14 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a pronouncement of victory, according to his own purpose and grace, according to the power of God, afraid of man, all power is given unto me in heaven and earth, are not able to kill the soul, baptizing them, be able to separate us from the love of God, be not ashamed of the Lord's testimony, be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, before the world began, by the risen Saviour through his disciples, called us with an holy calling, christianity, deepen my breath, doubts about out situation with christ, even unto the end of the world, faith, fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell, fear them not which kill the body, forever at the mercy of Satan, given us in Jesus Christ, go ye therefore and teach all nations, God is infinitely greater than any potential enemy, God's desire to redeem believers cannot be frustrated, God's love is set forth in someone who's God himself', god's plan will be realized because it's His purpose, holy spirit, I am persuaded, I am with you always, I may know you all the more, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, I want to be with you now, in all sincerity and truth, in Christ Jesus our Lord, in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost, increase my awareness of you today, Jesus Christ, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, live the gospel of Christ, LOVE, loyal followers of christ, make disciples of all nations, many of us are ashamed of the gospel of christ, mercy, misgivings, never wavered in their commitment, no one can take us away from Christ, nor height nor depth, nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, not according to our works, once a child of God always a child of God, or any other creature, our salvation was totally unmerited, quiet my soul, relax my muscles, salvation, saved by Christ's shed blood, sends forth his ambassadors, share with me the sufferings of the gospel, slow my thoughts, spend a peaceful day, spread Christ's gospel around the world, stand strong and steadfast for Christ, strong winds, teaching them, thank you for this tenderness, that neither death nor life nor angels, the BIBLE, the Great Commission, the triumphant living Lord, to observe all things I commanded you, to proclaim His gospel throughout the world, to stay attached to their host, too comfortable in the world, too lay, truth, unpredictable lives, who hath saved us, you can't be contained, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
2 Timothy 1:8. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions (share with me the sufferings) of the gospel according to the power of God;
And the strong winds howled constantly through the cold, dark night into the wee hours of the morning. But yuh know what? Those few dozen leaves on the tree in my neighbour’s backyard stood strong and steadfast, never wavered in their commitment to stay attached to their host. Glory be! Now that’s how we believers in Christ Jesus ought to be so thoroughly committed to Him that nothing or no one can move us away from His magnificent, majestic and compassionate orbit.
It’s like Bruh Paul says in that most reassuring and encouraging chapter of Romans 8: ‘For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, or any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:38-39) The question now friends, is do we sincerely believe that nothing whatsoever can separate us from the LOVE of God, found in Christ Jesus?
And it’s very important that we truly believe it, and then live like it, otherwise we’ll be forever at the mercy of Satan and his evil cronies. They will always be able to influence us with doubts and misgivings about our true situation in Christ. And we certainly don’t need those doubts and misgivings further clouding our already unpredictable lives. Therefore, it’s important that we stand very strong and steadfast in our beliefs about our association with Christ!
And the scholars offer this explanation for those verses. ‘We cannot be separated from God’s LOVE, because it is set forth in a person who is God Himself, Jesus Christ, our Saviour. God’s desire to redeem believers cannot be frustrated, because He is infinitely greater than any potential enemy. His plan will be realized because it is His purpose (cf. 28).’
Now verse 28 of Romans 8 is one of God’s great promises. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ So if we LOVE God and are called according to His purpose, then everything will work out good in the end. That’s God’s promise, and He never breaks or reneges on a promise. That’s why we can be reassured that nothing or no one will ever come between us and God if we truly desire and believe it.
That then brings us to these words from Bruh Paul to Timothy. ‘Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions (share with me the sufferings) of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (before time).’ (2 Tim. 1:8-9)
And as loyal followers of Christ, saved by His shed blood on the cross of Calvary, that’s what we need to be doing; not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, but doing our best to spread it all over the world, as directed by God’s will and purpose found in the Great Commission, (Matt. 28:18-20 ) and willingly undergoing any sufferings that might come against us while doing so, remembering that our salvation was totally unmerited, and it was only the great LOVE of God that caused it.
And just in case we’ve forgotten what the Great Commission says, (smile) let’s review it and thus refresh our memories. Christ begins by telling the disciples, and consequently all believers: ‘All power (authority) is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:18-20)
Now, our job here on earth could not be made any clearer that that my brethren. We are supposed to share the gospel of Christ while also living it. And are we doing that? Not as well as we ought to, because too many of us are indeed ashamed of the gospel, or are too lazy and comfortable in the world to do it, or afraid of what mankind will do to us. But let’s also remember Jesus’ warning on the fear of man. ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt. 10:28) And the person who can destroy both soul and body is Almighty God! So, if we’re to fear anyone, that’s whom we should fear, not mankind.
But getting back to the Great Commission, I like how the scholars frame it. They say: ‘Christianity is not represented here as the mere reverential devotion of disappointed men who honour their martyred leader. Here is a far different scene. The triumphant, living Lord sends forth His ambassadors to proclaim His gospel throughout all the world. The Great Commission is not just and order but a pronouncement of victory by the risen Saviour through His disciples.’
Now, hopefully that description of the Great Commission will reawaken our sleeping or dormant spirits and cause us to stop allowing Christ’s victory to slip through our hands, and consequently become better disciples of our Lord and Saviour. And no, I haven’t forgotten it, (smile) but things just worked out differently today. Instead of usually being first, today it’s last. So then, on this chilly but somewhat sunny lazy-day Saturday, where thankfully yesterday’s snow fall wasn’t as bad as forecasted, before we get to lazing around, 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 if our prayer was truly sincere, then the Lord’s peace and calm will soon fall on us, allowing us to spend a peaceful day, pondering on what we’ve spoken about, and the important ramifications thereof. Much LOVE!
…once a child of God…always a child of God…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
13 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a breakneck intensity, a new flock of believers, a partnership with Almighty God, a time of desperate need, be a church mem, be a church member, believe and receive, biblical cliches, children of the Most High God Jehovah, christianity, Christians, come boldly before the throne of grace, communicate with god through prayer, crying out for God's help, discipleship is a daily ocurrence, discontent and dissatisfaction, divine aid, faith, fellowship, find grace to help in time of need, Friday chant, gain spiritual benefits from hardships, gift of salvation through grace, God expects us to do our part in our partnership with Him, God is faithful, God searches our hearts, God will give you the strength to resist the temptation, God will make a way of escape, God will not suffer you to be tempted more than you can bear, good motives, holy spirit, if any man will come after me, in all these things, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus our Redeemer, Jesus rose majestically from the dead, let him deny himself, listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, LOVE, mercy, no need to worry, not just victorious over hardships, omnipotent help, our sinful world cn wake up, problems are escalating, put our faith to work, relying on Christ's power not personal strength, restoring faith in God, return backsliders to your fold, salvation, signifies a triumpant state, simmering unrest, snow storm, stand strong and steadfast, stand the strain, study God's Word, such as is common to man, super conquerors, take up his cross daily and follow me, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the BIBLE, the error of their ways, the example we faithful believers set, the gospel truth, the Lord will help us bear whatever burden He tests us with, the rewards are certainly worth it, the weekend is here at last, the world spinning out of control, them's the breaks, there hath no temptation taken you, through him that loved us, to obtain mercy, trials and enemies are turned into tools for good, trusting faith, truth, wake up and smell the coffee, we are more than conquerors, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, wisdom, wise guidance, with the temptation, with unexpected sacrifices, ye may be able to bear it, you won't escape all temptation
Romans 8:37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.
