07 Jun 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a constant need for Jesus, A Plea for God's Presence, a prophetic hymn, a tenderness in the voice of Jesus to which nothing else compares, Annie sherwood hawks, Be not thou far from me O Lord, been permitted to give out to others, before it's too late, bless me now my Saviour, busy with regular household tasks, can peace afford, come quickly and abide, either in joy or pain, every hour I need thee, faith, feel in the depths of our soul, fellowship, God knows what's best for us, haste to help me, he that abideth in me and I in him, heartfelt, holy spirit, I am the vine ye are the branches, I come to thee, I need thee every hour, I need thee oh I need thee, in, in joy or pain, it so beautifully expresses, Jesus Christ, life is vain, like little fish in a big pond, LOVE, make me thine indeed, mercy, most gracious Lord, most holy one, my hour of sweet serenity and peace, need to put our utmost faith and trust in God, no tender voice like thine, not an expression of personal experience, not the the skill of the hymn's construction, O my strength, offering thanks and praise, on the wings of love and joy, only the tender voice of Jesus can fill us with true peace, our inconsolable loneliness, our utter helplessness in the face of evil, our utter poverty without Christ, out of fellowship with God, personal testimony, praying is at a minimum, receiving confidence and strength, Robert Lowry, salvation, seeking the Lord's help in times of need, self-sufficient planning, sincere, song of praise, stay thou nearby, sweet sacrifices of praise, taking full possession of me, teach me thy will, temptations lose their power, the colossal truth, the godless gain of the world, the gospel truth, the hollow emptiness, the impotence of our own strength, the Lord moves in mysterious ways, the Lord's Day, the most touching aspect of the song, the pathetic pretentiousness of our pathological pride, the same bringeth forth much fruit, the shadow fell over my way, the shadow of a great loss, the stress of personal sorrow, the thought, these strife-filled and evil times, these words were ushered into my mind, thou blessed Son, thy rich promises in me fulfill, to face the upcoming week, touched the great throbbing heart of humanity, truth, understood something of the comforting power in the words, wafted out to the world, ways we can never understand, we know just how much we need God, when thou art nigh, wisdom, without Christ we are lost, without me ye can do nothing, wondering how could one live without God
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 June 2026 Psalm 22:19.
Psalm 22:19. ‘But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.’
It’s a new day friends, in particular, the Lord’s Day, or as we call it Sunday. That means we ought to get out there sometime today to the Lord’s sanctuary and fellowship with other believers, offering up thanks and praise while receiving confidence and strength to face the upcoming week. And today’s song of praise is indeed a beautiful and truthful one, and most appropriately titled, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour.’ The hymn was written in 1872 by Annie Sherwood Hawks, the American poet and gospel hymnist, but this one seems to be the one she’s best known for. Her pastor Robert Lowry apparently wrote the music and added the chorus.
And according to Ms. Hawks: “For myself, the hymn was prophetic rather than expressive of my own experiences, for it was wafted out to the world on the wings of LOVE and joy, instead of under the stress of personal sorrow.” And that’s good to hear, for so many great songs have been written in times of sorrow and under great duress. And what’s the theme of the song? Basically, the lyrics suggest a constant need for our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ at all times in our lives…and that’s no lie!
So having said all of that, let’s now offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a most heartfelt and sincere mid–tempo version, (a la Nathan Drake’s version on his Hymns of the Spirit album), so that everyone will know that we truly mean what we sing. Singing: ‘I need thee every hour, Most gracious Lord, No tender voice like thine, Can peace afford. (Chorus: I need thee oh I need thee, Every hour I need thee, Oh bless me now my Saviour, I come to thee.) I need thee every hour, Stay thou near by, Temptations lose their power, When thou art nigh
(Chorus) I need thee every hour, In joy or pain, Come quickly and abide, or life is vain. (Chorus) I need thee every hour; teach me thy will, and thy rich promises in me fulfill. (Chorus) I need thee every hour, Most holy one, Oh make me thine indeed Thou blessed Son. (Chorus: I need thee oh I need thee, Every hour I need thee, Oh bless me now my Saviour, I come to thee. I need thee, Oh I need thee, Oh bless me now my Saviour, I come to thee…I come to thee…’
Yes my fellow believers, that was truly beautiful, and all heaven knew that we meant exactly what we sang. So what’s there to be said about the song? Plenty. But we obviously don’t have time and space to say it all. Let’s therefore pick and choose a few juicy and relevant bits. (smile) First off, it’s said that the scripture reference for the title ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’ echoes the cries of Bruh David in Psalm 22, a Plea for God’s Presence. And the particular verse it refers to is, ‘But be not thou far from me, O Lord: O my strength, haste thee to help me.’ s (Ps. 22:19) And I’m sure that’s a cry all of us have shouted at one time or another, desperately seeking the Lord’s help in our time of need.
It’s also been said that the first printing of the song carried the scripture reference of John 15:5, which we all know, says: ‘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.’ And if that isn’t the gospel truth, then I don’t know what is. For without Christ prominently in our lives, we are lost and alone like little fish in a big pond. But with Him featuring in our lives, we’re capable of great miracles.
And as per that line in the beginning of the song says; ‘No tender voice like thine, Can peace afford,’ it’s been said to mean, ‘No “other” voice than yours, can bring the peace that your voice brings, O Lord. There’s a tenderness in the voice of Jesus, that nothing else can quite compare to.’ That’s more gospel truth my people. Only the awesome, LOVING and tender voice of God can truly instill the peace and calm we truly need in these strife-filled and evil times.
But the most touching aspect of this song is found in an excerpt from an article on the hymn by Jon Bloom from the desiringGod.org website. In the words of Annie Hawks, re the hymn and its origins. ‘One day as a young wife and mother of 37 years of age, I was busy with my regular household tasks. Suddenly, I became so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him, either in joy or pain, these words, I Need Thee Every Hour, were ushered into my mind, the thought at once taking full possession of me…
I did not understand at first why this hymn had touched the great throbbing heart of humanity. It was not until long after, when the shadow fell over my way, the shadow of a great loss, that I understood something of the comforting power in the words which I had been permitted to give out to others in my hour of sweet serenity and peace.’
Yes friends, the Lord seldom allows us to write or sing stuff without knowing what it means on a personal level. And I can testify to that, as ofttimes I’ve written stuff in the Bit, and before I could even finish it, I was called upon to testify to it in my personal life. And it’s tough that it was only long after in her time of sorrow that she realized the true benefits of what the Lord had put in her heart. But then we all know the Lord moves in mysterious ways; ways that we can never understand, but nonetheless we need to put our utmost faith and trust in Him, because He’s our Creator, Lord and Saviour and knows what’s best for us, at all times.
And we’ll end on this marvellous note from one commentary. ‘It is not the skill of the hymn’s construction that makes it so powerful. It is the colossal truth it so beautifully expresses. O I Need Thee! We need God. It is not until we feel in the depths of our souls our utter poverty without Christ, our bankruptcy of any inherent righteousness, the impotence of our own strength and self-sufficient planning, our inconsolable loneliness when we are out of fellowship with God, the pathetic pretentiousness of our pathological pride, the hollow emptiness of all the godless gain of the world, our utter helplessness in the face of personal, institutional, cosmic, and molecular evil, that we know just how much we need God.’
