07 Aug 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: A Daily Prayer for Wisdom, according to his glorious power, and with all thy getting, anything praiseworthy, as I seek your presence each day, bad air advisories, be careful for nothing, be filled with the knowledge of his will, be not weary of God's correction, be not wise in thine own eyes, being fruitful in every good work, bounden duty, Christians, confident that you'll direct my paths, courage, creativity, curse, delivered us from the power of darkness, despise not the chastening of the Lord, faith, favour, fear the Lord and depart from evil, fill me with the knowledge of your will, get understanding, giving thanks unto the Father, growing in spiritual maturity, guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus, guide me into your truth, have redemption through Christ's blood, health to thy navel, holy spirit, honour the Lord with thy substance, I acknowledge you, I lay down my anxieties, I trust you with all my heart, in all my ways, in all thy ways acknowledge him, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, in everything by prayer and supplication, increasing in the knowledge of God, Jesus Christ, lean not unto thine own understanding, let your requests be made known unto God, live a life pleasing to you, LOVE, make straight your paths, marrow to thy bones, mercy, more than conquerors, negative word, not relying on my own understanding, nothing that comes against us will prosper, of the inheritance of the saints, presenting every need with thanksgiving, qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of, receive clear direction for my life, salvation, self-control. self-discipline, strengthen my faith, strengthened with all might, success, supernatural strength, the BIBLE, the forgiveness of sins, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the peace that surpasses all understanding, therefore get wisdom, thy barns be filled with plenty, thy presses burst out with new wine, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, trusting that your peace, truth, unto all patience and longsuffering, walk worthy of the Lord, whatsoever things are true, wisdom, wisdom and understanding, wisdom is the principal thing, with joyfulness, with thanksgiving, with the firstfruits of all thine increase
Colossians 1:9b. to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
Oh my people, can you believe it’s already the 7th of August; we’ve already completed a week of this new month. It seems to be going just as fast as the others, and also being just as hot and dry, with bad air advisories and little or no rain. But being children of God, we have the godly ability to handle anything that comes against us. As the Bible tells us, we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37) and nothing that comes against us will prosper. (Is. 54:17) But be that as it may, all our God given help begins with prayer. And today we’ll check out one titled ‘A Daily Prayer for Wisdom.’ And as so often is the case, I cannot remember who sent it to me, but it’s still very viable. (smile)
So please pray with me. ‘Father, I trust you with all my heart, not relying on my own understanding. In all my ways, I acknowledge You, confident that You’ll direct my path. Today, fill me with the knowledge of Your will through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so I may live a life pleasing to You. I lay down my anxieties, presenting every need with thanksgiving, trusting that Your peace which goes beyond all understanding will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Guide me Lord, into Your truth, and strengthen my faith as I seek Your presence each day. In Jesus name. Amen.’
And what I like about that prayer is that it’s a compact, combination of several verses of the Bible. As the card says, ‘This daily prayer is based on Scripture verses from: Proverbs 3:5-6; Colossians 1:9; Philippians 4:6-7.’ And what better time and place to review those foundational scriptures that we all know but don’t live up to as we should? None like right now! (smile) So let’s begin our review with these marvellous words from Cousin Sol’s amazing Book of Wisdom, Proverbs.
He wisely advises: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make straight) your parts.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) Oh friends, that’s wisdom to the nth degree! You know, if we would do only those things contained in those two verses, our lives would be so enriched, both spiritually and physically, that we would not know what to do with ourselves, for that’s the basic wisdom of our Christian faith; trust the Lord, listen to His commands and do them. And when we add these other words of that scripture passage to those above, we get such a beautiful picture of Christian living!
Listen up, ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones. Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) be filled with new wine. My son despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of (detest) his correction: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as the father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:7-12) And right there friends we have a synopsis of the Bible in a few verses. If you followed them sincerely, you could not go wrong.
Then there’s this other beautiful scripture passage from the pen of Bruh Paul to the Colossians re his prayer for them. ‘For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’(Col. 1:9) Now that’s the verse quoted by the prayer, but we cannot leave out the other parts of Bruh Paul’s prayer which gives us such understanding into his prayers.
He then continues: ‘That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet (qualified us) to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in (the) light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated (transferred) us into the kingdom of his dear Son (the Son of His LOVE): In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:’ (Col. 1:9-14)
Wow friends! What a wonderful prayer! Please note that Bruh Paul didn’t pray for them to be rich or healthy or have no problems, but for them to be totally anchored in God; learning His word and doing it, thus growing in spiritual maturity. And it’s a method of prayer that we can all adopt that rises above our physical and material desires. And the last scripture used in our earlier prayer is another marvellous passage, this time from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he desires to introduce them to the God of peace.
He consequently writes. ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. and the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:6-7) Yes my fellow saints, more foundational scriptures; we must not be anxious or fearful about anything, but take all our anxieties and fears to the Lord in prayer, and when we do that, His outstanding peace, which is greater than we can ever understand will keep our hearts free from worry, fear and anxiety.
And then in Bruh Paul’s practical style, he tells them what to think about. ‘Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest (noble), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise (anything praiseworthy), think (meditate) on these things. Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.’ (Phil. 4:8-9)
Oh my people! What more can we ask for eh? Not much. However, the Lord in His overwhelming generosity has given us, what we call our Thursday Blessings. That’s undeserved blessings, to do His earthly work. So let’s declare them (chuh!!!) 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!’
Now, it’s our bounden duty to go out and use those blessings on behalf of others, just as generously as the Lord blessed us with them, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…wisdom is the principal thing…therefore get wisdom…and with all thy getting…get understanding… (Prov. 4:7)
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
31 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a positive outlook on life, abundance, all will be well, always planning in love, band my jaw, brain weary, courage, creativity, curse, despair and loneliness hedge me in, duty bound, faith, favour, fighting the good fight, God's supernatural wisdom, happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, holy spirit, I lift up my soul, in peevish rebellion, in the midst of consuming sorrow, in the northern climes, in the silent darkness, Jesus Christ, Lead me in thy truth, let me not be ashamed, let none that wait in faith on thee be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me, LOVE, mercy, my fears, my hesitancies, negative word, O my God I trust in thee, on thee do I wait all the day, One Year Book of Bible promises, place our total trust in jesus, powering our motors, quiet my fragmented heart, rail against you, receive clear direction for my life, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, scamper from doubt to doubt, shew me thy ways O Lord, sitting inside by the fire, talent, teach me thy paths, the BIBLE, the concrete jungle, the cross we have to bear, the end of July, the furnace of affliction, the strength of Jesus, the white-flamed furnace of affliction, thou art the God of my salvation, Trust me, truth, unto thee O Lord, whose hope is in the Lord his God, wisdom, work in me silently, you forgive so quickly my outbursts, you never drive me away, you refine me, you understand my frailties, you whisper
Psalm 25:2. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Well here it is finally friends, the end of the summer month of July! And though it’s been rather hot, and sometimes vexatious, we still prefer it to the cold winter weather. Now, sadly, only one more month of summer is left…and if that passes as quickly as the first two, then we’ll soon be sitting inside by the fire trying to keep warm, rather than in the air conditioning, trying to stay cool. But that’s the cross we have to bear in the northern climes.
