14 Nov 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a fool's voice is known by multitude of words, a means of restoring faith in you, a multitude of people, a new flock of believers, a society speeding to hell, all for our benefit, be not rash with thy mouth, be responsible, better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, blaspheme against god, by the example we faithful believers set, Christian witness, crying out for help, desperate times of need, divine aid, every one that is hasty, faith, Friday chant, God holds the breath of your life in His hand, he that hasteth with his feet sinneth, he that is perverse in his lips, he that refraineth his lips is wise, holy spirit, in the multitude of words, is a fool, it is not good, Jesus Christ, joy and gladness, lay aside every weight, let not thine heart be hasty, let thy words be few, like chickens with their heads cut off, LOVE, make mistakes in the name of speed, mercy, more detrimental than beneficial, more haste less speed, omnipotent help, problems escalating, return backsliders to your fold, road rage, run with patience, rushing back and forth, salvation, seeing we are compassed about, show them the error of their ways, so great a cloud of witnesses, speed, spew venom, stand strong and steadfast, stay safe, talk a good talk, technological times, tend to plenteousness, tend to poverty, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, that the soul be without knowledge, the accent on speed, the confusion of these ungodly times, the race that is set before us, the simmering unrest, the sin which doth so easily beset us, the thoughts of the diligent, there wanteth not sin, to utter anything before God, traffic jams, trusting faith, truth, wake up and smell the coffee, wisdom, wise guidance
Proverbs 19:2b. and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.
And then, finally, it was the big day, Friday! And all the shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday!’ have ascended to heaven on high. Yes, there’s always much joy and gladness when the last day of our work week rolls around, meaning that the weekend is upon us, and our time is mostly ours to do as we choose. For a couple of days we can forget the twice a day traffic jams and the multitudes of people rushing back and forth like chickens with their heads cut off, in a hurry to get wherever they want to go, but getting nowhere quickly. Unfortunately, that’s how it is when we rush and push, for there’s always someone pushing back trying to go the other way.
But sadly, that’s the way of our society nowadays; everything is about speed, and we get impatient and angry if we have to wait a few seconds for the computer to warm up. It’s a foolish now for now society we currently live in. Just note the road rage that erupts over one car not moving quickly enough to suit the driver of another car, even when there’s no way much for the first car to move. But that’s the way we live in these technological times, where it’s all about how fast we can get things done, although we make too many mistakes in the name of speed.
And on days like today, where everyone is trying to get in and out as quickly as possible, so that they can enjoy the weekend sooner, matters usually get more tense and stressful, and the possibility of things boiling over greater than normal. That’s why the old people very wisely categorized it all with this simple saying, ‘more haste less speed.’ And most of us have realized that down through the years, but we still try to keep up with the speed of our society., so that we can feel or appear to be with the in-crowd.
Now there are several scriptures in the Bible that warn about haste. So to help us apply the brakes in this speeding to hell society, let’s check out a few of them nuh. And not surprisingly, several of them come from the wisdom of Cousin Sol. Listen to this first one from Proverbs. ‘Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool. Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.’ (Prov. 19:1-2)
There it is in black and white friends, from the wisest man ever! If you are too hasty with your feet you are committing sin. And taking that literally, can you imagine the amount of us that are committing that sin each and every day? Multitudes of us! Let’s hope that causes us to slow down some nuh. (smile) Then there’s this other wise saying from Cousin Sol. ‘The thoughts (plans) of the diligent tend only (lead surely) to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want (surely to poverty).’ (Prov. 21:5) Now that is something many of us can attest to, for we have all done things in haste that did not work out to our benefit. But our society keeps on doing it.
Now here’s another bit of wisdom from Cousin Sol, but this time as the preacher from Ecclesiastes, and it pertains to how we speak to God. He says: ‘Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be too hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon the earth, therefore let thy words be few. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business (effort or activity); and a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.’ (Eccl. 5:2-3)
What marvellous advice my brethren! Because with our quick inclination, or predisposition to get angry at each other, we also get angry with God very quickly and spew venom towards or blaspheme against Him if we don’t get our way, or don’t get it as quickly as we desire. Now that’s certainly not a wise way to interact with Almighty God, your Creator and the One who holds the breath of your life in His hands. That leads to this other caution about our words. Cousin Sol wisely declares (steups!!!): ‘In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth (restrains) his lips is wise.’ (Prov. 10:19)
And that’s oh so true my people! When we unleash a barrage of words through provocation or whatever other reason, we invariably commit some sin through our anger and inappropriate words. So it’s obviously wise to take time to think before we speak. And finally we’ll look at this scripture that we all know, which tells us about endurance and patience. It comes from the author of Hebrews. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.’ (Heb. 12:1)
Yes my faithful brethren, it’s time for us to settle down, take our time, and concentrate on patience and endurance, rather than haste and speed, for the latter two will only get us into more trouble than we truly need. So, with those words of wisdom, (smile) let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant seeking divine aid to help in these desperate times of need.
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!’
Ah mih people, as usual, we talk a good talk, but unfortunately our actions don’t back up our talk, and until they do, meaning we aspire to better Christian witness, divine aid will not be forthcoming. It’s as simple as that! So please, let’s wake up and get our act together nuh! Remember it’s all for our benefit, not God’s! Much LOVE!
…the accent on speed in our society…is more detrimental than beneficial…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
15 Oct 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a disciplined mind, a second wind, according to his riches in glory, because of your unbelief, become discouraged, but of power love and a sound mind, come to grips with our faith, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners, despising the shame, endure to the end, endured the cross, faith, faith can move mountains, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, for the joy that was set before him, get my head around, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, holy spirit, how is it that ye have no faith, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I have not found so great faith in Israel, I'm halfway home, if thou faint in the day of adversity, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, in accordance with God's will, in the tough times, it shall remove, Jesus Christ, lack of faith, lay aside every weight, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds, looking unto Jesus, lose our faith to fear, LOVE, mercy, my eyes are fixed straight ahead, my God shall supply all my needs, not turning back, nothing shall be impossible to you, o thou of little faith, O ye of little faith, our faith needs to be the greatest, our wonderful position in Christ Jesus, remove hence to yonder place, run with patience, salvation, say unto this mountain, searching the Good Library, seeing we are compassed about, send faith to answer it, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, so great a cloud of witnesses, stand up strong in faith, thank God, the author and finisher of our faith, the awesome help of Jesus, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the naked truth, the qiality of faith is more important than the quantity, the race that is set before us, the sin which doth so easily beset us, thy strength is small, to a glorious future with Jesus, truth, unseasonal days, Wednesday Wail, whare there's a will there's a way, when fear comes calling, wherefore didst thou doubt, why are ye so fearful, wisdom
Proverbs 24:10. If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
Aye friends, it’s Wednesday, and we on the late bus. (smile) But hopefully we didn’t have to catch any second wind, because so far we’ve only worked one day for the week. However, knowing that some of us overdid it this past Thanksgiving weekend, it’s to be expected that that group would need to catch their second wind. (smile) And although it’s somewhat cloudy and a touch chilly, Wednesday is still a beautiful day for this time of year. Let’s hope and pray that we see more of these wonderful, unexpected, unseasonal days.
