01 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a very present help in trouble, a wordl of evil and ugodliness, all things are possible to him that believes, all things work together for good to them that love God, assurance, assurance about what we do not see, be not afraid neither be thou dismayed, be not dismayed, be strong and of a good courage, believing in who Jesus says He is, by faith the elders believed the word of God, by faith the elders obtained a good report, christianity, come to know and love christ like we do, condition ourselve to the upcoming winter season, conviction is faith relating to the present, do not depend on your native instincts, duty bound, faith, faith cometh by hearing, faith in God provides security, faith is confidence in what we hope for, faith is the substance of things hoped for, faith provides evidence, faith provides substance, faith strengthening scripture, fear thou not for I am with thee, for we walk by faith not by sight, future hope, God is always right beside us, God is our refuge and strength, grow in faith, have fellowship and intimacy with God, have I not commanded thee, he shall direct thy paths, hearing by the word of God, holy spirit, hope for the return of Christ, hope is faith relating to the future, hope of the resurrection, hurry, I am thy God I will strenthen thee, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness, if thou canst believe, if wishes were horses all beggars would ride, in all thy ways acknowledge him, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, lean not unto thine own understanding, LOVE, mercy, no belief means no substance to build your faith on, nothing is impossible for God, our ever-faithful God, present realities that are unseen, proof that results in conviction, salvation, scriptures that build up our faith, Selah, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, strife, take root in your heart and soul, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the evidence of things not seen, the first day of September, the forgiveness of sins through Christ's sacrifice, the glorification of the saints, the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go, the mountains shake with the swelling thereof, the present intercession of Christ in heaven, the things which are seen, the worlds were framed by the word of god, therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters roar and be troubled, through faith we understand, to them who are called according to his purpose, trials and tribulations, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, we believe that God created the world form nothing, we know that all things work together for good, were not made of things which do appear, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 September 2026 2 Corinthians 5:7.
2 Corinthians 5:7. For we walk by faith, not by sight:
And this Tuesday morning, the first day of September opened earlier with bright sunshine, but by midday it’s become somewhat humid and cloudy, but we’ll take it anyway. (smile) Let’s hope and pray that the fairly warm weather keeps up for some time yet, as we need to get our minds and bodies conditioned to the upcoming winter season. Oh, there’s no doubt we’ll handle it, but it would be so much nicer if we didn’t have to. And yes, if wishes were horses, all beggars would ride, for we cannot get away from the cold weather that’s in the offing, because that’s just how it is in the northern climes.
But enough whimpering, let’s look at some scriptures that build up our faith, that provide strength and confidence in God and all His promises, because in the current state of our world, with all the strife, evil and ungodliness that’s happening, we need something strong to hold on to. And the first scripture is that awesome verse from Philippians, where Bruh Paul writes: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengetheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:13) Of course we can! Since nothing is impossible to Jesus, if He desires us to do something then He will surely empower us to do it.
And Jesus reinforces that when He tells the father who brought his epileptic son to Him for healing. ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’ (Mark. 9:23) Yes friends, this life with Jesus all depends on believing: in believing who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He can and will do. If you don’t believe that Jesus is who He is then there is no substance on which to build your faith. For as Bruh Paul emphasizes in 2 Corinthians: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight:’ (2. Cor. 5:7)
Yes, with Jesus, it’s all about faith; basically what you can’t see, but believe is possible and will happen at some time or other. Or, as Hebrews puts it: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible). (Heb. 11:1-3) In other words, by faith we believe that God created the world from nothing, and by faith the elders believed the word of God and lived it, even though they did not always get what they expected.
And according to the scholars, ‘faith provides substance or assurance. It also provides evidence in the sense of proof that results in conviction. Of things hoped for involves future hope, like the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints. While of things not seen involves present realities that are unseen, such as the forgiveness of sin through Christ’s sacrifice, and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope is faith relating to the future, conviction is faith relating to the present.’
Then in Romans, Bruh Paul advises us: ‘So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom. 10:17) And that’s the truth! You cannot believe the word or have faith until you hear it preached. It must be heard over and over so it can take root in your heart and soul, get strong, and grow into faith. Meanwhile, Isaiah, offers comfort, assuring believers of God’s presence and strength in difficult times. ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ (Is. 41:10) If you believe and have faith, then that’s what the Lord will do.
Then we have these wonderful words of faith from the Sons of Korah in Psalm 46. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (heart of) the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.’ (Ps. 46:1-3) So through faith in God we also find a place of security, when everywhere else is insecure.
And we must remember these awesome words of Cousin Sol in Proverbs: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) And the scholars explain those verses thus: ‘Three commands are given: trust, meaning “rely on, depend on”; lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts; and acknowledge, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.’ What wonderful advice! But it’s all based on belief, faith and trust in Almighty God!
Then there’s this overwhelming command of God Himself to Joshua. ‘Have I not commanded thee? be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9) You can’t beat that friends! We can be courageous because we know that our God is always right there beside us. But here’s the awesome scripture that I believe holds it all together. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to His purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28)
Ah mih people that scripture gives us the godly assurance that despite all the trials and tribulations we might face during our earthly lives, our wonderful God will use it all to make it good at the end! Now that’s where our faith truly comes in; believing that it will all work out right in the end, because our ever-faithful God says so!
And with all that faith strengthening scripture in our hearts and souls, 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!’
And 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!
…faith is confidence in what we hope for…and assurance about what we do not see…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
31 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: allow your aura of love, and again I say rejoice, be careful for nothing, be thankful for small mercies, be thankful unto God, bless His name, bombarded by the enemy's evil schemes, christianity, come before his presence with singing, cometh down from the Father of lights, constantly buffeted, didn't do us any favours, disobedience, enter into his gates with thanksgiving, even in th darkest times, every gift originates from God, every good and perfect gift is from above, faith, fill us with steadfast faith, furthering your glorious kingdom, get off course from God's will, give thanks, give thanks in whaever we do, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him, go out to meet the enemy in battle, God is our Creator and Provider, god's mercies reset every day, great is thy faithfulness, his compassions fail not, his mercy is everlasting, his promise to be near us when we call, his truth endureth to all generations, humble servants, in all wisdom, in every thing give thanks, in everything by prayer and supplication with thanskgiving, into his courts with praise, it is he that made us not we ourselves, It is of the Lord's mercies that we're not consumed, Jesus Christ, jobs, jobs that serve a useful purpose, keeping lives and families together, know ye that the Lord he is God, let the peace of God rule in your hearts, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, let your moderation be known unto all men, let your requests be made known unto God, look for fresh quiet graces at the start of every morning, LOVE, make a joyful noise unto the Lord, make worthwhile inroads into the enemy's ranks, mercy, our bounden duty to serve him with gladness, pray without ceasing, rebelliousness, rejoice evermore, Rejoice in the Lord always, rejuvenation of spirit, renewed vitality and enthusiasm, sally forth with confidence, salvation, serve the Lord with gladness, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ, shout joyfully unto the Lord, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord, sure conquerors, teaching and admonishing one another, thankful for just being alive, thankfulness - the number one attitude of every believer, the best of the summer months, the BIBLE, the last day of August, the Lord is at hand, The Lord is good, the peace of God which passes all understanding, the right attitude, the sheep of his pasture, the throne of grace, therefore I have hope, they are new every morning, this is the day the Lord has made, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, this recall to mind, to begin a new week of work, to lead and guide all your servants, truth, undeserving children of men, we are his people, we can praise God for his love, we know we're invincible, we surrender our all to you, we will rejoice and be glad in it, we're not afraid, wearing your powerful protective spiritual armour, whatsoever ye do in word or deed, wisdom, with whom there is no variableness, wrought in our weary souls
Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 August 2026 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
1 Thessalonians 5:18. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
And then it was Monday one more time… but unfortunately, this last day of August did not do us any favours by being damp and cloudy. However we must give it thanks for being possibly the best of the three summer months; with no heat warnings and smoke from forest fires, but a constant, bearable summer temperature with plenty sunlight. And as the ole people would say, be thankful for small mercies, for who knows what kind of weather we’ll be having next. So goodbye August. Hope you come around quickly again! (smile)
And since we’re on the topic of being thankful, why don’t we check out a few of the many scriptures, especially in Psalms, that admonish/and or encourage us to be thankful to Almighty God. And possibly the best way to begin is with these words of wisdom from Bruh Paul to the Thessalonians: ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:16-18) Yes friends, those are the three basic duties of the Christian believer; pray, rejoice and give thanks. And if we do those in the right spirit, with the right attitude, then we can never get far off course from God’s will.
