The Wisdom of Putting Our Trust in God and His Word, and Recognizing the Destruction that God Bestows on the Wicked!

14 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 52:8.         But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

And then it was Thursday, our penultimate day of the work week. And as the past many days, it’s opened bright and sunshiny, with a cool breeze wafting through the trees, but although it’s not too hot at midday, who knows how much the temperature will increase as the afternoon rolls in. But whatever happens, we will manage it wisely and successfully with Jesus’ awesome help, because He has promised to never leave nor forsake us and help us whenever we call on Him.

And today, the Good Library opened at an interesting but little considered Psalm 52, titled ‘Evildoers Will Be Destroyed,’ written by Bruh David when the betrayer Doeg, the Edomite, went to king Saul and told him that David had come to the house of Ahimelech, the priest, at Nob, who had given him the hallowed shrew bread and Goliath’s sword aiding his efforts to escape from Saul’s murderous hand. And we can find that story in 1 Samuel 21.

The scholars tell us that the psalm is one of eight Bruh David wrote while fleeing from Saul. He begins this one thus: ‘Why boastest thou thyself in mischief (evil doing), O mighty man? the goodness (LOVING-KINDNESS) of God endureth continually. The tongue deviseth mischief (plans destruction); like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou LOVEST evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. Thou LOVEST all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.’ (Ps. 52:1-4)

Wow! Those are truly tough words. It’s like the prophet Ezekiel said of the people of Israel: ‘In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood (slander to cause bloodshed): and in thee they (are they who) eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness.’ (Ezek. 22:9) And isn’t that the very same thing that’s happening right now in our slanderous, dysfunctional and licentious society? Of course it is! For we have rejected God and His Word and are living like Satan dictates. No wonder the strife-filled and chaotic state of our world.

But getting back to the psalm, it’s interesting to note the scholars take on the first four verses. They say: ‘The description of Doeg is one of the most contemptuous in Scripture. But because of his betrayal Doeg will be destroyed.’ And Bruh David details that in the next verse. ‘God shall likewise destroy thee for ever, he shall take thee away, and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place, and root thee out of the land of the living. Selah.’ (Ps. 52:5)

Now that’s certainly a wish for thorough destruction. However something good will come from it. That is: ‘The righteous shall see, and fear, and shall laugh at him: Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness (destruction)’ (Ps. 52:6-7)

Yes friends, there are indeed valuable lessons to be learned from the destruction of the wicked. Unfortunately though, too many of us supposed believers don’t learn from it, and continue going in the way of the devil, down the wide and winding way that leads to destruction. But please remember, that all these scriptures about the destruction of the wicked are for our benefit, to enlighten us to the foolishness of following the diviner of darkness, Satan.

Instead we should be like Bruh David describes. ‘But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.’ (Ps. 52:8) Oh my faithful brethren, that’s what happens when we trust in the Lord’s goodness and mercy, we thrive and flourish like a green olive tree.

Or, as Jeremiah so beautifully puts it: ‘Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see (fear) when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful (anxious) in the year of drought, neither shall cease from bearing fruit.’ (Jer. 17:7-8)

Oh my people, what a wonderful picture of what happens to those who trust in Almighty God! No wonder Bruh David ends the psalm thus: ‘I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.’ (Ps. 52:9) That’s our best bet friends! Praising God for ever and ever is what it’s all about. And it’s one of the reasons He created us. So if we are wise and put our trust in God, then praise should come automatically. And consequently His goodness and mercy will follow us all the day long. It’s so simple and wonderful; praise and trust, bring goodness and mercy!

And also, through God’s great generosity, come undeserved blessings to do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings, so let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that sincere declaration, we’re 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!

…why don’t we LOVE, trust and praise our Creator…when He’s the one who’s given us all the good things we have…especially the breath of life…

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

The Necessity for Believers to Submit to God’s Righteousness and Not to Their Own Religious Achievement!

