The Overwhelming Importance of Sincerely Trusting and Surrendering to Almighty God if You desire a Golden Autumn Life!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   22 October 2026   Psalm 31:14-15a.

Psalm 31:14-15a.        But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand:

Ah friends, it’s another beautiful autumn day in my neck of the woods, and we’re very thankful for it, but the truth is we’re on a real late bus this Thursday afternoon, because the ole fella wasn’t feeling up to scratch earlier today, and thus lay in bed longer than usual. However, we cannot afford to allow a little thing like not feeling well to stop the Lord’s work, so here we are, ready and able to write the Bit, with God’s help obviously. (smile) But enough excuses, let’s see what the Lord desires us to talk about on this penultimate day of our work week.

And here’s a most appropriate poem for the season, especially a fine day like today, from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. It’s short and simply titled ‘Autumn Glow.’ So, please pray with me: ‘Lord, if You will make The autumn of my life As LOVELY as this Golden autumn morning I will not look back to grieve The passing days of summer. Of all the regal seasons Autumn is most brilliant. Make my life brilliant, too!’ Oh my people, that’s certainly a beautiful prayer; short and right to the point; a golden autumn of our lives!

And since many of us are definitely in that season of life, it’s rather appropriate for us. Sometimes too, as we get older and closer to heaven, (smile) we wish for the good old days of the summer of our lives, when we were busy and very active, not like now when many of us are not very mobile and are also losing our memory. It would definitely be great to enjoy a golden autumn lifestyle as the winter cold creeps up on us. And if that can happen, as the poem indicates, we won’t grieve those good old days of summers past.

Now that doesn’t mean we cannot recall the memories we made back then, for that’s what memories are there for; to be recalled at later dates. And as the song so rightly says: ‘Memories don’t leave like people do, they always stay with you. Whether they’ve been good or bad, They’re never something that you had…’ And now, in this golden autumn of our lives is when we need to look back at the memories we made and appreciate them, both the good and the bad, because they are the moments that shaped our lives and brought us to where we are now.

And is it ever good to sit quietly in our rocking chairs and just reminisce; letting whatever memory just float into our minds. And yes, there are some memories that we all surely wish to forget, but let’s acknowledge that those bad ones also helped to shape our lives and livelihood, so although they might not be pleasant, we ought to be able to look back on them without too much distaste, because they are a part of our overall story.

And as the poem says, ‘Of all the regal seasons Autumn is most brilliant.’ That’s certainly true! With all the variety of colours, autumn is indeed the brightest and most colourful; the Lord didn’t hold back any of the colours at his command; just proudly displayed them with artistic brilliance. That brings us to main point of the poem; our desiring to have the Lord also make our lives brilliant like the autumn season. Now that’s no problem for our mighty God, because we know nothing is impossible for Him, but it does entail certain things and conditions on our part before it can happen.

And what’s that, you ask? It’s like the Bible verses from the poem declare: ‘But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand:’ (Ps. 31:14-15a) Yes my faithful brethren, for our lives to become a golden autumn season, we need to put our trust completely in the God of our forefathers; surrender our lives completely to the God of Abrahm Isaac and Jacob. As Bruh David says, place our times, our lives in His awesome, miraculous hands. Only then can the Lord fashion our lives as a golden autumn season.

The artist must have total control of the painting if we want to see the outcome we truly desire. And that’s how it is with our God; if we don’t allow Him to control it all, He cannot make the masterpiece we desire. And surrendering our all to Him is not such a big thing to do, once we know who He truly is, and what He desires of us. As John so rightly says in his first epistle: ‘For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome.)’ (1 John 5:3)

And the Lord makes that even easier to do by generously bestowing undeserved blessings on us to help do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings! So let’s declare and thus activate them right now, because a blessing is only a blessing when it’s been spoken. With one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!

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

And having made that declaration, we’re now expected to go out and generously use those blessings to help others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Christ like we do! Much LOVE!

…we cannot ask God to brilliantly shape our lives…unless we also bring our trust and surrender to the table…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Knowing and Accepting the Seven ‘I Am’ Statements of Jesus

Today’s Scrip-Bit   15 October 2026   John 8:12.