However, with the wonderful and magnificent strength of Jesus powering our motors, we can accomplish whatever we need to accomplish. Please, let’s never forget that, because it’s that joy and strength from Him that keeps us fighting the good fight. And isn’t it strange that after all those hot days, July seems to be ending on a cool and cloudy note, with rain that’s been falling, thankfully just drizzling, for the past couple of hours.
Now some of you might be wondering how come the Bit’s so early. Well there’s good reason. I have an early morning doctor’s appointment in the concrete jungle city of Toronto, which means I have no idea when I’ll be back, plus when I return from those city outings, I’m always too tired and brain weary to write anything worthwhile, so I just have to band my jaw and do it before I go. So please don’t think that this will be a usual occurrence. When I’m getting up here, is when I’m usually going to bed. (smile)
And today, the Lord has decreed that we look at this encouraging and reaffirming poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, titled ‘All Will Be Well.’ I’m pretty sure I’ve shared it before, but we know that all those writings are so good and so applicable in these tough times, that they ought to be shared again and again.
So please read with me: ‘O Lord God In the midst of consuming sorrow when despair and loneliness hedge me in You understand my frailties – My hesitancies, my fears. As I scamper from doubt to doubt You forgive so quickly my outbursts. Never do you drive me away when I rail against you in peevish rebellion. When I scream don’t you even care? You quiet my fragmented heart. You work in me silently Always planning in LOVE. You refine me in the white-flamed Furnace of affliction. In the silent darkness You whisper: Trust Me – all will be well.’
And that’s exactly how it is my faithful brethren when we surrender our all, and place our total trust in the Lord Jesus Christ! All ends up being well, despite all the rebellion, the sorrow, the despair and loneliness, for as the poem so rightly says, our God and Saviour plans only and always in LOVE! For that’s His major attribute, and why He created us in the first place; to have LOVING communion with us! And the good thing is that God knows all our problems, our frailties, etc. etc. so nothing we do surprises Him, and He’s planned for them from the very beginning.
And the Bible verse for this poem come from Psalm 25, where Bruh David talks about Trust in the Lord. The poem quotes it from the NIV (New International Version) ‘To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God.’ (Ps. 25:1-2) But we here prefer the good ole King James Version, which tells it like it really is. (smile) ‘Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait (in faith) on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause (deal treacherously). (Ps. 25:1-3)
Yes friends, it’s in Almighty God alone that we ought to put our trust, for He’s the ONLY One who can protect us from our enemies. And we ought also to pray as Bruh David continues: ‘Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.’ (Ps. 25:4-5)
Oh my people, the Bible is filled with such requests, from almost all of those who put their trust in God, for their faith journey was not easy, but they knew that the One who led them had the power and the grace to show them the way. And that’s how we ought also to believe today. We will have trials and tribulations along the way, but it’s of the utmost importance to know that we can call on our great God for help at any time and any place, and He will positively respond.
He’s already being so generous to bestow on us underserved blessings to do His earthly work, we call them our Thursday Blessings, so why won’t He answer our heartfelt cries eh? No reason whatsoever! So let’s declare and activate those blessings 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, (yeaahhh!!!) we’re duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…happy is he…that hath the God of Jacob for his help…whose hope is in the Lord his God… (Ps. 146:5)
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
24 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a holding pattern, a source of hope and encouragement, above all that we ask or think, abundance, according to the power that worketh in us, ask and it shall be given you, by Christ Jesus, cleanse any infection, courage, creativity, curse, divine protection, divine refreshing, duty bound, every breath I wake, every one that asketh receiveth, faith, favour, fill me with the healing power of your Spirit, God's power can exceed all our human expectations, God's power is boundless, God's power working within believers, God's supernatural wisdom, got a zeppo, have faith that god can work, he spake a parable unto them, he that seeketh findeth, heat warning, heavenly Father, holy spirit, I call on you right now, I live under your power, if you created me from nothing, in a special way, in mind body and spirit, in ways that exceed our human expectations, it shall be opened, Jesus Christ, keep on keeping on, knock and it shall be opened unto you, laziness and procrastination, let the warmth of your healing love pass through my body, LOVE, men ought always to pray and not faint, mend what is broken, mercy, my body will function, n a special way, negative word, not give up, not lose heart, on a short leash, open any blocked arteries or veins, prayer is the beleiver's most potent weapon, promotion, prosper, rebuild any damaged areas, remove all inflammation, restore me to full health, root out any unproductive cells, salvation, seek and ye shall find, serve you for the rest of my life, succeed, success, talent, the Prayer of Physical Renewal, the way you created it to function, through the Holy Spirit, through your power I was created, throughout all the ages, to accomplish far more than is humanly possible, to do exceeding abundantly, to him that knocketh, to make new any unhealthy areas, to this end, touch me now with that same power, trust in God's power, truth, unto Him be glory in the church, unto him that is able, we worship a Supernatural God, wisdom, world without end, you can recreate me
Luke 18:1. And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart).
Please, don’t even remind me that it’s Thursday, the second to last day of the work week, a sunny and very hot one with a heat warning, for I’ve done very few of the numerous things I promised myself to do this week! Chuh man! Is it just laziness and procrastination on my part, or does the Lord have me in a holding pattern, where, like a tied up animal straining to get loose, I can only go as far as my leash would allow me?
To my thinking it’s a bit of both, but the problem is to decipher which one has the strongest hold, which one’s keeping me back the most. I’ve been enquiring of the Lord, but so far I haven’t received a conclusive answer, so I guess my best bet is to get up and throw off the laziness and procrastination and see where it gets me. If it gets me nowhere, then I will know that it’s the Lord who has me on a short leash. (smile)
On the other hand, even before I began to write the Bit, I got a zeppo as to what to write. Hn! Consider that nuh! Now, there’s a prayer which a friend gave me a long time ago that I say every morning before writing the Bit. I’ve shared it before, but today while saying it, I was guided to share it again, because it’s a prayer that so many of us in our sick and broken lives desperately need in these chaotic and ungodly times. Now it doesn’t have an official name, but for our purposes we will call it the prayer of Physical Renewal. (smile)
So please pray with me: ‘Heavenly Father, I call on You right now in a special way. It is through Your power that I was created. Every breath I wake, I live under Your power. Father, I ask You now to touch me with that same power. For if You created me from nothing, You can recreate me. Fill me with the healing power of Your Spirit. Cast out anything that should not be in me. Mend what is broken.
