The Urgent Necessity for Christians to make Almighty God the Number One Priority in Their Lives!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   13 August 2026   Psalm 37:23.

Psalm 37:23.       ‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

And it’s another gorgeous summer’s day in my area! Wow! August is surely doing right by us, as the last summer month of the year. And it also being Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, we’re eagerly looking forward to tomorrow, Friday, and the start of the weekend. But please don’t lose sight of today, let’s concentrate on today’s challenges, rather than theorize and think about what’s going to happen tomorrow and over the weekend. Oh, we must have some basic plans and concerns, but let’s remember Jesus’ warning about that in the Sermon on the Mount.

‘Take therefore no thought for the morrow (don’t worry about tomorrow): for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil (trouble) thereof.’ (Matt. 6:34) Yes, every day brings enough problems and challenges of it’s own, and it’s best we concentrate on the present ones, for who knows if we’ll even be around tomorrow to face those of that day. For the Grim Reaper comes when he’s least expected. It’s like the parable of the rich fool, who had so much stuff, with not enough space to store it? So in his foolish wisdom, decided to tear down everything and build bigger and better, and eat, drink, and be merry.

‘But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God.’ (Luke 12:20-21) Now that parable deals mostly with greed, but it also shows how quickly and unexpectedly we can be removed from the scene. That brings us back to Jesus’ words before the ‘take no thought for tomorrow’ verse. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.’ (Matt. 6:33)

Yes friends, our very first concern should be seeking God and all that pertains to Him. Material things should not be our first priority. And when we seek God first, our needs will be provided for. As Bruh Paul promises in Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19) That’s God’s promise, and we know He is ever-faithful to keep them. That’s why Bruh David could write these words in Psalm 37, titled, Trust in the Lord.

‘The steps of a good man are ordered (established) by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the seed of the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread. He is ever merciful (always merciful), and lendeth; and his seed (descendants) is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. for the Lord LOVETH judgement (justice), and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever. The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgement (justice). The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide (slip). The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him. The Lord will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged. Wait on the Lord and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.’ (Ps. 37:23-33)

Ah mih people, that’s just a synopsis of how we ought to behave as children of God. And when we behave in like manner, then both us and our descendants will be blessed. Now that doesn’t mean we won’t have hard times and troubles during our lifetime, but that the Lord won’t allow those negative things to defeat us. And when we do stumble, the Lord will uphold us with His strong right hand. It’s like Cousin Sol says in Proverbs: ‘For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity) (Prov. 24:16)

But you know what friends, all of that only works when we place our irrevocable and total trust in the Lord God Almighty, making Him always the Number One priority in our lives, while behaving like we believe what He says, and that He will do what He’s promised. Without that total surrender and godly behaviour, none of that works. So it’s up to each of us to consider what we want; both in this life and the next, and then work towards it. But God has been so good to us, that despite our sinful and disobedient behaviour, He’s bestowed on us undeserved favour to help us do His earthly work, we call them our Thursday Blessings.

So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh, for a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken. 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’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as God bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…putting God first place in our lives…and living the way He desires…that’s wisdom for the ages…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Understanding that Christ is the Perfect Example to Follow!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   30 July 2026   Hebrews 12:2a.

Hebrews 12:2a.         Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith;

Oh friends, it’s another glorious, sunshiny, summer’s day, with the wind again dancing the light fandango with the trees! And on this Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, and also the penultimate day of this eccentric month of July, we’ll look at the prayer from this month’s In Touch Devotional. So please pray with me.

‘Lord, sometimes others’ words cut deeper than I let on. I want to hide, keeping close only those who make me feel safe. You were pierced by words and nails, yet LOVE flowed from Your wounds. Fill my heart with courageous LOVE, strong enough to choose connection. Help me see others as you do, imperfect people like me who need grace and compassion. When I’m tempted to pull away from someone, soften my heart. Show me why that person hurts – make me a source of Your healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.’

