The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Knowing and Believing that Jesus is ALL They Need in this World

26 Oct 2025 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 12:2b.        ‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith.’

It’s Sunday my brethren, and you know what that means; it’s time to fellowship in the Lord’s sanctuary, as that’s His command for the Sabbath day: ‘Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ (Ex. 20:8) And the author of Hebrews also reminds us of the importance of a regular gathering of believers, when he writes: ‘Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:25) Yes friends, it’s ever so important for us to keep encouraging each other as the day of Christ’s return draws ever closer. 

And I like how the scholars explain that verse. They say; ‘Not forsaking the assembling is an admonition that involves far more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is an outward indication of an inner condition. The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that is gained from one another (cf. Col. 3:12-16) It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor. 12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary for spiritual food and medicine.’ Please my people, let’s remember that and attend church regularly and also get involved with the activities that take place there. 

Now, let’s get to today’s song of worship. It’s simply but oh so elegantly and importantly titled: ‘Give me Jesus.’ And it seems this Christian song has been around for a long time, since about the mid-nineteenth century. No one knows who really wrote it, and apparently even the slaves sang it. But in the twenty-first century, people like Fernando Ortega have revised and recorded it. And for our purposes, I’ve taken poetic license and included a couple of verses from other renditions. However, as always, we’ll do a Danny Gokey soulful, scintillating version, with its haunting piano, soulful strings and beautiful background vocals. 

So, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise with truly heartfelt sentiments. Singing: ‘Ohhh ohhh, Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus…In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, In the morning when I rise, Give me Jesus. (Chorus: Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You can have all this world, just give me Jesus.) When I am alone, Oh When I am alone When I am alone, Give me Jesus, You can have all this world Just Give me Jesus For He is all that I need, Just Give me Jesus. 

Dark midnight was my cry, Dark midnight was cry, Dark midnight was my cry, Give me Jesus. [Chorus] Just about the break of day, Just about the break of day, Just about the break of day, Give me Jesus. (Chorus) And when I want to sing, And when I want to sing, And when I want to sing, give me Jesus. (Chorus) Oh, when I come to die, Oh, when I come to die, Oh, when I come to die, Give me Jesus. (Chorus: Give me Jesus, give me Jesus. You can have all this world, give me Jesus. 

Yes, you can have all this world, Just Give me Jesus, Give me Jesus, for He’s all I need. In the morning when I rise…when I lay my head down…when I wake up…all I want is Jesus… I need Him…Just give me Jesus… All I need is Him. We worship You Lord, Yes, we worship You. You’re the answer to our prayers, You’re the calm in the storm, You are our rest and our refuge…All we want is You Jesus… So, you can have all the world, Just give us Jesus… Yes, You can have all the world, Just give us Jesus, Yes, just give us Jesus…’

And that’s exactly how it ought to be my faithful brethren! They can take all the world has to give, once we have Jesus, we’re more than satisfied, for He is ALL we really need. Who else has done, or can even dream of doing all that He’s done for us eh? Who else came down from heaven and showed His undying LOVE for us, by selflessly sacrificing His sinless life on the cross so that we could be set free, to be considered righteous and thus worthy to be returned to the Father’s fold?  Nobody else did it friends. Nobody else but Jesus! 

And tell me who gave us His Holy Spirit to dwell within us to remind us of His commandments and to lead, guide and comfort us in a wise and godly manner? Only Jesus! As He says in John’s gospel. ‘But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.’ (John 14:26) And what about peace? He alone gives us true peace; peace that surpasses all understanding. (John 14:27; 16:33) Why? Because He is the Prince of Peace!  (Is. 9:6) 

And what about our Christian faith eh? It’s Jesus who also gave us that. As the Bible tells us: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (originator and perfector) of our faith.’ (Heb. 12:2b) And who gives us that Great Invitation, to come to Him whenever we’re weary and heavy burdened, so that we can find rest for our souls and take up His easy yoke and light burden? (Matt. 11:28-30) No one else but Jesus! And who is the mightiest of them all eh; the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?  The name that is above every other name, to which all knees will eventually bow? And every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of the Father. (Phil. 3:9-11) That’s Jesus! 

And tell me nuh, who is going to wipe away all tears from my eyes, so that there won’t be any more death, sorrow, crying or pain? (Rev. 21:4) Nobody but Jesus! And who is our High Priest that sits beside the Father in heaven advocating and interceding on our behalf? (Heb. 4:14-15) Of course it’s Jesus! And finally, who’s going to offer me salvation and come and live with me till eternity in the new heaven and new earth eh? (Rev. 21:1-3) Only Jesus! 