Root out any unproductive cells, open any blocked arteries or veins and rebuild any damaged areas. Remove all inflammation and cleanse any infection. Let the warmth of your healing LOVE pass through my body to make new any unhealthy areas so that my body will function the way You created it to function. And Father, restore me to full health in mind, body and spirit so that I may serve You for the rest of my life. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen!’
Yes friends, that’s one of my backbone prayers. For at my stage in life, with all my maladies, aches and pains, I do need divine refreshing every day. And I don’t doubt that many of you are in the same position, therefore we all need to pray for our specific healing needs. Remember this Bible verse: ‘And he (Jesus) spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart).’ (Luke 18:1)
That was the parable of the persevering woman and the unjust judge that we recently spoke of. She only got justice because she kept on bothering the judge until he gave in and did His job properly. Likewise, we’re not to give up on prayer, despite not receiving the answers we desire or any answers at all. It’s like Jesus said in the sermon on the Mount: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ (Matt. 7:7-8)
That means we have to keep on keeping on, and not give up, though things might look tough, even impossible, because our God is a supernatural God and therefore has the power to do things supernaturally, things that we cannot imagine or comprehend. As Bruh Paul wrote to the Ephesians: ‘Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all the ages, world without end. Amen.’ (Eph. 3:20-21)
And what does all of that mean? This commentary explains it thus: ‘It expresses the belief in God’s limitless power and capacity to exceed human expectations and desires. This verse is often interpreted as a source of hope and encouragement, emphasizing that God’s actions can surpass anything we can ask for or even imagine. It emphasizes that God’s power, working within believers through the Holy Spirit, enables Him to accomplish far more than what is humanly possible.’
In other words, God’s power is boundless, and can exceed all our human expectations, but we need to trust in His power and to have faith that He can work in ways that are beyond our understanding. That’s the only way we will ever see God’s power show up in our lives, my fellow believers; with sincere faith and trust in His boundless ability. And we already know that He’s very generous because He’s bestowed on us undeserved blessings we call our Thursday Blessings, so that we can do His earthly work. Therefore, let’s declare and 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, we are now duty bound to go out and use those blessings in the lives of others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us. Much LOVE!
…prayer is the believer’s most potent weapon…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
10 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a positive outlook on life, a strong will, believers ought never to give up, blessed with God's supernatural widom, chores, christianity, Creator and Controller of the universe, curse, David encouraged himself in the Lord his God, David was greatly distressed, divine protection, do not fear, double figures, even mine enemies and foes, every man for his sons and daughters, evil and ungodly times, faith, favour, fear him which can destroy both body and soul in hell, fear not them which kill the body, fulfillment, give I unto you, good health, holy spirit, humans cannot harm the soul or spirit, in the name of Jesus, in this will I be confident, Jesus Christ, let not your heart be troubled, lifted up their voices to God, like a rag doll before a mad bull, LOVE, mercy, my heart shall not fear, my peace I give unto you, negative word, neither let it be afraid, nobody, not as the world gives, of whom shall I be afraid, onfidence, Peace i leave with you, physical harm, promotion, put our full hope and faith in God, salvation, self-control, share our undeserved blessings, stood strong in the comfort and encouragement of his God, strengthen our hearts, strife-filled and ruthless times, success, the Amalekites burned Ziklag, the BIBLE, the chaotic and fearful state of our world, the enemy will cast us aside, the Lord God Almighty, the Lord is my light and my salvation, the Lord is the strength of my life, the men blamed David for their woeful state, the people spake of stoning him, the soul of all the people was grieved, they stumbled and fell, though an host should encamp against me, though war should rise against me, to eat up my flesh, total assurance, truth, useful scriptures, we look for someone else to blame, we want to share in the fame and fortune, when the wicked came upon me, when things go right, when things go wrong, whom shall I fear, wisdom
1 Samuel 30:6b. …but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
Ah mih people, we’re on the late, late bus this Thursday morning, or rather afternoon, where the sun has a decided edge over the clouds, but those clouds aren’t giving up very easily. Just like we faithful believers ought not to give up easily, or rather not give up at all, for there’s no giving up in Jesus’ kingdom! And on this penultimate day of our workweek, when July has hit double figures… imagine that nuh, is jut last week we celebrated Canada Day on the first of July, and it’s already up to the tenth. The days certainly are running away like they have some kind of wild animal running them down. (smile)
But I’m sure some of you are wondering why we’re so late today. Well it’s simple. I went to bed late, thus got up late, and there were a few chores to be done around the house that I could not put off any longer without earning the Duchess’ ire. And you know what that can be like! (smile) Anyway, we’re finally here, and kicking too, so let’s check out some useful scriptures…and be brief in doing so too. Hn! Hn! As if the ole fella knows how to be brief. But we’ll try. (smile)
And the scripture for today comes from that marvellous Psalm 27, aptly titled, ‘My Heart Shall Not Fear.’ And that’s something so many of us believers ought to get a grip on, for one of the things Jesus said most often while here on earth is ‘Do not fear.’ He doesn’t expect His followers to fear when they have His sovereign authority and marvellous promises at hand. And what can be more encouraging than these words of His. ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27)
Unfortunately though many Christians right now are experiencing much fear because of the chaotic and fearful state of our world. But that’s exactly where and when Bruh David’s words from Psalm 27 ought to strengthen our hearts, as he writes with total assurance and confidence: ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?’ (Ps. 27:1) And the correct answer to that question from the mouth of believers, ought to be a loud and resounding, ‘NOBODY!’
Yes friends, we ought to be afraid of NO ONE! Remember Jesus’ warning. ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt. 10:28) And this commentary explains that verse thus: ‘It means that while humans may have the power to take away physical life, they cannot harm the soul or spirit. Therefore, one should not be excessively afraid of those who can inflict physical harm, but rather should fear God, who has the power to destroy both body and soul in hell.’
Now, I know it’s not always easy to not be afraid of man, especially in these strife-filled and ruthless times, but let’s weigh the thing in the balance here: man can only destroy our physical body, but the Lord can destroy both our body and soul, so whom should we fear most then eh? It’s obvious, the Lord God Almighty, Creator and Controller of the Universe and all therein!
So let’s stop fearing what man can do to us, and put our full hope and faith in God. Let’s begin thinking and saying like Bruh David did: ‘When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up (devour) my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.’ (Ps. 27:2-3)
Oh my people, that’s the kind of thinking we have to embrace in these evil and ungodly times, otherwise the enemy will just cast us aside like a rag doll before a mad bull. And we all know that Bruh David’s life was far from easy, but he stood strong in the comfort and encouragement of His God. And there’s no better example of this than when Bruh David was living amongst the Philistines, running from King Saul, and he joined them to fight against his Jewish brethren. The Philistine princes didn’t trust him to fight on their side, and sent him and his men back home to Ziklag.