And I certainly hope and pray, that all of us, at some time before it’s too late, will personally come to know, understand and action the overwhelming need we have for God! Much LOVE!
…we need to feel that urgent need for Jesus…for where real need is not felt…praying is at a minimum…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
31 May 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a personal testimony, a rushing mighty wind, a touching song, Abraham believed and God made a way, abraham believed God, by a roadway in the wilderness, by day in a pillar of cloud, by night in a pillar of fire, Christians, cloven tongues as of fire, deep in sorrow, disastrous circumstances, Don Moen, don't lose hope, eternal life, faith, faith as small as a mustard seed, Father Son and Holy Ghost, fellowship, fellowship with other believers, give thanks and praise to God, God can find a way when all seems lost, God drowned the Egyptian army, God led the people through the wilderness, God made a way where there was no way, God parted the Red Sea for the Israelites, God saved Noah and his family from the flood, God sent not his Son into the world to condemn it, God sent quails to give them meat, God so loved the world, God will be my guide, God will do something new today, God will lead me, God will make a way, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering, God works in ways we cannot see, God's promises to Abraham all came true, God's word will still remain, have everlasting life, he gave his only begotten son, heartfelt, heaven and earth will fade, hold me closely to his side, holy spirit, I will even make a way in the wilderness, Jesus Christ, LOVE, manna, mercy, Noah and the ark, Noah believed, our faith is actually tested, rivers in the desert, rivers in the desert will I see, salvation, soulful, strong faith, sweet sacrifices of praise, the BIBLE, the bitter water turned sweet, the dramatic way God baptized believers at Pentecost, the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, the Holy spirit began indwelling each new believer, the Lord rained manna down from heaven, the Lord went before them, the Lord's sanctuary, the song reaches down into our souls, the world through him might be saved, three in one and one in three, three in one Godhead, to see if our faith is strong and true, Tri-Part Being, Trinity Sunday, truth, we can only know when we truly believe, when something serious happens, where there seems to be no way, whosoever believeth in him should not perish, wisdom, with love and strength for each new day
Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 May 2026 Isaiah 43:19b.
Isaiah 43:19b. I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
And after Saturday comes Sunday, when we fellowship with other believers in the Lord’s sanctuary, to praise, worship and give thanks to our wonderful God, for all that He’s done, is doing and has faithfully promised to do on our behalf. And on this Trinity Sunday, a bright, warm, sunshiny day, when we celebrate the Tri-part Being that’s out Godhead; Father, Son and Holy Ghost; Three in One, and One in Three, our song of worship is a fairly new one, written in this century by famous conductor and musician Don Moen.
The song comes from a personal testimony of Mr. Moen, but it also highlights one of the great promises of God that we all want to hold on to, but sometimes, because of disastrous circumstances, it’s ever so difficult to do. And the title of the song is simply ‘God Will Make A Way.’ And we know all that promise from the prophet Isaiah, where God declares: ‘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. 43:19) And so He has done, as the Bible shows, right down through the ages.
According to Mr. Moen, the song was born out of a tragic situation. Some of His family members had a serious and fatal vehicle accident some years ago, and on his way to the accident scene, deep in sorrow, while contemplating what to do, the Lord placed these words in his heart. So, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, heartfelt mid-tempo version of this most beautiful and touching song.
Singing: ‘God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me. He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With LOVE and strength for each new day He will make a way, He will make a way. By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me And rivers in the desert will I see Heaven and Earth will fade but His word will still remain And He will do something new today. Oh, God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With LOVE and strength for each new day He will make a way, He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me And rivers in the desert will I see Heaven and Earth will fade but His word will still remain And He will do something new today. Oh, God will make a way Where there seems to be no way He works in ways we cannot see He will make a way for me He will be my guide Hold me closely to His side With LOVE and strength for each new day He will make a way, He will make a way With LOVE and strength for each new day He will make a way, He will make a way.’
That was beautiful friends. And the song reaches right down into our very souls, reaching down to see if our faith is strong and true, and if we sincerely believe that God will find a way for us in times of trouble. And though many of us will say that we believe, the truth is, we can only know for sure when something serious happens, and our faith is actually tested. So, the first necessity for God to make a way is strong faith. And there are so many good examples in the Bible of God making a way, when there seemed to be no way, that we can only mention a few.
Look at Noah and the ark. God told him something and he believed and God made a way for him and his family to be saved from the flood. (Gen. 6-9) Then we have Abraham, first leaving his home and family to go out not knowing where the Lord would lead him, but the Lord looked after him throughout all his travels and travails. What about the promise of a son that took twenty-five years to come true, when Abraham was one hundred and Sarah ninety. But He believed, and God made a way.
The same thing goes for the Lord telling him to take his only son Isaac and sacrifice him on Mt. Moriah. Abraham was somewhat puzzled by God’s request, but he persevered in faith, and when Isaac asked about the sacrifice for the burnt offering, Abraham replied, ‘My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.’ (Gen. 27:8) And the Lord did provide a lamb for the burnt offering.
Then look at the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. To begin with, the Bible says: ‘But God led the people about through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed (in orderly ranks) out of the land of Egypt.’ (Ex. 13:18) And while they were camped in the wilderness: ‘The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.’ (Ex. 13:21) . And when they reached the Red Sea with the Egyptian army hot on their heels, He parted the Red Sea for the Israelites to walk across on dry land, then drowned the Egyptian army when the waters closed back. (Ex. 14:21-31)
When the Israelites complained about lack of good drinking water, God had Moses cast a tree into the bitter waters of Marah, and the bitter water turned sweet. (Ex. 15:23-26) The same thing happened when they complained about bread and meat; the Lord had manna rain down from heaven as bread, as well as quails to give them meat. (Ex. 16:22-36) So we see God faithfully providing a way for them when there seems to be no way. And that happened all through the Old and New Testament, both to nations, and individuals, like Jacob, Bruh Joseph, Bruh David and Bruh Paul.
And what about the dramatic way in which the Lord baptized the believers with the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Day eh? Jesus had told them to wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Ghost came upon them, (Acts 1:8) but I’m sure none of them expected a rushing mighty wind and cloven (divided ) tongues as of fire to ambush them in the upper room that Pentecost day. That began the trend where each new believer would from henceforth be indwelt by the Spirit of Christ.
But I believe the biggest and most important way the Lord has ever made is that of salvation and eternal life for us poor sinners. As Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17)
Yes my fellow believers, who ever dreamed that our God would devise such a unique but heart-rending and sacrificial plan to save us eh? But remember He is God Almighty, Three in One, and One in Three, and that’s why He is able to make a way when there seems to be no way! Much LOVE!
