Acknowledging the Totally Awesome and Most Important Power of Prayer in a Christian’s Life! Part 2.

03 Feb 2026 Leave a comment

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

John 17:15.        I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one).

Ah mih people, it looks like the recent run of bright and sunshiny days is over, because today is cloudy, with a hint of inclement weather in the offing. But as always, being children of the Most High God Jehovah, we will handle whatever comes against us with his wonderful help! And all God’s children said a loud and grateful, ‘Praise the Lord!’ Yes friends, the Lord does deserve our praise and adoration because He’s done so much for us when He did not have to, and we ought to be offering up our praise and thanksgiving much more than we’re currently doing. 

Now, as we saw yesterday, we do most of that communication through what we call ‘PRAYER.’ And as Ms. Okuda says in her article on the subject: ‘Christian prayer is a conversation with God. It’s a way for us to express our LOVE, gratitude, fears, and desires, acknowledging God’s sovereignty in our lives. Prayer can take many forms: it can be a thanksgiving for blessings received, a request for guidance or help, a confession of sins, or a simple conversation expressing our thoughts and feelings to God.’ 

Yes, prayer can serve whatever purpose we desire, but it must be used wisely, though not fearfully, because it is a great privilege we have to obtain God’s ear. And today, I want us to look at some instances of prayer from the Bible that show how important it is in the Christian’s life. And one of my favourite verses on the subject is this one from the gospel of Mark, where it talks about the prayer habits of Jesus. ‘And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he (Jesus) went out, and departed into a solitary (deserted) place, and there prayed.’ (Mark 1:35) 

So my faithful brethren, I put it to us, if Jesus, the Son of God, thought it necessary to pray, to communicate with His Father on a regular basis, why would we think our that our earthly lives should be any different eh? Why should we not find it necessary to communicate regularly with the God of our forefathers. And Jesus prayed not only for Himself but also for others. We find an example of both situations in John chapter 17. Jesus first prays for Himself . 

The Bible tells us: ‘These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father the hour has come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son may also glorify thee: As thou hast given him power (authority) over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with (alongside) thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.’ (John 17:1-5) 

Now those verses contain some important ramifications for our fate. As the scholars explain: ‘His hour had finally come refers not only to His death, but also to His resurrection and exaltation. Glorify refers to the Cross and the Resurrection. Verse 2 means that the giving of eternal life directly depended on the glorification of the Son. Meanwhile verse 3 indicates that Eternal Life is more than an endless existence. It is a personal relationship with God. And I have finished  in verse 4 means that He had completed his active ministry (cf. 4:34), and was then assuming a passive role, which He also completes when He declares from the cross in 19:30 ‘It is finished.’ 

And in verse 5, Jesus gives clear testimony to His preexistence  (cf. 1:1)’ And that refers to John’s opening of his gospel: ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.’ Meanwhile the first reference is when Jesus was talking to the Samaritan woman at the well and the disciples came and asked Him if He ate. ‘Jesus saith unto them, My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’ (John 4:34) 

After praying for Himself, Jesus then prayed for the disciples: ‘I have manifested (revealed) thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine were they, and thou gavest them (to) me, and they have kept thy word… I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are mine… And now I am no more (longer) in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are… 

And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves….I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil (one). They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them (set them apart) through thy truth: thy word is truth.’ (John 17:6-17) 

Now that says a lot about Jesus’ character, but what says even more, is that He continued in prayer for future believers. ‘Neither pray I for these alone (the disciples), but for them also which shall believe on me through their word. That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that they world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.’ (John 17:20-22) 

Oh friends, did you see what Jesus sincerely prayed for above everything else? That all of His believers should live as ONE! Yes, that was the explicit message. Believers must be as One as the Father and Son are One! Unfortunately though, that doesn’t exist because today believers are more divided than ever. And it must hurt Jesus’ heart to see the number of divisions and dissensions amongst His followers, knowing that they cannot achieve much unless they come together. But that’s a story for another day! Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And now it’s our bounden duty to go out and share the LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they can also come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…prayer is the great leveller…for we must ALL be humble…when we come to God…

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

The Necessity for Believers to follow the Example of Jesus in Being Obedient to His Father’s Will!