Well then, it’s the day we’ve all been looking forward to; Friday. And we’ve offered up our Friday Mantra; ‘Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend is here at last!’ Now, fortunately, the morning commute was precipitation free, although we’d been promised snow by eight o’clock. However, I don’t know if the evening commute will be precipitation free because the snow began around 11 o’clock and it looks it means serious business. Some minutes before eleven, I was upstairs in my bedroom getting ready to come downstairs and looked outside and there was nothing. But by the time I came down to the living room a few minutes later, the place was white and the snow was tumbling down with a breakneck intensity. (smile)
Now I understand why we recently had that spring-like period; so the snow could melt and make room for more. But as I keep reminding us, we can handle anything that comes against us, for we are the children of the Most High God Jehovah, with Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, the One who rose majestically from the dead to take rulership of this evil and ungodly world! So we are not afraid of anything or anyone, for He’s vowed to protect us, and besides that, as this scripture tells: ‘Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us.’ (Rom. 8:37)
And I like how this commentary explains that verse. “More than conquerors,” from Romans 8:37, refers to believers in Jesus Christ who, through His LOVE, are not just victorious over hardships, but “super-conquerors” who gain spiritual benefits from them. It signifies a, triumphant state where trials and enemies are turned into tools for good, relying on Christ’s power rather than personal strength.’ And is that ever the gospel truth, for we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! (Phil. 4:13)
Therefore, there’s no need to worry, just put our faith to work, believe and receive. Well, in truth, it’s not as easy as all that, but you do have to believe before you can receive. You also have to ask and knock and seek. (Matt. 7:7-8) So being a disciple or a true follower of Jesus is not an easy job, although it’s a very rewarding one. Remember how Jesus characterized discipleship: ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23)
Yes friends, we need to remember that following Jesus is a daily occurrence, with sacrifices thrown in where we would prefer them not to be. (smile) But them’s the breaks! If you want in, then you must stand the strain, even when it seems impossible to bear, for the Lord won’t give us more than we can bear…now that’s not completely true. He will give us more than we can bear in our own strength, but by the same token, He will help us to bear whatever burden He tests us with.
That’s why Bruh Paul wrote thus to the Corinthians. ‘There hath no temptation taken (overtaken) you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear (endure) it.’ (1 Cor. 10:13) Now that doesn’t mean you’ll escape all temptation. Certainly not! In other words, God will oftentimes give you the strength to resist the temptation rather than take it away completely.
And that’s one of the problems with today’s church, we mouth all these biblical clichés without fully understanding how they truly work. But beneath each statement that God makes there is usually something for the believer to do to receive it. Even the greatest gift, salvation through grace, although it’s free, one must believe and accept Christ as Lord and Saviour to receive it. So Christianity is not a something for nothing spree, it’s a partnership with Almighty God, and as in all partnerships, both partners have responsibilities, and God expects us to do our part of the partnership.
And the corollary to that is that you cannot know what you are expected to do in this partnership with God until you read and study His Word, listen to the guidance of His Holy Spirit that dwells within you, be a church member, so you can fellowship with other believers, and communicate with the Father Himself through the system of prayer. Don’t worry, the Father has it all well worked out, you just have to get serious, buckle down and do your part. He will do His. In fact, He’s already done most of His work, by giving us Jesus as our Redeemer, and plenty of what’s left to do is now in our hands.
And one of God’s great promises comes from this scripture in Hebrews: ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently but humbly) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:16) And are we ever in a time of desperate need, with our world quickly spinning out of control. So let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine aid in these lawless times.
Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. Oh 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. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times.
We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the 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 friends, praying for help is fine, but remember God searches our hearts first before responding to our prayers, so let’s hope that all of our hearts were, and still are filled with good motives, otherwise divine aid will not be forthcoming. Much LOVE!
…the Christian’s walk is not a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park…but the rewards are certainly worth it…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
11 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a call to contentment and courage, a cheerful hearth fire, a glorious future with Jesus, all should come to repentance, alone in a huge computer universe, as some men count slackness, be content with such things as ye have, bet your bottom dollar, But God commendeth his love toward us, called thee by thy name, cast down, christianity, Christians, claim God's unlimited resources, die such a horrible death, does it really matter to God about me, endure to the very end with Christ, even to the end of the world, eyes straight ahead, faith, fear not, fear not neither be dismayed, get the feeling, glad to be alive, God doesn't seem personal, God has passed me by, God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, God will never pass us by, God's guidance, governed by our Father, halfway home, hands on the plough, Has God Passed Me By, He will not fail thee neither forsake thee, heartbreaking measures, holy spirit, I am the Lord thy God, I am with thee, I don't really matter, I gave Egypt for thy ransom, i have loved thee, I have redeemed thee, I will be with thee, I will give men for thee, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, I will not fear what man shall do unto me, Jesus Christ, learn to trust, let your conversation be without covetousness, listening to the wind beat against the house, lo I am with you always, looked pensive, LOVE, mercy, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee, not a guessing game, not goverened by chance but God's choice, not governed by fate, not looking back, not willing that any should perish, One Year Book of Bible promises, our second wind day, our sinful souls could be saved, people for thy life, prone to ask questions. why life's tragedies, regardless of circumstances, relevant to our times, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, save us from sin, sitting in our living room, sound morbid, tested, thank God, the BIBLE, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the doubts of a seventeen-year old, the gospel truth, the Holy One of Israel, the intensity of the promise, the Lord he it is that doth go before thee, the Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, The Lord is my helper, the Lord is not slack concerning His promise, the Lord will never pass us by, the universe in in God's control, the world through him might be saved, thou art mine, thou hast been honoured, thou shalt not be burned, thou wast precious in my sight, thy Saviour, truth, we may boldly say, Wednesday Wail, what better evidence than the cross, what better evidence than the Lord's promise, when thou passest through the waters, when thou walkest through the fire, while we were yet sinners christ died for us, why disease pain and heartache, why life's tragedies, why the sense of futility, wisdom, wisdom to the nth degree
Romans 5:8. ‘But God commendeth his LOVE (demonstrated his own LOVE) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’
Then it was Wednesday, our second wind day, but it’s wet, cloudy and chilly! The recent sunshine and spring-like warmth have faded away. However, we do know that it will come again, for that’s how the Lord decreed it. So, a li’l more winter won’t hurt, for spring will soon be back, you can bet your bottom dollar on that! (smile)
And today we’re going to look at a very interesting and rather appropriate poem for many of us, from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s titled ‘Has God Passed Me By?’ And as always, I don’t know if I’ve shared it before because I don’t keep a check on them. The beauty of these poems though is that they are very relevant to our times, and thus can be shared over and over.
So please read with me: ‘We were sitting in our living room before a cheerful hearth fire, listening to the low March wind beat against our house. My pretty seventeen-year old friend looked pensive. She said finally, “You’ll probably think I sound morbid, but sometimes I just get the feeling that God has passed me by. He just doesn’t seem personal. It’s like being all alone in a huge computer universe where I don’t really matter.” The doubts of a seventeen-year old? If we’re honest we’ll all confess that we’re prone to ask questions: Why life’s tragedies? Why disease and pain and heartache? Why the sense of futility so often? Does it really matter to God about me?