…even if your faith is only as small as a mustard seed…don’t lose hope…God can find a way for you…when all seems lost…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
17 May 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great King above all Gods, a pause we all need to take, a rollicking good version, always numbering your troubles, amid the conflict, angels will attend, as the manner of some is, as ye see the day approaching, be careful for nothing, be singing as the days go by, burdened with a load of care, Christ has promised you His wealth untold, Christians, church bells are ringing, consider one another, count your blessings, count your many blessings, deserving of praise honour and glory, difficulties are only opportunities for advancement, do not be discouraged, does the cross seem heavy, doesn't get us down, every doubt will fly away, exhorting one another, faith, fellowship, fellowship in the Lord's sanctuary, focusing on the few negative things in our lives, God gives us many blessings every day, God is indeed a great God, God is over all, great or small, hear the joy in our voices as we sing, heavy the cross you are called to bear, help and comfort give, holy spirit, how great is the sum of them, how precious are thy thoughts unto me, in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, in every thing give thanks, in these uncertain times, it will surprise you what the Lord hath done, Jesus Christ, Johnson Oatman Jr., keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, let your requests be made known unto God, like the grains of sand on the seashore, look at others with lands and gold, LOVE, make a joyful noise, many are thy wonderful works, mercy, money cannot buy your reward in heaven, more in number than the sand, more than can be numbered, name them one by one, need to keep our spirits high, never find time to count your blessings, no use becoming frustrated in your difficulties, not forgetting the assembling of ourselves together, O come let us sing unto the lord, O Lord my God, opportunities hiding in them for a turnover, pay lip service, personal interaction, praise, preeminent importance, provoke unto love and to good works, remembering the many blessings God has generously bestowed on us, reminds us to stop and give thanksfor all God has done in our lives, salvation, see what God hath done, shout joyfully, shout joyfully unto god with psalms, so much more, soca version by Joseph Niles, something to take very seriously, sweet sacrifices of praise, tempest tossed, thanksgiving, the bad habit, the BIBLE, the chaos and adversity in our world, the gathering of Christians, the living truth, the Lord is a great God, the negative stuff that's happening, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the rock of our salvation, they cannot be reckoned up, thinking all is lost, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, thy thoughts to us-ward, to your journey's end, truth, when I awake I am still with thee, when upon life's billows, wisdom, wretched and ungrateful souls, you are discouraged, your home on high
1 Thessalonians 5:18. ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’
Believe it or not friends, it’s Sunday and the church bells are ringing, once more calling us to fellowship in the Lord’s sanctuary, to give praise and thanks and receive blessings and strength to face the upcoming week. And let us never forget that Christians gathering together is of preeminent importance in our faith, as the Bible warns us. ‘And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works: Nor forgetting the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb.1024-25)
So it’s very necessary that we gather on a regular basis that we can encourage and stir up each other through personal interaction. And with all of that in mind, let’s get to our song of worship for today, one that is very appropriate for these evil and ungodly times. It’s one we all know and sing, but mostly do it just lip service, otherwise so many of us believers would not be worried and scared at all the chaos and adversity in our world. The song’s simply titled ‘Count Your Blessings!’ and was written by popular American hymnwriter and ordained minister, Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1922).
And today we’re going down south with the song, adding sweet sacrifices of praise in a scintillating up-tempo Soca riddim, a la, Jospeh Niles’ version of some years ago. So, let’s hear the joy in our voices as we sing, simultaneously remembering all the many blessings the Lord has so generously bestowed on us. And to get us off on a rousing note, we’ll open with the chorus.
Singing ‘(Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.) When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. (Refrain: Count your blessings,) Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain] So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. [Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.)’
Yes mih people, that was a rollicking good version, and we could hear the joy in most of our voices as we sang and rocked to the music. And before we get into any talk on the song, it might be best to consider a definition of Counting our Blessings. One commentary puts it this way: ‘to be grateful for the good things in your life, often to stop yourself becoming too unhappy about the bad things.’
And that’s something we ought to take very seriously, for too many of us have the bad habit of focusing on the relatively few negative things in our lives, rather than the many good ones. And especially in these uncertain times we need to keep our spirits and our faith at a high level, so that all the negative stuff that’s happening doesn’t get us down and /or discouraged.
Now the theme of the song is basically about praise and thanksgiving, and there are so many scriptures on those topics that we will only be able to deal with a few; like this one from Psalm 95, where the psalmist declares: ‘O Come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto him with psalms (songs). For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.’ (Ps. 95:1-3) And our God is indeed a great God, deserving of much praise, honour and glory!
Then listen as Bruh David sings the Lord’s praises from Psalm 40. ‘Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to-us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up (recounted) in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.’ (Ps. 40:5) And isn’t that the living truth! God’s goodness toward us has been so numerous, like the grains of sand on the shore, they simply cannot be counted.
And in that marvellous Psalm 139, Bruh David again declares God’s goodness. ‘How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.’ (Ps. 139:17-18) And this commentary from the http://www.godtube website says it loud and clear. ‘God truly gives us so many blessings each and every single day. Some may even be so small that we might overlook them. The classic hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’ truly reminds us to stop and give thanks for all God has done in our lives. This is definitely a pause we all need to take. Amen.’
And Bruh Paul says it thus to the Philippians. ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:6-7) Meanwhile, to the Thessalonians, He writes: ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1Thess. 5:18)
Now it could not get any clearer than that; God expects us to give Him thanks and praise, and He most certainly deserves it, for all the goodness and mercy He’s bestowed on our wretched and ungrateful souls. And this commentary seems to be a most fitting way to close our discourse today. It wisely advises: ‘If you always find yourself numbering your troubles, you will never find time for counting your blessings. There is no use becoming frustrated in your difficulties while you have all opportunities hiding in them for a turnover.’ So, let’s ponder that today, while we count our many blessings. Much LOVE!
…difficulties are only opportunities for advancement…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
12 May 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a friend of the world is the enemy of God, be fulfilled in us, belly and backbone, carnally minded, Christ carried out His divine mission, come to know and love christ like we do, do mind the things of the flesh, doing God's will with a sense of joy and inner peace, Dr. Robert H Schuller, duty bound, eternal life, every man's life is a plan of God, faith, fellowship, fight us tooth and nail, free from the law of sin and death, friendship with the world is enmity with God, fulfilling God's plan and purpose for our life, God condemned sin in the flesh, gumption, holy spirit, Hours of Power Devotional, hurry, I am come that they might have life, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his, if any man love the world, if the Spirit of God dwell in you, in god's eyes, It is finished, Jesus Christ, Jesus' purpose for coming to earth, know ye not, let not your heart be troubled, live the good and abundant life, living by the spirit of christ, lock stock and barrel, lots of perseverance study prayer and fellowship, LOVE, love not the things in the world, love not the world, mercy, my joy might be in you, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, no condemnation to them which are in Christ, not as the world giveth give I unto you, not subject to the law of God, Peace i leave with you, perseverance, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, succumb to the devil's evil and ungodly will, taken from darkness into light, the basics of the good life, the beloved of God, the carnal mind is enmity against God, the good life, the good life begins and ends with living for christ, the good life has a deep undercurrent of profound peace, the good life is one with inner joy, the good life is the awareness of fulfilment, the good life is the deep feeling of fulfilling God's plan and purpose for our life, the law of the Spirit of life in Christ, the law was weak through the flesh, the love of the Father is not in him, the righteousness of the law, the secret of Jesus' satisfying life, the thief cometh not but to steal, the things of the Spirit, they might have it more abundantly, they that are after the flesh, they that are after the Spirit, they that are in the flesh cannot please God, to be carnally minded is death, to be spiritually minded is life and peace, to kill and destroy, trials and tribluations, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, walk not after the flesh but after the spirit, who walk not after the flesh but after the spirit, wisdom, with flying colours, worry, you are not in the flesh but in the spirit, your joy might be complete
Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 May 2026 John 10:10b.