John 8:12.        ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’

It’s finally happened friends; yes the bright and sunshiny warm days are now over, and the cold weather is slowly creeping in. Thus, the trees, possibly been fooled by the unbroken spell of warm weather, are now hurriedly starting to change the colours of their leaves and then discard them. Yes, they have finally seen the light, and let’s hope that we have also seen the light, whose name is Jesus!

And on this cool and cloudy Thursday in the middle of October, with the winter season quickly approaching, it’s of the utmost importance that we know, appreciate, receive and follow the light of this world. Jesus Himself said it: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) And He is bold and secure enough to repeat it in the next chapter.’ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ (John 9:5) That means He guides people out of spiritual darkness or death, and offers them the light of life.

Now, if Jesus said it, then it must be true, because He’s God and has no need to lie. The problem there was that the foolish, hypocritical Pharisees disputed His claim because Jesus witnessed to Himself. But if He is God; the highest Being in the universe, who else is there above Him to witness for Him eh? So please let’s not do like those Pharisees of old, be narrowed minded and stubborn, and doubt Christ’s claim to be the light of the world, or really none of His six other claims. And you wonder what those are?

Let’s see if we can gather them together. Here is this very important one, sorry, all of them are important. (smile) Jesus solemnly declares: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11)  And He repeats it a little later, with a slightly different angle. ‘I am the good shepherd and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ (John 10:14) In those two statements Jesus emphasizes His care and protection, and willingness to die for His sheep, just like any good  shepherd would. And we all know He laid down His life for us on the cross of Calvary, so that the Father could justly forgive our sins.  

And shortly before that, He also said: ‘Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.’ (John 10:7-9) There Jesus is presenting Himself as the protective keeper of the door through which people can find safety and salvation.

Then in Chapter 11 of John, while talking to Martha about her brother Lazarus’ death, Jesus says to her. ‘ I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:25-26)  Now that’s the perfect question for us to ponder on this cool, cloudy Thursday in mid-October 2026! Yes friends, it certainly is, for like Jesus asked Martha if she believed, He’s also asking us the same question today because it’s the most important question we will ever need to answer in this life. Jesus has the power over life and death, and only those who sincerely believe in Him will experience everlasting life. So it’s of the utmost importance that we answer that question with a very positive ‘YES!’

Then, when Jesus tells the disciples, that He’s going away, He adds: ‘And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:4-6) Ah mih people that’s something else we must also take into great consideration. Jesus is the ONLY way to get to God the Father! He has exclusive rights over that path, and thus, if you don’t believe in Jesus, you will never see the pearly gates of heaven. And believe me, that’s not a very pleasant thought to entertain. So it’s very necessary that we accept and believe in the godly sovereignty of Jesus right now, before it’s too late, since  there’s no way to do it after death.

And when Jesus turns to his husbandry lesson, He rightly expounds: ‘I am the true (genuine) vine, and my Father is the husbandman (vinedresser).’ (John 15:1) Now that’s another agrarian statement that the Jewish people would have clearly understood, like the allegory of the good shepherd. Here, Jesus is saying that we have to stick to Him, like white on rice, so we can get spiritual strength and thus bear good fruit. And later on He enlarges on the statement by saying: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5)

And that’s the gospel truth, for without closeness to Jesus our abilities are severely limited! And to cover all those ‘I am’ statements, the scholars say that it echoes God’s revelation to Moses at the burning bush, about His identity. ‘And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say to the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.’ (Ex. 3:14) So Jesus was quite right in declaring all those ‘I ams’!

Now, let’s declare our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings most generously bestowed on us by our heavenly Father to do His earthly work. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

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

And having made that declaration, it now behooves us to go out and generously use those blessings to help others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE God like we do! Much LOVE!

…Jesus is indeed the First…the Last…and Everything in between…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Living in God’s Will for Their Lives!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   8 October 2026   Psalm 25:4.

Psalm 25:4.        Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

So we’ve come to Thursday, the second to last day of our work week, and let’s not think about tomorrow Friday, for today is too much of a beautiful day to let pass by unnoticed and uncelebrated. Oh my people, I believe it’s still summer, for I went outside just now and lifted up my face to the warmth of the sun and it exhilarated me no end. And except for the strong wind that’s again cavorting through the neighbourhood, you would not think it’s fall, because most of the trees are still green and beautiful. Yesterday too, I went out in the afternoon and although I kept seeing the temperature on the computer creeping up, I was still surprised at how warm it was, so much so that many people were in shorts and shirtsleeves.

