The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Understanding that Forgiveness of Sin Doesn’t Mean No Punishment!

29 Oct 2026 Leave a comment

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   29 October 2026   1 Chronicles 21:1.

1 Chronicles 21:1.        And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked (moved) David to number Israel (take a census).

Oh friends, it’s just one of those days where old age, laziness and a touch of seasonal allergies have combined to dim the enthusiasm of getting up to greet another day. And it’s a beautiful sunshiny, warm though somewhat windy Thursday, our penultimate day of the work week. Now who wouldn’t want to rise and greet such a day at the end of October eh? (smile) In fact, I was up fairly early, spun around a bit, then went back to bed, and found it difficult to get up. And that’s my excuse for being somewhat late to the party! (smile) Anyway, here we are, not brimming with energy, but enough to do a good job with the Lord’s help.

And the Good Book opened today at 1 Chronicles, where Bruh David is gathering all the stuff required to build the Lord’s temple, saying, ‘Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.’ (1 Chr. 22:5) That was after Bruh David had dropped into the Lord’s bad books for having a census done in Judah and Israel.

The Bible tells us: ‘And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked (moved) David to number Israel (take a census)… And God was displeased with this thing (it was evil in the eyes of God); therefore he smote (struck) Israel.’ (1 Chr. 21:1&7)  But we know how Bruh David, once enlightened of his wrongdoing, always sincerely repented before the Lord. ‘And David said unto God, I have greatly sinned, because I have done this thing: but now, I beseech thee do away (take away) the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.’ (1 Chr: 21:8)

But Bruh David wasn’t going to get away so easily this time. ‘And the Lord spake unto Gad, David’s seer, saying, Go and tell David, saying, Thus saith the Lord, I offer thee three things: choose the one of them, that I may do unto thee.’ (1 Chr. 21:9-10) Imagine that nuh, the Lord offering Bruh David three choices of punishment. Only our God could be so unique!

‘So Gad came unto David, and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Choose thee, Either three years of famine (2 Sam. 24:13, says 7); or three months to be destroyed before thy foes, while that the sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else three days the sword of the Lord, even the pestilence, in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coasts (territory) of Israel. Now therefore advice thyself (consider) what word I shall bring again to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait (distress): let me fall now into the hand of the Lord; for very great are his mercies: but let me not fall into the hand of man. So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men.’ (1 Chr. 21:11-14)

Ah friends, all of that simply shows that Bruh David was only a man like us, and made mistakes but also paid the price for them. Yes, although the Lord favoured him, considered him a man after His own heart, He always took him to task for his wrongdoing, especially after he became king and had the added responsibility to set a good example and ensure God’s glory. And you can read in the rest of 1 Chr. 21, how in the midst of destroying Jerusalem, the Lord stopped His angel, ‘repented him of the evil’ and when Bruh David saw the angel of the Lord standing with drawn sword over the land, he and the elders of Israel, clothed in sackcloth, obviously mourning those destroyed, again repented of his sin, pleading that it was his sin and his house, not the people should be punished.

Then Bruh David was commanded to set up an altar at the threshing floor of a man called Ornan the Jebusite, which he did, though adamantly refusing the land as a gift and instead purchasing it for six hundred shekels of gold. And it’s after all of that, that Bruh David began gathering the material to build the Lord’s temple. ‘Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged (commanded) him to build an house for the Lord God of Israel. And David said unto Solomon, My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God:

But the word of the Lord came to me, saying, Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast made great wars: thou shalt not build an house unto my name, because thou hast shed much blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon (Peaceful), and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his day. He shall build an house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever.’ (1 Chr. 22:6-10)

Ah friends, although Bruh David received a lot of grace and mercy from God in trying to do His will, he still suffered a great deal for the mistakes he made. And since the Lord is the same yesterday, today and forever, it means that we are also liable to experience a lot of adversity in doing His will, and like Bruh David we should not lose heart or give up, because it’s simply how the Lord runs His affairs. For as Bruh Paul warns in Galatians: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart).’ (Gal. 6:9) So my people, it’s of the utmost importance that we stand strong in faith despite adversity, because eventually we will be well rewarded by the Lord.