12 Aug 2025 Leave a comment

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

Romans 10:8.        The word is nigh (near) thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach;

And then it was Tuesday, with Monday being consigned to the confines of history. But unfortunately only the name has changed, for it’s still a very hot and humid summer’s day, with an ongoing heat advisory, although there are some vague promises of rain in the offing…but I wouldn’t count on that, because I’ve heard that story before. (smile) Anyway, however it turns out, let’s remember that we are children of the Most High God Jehovah, and can do anything we need to, within His will, and with His omnipotent power.

And all God’s children cried out in thanksgiving: ‘Thank You Lord for your undying LOVE, and generous grace and mercy, without which we would certainly be in an even bigger muddle than we currently are in! We praise and glorify Your Holy Name! Amen!’ And isn’t that the awesome truth! For without our hope, faith and trust in Almighty God, we’d be in really bad shape. But thanks to His goodness and mercy, we can lift up our heads and hearts, hands and eyes to heaven and be renewed and revitalized.

Now, I’m chuckling here, because our God is indeed a great God, and does move in mysterious ways, for a few minutes ago, I opened the Good Library in front of me, but never paid attention to where it opened. But just now I looked at it and saw it opened unto the epistle of Bruh Paul to the Romans, and right there was the stuff that we were just talking about. Bruh Paul, in writing to Israel about their foolish rejection of Christ, tells them:

‘Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record (witness) that they have a zeal of (for) God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. For Moses describeth (writes about) the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.’ (Rom. 10:1-5)

And what does all of that mean? The scholars explain it thus: ‘Christ is the end of the law: Israel mistook the purpose of the law. The law pointed to the righteousness that is attainable only by belief in Christ. Israel also mistook the scope of the law. The righteousness to which it pointed was universally available to all who responded to God’s revelation of Himself through the law. But by Paul’s time many had substituted works for faith. Rather than seeking redemption in God’s mercy, they pinned their hopes on their own religious achievement.’  

And Bruh Paul continues: ‘But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, who shall descend into the deep (abyss)? (that is, to bring Christ up again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh (near) thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach;’ (Rom. 10:5-8)

Now that certainly sounds like a mouthful, but as the scholars explain: ‘Paul skillfully weaves together quotations from Deuteronomy 9:4, and 30:10-14, which speak of God’s initiative in grace and man’s humble obedience to it. He then applies this truth to the gospel of Christ.’ And briefly, in the passage from Deuteronomy 9, Moses is castigating the people, letting them know that the Lord is not offering them the Promised Land because of their righteousness or uprightness of their heart, but because of the wickedness of the nations who then inhabited it. For Israel were a stiffnecked, or rebellious and stubborn people.

Meanwhile in Deuteronomy 30, Moses is telling Israel they can get away from their cursed life, if they turn from their rebellious ways and hearken unto the word of the Lord, and keep His commandments with all their hearts and souls. ‘For this commandment which I command thee this day, is not hidden from thee (is not too mysterious for thee), neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? But the word is very nigh (near) unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.’ (Deut. 30:11-14)

Ah friends, Bruh Paul had to know his scriptures to so skillfully weave those points from Moses into his own teaching. In other words, God’s commandments and Word is not far from us, that we have to depend on someone to get them for us. No! They have already been offered to us, and consequently are right with us; in our hearts, mouths, souls and bodies. Therefore it’s up to us to follow them. And I think we’ll stop there for today, because the Bit will get too long and heavy, if we continue with the rest of the stuff we want to talk about. So tomorrow, if God spares life, we’ll continue talking about Bruh Paul’s take, on the word of faith.

Now, for those of us who are doing our best to live the way we ought to, 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! Much LOVE!

…we don’t deserve anything from God…but because of His great LOVE and compassion for us…His greatest creation…He generously offers us all that He is and has…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of HOPE in a Christian’s Life!

29 Jul 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 42:11b.        hope thou in God: for I shall praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

Ah mih people, it was hot yesterday, and it will be hot again today, with a Heat Warning already been issued. But we’ve been longing for summer, and that’s what we’re getting. (smile) Anyhow, we believers in Christ Jesus can handle anything that comes against us, be it human, animal or weather related, for we are assured that we can do anything that’s necessary through our Lord and Saviour who strengthens us! (Phil. 4:13) And all God’s people shouted a loud and grateful: ‘All glory be to Jesus, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords!’