But this is the best part of the story. I got up last evening after a short nap, and on looking outside, saw that it had rained. I was completely unaware of that fact, because it seemed to be only a drizzle. Anyway, I went out on my front porch to check the situation, only to be greeted by a loud burst of thunder and a darting flash of lightning. Obviously, I simply turned around and went back inside. But that seemed to be only show, for nothing else happened during the night, and today the ground is still as dry as ever. But we’ll still say thanks for the small blessings of rain. Now let’s see what the Lord wants us to talk about.

Today, He pointed me to the Prayer Cards recently published by the In Touch Organization, to the one dealing with God’s Will. So please pray with me: ‘God, thank You for watching over my life. You know all the details, and You have a perfect solution for everything. It’s not always easy to submit to your will, but it’s always best. So I pray today for Your will to be done. Guide my words, plans, and actions. Help me let go of selfish desires. I want to seek Your will as my own, wholeheartedly and with joy, Thank You for the blessing of peace that comes with trusting you. Amen.’

Ah mih people, that thing called God’s will should be the most important aspect of our Christin walk. As the prayer says, ‘It’s not always easy to submit to your will, but it’s always best.’ And that’s oh so true, for very often our will clashes with the Lord’s desire for us. And there’s no better example of that than the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, when deeply sorrowful and distressed about the upcoming crucifixion, He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking: ‘Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt (will).’ (Mark 14:36)

And to show how truly sorrowful Jesus was, He prayed the same prayer twice. Yes Friends, Jesus, in His human form did not want to be crucified, but in His godly self knew that that was why He had come to earth, and it was the only just and righteous answer to the situation the Father wanted to solve; that of being able to forgive our sins. A premium price had to be paid for that justification. So he finally succumbed to the Father’s will.

Now,  many of us ask, how will we know God’s will? That’s a good question. And the best answer I can give is to simply ask Him, although a combination of His word, the Holy Spirit’s guidance and our own sense of right and wrong can also help. But Jesus also went away by Himself very often to pray and seek the Father’s will. And there are several scriptures where God was asked to show forth His will, like this one from Psalm 25 which the Prayer card uses as it’s Bible verse. Bruh David cries out to God: ‘Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.’ (Ps. 25:4-5)

And that last phrase is an interesting one, for knowing God’s will also calls for patience, since he doesn’t always reveal it as soon as we ask. Then we have this cry from Moses when he encounters the Lord in the tabernacle outside the camp of the Israelites. ‘Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.’ (Ex. 33:13) And the Lord promised His presence to go with Moses and the Israelites.

It also seems that seeking and knowing God’s will was a favourite plea of Bruh David, for he declares it in several psalms. We’ve already seen it in Psalm 25, then in psalm 27, he asks; ‘Teach me thy way O Lord, and lead me in a plain (smooth) path, because of mine enemies.’ (Ps. 27:11) In Psalm 86, he declares: ‘Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name (give me singleness of heart to have reverential awe for thy name).’ (Ps. 86:11) Then in Psalm 119, he says: I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of (meditate upon) thy wondrous works.’ (Ps. 119: 26-27)

Finally, in Psalm 143, Bruh David cries out to the Lord: ‘Cause me to hear thy LOVING-KINDNESS in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.’ (Ps. 143:8) So you see my fellow believers, going to God and seeking His will directly from Him is not forbidden. If Jesus and Bruh David could do it, so can we. And our God is so wonderful that to help us do His earthly work, He’s generously blessed us with undeserved blessings, we call our Thursday Blessings. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh, for a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration, we’re now expected to go out and use those blessings to help others, use them just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…when your will is in sync with God’s…then the world is your oyster…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Living by the Value System of Christ and not that of the World!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   17 September 2026   Mark 10:45.

Mark 10:45.        For even so the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (to be served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many.

‘Problems, problems oh la la!’ Yes friends, problems are a daily source of irritation. And yuh know what, the small problems are usually the most irritating ones, especially when they ought to be easily fixed, but aren’t. And the reason I’m so enamoured of problems today (smile) is that I had a couple of the small, irritating ones earlier this morning, that took up more time than I expected and thus had me getting to the Bit later than I wanted. But as we say, ‘dem’s the breaks,’ and with the Lord’s strength and patience feeding our souls and spirits, we will accomplish whatever we need to accomplish.