What better evidence than the cross? What better evidence than the Lord’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Our vast universe is in God’s control. We are not governed by fate, but by our Father. Not chance, but His choice. Not a guessing game, but His guidance. He chose us to be the object of His lavish LOVE. Cast down, perhaps – that we might learn to trust, regardless of circumstances. Tested, that we might claim God’s unlimited resources. Passed by? Never!’
Now that my friends is the gospel truth! Our God has never and will never pass us by? Why would He do that eh, after all the trouble He’s been through to first create us, then save us from the sin we so foolishly embraced? As the poem asks: ‘What better evidence than the cross?’ And that’s another most important fact. If the Lord didn’t care very much about His human creation, do you think He‘d send His only Son to earth to die such a horrible death so that our sinful souls could be saved?
No! That doesn’t make any sense. Remember what Bruh Paul says in Romans – one of my favourite scriptures: ‘But God commendeth his LOVE (demonstrated his own LOVE) toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) Now why would He take such drastic, heartbreaking measures if He didn’t care deeply for us eh? It’s very obvious that He did, and does care for His most remarkable creation. Remember what Peter says: ‘The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’ (2 Pet. 3:9)
Yes friends, that’s possibly one of the reasons Christ hasn’t returned as yet; the Lord’s patiently giving as many of us time to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour and thus receive salvation and eternal life, because He doesn’t want to lose anybody to hellfire and damnation. And there are several verses in the Bible where God has promised to never leave nor forsake us. As the one that’s the Bible Promise for the poem. ‘’Let your conversation (conduct) be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.’ (Heb. 13:5) And consequently, when we add the next verse, we get a call to contentment and courage. ‘So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’ (Heb. 13:6)
And right from the very beginning the Lord, through Moses, also made that promise to the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. ‘And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.’ (Deut. 31:8) What more can I say eh friends? How much more encouragement do we need eh? But if you need more, then listen to these words of the Lord though the prophet Isaiah. ‘But now, thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee: and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon (scorch) thee. For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee (in thy place). Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable (honoured), and I have LOVED thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee:’ (Is. 43:1-5a)
What more can our God say or do to make us understand our importance to Him eh? He redeemed Israel in olden times, gave men for them, and He’s done the same for us under the New Covenant; He gave the life of Jesus to redeem us. As Jesus stated so clearly to Nicodemus and also to us: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world though him might be saved.’ (John 3:16) Now what’s there not to understand eh?
And I like how this commentary describes God’s promise never to leave nor forsake us. ‘The Intensity of the Promise: In the original Greek, this phrase uses multiple negatives, translating to an emphatic “I will never, ever, under any circumstances, desert you, nor give you up nor leave you without support”. That’s how strong God’s promise of never deserting us is! And Jesus gave us His final assurance when He said: ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b)
Now that’s certainly good enough for me! Let’s hope it’s good enough for many more people out there who still have doubts and fears about the Lord by passing us. And to help with that, let’s declare our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
Now, that leads to an even greater promise: those who endure to the very end with Christ, will enjoy an even more glorious future than the one mentioned above; one we cannot comprehend. So, why don’t we all endure to the very end, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together eh? That seems to be wisdom to the nth degree! Much LOVE!
…The Lord might refuse our requests…but He’ll NEVER pass us by…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
08 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a declaration of praise, a renewal of faith and confidence, a universal confession that Jesus Christ is Lord, All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name, assumed the position of a servant, at the name of Jesus, be in church to celebrate the Lord's Day, became obedient unto death, being found in fashion as a man, being in the form of God, bring forth the royal diadem, chosen seed of Israel's race, christianity, Christians, crown him Lord of all, Edward Perronet, emptied himself of all his privileges, even the death of the cross, every knee should bow, every tongue should confess, faith, fellowship, God also hath highly exalted him, hail him who saves you by his grace, harmonious living, hearfelt sincerity, holy spirit, humbled himself, in fellowship with other believers, Jesus Christ, Jesus christ is Lord, Jesus regarded sinners as more important than Himself, join the everlasting song, let angels prostrate fall, let every kindred every tribe, let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, LOVE, made himself of no reputation, made in the likeness of men, mercy, on this terrestrial ball, possess the divine nature, ransomed of the fall, reach a positive conclusion, salvation, sinners, spread your trophies at his feet, stop being selfish, stop thinking only about ourselves, sweet sacrifices of praise, the wormwood and the gall, things in earth, things in heaven, things under the earth, thought it not robbery, to be equal with God, to him all majest ascribe, to sing more than a hymn, to the glory of God the Father, took upon him the form of a servant, truth, turn our expectancy into reality, wait for someone else to do it, we at his feet may fall, we will also spread the word, whose love can ne'er forget, willing to declare our hope to those who have not heard it, willing to lift our voices together, wisdom, with yonder sacred throng
Philippians 2:9. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
It’s Sunday once again friends! And some of us wonder how it comes around so often and so quickly…just like Monday. (smile) But that’s because we know we ought to get ourselves out to church to celebrate the Lord’s Day in fellowship with other believers; giving thanks and praise, while receiving a renewal of faith and confidence to face the turbulent outside world this coming work week. And this week we have a very interesting and popular hymn as our song of praise and worship. It’s aptly titled “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”
It’s so popular that it’s sung by many Christian denominations. The hymn is often called the “National Anthem of Christendom.” The lyrics were written by Edward Perronet (1721-1792) a prominent British Pastor at one time affiliated with the Wesley’s of the Methodist persuasion, but afterwards became a pastor of a dissenting congregation. And I like how this commentary describes the song. ‘This hymn is a declaration of praise, but it’s also much more than that. The words both declare the majesty of Christ and task us with making that majesty known to all. Like many hymns describing the glory of God and the hope that one day all people will see that glory.’
So, having some idea of what the song is about, let’s raise our voices in sweet sacrifices of praise, in a soulful, mid-tempo version, letting all and sundry know in heartfelt sincerity, to whom we ascribe majesty. ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed of the fall, Ye ransomed of the fall, Hail him who saves you by his grace, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all.
Sinners whose LOVE can ne’er forget The wormwood and the gall, The wormwood and the gall, Go, spread your trophies at His feet And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball, On this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. O that with yonder sacred throng We at his feet may fall; We at His feet may fall; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all.’ And we’ll certainly do that when the time comes!
Now, many of us know the song refers to Bruh Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he writes: ‘’Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus (that’s harmonious living). Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (emptied himself of his privileges):
And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil. 2:5-11)
Ah friends, what powerful and revealing scripture! Jesus, having possessed the very nature of God, gave up His heavenly privileges, or, as the scholars say, ‘decided not to continue enjoying His heavenly existence, although He could have lawfully kept it. But instead, He assumed the position of a servant and appeared in the likeness of men. Consequently, being judged by His fashion (outward appearance) He was recognized by many people as a mere man. But he was much more than that – he was still the Son of God, who continued to possess the divine nature.’