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

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

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

…forgiveness of sin…doesn’t exempt one…from paying a price for said sin

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Doing EVERYTHING as if it’s for God!

26 Oct 2026 Leave a comment

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   26 October 2026   Colossians 3:23.

Colossians 3:23.       And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men:

And then it was Monday that day we all LOVE to hate, simply because it begins a new work week. I believe that we’d dislike whatever the day was called that ended our two-day weekend and had us scurrying back to the daily grind and common task. That’s back to two a day traffic tie-ups and work that doesn’t energize, stimulate or excite us, so we don’t put out our best effort, and thus end up doing mediocre work.

And yes, sometimes the conditions under which we work, the supervision we must adhere to, or even the work itself are admittedly not amenable to bringing out the best in us. However, as children of Jehovah God, as Christians, that’s believers in Christ Jesus, we are expected to give of our best efforts in every situation, because that’s a mark of being a true believer and child of God. And there are numerous scriptures that command us to do just that. So, let’s look at a few of them today, to remind us of our commitment to Almighty God nuh.

And we’ll begin with these verses that we all know quite well, although we don’t always follow them. (smile) They come from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Colossians. The first verse comes from his talk about putting on the new man, where he ends that passage thus: ‘And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Col. 3:17)

Then a little later, in talking about servants’ attitudes to their job’s Bruh Paul admonishes them: ‘And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of 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. 3:23-25)

Yes friends, although Bruh Paul was actually talking about slaves there, the same directive also applies to us doing work for earthly masters for remuneration. As the scholars explain: We are to perform our duties wholeheartedly, doing the best job we can, with all of our strength, because in the long run, we’re not working so much for our earthly employers, (unto men) but for our heavenly Master (to the Lord.) And the fact that we will receive the reward of the inheritance, which is salvation, from the Lord and not from men, verifies the assertion in verse 23 that we serve Christ; not our earthly employers.

Then we have this verse where Bruh Paul exhorts Timothy: ‘Study (be diligent) to show (present) thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.’ (2 Tim. 2:15) There Bruh Paul is telling us to be diligent and zealous (to study). And the scholars explain that studying ‘Involves a total effort of mind, emotion and will.’ And when we seriously consider the way we do our work in these lackadaisical times of supposed entitlement, I very much doubt that many of us put a total effort into it. And, as per Rightly dividing the word of truth, the scholars say that means, ‘The apostle appeals for efforts to be made to properly interpret the Word of God.’

And what would the scriptures be without some wise words from Cousin Sol eh, who seems to have something to say on every subject.  (smile) On the topic of work from Proverbs, he establishes that ‘He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack (negligent) hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.’ (Prov. 10:4) And that’s no lie, because we see it happening every day to those around us who don’t apply themselves properly to their tasks. Then from Ecclesiastes, speaking as the Preacher, Cousin Sol offers this most excellent advice: ‘Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.’ (Eccl. 9:10)

Yes my people, there is no work, wisdom or enjoyment in the grave, and it’s our portion, our responsibility to do the best we can with what we have in this earthly life. And we’ll end with this gem from Bruh Paul to the Galatians. He strongly advises: ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart, become discouraged). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal. 6:9-10)

Oh my faithful brethren, we could not end with better advice than that! So, having reminded ourselves of all those marvellous scriptures, let’s spend some time pondering them, then doing our best to action them nuh. And for divine aid to help us do that, we’ll go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn.

Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; keeping lives and families together. We also thank You Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm You’ve wrought in our weary souls over the weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.

But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing Your powerful, protective spiritual armour! We surrender our all to You, and humbly ask that You allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to lead and guide all Your servants, as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!’

And with the Holy Spirit leading us out into battle, let’s get out there, engage the enemy, and win the day for Jesus Christ! Much LOVE!