And all the Lord’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of’ Praise the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endureth forever!’  And that’s the gospel truth! So instead of worrying about our problems, let’s enjoy this Thursday, that’s fairly warm and sunny, for we know not when this stretch of good weather will end. And today we’ll consider a most interesting and important subject from the Hour of Power Devotional by the late Dr. Robert H. Schuller the founder of the Hour of Power Ministry. And the topic he deals with today is ‘Consider the Values You Live By.’

Now, in these very evil and ungodly times that is surely an important question for all people, especially those of the Christian faith. Dr Schuller begins by saying: ‘I was shocked to learn that an ex-convict read my book on Possibility Thinking and was inspired to plot an unbelievable holdup! He was thinking possibilities, but the wrong kind. What is all important in setting goals is to consider the value system you choose to live by.’

But let’s pause there for a moment and ponder the value system that we live by. Are we living by a value system that will please God, or one that will please the world.? If we claim to be Christians, then our value system must be one that pleases God, or else we’ll not be true believers and thus spoil our witness for Christ.

Anyway, getting back to Dr. Schuller, he then describes some of the available value systems. He writes: ‘If money or material objects are your highest values, the questions you ask before you set your goals will be: How much will it cost? How much money will I make? What are the fringe benefits? If security is your chief value, you’ll ask these questions before you set your goals: Can I be sure of success? Is it risky? Is there a possibility of failure?’ Let’s hope that those none of those are the value systems that we’re currently living by.

However, as Dr. Schuller continues: ‘If Christ’s Spirit lives within you, then you’ll live be the Service Value System, which is placing enormous values on unselfishly serving your fellow man, and the first questions you’ll raise in your goal setting will be: Will this help people who are hurting? Will this make me into a more beautiful person? Will this bring the best out of me – or the worst? Will this be a chance to prove my faith in a big God? Man may not always make his goals, but his goals will always make the man.’ And that’s the awesome truth! You might not decide what you want to do, but whatever you do will have a great impact on you!

And since we’re supposed to be filled with Christ’s Spirit, it’s safe to assume that our goals are based more on helping others than helping ourselves, because that’s what Jesus Himself preached and did. Jesus said it loud and clear after James and John’s mother came to Him and asked that they sit on His right and left hand in his glory. (Mark 10:35-38)

And after the other ten heard about the situation and became displeased, Jesus called them all to Him and said: ‘ Ye know that they which are accounted to rule (considered rulers) over the Gentiles exercise lordship (Lord it) over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great (desires to be great) among you, shall be your minister (servant): And whosoever of you will be the chiefest (desires to be first), shall be servant of all. For even so the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (to be served), but to minister (serve), and to give his life a ransom for many.’ (Mark 10:42-45)

And that’s exactly what He did. And perhaps the best example of Jesus’ servanthood was in His washing of the disciples feet on the night of the Passover.  He said to them: ‘Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master (Teacher) and Lord: and ye say well: for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master (Teacher), have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.’ (John 13:12-15)

You cannot beat that friends! As followers of Jesus, we ought to follow His example. Unfortunately though, too many of us are not doing so; we only want to be served and not to serve. But that’s at odds with Jesus’ practice and gives Him a bad name when we only clamour for service and refuse to serve. So let’s try and change that attitude nuh. And we can begin doing that today by declaring our Thursday Blessings; undeserved blessings generously bestowed on us by the Lord to do His earthly work.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration, we’re now duty bound to go out use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…you cannot be a true Christian…and not live by the values Jesus displayed…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Humility and not Excessive Pride in the Life of a Believer!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 September 2026   Proverbs 16:18.

Proverbs 16:18.        ‘Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (stumbling).

And then it was Thursday, our penultimate day of the work week; a beautiful sunshiny, windy day, with temps in the mid-twenties, almost in the middle of September. Now, I’m not sure if that’s a usual occurrence, but we’ll surely take it and say thanks to climate change, and/or the Lord for it! (smile)

And today we’ll talk about prideful boasting, one of the things in human beings that the Lord most thoroughly detests. And there are many scriptures that attest to that sentiment. So let’s look at a few nuh. Beginning with this one from Cousin Sol in Proverbs, that gets right to the heart of the matter. ‘Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall (stumbling). Better it is to be of humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil (plunder) with the proud.’ (Prov. 16:18-19) Words of absolute wisdom my brethren!