And regarding God’s mercies, we have this very poignant reminder from Jeremiah’s Lamentations. As he remembers his afflictions and how they humbled him, he says: ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam. 3:21-23) Now right there are some things we should continually be giving thanks for; God’s mercies, compassions and faithfulness, for without them we’d have already been consumed a long time ago by His wrath for our rebelliousness and disobedience. Or as this overview says: ‘God’s mercies reset every day. They remind us to look for fresh, quiet graces at the start of each morning.’
Then there’s this ole faithful: ‘This is the day the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) Yes my brethren, we need to be oh so thankful for just being alive today. And these marvellous words of Psalm 100 – Serve with Gladness – puts it all into the proper perspective. ‘Make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.’ (100:1-5)
And there is no doubting those words, for God is indeed our Creator and Provider, and thus it’s our bounden duty to serve him with gladness and offer up much praise and thanksgiving for His wonderful goodness to us undeserving children of men. Meanwhile Bruh Paul advises the Philippians thus: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation (gentleness, graciousness) 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 requests 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. 4:4-7)
There again we have those three things; rejoicing, praying and thanksgiving; the basis of our Christian life. And James reminds us that: ‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness (variation), neither shadow of turning.’ (James 1:17) Meaning, everything good—no matter how small or simple—originates from God, and we ought to be thankful for whatever He gifts us with.
Then there are these awesome words from Bruh Paul to the Colossians. ‘And let the peace of God rule in your hearts. to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Col. 3:15-17) There again, we’re called to give thanks in whatever we do.
And I want to end with these interesting and wise words from one commentary. ‘When the peace of Christ rules in our hearts, thankfulness overflows. Even in the darkest of times, we can praise God for his LOVE, his sovereignty, and his promise to be near us when we call (Psalm 145:18). Thank you, Lord, for your peace that transcends understanding and your LOVE that endures forever. Amen!’ And for help to get it right, let’s go the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn seeking divine aid.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; 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 weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.
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 allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to 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, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Now let’s go out and do as we promised; further God’s kingdom here on earth! Much LOVE!
…thankfulness…should be the number one attitude of every believer…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
30 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a standing invitation, abundance, abundant in goodness and truth, according to his divine power, all my days, all my life you have been faithful, always sing of your goodness Lord, an overflowing declaration of God's goodness, an uprightness of heart and life, assurance in knowing that God is always good, be fruitful in the knowledge of Christ, be partakers of the divine nature, before the sons of men, christianity, close like no other, connects us with God's nature, declare His works with rejoicing, ever faithful, faith, fellowship, for his wonderful works to the children of men, for the sake of being virtuous, from the moment that I wake up, getting our souls refreshed with god's word, give good things to them that ask him, given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, God is good, God's goodness can never be matched, God's goodness is present during challenges and harships, God's goodness to the children of men, God's promises are a pipeline, God's promises are exceedingly great and precious, goodness in action, grow in spiritual maturity, guidance, guidance., hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, having escaped the corruption in the world through lust, healing, held in your hands, his mercy endureth for ever, holy spirit, hope, how do we experience God's goodness, how great is thy goodness, how much more shall your father in heaven, I give you everything, I had fainted, I have lived in the goodness of God, I love you Lord, i love your voice, I surrender now, I will sing of the goodness of God, if ye then being evil, in my darkest night, in our best interests, Jenn Johnson, Jesus Christ, joyful singing, know how to give good gifts to your children, known you as a father, known you as a friend, laid up for them that fear thee, led me through the fire, let God's goodness reflect in our lives, longsuffering, LOVE, mercy, my anchor in the wind and waves, my joy every day, my provider, offer comfort, Oh give thanks unto the Lord for he is good, oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, peace, prociding us with strength, profound meaning for many people, protection, recognizing God's love, sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, salvation, shepherd of my soul, so wonderful in all your ways, songs born in unique circumstances, strive to be good, that is God, the BIBLE, the blessed day of Sunday, the blessings God provides every day, the goodness of God, the gospel truth, the joy of knowing you God, the joy that comes from giving God thanks and praise, the knowledge of him that called us to glory and virtue, the Lord God merciful and gracious, the promises of God's word, the Sermon on the Mount, the spiritual meaning of the goodness of God, the Ten Commandments, there is none good but one, through faith we can find peace, to join other believers in Christ's sanctuary, to praise and worship Christ, to see the goodness of God in the land of the living, truth, understanding God's goodness, unless I had believed, until I lay my head down, victory, we partake of God's nature, what a joy to know you, why callest thou me good, wisdom, with every breath that I am able, with my life laid down, wrought for them that trust thee, you are my joy, you have been so so good, you lead me in glory, you lead me in glory by your Spirit, you're everything to me, your goodness is running after me, your mercy never fails me
Today’s Scrip-Bit 30 August 2026 Mark 10:18.
Mark 10:18. ‘And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.’
And that blessed day of Sunday is here once again, with the standing invitation to join other believers in Christ Jesus in His sanctuary, to praise and worship Him, while getting our souls refreshed with His word and the joy that comes from giving Him thanks and praise. And today’s song of worship is one that does just that; gives God much thanks and praise for His wonderful goodness to the undeserving children of men. And it’s appropriately titled, ‘The Goodness of God.’
This is one of those great songs that are born in unique, unexpected circumstances. The story goes that in 2018, the author Jenn Johnson, a member of the worship team of the Bethel church in Reading, was driving on a long country road in northern California, freshly home from adopting her fourth child, a son, when she felt the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, picked up her phone and began singing into it. What came out was ‘a raw, grateful, overflowing declaration of God’s faithfulness in her life’ which eventually became the foundation of “The Goodness of God.” And after being refined with the assistance of other members of the Bethel worship team, it was released in 2019 and immediately became a popular worship song.
So now, having some background on the song’s history, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a scintillating, heartfelt, up-tempo version, evoking the very sentiments that we sing. Singing: ‘I LOVE You, Lord, for Your mercy never fails me All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands From the moment that I wake up until I lay my head down Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God. (Chorus: All my life You have been faithful. All my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God.)