Now I’m chuckling here because today is one of those days when the Lord kept me dangling. Yes, most days when I ask Him to show me what He wants me to write on, He usually shows it to me fairly quickly, but today, for a good ten minutes I kept searching the Good Library, seeking something I could get my head around, but nothing seemed to be falling into that category, until I espied this seminal, influential verse from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. It simply, but very importantly says: ‘If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.’ (Prov. 24:10)
And that is the naked truth my people. As believers in Christ Jesus, we ought to be strong, especially in the tough times, when our faith needs to be the greatest. When we need to be telling ourselves scriptures like, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ (Phil. 4:13) And ‘God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in glory through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) And we don’t want to hear Jesus whispering through His Holy Spirit, like He said to the disciples when they were experiencing the crazy storm on the Sea of Galilee: ‘Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?’ (Mark 4:40) Or as Matthew puts it: ‘Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?’ (Matt. 8:26)
Then we have this instance when Peter was walking on the water, got scared and cried out for help. Jesus admonished him: ‘O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt.’ (Matt. 14:31) It’s surprising how often Jesus commented on the lack of faith that His Jewish people had, even those who claimed to believe in Him. It’s like when the Roman Centurion approached Him to heal his sick servant, but then told Him, He did not have to come to His house to do so. All He had to do was say the word and his servant would be healed.
The Bible tells us: ‘When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.’ (Matt. 8:10) Yes friends, as opposed to the Jewish people, whom Jesus had come to first save, this Gentile showed admirable faith, such that Jesus had not seen amongst His own kind. And sadly, in these turbulent and fearful times too many of us are afraid and lose our faith to fear, but please, let’s remember these most reassuring and encouraging words of Bruh Paul to Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7)
And that’s how we need to stand up strong in faith. There’s also this occasion when the disciples could not heal an epileptic boy, and when they asked Jesus why? He said to them: ‘Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove (move), and nothing shall be impossible to you.’ (Matt. 17:20) Ah mih people, that just proves that a small amount of strong faith can move mountains, for the mustard seed is very small, but grows into a much larger tree.
Or as this commentary explains: ‘The core idea is that the quality of faith is more important than the quantity, and with true faith, nothing will be impossible for the believer when they are acting in accordance with God’s will.’ That means with sufficient faith we can overcome even the most daunting problems, if we sincerely depend on God’s help. Now, here are some other important verses of scripture that we ought to keep at the forefront of our minds in these evil and ungodly times.
This wonderful advice comes from the author of Hebrews: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (become discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:1-3)
Oh my people, the stout example of Jesus is what we need to follow in these evil and dangerous times. And we know it’s not always easy, but as the old people would say, ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ And with Jesus’ awesome help, we know that we can do much better than we’re currently doing. So please, let’s come to grips with our faith nuh, get serious about it and use it to help us to stand strong in Jesus’ name in this ungodly world. Now, it’s time to go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, proclaiming to all and sundry, our wonderful position in Christ Jesus.
As one strong and sincere voice. ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And to improve on that, there’s the promise that whoever endures to the very end with Jesus, will enjoy a future more glorious than they can ever comprehend or imagine. So let’s take it to heart and endure to the end, and thus enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!
…when fear comes a calling…send faith to answer it…so that we can endure to the end…and be saved…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
15 May 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a positive outlook on life, abundance, adversity, become discouraged, by experience, by God's grace, christianity, Christians, consider him, courage, creativity, curse, despising the shame, divine protection, doing what pleases you, encompassed about with, endurance, endured the cross, entitled to the easy life, faint in your souls, Father You are good, favour, finish strong, for a long duration, for the joy that was set before him, fulfilment, get a move on, give me stamina, God-given purpose, good family, good freinds, good health, help me persevere, hold on through every test, holy spirit, I will trust you, if God spares life, In Touch Ministry, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the best example of endurance, Jesus will keep you on course, lay aside every weight, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds, lest you become discouraged, live a Christ-like life, looking unto Jesus, lose sight of the goal, LOVE, mercy, negative word, not giving up easily, perform an exercise, perseverance, produce good fruit for God, promotion, prosper, run well, run with patience, salvation, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, so great a cloud of witnesses, stay focused on Jesus, stick to the job at hand regardless of the problems, stress, succeed, talent, thank you calling me, that endured such hostility of sinners, the ability to withstand hardship, the author and finisher of our faith, the BIBLE, the goodness of God, the race that is set before us, the sin which so easily ensnares us, to complete the work you begin in me, to endure trials, to sustain a prolonged effort, to the end, to this journey of growth in Christ, truth, use our blessings to help others, when you want to give up look to Jesus, wisdom, your promise
Hebrews 12:3. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (be discouraged) in your minds (souls).
And so we come to Thursday, the second to last day of our work week, but please note that it’s also the middle of May, which means the month is quickly slipping by and we’ve got to get a move on, if we hope to do our jobs, and produce good fruit for God. And one of the basic and most important things we need to accomplish our God-given purpose is ENDURANCE!
And what’s that? This commentary describes it thus: ‘Endurance, in general, refers to the ability to withstand hardship, adversity, or stress, particularly the ability to sustain a prolonged effort or activity. In a physical context, it refers to the body’s ability to perform an exercise or activity for a long duration, encompassing both cardiovascular and muscular endurance.’