Therefore, with all that Jesus is, has done, can and will do, why I would I want or need anybody else but Him eh? No reason whatsoever! So, please let’s come to our senses and realize what a treasure we have in Jesus and appreciate and LOVE Him the way we truly ought to! Much LOVE!

…godly wisdom dictates…that you seek Jesus with a sincere heart…then steadfastly cling to Him…like white on rice…

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

The Essentialness of Believers Congregating to worship Almighty God!

05 Jan 2025 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 10:25.       Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

And it’s the first Sunday in this new year of 2025, so let’s hope many of us turn out to worship and fellowship in the Lord’s sanctuary today. As they would say, let’s begin the year on the right foot, so that it can become a habit for the whole year. (smile) Ah friends, there’s nothing like gathering in the Lord’s house on the Sabbath to sing, give thanks and praise with other believers, while renewing and uplifting our faith and confidence for the upcoming week. 

And before we go any further, let’s remember this most important scripture re fellowshipping, that’s getting together to worship God. The author of Hebrews admonishes us thus: ‘And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:24-25)  

And I like how the scholars explain that scripture. ‘It is easy to stir up hatred and godless deeds; it takes much more to stir up another to LOVE and good works.’ And we can do that best when we assemble together. ‘But the admonition to assemble together involves far more than an erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is an outward indication of an inner condition. 

The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained from one another (cf. Col. 3:12-16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor. 12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.’  

And having read and inwardly digested all of that, let’s do it; let’s worship and fellowship and encourage each other, beginning with this beautiful Christian, soulful ballad, titled ‘In the Midst of the Rain,’ taken from the Bebe Winans album titled ‘In Harm’s Way. So, without further ado, let’s offer up sweet sacrifices of praise to the One who selflessly suffered so much on our behalf, without ever complaining. 

Singing: ‘Every time I lift my eyes to the sky, I’m reminded of a time in my life, When all the dark clouds hung over me, I was lost inside, in search of a key. I remember LOVED ones being so kind, Saying things would get much better with time. And I admit sometimes they did for a while, And then I’d find myself back under the cloud (Chorus: Right in the midst of the rain, My heart was so full of pain. Jesus, You came and rescued my soul, And then your LOVE took control. Right in the midst of the rain, You caused me to smile again. My life was awesomely changed, Right in the midst of the rain.) 

When it comes right down to just you and me, There’s nothing better now that these eyes can see. And tell me what compares to all that you are? You are everything, yes, my morning star! My mind, my heart and soul I now give to you. I’m under your command so what can I do? Cause I surrender all, all that I owe, And will follow wherever you go. (Chorus) 

There will never be another, Cause You’re nothing like the others. This LOVE I find in you; I found to be true! Right in the midst of the rain, My heart was so full of pain. But Jesus, You came and rescued my soul, And then your LOVE took control. Right in the midst of the rain, You caused me to smile again. My life was awesomely changed, Right in the midst of the rain.’ 

Oh my people, I believe we did justice to that song, with our soulful, sincere and heartfelt rendition. Heaven was impressed. And brother, that song truly shows how much our Jesus LOVES us; reaching out to us in touching situations like rescuing our souls right in the midst of a terrible downpour, when we feel so lost and alone.  And having done that, then His amazing LOVE simply takes control of our lives and leads us down the right path, the straight and narrow one. 

No wonder the song can say without any doubts: ‘There will never be another, Cause You’re nothing like the others. This LOVE I find in you; I found to be true!’ And why not? If Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, (John 14:6) it cannot be anything else but that! And I particularly like the line that says: ‘My life was awesomely changed, right in the midst of the rain.’ That’s exactly how Jesus captures our hearts; right in the darkest and most unexpected times. 

And furthermore: ‘When it comes right down to just you and me, There’s nothing better now that these eyes can see. And tell me what compares to all that you are? You are everything, yes, my morning star!’ Oh friends, there’s nothing or nobody in this universe that compares to Jesus. Never was, and never will be! Of that we can be very sure. He’s the proverbial, one of a kind, for whom the mold was destroyed after He was conceived. (smile) 

And there’s no doubt that Jesus is indeed our morning star. Listen to Him talking in Revelation. ‘I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.’ (Rev. 22:16) And the scholars tell us that as the root of the offspring of David, Jesus is the fulfillment of the messianic promise of Isaiah 11:1. which says: ‘And there shall come forth a rod (shoot) out of the stem (stock or trunk) of Jesse (Bruh David’s father), and a Branch shall grow (bear fruit) out of his roots.’ 