I LOVE Your voice, You have led me through the fire In my darkest night, You are close like no other I’ve known You as a Father, I’ve known You as a Friend Oh I have lived in the goodness of God (Chorus: All my life…) Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me With my life laid down, I surrender now I give You everything, cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me Your goodness is running after, it keeps running after me.
(Chorus: And all my life You have been faithful All my life You have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able Oh, I will sing; yes, I will sing of the goodness of God. For all my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so good. Oh you lead me in glory … ever faithful, you are my anchor in the wind and the waves…you are my provider…Oh yeah, and you lead me in glory by your Spirit…you are my joy…my joy…every day…Oh shepherd of my soul…what a joy to know you…Oh the joy of knowing you God…you’re everything to me…so wonderful…so wonderful in all your ways…in all your ways. That’s why I will always sing of your goodness Lord…always sing of your goodness Lord.’
Oh friends, that was wonderful! And if we sang it, then we should mean it and consequently let it reflect in our lives! Now, before we go further, let’s ascertain a couple of definitions. The first one is what’s the spiritual meaning of the goodness of God? One article defines it as: ‘Goodness in action; it’s not something we do only for the sake of being virtuous. When we strive to be “good” only for our own benefit, it is not truly goodness that we possess. In Greek, the word goodness, means “an uprightness of heart and life.’
And second question is how do we experience the goodness of God? And the same commentary as above, claims ‘It’s through the promises of God’s Word that we partake of His nature – a nature that is peace, abundance, healing, victory, guidance and protection. His promises are a pipeline that connects us with His nature. And His promises are exceedingly great and precious.’ And they reference these two verses from Peter’s second epistle, where he is urging his readers to be fruitful in the knowledge of Christ, to grow in spiritual maturity.
‘According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to (by) glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.’ (2 Pet. 1:3-4)
Ah friends, there’s so much I’d like to say about this song, but time and space don’t allow it, so we’ll have to content ourselves with a few scripture verses on God’s goodness. Beginning with this one from Exodus: ‘And the Lord passed by before him (Moses), and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.’ (Ex. 34:6) That’s when Moses went back up Mt. Sinai the second time to get the Ten Commandments.
Then in Psalm 27, Bruh David made this very poignant but true statement: ‘I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.’ (Ps. 27:13) And in Psalm 31, Bruh David again talks about the Lord’s goodness. ‘Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust thee before the sons of men!’ (Ps. 31:19) Meanwhile in Psalm 107, the psalmist strongly advises: ‘Oh that men would praise (give thanks to) the Lord for his goodness (LOVING-KINDNESS), and for his wonderful works to the children of men. And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing (joyful singing).’ (Ps. 107:21-22)
And all through the Bible we hear this verse: ‘O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.’ (1 Chr. 6:34) Then Jesus, when talking about asking and receiving in the Sermon on the Mount, says to the multitude: ‘If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?’ (Matt. 7:11) And last but least, this verse from the story of the rich young man who is seeking direction for eternal life, and calls Jesus ‘Good Master.’ ‘And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is, God.’ (Mark 10:18) And friends, if Jesus says it’s so, then it’s so! No doubt about it. (smile)
Now, let’s go home with some interesting comments about God’s goodness, from an article on the website globaldisciples.ca, that declares: ‘God is good. This simple statement holds profound meaning for many people around the world. Understanding God’s goodness can offer comfort, guidance, and hope. It’s about recognizing His LOVE and the blessings He provides every day. God’s goodness isn’t just evident during happy times. It’s also present during challenges and hardships, providing us with strength. Even when things don’t go as planned, His LOVE and support can often be felt if we look closely. Through faith, we can find peace and assurance in knowing that God is always good.’
And that’s the gospel truth! So, it’s in our best interest to concentrate on God’s goodness today, and every day, as we step out to do His work! Much LOVE!
…God’s goodness…can never be matched by any other being…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
29 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a gift, a horse of a different colour, a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus, another beautiful summer's day, boggles my imagination, caught up in religion, ceremonially unclean, christianity, condoned the circumvention of God's word, contemplate who we liste to, deceitful and fraudulent times, dedicated to the temple, devoted to God, don't want to hear sound doctrine, eating with unwashed hands, enjoy them while they last, except they wash their hands oft, except they wash they eat not, faith, false prophets, full well, God's word is more important than man's traditions, handed down tradition, have greater control over their congregations, he shall be free, hear what they want not what they need, holding the tradition of the elders, holy spirit, honour thy mother and father, I marvel to think, I may know you all the more, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, I want to be with you now, ignoring Jewish tradition, in a special way, in all sincerity and truth, in vain do they worship me, increase my awareness of you today, intimacy with our heavenly Father, it is corban, itching ears, Jesus Christ, laying aside the commandments of God, lazy-day Saturday, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, let him be put to death, let him die the death, lines up with the word of God, LOVE, making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, man-made religion, mercy, none of Christ's, ponder what we believe, quiet my soul, relax my muscles, religious leaders, rules that don't line up with God's word, salvation, slow my thoughts, soaking up the sun's warming rays, substituting modern religious custom for divinely revealed truth, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men, thank you for this tenderness, that ye may keep your own traditon, the BIBLE, the human misuse of God's word, the washing of cups, their heart is far from me, this people honoureth me with their lips, tradition brought Jewish religious practices into conflict with God's word, truth, unwritten traditions regarded as equal in authority to the Old Testament, well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, what they teach, whoso curseth mother or father, wisdom, ye hold the tradition of men, ye reject the commandments of God, ye suffer him no more to do for his mother or father, you can't be contained, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 August 2026 Mark 7:9.
Mark 7:9. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandments of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Boy, oh boy, our lazy-day Saturday is another beautiful summer’s day! For the past five days I’ve awakened to such loverly weather, that it boggles my imagination. And it would be ever so easy to get accustomed to that loverly kind of weather! But let’s not, for come next week when September arrives, it might just be a horse of a different colour. (smile) Anyway, it’s a day for just sitting outside on the deck or porch and just soaking up the sun’s warming rays, for in another little while the warmth of those rays will disappear completely until some time next year, when the winter season subsides. So enjoy them while they last.
But before the laziness sets in, let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, in all sincerity and truth. As one strong voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
And as we all know, there’s nothing better than seeking greater intimacy with our heavenly Father, for His ultimate desire and purpose for creating us was to form a deep, personal and intimate relationship with each of His children. Remember He sent Jesus to establish personal relationships, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, not man-made religion.
It’s like Mark says of the Jewish tradition. ‘For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft (in a special way), eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. and may other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots (pitchers), brasen vessels, and of tables (couches).’ (Mark 7:3-5) Thus, this conversation with Jesus, when the scribes and Pharisees asked Him about his disciples eating bread with unwashed hands.
‘He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias (Isaiah) prophesied of you hypocrites (pretenders), as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit (nevertheless) in vain do they worship me, teaching for (as) doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandments of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots (pitchers) and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandments of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
For Moses said, Honour thy father and mother, and Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death (be put to death): But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban (dedicated to the temple), that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mighest be profited by me; he shall be free. And ye suffer (allow) him no more to do ought (anything) for his father or his mother; Making the word of God of none (no) effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered (handed down): and many such like things ye do.’ (Mark 7:6-13)
Yes friends, as the scholars explain: ‘Certain unwritten traditions had come to be regarded as equal in authority to the Old Testament itself. And the concern was not with the dirty hands, but with how Jesus’ disciples were ignoring Jewish tradition and thereby becoming ceremonially unclean. Jesus is saying that years of tradition had brought some Jewish religious practices into conflict with the far older commands of the Old Testament.