In other words, it’s the ability to stick to the job at hand regardless of the problems we may face, of not giving up easily. In fact, remember in Christ’s economy, the term ‘giving up’ does not exist. (smile) And how do we get endurance? Like most other things by experience and by God’s grace. The Bible is full of talk about the importance of endurance or persevering. But before we get into the scriptures, let’s offer up this interesting prayer on the subject from the Prayer Cards recently published by the In Touch Ministry.
Please pray with me: ‘Father, You are so good. Thank You for calling me to this journey of growth in Christ. I want to run well and finish strong. Don’t let me lose sight of the goal. Help me persevere in doing what pleases You and discarding what doesn’t. When I become discouraged, give me stamina to endure trials and hold on through every test. Thank You for Your promise to complete the work You begin in me. I will trust You and stay focused on Jesus to the end. Amen!’
Now, that’s certainly a stimulating and encouraging prayer! And the scripture associated with that prayer is one we all know: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance, endurance) the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (be discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:1-3)
Oh friends that’s a mighty scripture on endurance, for we have the best example ever of it in the earthly life of Jesus, who despite all the shame and hostility and abuse and suffering He faced, got the job the done! Yes, Christ persevered through all the misfortune and problems that came His way, and He also expects us to do the same. And we’ll stop here for today, since there’s many more scriptures to look at on the subject of endurance. Tomorrow, if God spares life we’ll continue on that topic.
Remember through, that living for Jesus is not always easy, but He provides us with what we need to do the job He’s called us to do. And to tell the truth, we have it so much easier now than believers did back then, for we have all the accoutrements and scriptures and the things that make it easier to live a life of Christ-like endurance. But it’s still not easy, especially for us who believe we’re entitled to the easy life. (smile)
However, our God, in His awesome goodness has certainly helped by granting us undeserved blessings, that we call our Thursday Blessings, to help us do His earthly work. So you see, we indeed have all the tools to do our God-given tasks. Now, let’s go home declaring (chuh man!!!) and thus activating those blessings.
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 (awright!!!), it now behooves us to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as God did with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him, like we do! Much LOVE!
…when you want to give up…look to Jesus…He will keep you on course….
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
21 Apr 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great cloud of witnesses, a merciful forgiving and gracious God, a true disciple of Christ, a warning, absolutely necessary, an incorruptible crown, be disqualified, bring it under subjection, business, Christian celebrations, compassed about, competes for the prize, corruptible crown, denying the spirituality of the situation, despising the shame, disicpline our bodies, disobeyed your word, disqualified from Christian ministry, divine aid, earthly spiritual journey, ease the pain, Easter celebrations, Easter Monday, encouraged by the enemy, endured the cross, eternal life, every man that striveth for mastery, faith, fall by the wayside, finished my course, flails helplessly, food, for the joy that was set before him, forfeiting rewards, fought a good fight, frustrations, gifts, grace, greed of the world, have a part to play, he that abideth in me, heavenly help, holy spirit, humble ourselves, humble servants, I am the vine, I in him, I keep under my body, I myself should be a castaway, I therefore so run, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, Jesus' miraculous resurrection, Jesus' sacrificial death, keep Jesus uppermost in our minds, kept the faith, know ye not, lay aside every weight, lest that by any means, looking unto Jesus, lose sight of the essential facts, LOVE, mass confusion, material selfishness, mercy, not as one that beateth the air, not that we are sufficient of ourselves, one receives the prize, our sufficiency is of God, parties, peace and calm, personal sacrifice, practical advice, pray, run not as uncertainly, run with patience, salvation, self-control, selfless sacrifice of Jesus, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, share a partnership with Christ, sin, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, so fight I, so run that ye may obtain, spiritual strength, spirituality, steal our joy In Jesus Christ, strong faith in Christ, suffering from negative situations, surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, ta perishable crown, temperate, temperate in all things, Thank you Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, the giver of life, the God who heals, the joy of the Lord is your strength, the material world, the race of life, the race that is set before us, the same bringeth forth much fruit, the sin which doth so easily beset us, they which run in a race run all, throne of grace, to think anything of ourselves, traffic jams, trainig for a marathon, truth, turn from our evil ways, we have all sinned, when I have preached to others, wisdom, wise guidance, without me ye can do nothing, work diligently, ye are the branches
1 Corinthians 9:24b. So run, that ye may obtain.
And the Easter celebrations continue unabated on this somewhat cloudy Easter Monday! And why not eh, when we were given the greatest presents ever; salvation and eternal life through Jesus’ sacrificial death and miraculous resurrection! And the other good thing about today is that many of us don’t have to face the traffic jams and all the other frustrations involved in going out to work. And all God’s children said, a loud and grateful, ‘Thank You Jesus!’
However, there’s always a warning needed in these Christian celebrations, a warning to not let the material selfishness and greed of the world to make us lose sight of what the celebration is truly about; the LOVE and selfless sacrifice of Jesus! For if we allow them, the material world, staunchly encouraged by the enemy, would just make it all about business, gifts, food, and parties, while denying the spirituality of the situation. So, as we celebrate, let’s keep Jesus uppermost in our minds today and every day, for He is the giver of life, health, wealth, LOVE, mercy, grace…in fact of everything that we enjoy!
Now, to always keep Jesus first place is no easy task, especially when the enemy’s main goal is to steal our joy in Christ, since, as the Bible says: ‘for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Neh. 8:10) That means if we lose our joy in Christ then we’ll lose our spiritual strength and won’t be able to make the wise decisions we ought to, or have the peace and calm we desire.