Then there’s Jeremiah, where he writes on the Lord’s behalf. ‘Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise LOVING-KINDNESS, judgement (justice), and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.’ (Jer. 9:23-24)  Yes friends, the Lord doesn’t take kindly to boasting about one’s earthly accomplishments or achievements.

And the scholars explain. ‘Having lamented the folly of his faithless people, Jeremiah turns their attention to the true source of wisdom – the Lord himself (9:23-10:25) True wisdom was to be found in the consistent following of the three central qualities of spiritual life: LOVING-KINDNESS (the exercise of true covenant loyalty; like that between Bruh David and Jonathan, King Saul’s son), judgement (the consistent application of true justice for all), and righteousness (the maintenance of what was right in the sight of the Lord in all of life).’

That’s why Bruh Paul warns us in Romans: ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God had dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 12:3) Then he goes on to talk about properly using the different gifts God has given us (vs. 4-8)

And per the scholars to those verses: ‘The righteousness of God will cause the believer to conduct himself in humility in the local church (vs. 3-8). Paul meets two dangers that the individual faced in the exercise of his spiritual gifts. He might overestimate himself and try to exercise a gift God never gave him. Or he might underestimate himself and fail to exercise the gift God has given to him. Paul shows that God has given each believer specific gifts to enable him to do what God wants him to do. No one is excluded.’

And James, Jesus’ brother, lays it on thick for us in his epistle, where he questions. ‘Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to (yearns) to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth more grace unto the humble.’ (James 4:5-6)

In that 4th verse it seems James was alluding to the chapter in Genesis, where it says: ‘And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination (intent) of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (all the day long). (Gen. 6:5) Then the Lord regretted making man and decided to destroy it all. ‘But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.’ (Gen. 6:8) That’s because Noah was humble and not proud like the rest of mankind. And the Lord is still giving more grace to the humble today than the proud or boastful.

And James goes on to talk further about the boasting problem. ‘Go to now (come now), ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain (make a profit): whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice (boast) in your boasting (arrogance): all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.’ (James 4:13-17)

That says it all my people! Boasting, or not taking the Lord’s will into consideration is wrong. And If we know what’s right and don’t do it, then to us it’s sinful. And we’ll close with a word from Peter, where, in talking about subjecting ourselves to each other, he declares: ‘Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.’ (1 Pet. 5:5) Now, it could not get any clearer than that my people. (smile) 

And having refreshed our memories with those potent scriptures on boasting and humility, let’s go home declaring our undeserved Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

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

And having made that declaration, it now behooves us 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 boast and be detested by God…when you can be humble and receive oodles of grace…

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

The Wisdom in doing God’s Will instead of Your Own, thus Experiencing God’s LOVE and not His Wrath!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   27 August 2026   Proverbs 19:21.

Proverbs 19:21.        ‘There are many devices (plans) in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.’

Then it was Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, and many of us can only think about tomorrow, Friday, when it will all be over. But let’s not get carried away, for we still have to live through today, Thursday, before we can get to tomorrow Friday, and if you don’t handle the problems and challenges of today, you’ll have many more when you add tomorrow’s, for each day brings challenges and problems of its own.

Yes, I know we all want to get to Friday and the weekend as soon as possible, but trying to rush the situation will only bring more heartache than is necessary, for life is made to be played out in a steady continuum, not jumping from one place to the other. And if you’re in sync with the Lord’s will and purpose for your life, then it’s even more important to take your time and follow His lead. For whenever we deviate from His plan and do our own thing, we always end up losing out on something good He had in store for us.

Remember what Cousin Sol says in Proverbs? ‘There are many devices (plans) in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.’ (Prov. 19:21) Yes friends, all our plans can come to nought if the Lord so desires, because He is in absolute control of all we do or don’t do. That’s why there’s the saying, ‘man plans but God laughs.’ And it’s attested to several times in the Bible.

Cousin Sol alone says it twice more in Proverbs: ‘The preparations (plans) of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.’ (Prov. 16:1) Then later in that same chapter he declares: ‘A man’s heart deviseth (plans) his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.’ (Prov. 16:9) The verses show that that Lord is sovereign over a man’s normal thoughts and words, as well as his scheming and planning.