And today, we’re going to look at a word that’s ever so important in our faith walk; it’s the word HOPE! And what’s HOPE all about eh? One commentary tells us that ‘Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s own life, or the world at large. As a verb, Merriam-Webster defines hope as “to expect with confidence” or “to cherish a desire with anticipation”.’

But then this other commentary says: ‘What is the Bible definition of hope? The Bible almost never uses the word “hope” the way we do. For us, “hope” refers to something like a “wish” or a “dream.” But in the Bible, “hope” refers to an “expectation”—a future certainty.’ And hope leads to faith, for without hope, you cannot have faith, that strong belief, which as the Bible tells us: ‘is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1)

That means hope and faith primarily involve believing for future things, for what is unseen or not yet attained, not something that’s the present reality, already visible, like Bruh Paul writes to the Romans. ‘For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance) wait for it.’ (Rom. 8:24-25)

And having established our basic definition of HOPE, let’s now turn to the recently issued Prayer Cards by the In Touch Organization and offer up a prayer on that controversial but very important and relevant Christian attitude of HOPE! Please pray with me: ‘Thank You, God, for the hope I have today. The trail ahead is shrouded in darkness, but You’re my light. Though I’m tempted to feel all is lost, I know You never fail. Guide my steps, because You know the way. When plans evaporate and goals vanish, give me new direction. Every morning is a fresh beginning in Your great faithfulness. So I take Your hand in this place and sing a song of praise. In You I always have hope. Amen.’

That’s the end of the official prayer, but the card continues with this wonderful advice: ‘You may think you’ve come to a dead end. But God can make a path through the wilderness.’ And isn’t that the gospel truth, as He’s promised through the prophet Isaiah. ‘Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.’ (Is. 43:18-19) Yes friends, all through the scriptures the Lord has promised to make a way where there seems to be no way, for those who sincerely believe and trust in Him and His Son Jesus Christ.

As this commentary further explains. ‘The saying “God can make a way where there seems to be no way” expresses a belief in divine intervention and the power of faith to overcome seemingly impossible situations. It’s often associated with verses like Isaiah 43:19, which speaks of God making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. This concept is a common theme in religious and spiritual contexts, emphasizing trust in a higher power to provide solutions and hope even when facing adversity. The saying also offers comfort and encouragement to individuals facing difficult situations, reminding them that they are not alone and that solutions can be found through faith.’

And many of us who have been Christians for a while, will be able to attest to those sentiments, for we have indeed found solutions, comfort and encouragement in our faith journey with Christ. But getting back to the Prayer Card. It offers this verse from Psalm 42, as the basis of our prayer. It only quoted one line: ‘Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him,’ but we’ll quote the whole verse here because it’s very applicable and appropriate to the whole situation of hope and faith.

It’s that famous verse from the pen of the Sons of Korah: ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.’ (Ps. 42:11) Oh my people, that is such a beautiful and encouraging verse of scripture that it’s quoted twice in Psalm 42 (vs. 5,11) and once in Psalm 43 (vs. 5) It just shows the wonderful, uplifting emotions we can gain from Almighty God when we are down in the dumps, and encourages us to never give up the hope, the promise, the light in the darkness, the joy and strength we find in Him.

Now, with all of that marvelous and miraculous hope built up in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, (smile) 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 made that statement, it’s now become our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do. Much LOVE!

…but without faith…it is impossible to please God…for he that cometh to God…must believe that he is…and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him… (Heb. 11:6)

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

The Basic Foundations Believer’s Need to Live a Successful Christian Life!

17 Jun 2025 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 3:5.        Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.

So then it’s Tuesday; a bright and sunshiny day. That means we’ve successfully navigated the stormy waters of Monday and are now on our way to a hale and hearty week of work, under the wonderful guidance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! And all God’s children gave a grateful and joyful shout of ‘Thank You Jesus!’ Now what can be better than that eh? Absolutely nothing! For Jesus is the be all and end all of everything, and once we have Him and His Holy Spirit guiding our lives we won’t want for anything.  