John 10:10b. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
So, we’ve gotten through Monday with flying colours, and now come to this sunshiny day called Tuesday. Well what’s in for us we wander? Is it more heartache, more trials and tribulations or the Good Life? Now all of us pant for the Good Life, but what exactly is it? Today, we’ll look at what Dr. Robert H Schuller wrote about it in his Hours of Power, Daily Book of Motivation and Inspiration. He wrote thus about the Good Life.
‘If you want to know what is meant by the good life, direct your attention to Jesus Christ. This was the good life incarnate.’ Oh, for sure! None of us would ever doubt that Jesus’ life was indeed the good life, but what was it all about eh? Dr. Schuller continues: ‘What was life like for Him? Take a look at His last days on earth and you will see the secret of His satisfying life. Shortly before He died he said to his apostles, “I would that my joy might be in you and that your joy might be complete” (John 15:11). The good life, then, is a life that has an inner joy.
Then hear this: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). The good life is a life that has a deep undercurrent of profound peace. The last words to fall from Christ’s lips, as he hung and died under the Jerusalem sky, were short and simple, but triumphant: It is finished” (John 19:30). He had carried out His divine mission. The good life is the awareness of fulfilment. For “every man’s life is a plan of God.” God has a plan for you. And the good life is the deep feeling that we are fulfilling God’s plan and purpose in our life.’
Yes friends, that’s the basics of the good life! Doing what God desires us to do, while doing it with a sense of joy and inner peace. And to help us find those things, we need to remember these reassuring words of Jesus, as he talks about the good shepherd in the gospel of John. ‘The thief cometh not, but for (except) to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.’ (John 10:10) That was certainly Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth, so that we could have the abundant life of being saved, taken from darkness into the light, not be overwhelmed by our trials and tribulations, have joy and peace, with the eventual action of eternal life in His wonderful presence!
Wow! Who would not want that sort of life eh? But it doesn’t just fall in our laps, no, we have to get up and live it; live it sincerely and seriously by the rules set out by Christ for His church; the people who truly believe in Him and follow Him. On the other hand though, the devil will fight us tooth and nail to not do what Jesus desires, but to succumb to his evil and ungodly will. That’s why it takes a lot of belly and backbone, a lot of gumption and perseverance to live the good and abundant life.
And one of the first steps in living that life, is found in these words of Paul. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom. 12:2) And you might ask, why do we need to do that? James answers that question thus: ‘Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of (with) the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will (wants to) be a friend of the world is (makes himself) the enemy of God?’ (James 4:4)
And you might want to delve further in the reason for that. John explains it this way in his first epistle. ‘LOVE not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man LOVE the world, the LOVE of the Father is not in him.’ (1 John 2:15) Basically, it means that living as the world dictates is living by the flesh, by our feelings, carnally minded, while living for Christ is done through the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word, found in the Bible, and these two ways of living are totally different and thus cannot exist together in the same body. It’s either one or the other.
But listen to this more in depth explanation from Bruh Paul to the Romans. ‘There is now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for (on account of) sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness (righteous requirements) of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For they that are after flesh do mind (set their minds on) the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.’ (Rom. 8:1-9)
That’s the technical reasoning for the differences in the two ways of earthly living; one by what the world desires, or fleshly living, and living by the Spirit of Christ which dwells within believers. So you have to be a believer if you want to live by the Spirit, because that’s the only way to receive the Holy Spirit. So yes, it is possible to live the good life, the abundantly life that Christ died for us to have, but it must begin with an individual decision, and then lots of perseverance, study, prayer and fellowship.
Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…living the good life…begins and ends with living for Christ…
Visit the Scrip-Bit Blog at https://randyobrien50.com
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
09 May 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a false Jewish nationalism, a pass free from jail, according to the word of the Lord, always seek the Lord again, be productive or unproductive, between a rock and a hard place, confess our sins, cry out in repentance, deepen my breath, do as we please, enjoy our freedom day, even to the soul, fellowship, God responds in a positive manner, God seldom let's out of our original tasks, God will always find us wherever we are, God will never turn us away if we're sincere, hatred of all non-Jews, holy spirit, I am cast out of thy sight, I cried by reason of my affliction unto the Lord, I knew thou art a gracious God, I may know you all the more, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, I want to be with you now, I went down to the bottoms of the mountains, I will look again toward thy holy temple, I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving, in all sincerity and truth, in the midst of the seas, increase my awareness of you today, is it right to be angry, it displeased Jonah exceedingly, it is better for me to die than to live, it's futile to try and escape God, Jesus Christ, Jonah arose and went unto Nineveh, Jonah learned his lesson, Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God, Jonah was in the belly of the fish, laze around, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, LOVE, merciful, mercy, my prayer came into thine holy temple, never stop seeking God despite our wrongdoing, Nineveh repented and the Lord showed them mercy, of great kindness, out of the belly of hell cried I, out of the fish's belly, pay that that I have vowed, preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee, quiet my soul, relax my muscles, relents from doing harm, resting, revitalizing our souls bodies and spirits, salvation, salvation is of the Lord, seeking greater intimacy with God, slow my thoughts, slow to anger, take my life from me, thank you for this tenderness, the beauty of going to God in sincerity, the depth closed me round about, the earth with her bars was about me for ever, the fish vomited Jonah upon the dry land, the floods compassed me about, the Lord prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, the Lord spake unto the fish, the waters compassed me about, the weeds were wrapped about my head, the word of the Lord came unto Jonah a second time, then said I, they that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy, thou hadst cast me into the deep, thou hast brought up my life from corruption, thou heardest my voice, three days and three nights, true godliness, truth, wake up from our foolish disobedience, when my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord, wisdom, worship worthless idols, you can't be contained, you cannot escape from God, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
Jonah 2:1. Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly.
Oh friends, we’ve finally reached the day we truly desire; that’s our lazy-day Saturday when we can do exactly as we choose, with no bosses or other restraints holding us in check. When we can get up and be productive or just laze around, rest, and be unproductive. Sorry, resting is not being unproductive; it’s a form of revitalizing our souls, bodies and spirits that the Lord deemed necessary when He created us. (smile) So let’s enjoy our freedom day.
But first, let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, in all sincerity and truth. ‘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 we were truly sincere in seeking greater intimacy with our heavenly Father, then He will soon accept our plea and wrap us deeper and more tenderly in His LOVING arms. That’s the beauty of going to God with a sincere heartfelt plea; He usually responds in a positive manner. Anyway, since God was gracious enough to grant us breath this morning, let’s continue with the story of Jonah.
Now, yesterday we stopped when they threw Jonah out of the boat so the sea could be calm. At that point, the Bible tells us: ‘Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.’ (Jon. 2:1) Oh mih people, even in the depths of the sea, Jonah could not escape from God. and it’s the same way with us, whenever we try to escape His attention. He will always find us wherever we are.