Yes my brethren, although Jesus became a man in appearance, He was still all He had ever been, just not using those divine privileges here on earth. But then the scholars pose a very interesting question: ‘Why did Jesus willingly give up His divine existence with all its benefits and advantages? Because He had within Himself the attitude of verses 2c-4: He regarded sinners as more important than Himself (vs. 3), and was just as concerned with their needs as with His own affairs (vs. 4). So the Philippians were to cultivate within themselves this same attitude and express it to one another.’
Now that goes for us believers today also. We ought to stop being selfish and thinking only of ourselves but include our fellow man in our concerns. And it’s because of those sacrifices that the Father exalted Jesus so highly, gave Him the honour of His name being higher than every other name, and the assurance that one day every knee will bow to Him as Lord.
And the scholars give three purposes for Jesus’ exaltation. ‘(1) That every being in the universe might someday submit to Him. (2) That in addition to future universal submission (vs. 10), there might also someday be a universal confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. On earth Jesus is recognized by many to be no more than a man (vs. 8), yet in the future all will acknowledge Him as Lord, that is God. The ultimate purpose for Jesus’ glorification is (3) to the glory of God the Father (vs.11), for His honour.’ That’s why the song says: ‘we’ll fall at his feet…join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.’
But here’s another interesting situation, posed by the commentary above. They say: ‘We long for this day, and declare our hope in its arrival in the text of this hymn. But are we willing to declare that hope to those who have not heard it? The phrase, “Easier said than done” comes to mind here. After we have sung these words of victory and longing, what do we do? Do we act on those words and turn our expectancy into realities? Or do we wait for someone else to do it for us? The fourth stanza of this great hymn declares, “We’ll join the everlasting song….” Everlasting means that we are a part of that song right now – are we willing to lift our voices together to sing more than a hymn, and truly crown our God Lord of all?’
Now that’s a most poignant question? Are we ready to do more than sing the words of the hymn, but also spread the word, and truly crown Jesus Lord of all? Let’s go home pondering that question this Sunday morning, hoping we’ll reach a positive conclusion! Much LOVE!
…Jesus’ sacrifices, compassion, selflessness and obedience…caused the Father to exalt Him to the highest level…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
07 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a child of God has seen the light, a foggy and rainy night, all that I have is thine, arise and go to my father, asked the servants the meaning of those things, bring forth the best robe, bring hither the fatted calf and kill it, calm and peace of God, casting aspersions, children of the Most High God Jehovah, christianity, Christians, climate change, deepen my breath, devoured thy living with harlots, faith, feeding swine, fell on his neck and kissed him, forgiveness is a gift, freaky weather conditions, God always grants sincere requests for intimacy, have enough bread to eat, he was lost and is found, heard the music and dancing, hired servants, his father saw him and had compassion, holy spirit, I have sinned against heaven, I may know you all the more, I persih with hunger, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, I want to be with you now, if you want to receive it, imbued with the Holy Spirit, in all sincerity and truth, increase my awareness of you today, it was meet that we should make merry, it's all for our benefit, Jesus Christ, Jesus strenghtens us to do whatever He desires, joy in heaven over one repentant sinner, lazy-day Saturday, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, learn to give it, let us eat and be merry, live the abundant life, LOVE, making selfish comparisons, mercy, move forward with the right attitude, neither transgressed thy commandment, no longer worthy to be called your son, put a burr in our saddle, put a ring on his finger, quiet my soul, received him safe and sound, relax my muscles, return to God's fold, salvation, shoes on his feet, sincere and heartfelt prayer, slow my thoughts, spent all his money on riotous living, spring is in the air, thank you for this tenderness, the BIBLE, the elder son coming from the fields, the parable of the lost son, these many years do i serve thee, they began to be merry, this my son was dead and is alive again, thy brother is come, thy father has killed the fatted calf, truth, we cannot navigate this evil world alone, when he came to himself, wisdom, you can't be contained, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
Luke 15:24. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
And it’s our lazy-day Saturday! Yes, the day when we can do as we please. And after a foggy and rainy night, the sun has dispersed the fog and is now shining brightly in double figures. And that’s above freezing, not below (smile) around 12 Celsius on the plus scale. Wow! What freaky weather conditions; cold one minute, then warm the next. But we’ll take the warm days anytime. And by the way, I heard birds singing outside this morning, so that means spring might just be in the air. And it could not come quickly enough, because this has been a tough winter.
But that’s the life these days, for climate change is disrupting all the well laid systems of God, and we just have to put up with it as best we can. But that’s no problem, for we are children of the Most High God Jehovah, imbued with His Holy Spirit, and we can do anything through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who strengthens us and enables us to live the abundant life He died for us to have. End of Sermon! (smile)
Now let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, with 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 always, if our prayer was sincere and heartfelt, we’ll soon be experiencing the calm and peace of God in our souls and bodies, for God always grants sincere requests to be intimate with Him. And we’ll see one of those moments as we continue looking at the parable of the lost son. So, as this lost son had spent all his money in riotous living, when a serious famine hit the land, he ended up hungry and feeding swine because no one gave him anything.
But the Bible tells us: ‘And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more (no longer) worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.’ (Luke 15:17-19) Oh friends, that’s what happens when we wake up, when we come to our senses and realize that we cannot navigate this evil and ungodly world alone, we need God’s help, through Christ Jesus to help us do so successfully.
The Bible continues: ‘And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.’ (Luke 15:20) Now that’s as Jesus says, what happens when one sinner repents, when one lost son finds his way back home, there is joy in heaven. The father doesn’t’ berate him or say anything negative, just runs and hugs and kisses him.
‘And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more (no longer) worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes (sandals) on his feet. And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.’ (Luke 15:21-24) That’s the kind of partying that goes on in heaven friends, when we sincerely turn to Jesus!
However, there’s always someone or something that likes to put a burr in our saddle and spoil things. The Bible tells us: ‘Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated (begged) him.
And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid (young goat), that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living (livelihood) with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he (the father) said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet (right) that we should make merry, and be glad: for thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.’ (Luke 15:25-32)
Yes, there’s always a jealous or greedy somebody, who’s only interest is in making selfish comparisons. But the Lord doesn’t allow them to curtail His joy when His lost or dead sons and daughters come back to His fold. No way! He rejoices. Yes, he calls all the angels and throws a big party when even one of His children has seen the light and followed it back to Him! And that’s how we ought to be my people; glad for those who conquer whatever they’re fighting and return to faith, not being angry and casting aspersions on their recent behaviour.
And I do hope those parables about the lost sheep, coin and son, make a such a noteworthy impact on us, that we now understand Jesus’ purpose for telling them, and we can move forward with the right attitude. And there’s no better time to do it than on this first lazy-day Saturday in March, when spring seems to be in the air. Remember, it’s all for our benefit, not God’s! Much LOVE!
