and while singing, let’s mentally count our basic blessings, like life, LOVE, friends, family, food, shelter, clothing, a job and a church to fellowship with other believers.
Singing: ‘[Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.] When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. [Refrain] Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by.
[Refrain] When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain] So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. [Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.] (2)’
Ah friends, what a wonderfully wise and encouraging song! But it’s ever so sad that we don’t do what it says on a regular basis. For as this commentary from the website www.godtube tells us: ‘God truly gives us so many blessings each and every single day. Some may even be so small that we might overlook them. The classic hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’ truly reminds us to stop and give thanks for all God has done in our lives. This is definitely a pause we all need to take. Amen.’
And is that ever the indisputable truth! For if we would take advantage of counting the many blessings we have, instead of counting our troubles, our lives would be way more joyful and productive, and we’d end up giving God the thanks and praise He truly deserves. As another excerpt from the Godtube website says: ‘‘If you always find yourself numbering your troubles, you will never find time for counting your blessings. There is no use becoming frustrated in your difficulties while you have all opportunities hiding in them for a turnover.’
We cannot deny that, because our difficulties are often God-given opportunities for us to explore and become more kingdom oriented, rather than moan and complain about life being so tough and God not as good as He claims. As Bruh Paul warns us in Philippians: ‘Do all things without murmurings (grumbling) and disputings (quarreling among yourselves): That ye may be blameless and harmless (innocent), the sons (children) of God, without rebuke (fault), in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation (generation), among whom ye shine as lights in the world.’ (Phil. 2:14-15)
And that’s a fact. If we believers would cut down our complaining and quarreling amongst ourselves, out witness would be ever so much improved. But we like the easy, comfortable and convenient life, without any problems or sacrifices. But in this deranged world, that’s nothing but a pipe dream, especially if you intend to live for Christ. Anyway, on a more pleasant note, (smile) the song basically is about thanksgiving and praise, and Bruh Paul has constantly drummed into our heads how important those two things are for believers.
In Philippians, he lays it out on a painter’s palette for us: ‘Let your moderation (gentleness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 3:5-7) What’s in that we don’t understand eh? If you want godly peace of mind, then you have to pray and give thanks, and not murmur and complain.
Then in 1 Thessalonians, Bruh Paul tells us in no uncertain terms: ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:18) What’s wrong with us that we cannot understand such simple language eh, especially if we claim to be such great believers in Christ Jesus?
And besides all of that, every verse of the song is filled with some reference to the scriptures. For example: ‘When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost…’ That reminds us that Christ is the calm in our storm. Just like He calmed the winds and the sea while on the ship with the disciples, (Mark 4:35-41) He will also calm any storm in our lives if we place it in his hands.
Then there are these words in the second verse. ‘Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?’ Now that should automatically call us to Jesus’ Great Invitation (Matt: 11:28-30) where He invites us to lay all our cares upon Him. And the other verses are the same.
Oh friends, I’m pleading with us to make this a Red-Letter day in our lives; one where we promise ourselves to stop complaining about every li’l difficulty, and instead start seriously and sincerely counting the numerous blessings we do have. That will certainly improve our quality of life and help to make our world a much better place to live in. Much LOVE!
…it’s time for Christians to stop counting their problems…and begin counting their blessings…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
24 Jul 2022
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: an intellectual accommodation, be sober, children of God, children of light, climate change, evil and calamitous times, for a helmet, God hath not appointed us to wrath, heaven help the black man if he struggles one more day, heaven help the boy who never had a home, heaven help the girl who walks the street alone, heaven help the roses if the bombs begin to fall, heaven help the white man if he turns his back away, Heaven help us all, hold on to the trappings of our faith, immense poverty and starvation, in high fashion or low style, keep hatred from the mighty, keep the mighty from the small, let us not sleep as do others, let us watch and be sober, Lord hear us when we call, natural disasters, offer up sacrifices of praise in sweet harmony, poor economic outlook, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, Ron Miller, seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, Stevie Wonder, taught by the precept of men, the hope of salvation, they labour in vain that build it, to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, turn back to the God of our forefathers, unless the Lord builds the house, worldwide sickness and disease
1 Thessalonians 5:6. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (self-controlled).
Come on friends, it’s time to gather for another Sunday session of praise, worship and thanksgiving! Glory be! Sometimes I just can’t wait for Sunday to come around so we can get together to celebrate the Lord’s Day in high fashion, or low style, (smile) which ever one is more appropriate to our circumstances.
Yes, there is just something unique and wonderful about a bunch of people from different creeds, cultures and races gathering in one place to enjoy fellowship with each other in the holy presence of our great God Jehovah. And while we give Him thanks and praise, He blesses us, gives us the strength and confidence to go out and face the world like what we truly are – children of God!