Too many were substituting modern religious custom for divinely revealed truth. Thus, Jews could evade responsibility to parents by declaring their substance Corban, “devoted to God.” Religious leaders evidently condoned this clear circumvention of both the letter and the intent of the Old Testament. Jesus’ quarrel was not with God’s word, but with human misuse of it.’
And unfortunately, two thousand years later, we have come to the same impasse, where many are abusing and misusing God’s word in the New Testament, just like the Pharisees did the Old Testament. We have inserted all kinds of religious behaviour and traditions into our supposed worship of Almighty God, that go against His word. That means too many of us are caught up in religion, rather than a personal relationship with Christ, as He desires. And don’t be fooled, for the religious leaders of today are not against putting certain rules, regulations and traditions that don’t line up with God’s word into their teachings, so that they may have greater control over their congregation.
It’s also like Bruh Paul told Timothy that a time would come when people won’t want to hear sound doctrine, but have ‘itching ears’ where they want to hear what they like and not what they need, (2 Tim. 4:3) and there are many preachers and teachers who are open to such misuse and abuse of God’s word. That’s why it’s so important in these deceitful and fraudulent times for each believer to become better acquainted with God’s Word for themselves, and don’t just rely on what some supposed pastor or teacher says. Whatever they tell you must line up with the scriptures, and if they don’t then they are false prophets and none of Christ’s as John says in his epistle. (1 John 4:1)
And this last lazy-day Saturday in August is as good a day as any for us to spend some time contemplating who we listen to, what they teach, what we believe, and if it lines up with the Word of God. Much LOVE!
…God’s Word is more important than man’s traditions…and must always take first place…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
28 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a name written that no man knew except himself, a seven day work week, a twoedged sword in their hand, addicted to the weekend, be renewed and refreshed, beautify the meek with salvation, become too self-righteous, believers also need to wake up and smell the coffee, by the good example we your faithful believers set, christianity, clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, defeat the simmering unrest in our land, divine help, efforts for Christ are inadequate, faith, faithful and true, Friday chant, Friday Mantra, further your glorious kingdom, get sufficient fun fellowship and relaxation, glorification of the righteous, God is indeed worthy of our praise, God's omnipotent help, God's generous help, help us to be responsible, his eyes were as a flame of fire, his name is called the word of God, his praise in the congregation of saints, holy spirit, in righteousness he doth judge and make war, Jesus Christ, judgement of the wicked, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, let Israel rejoice in him that made him, let Israel rejoice in his maker, let the children of Zion be joyful in their king, let the high praises of God be in their mouth, let the saints be joyful in glory, LOVE, mercy, numbered amongst the righteous, on his head were many crowns, our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffe, out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, praise his name in the dance, praise is related to the kingdom of God, Praise ye the Lord, punishments upon the people, Rejoice in the King, renewed and refreshed in soul body and mind, righteousness will triumph over wickedness, rule the nations with a rod of iron, salvation, serious problems are escalating, shout Hallelujah, sing aloud upon their beds, sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp, sing unto the Lord a new song, sitting on a white horse, stand strong and steadfast, taken in a prophetic sense, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the BIBLE, the Lord intends to establish His kingdom on the earth, the Lord taketh pleasure in his people, the righteous judge, the throne of grace, the weekend is here at last, the wrath of Almighty God, their nobles with fetters of iron, this age of grace, this honour have all the saints, thy kinkdom come, to bind their kings with chains, to execute upon them the judgement written, to execute vengeance upon the heathen, trusting faith, truth, unexpected storms, wisdom, wise guidance, your livelihood
Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 August 2026 Psalm 149:1.
Psalm 149:1. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah). Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints.
And this last Friday in August has opened bright and sunshiny, although the computer is promising rain for later in the day. Let’s hope that they are wrong though. In any case it did not stop our Friday Mantra from joyfully rising to the heavens earlier this morning: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend is here at last!’ We’re so addicted to the weekend that I don’t know what we’d do without it. We’d be totally lost. What would have happened to some of us in the time when a seven day work week was the norm?
I can remember doing that with a mere two days off after the seven long night shifts. But you got accustomed to it, and didn’t complain, because it was your livelihood. Now we’re so pampered that just the very thought of working five consecutive days, much less seven, drives many of us crazy. But as one friend would say; that’s progress! And in some respects it is, though the entitlement aspects we’re now becoming accustomed to is not helping anyone, and is in fact a step backward. But who am I to question it eh? (smile) End of Sermon!
Now, let’s do our duty as Psalm 149 – Rejoice in the King – advises us. Please read with me: ‘Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah). Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him (their maker): let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek (humble) with salvation.
Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a twoedged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgement written: this honour have all the saints. Praise ye the Lord (shout Hallelujah).’ (Ps. 149:1-9)
Yes friends, praise should always be forthcoming from our mouths to our great God Jehovah, both in song and dance, privately and publicly, for He is indeed worthy of our praise, as so many scriptures declare. However, as the scholars explain, this psalm is not a straightforward one. They say: ‘The unique aspect of praise highlighted in this psalm is that praise is related to the kingdom of the Lord. Though the psalm begins with the normal call to praise (vs. 1-3), the cause for the praise (vs. 4-9) is quite unexpected; it is because the Lord intends to establish His kingdom on the earth. This kingdom includes both glorification of the righteous (vs. 4-6) and the judgement of the wicked (vs. 7-9).
This aspect of judgement is apparently to be carried out by the righteous (vs. 6-9). This passage should be taken in a prophetic sense to refer to the time when God will in fact establish His kingdom on the earth with His glorified saints right behind Him (Rev. 19:11-21). Even in this age of grace, believers are instructed to pray “Thy Kingdom come” (Matt. 6:10), a petition that includes not only the glorification of the righteous but the destruction of the wicked.’
Oh my people, the Lord has indeed promised to set up His kingdom on earth with His saints around Him, while He destroys the wicked. And you can read more about that situation in Rev. 19:11-21, when Jesus comes, sitting on a white horse, as the Righteous Judge. He’s ‘called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture (robe) dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite (strike) the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’ (Rev. 19:11-16)
Yes my brethren, that’s how Jesus is coming back to judge and do battle against the wicked, with the armies of the righteous zealously behind Him. Let’s sincerely hope, pray and do whatever we need to do, to be numbered amongst the last group and not the first. And for divine help to do that, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant.
Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work. It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. You know our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving, and we desperately need your help to fix them. Heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So please give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly.
And despite the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, help us to be responsible, and get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that we can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out next week and further your glorious kingdom by the good example we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And before we get too self-righteous, let’s acknowledge that we believers also need to wake up and smell the coffee, because our efforts for Christ are totally inadequate! Much LOVE!