…forgiveness is a gift…and if you want to receive it…then you must learn to give it…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
05 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a positive outlook on life, abundance, and finding the lost one, be in the world not of the world, calls his friends and neighbours, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, christianity, Christians, curse, divine protection, divine victory, does not go and seek it, encouragement to overcome, faith, focus on today, getting to the end of the week, goes after that which was lost, good friends, great family, greater is he that is in you, have overcome them, heaven glories in repentant sinners, holy spirit, I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, I have found my sheep which was lost, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, Jesus came to save sinners, Jesus Christ, joy shall be in heaven over one repentant sinner, lays it on his shoulders rejoicing, leaving the ninety nine in the wilderness, LOVE, mercy, more than over ninety nine just persons, negative word, of whom I am the chief, our ways and beliefs are being promulgated, pray we will awaken tomorrow, prmortion, rejoice with me, salvation, self-discipline, strong in our faith walk, success, supernatural strength, supernatural wisdom, talent, than he that's in the world, the BIBLE, the created can never be greater than the Creator, the Holy Spirit is mightier than any evil influence, the most important and dramatic moment of their lives, the parables of the lost sheep coin and son, the sick need a physician, the sinners are not influencing us, the strength of God against all challenges, the tax collectors and sinners drew near to Jesus, this is a faithful saying, this man receiveth sinners, this man welcomes sinners and eats with them, those who are well don't need a physician, truth, what man of you having an hundred sheep and loses one, whatever Jesus says is truth, which need no repentance, wisdom, words of hope and confidence, worthy of all acceptance, ye are of God
1 Timothy 1:15. ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.’
We’re getting there slowly friends! Yes, we’re getting to the end of the week at the speed at which the Father designed it. And we’re now down to Thursday, the second to last day, so please, don’t go running towards Friday and looking forward to it more than you ought. For as Jesus says, we must focus on today, for tomorrow will take care of itself. (Matt. 6:34) And whatever Jesus says is the truth, so let’s keep our focus on today and do the best job we can in His holy name, and pray and have faith that we will awaken to face tomorrow. Amen!
And the Good Book opened today at the parables of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and the Lost Son, and since I didn’t have anything else specifically to talk about, I figured that the Lord in His utmost wisdom desired us to deal with the scriptures on those things today. (smile) The Bible tells the story thus: ‘Then drew near unto him (Jesus) all the publicans (tax collectors) and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth (welcomes) sinners, and eateth with them.
And he spake this parable unto them, saying, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repentneth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.’ (Luke 15:1-7)
Oh my people, do you hear and understand that? There will be much joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, more so than over ninety nine others who have already repented. Yes, heaven glories in repentant sinners. And that’s a part of our job in living for Jesus; help to bring sinners to repentance and to true faith in Him. We can’t force them to believe, but through our words and our fitting behaviour to those words, we can get them interested in making the change, the most dramatic and important moment in their lives.
And it’s interesting how the Pharisees and scribes complain about Jesus welcoming sinners and eating with them. But what was His main job in coming to earth eh? To save sinners, as it says in several places in the word. Bruh Paul writes it thus to his protégé Timothy. ‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.’ (1 Tim. 1:15)
Then, Jesus Himself says it in both the gospels of Matthew and Luke, when the Pharisees first complain to the disciples about their Master eating with publicans (tax collectors) and sinners, after Jesus called Matthew from his tax collectors post to become a disciple, then went to eat at his house. (Matt. 9:9-11) ‘But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole (are well) need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.’ (Matt. 9:12-13)
And he says the same thing in Luke 5:31-32. So tell me nuh, if Jesus came to save sinners, how could He do that if He did not interact with them eh? He couldn’t stay afar and convert them. Neither can we. We must mix and mingle with sinners if we hope to get them to turn to Christ, but we must also ensure that it’s our ways and beliefs that are being promulgated, and that the sinners ways and beliefs are not influencing us. Now that’s not always easy to do in this evil and ungodly world, but we have all the tools to do it, if we are strong and sure in our own faith walk.
That’s why Jesus specified that we are to BE IN the world, but NOT OF IT. That means to live in the world, but not like the world lives, rather like a child of God in the kingdom of heaven which has come to earth through Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection and ascension. And as we said earlier, that’s not easy to do when the evil doers and their boss Satan are always on our case, looking for an opportunity to cause us to sin, and consequently turn away from God, but let’s remember this powerful acclamation from John’s first epistle: ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them (Satan and the anti-Christ): because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4)
Yes mih bredrin, Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit is way stronger than Satan and the anti-Christ! And I like how this commentary describes that verse: ‘It’s a powerful affirmation, assuring believers that the Holy Spirit dwelling within them is mightier than any, evil, or worldly influence (Satan/anti-Christ) in the world. It signifies divine victory, encouragement to overcome, and the strength of God against all challenges.’
Wow! What marvellous words of hope and confidence to keep us strong in faith! And our God’s so great, that besides giving us the Holy Spirit, He also generously bestowed on us what we call our Thursday Blessings, underserved blessings to enable us to do His earthly work. So let’s now declare and thus activate them nuh!
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having made that declaration, we are now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, 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!
…whosoever, or whatsoever is in the world….can never be greater than…the one who created the world and all therein…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
04 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a lack of respect for God, beat upon that house, built his house upon the sand, challenges to be responsiby handled, cherish freinds and loved ones all the time, children of the Most High God Jehovah, christianity, Christians, defining our lives by our possessions, do not worry about tomorrow, don't put off for tomottow what can be done today, each day has its own troubles, eat drink and be merry, endure to the end with Jesus, everyone that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not, eyes fixed straight ahead, faith, false voices crying out the devil's lies, focus on today, for the sake of our descendants, God's right time, gone home to meet your maker, great was the fall of it, halfway home, hands on the plough, here today gone tomorrow, holy spirit, hypothetical problems of tomorrow, I will say to my soul, is not rich toward God, it fell not, it was built upon a rock, Jesus Christ, left holding guilt and regrets, less divisions and dissensions in christ's church, life is topsy-turvy, life is very fragile, liken him unto a wise man, likened unto a foolish man, LOVE, make a concrete decision, mercy, need to turn things around, no real truth and love to life, not in tune with God's will for our lives, not turning back, on a late bus, our second wind day, our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, rain tomorrow, ran a couple of errands, revels in his own wisdom, salvation, so glad to be alive, so is he that layeth up treasure for himself, Soul thou hast much goods laid up for any years, stop all strife and resentment, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, take no thought for the morrow, take thine ease, thank God, the BIBLE, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the floods came, the house fell, the man who built his house on a rock, the parable of the rich fool, the rain descended, the winds blew, this night thy soul shall be required of thee, thou fool, to a glorious future with Jesus, tomorrow shal take thought for the things of itself, too much emphasis on planning for tomorrow, truth, Wednesday Wail, whose shall those things be which thou hast provided, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, wisdom, you can't be a saint while behaving like a sinner, you cannot be a Christian and not live by Jesus' dictates
Matthew 7:24. Therefore whosoever heareth these saying of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man who built his house upon a (the) rock.
Then it was Wednesday; the day we catch our second wind. And unfortunately we’re on a late bus because I finally went to my church group today after missing several weeks. And they were all glad to see me, like I’d risen from the dead (smile) Then I ran a couple of errands, then had to come home and rest, before writing the Bit. So that’s my story…and I’m sticking to it.
Anyway, it’s a bright and sunshiny, comparatively warm day, with a little more of the snow melting. However, the computer is calling for a fair amount of rain tomorrow. But we’ll wait and see how that pans out, for as Jesus says; ‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow (do not worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34)
Yes, though we should not completely forget about tomorrow, we must concentrate on the day before us, for as the scholars explain: ‘This means that each day has its own troubles and challenges to be responsibly handled, without worrying about the hypothetical problems that could arise tomorrow.’ So let’s focus on today while we’re alive to do so, for who knows, we might not even be around to handle tomorrow’s challenges. (smile) That just points to how fragile life really is. You can be here today in flourishing health, but the next, for one reason or another, you’ve gone home to meet your maker.