And yuh know what my brethren, in these oh so deceitful, dishonest, angry and strife-filled days, where words are commonly used like a weapon, thrown out without thought to the other person’s emotional wellbeing, that kind of backing away, steering clear of our fellow human beings is quite prevalent, as well as understandable. Because who wants to get their feelings hurt by often untrue and hurtful words. And believe me, words can cut to the quick even more deeply than a real weapon.

All of us, at some time or another, have experienced cutting words that just shook our souls to their very foundations, leaving us wondering what had hit us, so strong was the vehemence and the poison that emanated from someone else’s mouth toward us. But thankfully we don’t have to fear those kinds of diatribe, because we have a Saviour who experienced those deadly slings of word arrows, as well as the nails and shame of the cross, but who instead fought them with LOVE and compassion, rather than with the same sort of evil that was cast upon Him.

As the author of Hebrews so rightly advises us. ‘Looking unto Jesus the author (originator) and finisher (perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction (hostility) of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint (become discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3) Yes my fellow believers, that’s the worthy example Jesus gave us to follow.

And as Bruh Paul warns us in Romans: ‘Recompense to (repay) no man evil for evil … Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head (cause him shame). Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Rom. 12:17a, 19-21) Now that’s how we ought to handle the harsh and hurting words or actions that come against us. And we all know that it’s easier said than done, but that’s how our leader, Jesus wants us to react. He said it Himself in the Sermon on the Mount.

‘Ye have heard that it hath been said , Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, LOVE your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you, and persecute you: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye LOVE them which LOVE you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans (tax collectors) the same? And if ye salute (greet) your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans (tax collectors) so? Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’ (Matt. 5:43-48)

Now that is indeed a tough row to hoe my people, but it’s what Jesus expects of us, his faithful followers. And let’s understand that not all our enemies that we try to be nice to will respond with gratefulness or graciousness, for the tempo and temper of our times are such that they don’t encourage such decent behaviour. We’re living in a dog eat dog world, one like we’ve never seen before, with many of the so-called niceties and manners of previous generations having unfortunately fallen by the wayside.

And one other important point we need to consider in this era of harsh words and uncompromising actions, is that hurting people, hurt others. Yes, many a time that harsh words or actions are thrown out, it’s because the originator of such behaviour has been hurt themselves and either consciously or unconsciously wishes to hurt someone else, for that’s the nature of the human animal. Our sinful nature automatically calls for some sort of revenge. But let’s remember that’s not our job, it’s the Lord’s.

Ah friends, we’re all imperfect, and thus liable to behave imperfectly, but we have the perfect example of Jesus Christ before us, so, when those kinds of situations arise in our lives, let’s remember all that we’ve said today, and don’t immediately react with trepidation, that feeling of fear or worry, but let’s turn first to God and ask for His help to handle the situation in the right manner. As the prayer says; ‘fill my heart with that courageous LOVE, strong enough to make a connection. Help me see others as You do. Imperfect people like me who need grace and compassion. When I’m tempted to pull away from someone, soften my heart. Show me why that person hurts – make me a source of Your healing. In Jesus’ name, amen.’

And yuh know what? The Lord has already given us the tools to handle such situations. We call them our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings the Lord has generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh, for a blessing is not a blessing until it’s spoken. 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’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously the Lord bestowed them on us! Much LOVE!

…Jesus has set a tough example for us to follow…but follow it we must…as best as we can…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Christians having Faith in God and Knowing how to Use It Properly!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   18 June 2026   Matthew 17:20b.

Matthew 17:20b.        If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove (move);

And after a rainy, rainy night, Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, by mid-morning has blossomed into a bright and somewhat shiny day, with only a minimum of cloud cover. However it’s beset by a strong windstorm, one of those things that just magically appeared in our lives some five or six summers ago. Before that we never had so many summer windstorms, but with climate change and all the other stuff that’s happening in and around our besieged world, anything’s possible.