And how do we do that? We have to work sincerely and diligently at it. But obviously not by ourselves, for as Bruh Paul writes: ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God.’ (2 Cor. 3:5) And Jesus corroborates that when he declares (yesss!!!) that well known statement: ‘I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5)
But unlike what some might think, that does not stop us from working towards the goal of spiritual maturity, for we share a partnership with Christ, meaning we both have a part to play. If we do our part, He will do His. But if we don’t do our part, neither will He do His, and we’d be left in the lurch. And what’s our part in all this eh? Here’s one practical bit of advice from Bruh Paul. He writes thus in his first missive to the Corinthians: ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’ (1 Cor. 9:24)
Yes friends, Bruh Paul is likening our earthly spiritual journey to a race, and in his last communication with Timothy, he uses that same imagery. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith.’ (2 Tim. 4:7) Likewise, the author of Hebrews views our earthly journey as a race, when he writes: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:1-2)
So Jesus is our example for living this earthly life. But yuh know what, if we want to obtain anything positive and/or substantial from this race of life, we have to put out something. Therefore, Bruh Paul continues to the Corinthians. ‘And every man that striveth for the mastery (competes for the prize) is temperate (has self-control) in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible (perishable) crown, but we an incorruptible (imperishable). I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air (flails helplessly): but I keep under my body (discipline my body), and bring it under subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (disqualified).’ (1 Cor. 9:25-27)
Ah mih people, like a runner training for a marathon, we too have to discipline our bodies and exert ourselves so that we will do well in the race of life. If not, we’ll fall by the wayside and lose the promised imperishable crown that Christ has laid aside for us. As the scholars explain: ‘The point is that the believer must discipline himself to avert being disqualified from Christian ministry, and forfeiting the rewards for such service.’ So we see that running this earthly race is not easy, but with the help of our wonderful God, we can do it, if we put out the necessary effort. And to help us do so, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, pleading for divine assistance.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face.
So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And from our prayer, we see that there are some necessary steps we must take before divine aid is granted; humble ourselves, pray, sincerely seek God’s face with sincere repentance. So please, let’s get to them right now nuh, so that we’ll get heavenly help asap! Much LOVE!
…as a true disciple of Christ…personal sacrifice is absolutely necessary…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
24 Feb 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a disciplined mind, a good day's work, a great cloud of witnesses, alleviate our problems, ambassadors of Christ, be cast out, be discouraged, be your best, Bible, but of power love and a sound mind, christianity, compassed about, complaining, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners, despising the shame, disciples of Jesus, divine aid, do your best, endured such hostility of sinners, endured the cross, faint in your minds, faith, faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers, follow the example of Jesus, For God hath not given us a spirit of fear, for the joy that was set before him, freedom from sin, glorify your father in heaven, good for nothing, heroes of the faith, hold our heads high, holy spirit, humble servants, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, joy, lay aside every weight, lest ye be weary, Let your light so shine before men, live up to a high standard, look your best, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, mass confusion in our world, mercy, negative vibes, nothing fazed Jesus, originator, perfector, pray, put your best foot forward, repentance, resentment, run with patience, salt lost its flavour, salvation, see your good works, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, sincerely seek your face, sinned and seriously disobeyed your word, spoil our witness, strong faith in Christ, the author and finisher of our faith, the God who heals, the light of the world, the race set before us, the revolutionary feat, the salt of the earth, the sin that doth easily so beset us, the slavery of sin, took it in stride, trodden underfoot, truth, turn from our evil ways, under a basket, ungrateful sinners, wisdom, wise guidance
Hebrews 12:2a. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith;
Another Monday’s on the agenda friends, but I know that we can and will handle it with the quiet aplomb and efficiency that we’ve learned from the masterful example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Nothing that came against Him fazed Him, He just took it in stride. Not even the excessive cruelty He faced on our behalf, caused Him to lose sight of His heavenly Father’s goal; accomplishing the amazing and revolutionary feat of earning freedom from sin’s abject slavery for a bunch of ungrateful sinners.
And that’s how He expects us, His followers, ambassadors and agents on this evil and ungodly earth to behave. Now He doesn’t expect perfection either, because He knows we’re not perfect and will never be until He comes to take us home and changes us, but nonetheless He expects us to always put our best foot forward. As the late Uncle Charles (Dr. Charles Stanley) used to say: ‘Look your best, do your best and be your best!’
That says it all my people. For as the author of Hebrews so vividly explains it: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses (those heroes of the faith that went before us), let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (become discouraged.’ (Heb. 12:1-3)
Yes friends, that’s the example we’re supposed to follow. As disciples of Jesus we’re expected to live up to a high standard; so high, that when the unbelievers see us in action, they’ll hold their heads in awesome wonder and want what we have that makes us so joyful, peaceful, LOVING and calm. (smile) So as this new Monday rolls around, and we go out to do the same banal, every day, ofttimes boring tasks, let’s hold our heads high and get on with His business without any complaining, resentment and negative vibes to spoil our witness.
All the time, remembering Jesus’ strong admonitions: ‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour (flavour), wherewith (by what) shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle (lamp), and put it under a bushel (basket), but on a candlestick (lampstand); and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:13-16)
Of course my fellow saints, that’s the kind of strong witness expected of us true and faithful believers of Christ especially in these rather ungodly and sinful times! However, unfortunately, we don’t seem to be doing such a great job of witnessing for Christ, otherwise the devil would not have such a stranglehold on the affairs of the world and Christians would be filled with much more faith, LOVE and joy, not with the fear and anxiety that so many of us now project.
But let’s remember this other admonition from Bruh Paul before we foolishly throw in the towel and give up in the face of the enemies evil strategies. That’s one of the reasons Bruh Paul wrote these telling words to Timothy: ‘For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of LOVE, and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7)
Now that’s a most important scripture for us to remember today, as we step out into the world, clothed in God’s armour to continue the fight for Jesus’ righteous and just army. And to help us do that, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking help in this time of dire need.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And all of that simply means; to get divine aid, we must improve our godly behaviour! So let’s get out there and do it today nuh! Much LOVE!
…all Jesus expects of His followers…is a good, faithful day’s work…everyday…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
30 Dec 2024
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great cloud of witnesses, a merciful forgiving and gracious God, a rain warning, answer our prayers, be conformed to the image of Christ, bet your bottom dollar, Bible, broad is the way, christianity, climate change, constraints on the narrow path, contrary, depend on our faith, despising the shame, discouraged, disobeyed your word, divine aid, ease the pain, endured such hostility of sinners, endured the cross, enter ye in at the strait gate, eternal life, faith, fellowship, few find it, flooding, for the joy that was set before him, galvanizes us, heaven, holy spirit, humble servants, I am the way the truth and the life, Jehovah Rapha, Jesus Christ, lay aside every weight, lest ye be wearied and faint, light, living for Christ, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, many go in thereat, mass confusion, mercy, narrow is the way, natural diasters, negative situations, never giving up, New Year's Eve, no man comes to the Father but by me, nothing is guaranteed, perseverance, run with patience, running our race to the end, salt, salvation, sin, sincere repentance, sincerely seek your face, sinned, strait is the gate, strong faith in Christ, take anything for granted, that leads to destruction, that leads to life, that so easily besets us, the author and finisher of our faith, the God who heals, the main priority in your life, the only constant, the only one, the path to salvation, the power to solve our problems, the race set before us, the same yesterday today and for ever, the throne of grace, torubled times, treacherous times, truth, turbulent times, turn from our evil ways, uncertain times, vim and vigour, water damage, white christmas, who can lead us on the right path, wide is the gate, wisdom, wise guidance
Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and for ever.