That’s why it’s so important to cherish your friends and LOVED ones all the time. Let them know without any doubt that you sincerely care about them. It’s also important to stop all strife and resentment, do it now, don’t put it off for tomorrow, for without a moment’s notice, they can just vanish out of your life, and then you’re left holding all sorts of guilt and regrets, that you didn’t tell them you LOVED them, or didn’t straighten our your selfish and child-like disagreements. That’s why we are always admonished to not put off for tomorrow, what we can and should do today, because tomorrow might just be too late.
The very same thing goes for accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour! Why put it off for tomorrow when you can do it today eh? That reminds us of Jesus’ parable about the rich fool. This fellow was blessed with an abundant harvest, and instead of sharing it, in his foolish wisdom decided to tear down his old barns and build bigger and better ones to store the abundant harvest. (Luke 12:13-18)
And as Jesus tells it, he then revels in his own wisdom: ‘And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’ (Luke 12:19-21)
Yes friends, that doesn’t only show a lack of respect for God and the abundance He blesses us with, but also too much emphasis on planning for tomorrow, or defining our lives by our possessions. Oh, he was going to ‘take his ease, eat drink and be merry.’ Hn! But God had other plans for Him. That’s what happens when we are not in tune with God’s will for our lives. We plan to do stuff that He doesn’t agree with, and next thing we know, all our plans fall apart. Not necessarily because they are bad, but because we didn’t first consult God before making them.
And I’ve learned that from hard experience during my numerous years. There have been things I tried to do without any success, but later on those same things just fell into my lap, most likely because it was God’s right time. So before we make any great plans, let’s make sure we talk to our heavenly Father first on the wisdom of those plans, for sometimes He might say a definite No; or simply wait. But let’s remember it’s all in His hands.
That brings us to these other wise words of Jesus, where He talks about building foundations on rock or sand. ‘Therefore whosoever heareth these saying of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man who built his house upon a (the) rock. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a (the) rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.’ (Matt. 7:24-27)
Oh my brethren, that’s exactly what happens to those of us who supposedly are of the faith, but yet refuse to do what Jesus expects of us. Like the rich fool, and the fellow who built on the sand, our houses will eventually tumble down if we don’t buck up and start behaving the way we ought to. We can see definite damage already happening all over the world, because people are not listening to and following Jesus’ teachings. You can’t be a saint while behaving like a sinner. Saints do saintly things, while sinners do sinful things, and a lot more of the later is currently happening in today’s society.
No wonder life is so topsy-turvy. There is no real truth and LOVE to it; just false voices crying out the devil’s lies. But all is not lost. We are the children of the Most High God Jehovah, and if we decide to get up and turn things around, then that is exactly what will happen. However, we first have to make that a concrete decision, then live up to it. That though will only come to pass through a lessening of the divisions and dissensions in Christ’s church. Let’s hope and pray that we will wake up real soon and see our errors, and become willing to change them, not only for our sakes, but more so for those of our descendants.
Now let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And that’s a good future, but there’s an even more glorious one in store for those who endure with Jesus right to the very end, one that our puny minds cannot comprehend. So let’s make plans to endure to the end and thus enjoy that more than glorious future together nuh! Much LOVE!
…you cannot be a true Christian…and not live by the dictates of Christ…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
03 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a child sitting with a loving parent, a gift yo help us in our relationship with God, a legacy prayer for the next generation, after prayer sit quietly and listen for God's voice, all is well, approach it the wrong way, be of good cheer, bouts of weakness, breathe and notice the quiet, bring glad tidings of good things, children of the Most High God Jehovah, christianity, Christianity can sound like a lot of shoulds, Chrsitians, clear sailing, come to know and love christ like we do, done like dinner, eliminate distractions, even reading the Bible can be exhausting, faith, give God your full attention, God doesn't need our performance, God wants to be with you exactly as your are, He spake a parable unto them to this end, holy spirit, how beautiful are the feet of them, hurry, i have overcome the world, I will therefore, in god's eyes, in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, In Touch Devotional Magazine, it behooves us, Jesus Christ, keep us rooted and grounded in christ, lifting up holy hands, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, men ought always to pray and not faint, men ought always to pray and not lose heart, men pray everywhere, mercy, more than any achievement, more than your discipline, not immune to problems, picture yourself, preach the gospel of peace, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, silence is golden, silence is golden in God's presence, spirtual practices, strife-filled and turbulent times, Thanks be to God, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the indisputable truth, the light of God surrounds me, the love of God enfolds me, the power of God protects me, the presence of God watches over me, these things I have spoken unto you, to go out and share the love and friendship of Christ, to whom we belong, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, we need lots of prayer in these turbulent times, what God wants is us, wherever I am God is, wisdom, without wrath and doubting, worry
John 16:33. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’
Oh friends, our nemesis, Monday is now done like dinner! And we’ve survived it in good form to see Tuesday, a chilly day with a mixture of sun and cloud! Thanks be to God! So from now on we should have clear sailing through the rest of the week. (smile) It’s just that that first day of the work week takes a lot of strength, faith and confidence to get going. And though we are children of the Most High God Jehovah, we are not immune to problems and bouts of weakness, though they are eventually overcome with our heavenly Father’s awesome help.
Remember what Jesus advised: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) And we all know that in this evil and ungodly world that’s not always easy to do, but if we have the faith, then most of the time we will be able to do it. Now, here’s an interesting article from the February In Touch Devotional that shows how we can begin doing just that. It comes from the ‘Let’s Pause’ section of the Devotional.
So please read with me. ‘Without the right understanding in place, Christianity can sound like a lot of “shoulds.” Even something like reading the Bible can be exhausting if we approach it in a way God doesn’t intend for us. Here’s what we need to remind ourselves. Spiritual practices are a gift to help us in our relationship with Him. But ultimately, He doesn’t need our performance. What God wants is YOU. More than any achievement, more than your discipline – just YOU.
What if, for a few minutes, you gave yourself permission to take the pressure off, to simply show up and give God your full attention? Let’s try something Dr. Stanley practiced: Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, eliminate the distractions. Next, take a few moments to breathe and notice the quiet. If it helps, picture yourself as a child sitting with a LOVING parent – no agenda, just presence. This moment is about remembering that God simply wants to be with you. Exactly as you are.’
And that’s the indisputable truth my fellow believers. And I know that it works, because I do it every so often. The problem though is remembering to do it regularly, because we get so busy living this crazy life, that we don’t necessarily forget about God, but have to oftentimes make a special effort to just sit and be quiet with Him. But here’s another thing that Uncle Charles (Dr. Stanley) also encouraged. Every time you finish praying, just sit quietly for a few minutes and listen for God’s voice, listen for the answers He might have for whatever you prayed about.
That might help us to more often sit quietly with the Lord and just enjoy His awesome presence which always surrounds us, but we’re often too busy to feel or truly appreciate it, and therefore most times simply take for granted. That reminds me of this prayer that I often say, and believe I might have shared at some time in the past. But please don’t ask me where I got it from, because I could not tell you. (smile) All I know is that I like it. So please pray with me: ‘The light of God surrounds me: The LOVE of God enfolds me: The power of God protects me: The presence of God watches over me: Wherever I am, God is… And all is well! Amen.’