Now, we might not be able to change the world, but we can certainly change ourselves, so here’s some good news. I don’t remember where I got this information from, or if I’ve even shared it before, but recently I found it among the numerous pieces of paper sitting on my desk, and since we have nothing to lose, but so much to gain by trying what it suggests, I decided to share it. (smile) It’s about the healing of our body.

So please read with me: ‘Your Intelligence can guide the Life energy in your body – I began to teach my body and got marvellous results. Speaking words of Strength and Power – Praise the life in every part of your body. Pray, asking for strength to think only kind, LOVING and sincere thoughts about your body. Release all thoughts of weakness or disease. In steadfast faith, praise and bless the life energy, the cells of your body and mind. Realize Wholeness!!! See Wholeness!!!’

Wow! What a unique way to heal one’s body. But if it worked for the author, there’s no reason why it cannot work for us. However, we need to pay serious attention to these three words, ‘In steadfast faith…’ I believe that’s where the healing power comes from, and as supposed Christians we should have no difficulty in doing that, although many of us have a hard time mounting even a little faith. But remember what Jesus said to the disciples when they unsuccessfully tried to cure a child stricken with epilepsy, and they asked Him why.

‘And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove (move); and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.’ (Matt. 17:20-21) Yes friends, it’s like this overview tells us: ‘It illustrates that even a tiny amount of genuine, living faith—when rooted in God—has the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and achieve profound results.’ And that’s the living truth!

And the overview further breaks down the scripture into three basic parts, that allow us to better understand it. Size vs. Potential: The mustard seed was known as one of the smallest seeds in the ancient Near East. The metaphor emphasizes that you do not need perfect or giant faith to experience God’s power. Faith That Grows: A seed isn’t a static, lifeless object; it contains life and the capacity to grow. Discussions across communities like Reddit Christianity, highlight how this faith can start small and continuously deepen through action and adversity.

Moving Mountains: Jesus stated that if you have faith this size, you could say to a mountain “Move from here to there,” and it would move, symbolizing the removal of impossible life barriers rather than literally changing geography. Ultimately, the teaching is an encouragement to look past your own doubts and focus on the immense power of placing even your smallest, struggling beliefs into God’s hands.’ And do we ever need to do that in these very crucial and critical times, when life seems to be speeding along the highway, seemingly ready to crash at any time.

Ah mih people, even a little faith is better than no faith, once it’s rooted in Almighty God. And there are so many examples in the scriptures where Jesus either applauded someone for their faith or admonished them for lack thereof. Let’s look at one instances of each. First off, remember when Jesus was on His way to heal the daughter of Jewish synagogue ruler, Jairus, and this woman who had suffered with an issue of blood for twelve years, got a Zeppo that if she could only touch Jesus’ garments she would be healed. Thus she fought though the crowd surrounding Him and most likely touched the hem of His prayer shawl, and was immediately healed. (Luke 8:40-44)

Simultaneously, Jesus began enquiring who had touched Him? The disciples were amazed, that He would ask that question with the crush of people around Him. But Jesus replied, ‘Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue (power) is gone out of me.’ (Luke 8:46) Eventually the woman, being afraid, fell down before Jesus and confessed that she had touched Him. Jesus then said to her, ‘Daughter, be of good comfort (cheer): thy faith hath made thee whole (well); go in peace.’ (Luke 8:48)

So yuh see what a li’l faith can do, it can work miracles if it’s rooted in God. And right after that some of Jairus’ people came and told him his daughter was dead, but Jesus said to him, ‘Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole.’ (Luke 8:50) That’s the important thing my brethren, true belief in Almighty God that drives our faith.

