The Necessity for Christians to understand the Importance of using Scripture to Build and Strengthen Their Faith!

01 Sep 2026 Leave a comment

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   1 September 2026   2 Corinthians 5:7.

2 Corinthians 5:7.        For we walk by faith, not by sight:

And this Tuesday morning, the first day of September opened earlier with bright sunshine, but by midday it’s become somewhat humid and cloudy, but we’ll take it anyway. (smile) Let’s hope and pray that the fairly warm weather keeps up for some time yet, as we need to get our minds and bodies conditioned to the upcoming winter season. Oh, there’s no doubt we’ll handle it, but it would be so much nicer if we didn’t have to. And yes, if wishes were horses, all beggars would ride, for we cannot get away from the cold weather that’s in the offing, because that’s just how it is in the northern climes.

But enough whimpering, let’s look at some scriptures that build up our faith, that provide strength and confidence in God and all His promises, because in the current state of our world, with all the strife, evil and ungodliness that’s happening, we need something strong to hold on to. And the first scripture is that awesome verse from Philippians, where Bruh Paul writes: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengetheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:13)  Of course we can! Since nothing is impossible to Jesus, if He desires us to do something then He will surely empower us to do it.

And Jesus reinforces that when He tells the father who brought his epileptic son to Him for healing. ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’ (Mark. 9:23) Yes friends, this life with Jesus all depends on believing: in believing who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He can and will do. If you don’t believe that Jesus is who He is then there is no substance on which to build your faith. For as Bruh Paul emphasizes in 2 Corinthians: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight:’ (2. Cor. 5:7)

Yes, with Jesus, it’s all about faith; basically what you can’t see, but believe is possible and will happen at some time or other. Or, as Hebrews puts it: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible). (Heb. 11:1-3) In other words, by faith we believe that God created the world from nothing, and by faith the elders believed the word of God and lived it, even though they did not always get what they expected.

And according to the scholars, ‘faith provides substance or assurance. It also provides evidence in the sense of proof that results in conviction. Of things hoped for involves future hope, like the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints. While of things not seen involves present realities that are unseen, such as the forgiveness of sin through Christ’s sacrifice, and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope is faith relating to the future, conviction is faith relating to the present.’

Then in Romans, Bruh Paul advises us: ‘So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom. 10:17) And that’s the truth! You cannot believe the word or have faith until you hear it preached. It must be heard over and over so it can take root in your heart and soul, get strong, and grow into faith. Meanwhile, Isaiah, offers comfort, assuring believers of God’s presence and strength in difficult times. ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ (Is. 41:10) If you believe and have faith, then that’s what the Lord will do.

Then we have these wonderful words of faith from the Sons of Korah in Psalm 46. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (heart of) the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.’ (Ps. 46:1-3) So through faith in God we also find a place of security, when everywhere else is insecure.

And we must remember these awesome words of Cousin Sol in Proverbs: ‘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 smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) And the scholars explain those verses thus: ‘Three commands are given: trust, meaning “rely on, depend on”; lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts; and acknowledge, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.’ What wonderful advice! But it’s all based on belief, faith and trust in Almighty God!  

Then there’s this overwhelming command of God Himself to Joshua. ‘Have I not commanded thee? be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9) You can’t beat that friends! We can be courageous because we know that our God is always right there beside us. But here’s the awesome scripture that I believe holds it all together. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to His purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28)

Ah mih people that scripture gives us the godly assurance that despite all the trials and tribulations we might face during our earthly lives, our wonderful God will use it all to make it good at the end! Now that’s where our faith truly comes in; believing that it will all work out right in the end, because our ever-faithful God says so!

And with all that faith strengthening scripture in our hearts and souls, 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 that now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…faith is confidence in what we hope for…and assurance about what we do not see… 

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Strong and Steadfast Faith in Christians!

08 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

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

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

Oh friends, can you believe that we’re already into the eight day of August? The month just began late last week, and it’s almost a third over already. The days are just whizzing by, leaving many of us (including me) in their wake of dust. But not to worry, our omnipotent God is still on His throne, and He’s still controlling things, and if you’re a follower of His magnificent Son, Jesus Christ, then you can be assured that He has you in the palm of His hand, looking after you, and eventually everything will be okay. 

As Bruh Paul promised in Romans: ‘And we know that all things work together for good for them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28) So although things aren’t looking so hot now, if we persevere with Christ, stand strong and steadfast throughout the many trials and tribulations, do our best to witness in His name, and live a life that’s overall pleasing to Him, then, in the end, the Lord will make it work out for our benefit. 

And if you don’t believe that, then there’s also this magnificent promise that we read in yesterday’s Bit from James. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried (has been proved), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE him.’ (James 1:12) Oh my people, isn’t that a most reassuring scripture? It certainly is! As it encourages us to hang in there for Christ, because in the long run we will benefit greatly. 

That leads us to these two other marvellous and true scriptures from Hebrews. The first one says: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (Heb. 10:23) That means we have to hold on steadfastly to our faith, without ever giving up, despite the highs and lows we will go through, because God is ever-faithful. And you definitely cannot be a sincere believer in Christ unless you believe and live by the faithful promises of our ever-faithful God! 

Which brings us to this other noteworthy scripture. ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) Yes my fellow saints, that scripture expects two things from us; the first being we cannot please God unless we have faith, we must believe that He exists, and is who He says He is. And it’s not only the talking faith, but also the action kind. 

Remember what James says: ‘Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.’ (James 2:17) And that’s a major reason why our world is in such a chaotic state; too many of us supposed believers are talking our faith, but not working it, which does absolutely nothing to bring unbelievers to the kingdom. 

And the second expectation of that last scripture from Hebrews is that we must believe God rewards those who diligently seek Him. And that’s ever so important in our faith walk, for if don’t believe that, then we will never put our best foot forward. Not that we’re putting our best foot forward only to get rewards, but it gives us something concrete to look forward to, like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. 

Oh, we were indeed made by God to do good works in Christ, meaning that we’re expected to do good works when we become believers, but with those good works, He’s promised numerous rewards. As these words of Bruh Paul in his letter to Titus acknowledge. ‘This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.’ (Titus 3:8) 

And remember we’re not doing good works just to get rewards, but our hearts, our motives must be pure, which brings up what the Lord said to Samuel when he sent him to anoint the next king of Israel from one of Jesse’s sons. When Eliab the first son came in, he looked real good, tall, handsome, strong, etc., like he would make an excellent king. ‘But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused (rejected) him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.’ (1 Sam. 16:7) 

Now, it’s obvious that we won’t do everything with right motives and a pure heart, and the Lord understands that, because He created us and knows all our faults and foibles, but overall, that ought to be our desire. And to pull it all together, I believe these memorable words of Bruh Paul to Timothy perfectly encapsulate what we’ve been trying to say. 

‘For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure (death) is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:6-8) 

Wow! What awesome words my brethren! And I know that very few, if any of us can reach the levels of faith and works that Bruh Paul achieved, but we can certainly die trying. (smile) Yes, at the end of our earthly days, it would definitely be nice to say words like those, or words close to them. But we can only do that if we stand strong and steadfast in our heyday and make hay for Christ while the sun shines in our lives! Now let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings, so we can activate those undeserved blessings the Lord has so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work.

 Altogether: ‘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 passionate declaration (steups!!!) we must now go out and use those blessings on behalf of others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us! Much LOVE!

…whatever we do…let it be with sincere hearts…all to the glory of God…

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