Now that ought to help us remember God’s amazing grace and mercy always looking out for us, and when we say it, we think of all the good things involved and find the time to spend quietly with Him. And by the way, I just remembered that I might have gotten that prayer, along with a number of others, written in the fly leaves of my mother’s Bible, which I took when she died and still use for my own daily devotions. Now that’s a legacy we should all strive to leave for the younger generation. Let them see the kind of prayers we prayed on a regular basis. And if our lives modelled those prayers, then it will surely help them in their own walk with Christ, the way the prayers I found in my mother’s Bible has helped me.
And I like this verse of Bruh Paul to Timothy on the subject of prayer. ‘I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.’ (1 Tim. 2:8) Then there’s this wonderful admonition from Christ: ‘And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not faint (lose heart).’ (Luke 18:1) So if both Bruh Paul and Jesus say that prayer ought to be a major part of our lives, who are we to doubt it eh? And yuh better believe, that in these strife-filled and turbulent times we certainly need a lot of prayer to keep us rooted and grounded in Christ and His way of life!
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!’
And having said that, it now behooves us 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! For as the scriptures say: ‘How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.’ (Rom. 10:15) So let’s get out there and bring glad tidings of good things, like we ought to! Much LOVE!
…prayer helps us communicate with God…but silence is also golden in His presence…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Feb 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a burned-out pastor, a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again, a light in the midst of the darkness, a reggae version of the song, a sabbatical, a stormy period of life, beauty these eyes have seen, blessed is the man that trusts in God, bring us safely to land, by faith alone, cast adrift in the storm, christianity, condemned, crash on some rocky shore, delivered me from all my fears, delivers them out of all their troubles, dreams, dreams that slip through like grains of sand, evil and ungodly times, evil shall slay the wicked., face the raging seas, faith, fallen on my knees, fellowship, find a safe harbour, God proved His love for me, grains of sand, have been young but I'm older now, he keeps all his bones, held guilty, held them in my hand, helping people through the difficult times, His eyes were watching me, holy spirit, I sought the Lord and he heard me, I will wait for the God of my salvation, in spite of the storm, in the love of Jesus, in the night, is our faith strong enough, Jesus Christ, journeyed through the long dark night, judged to be righteous, Judith Gayle, Lawrence Chewning, life after the storm, look unto the Lord, lost the vision of our dreams, LOVE, many are the afflictions of the righteous, mercy, my God will hear me, mysterious movements of God, never knew, none of them are condemned, not one of them is broken, O taste and see that the Lord is good, only by faith can one walk with Jesus, out on the open sea, painful sorrows of real life, place our faith in His nail scarred hands, Ray Boltz, redeemed through the shed blood of Jesus, rejoice not against me o mine enemy, salvation, saved him out of all his troubles, saveth such as be of a contrite spirit, sight unknown, sit in the darkness, slip right through, song of worship, sweet sacrifices of praise, take control of our anchor, Thank the Lord, that's what Jesus is all about, the anchor holds, the anchor holds when it's in the hands of Jesus, the BIBLE, the indisputable truth, the kind of faith we need need now, the Lenten season, the Lord delivers him out of them all, the Lord heard him, the Lord is nigh unto them of a broken heart, the Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants, the Lord shall be a light unto me, the only safe place of shelter, the period of turbulence, the righteous cry and the Lord heareth, the wicked shall fall into mischief, they that hate the righteous shall be desolate, this poor man cried, though the sails are torn, though the ship is battered, through faith in Christ, through the storms of life, truth, visions, when I fall I shall arise, wisdom, with no one to help us
Psalm 34:19. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
Come on down friends to the Lord’s sanctuary; it’s Sunday, the first one in the Lenten season, and hopefully the precipitations of snow and freezing rain won’t stop us from fellowshipping with each other, praising the Lord and giving Him much thanks for all the good things He’s done, is doing and has promised to do on our behalf. And all God’s children said a loud and grateful; ‘Thank You Lord!’
And today’s song of worship is one of strong faith, birthed in the painful sorrows of real life. The name of the song is ‘The Anchor Holds.’ And does it ever, when Jesus is the one who’s controlling it! The story behind the song goes something like this: It was 1992, and the writer of the song, Lawrence Chewning and his wife, were going through a stormy period of life. His father died, He was a burned-out pastor in a church that was having some problems, and then his wife had her third miscarriage. One would indeed call that a stormy period.
So, to ease the pain, he took a six-month sabbatical from the church and spent most of his time just playing the piano and talking to God. And with the ever-mysterious movements of our God, it’s no surprise he ended up writing the song during that period of turbulence. Sometime later, while talking to singer Ray Boltz, he mentioned the rough times and the song the Lord had given him during it. Ray decided to record the song and remodelled it into what it is today and released it in 1995. So, there is indeed life after the storm, and the anchor does hold with Jesus operating it.
Now, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, scintillating reggae version of the song, as done by Jamaican gospel artist, Judith Gayle. Singing: ‘I have journeyed, Through the long, dark night Out on the open sea By faith alone, Sight unknown And yet His eyes, were watching me. The anchor holds, though the ship is battered. The anchor holds, though the sails are torn. I have fallen on my knees, As I face the raging seas, But the anchor holds, In spite of the storm. I’ve had visions, I’ve had dreams, I’ve even held them in my hand, But oh Lord, I never knew, They would slip right through, Oh my Jesus, Like they were only grains of sand.
The anchor holds, though the ship is battered. The anchor holds, though the sails are torn. I have fallen on my knees, As I face the raging seas, But the anchor holds, In spite of the storm. Oh, I have been young, but I am older now, thank the Lord, And there has been beauty, that these eyes have seen, But it was in the night, through the storms of my life, Oh, that’s where God proved, His LOVE for me. The anchor holds, though my ship is battered. The anchor holds, though my sails are torn. And I have fallen on my knees, As I face the raging seas, But the anchor holds, In spite of the storm. I have fallen on my knees, As I face the raging seas, But the anchor holds, In spite of the storm. Yes, the anchor holds, In spite of the storm. Thank You Jesus!
Oh my fellow believers, I know that many of us can attest to that fact: the anchor does hold when it’s in the hands of Jesus. The trouble though, is our faith strong enough to understand and accept it when the times get rough? For our sake, I certainly hope so, otherwise we’d be cast adrift in the storm and crash on some rocky shore, with no one to help us. And that’s what Jesus is all about; helping His people through the difficult times, but we must place our faith and trust in His nail scarred hands if we truly need help.
And there are many scriptures that reinforce that truth, especially the beautiful Psalm 34, where Bruh David writes: ‘I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears…This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Ps. 34: Ps. 34: 4, 6, 8) And if you don’t believe Bruh David, then listen to Cousin Sol from Proverbs: ‘For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.’ (Prov. 24:16)
Then there’s this from the prophet Micah, as he talks about ‘A Light in the Midst of Darkness’: ‘Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me. Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.’ (Mic. 7:7-8) Wow! What faith the scripture talks of! That’s the kind of faith we need in these evil and ungodly times!