…in the end…righteousness will triumph over wickedness…through the person of Jesus Christ…that’s the Lord’s promise…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
25 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: be of good courage, beloved of God, blessed is the man maketh the Lord his trust, christianity, circumstances pulling us under, crowning glory, doubt tries to creep back in, emptiness into fulness, established my goings, established my steps, even praise unto our God, faith, feel as if I don't matter, girded me with gladness, God is always God, God is faithful, God remains steadfast and true, God's goodness to the children of men, great is thy faithfulness, he abideth faithful, he brought me up also out of an horrible pit, he cannot deny himself, he heard my cry, he inclined unto me, he shall exalt thee to inherit the land, he shall strengthen thine heart, hear O Lord and have mercy upon me, help me hold on to hope, his compassions fail not, holy spirit, hurry, I waited patiently for the lord, I will give thanks unto thee for ever, I wonder if you hear my prayers, I'll never stop saying it, if we be dead with him we shall also with him live, if we believe not, if we deny him he will deny us, if we suffer we shall also reign, in god's eyes, in Jesus' name, In Touch Devotional, it is a faithful saying, it is good that a man, It is of the Lord's mercies that we're not consumed, Jesus Christ, joy comes in the morning, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lo I am with you always, lock stock and barrel, Lord be thou my helper, LOVE, many shall see it and fear, mercy, my glory shall sing praise to thee, my soul shall sing praise to thee, no prayer too repetitive, no situation too broken, not be silent, not talking from hearsay, nothing is too hard for you, out of the miry clay, put a new song im, put off my sackcloth, quicker than the blink of an eye, respecteth not the proud, salvation, set my feet upon a rock, shall trust in the Lord, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, such as turn aside to lies, talking from personal experience, the ache so deep, the BIBLE, the Great Commission, the Lamentations of Jeremiah, the last Tuesday of August, the Lord hears all our prayers, the Lord is good unto them that wait for him, the Lord is my portion saith my soul, the Lord never leaves nor forsakes us, the Lord will never leave us in a lurch, the sackcloth of my mourning, the salvation of the Lord, the waiting is so long, the word of God is not a chain, therefore have I hope, therefore will I hope in him, they are new every morning, they too can come to know and love Christ like do, this I recall to mind, to the end, to the soul that seeketh him, trials and tribulations, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, turn emptiness into into fullness, turn mourning into dancing, turned for me my mourning into dancing, unto the end of the world, wait in faith I say on the Lord, wait in faith on the Lord, wait on the Lord and keep his way, waiting patiently in faith is not easy, weeping may endure for a night, when the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it, wisdom, worry, y mouth, you are faithful, you see me when I feel invisible, you've never left me
Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 August 2026 Psalm 40:1.
Psalm 40:1. I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Ah friends, we’re into the last Tuesday of August; next week Tuesday we’ll be talking about September. (smile) But today, as many of the previous August days, it’s sunshiny and warm, so there’s still hope for August to finish up as a good month. And since we’re running a li’l bit late, (my fault) let’s get to today’s topic right away. And that’s this month’s prayer from the In Touch Devotional.
So, please pray with me: ‘Lord, sometimes I wonder if you hear my prayers – the waiting is so long, the ache so deep. But You’ve never left me – You see me when I feel invisible, when I feel as if I don’t matter. Nothing is too hard for You – no prayer too repetitive, no situation too broken. You turn mourning into dancing, emptiness into fulness. Help me hold on to hope when doubt tries to creep back in. I’ll never stop saying it: You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
And that last statement about God’s faithfulness is absolutely true! All of us who have spent anytime in God’s presence know that to be a glorious fact, because we have all experienced at least some modicum (small amount) of His faithfulness in our time with Him. And the bible has oodles of verses that talk about it, but we’ll only share a couple of the better known ones here.
The first one comes from Bruh Paul’s second letter to Timothy, where he is telling him that the word of God is not bound, is not a chain: ‘It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer (endure), we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim. 2:11-13) Oh my people, isn’t it wonderful and ever so encouraging to know that God is always God, regardless of who I am, or how I behave! His character is one of utmost faithfulness, therefore He remains steadfast and true even when I am not.
And the second scripture comes from Jeremiah’s famous testimony on the Lord’s faithfulness in his Lamentations. ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lam. 3:21-26)
Yes my brethren, wiser words were never spoken! And waiting on the Lord can be very long and heart aching, that like the prayer says, we sometimes are led to wonder if He’s heard our prayers. But He indeed hears them all; it’s just that He takes His own time to answer them; whether it be yay, nay, or not now. Our job though is wait patiently and keep on persevering until we get an answer. Know one thing though, the Lord will not leave us in the lurch, whatever answer He has will arrive in good time for us to make the necessary arrangements.
And a man who certainly knew about waiting on the Lord, Bruh David, strongly advises it in several of his writings. In psalm 27, he says: ‘Wait (in faith) on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith), I say, on the Lord.’ Then in Psalm 37: he declares: ‘Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.’ (Ps. 37:34)
Now listen to the crowning glory of waiting on the Lord. In Psalm 40 – Praise for God’s Deliverance, Bruh David testifies: ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings (steps). And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps. 40:1-4)
And we all know that Bruh David is not talking from hear say, but from personal experience, because after the Lord anointed him king of Israel, he went through many years of trials and tribulations waiting for that to happen. And it would never have happened if he had not waited on God, patiently in faith. And we also know that waiting patiently in faith is not easy, especially when our circumstances seem to be pulling us under quicker than we can blink, but that’s where our faith and trust in God is expected to show up.
But there are a few things we need to know and believe. Firstly, that the Lord never leaves nor forsakes us, that’s His promise. (Heb. 13:5) So although we may not see or feel His presence, rest assured that He’s always there with us. As Jesus assured the disciples at the end of the Great Commission; ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) We could not desire better assurance than that my fellow believers.
And when the song says: ‘You turn mourning into dancing, emptiness into fulness,’ Bruh David corroborates those sentiments in Psalm 30, when he declares: ‘Hear O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth (the sackcloth of my mourning), and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory (my soul) may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.’ (Ps. 30:10-12)
Yes friends that’s exactly how it ought to be; us continually giving thanks to God for His LOVE, faithfulness and everlasting goodness to the children of undeserving men! 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!’
So let’s go out now 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!