And as the bright and morning star, Jesus will eventually bring in the new age: the messianic kingdom. So, there you have it my fellow believers, very good grounds for worshipping Jesus the way we do! All power and praise and glory be to our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the name that’s above every other name, to whom ALL knees will eventually bow! 

Yes friends, He certainly deserves all the pomp and glory with which we honour Him! So, let’s keep on doing it nuh, as long as the breath of life flows through our mortal bodies! Much LOVE!

…only mentally incapacitated persons…who hear Jesus’ story…can ever refuse to believe in Him… (smile)

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 October 2022   1 Thessalonians 5:18.

09 Oct 2022 Leave a comment

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

1 Thessalonians 5:18.         In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

HAPPY  THANSKGIVING  CANADA !

And once again we are gathered here to celebrate God’s Day, Sunday, the day He rested from His labours, after creating the world and all therein in the previous six. And on this Thanksgiving Sunday in our blessed country of Canada, we must remember that gathering in the Lord’s name is not simply a suggestion, but our bounden duty, as the author of Hebrews tells us: ‘Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:25) 

And the scholars explain it thus. ‘The admonition “Not forsaking the assembling,” involves far more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is an outward indication of an inner condition. The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained from one another (cf. Col. 3:12-16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor. 12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.’ 

And do I ever like that last line. The body of Christ is one that thrives on total interaction, and we gather not just for spiritual enlightenment but to exhort, to uplift each other in whatever aspect we might need it. So, having seen the many benefits of assembling, (smile) let’s get to giving thanks and praise on this Thanksgiving Sunday by opening with a most appropriate song. It’s fairly new, in comparison to some of our other hymns, and was written by one Johnson Oatman, Jr (1856-1922) an American ordained minster, a very prolific songwriter. 

And the song is one we all know and LOVE, titled ‘Count Your Blessings.’ I chose it for today because I figured that we can never truly give thanks until we are fully aware of what we’re giving thanks for, and counting our blessings reminds us of all that we have to be thankful for. So, let’s open our harmonious voices, sending up sacrificial praise, in a rollicking rendition of ‘Count Your Blessings. 

Singing: ‘When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. (Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.) Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain] 

When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain] So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. [Refrain] 2’ 

That was indeed a rollicking rendition my people! Heaven surely knows that we are sincerely grateful for the many blessings they have poured down on us. And what does ‘Count Your Blessings’ really mean eh? I have a note here, don’t remember where I got it from, (smile) but it defines counting your blessings as ‘to be grateful for the good things in your life, often to stop yourself becoming too unhappy about the bad things.’ And that’s all it is really: being thankful for the breath we breathe, for our friends and families, for our jobs, health, food, clothing and shelter, plus the ability and joy of sharing what we have with others. 

Oh my friends, so much of our world right now is in such bad shape, they have nothing at all, that we should be awfully glad and thankful for whatever little we have. As one quote so rightly advises: ‘If you always find yourself numbering your troubles, you will never find time for counting your blessings. There is no use becoming frustrated in your difficulties while you have all opportunities hiding in them for a turnover.’ And that’s the gospel truth; there are always opportunities in our troubles to begin again, to turn over a new leaf, to find something useful, some blessing in those same troubles. 

The problem though is that we pay more attention to our troubles than our blessings, when the fact is if we write both our blessings and troubles on a sheet of paper, we’ll most likely find that we have way more blessings than troubles. And it’s not like the scriptures doesn’t continually tell us to give thanks, to be grateful for all we have. So, let’s look at a couple of them. 

And this advice from Bruh Paul the Thessalonians as he exhorts the brethren to good works, is one of the most all-encompassing, but very problematic to many of us. He says first of all: ‘Rejoice evermore.’ Then ‘Pray without ceasing.’ And finally: ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:16-18) 

Now those are certainly tough scriptures to continually enact, but with proper understanding and God’s help, we can certainly do them. It’s simply keeping a good attitude regardless of our circumstances, while being in touch with the Lord throughout the day talking to Him about whatever is going on with us and giving Him thanks through Christ for all His help, because that’s what He desires of us. Please remember that the Lord created us so that He could have good fellowship with us, that we should do His will and in so doing, glorify Him. So those three things that Bruh Paul asks of us, is what we were really created for. 