So, again, it’s futile to try to escape God. Hopefully though, when the Lord finally has us betwixt a rock and a hard place, that we’re wise enough to cry out in repentance like Jonah, as the Bible continues: ‘Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly. And said, I cried by reason of (because of) my affliction unto the Lord, and he heard (answered) me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.’ (Jon. 2:1-2)
Yuh see friends, even in the depths of hell, which it must have been in the fish’s belly, the Lord heard Jonah’s cry, because then it was sincere and heartfelt. And the Lord will be the same with us, when we wake up from our foolish disobedience and confess our sins. Listen to Jonah do just that, in poetic form, no less. ‘For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst (heart) of the seas; and the floods compassed me about (surrounded me): all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet will I look again toward thy holy temple.’ (Jon. 2:3-4)
That’s how we ought to be; whatever our wrongdoing, and however fearful we might be, we should always seek the Lord again, because despite our obstinacy and disobedience, He will NEVER turn us away when we sincerely turn back to Him. Thus Jonah expounds: (smile) ‘The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth (deep) closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms (foundations, bases) of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me (closed behind me) for ever: yet thou hast brought up my life from corruption (from the pit),
O Lord my God. When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came unto (went up to) thee, into thine holy temple. They that observe lying vanities (worthless idols) forsake their own mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS). But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.’ (Jon. 2:5-9)
Yes friends, Jonah could certainly wax poetic, but he should have thought about all those things before trying to run from God. Disobeying God is one thing, but trying to run from Him is something entirely different, most foolish, since it’s an impossible task. But our God is such a great and forgiving God, that after hearing Jonah’s plea, the Bible says: ‘And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.’ (Jon. 2:10)
Now, although the Lord showed Jonah mercy, He wasn’t finished with him, for the Bible goes on to say: ‘And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching (message) that I bid (tell) thee.’ (Jon. 3:1-2) I have to chuckle here friends, for if Jonah thought He was getting a pass free from jail, he was sadly mistaken. For the Lord came back to him with the original request. And it’s the same way He does with us. He seldom let’s us out of the tasks that He’s originally given us. He’s usually on our case until we do His bidding.
And Jonah did learn His lesson, for after the second command, the Bible says: ‘So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord.’ (Jon. 3:3) But Jonah’s hatred of the Assyrians in Nineveh was so great, that even when he preached to them and they repented, and the Lord saved the city, he was still angry.
The Bible says: ‘But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, and said, I pray thee, O Lord, was not this my saying (what I said), when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before (previously) unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil (one who relents from doing harm). Therefore now, O Lord, take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live. Then said the Lord, Doest thou well to be angry (is it right to be angry)?’ (Jon. 4:1-4)
Imagine that nuh, Jonah wishing death because the Lord pardoned the citizens of Nineveh who repented of their evil ways. As the scholars say: ‘Jonah still maintains a false Jewish nationalism and hatred of all non-Jews, especially Assyrians.’ Let’s hope that we don’t hold such foolish sentiments, but are glad to see the Lord forgive anyone who repents, despite their colour, creed or race, for that’s true godliness. And hopefully as we ponder Jonah’s story on this lazy-day Saturday, we’ll learn a few useful lessons from it. Much LOVE!
…getting angry because God does good to others…is a form of ungodliness…
Visit the Scrip-Bit Blog at https://randyobrien50.com
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
26 Apr 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a living being, a moral sense, a profound promise from Jesus, according to the riches of his grace, all blessings to impart, all glorious in the sky, all glory to his name, based on his successful sacricifce, because I live ye shall live also, believers share in Christ's resurrection victory over death, believest thou this, Christ is alive and kicking, Christ is at the right hand of God, Christ makes intercession for us, christianity, Christians, Christians are released from enslavement to sin from, divine wrath, everlasting life, exalted there on high, faith, fellowship, God sent not his Son into the world to condemn it, grants me daily breath, Gratitude as a way of life, he lives eternally to save, he lives to bless me with his love, he lives to plead for me above, he lives triumphant from the grave, he lives who once was dead, he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, he that believeth in me, holy spirit, I am the resurrection and the life, I know that my Redeemer lives, I will come again and receive you unto myself, I would have told you, if any man sin, if I go and prepare a place for you, if it were not so, in my Father's house are many mansions, in whom we have redemption through his blood, it assures eternal life, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ the righteous, Jesus is all we'll ever need, Jesus is our only mediator and defense advocate, Jesus pleads our case against accusations of sin, live a life worthy of Christ, LOVE, loves me to the end, mercy, my hungry soul to feed, my kind wise heavenly friend, my mansion to prepare, my Prophet Priest and King, my Saviour still the same, o death where is thy sting, o grave where is thy victory, offering undying praise and thanksgiving to God, redeemed by the shed blood of Christ, salvation, Samuel Medley, seated in a position of authority, securing our standing, spiritual communion with God, stand at last on the earth, thanks be to God who gives us the victory, that ye sin not, the BIBLE, the forgiveness of sins, the only way to repay a little of what we owe Him, the Redeemer is more than a spiritual concept, the sting of death is sin, the strength of sin is the law, the sweet joy this sentence gives, the world through him might be saved, these things I write unto you, though he were dead yet shall he live, tidbits of scripture, time to gather in the Lord's sanctuary, to bring me safely there, to calm my troubled heart, to comfort me when faint, to guide me with his eye, to hear my soul's complaint, to help in time of need, to silence all my fears, to wipe away my tears, truth, we have an advocate with the Father, what comfort this sweet sentence gives, where I am there ye may be also, while he lives I'll sing, whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die, wisdom
Job 19:25. ‘For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day (at last) upon the earth.’
Another sunny Sunday has come upon us my faithful brethren, meaning it’s time for us to gather in the Lord’s sanctuary for fellowship with each other, while offering true and undying praise and thanksgiving to our mighty God Jehovah; the One who created the earth and all therein! And we offer our gratitude and praise because of all that He’s done for us from day one, all down through the ages, what He’s doing now, and what he’s faithfully promised to do in the future.
And with all of that in mind, let’s offer up our song of worship for today, one appropriately titled; ‘I know that My Redeemer Lives.’ And do we ever know that with all surety, because our Saviour Jesus Christ is indeed alive; alive and kicking! The song is an English Christian hymn written in 1775, specifically for Easter, by British born Samuel Medley (1738-1799), who, after having a succession of jobs eventually became a Baptist Pastor in 1767. So, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a tender, soulful but heartfelt version of the song, so that anyone who hears us singing it will know that we truly believe what we’re singing.
As one voice: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives! What comfort this sweet sentence gives! He lives, he lives, who once was dead; he lives, my ever-living head! He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save; he lives all-glorious in the sky; he lives exalted there on high. He lives to bless me with his LOVE; he lives to plead for me above; he lives my hungry soul to feed; he lives to help in time of need. He lives to grant me rich supply; he lives to guide me with his eye; he lives to comfort me when faint; he lives to hear my soul’s complaint. He lives to silence all my fears; he lives to wipe away my tears; he lives to calm my troubled heart; he lives all blessings to impart.
He lives, my kind, wise, heav’nly friend; he lives and LOVES me to the end; he lives, and while he lives, I’ll sing; he lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King. He lives and grants me daily breath; he lives, and I shall conquer death; he lives my mansion to prepare; he lives to bring me safely there. He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives! He lives, all glory to his name! He lives, my Savior, still the same. Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives: I know that my Redeemer lives!’