…weeping may endure for a night…but joy comes in the morning… (Ps. 30:5b)
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
24 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brand new work week, a double minded man is unstable in all his ways, a personal relationship with jesus, alcoholic beverages, all rested up, ambassadors for Christ, an inclement weekend, ask and it shall be given you, ask and ye shall receive, ask anything in my name and I will do it, ask for things that fit into God's will, ask in faith nothing wavering, ask me nothing, ask the Father in my name, ask what ye will and it shall be done, asked the Good Lord, be the salt of the earth, bear much fruit, because ye have loved me, believe on the name of his son Jesus Christ, believed that I came out from God, buffeted by the enemy's evil schemes, chomping at the bit, christianity, confidence toward God, confident of our victory, conquerors, divine aid, do those things that are pleasing in his sight, don't ask for selfish carnal things, driven with the wind and tossed, every one that asketh, faith, figurative language, fill us with steadfast faith, fired up, furthering your glorious kingdom, giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, he gave it to me, He gives liberally and without reproach, he that seeketh findeth, he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, he will give it to you, herein is my Father glorified, hitherto ye have asked nothing in my name, holy spirit, humble servants, I will see you again, if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, if our heart condemn us not, if ye abide in me and my words abide in you, in that day, incredible aura of LOVE, invincible, it shall be given him, it shall be opened, Jesus Christ, jobs, jobs that serve a useful purpose, keeping lives and families together, knock and it shall be opened unto you, lead and guide all your servants, let not that man think, LOVE, love one another as he gave us commandment, make worthwhile inroads into the enemy's ranks, meet the enemy in battle, mercy, no more speak to you in proverbs, not doubting, pray the Father for you, receive anything of the Lord, rejuvenation of spirit, sally forth with confidence, salvation, satisfying our sinful urges, seek and ye shall find, serve a useful purpose, show you plainly of the Father, so shall ye be my disciples, spoken unto you in proverbs, submission to the Lordship of Christ, surrender our all to you, that will I do, the BIBLE, the disciple acting as the agent of Jesus, the energy and enthusiasm, the evil and ungodly world, the Father himself loveth you, the Father may be glorified in the Son, the inherent power in the name of Jesus, the light of the world, the promise of answered prayer, the renewed vitality and enthusiasm, the Sermon on the Mount, the throne of grace, the time cometh, the vine and the branches, to get out there and do good work for Christ, to him that knocketh, to tell the truth, truth, unlimited resources to do God's work, we keep His commandments, we receive of him, wearing your powerful protective spiritual armour, weary souls, whatsoever we ask, whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, wisdom, words of absolute wisdom, you now have sorrow, your heart shall rejoice, your joy may be full, your joy no man taketh from you
Today’s Scrip-Bit 24 August 2026 John 14:13.
John 14:13. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
It’s a brand new work week friends, and we’re all rested up, fired up and chomping at the bit, to get out there on this Monday morning in August 2026! I know some of you must be wondering what I smoke or drank to be so enthusiastic about a windy and somewhat cloudy Monday morning, after a rather inclement weekend, that spoiled a lot of our outside entertainment. To tell the truth friends, I didn’t smoke or imbibe any kind of alcoholic beverage or uplifting drugs, I just asked the Good Lord for the energy and enthusiasm to get out there and do good work for Him, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world that He desires me to be, and He gave it to me.
We keep forgetting what Jesus told us about asking for things. First off in the Sermon on the Mount He says: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ (Matt. 7:7-8) So that’s the first lesson; if we want something, we must ask, seek and or knock for it. However, that does not refer to selfish, carnal, meaningless stuff. It must be things and stuff that fit into God’s will.
And having noted that proviso, we can now look to the gospel of John, where Jesus again informs us about asking for stuff. ‘And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.’ (John 14:13-14) And as the scholars explain: ‘In my name means “as My Agent.” The promise of answered prayer is based on the disciple acting as the agent of Jesus’ will (cf. 16:23-26). The promise is for unlimited resources to do the works of God.’
Then in the very next chapter, where He mentions about Him being the vine and we the branches, Jesus again talks about asking. This time He declares: ‘If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto (for) you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.’ (John 15:7-8) Yuh see mih bredrin, it’s all about bearing good fruit for Jesus; not just satisfying our own sinful, lustful urges.
And in the following chapter in telling the disciples about His going away, Jesus says: ‘And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. And in that day, ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name. He will give it to you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
These things I have spoken unto you in proverbs (figurative language): but the time cometh when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs (figurative language) but shall shew (tell) you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself LOVETH you, because ye have LOVED me, and have believed that I came out from God.’ (John 16:22-27)
Ah mih people, as we saw yesterday, it’s all about the name of Jesus, the inherent power in His name because of His selfless and marvellous works. There must be faith, a personal relationship to Christ, as well as submission to His Lordship, if we hope to ask for stuff and be granted it. Remember we’re mainly ambassadors for Christ; meaning we need to do the work He desires of us, and if we abide in Him, and His words abide in us, then He will give us the resources to do His will. It’s as simple as that! (smile)
And James, Jesus’ brother, further informs us about asking, when He declares: ‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not (without reproach); and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (not doubting). For he that wavereth (doubts) is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.’ (James 1:5-8) Words of absolute wisdom my brethren!
But John has the last word from his epistle. (smile) ‘Beloved if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and LOVE one another, as he gave us commandment.’ (1 John 3:21-23) And now, having all of that knowledge about asking for stuff, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, confidently, but humbly and faithfully seeking divine aid to do God’s work.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; 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 weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.
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 allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to 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, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And with our prayer being successfully answered, let’s go out and meet the enemy in battle, confident of our victory in Jesus’ name! Much LOVE!
…to ask…to ask…and yet to ask in faith…in Jesus’ name…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a damp and cloudy day, a friend of the world, actions speak louder than words, be called the sons of God, christianity, controlled by the holy spirit, covering up in bed, deepn my breath, dem's the breaks, do mind the things of the flesh, do whatever we wish, enemies of God, everyone that loves is born of God, faith, God is LOVE, God loves to get close to His children, God sent his only begotten Son into the world, God sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins, God's peace that passes all understanding, God's unconditional LOVE, herein is love, holy spirit, I have chosen you out of the world, I marvel to think, I may know you all the more, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, if God so loved us we ought also to love one another, if the world hate you, in all sincerity and truth, in this was manifested the love of God, increase my awareness of you today, it doth not yet appear what we shall be, it hated me before it hated you, Jesus Christ, Jesus has set us apart, lazy-day Saturday, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, let us love one another, life dominated by our sin nature, lighten our spirits, like any loving father, lol around on the couch, Lord I want to be with you now, LOVE, LOVE is of God, mercy, mind the things of the Spirit, not subject to the law of God, not that we loved God but that he loved us, our own bosses, quiet my soul, receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, relax my muscles, salvation, see him as he is, slow my thoughts, spiritually born of God, stay on God's good side, talk is cheap, thank you for this tenderness, the atoning sacrifice, the BIBLE, the carnal mind is enmity against God, the children of God, the enduring effect of God's love, the Father hath bestowed on us, the fleshly carnal desires of the world, the friendship of the world is enmity with God, the lazy-day attitude, the world hateth you, the world knoweth us not, the world would love his own, they that are after the flesh, they that are after the Spirit, they that are in the flesh cannot please God, to be carnally minded is death, to be spiritually minded is life and peace, transformed into the likeness of Jesus, truth, we are the sons of God, we might live through Him, what manner of love, when he shall appear we will be like him, wisdom, ye are not of the world, you can't be contained, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 August 2026 1 John 3:1a.
1 John 3:1a. Behold, what manner of LOVE the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God:
It’s our lazy-day Saturday friends! So good to know that we are our own bosses today and can do what ever we wish; work hard, or do exactly nothing. And it’s shaping up to be a good day to do nothing because it’s damp and cloudy with rain promised during the day. And we all know that a wet, cloudy day is the best one to lol around on the couch or covered up in bed, just enjoying some quiet time with the Lord. And I must admit that I enjoyed a bit of covering up in the bed before I had to come down and do the Lord’s work. But dem’s the breaks! (smile)
But before we get too far gone into the lazy-day attitude, let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer in all sincerity and truth. As one strong voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’
And for sure, if our prayer was truly sincere, and we really wanted to get closer to God, then He will soon lighten our spirits with His peace and calm that passes all understanding, because there’s nothing He LOVES more than getting close to His children, like any LOVING Father would. It’s like John says in his first epistle. ‘Behold, what manner of LOVE the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons (children) of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now we are the sons (children) of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.’ (1 John 3:1-2)
Yes friends, when we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour we become spiritually born of God and therefore His children. And according to the scholars, ‘Bestowed is in the perfect tense, suggesting the enduring effect of the LOVE God has given.’ And it cannot be any other way, for what the Lord gives He does not take away, especially His wonderful, unconditional, unwavering LOVE! And when Jesus returns we will be transformed into His likeness, a process that has already begun with our accepting Him as Lord and Saviour and having His Holy Spirit dwelling within us, leading and guiding us in His ways.