Ah friends, can you believe it, on this Monday morning, the eve of New Year’s Eve, the Greater Toronto Area has been handed a rain warning, and not a snow warning. Flooding and all sorts of water damage is expected if the rain continues to fall as it’s been doing since Sunday morning. In fact, the entire Christmas week has been damp, foggy and cloudy, with no sunshine whatsoever. Unfortunately, the purists weren’t blessed with a white Christmas either, and now, whatever little snow was around, has been washed away with the rain and the springlike temperatures.
But that’s the way of climate change! Two decades ago, you could bet your bottom dollar that you would have a white Christmas and also a white New Year’s Eve, but things have changed so much, that today nothing is guaranteed to be the way it was. Those who never had snow, now have it, and those who had it don’t. It’s the same with drought and rainfall. We are also experiencing more natural disasters than ever. It’s sad, but our world has recently become so contrary that it’s not funny, and we can no longer take anything or any situation for granted.
So what does that mean eh? I guess we just have to depend on our faith even more than before; trust the promises of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, like we’ve never hitherto done, because He seems to be the only constant in today’s crazy, chaotic, disaster- filled world. For what does the Bible tell us? ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and for ever.’ (Heb. 13:8) Now that, you cannot say about any other body or thing. And that’s why it’s of the utmost importance for us to put ALL of our faith and trust in Jesus, because He is the ONLY ONE who can lead us along the right path to that glorious place called heaven.
And if you don’t believe me, then let’s check out some promises of scripture that prove it. And the first one is this very important one about the right path to tread. Jesus strongly advises: ‘Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait (how narrow) is the gate, and narrow (difficult, confined) is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.’ (Matt. 7:13-14)
In other words friends, Jesus is simply saying that the wide and winding road, where you can do whatever you like, where Beelzebub rules, leads only to destruction, and many people are unfortunately following it. However, the path that leads to salvation and eternal life is straight and narrow, and you cannot do whatever you want whenever you choose to. No, because there are some constraints on the straight and narrow path, constraints placed there to keep us, holy, righteous, justified, sanctified, thus living sincerely for Christ.
But unfortunately, not as many people are walking that path as the wide and dangerous one. And it’s our job to get out into the world, be the salt and light thereof, exuding a powerful flavour and a blinding light to help bring others to the wise, straight and narrow way, where they can encounter Jesus, accept His free gift of salvation, and live the abundant life that He died for us to have.
And what about this other promise eh? Where Jesus declares to the disciple Thomas: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) Now that also states it plain and clear that one cannot get to the Father, or heaven, unless Jesus is your Lord and Saviour! That’s an even bigger reason for you to have Him as the main priority in your life!
Then there are these most encouraging words of Hebrews: ‘Wherefore (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (be discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:1-3)
Oh my fellow believers, what a powerful scripture that is ! Let’s hope that it opens up or refreshes our faith, and thus galvanizes us to do as it says! That’s remember the faithful, the heroes of faith, who have gone before us, running their race with vim and vigour, and attempt to do likewise. However, to do that properly, we have to lay aside anything that’s weighing us down, be it clothing, or excessive body weight, or whatever; then disassociate ourselves from any known sins that are entangling us and preventing us from running our race properly.
And finally, running our race with perseverance, getting back up every time we falter or fall, and keep going right until the end, never giving up, using the originator and perfector of our faith, Jesus Christ as the example to be attained, be reached or accomplished! Now, that’s what we believers need to do in these troubled and trying times; look to Jesus because the Father desires us all to be made in His image. The scriptures tell us: ‘For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren.’ (Rom. 8:29)
Yes my fellow saints, the Lord desires all who follow Jesus to be the spitting image of Him, our big Brother. (smile) And to help us work toward that goal, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid to help in these treacherous and uncertain times.
Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems.
Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems.
Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’
And before we get too excited (smile) let’s remember that divine aid is only granted when we turn from our evil ways, humble ourselves, pray and sincerely seek God’s face! Much LOVE!
…please remember that…Jesus is the Only One…we can depend on in these turbulent times…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
05 Jul 2023
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious future with Jesus, a human phenomenon, a subconscious reaction, an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, become discouraged in your souls, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners, endure to the end, endured the cross despising the shame, glad to be alive, hands on the plough, have Jesus' desires uppermost in our hearts, I will come again and receive you unto myself, in my Father's house are many mansions, kept by the power of God, lay aside every weight, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds, let no your heart be troubled, living by faith, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, not looking back, outweigh the pain and suffering of earth, run with patience, sacrificing His sinless life, seeing we are compassed about, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, so great a cloud of witnesses, thank God, that fadeth not away, the author and finisher of our faith, the breath of life is still flowing through me, the crown of glory, the crown of life, the crown of righteousness, the imperishable crown, the joy of the crowns of heaven, the race that is set before us, the sin which doth so easily beset us, the swift of foot, through faith unto salvation, to be revealed in the last time, Wednesday Wail, witnesses of our faith
Hebrews 12:3. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (become discouraged in your souls).
Wow! It’s Wednesday already! I can’t believe it! I had to ask the duchess this morning if it was really Wednesday? As usual, she shook her head, looked at me with that strange look she uses when she doubts my sanity, and simply said, ‘All day.’ I don’t know about anybody else nuh, but I find that the days are passing by swifter than they ever have. July just started, and it’s already the fifth of the month.
I guess though that it’s all a human phenomenon; when you’re young, you feel like time isn’t moving along as quickly as you’d like, and when you’re older, like me, you feel that time is passing by much too quickly. It’s a subconscious reaction to know that your days on God’s great earth are numbered at the bottom end of the scale rather than at the top. But nonetheless, we old people will keep on keeping on. And all the old people shouted a loud and proud: ‘Yes we will!’