Unfortunately, they arrived there only to find that the Amalekites had invaded, burned it down, and took away all the inhabitants and their livelihood. Obviously when they discovered that sorry state of affairs, Bruh David and his men were very sorrowful, and they lifted up their voices to God and wept. But the selfish and distressful thing was that the men blamed Bruh David for their woeful state, not considering that his two wives were also taken captive. And here’s where Bruh David’s faith truly came through.
The Bible says: ‘And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved (bitter), every man for his sons and his daughters:’ (1 Sam. 30:6a) So, wasn’t Bruh David’s soul grieved for his family too? Apparently not, in the people’s estimate. But that’s how we feckless humans behave. When things go right we all expect to be a part of the fame and glory, but when they go wrong, we always try to lay the blame on someone else’s shoulders.
But thankfully Bruh David was up to the task…obviously with God’s help. The Bible further informs us that instead of being afraid and worried, ‘but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.’ (1 Sam. 30:6b) And that my people is what we all are expected to do when things get rough. And the example continues, for Bruh David enquired of the Lord what to do, and the Lord told him to go after the Amalekites. He and his six-hundred men did so, and with the Lord’s assistance recaptured all that they’d lost.
And today, there’s no need to worry, because the Lord has given us underserved blessings to do His earthly work as well as boost our faith; 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!’
Now, it behooves us to go out and use those underserved blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us. And I know I promised to be short …but that’s the best I could do! (smile) Much LOVE!
…faith is hope in action…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
03 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid, a godless society, a great family, a positive outlook on life, a strong will, abundance, actions prove love, an expression of love, another day another dollar, arise and flourish, baptizing them in the name of the Father, be completely lost, Christians, complacent, curse, discarded on the dumping ground fo life, divine protection, even unto the end of the world, faith, favour, fear him which can destroy both soul and body, fear not them which kill the body, fight the good fight, glorify your Father which is in heaven, good for nothing, good friends, greed, hide your light under a bushel, highest level of innovation, his commandments are not grievous, holy spirit, I am with you always, if any man will come after me, if ye love me keep my commandments, in the name of the Holy Spirit, in the name of the Son, Jesus Christ, keep arrogance and judgement from my heart, lack of faithful witness for Christ, lazy, let him deny himself, Let your light so shine before men, lost our salty flavour, LOVE, mercy, negative things, negative word, nigh impossible, not able to kill the soul, not putting fort the necessary effort, nothing can separate us from the Love of God, overrun by negative things, positive ad productive changes, preach Christ Crucified, promotion, prosperity, salvation, see your good works, self-aggrandizement, self-control, spread our salty flavour, stand strong in Faith, supernatural wisdom, take up his cross daily and follow me, talent, teach all nations, teaching them to observe all things, that we keep his commandments, the BIBLE, the Great Commission, the salt of the earth, this is the love of God, through him that loved us, to be cast out, trodden under foot of men, truth, we are more than conquerors, we can do anything through Jesus, whatsoever I have commanded you, wisdom, with Jesus in our lives, Ye are the light of the world
John 14:15. If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.
Another day, another dollar! That’s what we’re working for, on this Thursday morning in early July. But in reality, after taxes, inflation, pension plan etc. etc. we might only end up with about thirty five cents out of that dollar, and it’s definitely not easy, nigh impossible, to live on that in these dreadful times. However, as children of God, who have been made to see another sunshiny summer’s day on God’s great earth, we have the ability to make something from nothing, for we can do any and everything through Christ Jesus who strengthens and enables us. (Phil. 4:13)
Give Him the glory my people! For He’s been such a blessing to us, that without Him, we’d be completely lost and discarded on the dumping ground of life. But with Jesus in our lives, we can arise and flourish, for we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us. (Rom. 8:37) And how wonderful it is to further know that NOTHING can separate us from the marvellous LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38-39)
No wonder we stand strong in faith and fight the good fight that Jesus has called us to engage in on His behalf. We know it as the Great Commission, where He commands us to ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:19-20)
Now that’s the job we ought to be doing down here on earth if we claim to believe in Jesus and all that he stands for. But unfortunately we’re not doing such a great job, judging by the overwhelming strife, anguish, poverty, hunger and sickness that exist in a world of plenty; a world that’s reached its highest level of innovation, knowledge, information and prosperity in its entire existence. But all these negative things exist because our world is also a generally godless society that is overrun by other negative things like greed, arrogance, entitlement and self-aggrandizement.
The truth of the matter though is that we supposed believers are not putting forth the energy and effort necessary to make positive and productive changes in our world. We’re either lazy and complacent, living in our comfortable little corner, not wanting to be disturbed or bothered to help anyone in need. Or, we are afraid of what man can do to us, if and when we preach and live Christ crucified. But please remember Jesus’ warning to that situation. ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt. 10:28)
That means we’re not to be afraid of man, because all he can kill is our bodies, but our fear should be of God who can destroy both our bodies and souls. But that doesn’t seem to bother us in the least since we’re going about our selfish business as usual, without a qualm regarding our lack of good and faithful witness for Jesus.
Like we’ve also forgotten, or simply disregarded His entreaty, that we’re the salt of the earth, and should be spreading that salty flavour of Christianity all over the planet. And why aren’t we doing that eh? Is it because we have apparently lost our salty flavour? If so, then as Jesus says, we are good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. (Matt. 5:13) I would certainly hope that is not the case.
And what about Jesus’ other contention? ‘Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.’ (Matt. 5:14) Yes friends, that’s what we’re supposed to be; bright lights shining forth like cities and lighthouses set on hills, to provide the light of Jesus for the numerous people who are still living in darkness today. But instead, we seem to be hiding our light under a bushel or a basket, so that it’s not getting to anyone else and lighting their way. But Jesus’ specific instruction was to: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ (Matt. 5:16)
Ah mih people, how easily we disregard Jesus’ desires, but yet still insist on calling ourselves His ambassadors and disciples. Remember His saying on discipleship? ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) Yes friends, that’s what a disciple of Christ looks like! And how many of us can truthfully claim to be doing that to the best of our ability eh? Not enough of us!
Let’s also remember the rather profound statement that Jesus made while comforting the disciples before His departure. ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments.’ (John 14:15) It’s as simple as that my fellow believers. If we LOVE Jesus, we will keep His commandments. And this commentary explains the verse thus: ‘It emphasizes that LOVING Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to his teachings and instructions. The verse highlights that keeping commandments is not a burden, but an expression of LOVE and a way to experience a deeper relationship with God.’