However, since the world doesn’t know God, therefore it doesn’t know us either; the children of God. That’s something Jesus pointed out to the disciples as a condition of following Him. ‘If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would LOVE his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.’ (John 15:18-19) And that’s an important point for us to remember; we’re not of the world. Meaning we don’t behave like the world, don’t do like the world does, or think like it does. Because Jesus has set us apart, sanctified us to do His work, which is usually the exact opposite of the world’s desires, that are fleshly and carnal.
That’s why Bruh Paul wrote thus to the Roman church. ‘For they that are after the flesh do mind (set their minds on) the things of the flesh; but they that after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.’ (Rom. 8:5-8) Yes my brethren, to be carnally minded, or having one’s life dominated by our sin nature does not jive with being spiritually mind or being controlled by the Holy Spirit, therefore the two things cannot survive together. It’s either one or the other.
And if we unwisely choose to be carnally minded, then we’re choosing to be enemies of God, as James so rightly declares. ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will (wants to) be a friend of the world is the enemy of God (makes himself an enemy of God). (James 4:4) And I don’t think any of us in our right minds would like to become God’s enemy. No sir! For look at the awesome power He can unleash against us, from life to death and everything in between! That’s why it’s wise to stay on God’s good side, by being spiritually minded, being sanctified or set apart form the world to do His work, and living in close proximity to Him.
Here’s how John puts it in 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 (atoning sacrifice) for our sins. Beloved, if God so LOVED us, we ought also to LOVE one another.’ (1 John 4:7-11)
And that’s the ONLY way it can be my fellow believers! If we are filled with God’s LOVE, then we ought to share and show it with each other! Otherwise, we’re not truly children of God. And this damp and cloudy lazy-day Saturday is an excellent day to ponder our status on the subject, and consider how we go about showing that we’re children of God. Much LOVE!
…remember talk is cheap…but actions…which can be expensive…speak louder than words…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
21 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a personal relationship with jesus, all was futility, all was vanity, be renewed and refreshed, christianity, defeat the simmering unrest in our land, despite the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, don't get too carried away, earthly pleasures leave us unfulfilled, eternal life, eternal sustenance and provision, faith, fame, fear God and keep his commandments, finding no real satisfaction, Friday chant, Friday Mantra, further your glorious kingdom, generous help, get sufficient fun fellowship rest and relaxation, give our leaders the wise guidance, give unto him that is thirsty, God is the goal or aim of all things, God is the the origin and source of all things, God shall bring every work into judgement, God's eternal purpose has now been accomplished, grasping for the wind, great disappointment, he shall be my son, he that overcometh shall inherit all things, help us to be responsible, holy spirit, I am the Alpha and Omega, I was great, I will be his God, in these two short days off, increased more than all that were before me, inherit all that belongs to him as a son of God, it is done, Jesus Christ, looked on all the works my hands had wrought, Lord we desperately need your help, LOVE, mercy, my heart rejoiced in all my labour, my reward from all my labour, my wisdom remained with me, no earthly pleasure satisfies forever, no profit under the sun, of the fountain of the water of life freely, omnipotent help, only heavenly pleasures endure forever, our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffe, our supposed holiness and righteousness, our witness for Christ is not good enough, poignant testimony, problems escalating, pursued fulfillment through pleasure, renewed and refreshed in soul body and mind, salvation, seeking enduring fulfillment from earthly pleasures, smell it sweet and strong, stand strong and steadfast, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the beginning and the end, the BIBLE, the complete package, the entirety of something, the eternal purpose of God, the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet, the good example that we your faithful believers set, the labour that I had laboured to do, the Lord is the beginning and end of everything, the one who has genuine saving persevering faith, the only lasting satisfaction is, the Preacher, the throne of grace, the weekend is here at last, the whole duty of man, the whole of something, the wisest man of all time, things to look forward to, to gather a holy devoted people for Himself, to handle these unexpected storms properly, trustung faith, truth, vexation of spirit, what profit hath a man from all his labour, whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, whether it be evil, whether it be good, which he taketh under the sun, wisdom, with every secret thing, withheld not my heart from any joy
Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 August 2026 Ecclesiastes 12:13.
Ecclesiastes 12:13. Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
And I can just imagine the joyful shouts of our Friday Mantra that went up to heaven this beautiful Friday morning: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend is here at long last!’ Yes, the weekend is one of the few promising things we have to look forward to throughout our long years of labouring under the sun. As Cousin Sol, writing as the Preacher in Ecclesiastes puts it: ‘What profit hath a man of (from) all his labour which he taketh (toils or labours) under the sun?’ (Eccl. 1:3) And that’s a very good question, which he proceeded to find an answer to by using his wealth and wisdom to build and plant and have all the nicest things possible.
As he says later on: ‘So I was great, and increased (excelled) more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy (pleasure); for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of (reward from) all my labour.’ (Eccl. 2:9-10) Wow! Can you imagine the things Cousin Sol did in search of enjoyment and pleasure and finding out the destiny of man!
And what did all of that seeking prove? Cousin Sol says in great disappointment: ‘Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured (toiled) to do: and behold all was vanity (futility) and vexation of spirit (a grasping for the wind), and there was no profit under the sun.’ (Eccl. 2:11) Ah friends how sorrowful that must be, doing all those things and in the end finding no real satisfaction. It’s as the scholars say: ‘Solomon pursued fulfillment through pleasure, wine, great works, wealth, aesthetic and artistic pleasures and fame. (Eccl. 2:1-9) All of these failed to bring lasting satisfaction to the wisest man of all time, yet people three thousand years later are still trying them in search of enduring fulfillment.’
And so we foolishly are! But the important word in it all my brethren is ‘enduring.’ No pleasure of this world can satisfy us forever. The only thing that can bring true and lasting satisfaction is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ because that lasts forever and provides salvation and eternal life! Now those are the two most important things our human soul requires, because when our bodies die, we leave everything of the world behind, except Jesus Christ. And that’s guaranteed in this promise Jesus made to John in Revelation.
‘And he (Jesus) said unto me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst (thirsty) of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.’ (Rev. 21:6-7) And what does all of the mean? Per the scholars: ‘It is done: The eternal purpose of God to gather a holy, devoted people for Himself has now been accomplished.’
And as per Alpha and Omega, this overview explains it thus: ‘The phrase “alpha and omega” means the beginning and the end. Alpha is the first letter and omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Used together, they describe the whole of something, meaning the complete package, the entirety, or “from A to Z”. Therefore the Lord is the Beginning and End of everything.
As the scholars declare: ‘Beginning means God is the origin and source of all things (cf. Is. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12). End means He is also the goal or aim of all things (cf. Rom. 10:4) The water of life represents eternal sustenance and provision (cf. Rev. 22:1; Ps. 36:9; Is. 55:1; Jer. 2:13; John 4:14) available freely by faith (Rev. 22:17). He that overcometh is the one who has genuine, saving, persevering faith (cf. Rev. 2:11; 3:5; 1 John 5:4-5) He will inherit all that belongs to the him as a son of God (cf. John 1:12; Rom. 8:16-17; Gal. 3:29; 4:7).’