Meanwhile in Psalm 33 – Praise for God’s Goodness – the psalmist puts it thus: ‘Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices (plans) of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.’ (Ps. 33:8-11)

Oh my people, it could not be said any plainer than that! Whatever the Lord desires, it will be accomplished, and there’s nothing we can really do about it. He might allow us the free will to make fools of ourselves, but if and when He desires to pull us up, then we’ll be unable to stop Him, for the Lord has many ways of getting us to do His will. And I can tell you that from personal experience. (smile) When I tried to fight Him about writing the Bit, He made my life so miserable that in the end I had no choice but to say ‘yes Lord.’

So when we successfully go against the Lord’s will, let’s not pat ourselves on the back too quickly, because it’s the Lord who is allowing us to do our own will, for whatever purpose He has in mind. And Psalm 2, titled ‘God’s Son Shall Reign,’ gives us an interesting example of the Lord’s power over all. It says; ‘Why do the heathen rage (throng tumultuously or restlessly), and the people imagine (plot) a vain (worthless) thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed (Messiah, Christ), saying, Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex (distress) them in his sore (deep) displeasure).’ (Ps. 2:1-5)

Yes my brethren, the heathen will not be able to conquer the Lord’s Son, His Messiah, try as they might. That’s why the psalmist warns later on: ‘Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with  trembling. Kiss the Son (an act of homage and submission) lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.’ (Ps. 2:10-12) And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! It makes no sense whatsoever trying to fight Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of the universe and all therein. As the ole saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.

And joining the army of the Lord’s Son, Jesus Christ is the wisest thing we can ever do. And when we do that, through the Lord’s amazing generosity, numerous undeserved blessings are bestowed upon us to help us do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings, so let’s declare them right now, so they can be activated, because a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration, we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do1 Much LOVE!

…why experience God’s terrible wrath…when you can experience His wonderful LOVE…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Totally Trusting and Obeying God despite the Circumstances!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   20 August 2026   Jeremiah 7:23.

Jeremiah 7:23.        Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

And it’s another beautiful summer’s day, thus we cry out: ‘Thank You Lord!’ For we’re almost staring into the face of that unpredictable month of September, which can unexpectedly bring very variable types of weather. And though we can handle anything that comes against us because we’re children of the Most High God Jehovah, it’s desirable to have good weather as much as possible. (smile)

But instead of worrying about the weather, here’s something more important for us to be concerned about. It’s this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. Just for the fun of it, I checked out the August 20 poem and found it ever so true and worthwhile for sharing today. (smile) And it’s the first time I can remember doing a poem on the day on which it was listed. So it must be a good sign. (smile)

Anyway, the poem’s titled, ‘I Stake My Life.’ So please read with me: ‘I stake my life totally Completely Permanently On the Integrity of Jesus. Lord, Your integrity means You will do all You promised. You will see me through Every fiery furnace Every tempestuous storm. If not, dear God Then nothing in life Makes any sense whatever. Your part is to perform What You promised. My part is to trust and obey.’

And isn’t that the gospel truth! We’re to leave all the big concerns to God and simply trust and obey His will and commands. But what has me chuckling in the poem is our audacity to question the integrity of Jesus, to tell Him what it means, as though He isn’t the person who had, has, and will always have the most integrity in this universe. Instead of being concerned with Christ’s integrity we should be more concerned with our own, for integrity is not something that’s cherished by this evil and ungodly world.

In fact, the lack of integrity seems to find more favour today than the possession of it, because we’ve become such a lying, fraudulent and deceitful society that anyone who possesses any integrity is frowned upon, even laughed at as an oddity or even a fool. But there should never be any question of Jesus’ integrity, for He is the epitome of the word. and He will see us through the fiery furnace and tempestuous storm as He’s promised. Our concern ought to be believing and trusting Him, that means listening to and following this command that serves as the Bible verse for today’s poem.

Talking about the disobedience and rebellion of the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land, through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord says, He didn’t tell them anything about burnt offerings and sacrifices. ‘But this one thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.’ (Jer. 7:23)

Yes my fellow believers, that’s what we ought to be about in these trying and uncertain times; obeying the Lord’s commands so that life will be good with us! But are we doing it? Unfortunately not as much as we ought to, because we’re allowing the evil and ungodly world to seep into our consciousness and lead us astray. We’re doing exactly like the Lord said of the Israelites back then. ‘But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and the imagination (stubbornness) of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.’ (Jer. 7:24)

Now anyone with an iota of sense can see that our world is headed backward towards Satan and his evil doings, rather than forward, towards God and His good and compassionate ways. Unsurprisingly then, that word ‘compassion’ is not one that’s bandied about much in today’s society, much less having its attributes displayed on a large scale.