Now here’s an interesting scene of the opposite reaction. This one we all know about Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat and a serious storm suddenly arising and the agitated water filling the boat. Obviously the disciples were afraid for it was possible that few if any of them could even swim. So they went looking for Jesus, who was asleep in the stern of the ship. They awakened him and said, ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace be still. And the wind ceased, and there was great calm. And he said unto them, why are ye so fearful? how is that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, what manner of man is this (who can this be) that even the wind and the sea obey Him?’ (Mark 4:38-41)

Ah friends, it’s hard to fault the disciples, when we also have so many doubts and fears, especially when life is so uncertain these days. But the only way to conquer whatever is troubling us is by having true faith in our heavenly Father. And to show how wonderful He’s been to us, let’s declare our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings so generously bestowed on us by God to help us do His earthly work. So, in 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 that declaration now 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 we do! Much LOVE!

…life is all about hope…belief…faith…and trust in Jehovah God…

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

The Importance of Christians Knowing How to Keep on Keeping on for Christ!

Today’s Scrip-Bit   4 June 2026   Luke 9:23.

Luke 9:23.        ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’

And so we’ve moved on to Thursday, the hot, sunny penultimate day of our work week – rather quickly in my humble opinion. (smile) But then, the way the Lord runs His universe is too big for us small-minded folks to understand. And He states that quite plainly through the prophet Isaiah. ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.’ (Is. 55:8-9)

That means we will not be able to understand a lot of things that happen both in our lives and in the world, because God is still on the throne and still ruling the universe He created in the fashion He desires. Consequently, we need to put our utmost trust in Him, and rely on His unmatched, unfailing faithfulness, if we desire to live the good and abundant life here on earth.

And today we’re going to look at some tips from the May In Touch Devotional that shows us how to keep on keeping on in our faithful journey with Christ. They advise: ‘This is how you move forward in faith: by remembering where God has taken you so far and staying open to where He’ll take you tomorrow.’

Yes my brethren, the best way to build faith is to remember all that God has dome for us in the past, how He moved us forward from one point of glory to another, and therefore He will be there to look after us in the future. It’s like Bruh David says in Psalm 37 – titled ‘Trust in the Lord.’  ‘I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed (descendants) begging bread,’ (Ps. 37:25).  

One commentary explains it thus: ‘In that verse David is reflecting on God’s unwavering faithfulness throughout his lifetime. He shares his observation that, even in the midst of trials, those who walk in righteousness are never abandoned by God, nor do their children go without provision.’  So let’s move forward in faith.

The next bit of advice the Devotional offers is: ‘This is how you show up: by carrying your LOVED ones as you go, every hour, every day – not perfectly but faithfully, holding them in prayer.’  I guess that’s like Jesus said in the parable of the persevering widow and unjust judge: ‘men ought always to pray, and not to faint (lose heart).’ (Luke 18:1) Or like Bruh Paul advises in 1 Thessalonians: ‘Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:17) In other words, as the scholars declare: ‘a believer ought to remain in the attitude of prayer though not always praying audibly.’

Then the Devotional continues by saying: ‘This is how you move beyond what’s comfortable: by LOVING sacrificially, doing right by everyone, honouring this life you’ve been entrusted with.’ And you know the sacrificial living thing is always a burr in our sides, because sacrificing is against our basic human nature. But that’s what Jesus is all about. That’s why He came to earth; to sacrifice His sinless life to pay for our abominable sins.

And when you signed up to be His follower you also signed up for sacrificial living. Remember what discipleship is all about? As Jesus defined it: ‘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 my people, as followers of Christ, we are called to be sacrificial whenever necessary.

And that’s how we need to live for Jesus, as the Devotional continues: ‘Even on the long days, the boring days, the wish-it-were-already-tomorrow days. Remaining steady, present with the people around you. Knowing that God is carrying you through.’ Oh my fellow believers those are ever so true and faithful words! We need to remain strong and steadfast in LOVE and compassionate caring, knowing without a doubt that God’s faithfulness will carry us through, because He’s promised that if we’re faithful to Him, He will be faithful to us. And He never reneges on any of His promises.  