As Bruh David so confidently declares in Psalm 23: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ (Ps. 23:1) And Jesus says, not to worry about things like food and clothing, because our heavenly Father knows our needs. We just have to seek Him and His righteous kingdom first, and all we need will be furnished. (Matt. 6:25-33) Then Bruh Paul further assures us in his letter to the Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19)  

Therefore, it’s obvious that if we put the Lord God Almighty in first place in our lives, then we will not lack for any of the necessities of life. But unfortunately that’s where we keep falling down; we don’t always keep God first place in our lives, but are very much influenced by the world’s system, so we’re suffering more than is necessary. That brings to mind these amazing verses of wisdom from Cousin Sol in Proverbs chapter three. We talk about them all the time but don’t practice them sufficiently, otherwise our lives would not be as rough and meaningless, as they currently are.

So let’s consider them one more time, and hopefully this time we’ll put them into action, the way we ought to. (smile) Cousin Sol strongly advises; ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.’ (Prov. 3:5) And that’s the first hurdle we must jump. Putting all out trust in God and not in our puny and finite understanding. And if we don’t do that, nothing else will work. It’s all about trust and faith in Almighty God. The Bible tells us: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight:’ (2 Cor. 5:7) And what does that mean?

This commentary explains it thus: ‘The phrase “we live by faith and not by sight” means that believers should trust in God’s promises and guidance, even when they don’t see immediate evidence or understanding, relying on belief and inner conviction rather than solely on what is physically observable. It emphasizes a life guided by faith, trust, and God’s word, rather than being solely dictated by what is visible or easily understood.’ And that’s why Hebrews tells us that ‘Faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1) It’s the solid hope and trust we place in God for things we have not seen.

 That then leads to this other very important scripture verse: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) So it’s all about trust and faith when you accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, nothing else will do, or get you anywhere in His righteous kingdom. Cousin Sol then follows up that verse of complete trust in God with this one: ‘In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:6)

Yes friends, according to the scholars, that means ‘having fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.’ Then this next verse is indeed wisdom personified. ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.’ (Prov. 3:7) And why should we be humble in our own estimate and have a reverential awe of God, while staying away from evil? Cousin Sol gives a very simple, true and straightforward answer: ‘It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength, refreshment) to thy bones.’ (Prov. 3:7)

Then there’s this other admonition: ‘Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.’ Why? ‘So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) overflow with new wine.’ (Prov. 3:9-10) That means, at the least tithing thy income and also  being generous to kingdom work and those who are sadly in need. What we need to recognize here my people is that we don’t do those things simply for the sake of doing them, but substantial rewards accrue from doing them. We worship and fellowship with God first place in our lives, and He rewards us for our trust and faithfulness.

And now this last admonition: ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of (detest) his correction: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) Ah mih people, that admonition is one we certainly don’t like, because none of us like to be chastened or corrected, even when we know we’re wrong. I guess that stems from our high level of foolish pride. But just like our earthly fathers correct and chasten us because they LOVE us, that’s the same reason God does it to us.

And as Hebrews remind us: ‘And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children (sons of God), My, son, despise not the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the Lord LOVETH he chasteneth, and scourged every son whom he receive.’ (Heb. 12:5-6)

So what does all of that mean? This commentary explains in simple form: ‘In religious contexts, “the chastening of God” refers to God’s discipline and correction of believers, often through trials and difficulties, motivated by LOVE and intended for spiritual growth. It is not meant as punishment, but rather as a way to shape believers into the likeness of Christ and help them run the race of faith with endurance.’

There we have it friends, some of the best scripture verses in all the Bible! Ones that if we truly put them into our lives, and keep them there, we will live an amazing life of trust and faith in Almighty God, and be well rewarded for our efforts. And for those of us who are already trying to do just that, 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, we’re now 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!

…like our earthly parents have rules…so does God…and just like our earthly parents…He disciplines us when we disobey them…

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

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