Yes friends, we cannot stop doing Jesus’ work here on earth until the last minute before He calls us home. While we have life, we ought to have His desires uppermost in our hearts, just like He had ours when He hung shamelessly on the cross of Calvary, sacrificing Hie sinless life for our sinful ones. Let’s never forget the pain and the shame He bore so that we could be set free form the bondage of sin.
As the author of Hebrews points out so poignantly. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us.’ (Heb. 12:1)
And is that ever so necessary my fellow believers. We have the heroes or witnesses of our faith who have gone before us as examples of living by faith, but to do that successfully we have to throw off whatever weight and sin that keep us back, and push forward with perseverance and endurance, because the race of faith is not for the swift of foot but for those who stay the course.
And the author of Hebrews further tells us that the best way to stay the course of faith is by ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith); who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds (become discouraged in your souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3)
Better and wiser words were never spoken my fellow saints, for Jesus is the prime example of what it takes to run this race of faith and earthly life. He began the journey for us, set the stage by disregarding all the hostility and suffering that came against Him, using the joy that He knew would be forthcoming, when He fulfilled the Father’s commission. That joy was the privilege of sitting at the right hand of the Father’s throne. Thus, He endured all the shame and suffering down here on earth, knowing that the joy of heaven would make up for it.
And that’s how we, His disciples, agents, ambassadors should also be thinking and behaving; knowing that the joy of being with Jesus in heaven will surely outweigh whatever shame and suffering we have to endure down here on this sinful and ungodly earth. Remember Jesus’ promise? ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 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 unto myself; that where I am there ye may be also.’ (John 14:1-3)
Now, we all know that Jesus doesn’t make empty promises, so if He says He’s going to prepare a place for us, then coming back to receive us unto Himself, then we’ve got to believe it, and use it as encouragement to keep keeping on, to keep fighting the good fight of faith as Bruh Paul testified to, so that we can get the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous judge will give to all them that LOVE Him at the day of reckoning. (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
Then there is also the crown of life that James speaks of. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (tested), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12). That gives us even more ammunition to remain faithful to Christ and endure whatever comes against us, for remember too that the Lord won’t allow us to be tempted more than we can bear, but will provide a way out for us when the going gets too rough. (1 Cor. 10:13)
And Peter talks about the crown of glory that will be reserved for the church elders. ‘And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.’ (1 Pet. 5:4) Above all friends, we need to realize and believe that the crowns of the earth will decay and rot eventually, they are perishable, but the crowns which we seek are imperishable, as Bruh Paul describes in 1 Cor. 9:24-25. And as Peter describes: ‘To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.’ (1 Pet. 1:4-5)
Oh my fellow believers, life will be somewhat rough and tough down here on earth, but if we keep walking in faith with Jesus, those tough times will pale in regard to the rewards, the joy that’s set aside for us in heavenly places. So please, let’s stand strong in Jesus and pursue our earthly purpose with the same joy, endurance and perseverance that He used during His earthly sojourn. Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus!
Altogether now: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’
And if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, then it’s guaranteed that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! That’s just one more enticement to keep fighting the good fight of faith! (smile) Much LOVE!
…the joy of the crowns of heaven…far outweigh the pain and suffering of earth…
Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ
11 Feb 2021
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a marathon race, a new day, at the right hand of the throne of God, clothing, courage, creativity, curse, despising the shame, divine protection, embrace all the promises of God, enables us to run our race, endurance, endured the cross, euphoria, examples of the champions, excessive body weight, faint in your minds, favour, finished the course, focus on Jesus, for the joy that was set before him, gain a strength and sense of purpose, give God some thanks and praises, heroes of faith, I want to jump and shout for joy, is set down, it feels so good to be alive, Jesus blazed the trail, Jesus is the best example, lay aside every weight, lest ye be wearied, let us run with patience, lift us from glory to glory, living by faith, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, negative word, promotion, prosper, rise to a higher level of humanity, seeing we are compassed, sing praises to my Lord and Saviour, so great a cloud of witnesses, succeed, the author and finisher of our faith, the extraordinary feeling, the feeling of peace and calm, the race that is set before us, the sin which so easily ensnares us, Thursday Blessings
Hebrews 12:1b. …let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us.
It’s a new day people, so graciously granted to us by our heavenly Father, so let’s give Him some thanks and praise for it nuh, and promise to enjoy it to the fullest, while doing His awesome will! Yes friends, it feels so good to be alive on this Thursday morning, that despite all my difficulties, I still want to jump and shout for joy and sing praises to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! Hope you are also experiencing the same extraordinary feeling, because it is not a normal emotion that the world, that unbelievers can experience.
That feeling of peace and calm, of LOVE and goodwill to our fellow beings, even when we are in the midst of a dreadful storm ourselves! And that feeling of euphoria, even in the darkest times is only possible when Jesus has first place in our lives. When we focus on Him, our lives take on a different quality, we rise to a higher level of humanity, we gain a strength and sense of purpose that enables us to run the race that our Creator has set out for us.
Yes friends, when we embrace all the promises that our God has made down through the ages, we are then able to rise to the occasion, and allow Him to lift us from glory to glory, ever becoming more faithful and Christlike as we live this earthly life. And these awesome words from the Good Book epitomize all that I’m saying. The author of Hebrews, which resonate like the words of Bruh Paul, but which some scholars doubt, gives us this news of great assurance about running our race.
‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (perseverance) the race that is set before us.’ (Heb. 12:1) And I guess it’s only appropriate that I enclose the lengthy, but excellent explanation the scholars provide on that verse, so that we will get the real meaning and understand it perfectly. (smile)
‘12:1. The present exhortation to run finds its basis in the examples of the champions mentioned in chapter eleven. These heroes of the faith are like a cloud of witnesses. As “witnesses” (Gr. marturon) they are sometimes regarded as spectators (Gr. theatai) or as martyrs; yet the Greek word should be understood as referring simply to those who testify or witness. The emphasis is on the witness provided by their living by faith.