11 Dec 2025 Leave a comment

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

John 14:11.        Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.

And then it was Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week. Thankfully, the snow has stopped falling and the sun is shining but it’s cold. However, we’ll take the cold with the bright shining sun any day though, rather than the white stuff falling from the skies. (smile) And as we move closer to Christmas Day, the preparations are ramping up and getting even more intense. Let’s hope that the thoughts of Christ in our hearts, souls, bodies and minds are also getting more intense, as we look forward to that awesome day when we celebrate His incarnate birth. 

How He was born of the virgin Mary, with the Holy Spirit planting the godly seed in Mary’s womb, so He could become human, but not have a human being as his biological father. It was the first step in God’s enormous and awesome plan of salvation for His human creation; Jesus being born sinless, so that He could eventually pay the hefty, soul draining price for our sinfulness. 

But He also came to earth to show us what the Father, the God we’d worshipped for so long was really like, not in body, because the Father is a Spirit, but in ways and means, hopefully giving us a better understanding of what He expects from us. Remember Jesus talking to the disciples about His going away, and they claiming to not know where He was going and how. (John 14:3-4). 

‘Then Thomas saith unto him, Lord we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. Philip saith unto him, Lord shew us the Father, and it sufficeth (will satisfy) us. 

Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long with you, and yet hast thou not known me Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father: and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself (of my own authority): but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake.’ (John 14:5-11) 

Yes friends, as Jesus told Philip, when we see Him, we also see the Father, for although they are separate, they are one in certain respects. And I like how this commentary puts it. ‘Jesus asserts his oneness with the Father, indicating they share the same divine essence, emphasizing their unity, divinity, and the Father’s presence in Jesus’ words and works, revealing God’s nature through Him. Jesus acts as the perfect revelation of God; to understand Jesus is to understand God, as God’s character, words, and deeds are fully manifested in Him.’ 

And that was exactly what Jesus did while living as a human being here on earth; teach us about the ways and character of God, through His works, deeds and words. Remember He said that His words and actions were not from His own authority, but from the Father’s. And throughout His earthly sojourn He made it crystal clear that He was obeying the will of His Father, not His own. 

And we see that in verses like these. ‘My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’ (John 4:34) Then in John 5, Jesus declares: ‘I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgement is just (righteous); because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.’ (John 5:30) And again in John 6, Jesus says; ‘For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.’ (John 6:38) 

Ah friends, if there’s one thing Jesus modelled perfectly was obedience. He did nothing without consulting His Father, for it was His will Jesus came to earth to pursue. That’s why Isaiah reminds us: ‘And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.’ (Is. 30:21) 

Oh, my fellow believers, the Holy Spirit is trying to lead and guide us in a godly and righteous manner, and how much better off we would all be if we could be even a tad more obedient to the dictates of Jesus, as His followers and ambassadors. For one of our greatest failings is we simply like to go our own way and do our own thing. But please, let’s look at the example Jesus set for us and do our best to follow it nuh. Killing ourselves to acquire the pleasures, wealth and power of the world won’t do us any good when we’re six feet under. But living seriously for Jesus now, will certainly help us in the next life. 

And the Father has been so good to us, even to the extent of bestowing undeserved blessings on us to do His earthly work. So why not be wise and live for Him eh? And in keeping with that great idea, (smile) let’s now declare and activate those Thursday Blessings, that we can rise to our calling. 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 (yesss!!!) we are now expected to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…disobedience is the Christian’s downfall…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Reflecting the Steadfast Devotion and Commitment to His Father’s Will!

03 Nov 2025 Leave a comment

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

John 4:34.       ‘My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’

Awright my people, Monday and a new work week has come back to haunt us one more time. But let’s remember that we have the wherewithal through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to handle them both with great aplomb, that’s amazing poise and self-confidence. Reflecting the way Jesus handled His earthly life with the assurance and certainty of His heavenly Father’s guidance and protection. All the trials and tribulations, the abuse and denial of His holy person, did not make Him turn back or waiver from His purpose. 