Oh friends, that was wonderful! The song is chocked full of so many tidbits of scripture that we will never be able to share them all, so we’ll do as many as time and space affords us. And we’ll begin with that famous verse from the lips of Job when he was suffering the uncalled for admonition of his friends. He confidently said to them: ‘For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day (at last) upon the earth.’ (Job 19:25) And this commentary explains that verse thus; ‘That my Redeemer lives: Job knew that his Redeemer was alive, and that because He lived, He could also bring life to Job. And shall stand at last on the earth: This meant that Job knew his Redeemer was more than a spiritual concept; He was a living being who could stand at last on the earth.’
And we surely know that because our Redeemer Jesus Christ is very much alive because He rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. As the song says: ‘He lives triumphant from the grave; he lives eternally to save;’ It’s like Jesus said to Nicodemus: ‘For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John. 3:17) Then, as Jesus said to Martha, before raising her brother Lazarus from the dead. ‘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 11:24-26)
Yes my fellow believers, Jesus’ death and resurrection did wonderful things for us, as Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians: ‘In whom (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ (Eph. 1:7) We were redeemed by the shed blood of Christ on the cross of Calvary. And as the scholars tell us: ‘Redemption referred to the release of a slave or captive upon receipt of ransom. But the following words, the forgiveness of sins, show “redemption” is used here in a moral sense. Christians are therefore released from their enslavement to sin and the resulting divine wrath.’
And per ‘he lives, and I shall conquer death;’ Jesus said it to the disciples. ‘Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye also shall live.’ (John 14:19) What wonderful news my brethren! As this overview says: ‘It’s a profound promise from Jesus, signifying that believers share in His resurrection victory over death. It assures eternal life, spiritual communion with God, and comfort, confirming that Christ’s resurrection makes it possible for followers to have everlasting life.’ That leads us to Bruh Paul saying to the Corinthians: ‘O Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor. 15:55-57)
Then, what about this line of the song, ‘he lives to plead for me above?’ Oh yes, Bruh Paul tells it thus to the Romans: ‘Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.’ (Rom. 8:34) And here’s how this commentary explains that verse: ‘Jesus is indeed interceding. Jesus is actively interceding for believers at the right hand of God, serving as the only mediator and defense advocate. Seated in a position of authority, He pleads our case against accusations of sin, securing our standing based on his successful sacrifice and righteousness.’ And John in his first epistle also identifies Christ as advocating for us on high, when he writes: ‘My little children, these things I write unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.’ (1 John 2:1)
And we’ll end with this last tidbit from the song: ‘he lives my mansion to prepare.’ And Jesus Himself promised that to the disciples, and consequently to us. ‘In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwellings): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ (John 14:2-3)
Wow! It could not get any better than that my bredrin! So, let’s pay serious attention to all that Jesus has done for us, and truly believe, and live a life worthwhile of His many sacrifices. That’s the only way to repay a little of what we owe Him! Much LOVE!
…Jesus is all we’ll ever need…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
25 Apr 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a light unto my path, a sense of peace and calm, a still small voice, abide with you for ever, all filled with the Holy Ghost, all with one accord in one place, an attitude of prayer, as of a rushing mighty wind, as of fire, as the spirit gave them utterance, automatically seeping into our minds and bodies, began to speak with other tongues, deepen my breath, develop the habit of prayer, enlightens us how to live in God's kingdom, faith, fellowship, flooding our soul and spirit, give you another Comforter, good conditions for lazing around, guides and comforts us, holy spirit, I may know you all the more, I praise you for your unceasing nearness, I want to be with you now, I will not leave you comfortless, if ye love me keep my commandments, improve our Christian witness, increase my awareness of you today, it doesn't happen by osmosis, it filled all the house, it sat upon each of them, Jesus Christ, Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, listen to the Spirit's guidance, LOVE, mercy, no need to get up extra early, one of the main reasons God created man, our true heart's desire, pray the Father, pray without ceasing, prayer should always be our first recourse, quiet my soul, relax my muscles, right heart motives, sadly lacking, salvation, seek God's counsel first, seeking greater intimacy with God, sincere prayer, slow my thoughts, suddenly there came a sound from heaven, take it to the Lord in prayer, taking our problems to God, thank you for this tenderness, The Day of Pentecost, the highway parking lots, the Holy Spirit began indwelling believers on the day of Pentecost, the Holy spirit leads, the privilege of talking to Almighty God, the Spirit of truth, the third person of the Holy Trinity, the Word guides us in our going, there appeared unto them cloven tongues, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, to get closer to God, truth, will not leave you as orphans, wisdom, you can't be contained, your love both surrounds and fills me, your peace and love are present
Psalm 119:105. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’
And it’s a wet, cloudy, rainy, lazy-day Saturday in my neck of the woods… but what better conditions for idling and lazing around. (smile) And yes, I did do some lazing around in bed this morning before finally coming down to write the Bit. And isn’t it delicious when there’s no need to get up extra early and hurry out of the house to join all the other weary travellers on the highway parking lots, but you can sleep in as long as your heart desires? Now that’s the life! But, unfortunately, very few of us can afford to do that on a continuous basis, so let’s enjoy it today, so much so, that it can last us the rest of the week. (smile)
And to help us do it, 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 if your prayer was sincere, with the right heart motives, by now your soul and spirit ought to be flooding with that sense of peace and calm that comes from seeking greater intimacy with our heavenly Father, for that’s one of the main reasons He created us. And furthermore, if you don’t get intimate with Him, truly get to know Him, then you won’t be able to know and/or understand what He’s all about and His wonderful plans for your life. So, greater intimacy with God doesn’t only make us feel good, it also enlightens us to how we’re to live in His kingdom.
Now, that doesn’t simply happen by osmosis, (smile) that knowledge automatically seeping into our minds and bodies, but by our insistent and continual reading and studying of God’s Word. For His Word, as set out in the Bible, is our Guidebook to earthly living, and subsequently informs us of some of what happens in the next life. As the psalmist so rightly declares: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) Thus, it tells us where to go and guides us in the going as a light shining on our path.
And, while being a constant student of the Word, we also need to embrace the Holy Spirit, the third person of our Godhead or Holy Trinity, that comes to dwell within us when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour. Jesus promised us a Comforter when He returned to heaven. He said it thus: ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter (Helper), that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you.’ (John 14:15-18)
What a beautiful promise my people! One Jesus kept on the first day of Pentecost, some forty days after His ascension. The Bible describes it this way. ‘And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they (the members of the then church) were all with one accord (one purpose or mind) in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues (languages) as the Spirit gave them utterance (enabled them). (Acts 2:1-4)
Yes friends, before that awesome day, the Holy Spirit operated externally, for temporary and exceptional occasions. However on that Pentecost day, the Holy Spirit began indwelling believers, fulfilling Jesus’ promise that He wouldn’t leave us comfortless or as orphans. And since then, anyone who accepts Christ as Lord and Saviour gets the Holy Spirit to dwell in them, to lead, guide and comfort the way Jesus desires. But then again that doesn’t happen automatically by osmosis. No, we have to learn to listen to the Spirit’s guidance, which usually comes to us in our consciences like a still small voice, which means we cannot have a loud or disturbed inner man, or else we will not be able to hear the quiet leading of the Holy Spirit.