Now that’s certainly a lot of scriptures to look up, but if you truly want to understand what we’ve read, then I strongly advise you take the time and look them up. I just did, making the Bit even later than it already was, (smile) and I was surprised at how they dovetailed nicely with what is said in Revelation. But getting back to Cousin Sol and his search for fulfillment in earthly pleasures, we find him showing why he was considered the wisest man ever, that is before he turned away from the God of his forefathers, married numerous foreign wives and began worshipping their foreign gods.
His wise and poignant testimony still stands, as he says; ‘Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.’ (Eccl. 12:13-14) No wiser words can be spoken than those my people! And for our information, Deuteronomy 6:2; 10:12, and Micah 6:8, also detail that our bounden duty is to serve the Lord. So in our somewhat unsuccessful efforts to do our duty, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine aid to help us do better..
Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work. It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. You know our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving, and we desperately need your help to fix them. Heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So please give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly.
And despite the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, help us to be responsible, and get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that we can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out next week and further your glorious kingdom by the good example we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Now my fellow believers, let’s not get too carried away with our supposed holiness and righteousness, because we also need to wake up and smell the coffee, since our witness for Christ is not as good as it ought to be! Much LOVE!
…life’s earthly pleasures leave us unfulfilled…but those of heaven endure forever…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
20 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a deep awareness of suffering, a strong wish to help others, absorbed only in our own affairs, abundancecurse, allowing evil to seep into our consciousness, another beautiful summer's day, burnt oofferings and sacrifices, children of the Most High God Jehovah, christianity, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, compassion, courage, creativity, died in the wilderness, divine protection, every tempestuous storm, faith, faith that will not die, favour, forward to God's compassionate ways, go out of our way to help, goes beyond simple sympathy, greed, holy spirit, I stake my life, I will be your God, if not dear God, integrity is sadly lacking in our world, Jesus Christ, lack of Christlikeness, lead us astray, leave the big concerns to God, LOVE, may the Lord have mercy and compassion on us, mercy, my part is to trust and obey, negative word, nor inclined their ear, nothing in my life makes any sense, obey my voice, One Year Book of Bible promises, our audacity to question the integrity of Jesus, our world is headed back towards Satan, ours is not to question why, pass by on the other side, pay the price for disobedience, promotion, rebellion against Almighty God, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, see me through every fiery furnace, self-control, self-discipline, selfishness, stake my life totally completely permanently, staring in the face, supernatural wisdom, take action to ease pain, talent, that it may be well unto you, the BIBLE, the disobedience of the Israelites in the wilderness, the epitome of the word, the Good Samaritan Parable, the gospel truth, the imagination of their evil heart, the integrity of Jesus, the priest and Levite, the Promised Land, the unpredictable month of September, they hearkened not, this one thing I commanded them, to perform what you promised, trust and obey, truth, trying and uncertain times, undeserved blessings, use those blessings to help others, variable types of weather, walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, walked in the counsels, wandered forty years in the wilderness, went backward and not forward, wisdom, ye shall be my people, you will do all you promised, your part is
Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 August 2026 Jeremiah 7:23.
Jeremiah 7:23. Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
And it’s another beautiful summer’s day, thus we cry out: ‘Thank You Lord!’ For we’re almost staring into the face of that unpredictable month of September, which can unexpectedly bring very variable types of weather. And though we can handle anything that comes against us because we’re children of the Most High God Jehovah, it’s desirable to have good weather as much as possible. (smile)
But instead of worrying about the weather, here’s something more important for us to be concerned about. It’s this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. Just for the fun of it, I checked out the August 20 poem and found it ever so true and worthwhile for sharing today. (smile) And it’s the first time I can remember doing a poem on the day on which it was listed. So it must be a good sign. (smile)
Anyway, the poem’s titled, ‘I Stake My Life.’ So please read with me: ‘I stake my life totally Completely Permanently On the Integrity of Jesus. Lord, Your integrity means You will do all You promised. You will see me through Every fiery furnace Every tempestuous storm. If not, dear God Then nothing in life Makes any sense whatever. Your part is to perform What You promised. My part is to trust and obey.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth! We’re to leave all the big concerns to God and simply trust and obey His will and commands. But what has me chuckling in the poem is our audacity to question the integrity of Jesus, to tell Him what it means, as though He isn’t the person who had, has, and will always have the most integrity in this universe. Instead of being concerned with Christ’s integrity we should be more concerned with our own, for integrity is not something that’s cherished by this evil and ungodly world.
In fact, the lack of integrity seems to find more favour today than the possession of it, because we’ve become such a lying, fraudulent and deceitful society that anyone who possesses any integrity is frowned upon, even laughed at as an oddity or even a fool. But there should never be any question of Jesus’ integrity, for He is the epitome of the word. and He will see us through the fiery furnace and tempestuous storm as He’s promised. Our concern ought to be believing and trusting Him, that means listening to and following this command that serves as the Bible verse for today’s poem.
Talking about the disobedience and rebellion of the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land, through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord says, He didn’t tell them anything about burnt offerings and sacrifices. ‘But this one thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.’ (Jer. 7:23)
Yes my fellow believers, that’s what we ought to be about in these trying and uncertain times; obeying the Lord’s commands so that life will be good with us! But are we doing it? Unfortunately not as much as we ought to, because we’re allowing the evil and ungodly world to seep into our consciousness and lead us astray. We’re doing exactly like the Lord said of the Israelites back then. ‘But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and the imagination (stubbornness) of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.’ (Jer. 7:24)
Now anyone with an iota of sense can see that our world is headed backward towards Satan and his evil doings, rather than forward, towards God and His good and compassionate ways. Unsurprisingly then, that word ‘compassion’ is not one that’s bandied about much in today’s society, much less having its attributes displayed on a large scale.
And what does compassion mean? This overview explains it thus: ‘Compassion is a deep awareness of the suffering of others combined with a strong wish to help them. It goes beyond simple sympathy by moving a person to take action to ease pain.’ But sadly, how many of us today, even when we see someone suffering, will go out of our way to help them? Not very many. We behave like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan; we pass by on the other side, too busy and selfish, completely absorbed only in our own affairs.
And we all know the great number of people that are currently suffering in our wealthy but evil and ungodly world, badly needing compassion, but because of the selfishness, greed and lack of Christlikeness in so many of us, they continue to suffer when they should not. And do you think the Lord will look down on us kindly if we hold those selfish and ungodly attitudes? Obviously not! Just like those Israelites who came out of Egypt, saw all the wonders God did on their behalf and yet rebelled against Him, never made it to the Promised Land, but wandered for forty years in the wilderness and then died there, likewise we will pay the price for disobedience and rebellion against Almighty God.
What’s wrong with us eh? He’s said it numerous times in His word, and we’ve seen it happen numerous times to those who disobey, but somehow or other we think it won’t happen to us, so we keep on being rebellious and disobedient. For our sakes, may the Lord have mercy and compassion on us yes! But for those of us who sincerely believe and are trying to be obedient, let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings generously bestowed on us by the Lord 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, we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, use them just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…ours is not question why…but to trust and obey…to have faith that will not die…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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