And the concluding, crowning statement of the Devotional is this: ‘We’re here for that journey. All of it.’ And so we are my fellow believers in Christ! It’s a journey we have signed up for, knowing that it would not be an easy one, but that the rewards from undertaking it successfully will be glorious and incomparable; salvation and eternal life with Christ!

There’s nothing in this world to truly beat that. Lustful pleasures might thrill us for a while, but what happens when this comparatively short life is over, as it will certainly be? What’s going to happen for the rest of that never-ending period called eternity? There are only two choices friends; live for earthly pleasure and die an eternal death, or live for Jesus and live forever. The choice is the individual’s!

And to show how good God is, and how much He wants you to spend eternity with Him, He’s generously bestowed undeserved blessings on us, to enable us to do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance!

I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having accepted those undeserved blessings, it now behooves us to go out and use them to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…living for Christ…that’s the decision of all decisions…the ultimate decision…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of HOPE in A Christian’s Life! Part 1.

Today’s Scrip-Bit   14 May 2026   Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11.        ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’

Ah friends, the penultimate day of our work week, Thursday, has opened somewhat cloudy and chilly, but let’s not lose hope, for yesterday afternoon turned out to be quite nice, despite the poor early morning weather. And if it’s one thing we Christians have is hope. Hope in God, and hope that things will turn out all right in the end. For without hope, what’s the purpose of living? None whatsoever! Since hope is the basic catalyst that keeps us going; keeps us holding on to our dreams and desires, whatever they may be. With hope we expect things to get better and those dreams to materialize at some point in time.

And that’s why the Bible, God’s Word is filled with so many wonderful verses on hope. So let’s look at some of them, and see how they boost our faith. for remember without hope, you cannot have faith, as hope is the basis of faith. And possibly the most well known and favourite verse of hope in the Bible is this one from Jeremiah. ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope).’ (Jer. 29:11) Yes my fellow believers, that’s what the Lord has in mind for us; hope of a good future, that culminates with Him in eternal life. And there’s nothing better to look forward to than that!

Then there’s this other amazing promise from the prophet Isaiah, that we all know and mouth, but don’t always believe, otherwise we would not be so often lacking in hope. ‘He giveth power to the faint (weak); and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Is. 40:29-31)

What a marvellous promise! But if we don’t truly believe it, then it will not happen for us, for that’s the groundwork called for in God’s Word; belief, which is born of hope and topped by faith. As Bruh Paul says in Romans. ‘For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance) wait (eagerly wait) for it.’ (Rom. 8:24-25) And that’s the gospel truth! For hope is looking and waiting for something we don’t see. If we see it, then there’s no point in hoping for it.

Then there’s this interesting verse from the prophet Micah, where he declares: ‘Therefore I will look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.’ (Mic. 7:7) Now that’s a tremendous statement of hope and faith. As this translation puts it: ‘But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.’ And that’s more undeniable truth my brethren. If we wait and hope in our God, He will hear us and provide salvation. But then again, that all depends on the level of our belief that’s based on the amount of our hope. (smile)

Now these are also important verses on belief and hope, but I don’t think we appreciate them as much as some of the others. Why? Just listen. ‘Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. and not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh (produces) patience; And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed (does not disappoint); because the LOVE of God is shed abroad (poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.’ (Rom. 5:1-5)

Ah mih people, we all like the end product, but none of us like to go through the middle section that talks of tribulations and perseverance. However, that is a most basic and foundational aspect of truly living for Jesus. It’s the calling of self-sacrifice that all followers of Jesus are expected to engage in, following His glorious example. And there are several more interesting scriptures on hope, but since time and space have runout on us, we’ll look at those tomorrow, if God spares life obviously. (smile)  

And to help us find and keep that hope, the Lord has also most generously bestowed on us undeserved blessings, we call our Thursday Blessings. So let’s declare and activate them right now! In 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 now 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 we do! Much LOVE!