And then, being involved in studying the Word, and listening to the Holy Spirit, one then needs to develop the habit of prayer. That’s engaging in the marvellous privilege of taking our problems to Almighty God; talking to Him and listening for His answers. Remember, Jesus earthly life consisted of much prayer time, of much talking to His Father, and if He, as the Son of God, needed to do that, then obviously so do we. And prayer is so important that Bruh Paul instructed the Thessalonians to ‘Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:17)
Now that does not mean to literally pray constantly, because then we’d have time for nothing else, but it means to have a constant attitude of prayer about us. For example if something good happens to us, we need to give thanks asap. Or if we have a problem, prayer should be our first recourse. And that last statement is one of indisputable importance, and should be taken literally. Our first recourse in any and every circumstance ought always be to God. He might then send us to someone else for help, but His counsel is the one we should always seek first. It’s like the song says, ‘take it to the Lord in prayer.’ And there’s no wiser course of action in a believers life.
So, in closing, it would be very beneficial if we spent some time pondering all we’ve said on this lazy-day Saturday, and then, with God’s help, try to improve our Christian witness, because right now, we’re sadly lacking. Much LOVE!
…to get closer to God…that ought to be our heart’s true desire…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
17 Apr 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a directive to perform every task wholeheartedly, a mindset designed to replace stress and people pleasing, a sense of purpose and integrity, all things that are reproved, anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, approach the throne of grace, arise from the dead, as if Christ himself were the direct employer, awake thou that sleepest, blasphemers, boasters, brutal, but rather reprove them, by the good example we your faithful believers set, Christ shall give thee light, Christ the light of the world, christianity, Christians, coasting through the work week, covetous vultures, currying favour, deeds are wrought in God, deeds made manifest, defeat the simmering unrest in our land, denying the power thereof, despisers of those that are good, disobedient to parents, divine aid, do a decent day's work, do as little as possible for as much as possible, do it heartily as unto the Lord, doesn't come to the light, doing just enough to get by, doing their best to muddy the waters, elevates daily tasks into acts of worship, encourages action motivated by love and service to christ, every one that does evil hates the light, exposed sin becomes light, faith, false accusers, fearing God, fellowship, fraud artists, Friday chant, from such stay away, further your glorious kingdom, God's omnipotent help, gossips, greedy saps, haughty, have no fellowship, having a form of godliness, he that doeth truth cometh to the light, he that doeth wrong, he that hath ears to hear let him hear, help us to be responsible, highminded, holy spirit, in accordance with Jesus' desire, in singleness of heart, in the last days perilous times shall come, irreconcilable, it is a shame, Jesus Christ, keep our world sinking into the mire of ungodliness and evil doing, lest his deeds be reproved, light is come into the world, LOVE, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, made manifest by the light, make their deeds manifest, men loved darkness rather than light, men shall be lovers of their own selves, mercy, money lovers, mundane or significant, no respect of persons, not with eyeservice as men pleasers, obey in all things your masters, offering your best in everything, problems are escalating, proud, receive for the wrong he has done, receive the reward of the inheritance, reckless, renewed and refreshed in soul body and mind, resist the pull of evil, rest and relaxation, ridiculed by co-workers, salvation, scandal mongers, shine our light on thier darkness, slanderers, spiritually enlightened, stand strong and steadfast, stoop to such low levels of decency, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the BIBLE, the focus being on God's will, the lowest of the low, the sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, the way of today's world, the weekend is here at last, their deeds are evil, this is the condemnation, this perspective brings a spiritual reward, to speak of those things done in secret, traitors, true repentance, trusting faith, truth, turn from our sin, turning away from our sin, unexpected storms, unholy, whatsoever ye do do it heartily as unto the Lord, wisdom, wise guidance, with diligence and excellence, with the unfruitful works of darkness, work as though we're working for jesus
Ephesians 5:11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them.
So we’ve come to Friday; another rainy night and cloudy morning, but that doesn’t stop us from somewhat tiredly declaring our Friday Mantra: ‘Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend is here at long last! Some rest and relaxation are long overdue!’ And some of us do deserve the rest and relaxation because we do a decent days work, in accordance with Jesus’ desire that we work for our bosses as though we’re working for Him, that is with diligence and excellence. However, far too many of us are just coasting through the work week, doing just enough to get by, which is definitely not what Jesus expects from His followers.
It’s as Bruh Paul puts it to the Colossians: ‘Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart (with sincerity), fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.’ (Col. 3:22-25) Yes friends, even slaves are to obey their masters with all diligence and sincerity, just as though they are obeying God, and we free believers are expected to do even better than that.
And this overview explains it very nicely: “Do all things as though unto God” is a directive to perform every task—whether mundane or significant—wholeheartedly, as if working for God directly rather than people. It advises against working only for human approval or “eye-service,” encouraging action motivated by LOVE and service to Christ. We are to work heartily and enthusiastically, putting our full effort and soul into every task. With the focus being on doing God’s will, which elevates daily tasks into acts of worship. And while not seeking human praise, this perspective brings a spiritual reward, described as an inheritance from the Lord. It means offering your best in everything—even daily chores or work—as if Christ Himself were the direct employer. This mindset is designed to replace stress and people-pleasing with a sense of purpose and integrity.’
I could not put it any better than that my brethren. But unfortunately too many of us supposed believers don’t follow that directive, we go along with the sinful and fraudulent method of seeing how little we can do for the most we can get. Sadly, that’s the way of today’s world, and it’s so bad, that those who try to do a good job are even derided, ridiculed by their co-workers for …. Sorry, that’s a term I can’t use here, (smile) but let’s put it nicely and say for currying favour with the boss, for seeking promotion, or whatever extra perks, their diligence might bring.
Oh my people, when we did stoop to such low levels of decency eh? Many of us have never been diligent workers, but to ridicule a co-worker who wants to do a good job, is the lowest of the low. The problem there is that we are afraid the diligent co-worker will show us up, show us up for the lazy, greedy saps we truly are. But doesn’t it make sense that if we all work diligently together, the organization will be better for it. In theory it will be. But unfortunately our world has become so littered with scandal mongers, gossips, fraud artists, heifer dust disturbers (smile) and various other types of evildoers that doing good work to day is often frowned upon.
It reminds us of Bruh Paul’s warning to Timothy. ‘This know also, that in the last day perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous (money lovers), boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers (irreconcilable), false accusers (slanderers), incontinent (without self-control), fierce (brutal), despisers of those that are good, Traitors,, heady (reckless), highminded (haughty), lovers of pleasures more than (rather than) lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such stay away.’ (2 Tim. 3:1-6)
And that’s some of the best advice we can get these days my fellow believers, because whether or not these are the last days, all those types of people that Bruh Paul mentioned back then are not only on the scene right now, but are very prevalent and doing their best to muddy the waters as much as possible, so that our world will keep sinking into the mire of ungodliness and evil doing. And Christ is depending on us, His faithful followers to resist their evil pull, and instead shine our light on their darkness and so make their deeds manifest.