…whether therefore ye eat or drink…or whatsoever ye do…do all to the glory of God…  (1 Cor. 10:31)

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

The Necessity for Christians to Appreciate Their Jobs, and Use Them Wisely for Christ’s Benefit!

27 Apr 2026 Leave a comment

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

2 Thessalonians 3:13.        But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 

And another Monday has rolled around again, a warm, sunshiny one to boot…Praise the Lord! Now why would you do that? Because it gives us the opportunity to go out to work, make some money and experience life at the same time. Yuh know the millions of people around our God-forsaken and strife-filled work who cannot do that, and would gladly give their right arm to be able to do so. Meanwhile, we are here moaning and groaning, complaining about the good things we have going for us. 

And no, it’s not always easy or likeable, but just sit and consider for a moment, what would happen to you and your family if you didn’t have a job in this dog eat dog, rat race of a world we currently live in. And you don’t have to go to any far-off, poor countries to see what happens when you don’t have a job and are living in dire poverty. You can see that in the many jobless and subsequently homeless people that exist right here in our prosperous and wealthy society.

And it’s not because they all don’t want to work, but ofttimes, for whatever reason, they cannot get a job. And with the new rage of AI, Artificial Intelligence, lots of people are being laid off, making it even harder to acquire a decent job. So, if you have one to go this Monday morning, then please count yourself blessed and stop complaining about the inequities and injustice that might come with it.

That’s not to say you ought to allow yourself to be taken advantage of by your employer, but be careful how you go about trying to right the wrong, for it’s very easy to find yourself on the outside looking in. And I know, from personal experience, that’s not a very nice place to be.  

Now you just need to look at all the food banks that have recently opened, and you’ll see how desperate the situation is. When I first came here some fifty odd years ago, a food bank was the exception rather than the rule, but now it’s the norm, for even those who are working, sometimes two jobs at once, still cannot maintain a family on their wages, especially with prices always on the rise, but salaries not running in tandem.

 And talking about working, remember what Bruh Paul wrote to the Thessalonians? ‘For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but they are busybodies. 

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish (warn) him as a brother.’ (2 Thess. 3:10-15)

Yes friends, with the lack of work ethic that’s currently in vogue, (smile) it’s not surprising to note that there are many in our society, who refuse to work, instead living off of the Government and any others who will help them. And it would be good if we could shame them into working, but some of them have no shame whatsoever, and will keep on in their disorderly conduct regardless of what we do. 

But the important thing to note in all this is that we must not be weary in well doing. In other words, despite the many obstacles we might, or will face, we ought to keep on trying to live the Christian life as best we can. That’s allowing the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in us; echoes of LOVE, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, patience, meekness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23) 

Which reminds us of these wonderful, encouraging words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal. 6:7-10)

We could not get any better advice than that on this first day of our work week my people. And to help us accomplish it, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid. And it’s a somewhat different prayer today, because I brought back most of the old one, which I think resonates better with our current times.

So, altogether: Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; keeping lives and families together. We also thank You Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm You’ve wrought in our weary souls over the weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.

But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing Your powerful, protective spiritual armour! We surrender our all to You, and humbly ask that You allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to lead and guide all Your servants, as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!

Now, let’s go out there and make Jesus proud of us! Much LOVE!

…living for Jesus…always means doing our best… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   27 May 2022   2 Corinthians 9:7b.