And there are several scriptures that point out, as this commentary puts it: ‘The unwavering commitment to His earthly purpose and the will of the Father, highlighting His obedience, focus, and determination, even in the face of immense suffering.’ And was Jesus ever a marvellous example of self-control in the face of numerous difficulties. And why is that you ask? Listen to Him explain it to the disciples after speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well and refusing the food they offered. ‘My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.’ (John 4:34) 

And the commentary tells us: ‘This verse clearly demonstrates that fulfilling God’s will was Jesus’ primary sustenance and focus in life.’ Oh, how I wish that many more of us would adopt that selfless and obedient attitude, and do the work that Jesus expects of us as His disciples and ambassadors. (smile) 

Then there’s this other time, after accusing the multitude of only following Him because they ate of the bread He provided, and telling them that He is the bread of life, (John 6:26-35), Jesus then informs them: ‘For I came down from heaven not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.’ (John 6:38) And according to the commentary: ‘Jesus explicitly states that His mission was defined entirely by the Father’s will, not His own desires.’ So should our lives be entirely governed by the will of Jesus. 

And when we talk about Jesus being the perfect example for us to follow, Hebrews tells us loud and clear: ‘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 in your souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3) 

And per the commentary; ‘These verses point to Jesus’ ability to endure extreme suffering and shame by maintaining a forward-looking perspective on the ultimate joy of accomplishing His redemptive purpose.’ And don’t we have a purpose that ought to also bring us joy? Yes, that of spreading the good news of Christ and living like He desires of us. And what’s the joy we should look forward to? That’s salvation and eternal life with Jesus, being greeted with the words ‘Welcome thou good and faithful servant,’ (Matt. 25:21) and ‘the crown of righteousness that the righteous judge, (the Lord) will give to all who LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:8) 

Now, isn’t that a big enough reward to encourage us to do Jesus’ will? I believe it is. And let’s remember that our earthly lives and all the material things we covet and the sinful pleasures we so avidly desire down here only last for a short while. But life with Christ will be for eternity…that’s forever…without end. So, it’s certainly not wise to expend so much energy and use up what little time we have here on earth running down its corrupt and rust-driven treasures, but ought to be laying up treasures in heaven that don’t rust or spoil. 

But getting back to Jesus’ serious focus on His God-given purpose, listen to what He tells the disciples after the argument that erupted when John and James asked for one of them to sit on His right and the other on the left hand in His glory. (Mark 10:35-41) ‘For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (be served), but to minister (to serve), and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ (Mark 10:45) And the commentary explains that verse thus: ‘This highlights the sacrificial nature of His purpose, to which He remained committed.’ 

And we see that commitment further displayed in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus in His human form was terribly weighed down by the whole situation and pleaded: ‘Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.’ (Luke 22:39) The commentary tells us: ‘This shows His human struggle and distress, but ultimately, His resolute obedience to the Father’s plan, which included the cross.’ Yes friends, though Jesus was undergoing a lot of ‘sufferation’ and sought a reprieve from His heavenly Father, deep down He knew that it could not happen if the Father’s overall plan for our salvation was to be successful. 

And we’ll close with a final word from the commentary. They say: ‘These scriptures collectively demonstrate Jesus’ singular and steadfast devotion to fulfilling God’s redemptive purpose on earth, despite the personal cost and suffering involved.’ And though we all know it’s not easy to do, that is the same singular and steadfast devotion that we need to show in fulfilling Jesus’ purpose for us here on earth. Now, let’s use one more benefit we acquired through the travails of Jesus, that’s the ability to go directly to the throne of grace and ask for divine aid in times of need. Let’s do that right now, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. 

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 what’s the answer we received? ‘Begin by turning from your evil ways, humbling yourselves, and sincerely seeking my face.’ So, if we truly desire divine aid, then it’s up to us to put those demands into action! Much LOVE!