This race of faith is described by three modifying statements. First, it is to be run by laying aside every weight. This refers to impediments that weigh one down, whether clothing or excessive body weight. These things are not inherently wrong, but for the diligent runner, or the faithful Christian they must be removed.
Second, it is to be run by putting off the entangling sin. This seems to refer to the one sin above all others that defeats a Christian. This may be a different sin for each individual. Third, it is to be run with patience (Gr. hypomones). Since patience is not an attribute commonly associated with running, this word would be better translated as endurance. Endurance and persistence have been on the author’s mind since the end of chapter 10 (cf. 10:32, 36-38, 11:13).’
There you have it friends, our race is all about faith, learning from the faithful exploits of those who have gone before us and setting glorious examples, glorious witness and testimony for those who are coming after us. And remember our race is not a sprint, but a marathon, and those require much endurance and strength, both physical and spiritual, that’s why we need to practice, and practice seriously if we truly desire to win our individual races. And friends, the ability to do that is certainly enhanced when Jesus is our focus, cause remember we can do all things through Him, who strengthens us.
Thus, the second verse of Hebrews 12 boldly continues: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:2) Oh my people, that verse is key, for it is Jesus who began our faith and completed the first race in it.
And the scholars declare it thus: ‘12:2. Just as verse 1 establishes some qualities for the entrance into and the actual running of life’s race, so verse 2 directs one’s eyes to the finish line. Jesus is the author and finisher in that He has already blazed the trail and finished the course.’
That makes Him the best example to follow in running our race. ‘For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (discouraged) in your minds (souls). Ye have not yet resisted unto blood (bloodshed), striving against sin.’ (Heb. 12:3-4)
And the scholars explain: ‘12:3-4. Though chapter 11 provides many champions for believers to emulate, the supreme example of endurance is Jesus Himself.’ Make no doubt about that my brethren! Jesus is the example that our heavenly Father wants us to emulate. Yes, He knows that it won’t be easy, but that’s why He has blessed us so profusely with all the parts and trappings to be successful.
And let’s thank our lucky stars, or should I say, our heavenly Father, (smile) that very few of us will have to undergo and endure the sad and brutal punishment that Jesus endured for our sinful sakes. That means we need to show gratitude by putting our best foot forward in supporting and promoting His wonderful cause. And He’s so magnificent and magnanimous that He’s even given us the tools to help us do His work. We call them our Thursday Blessings. Wow! So let’s remind ourselves of them as we go home this bright but cold Thursday morning nuh.
As one strong, confident but humble 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 declared them, let’s now go out, or stay in, or whatever, and share them with others, use them to benefit others, just as magnanimously as Christ has done with and for us. Much LOVE!
…the Lord knew we needed help in witnessing…that’s why He provided so many good examples…the best being Jesus…
14 Jan 2020
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a crown of glory, a marathon, a name above every other, blazed the trail, compassed about, compassion, continuing instant in prayer, deliver us, endurance, endured the cross, every knee should bow, every tongue confess, exalted, faithfulness of God, falling into the common rut, finisher, friend of Jesus, from God the Father, gave himself for our sins, grace, greetings, heavenly witnesses, hurry, I make all things new, in god's eyes, January, Jesus is Lord, lay aside every weight, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, Lucifer, make time for God, marked-down trinkets, never leave nor forsake us, New Testament churches, One Year Book of Bible promises, originator, our Lord Jesus Christ, patient in tribulation, peace, perfector of our faith, perseverance, praise, race of faith, rejection, rejoicing in hope, resolutions, rewarded, run with patience, Ruth Harms Calkin, sad, salutations, Seasonal Affective disorder, set before us, shame, share His love, sin, so easily beset us, so great a cloud of witnesses, thanksgiving, that fadeth not away, the author, the beleoed of God, the devil, the fallen angel, the hardest to run, the joy set before him, the miserable month, the most rewarding to win, the race, the race of life, the right hand of the throne, this present evil world, to the glory of the Father, Tuesday Mantra, worry
Hebrews 12:1. Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us.
Greetings and salutations this dreary looking Tuesday morning my Scrip-Bit friends and families! And as Bruh Paul liked to say in his letters to the New Testament churches: ‘Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world (age), according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen!’ (Gal. 1:3-5) Yes my faithful brethren, EVERY DAY, we ought to remember the Father and the wonderful things He’s done for us through Christ Jesus and give Him the necessary praise and thanksgiving!
And please don’t tell me it’s too difficult, or you’re too busy and you don’t have time…Make time! You make time for other not so important stuff, but you can’t make time for God, the most important thing, being and element in your life? Steups! Just take a moment and consider your state if He had not shown His amazing LOVE and compassion through the incomparable gift of His Son! You’d be headed straight for hell and the eternal company of Lucifer, the fallen angel and now the deceitful, lying devil!
But through Christ, He’s offered us another option, much better than what we had – eternal life with Him and Christ in heaven – and yuh boldfaced enough to tell me that you can’t make time to spend a few minutes with Him every day! Chuh! Pure foolishness that mih breddren! Anyway, here’s a most appropriate writing for this time of year and our current winter affliction; SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – from our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. And it’s also appropriately titled ‘January.’
Please pray with me: ‘It’s January, Lord – The drab, dreary middle – And my thoughts are as drab As the miserable month. Does everybody hit a January slump Or am I the only one? The first week wasn’t too bad: There were Christmas thank-yous to write A few resolutions to store away The huddle of year-end sales. But thank-you notes bring no returns And resolutions are quickly broken and marked-down trinkets fast lose appeal. When You said “Behold I make all things new” Did You forget January, Lord? Or in January do I sometimes forget You?’
Ah friends, I think the correct answer is more like the last one – we forget the Lord, because He’s promised NEVER to leave nor forsake us, and He always keep His promises. That we know for a fact. So if any forgetting goes on, it’s most surely on our side of the equation. And the strange thing is that the drearier and more downcast the weather and our souls are, the more we need to find consolation in God, not forget or move further away from Him. It’s like when you’re sick, that’s when you certainly need a doctor, and the worse you get, the more you need the medic! You run to Him more than ever then, not away from him.
And it’s the same with our great God; we need Him more than ever when things are not going so good. So let’s think on that some today nuh, and see if we’re falling into that common rut. And we should also think on the Bible Promise from the poem, which is our Bit for today. ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us.’