And John corroborates that when he says in his first epistle: ‘For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome).’ (1 John 5:3) No my brethren, God’s commandments are not burdensome, but we do have to come up a little higher than normal to keep them. And on that exhilarating note, (smile) let’s go home declaring (steupsss!!!) and thus activating what we call our Thursday Blessings, undeserved, but generously given to us by God to do His earthly work.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) it now behooves us to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…you can’t say you LOVE someone…and not have actions to prove it…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
26 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a positive outlook on life, being confident of this very thing, being justified by his blood, being made more like Jesus in conduct and character, bounden duty, broken right now, by grace are you saved through faith, Christ's death atones for our sins, Christ's righteousness is imputed to them through faith, created in christ Jesus unto good works, curse, divine protection, eternal life, faith, favour, follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, forgiveness of sins, God commendeth his love for us, God demonstrated his LOVE for us.', God hath before ordained, God made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin, god's declaration that a person is righteous, God's supernatural wisdom, good friends, good health, grow in spiritual maturity, he that believeth in me, he which hath begun a good work in you, holy spirit, I am the resurrection and the life, in the name of Jesus, it is the gift of God, Jesus Christ, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, joy in God through Christ, justification, justified by his blood, keep God first place, lest any man should boast, LOVE, mercy, negative word, new life, not becuse of inherent righteousness, promotion, raised from glory to glory, receive clear direction for my life, received the atonement, reconciliation, reconnection to God, salvation, salvation is not of works, sanctified -set apart for God's work, saved from wrath through Christ, self-control, self-discipline, set apart for a sacred purpose, share our blessings generously, the numerous benefits of Christ's death and resurrection, the penultimate day of our work week, the recent heat wave, the righteousness of God in christ, the saving grace of God, though he were dead yet shall he live, truth, underserved divine favour, undeserved blessings, unless we have Christ we have nothing at all, we are his workmanship, we cannot earn salvation, we should walk in them, while we were yet sinners christ died for us, whosoever believeth in me shall never die, will perform it until the day of Jesus, wisdom
John 11:25. I am the resurrection, and the life he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live:
Ah friends, it’s Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, and it looks like we’ve gotten through the recent heat wave without too much damage! Thank the Lord! And with a li’l rain falling in the early morning hours, and some falling outside right now, it’s helped to give us a cool, but somewhat cloudy day. And as we promised yesterday if God spared our lives, we would continue looking at some of the numerous benefits that His death and resurrection brought us.
Remember, yesterday we read this commentary that gave us a brief insight into some of those things: ‘‘Christ’s death and resurrection offer believers forgiveness of sins, new life, and the hope of eternal life, among other benefits. His sacrifice on the cross atones for our sins, while his resurrection conquers death, granting believers new life and the promise of eternal life.’ And we went through some of the relevant benefits and scriptures.
Today, as time and space permit, we’ll do a few more starting with one we touched on briefly yesterday. That’s reconciliation, or reconnection to God. That’s a major benefit, because our sins had separated us from our heavenly Father, and Christ’s dying and taking them, brought us back into communion with Him. And this passage of scripture touches on several of the things Christ’s sacrifice did for us. And one thing we should note is that it all happened because of God’s great LOVE for us.
Bruh Paul writes: ‘But God commendeth (demonstrated) his LOVE toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now (having been) justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more, being (having been) reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation).’ (Rom. 5:8-11)
Yes friends, in that passage we see God reaching out to us, although we were enemies, to provide reconciliation, salvation and justification through the death and the shed blood of His son. And what is salvation? Salvation is the saving grace of God, as Bruh Paul writes to the Ephesians. ‘For by grace are ye (you have been) saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship (creation), created in Christ Jesus unto (for) good works, which God hath before ordained (prepared) that we should walk in them.’ (Eph. 2:8-10)
And the gist of all that is simply that we are saved by the grace or undeserved divine favour of God, it is a gift of God, and we cannot earn it, no matter how hard we try. The fact is, we do good works because we’re expected to once we’re saved. We don’t do good works to be saved. And that’s something we all ought to understand, because many of us still believe doing good works will get us into heaven! Unfortunately it will not. Only faith, or belief in Christ Jesus will do so.
As Jesus said to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, before He raised him from the dead. ‘I am the resurrection, and the life he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’ (John 11:25-26) Now that’s a very crucial question! For belief and faith in Christ is the only way we will ever experience eternal life. His death paid the atoning price for our sins. ‘For he (God) hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ.’ (1 Cor. 5:21)
And ‘the righteousness of God’ is another benefit we received from Christ’s death and resurrection. Earlier on we talked about being ‘justified by his blood” that’s another benefit. So what’s justification, and what’s the righteousness of God? They are both intertwined, as this commentary explains: ‘Justification is God’s declaration that a person is righteous, not because they are inherently righteous, but because Christ’s righteousness is imputed to them through faith.’ Yes friends, all that we are, all that we have is because of Christ and applied to us because of Him. We have been made righteous, justified, reconciled and sanctified because of His work on the cross.
And sanctified simply means been set apart to do God’s work for a sacred purpose. It’s the process of being made more like Jesus Christ in character and conduct. And it’s a lifelong journey, not a one time event. It calls to mind this verse: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus.’ (Phil.1:6) Meaning that once God begins changing you into the image of Christ, He will not stop until Christ returns, or He takes you home.
Ah mih people I know it’s difficult to take in and understand all that Christ has done for us, but as the Lord changes us into His image, and we work with Him to do so, we will grow in spiritual maturity and understand more and more, as He raises us from glory to glory. So there’s no need to worry, once we keep God first place and follow the guidance of His Holy Spirit. And to show His goodness and mercy, God has bestowed on us what we call our Thursday Blessings. Undeserved blessings to do His earthly work. So, let’s declare and thus activate them right now!
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having made that declaration, it’s now our bounden duty to use those blessings to help others, just as generously as God shared them with us! Much LOVE!
…unless we have Christ…we have nothing at all…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
19 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a new and enduring way of life with Christ, a new creation, a part of God's great plan, accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, all things are become new, all things are of God, be fulfilled in us, be made the righteousness of God in Him, bear food for us to eat, born from above, born of water and the Spirit, change one's lifestyle to suit Christ, come to know and love God like we do, coming into union with the risen Lord, condemned sin in the flesh, courage, creativity, curse, divine protection, except a man be born again, faith, favour, flora for us to admire, free creations, God reconciled us to himself by Jesus, God's goodness and mercy, God's Guiding Light, good friends, good health, grow in spiritual maturity, have greater intimacy with God, he cannot enter the kingdom of God, he's a new creature, holy spirit, I will do a new thing, if any man be in Christ, in the likeness of sinful flesh, Jesus Christ, live according to His dictates, LOVE, made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, make a way in the wilderness, mercy, my chosen, negative word, Nicodemus, no condemnation to them which are in Christ, now it shall spring forth, old things are passed away, our new friend the wind, prosper, rivers in the desert, salvation, shall ye not know it, share our blessings with others, success, supernatural strength, talent, Thank You Lord, that whcih is born of flesh is flesh, that which is born of the Spirit is spirit, the beast of the field shall honour me, the ministry of reconciliation, the penultimate day of the work week, the righteousness of the law, the universal truth, to be in Christ, to givedrink to my people, to water the earth and seed it, truth, walk not after the flesh but after the spirit, walking in the Spirit, wisdom
Isaiah 43:19a. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?
