The Lord’s Never Promised That Life would Be Easy, But He’s Given Us Enough Guarantees that We Can Be Successful!

19 Feb 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 118:24.        This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

So, Wednesday, our second wind day has rolled in, but most of us don’t really need to catch any second wind, because so far, we’ve only worked one day for the week. Or maybe I’m wrong, all the partying over the long Family Day weekend, or the shovelling of all that snow still has a hold on us. (smile) But however we are, today is a new day, and we can expect new things to happen from our great God. That’s why we can joyfully declare: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) 

And there’s no better way to greet a new day my faithful brethren, because we never know what joy and goodness it may contain, and we’re always expecting something good from our God; that’s the everlasting hope we have in Him! He’s promised to make all things right eventually, for those who LOVE Him and are called to do His work, (Rom. 8:28) so if we are His children and believe His Word, then we ought to always have more joy than sorrow in our hearts. 

Life will never be totally easy, especially with our human sin nature, but if we’re sincerely walking with God, then we know that He is guiding and leading us along the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. As these opening words of Psalm 119 indicate: ‘Blessed are the undefiled (blameless) in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.’ (Ps. 119:1-3) Yes friends, that’s what expected of us, as believers in Christ Jesus: to walk in His ways, now and forever. 

And if you don’t believe those words from Psalm 119, then try these from Psalm 1. ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps. 1:1-3) 

Oh my people, that is the kind of believers we’re called to be. And I like how the scholars explain it. ‘The key word in the psalm is the word blessed. It serves here as a pronouncement upon a man – but a certain kind of man. In essence, the psalm is teaching that the blessed or happy man is the righteous man. The happy man avoids evil influences, deeds and attitudes (vs.1); he delights in God’s Word (vs. 2), therefore, God causes him to prosper.’ 

Now the big question is why aren’t so many of us supposed believers prospering? Is it that we are allowing the evil deeds, attitudes and influences of the world to overly influence our daily lives? That could surely be a part of the answer, especially when we see the great hold that evil and all its attendant vices currently have on the world and are constantly bombarding us with the cheap and short-lived pleasures of iniquity. 

However friends, we cannot use that as an excuse, because we have the Lord’s Word and His everlasting promise that if we meditate on it day and night and put it into action in our lives, then we will prosper and have good success. (Josh. 1:8) That means, if we’re not prospering, then some, if not all of the fault lies in our not taking God’s Word seriously and doing as He says. Remember what the author of Psalm 119 also says; ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) 

Now, are we making that the truth in our lives? Are we allowing the word of God to show us the way, and daily light our paths? That’s another question we ought to ask. And please don’t take this as condemnation, for remember Bruh Paul’s words to the church at Rome: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ (Rom. 8:1) 

And that, as this commentary explains, basically means ‘those who have faith in Jesus are no longer under judgment for their sins, because those who believe in Jesus are justified, or declared righteous before God. This is because Jesus took on the punishment that people deserve for their sins, dying in their place. However, we turn away from sin, not because we fear punishment, but because we understand the LOVE and sacrifice that God has bestowed upon us. In conclusion, Romans 8:1, when properly understood, is a powerful declaration of God’s LOVE and mercy towards us. However, it is not a free pass to sin.’ 

Definitely not! For there are always consequences to sin. But we have to fight, to truly know, to meditate on God’s Word and put it into action so that our sinfulness will not drag us down to the depths of Hades. Oh my fellow saints, we all know that living for Christ is not as easy as it sometimes sounds, because we have taken solemn vows to be His ambassadors and agents in the world. Remember what Jesus desires of all who choose to become His disciple. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) 

Yes friends, that’s what we signed up for, to DAILY take up our cross and follow Jesus. But let’s remember too, that He’s always with us, helping us out in each and every situation, per His promise; ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) And when we remember that, it gives us the wherewithal to keep on keeping on in His glorious name! Now, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of 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 yuh know what, it’s been promised that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine, if we stay the course with Jesus right to the very end. So, let’s be wise and do that nuh, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!

…the best way to success in this evil world…meditating on God’s Word…then putting it into action…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   19 April 2023   2 Timothy 4:7.