27 May 2022 Leave a comment

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

2 Corinthians 9:7b.      for God LOVETH a cheerful (joyful) giver.​

It’s a wet and cloudy Friday morning, but nonetheless the populace is still shouting ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend is finally here!’ That’s although most of them only had a four-day work week with the Victoria Day holiday on Monday past. But such is the nature of the human animal, that even if we only had to work two days, we’d still be proclaiming the end of the work week. (smile) 

And today the Lord has put it on my heart to talk about how He LOVES a cheerful giver. Bruh Paul said it in His second missive to the church at Corinth. ‘But this I say, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully (with blessings, generously). (2 Cor. 9:6) 

Yes friends, as the scholars tell us: ‘One’s return is determined by his investment.’ (Ref. Prov. 11:24, Luke 6:38, Gal. 6:7). While it does not suggest indiscriminate giving , it does denote “unrestrained” giving.’ Meaning that we don’t have to just give away everything we have, but we must give and it must be generously, with a pure and unadulterated heart. As Bruh Paul continues. ‘Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity (compulsion): for God LOVETH a cheerful (joyful) giver.’ (2 Cor. 9:7) 

And yes, my fellow saints, does our God ever LOVE a person who gives with a cheerful heart, because it reminds Him of Himself; of how He’s given to us so generously, right down to the sinless life of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Now the scholars explain that verse by stating that the ‘Cheerful giver: is to have a willing heart and a sincere desire to participate in the offering. Paul is not so much interested in their money. Nor is God for that matter, as the passage from Proverbs 22:9 indicates. Giving is not a joke. It is serious business, but it is a delightful experience all the same.’ 

And it surely is, for when you give with a generous and willing heart a spirit of thankfulness and satisfaction rises up in you, knowing that you have sincerely helped someone else, you’ve done what Christ commanded…LOVED your neighbour, at least to some small extent. Bruh Paul then explains why it’s so important to give and to give with a good heart. ‘And God is able to make all grace abound toward you: that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.’ (2 Cor. 9:8) 

In other words, when you give generously and with a willing heart, God, who’s the source of all things, will make sure that you are never lacking in anything, will bless you bountifully, and thus enable you to keep on doing good works in His mighty name! Like Jesus said in Luke 6:38. ‘Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give unto your bosom (pocket). For with the same measure that ye mete (use) withal it shall be measured to you again.’ 

And that’s the living truth my people! However we give, whatever measure we use to give, the same measure will be used to give back to us. So, if we use a generous measure to give, then a generous measure will be used to return to us. And that’s just the way of God ‘s kingdom; you reap what you sow. As Bruh Paul plainly said to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.’ (Gal. 6:7) A lot of us foolishly think and believe otherwise though. We think we can sow evil or sparingly and yet reap a bountiful harvest of good. But those who think so will be in for a big surprise come the day of Jesus, if not before. 

And these two verses from Proverbs 22 admirably bring the right perception to the matter. ‘He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity (trouble): and the rod of his anger (wrath) shall fail (perish). He that hath a bountiful (generous) eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.’ (Prov. 22:8-9) Now it couldn’t get any clearer than that! But Cousin Sol tries hard to do so in Prov. 11:24-28. So please read it. That’s your homework for today, (smile) because I want us to go out with these magnificent verses from Bruh Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia, where He continues with the act of sowing and reaping. 

‘For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.’ ( Gal. 6:8) Yes my brethren, when we ‘conduct ourselves by the evil dictates and desires of our sinful nature, thus practicing the deeds of the flesh,’ of carnality, eventually we will be rewarded with eternal destruction. However, when we conduct ourselves with the enabling help of the Spirit, we’ll be rewarded with eternal life. ‘And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). (Gal. 6:9) 

It’s only a matter of time friends before we reap our sure reward, so please let’s not stop doing good, let’s not faint and lose heart. ‘As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal. 6:10) Oh my people, let’s take those wise and wonderful words to heart today nuh, because it’s what our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ desires of us, what He died to help us become; Christ-like saints, not evil sinners! So, let’s go to Him right now, through our Friday Chant, asking for His divine help, so we can be the kind of people of whom He’s proud. 

Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and our many other problems are causing. We can’t seem to fix it on our own Lord, that means we desperately need your help. Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. 

So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, and avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. 

And please introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

The next move is now up to us; to keep our promises so that the Lord can keep His. Much LOVE!

…you reap what you sow…more than you sow…and later than you sow…  (Uncle Charles – Dr. Charles Stanley) 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​