And we’ve worked our way down to Thursday, the penultimate day of the workweek, without any major problems. Give thanks and praise to Almighty God for that, for we could not have done it without His Guiding Light and Presence! And all God’s children said a loud and grateful, ‘Thank You Lord for your goodness and mercy toward us, although we don’t deserve it! Amen!’
Anyway, I’m chuckling here, because yesterday, before I even finished writing about it being sunshiny and bright, with the promise of rain in the afternoon, the rain apparently came pouring down, but I did not notice it here in the basement. And once it came down, it kept drizzling for most the afternoon and evening. Meanwhile, today, we’ve already felt it’s presence, with more to come later, with our new friend, the wind, also acting up out there. But it’s all good, because it’s all a part of God’s great plan to water the earth and seed it, so that it can bear food for us to eat and flora for us to admire. (smile)
And as I just went seeking something to write on from The Good Library, it opened unto the Book of Isaiah, and this amazing scripture caught my eye: ‘Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honour me, the dragons (jackals) and the owls (ostriches): because I give waters in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen. This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth (declare) my praise.’ (Is. 43:19-21)
Oh my fellow believers, the Lord was there referring to making a way in the wilderness for His people Israel, after using Babylon to punish them for their gross disobedience and rebellion. It’s the same thing He’s doing for His chosen people today. That’s those who believe in His Son Jesus Christ, accept Him as Lord and Saviour, and live according to His dictates. The Lord’s always doing something new in us, trying to bring us closer to Him, so that we can grow in spiritual maturity, have greater intimacy and know Him better.
And these words of Bruh Paul to the Corinthians attest to that fact. ‘Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.’ (2 Cor, 5:17) Yes friends, as the scholars tell us, ‘that’s the universal truth that has been applied to Christ personally. Anyone who comes into vital union with the risen and glorified Lord, he is a “new creation.” Yes, we begin perceiving Christ in a new way, with our old man, our old way of life being left behind, and assuming a new abiding and enduring way of life in Christ.
It’s as Jesus said to Nicodemus the Jewish leader that came to Him by night seeking the truth. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again (from above), he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ (John 3:3) And in response to Nicodemus’ question re ‘being born again,’ Jesus said. ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh, is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirt. Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.’ (John 3:5-7)
So my people, to come to Christ, we must be born again; that’s receive His Holy Spirit and begin living like that new person, we’re meant to be. And from thence we walk after the law of the Spirit, not the law of man. That’s why Bruh Paul could write thus to the Romans. ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin (on account of sin) condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness (righteous requirement) of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ (Rom. 8:1-4)
Ah mih bredrin, the law of the flesh could not help us deal with our sin problems, so God in His inordinate wisdom, sent His Son to earth in the flesh to deal with it; be crucified on the cross of Calvary bearing all the sins of the world, and give us the option of being reunited with God. As Bruh Paul further says: ‘And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation.’ (2 Cor. 5:18) And He did that by laying all the burden of sin on Jesus’ shoulders to free us from the law of sin. As the scriptures say: ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.’ (2 Cor. 5:21)
And considering all the work that’s needed to keep us on the straight and narrow path, we must do our best to help the Lord in His difficult task. For, as Bruh Paul wrote to the Philippians: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) And just like God won’t ever give up on us, neither should we ever give up on ourselves or on God! For remember we’re now new, free creations, walking in the Spirit and not the flesh. Consequently, let’s go home declaring and activating our Thursday Blessings, undeservedly bestowed on us, to do God’s earthly work.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And now, having activated those blessings, it behooves us to go out and share them with 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!
…to be in Christ…one must change one’s lifestyle to suit Christ…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
12 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a just man falleth seven times and riseth up again, a positive outlook on life, a strong will, abundance, abuse, against the dwelling of the righteous, against the workers of iniquity, all kinds of imaginary evil, all that do wickedly, all that's left behind on the moon is garbage, all the proud, as in a moment, behold the day cometh, bless them that curse you, brought into desolation, but as for me, cannot stand the constant buffeting, cast them down into destruction, climate change, courage, curse, disrupting God's amazing cycles and systems, do good to them which hate you, don't fall into the evil trap of envying the wicked, don't gloat over the destruction of your enemies, faith, favour, fret not thyself because of evildoers, God's a just and righteous God, God's justice shall prevail, God's promises about the wicked, God's supernatural wisdom, he turn away his wrath from him, holy spirit, I had almost stumbled, I saw the prosperity of the wicked, I was envious of the foolish, in the arduous process, it shall leave them neither root not brakch, Jesus Christ, lay not wait O wicked man, lest the Lord see it and it displease him, let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth, losing weak branches, LOVE, Love your enemies, man's cast off, mercy, my feet were almost gone, negative word, neither be thou envious, our greedy and avaricious selves, pollute God's great earth, pray for them which spitefully use you, prosper, ready to destroy and pollute wherever he goes, received a divine perspective, rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, salvation, says the Lord of hosts, self-control, self-discipline, set them in slippery places, shall be as stubble, spoil not his resting place, succeed, success, suppression, talent, that shall burn as an oven, that's man for you, the day that cometh shall burn them up, the righteous shall enjoy eternal life, the trees dancing to the wild tempo of the wind, the wicked shall fall into mischief, the wicked shall stumble into calamity, the wicked shall suffer eternal death, the workers of iniquity do flourish, the workers of iniquity shall be scattered, then understood I their end, they shall be destroyed for ever, they shall soon be cut down like grass, thine enemies shall perish, to eventually destroy the wicked and all they stand for, to sweeten the mix, truth, unrelentingly plunder, until I went into the sanctuary of God, utterly consumed with terrors, wait on God's promises and timing, when the wicked spring as the grass, who's to blame, who's to blame for climate change, windstorms, wisdom, wither as the green herb
Psalm 92:7. When the wicked spring (spring up or sprout) as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever:
And it’s a bright and sunshiny, beautiful Thursday morning in my neck of the woods. Thankfully the wind is not as strong and persistent as it was all day yesterday. As I keep saying, these numerous windstorms that we’re now experiencing, only begun happening about three or four years ago, and this year seems to be the worst it’s ever been; at least a couple of days every week. I feel sorry for the poor trees, constantly dancing to the wild tempo of the wind, and in the arduous process, losing weak branches that cannot stand the constant buffeting.