…there are too many examples of God’s faithfulness…to ever lose hope in Him…

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

The Requirements for being a True Disciple of Christ!

John 17:16.       They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

So, the penultimate day of our workweek, Thursday, rolls around with cool temps and a shallow cloud cover. Who knows what the rest of the day will be like. Let’s hope that the bright rays of the battling sun will prevail over the dark clouds, just like the bright light of Jesus will prevail over the sinful darkness of Satan! And all God’s people said a loud and grateful ‘Amen!’ 

Yes friends, I know our greatest desire is for the enemy to be run right out of town on the very next train, but unfortunately that will not happen unless we pull up our socks, tighten our britches and begin being better witnesses for Christ! Obviously, you don’t want to hear that, but it’s the sad truth. The world would not be such an evil, hateful, greedy, lawless and chaotic place if we Christians were doing a better job of showing the unbelievers the marvellous light of Christ through the rich examples of our own lives. Instead of being holy on Sundays, then behaving like the rest of the world on Monday to Saturday, we have to behave holy and righteous each and every day. 

Remember what Jesus said about us when He prayed for the Father’s help before He left this world. ‘And now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from evil (evil one). They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they might also be sanctified through the truth.’ (John 17:13-19) 

Yes my people, we’re not of this world, so we’re not supposed to behave like this world. And Jesus steadfastly prayed that the Father would sanctify us, set us apart for His holy purpose, but, unfortunately, we’re not following the script as laid out by Jesus. And it’s obvious that we’re not perfect and we will all make mistakes here and there, but on the whole our lives should be a worthwhile testimony to the unbeliever. 

Remember what we agreed to when we became Christians, disciples and followers of Christ? Jesus said it thus: ‘If any man will (desires to) come after (follow) me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) That’s the agreement we made when we became Christians, followers of Christ. But sadly, not enough of us are living up to that covenant. Too many of us are still dithering and wavering when coming to denying ourselves and daily taking up our cross. We refuse to make certain sacrifices that are necessary to serve Jesus, and dredge up all kinds of excuses not to take up our cross. 

And if we don’t understand what all this means, then this commentary explains it fairly well. As for the Context: Jesus is speaking to his disciples, emphasizing the cost and commitment involved in following him. “If any man will come after me…”: This is a conditional statement, meaning that if someone desires to be a follower of Jesus, they must be willing to make certain sacrifices. “let him deny himself…”: This means putting aside personal desires, ambitions, and worldly attachments in order to prioritize God’s will and follow Jesus. 

“…and take up his cross…”: The “cross” symbolizes the suffering, hardship, and challenges that come with following Jesus. It’s a call to embrace the difficulties of living a life dedicated to Christ. “…and follow me.”: This is the ultimate call to discipleship, urging individuals to live a life modelled after Jesus’ teachings and example. Meaning of Discipleship: To follow Jesus requires a radical transformation of life, a willingness to sacrifice worldly gains for eternal rewards, and a daily commitment to living for Christ rather than oneself.’ 

Oh my people, truly following Jesus is not always easy, but it’s always worthwhile. Remember too, He doesn’t ask us to do anything that He Himself did not, or would not do, plus He always gives us the tools, the grace and mercy, the anointing to do whatever He asks of us. Then we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us to lead and guide our daily walk with Him, but probably too many of us don’t listen to the still small voice of the Spirit, and insist on doing our own thing. That will obviously lead to a breakdown in communications and thus a lack of true discipleship. 

My fellow saints, it’s time we owned up to our shortcomings on Jesus’ behalf and make amends by turning our lives around, becoming true disciples and living sincerely for Him, truly desiring to make a difference in this ungodly and evil world. And God’s so good to us, that He’s even bestowed on us underserved blessings to help with His earthly work, so there are no excuses not to do our godly bidding. We call those tools our Thursday Blessings. So, let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration, (yesss!!!) we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…to be a true follower of Jesus…you cannot behave like the world…because Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world…

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