19 Apr 2023 Leave a comment

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

2 Timothy 4:7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith:

Awright, so we gone back to this cold weather nonsense. (smile) There were even some snowflakes yesterday evening, although they didn’t turn into anything serious. But just the very thought that we could still be seeing snow is annoying and frustrating. So when we awaken to this Wednesday morning cold and somewhat cloudy, it doesn’t do anything positive or good for one’s constitution, (smile) 

But thankfully, the sun is fighting a valiant battle to come out, although the clouds don’t look like they intend to give up without a fierce fight. And that my dear brothers and sisters in Christ is how we are supposed to be as true followers of Christ; in never give up mode, fight right down to the finish! In fact, in Christ’s kingdom, the words ‘give up’ simply don’t exist, because there’s no need for them. 

That echoes Bruh Paul’s words to Timothy, after telling him that ‘godliness with contentment is great gain, and money being the root of all kinds of evil and the evil deeds one can get into by LOVING money. (1 Tim. 6:6-10) He then advises him: ‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses.’ (1 Tim. 6:11-12) 

Yes my fellow believers, that’s exactly how we should be going about Christ’s business as His ambassadors and agents on this earth; living as godly and righteously as we can, and always fighting the good fight of faith. So that at the end of our earthly days, we can make positive statements like Bruh Paul did. ‘But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:5-8) 

Ah friends, some of those things are not easy to do, like enduring afflictions with a good spirit, but we need to do them if we want to truly represent Christ and all that He stands for. James encourages us in the matter by saying. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proved), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12) 

Now both apostles tell us about crowns we’ll receive if we stand strong and steadfast and bear our crosses right down to the very end, and what we need to remember is that our wonderful God never asks us to do stuff that He doesn’t give us the anointing to do. So although things might look difficult, sometimes even impossible, if it’s truly the will of God for our lives, then we will be able to do it. 

And I can talk from personal experience there. Do you think that I’ve been writing this Bit on my own strength for the last sixteen years? Obviously not! And it wasn’t even my idea in the first place, but God’s, and I fought Him about doing it. But as always, if He is serious about something, He will prevail in the end, for He has more machinations than mankind can even dream of. (smile) And though my first attempts were laughable, simple one line verses, with His help and faithfulness I eventually worked up to now, where I’m writing too much. 

And believe me when I say that some days I come to write the Bit and I don’t have a clue as to what to write, but ever so faithfully the Lord will show me something that He thinks I should write on. Now, it’s not always like the snap of my fingers, sometimes I have to work hard for it, checking all sorts of scriptures. At other times I just open the Good Book and a relevant verse jumps out at me. That’s why I can boldly acknowledge the Lord’s faithfulness when He gives you a task. 

And it’s ever so important that whatever He asks us to do, we take it seriously and put out our best effort in accomplishing it. You’ll notice the big job that the Lord gave Bruh Paul to do; take the gospel to the Gentile world, and how he did it with zeal and enthusiasm, though he suffered mightily for it. And it’s obvious he could not have done it all in his own strength, but the Lord, having assigned him the task, made it possible for him to do a brilliant job. 

Now, not many of us will have to suffer like Bruh Paul to accomplish our ministry, but there will be trials and tribulations regardless of how simple it might seem, and that’s when we have to rise up to the task, to stand up strong to whatever temptations or afflictions are blocking our way. We have to do like Peter says in his first epistle. 

‘Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as (to the extent that) ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached (insulted) for the name of Christ, happy (blessed) are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of (blasphemed), but on your part he is glorified.’ (1 Pet. 4:12-14) Yes, those are indeed tough words to live by, but live by them we must. 

Now here’s a li’l encouragement from Peter earlier on in the epistle. He writes: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively (living) hope by the resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead, 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. 1:3-5) 

Oh my fellow saints isn’t it wonderful to know that God, through Christ Jesus has bought our sins and replaced them with righteousness and hope, of salvation, as well as an incorruptible inheritance that is laid up for us an heaven! Remember we’re joint heirs with Christ, so whatever He has in heaven we’ll share some of it, like the crowns of life and righteousness that James and Bruh Paul spoke of. So, since we have all the tools, the promises, the faith, the hope and wherewithal to do God’s will, please, let’s get serious and do it nuh, for He is depending on us, His earthly agents to make a positive difference down here on earth. 

Now, for those of us who are intent on doing just that, let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our marvellous position in Christ Jesus. In 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 remember that if we endure to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So let’s use it as an incentive to endure to the nuh! (smile) Much LOVE!

…living for Christ is not easy…but it’s certainly interesting and worthwhile… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