And what does compassion mean? This overview explains it thus: ‘Compassion is a deep awareness of the suffering of others combined with a strong wish to help them. It goes beyond simple sympathy by moving a person to take action to ease pain.’ But sadly, how many of us today, even when we see someone suffering, will go out of our way to help them? Not very many. We behave like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan; we pass by on the other side, too busy and selfish, completely absorbed only in our own affairs.

And we all know the great number of people that are currently suffering in our wealthy but evil and ungodly world, badly needing compassion, but because of the selfishness, greed and lack of Christlikeness in so many of us, they continue to suffer when they should not. And do you think the Lord will look down on us kindly if we hold those selfish and ungodly attitudes? Obviously not! Just like those Israelites who came out of Egypt, saw all the wonders God did on their behalf and yet rebelled against Him, never made it to the Promised Land, but wandered for forty years in the wilderness and then died there, likewise we will pay the price for disobedience and rebellion against Almighty God.

What’s wrong with us eh? He’s said it numerous times in His word, and we’ve seen it happen numerous times to those who disobey, but somehow or other we think it won’t happen to us, so we keep on being rebellious and disobedient. For our sakes, may the Lord have mercy and compassion on us yes! But for those of us who sincerely believe and are trying to be obedient, let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings generously bestowed on us by the Lord to do His earthly work.

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration, we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, use them just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…ours is not question why…but to trust and obey…to have faith that will not die…

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

The Urgent Necessity for Christians to make Almighty God the Number One Priority in Their Lives!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   13 August 2026   Psalm 37:23.

Psalm 37:23.       ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

And it’s another gorgeous summer’s day in my area! Wow! August is surely doing right by us, as the last summer month of the year. And it also being Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, we’re eagerly looking forward to tomorrow, Friday, and the start of the weekend. But please don’t lose sight of today, let’s concentrate on today’s challenges, rather than theorize and think about what’s going to happen tomorrow and over the weekend. Oh, we must have some basic plans and concerns, but let’s remember Jesus’ warning about that in the Sermon on the Mount.

‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow (don’t 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, every day brings enough problems and challenges of it’s own, and it’s best we concentrate on the present ones, for who knows if we’ll even be around tomorrow to face those of that day. For the Grim Reaper comes when he’s least expected. It’s like the parable of the rich fool, who had so much stuff, with not enough space to store it? So in his foolish wisdom, decided to tear down everything and build bigger and better, and 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 towards God.’ (Luke 12:20-21) Now that parable deals mostly with greed, but it also shows how quickly and unexpectedly we can be removed from the scene. That brings us back to Jesus’ words before the ‘take no thought for tomorrow’ verse. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.’ (Matt. 6:33)

Yes friends, our very first concern should be seeking God and all that pertains to Him. Material things should not be our first priority. And when we seek God first, our needs will be provided for. As Bruh Paul promises in Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) That’s God’s promise, and we know He is ever-faithful to keep them. That’s why Bruh David could write these words in Psalm 37, titled, Trust in the Lord.

‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the seed of the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread. He is ever merciful (always merciful), and lendeth; and his seed (descendants) is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. for the Lord LOVETH judgement (justice), and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgement (justice). The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide (slip). The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the Lord and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.’ (Ps. 37:23-33)

Ah mih people, that’s just a synopsis of how we ought to behave as children of God. And when we behave in like manner, then both us and our descendants will be blessed. Now that doesn’t mean we won’t have hard times and troubles during our lifetime, but that the Lord won’t allow those negative things to defeat us. And when we do stumble, the Lord will uphold us with His strong right hand. It’s like Cousin Sol says in Proverbs: ‘For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity) (Prov. 24:16)

But you know what friends, all of that only works when we place our irrevocable and total trust in the Lord God Almighty, making Him always the Number One priority in our lives, while behaving like we believe what He says, and that He will do what He’s promised. Without that total surrender and godly behaviour, none of that works. So it’s up to each of us to consider what we want; both in this life and the next, and then work towards it. But God has been so good to us, that despite our sinful and disobedient behaviour, He’s bestowed on us undeserved favour to help us do His earthly work, we call them our Thursday Blessings.