It’s like Jesus says: ‘And this is the condemnation, that light (the light) is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth (practices) evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds be reproved (exposed). But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.’ (John 3:19-21)
It’s also like Bruh Paul says when he warns the Ephesians and consequently us, to walk as children of light. ‘And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove (expose) them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved (exposed) are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.’ (Eph. 5:11-14)
Yes friends, whenever sin is exposed, it becomes light, and many are still caught up in their sin and unbelief, that’s why’ve been invited to turn from our sin, with the promise that we’ll be spiritually enlightened and helped through the auspices of Christ Jesus; the light of the world. And to help us do that, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine aid.
Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work. It hasn’t been easy but with your generous help, I made it through. You know our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving, and we desperately need your help to fix them. Heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So please give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly.
And despite the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, help us to be responsible, and get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that we can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out next week and further your glorious kingdom by the good example we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
Now, let’s remember that though we repent and pray for forgiveness, divine aid will not be forthcoming until there is true repentance, which means actually turning away from our sin! Much LOVE!
…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Mar 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a foretaste of glory divine, a preview of the the eternal fellowship, alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord, all is at rest, angels descending, ask God for knowledge, be thankful unto him, became her eyes, bless His name, blessed assurance, born of his spirit, bought with a price, bring from above, burst on my sight, caught up together with them in the clouds, Christ the faithful witness, co-heirs with Christ, comfort one another with these words, descend from heaven with a shout, divine protection, echoes of mercy, enter into his gates with thanksgiving, ever be with Lord, faith, Fanny Crosby, Fanny's grandmother Eunice, fellowship, fight the good fight for Jesus, for dying for our sins, get back into the rat race, glorify God in your body and spirit, God works in mysterious ways, God's amazing grace, heir of salvation, helped develop her descriptive abilities, him that loved us, holy spirit, in my Saviour am happy and blest, in times of tumultuous trials, inherit eternal life, into his courts with praise, Jesus Christ, joy, LOVE, mercy, no rhyme or reason, perfect delight, perfect rest, perfect submission, Phoebe Palmer Knapp, praising my saviour all the day long, purchase of God, ruler over kings of the earth, salvation, sing praises to God's name, support from ministering spirits, teaching her to pray, Thank you Jesus, thankful for all God's blessings, the dead in Christ shall rise first, the driving force behind Fanny's accomplishments, the first begotten of the dead, the Lord's Day, the rapture of Christ's church, the sacrificial blood of Christ, the trump of God, the voice of the archangel, this is my song, this is my story, troublesome temptations, truth, unwavering hope, visions of rapture, washed in his blood, washed us from our sins in his own blood, we belong to god, whispers of love, wisdom, ye are not your own, your body is the temple of the holy Ghost
1 Thessalonians 4:18. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
And after our lazy-day Saturday comes Sunday, the Lord’s Day, this fifth Sunday of Lent and the first of spring 2026. Now that means, despite the rainy and cloudy situation, it’s time for all able-bodied believers to gather in the Lord’s sanctuary to worship and fellowship with joy and thanksgiving. How does Psalm 100 put it? ‘Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.’ (Ps. 100: 4)
Yes, that’s how it ought to be in the Lord’s sanctuary all over the world today; entering God’s presence with joy, acknowledging His awesome character, while offering lots of praise and thanksgiving and fellowshipping, that will strengthen us and enable us to get back into the rat race tomorrow and fight the good fight in Jesus’ holy name. And today’s song of worship is a hymn we all know and LOVE, TITLED ‘Blessed Assurance.’ It was written in 1873 by that marvellous, blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby, with music by Phoebe Knapp.
And this commentary extols the song thus: ‘Each and every day we sing praises to His name. We are thankful for all of the blessings that He bestows upon us. The lyrics of the classic hymn ‘Blessed Assurance’ is the perfect way to worship. And when you hear the story behind the hymn, you will be even more in awe of His amazing grace. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for our sins!’ Oh, are we indeed thankful for that divine sacrifice!
And the story goes that Fanny, born in New York in 1820, had an eye infection as a baby, which through poor treatment left her blind at a young age. Then, to make matters worse her father died not long thereafter, that meant her mother Mercy had to go out to work, and left Fanny to be raised by her grandmother, Eunice. And it appears that her grandmother was the driving force behind Fanny’s accomplishments. She became her eyes, which helped develop her descriptive abilities, also reading and carefully explaining the Bible to her, while teaching her to pray and ask God for knowledge.
Fanny entered the New York School for the Blind at twelve as a pupil, then became a teacher there for 23 years. In between, she married musician, Alexander van Alstine, a fellow student at the Institute, and one evening while her composer friend, Phoebe Palmer Knapp was visiting, she played a tune on the piano, then asked Fanny what it sounded like. Fanny responded, “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!’ Then they went on to write the song together.’ Ah friends, that’s how many great songs have been born, with no rhyme or reason in or for the circumstances. It just signifies how our great God does work in mysterious, unexpected ways.
And having heard the story behind the song, let’s offer it up with sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, mid-tempo, sincere and heartfelt version. Singing: ‘Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood (Chorus: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.) Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Chorus…) Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. (Chorus: This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long…. Praising my Savior all the day long)’
And the assurance we have in Jesus is more than just blessed, it’s also amazing and marvellous. And per ‘a foretaste of glory divine,’ one commentary explains it thus. ‘This remarkable stanza reflects a lovely reality in Scripture that gives believers unwavering hope in times of tumultuous trials and troublesome temptations: we fellowship with Jesus Christ now, but this is only a preview of the eternal fellowship that is yet to come.’ And it most certainly ought to be, if we are heirs of salvation.
Listen as the author of Hebrews, speaking of the angels, says: ‘Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.’ (Heb. 1:14) Yes my brethren, ‘we believers in Jesus Christ are destined to inherit eternal life, divine protection, and kingdom benefits, and thus are considered co-heirs with Christ, sharing in his ultimate glory and receiving support from ministering spirits (angels).’ Now it could not get any better than that!
And per ‘purchase of God,’ Bruh Paul puts it very plainly in his first letter to the Corinthians. ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.’ (1 Cor. 6:19-20) Yes my people, we have indeed been purchased by the sacrificial blood of Christ, and are also indwelt by the Holy Spirit, which means we now belong to God, our body is His temple.
And there are several scriptures that talk about being washed in the blood of Jesus, but we only have time and space for this one from Revelation. ‘And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten (born) of the dead, and the prince of (ruler over) the kings of the earth. Unto him that LOVED us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.’ (Rev. 1:5)Wow! What a tremendous accomplishment on our God’s behalf, and a most stupendous, though undeserved, development for our sinful souls
And in light of such a wonderful situation, we are thus enveloped in ‘perfect submission…perfect delight and perfect rest,’ expectantly looking forward to ‘visions of rapture,’ which will any day burst into sight. As Bruh Paul puts it to the Thessalonians: ‘For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep (dead).
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump (trumpet) of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever (always) be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.’ (1 Thess. 4:15-18)
Yes my faithful brethren, that is exactly what we need to do, today and every day; that’s comfort each other in the wonderful news of the eventual Rapture of Christ’s church! There’s nothing better to look forward to than that marvellous, faithfully promised occasion. Much LOVE!
…in Christ Jesus…we have a Lord, a Saviour, a King, an Advocate, High Priest and Friend…we therefore need no one else…
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
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