And who’s to blame for that? We pour all the blame on our good friend, climate change! But who’s to blame for climate change? None but our very greedy and avaricious selves, as we ceaselessly and unrelentingly plunder and pollute God’s great earth, thus disrupting the amazing cycles and systems He’s set up to coordinate the earth’s weather system. But that’s man for you; ready to destroy and pollute wherever he goes. Take a look at the moon and any other planets where man has unfortunately touched, all that’s left behind there is garbage, man’s cast off.
We so desperately want to go to all those places, but we’re not in the least concerned about destroying and polluting them, like we’ve so sadly done to Mother Earth. We’re only interested in adding to our laurels; we’ve reached this planet and that star and whatever outer space projects we’ve planned. As we’ve seen down through the ages, man is simply an abusive and destructive force, always quicker to destroy than to build, and what it’s taken centuries to build, we destroy in mere minutes, if not seconds.
So what else can we expect eh, especially when the evil one is currently running rampant throughout the earth? Nothing less than destruction, abuse, suppression and all imaginary kinds of evil! But let’s not forget the many promises in the Word of the One who created the universe and all therein, to eventually destroy the wicked and all they stand for, because he is a just and righteous God and His justice will prevail! And Bruh David proclaims it very vociferously in the opening verses of Psalm 37: ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.’ (Ps; 37:1-2)
It could not be said any clearer than that my people. And remember what Asaph said in his most heart rending psalm? ‘But as for me, my feet were almost gone (I had almost stumbled). For I was envious at the foolish (boastful), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.’ (Ps. 73:2-3) And, unfortunately, in these current times the wicked and boastful are flourishing as never before. But please remember what Asaph learned later on about the destiny of the wicked. ‘Until I went into the sanctuary of God: then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.’ (Ps. 73:17-19)
Yes friends, it’s only when Asaph went into the house of the Lord and communed with Him, did he understand the end of the wicked. He received a divine perspective on the wicked’s prosperity and finally found the answer to his problem. So please, let’s not fall into the evil trap of envying the wicked for their earthly prosperity. And yes, it’s hard to see them prospering, when you the supposed righteous are suffering, but we must learn to wait upon God’s promises and timing.
As the psalmist says so well in Psalm 92. ‘When the wicked spring (spring up or sprout) as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever: But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, for, lo, thine enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.’ (Ps. 92: 7-10) There again, we have strong evidence of the wicked being eventually destroyed. And we’re not going to forget Cousin Sol’s wisdom, as he always has something to add to sweeten the mix. (smile)
Listen to these wise words from his pen. ‘Lay not wait (do not lie in wait), O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; spoil not (assault not) his resting place: For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity). Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.’ (Prov. 24:16-18) Oh friends, no wonder Cousin Sol, was called the wisest man ever! And we can see why, for in just those 4 verses, he warns the wicked, assures the righteous and also warns the righteous about being glad when the wicked falls or stumbles.
Why, because it might just displease the Lord, and make Him turn His wrath away from the wicked. Remember Jesus said we should not gloat over the destruction of our enemies, but rather to pray for them. And in His teaching on the treatments of others, He specifically notes: ‘But I say unto you which hear, LOVE your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you.’ (Luke 6:27-28) That’s the gist of Jesus’ teaching, and in this current evil world it’s oh so difficult to do, but we must do it as best we can, if we want to be truly His followers.
Now here’s the last word on the destruction of the wicked from the prophet Micah. ‘For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.’ (Mic. 4:1) Yes my fellow believers, in His Word, the Lord’s promised to destroy the wicked and evil too often for it not to be true. So please let’s listen to Him and not follow Beelzebub and his evil cronies. And tomorrow, if God spares life, we’ll look at the promises of God for the righteous.
So, let’s now declare our Thursday Blessings, so generously bestowed on us to do the Lord’s earthly work. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline!
I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having activated those blessings, we’re now duty bound to go out and use them for the benefit of others, just as generously as the Lord shared then with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…the wicked shall suffer eternal death…but the righteous shall enjoy everlasting life…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
05 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a God of refuge and comfort, a positive outlook on life., abundance, almighty god, as generously as the Lord shared them with us, be careful for nothing, be ye thankful, bring my soul out of prison, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, christianity, Christians, curse, deal bountifully with me, deliver me from my persecutors, did I make my supplication, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, duty bound, favour, fear, give God His due, give heed to my cry, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him, good family, good health, handle the situation, his praise shall continually be in my mouth, holy spirit, I am brought low, I cried unto the Lord with my voice, I cried unto thee O Lord, I declared my trouble, I fainted, I will bless the Lord at all times, in a calm and positive manner, in every thing, in the land of the living, Jesus Christ, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, let the peace of God rule in your hearts, let your request be made known unto God, life cannot always be sunshine, looked on my right hand, LOVE, mercy, my refuge, my soul shall make her boast in the Lord, my spirit was overwhelmed, negative word, no man cared for my soul, no man that would acknowledge me, only one place to turn for safe refuge, poured out my complaint, praayer and thanksgiving, refuge failed me, running away from homes, salvation, secretly laid a snare for me, self-control, stormy weather, success, supernatural strength, supernatural wisdom, talent, that I may praise thy name, the BIBLE, the humble shall hear and be glad, the Lord God Jehovah, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the process of rebuilding, the rain must fall, the righteous shall compass me about, the two basics of Christian life, they are stronger than I, thou art my refuge and my portion, thou knewest my path, times of discomfort, to escape the wildfires, to nourish the land, truth, use those blessings for the good of others, whatsoever ye do in word and deed, wildfires, wisdom, with my voice
Psalm 142:5. I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
The beautiful summer days seems to have been quite short lived, just two, (smile) for this Thursday has opened damp and somewhat cloudy after a night of rain, and more rain is forecasted for later today and the upcoming days. But as we all know, life cannot be sunshine all the time, the rain must fall to nourish the land.
And how the Western Provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are dying to see torrents of rain, so that the many wildfires currently plaguing them could be extinguished and allow them to get on with their lives. But unfortunately they are not being granted that wish and have to be running away from their homes and towns to avoid the ever expanding wildfires.
Let’s pray that their ordeal will soon end, and they can begin the tough process of rebuilding. But until then, there’s only one place they can turn to for safe and perfect refuge, that’s in the Lord God Jehovah. For He is indeed a God of refuge and comfort. And when those times of discomfort, fear and stormy weather overtake us, He is the One we should first turn to, like Bruh David did when he was forced to hide in a cave from his enemies, especially king Saul.
He writes in Psalm 142: ‘I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed (declared) before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me (I fainted), then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily (secretly) laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know (acknowledge) me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O Lord: I said thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. Attend (give heed) unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about (surround me); for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.’ (Ps. 142:1-7)
Oh my people, please, let’s use this psalm today as a reminder that our great God is indeed a place of refuge and comfort; a God to whom we can sincerely cry out in times of trouble and expect His awesome help. Sometimes it might not come right away, because He’s using the situation to test us, but we will always receive the wherewithal to handle the situation in a calm and positive manner. That’s His faithful promise. But we need to do it in a reverential manner, somewhat like how the scholars said Bruh David did it. ‘After presenting his lament (vs. 1-4), David lifts up his petition (vs. 5-6) and promises his thanksgiving when God answers (vs. 7).’