So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh, for a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!

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

And having made that declaration, we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as God bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…putting God first place in our lives…and living the way He desires…that’s wisdom for the ages…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Understanding that Christ is the Perfect Example to Follow!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 July 2026   Hebrews 12:2a.

Hebrews 12:2a.         Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith;

Oh friends, it’s another glorious, sunshiny, summer’s day, with the wind again dancing the light fandango with the trees! And on this Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, and also the penultimate day of this eccentric month of July, we’ll look at the prayer from this month’s In Touch Devotional. So please pray with me.

‘Lord, sometimes others’ words cut deeper than I let on. I want to hide, keeping close only those who make me feel safe. You were pierced by words and nails, yet LOVE flowed from Your wounds. Fill my heart with courageous LOVE, strong enough to choose connection. Help me see others as you do, imperfect people like me who need grace and compassion. When I’m tempted to pull away from someone, soften my heart. Show me why that person hurts – make me a source of Your healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.’

And yuh know what my brethren, in these oh so deceitful, dishonest, angry and strife-filled days, where words are commonly used like a weapon, thrown out without thought to the other person’s emotional wellbeing, that kind of backing away, steering clear of our fellow human beings is quite prevalent, as well as understandable. Because who wants to get their feelings hurt by often untrue and hurtful words. And believe me, words can cut to the quick even more deeply than a real weapon.

All of us, at some time or another, have experienced cutting words that just shook our souls to their very foundations, leaving us wondering what had hit us, so strong was the vehemence and the poison that emanated from someone else’s mouth toward us. But thankfully we don’t have to fear those kinds of diatribe, because we have a Saviour who experienced those deadly slings of word arrows, as well as the nails and shame of the cross, but who instead fought them with LOVE and compassion, rather than with the same sort of evil that was cast upon Him.

As the author of Hebrews so rightly advises us. ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (become discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3) Yes my fellow believers, that’s the worthy example Jesus gave us to follow.

And as Bruh Paul warns us in Romans: ‘Recompense to (repay) no man evil for evil … Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head (cause him shame). Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:17a, 19-21) Now that’s how we ought to handle the harsh and hurting words or actions that come against us. And we all know that it’s easier said than done, but that’s how our leader, Jesus wants us to react. He said it Himself in the Sermon on the Mount.

‘Ye have heard that it hath been said , Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, LOVE your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you, and persecute you: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye LOVE them which LOVE you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans (tax collectors) the same? And if ye salute (greet) your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans (tax collectors) so? Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ (Matt. 5:43-48)

Now that is indeed a tough row to hoe my people, but it’s what Jesus expects of us, his faithful followers. And let’s understand that not all our enemies that we try to be nice to will respond with gratefulness or graciousness, for the tempo and temper of our times are such that they don’t encourage such decent behaviour. We’re living in a dog eat dog world, one like we’ve never seen before, with many of the so-called niceties and manners of previous generations having unfortunately fallen by the wayside.

And one other important point we need to consider in this era of harsh words and uncompromising actions, is that hurting people, hurt others. Yes, many a time that harsh words or actions are thrown out, it’s because the originator of such behaviour has been hurt themselves and either consciously or unconsciously wishes to hurt someone else, for that’s the nature of the human animal. Our sinful nature automatically calls for some sort of revenge. But let’s remember that’s not our job, it’s the Lord’s.

Ah friends, we’re all imperfect, and thus liable to behave imperfectly, but we have the perfect example of Jesus Christ before us, so, when those kinds of situations arise in our lives, let’s remember all that we’ve said today, and don’t immediately react with trepidation, that feeling of fear or worry, but let’s turn first to God and ask for His help to handle the situation in the right manner. As the prayer says; ‘fill my heart with that courageous LOVE, strong enough to make a connection. Help me see others as You do. Imperfect people like me who need grace and compassion. When I’m tempted to pull away from someone, soften my heart. Show me why that person hurts – make me a source of Your healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.’

And yuh know what? The Lord has already given us the tools to handle such situations. We call them our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings the Lord has generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh, for a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!

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

And having made that declaration, we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously the Lord bestowed them on us! Much LOVE!

…Jesus has set a tough example for us to follow…but follow it we must…as best as we can…

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

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