Now, the song to open today’s proceedings is a fairly new one, written in 1970 by Ron Miller and first performed by Stevie Wonder. We’re talking about that soulful number, ‘Heaven Help Us All’, which was very appropriate back then and sadly, is still relevant to our times today. So, let’s get soulful and sincere as we offer up our sacrifices of praise in sweet harmony, in a mid-tempo version, a la Ray Charles and Gladys Knight.
Singing: ‘Heaven help the boy who never had a home Heaven help the girl who walks the street alone And Heaven help the roses if the bombs begin to fall Lord, won’t you help us all? Heaven help the black man if he struggles one more day Heaven help the white man if he turns his back away Heaven help the man who kicks the man who has to crawl Heaven help us all. (Chorus: Heaven help us all, Heaven help us all, help us all. Heaven help us, Lord, hear our call when we call)
Oh, yeah Heaven help the boy who won’t reach twenty-one And Heaven help the man who gave that child a gun And Heaven help the people with their backs against the wall Lord, won’t you help us all? (Chorus: Heaven help us all…when we call) Gladys – monologue: “I want everybody within the sound of my voice this evening to fall down on their knees and say a prayer; asking for His guidance, His grace, His mercy. You might want to say: Lord, Lord, Lord, have mercy!”
Now I lay me down before I go to sleep In a troubled world, I pray the Lord, the Lord to keep. Keep hatred from the mighty and the mighty from the small, Heaven help us all, Heaven help us all, help us all. Heaven help us, Lord, hear our call when we call. We need You Jesus so won’t you hear us when we call. We can’t do without You, so please hear us when we call. Heaven help us all, Heaven help us all, help us all, Heaven help us, Lord, hear our call when we call… Heaven help us all…’
And my faithful friends, do we ever need a lot of help from heaven in these very evil and calamitous times! Without help from heaven we certainly won’t make it through the dismal and disastrous days that our world is currently undergoing. What with the unprecedented amount of strife and warfare all over the globe, the immense poverty and starvation of billions of people, the poor economic outlook, made even worse by worldwide sickness and disease…
And that’s just some of the manmade stuff. When you add the natural disasters like serious drought and famine, floods, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes that seem to be more prevalent than before, possibly because of climate change, it’s easy to see why we need heavenly help…and quickly too.
However friends, I don’t believe we will get that heavenly help as quickly as we need it unless we quickly turn back to the God of our forefathers and give up the idols and foolishness that the world sees as valuable. Remember Jesus words, His memorable advice from the Sermon on the Mount? ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33)
Yes my bredrin, the only way to get heaven’s help is by sincerely seeking God and His righteousness. We can’t go worshipping the things of the world and doing the ungodly things the world wants us to do, and expect godly help. But that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re only paying lip-service to God. It reminds me of what the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah re Israel’s blindness. ‘Wherefore the Lord said, For as much as this people draw me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear (reverence) toward me is taught by the precept of men.’ (Is. 29:13)
Ah mih people, it’s the same thing we’re doing now that Israel did back then; simply honouring God with our mouth and lips but not our hearts. And our reverence is being ‘taught by the precept of men,’ meaning, as the scholars tell us, it’s ‘merely an intellectual accommodation. For true worship must begin with a proper reverence for God and His Word.’
And if we don’t do that, if we don’t wake up to the realities of life asap…then crapaud smoke we pipe. The Lord’s not going to put up with our dalliance with the devil for ever. He might be long-suffering and all that, but at some stage He’s going to say enough is enough, like He did with Israel when they became unfaithful and with so many other proud and foolish nations, who in their prosperity, turned away from Him unwisely believing that their prosperity was their own doing.
That’s totally wrong my people. It’s the Lord’s goodness and mercy that causes a nation to prosper. And the psalmist tells us in no uncertain terms. ‘Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; Except the Lord keep (guards) the city, the watchman waketh but (stays awake) in vain.’ (Ps. 127:1) And I believe these words from Bruh Paul to the Thessalonians when he talks about Jesus coming as a thief in the night might just be a good wake up call for us.
Listen closely please. ‘But ye brethren are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober (self-controlled). For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that are drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and LOVE; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1 Thess. 5:4-9)
Oh my fellow saints, if we are the children of light, then we must behave as such; wake up and seriously and sincerely hold on to the trappings of our faith, and do our best to encourage others to do the same. We already have all we need to do the job, and if heaven sees that we’re serious, heaven will certainly help us. But we need to take the first step to help ourselves. Much LOVE!
…heaven won’t help us…until we start helping ourselves…that’s for sure…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8
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