Yes friends, we have so many heavenly witnesses looking on at our race of faith, who earlier ran the same race and testified to the LOVE and faithfulness of God, that we need to get serious and put aside any and everything that will hinder us in our own faith walk. And please remember that our race of faith is not a sprint, but a long-distance race, a marathon; one that requires lots of endurance and energy, not merely simple patience. As Bruh Paul said to the Roman church: ‘Rejoicing in hope; patient (persevering) in tribulation; continuing instant (steadfastly) in prayer.’ (Rom.12:12)
That’s the kind of belly and backbone we need to run our race friends! And though we have plenty of other believers to look at as examples, the best and brightest is as the Good Book says: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:2)
Oh my people, how can there ever be a better example than our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ eh? NEVER! For He is the One who blazed the trail, made the way, didn’t consider the shame or rejection or all the other negative stuff thrown at Him, and finished the race in steadfast and enduring faith! Wow! What a giant is our Jesus! That’s why the Father exalted Him to sit at His right hand of His throne ‘and given Him a name which is above every other name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phil.2:9-11)
And likewise my brethren, if we are faithful and run our race with an abundance of the necessary Christian elements, then we too will also be rewarded at the end. As Peter calls it: ‘a crown of glory that fadeth not away.’ (1 Pet. 5:4) So let’s up the ante this cold and dreary-looking winter’s day nuh – and even if you’re in the blazing sunshine too! (smile) Let’s raise the level of our faith so that we can witness for Jesus, like the true salt and light we’re meant to be.
And we can begin doing that by declaring (yeah!) our Tuesday Mantra with strong voice and sincere hearts. As one now: ‘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 the world. Amen!’
Then the next move is to actually go out and share Jesus’ wonderful LOVE and amazing friendship! Much LOVE!
…the race of life…the hardest to run…but the most rewarding to win…
26 Nov 2018
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a joy, about God's business, almighty god, at the right hand of God, aura of love, author, Black Friday, catalyst, champions, cheaper, cloud of witnesses, compassed about, confidence, Cyber Monday, despsing any shame, earthly race, easily ensnares us, economic czars, enthusiasm, enticements, example, exciting activity, exhilarating, expectation, faith, finisher, friends, glorious kingdom, God Jehovah, good and faithful servant, greedily, holy spirit, humble servants, in a different guise, in the name of the Lord, invincible, Jesus Christ, jobs, joy, kaching, keep keeping on, lay aside every weight, lies, LOVE, lures, mercy, Monday Morning Battle Hymn, my benefit, omnipotent Creator, online shopping, physical stores, race, rejuvenation of spirit, relaxation, renewed vitality, rest, ride the good race, run, run with patience, sales, seeing, selfishly, shop, sin, sincere hearts, spiritual armour, steadfast faith, strong voice, surrounded by, taunts, the devil's work, the race set before us, trust, ungodly world, welcome, well done, wiles, wisdom
Hebrews 12:1. Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us.
Well a Happy Cyber Monday to all you my wonderful friends and Scrip-Bit family out there in God’s great universe! It is a joy coming to you today in the name of the Lord, but not this early though. (smile) You can thank the medics again for that, because I have an early appointment for a vision test in the city. I’m tempted to cancel it, but the Lord’s telling me that wouldn’t be wise since it’s all for my benefit and no one else’s.
So, ergo, I’m up and about His business this early in the morning. But when and where is it going to end eh? I’m talking about the mad rush for sales that are not really sales, only eye candy to draw you into these business places to spend what you don’t have on what you don’t need. Last Friday was called Black Friday; the day to do the rushing at the physical stores. Today has been aptly named, Cyber Monday; the day for online shopping!
But how much shop can we shop eh people? I know I can’t afford to shop at all! (smile) And what do I really need that’s out there, that’s theoretically much cheaper than at other times eh? NOTHING! I have more stuff than I can already use. Right now I’m in the giving away mode rather than the acquiring one.
But the economic czars are not happy unless their cash machines are continually going, ‘kaching, kaching!’ And they will selfishly and greedily throw out all kinds of enticements to make it happen. But please don’t be taken in by their lures my friends. It’s just the devil’s work at hand in a different guise.
Anyway, it’s Monday, and plenty of us are sad and miserable, so let’s invoke the grace and mercy of our great God Jehovah by declaring our Monday Morning Battle Hymn in strong voice with sincere hearts.
As one now: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; 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 last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies.
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 let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, 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, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’
Yeh friends, that’s a powerful call to our omnipotent Creator! And I’m sure we’re all feeling a li’l lighter and brighter in our spirits now because He has allowed His Holy Spirit to work in us the way we asked. So now, let’s get on our horses and ride nuh, ride the good race for Jesus!
As Bruh Paul says in our Bit: ‘Wherefore seeing (since) we also are compassed about with (surrounded by) so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (ensnare) us, and let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us.’
Yes my believing brethren, we’re all in a race, and the heroes of faith, plus the basic and simple witnesses who have gone before us are looking down on us with great expectation that we should finish it like the champions we’re meant to be. It’s not an easy race to run, but we’ve been gifted with all that we need to successfully run it.
And yuh see, we even different from Bruh Paul; he was running the race, but we’re riding the race, (smile) because we have much improved means of getting around than Bruh Paul had in his day. We can also get the message out further and faster than he could. So although our mode of living and spreading the good news gospel might be slightly different, our big job is still to live it as exemplarily as we can, and spread it as far and wide and forcibly as we have opportunity to.
And the catalyst and example we have for doing all that is none other than our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Listen to Bruh Paul again: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of the God.’ (Heb.12:2)
Yay mih breddren! Jesus set the course of faith and finished it with excellence, despising any shame and other negative stuff that was involved in it. And thus the Lord had Him sit at His right hand after enduring the cross on our behalf without any complaints. Likewise, we are expected to finish our earthly race without too much complaining, looking forward to the great rewards that have been laid up in heaven for those who finish the race successfully.
Jesus is standing at the door to heaven to greet us with a big hug and a bright and exhilarating: ‘Welcome and well done, thou good and faithful servant!’ Just imagine that wonderful greeting in your mind’s eye nuh, and it will help you to keep on keeping on! Much LOVE!
…riding for Jesus…Wow…it’s the most exhilarating and exciting activity on earth…
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