And there’s no better way to end than with these most encouraging and reassuring words of Bruh David from the end of Psalm 34. ‘The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh (near) unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit (crushed in spirit). Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate (condemned or held guilty). The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them are desolate (condemned).’ (Ps. 34:17-22)
Now that’s the indisputable truth my people! The Lord has redeemed us through the blood of His Son Jesus Christ, and none of us are condemned! Instead, we are judged to be righteous through faith in Christ Jesus. Yes friends, when we’ve lost the vision of our dreams, they’ve slipped through our hands like grains of sand, and the storm is raging around us, the only safe place of shelter is in the LOVE of Jesus, for He will take control of our anchor and eventually bring us safely to land. That’s why He’s our Saviour and Redeemer. So, let’s be wise and put all our trust in Him today, so that when the storms rage and our ships are battered, we will know where to find a safe harbour. Much LOVE!
…only by faith…and not by sight…can one walk together with Jesus…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
21 Feb 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beginning on the road to faith, a dreary day, a great lesson, a humiliating experience, a man thiks and acts like an ox, a man thinks and acts like and animal, a mental illness known as zoanthropy, after a hard week's work, against the God of Shadrach Meshach and Abednego, all the inhabitants of the earth are considered as nothing, all who refuse to acknowledge God's sovereignty, all whose works are truth, an ash heap, blessed be the God of Shadrach Meshach and Abednego, boanthropy, boasts of his power and majesty, christianity, Christians, cut him down to size, cut in pieces, deepen my breath, delivered his servants that trusted him, do as much ar as little as we please, driven mad for 7 years, faith, flowing through our mortal bodies, frustrated the king's word, Give God thanks and praise, giveth it whomsoever he will, God dislikes foolish pride, God's peace and love are present, he does according to his will, his kingdom is from generation to generation, his ways justice, holy spirit, houses made a dunghill, I blessed the most High, I may know you all the more, I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the king of heaven, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, in the army of heaven, increase my awareness of you today, Jesus Christ, lay i n bed, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, learn from Neb's prideful consequences, learned his lesson, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, LOVE, make a decree, mercy, might not serve or worship any other god, mine understanding returned unto me, neither were their garments affected, no other God can deliver after this sort, none can stay his hand, nor the smell of fire had passed on them, nor wan an hair singed, only worship their own God, or say unto him what doest thou, peace we cannot understand, pick up a good book, ponder our own pride situation, praised and honoured him that lives forever, quiet my soul, relax my muscles, riding for a fall, salvation, sent his angel, sit in a cozy corner, slow my thoughts, speak anything amiss, thank you for this tenderness, the BIBLE, the breath of life, the Lord uses all types to proclaim His power, the most High rules in the kingdom of men, the omnipotence of God, the peace that comes only from God, the smell of smoke did not linger on them, those that walk in pride He is able to abase, through God's grace and mercy, truth, until thou know, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, wisdom, ye servants of the most high God, yielded their bodies, your love both surrounds and fills me, zoanthropy
Daniel 3:28a. Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him,
So we’ve finally come to our lazy-day Saturday friends, where we can do as much or as little as we please! (smile) And the weather outside is just the type that calls for us to lay in bed for much of the day and simply rest after a hard week’s work, or pick up a good book and sit in a cozy corner and lose ourselves in it. Yes, it’s wet and cloudy, so unless there’s real need to go out, we shouldn’t. And to put it all into proper perspective, let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, in all sincerity and truth.
As one 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 on a dreary day like this, if we cannot come up with some sincerity in our prayers, then things certainly bad with us mih people! For if our prayer was sincere, we would be assured of soon receiving that calming, restful, uplifting peace we can’t understand, that comes only from God, to those who ask with right motives. And on top of that, the Lord has seen fit to allow the breath of life to continue in our mortal bodies today, so there’s another reason to give Him thanks and praise.
Now, as we promised yesterday, let’s continue looking at that marvellous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that highlights the omnipotence of our great God. So far, we’ve seen where the three Hebrew men were thrown into the furnace that was heated seven times more than normal, and it killed those who threw them in. Then the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar claims to have seen four men walking around loose in the fire and one appeared to be the son of God (a son of the gods). But the best part of the story is still to come.
The Bible says: ‘Then Nebuchadnezzar came near the mouth (door) of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed (garments affected), nor the smell of fire had passed on them.’ (Dan. 3: 26-27)I like that, not even the smell of smoke lingered on them!
And that miraculous moment made such an impact on the king, that he then declared: ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed (frustrated) the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill (an ash heap): because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort (like this). Then the king promoted (caused to prosper) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.’ (Dan. 3:28-30)
What a marvellous story of faith my people, and the amazing way our God moves to prove His awesome power. One important note though from the scholars. They say: ‘Neb’s recognition of the God of the three men does not mean that he converted to their religion. It was simply an acknowledgement of their God’s power.’ But we’ll take that, for it’s a beginning on the road to faith! (smile) And it just shows how the Lord uses all types and sorts of people, even pagans kings to show forth His majesty and power, particularly Nebuchadnezzar, as we’d see if we read the fourth chapter of Daniel.
There, he has a dream which Daniel interprets as one in which he’s all powerful, but the Lord would eventually cut him down to size. Then later on he boasts of his power and majesty, and soon thereafter the consequences of the dream come to pass. He is driven mad for seven years, looking and living like a wild animal, and ox in particular. But in our God’s great mercy, He did not allow Neb’s kingdom to pass from him. For as the Bible says, ‘until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it whomsoever he will.’ (Dan. 4:32b)
And I guess it took seven years for Neb to learn that truth, (smile) for he says: ‘And at the end of the days (time) I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed (considered) as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay (restrain) his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?’ (Dan. 4:34-35)
Now friends, there’s a great lesson in that for all of us who refuse to recognize God’s power and sovereignty over all the earth, right down to our individual lives. And if we insist on boasting in our own might and power, He is liable to bring us down like He did to the Babylonian king, for foolish pride is one of the things He very much dislikes.
And the scholars ask two very interesting and important questions re Neb’s situation. ‘Could it happen to a man, and could it have happened to Neb? The answer to both questions is YES. There is a mental illness known as zoanthropy in which a man thinks and acts like an animal. It is also called boanthropy, more specifically when a man thinks of himself as an ox, (like Neb did – Dan. 3:32) In answer to the second question, this illness is not mentioned in Neb’s annals, but one would not expect such a humiliating experience to be chronicled. On the other hand, his long reign of 43 years (605-562 B.C) is more than long enough to include the length sickness.’
So, seven years later through God’s grace and mercy, Neb was restored to sanity and regained his throne. And it’s obvious that he had learned his lesson, as he later spoke these words. ‘Now, I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgement (justice): and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.’ (Dan. 4:37)
Wow! What insight Neb gained from his trials and tribulations! And what a blessed thing it would be if many more of us could learn from His prideful consequences, because pride is one of the biggest sins in our current world order. So please, let’s spend some time on this dreary lazy-day Saturday, pondering our own pride situation nuh, and, with God’s help, do our best to lessen it, for if we don’t we’re certainly riding for an eventual fall! Much LOVE!
…the greatest pride…usually leads to the greatest fall…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries
SCRIP-BITS 