…as disciples of Jesus…our lives ought to reflect His steadfast devotion and commitment…as much as is humanly possible… 

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

The Great Need for Believers to Spread God’s Word ALL OVER this Evil and Ungodly World! Part 1.

11 Sep 2025 Leave a comment

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

Luke 10:2.          The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.

Then it was Thursday, our penultimate day of the work week. And brother has this week gone by quickly! I guess when you’re having fun and/or busy, the days pass by without you truly noticing them. Anyway, it’s another beautiful summer’s day in my neck of the woods, and you will not hear me complain, because I’m alive and kicking to enjoy it! Thank You Lord for another blessed day on Planet Earth! 

And today we’re going to check out one of the Prayer Cards recently issued by the In Touch Ministry, this one deals with ‘Missionaries.’ So please pray with me: ‘Father, so many need to hear the gospel. Thank You that because of Your LOVE, there’s still time to reach them. Please send more workers into the field. Touch hearts to answer Your call as missionaries, preachers, and evangelists. Go before them and make their work fruitful. Protect them from danger wherever they serve. As Your Word goes forth, I pray many will put their faith in the Lord Jesus and receive eternal life. Thank You for Your great mercy that saves us. Amen!’  

Yes friends, the world indeed needs many more people to go forth and spread the saving Word of God, otherwise too many will be headed straight for hellfire and damnation with Satan. And remember what Peter says: ‘the Lord is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.’ (2 Pet. 3:9b). And that’s possibly one of the reasons Jesus has not yet returned to take His people home: the Lord’s giving us time to get out there and bring more people to repentance. 

But we need many more people; missionaries, preachers, evangelists, whosoever, to get out into the field and spread the Word of God, the good news of the gospel of Christ. For as Jesus said when he sent forth seventy disciples into the field to preach the Word: ‘The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.’ (Luke 10:2) Now that’s the scripture that our prayer above was based on, and it’s a real problem in these evil and ungodly times, because, for whatever reason, many Christians are not interested in going into the world and preaching the Word of God. 

And Jesus again made reference to the importance of believers spreading the gospel, when at one juncture, the disciples encouraged Him to eat something. ‘But he said unto them, I have meat (food) to eat that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples one to another, hath any man brought him ought (anything) to eat? Jesus saith unto them, My meat (food) is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? 

behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look unto the field; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labour: other men laboured and ye are entered into their labours.’ (John 4:32-38) 

Oh my fellow believers the harvest of unsaved souls is very large out there and it takes both those who sow the seed of the gospel and those who reap the harvest by continually preaching the word in encouragement. It’s like Bruh Paul admonished the Corinthians when they were arguing about whom they believed in, Paul or Apollos. 

‘And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat (solid food): for hitherto (until now) ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions (dissensions), are ye not carnal (fleshly), and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?’ (1 Cor. 3:1-4) 

And unfortunately friends, Christ’s church is still like that; divided and revelling in carnality much more than true spirituality. So how can we ever truly get going to spread Christ’s gospel when there’s so much infighting and enmity within the so-called church eh? It’s impossible! That’s why Satan has such a strangle hold on the world and our society! 

Then Bruh Paul continues his admonition thus: ‘Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but minsters by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together (fellow workers) with God: ye are God’s husbandry (field), ye are God’s building.’ (1 Cor. 3:5-9) 

And the long and short of the story my fellow believers is that we are all God’s fellow workers. We work together under the auspices of the Lord God Almighty, and none of us is greater than the other. We do different jobs, but it’s the Lord himself who provides the increase! Please let’s remember that and try to minimize the envy and jealousy and divisiveness that still engulfs the church. Otherwise we will not be able to do a good job of bringing lost souls to Christ, which is one of our most important roles here on earth.. 

And the Lord’s so wonderful that He’s generously bestowed on us undeserved blessings to enable us to do that earthly work. We call them our Thursday blessings. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. 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!!!) we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings on behalf of others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…spreading the gospel of Christ…in both word and deed…is the Christian’s basic job…

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