Yes friends, although we might be in serious trouble, we must still take the time to give God His due; that’s praise and thanksgiving, and not just rush blindly and arrogantly into demanding mode. That reminds us of the opening verses of Psalm 34: ‘I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.’ (Ps, 34:1-2)
As Bruh Paul wrote to the Philippians: ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto the Lord. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:6-7) That informs us that every prayer must have some form of thanksgiving in it. We don’t just boldly and selfishly ask for whatever we desire. No, we must also offer a modicum of thanks and praise for God’s goodness to His human creation.
And we can reinforce that by remembering Bruh Paul’s writing to the Colossians, when he speaks of putting on the new man. These verses certainly expand our horizons (smile). ‘And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. …And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.’ (Col. 3:15; 17) That means, as Bruh Paul writes to the Thessalonians: ‘In EVERY THING give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:18)
And that’s the long and short of the story my fellow saints; in everything we do or say, thanks ought to be given to God. So please, let’s integrate it, or keep it integrated, (smile) in all aspects of our lives, for it’s God’s desire for His human creation. Now let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) and thus activating our Thursday Blessings, so generously bestowed on us by the Lord to do His earthly work.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment!
I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’
And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and use those blessings for the good of others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us. Much LOVE!
…prayer and thanksgiving are…the two basics of the Christian life…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
29 May 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great family, a positive outlook on life., a reverential awe of God, a tree of life, abundance, all her paths are of peace, an understanding heart, as a shining light, being obedient to God's Word, by god's knowledge, by understanding he established the heavens, courage, creativity, curse, discern between good and bad, drink the wine of violence, eat the bread of wickedness, enter not into the path of the wicked, faith, favour, for Christ's sake, forget not wisdom, forsake her not, get understanding, get wisdom, go not in the way of evil men, good freinds, happy is everyone that holds wisdom fast, happy is the man that findeth wisdom, hear O my son, help us overcome the world, holy spirit, humility, Jesus Christ, keep Gdd's commandments, led thee in the right paths, let her not go for she is thy life, LOVE, love wisdom and she will keep you, mercy, negative word, promotion, receive my sayings, riches and honour in wisdom's left hand, salvation, seeking God's advice, share our blessings, she shall preserve thee, success, supernatural strength, take fast hold of instruction, talent, the clouds drop down dew, the contentious quality of wisdom, the depths are broken up, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, the Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth, the path of the just, the perfect day, the way of wisdom, the years of thy life shall be many, therefore get wisdom, they sleep not unless they've done evil, they're robbed of sleep unless they casue someone to fall, thou shalt not stumble, thy steps shall not be hindered, to judge thy people, treacure chest of wisdom, truth, when thou runnest, wisdom, wisdom is more precious than rubies or anything we can desire, wisdom is more profitable that gold or silver, wisdom is precious, wisdom is the principal thing, with all thy getting
Proverbs 4:7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
And finally the rain’s ended, after a somewhat rainy evening in my area. However, it’s fairly cloudy with a strong breeze trying to exert its authority over the poor trees. (smile) But that’s God and Mother’s Nature business, and I have no intention of getting between them. (smile) Anyway, as promised yesterday, if God spared our lives to see another wonderful day, we’d continue looking at the wise advice of Cousin Sol in Proverbs, re the unique, but rather contentious quality of Wisdom. And since we’re still alive and kicking, let’s get right into Cousin Sol’s treasure chest of Wisdom.
Now, the first thing we need to understand is that wisdom is precious, therefore he writes: ‘Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of (gain from) it is better than the merchandise of (profit from) silver, and the gain (profit) thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her (holds her fast).’ (Prov. 3:13-18)
Wow mih bredrin! What a marvellous thing wisdom is! More profitable than silver and gold, and more precious than jewels or anything else that we can desire! Mama O Mama! Then she controls length of days in one hand, and riches and honour in the other! She brings joy and peace. She’s a tree of life to those who find her, and all who keep her close are exceedingly happy! Now, what a mighty woman is wisdom to be able to do all that! And furthermore: ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths (deeps) are broken up, and the clouds drop down dew.’ (Prov. 3:19-20)
Oh brother! If the Lord used wisdom and understanding to create the universe, then that just shows how important those two things are! No wonder, Cousin Sol could later declare: ‘Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline (turn it away) from the words of thy mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: LOVE her, and she shall keep thee.’ (Prov. 4:5-6) Yes, Wisdom is surely something else my people! Thus Cousin Sol’s cry: ‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.’ (Prov. 4:7)
And Cousin Sol did not just talk the talk, but also walked it. Remember that is exactly what he asked the Lord for when he became king of Israel. ‘Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart (a wise heart) to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?’ (1 Kin. 3:9) Oh friends, the Lord was so thrilled that Cousin Sol did not ask for riches, or long life, or his enemies capitulation, that He gave him what he asked for and a whole lot more; made him both the wisest and richest man ever! (1 Kin. 3:11-13)
And that’s how the Lord desires that His people approach life; in humility, seeking His advice and being obedient to His Word. And let’s not forget that ‘The fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.’ (Prov. 1:7) So we ought not to be foolish and despise wisdom, but voraciously seek it, for as Cousin Sol continues: ‘Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to (place on) thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.’ (Prov. 4:8-9)
And we all desire those things, but we cannot acquire them unless we listen to and practice these wise and instructive words of Cousin Sol. ‘Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened (hindered); and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction: let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass by it (do not travel on it), turn from it, and pass away. For they sleep not, except (unless) they have done mischief (evil); and their sleep is taken away (they’re robbed of sleep), unless they cause some to fall. For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is as the shining (bright) light, that shineth more and mor (ever brighter) unto the perfect day.’ (Prov. 4:10-18)
And yuh know what friends? There’s nothing in those wise words of advice that we’ve not heard many times over, but still too many of us refuse to follow them. Let’s hope that this time they will encourage some more of us to follow the path of the just, which like a bright light, shines brighter and brighter every day, for that is what our world desperately needs right now since evil is rampant and the men who use it to their advantage are controlling our world, something that we cannot allow to continue, for Christ’s sake!
And let’s also remember, to help us fight that encroaching evil, the Lord in His exceeding goodness has bestowed on us our undeserved Thursday Blessings. So let’s declare and 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!’
Now, it behooves us 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 do! Much LOVE!
…wisdom dictates that we keep God’s commandments…which are not burdensome…and furthermore…help us to overcome the world…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
Previous Older Entries Next Newer Entries
SCRIP-BITS 