And here is some more advice from Bruh Paul, this time to the Colossians, on the topic of Christian virtues. He writes: ‘And above all these things put on charity (LOVE), which is the bond of perfectness (the crowning grace of Christian virtues). And let the peace of God (harmony) rule in your hearts, to the which ye are called in one body, and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 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. 3:14-17) 

Right there we have the basic virtues of our Christian faith, beginning with LOVE, the crowning glory, and ending with thanks, sincere appreciation for it all. Now, let’s go home this Thanksgiving Sunday with this beautiful and most useful recommendation from the website http://www.godtube. It says: ‘God truly gives us so many blessings each and every single day. Some may even be so small that we might overlook them. The classic hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’ truly reminds us to stop and give thanks for all God has done in our lives. This is definitely a pause we all need to take. Amen.’  

So please my fellow saints, let’s pause today and count our many blessings, then give God our grateful and sincere thanks for them nuh. It will go so much better with us. Much LOVE!

…to God the Father be all the thanks and the glory…through Jesus Christ…the Son… 

Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZJ8​       

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 August 2015 John 14:6

05 Aug 2015 Leave a comment

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

John 14:6.  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Oh Friends, I don’t understand it nuh; it’s a mystery that I can go to bed feeling fairly okay and wake up a few hours later experiencing serious pain in places that weren’t paining before I went to bed. Hn! I thought rest and sleep were supposed to calm those things, not heighten them.

Chuh! I woke up a little while ago with my right knee giving me beans, and that hasn’t been hurting me, it’s the left one that’s recently been problematic. So there I was subsequently, hobbling around like the old man I refuse to be, trying to put out the garbage and chuckling somewhat unhappily to my self.

But yuh know what, it’s a conspiracy! Yes Arthur (arthritis), the minion of the evil one, is desperately trying to humble me before his wicked master. But please tell Arthur for me that that will NEVER happen!

Not as long as our great God sits on His throne in heaven on high, which He will do forever, neither as long as our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus stands by His side advocating on my behalf, or as long as the Holy Spirit dwells within me! 

No Friends Lucifer will never get his evil hooks into me, or wrap his mushy tentacles around me, once the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are in control of things. And to bring that even more forcibly home to Mr. Arthur and his evil boss, let’s wail our Wednesday Wail, which is most appropriate in this situation.

Please wail with me people: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home.

My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

Oh yes my people, if we want to make it successfully through this wicked and ungodly world we have to constantly keep our focus on Jesus! There is no other way! Remember His promise of salvation in our Bit ‘I am the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE: no man cometh to the Father but by me.’ And He is also the LIGHT of this evil and darkened world.

And I like how the scholars put it, re our Bit. ‘14:6. Jesus does not tell them about the way, nor does He show them the way. He does not even guide them along the way. He says He is the way!’

And that’s an awesome truth that ALL believers need to acknowledge, to write indelibly in their hearts, souls and minds if they want to have a successful journey with Him. Glory Hallelujah! All praise and thanks be to the Lamb that was slain for us, whose precious blood was spilled at Calvary’s cross so that we could gain atonement from our abominable sins!

Yes my brethren, Jesus is indeed THE GREATEST! The ONE and ONLY Superstar! All our hopes and dreams begin and end with Him. As the author of Hebrews so wisely reminds us; He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb.12:2)

Or as the scholars put it. ‘He has already blazed the trail and finished the course.’ So we don’t have to do any more trail-blazing, just follow the straight and narrow path that He has laid out for us, all the way to salvation and eternal life with Him and the Father. There’s absolutely nothing better than that in this confused and troubled world!

Now listen to these encouraging and uplifting words from the author of Hebrews, where he issues a plea to the early believers to hold on to their new faith. ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness (confidence) to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say the flesh; and having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering: (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching’ (Heb.10:19-25)

Oh Friends, that same plea is crying out to us today, in these dark and dismal times! Jesus is the ONLY WAY to overcome them!

Now let’s get some explanations from the scholars re those verses: ’10:20. Jesus Christ is the new and living way by which believers have direct access into the very Holy Place of God (cf. 4:14; 6:20; 7:25; John 14:6).’ Please check out those references my people, as they will certainly help to enlighten us in the scriptures.

’10:24. The word translated provoke (Gr. paroxysmos) usually has a negative sense, as is witnessed by its only other New Testament usage (Acts 15:39). The positive connotation which the word has in the present text means to stir up. It is easy to stir up hatred and godless deeds; it take much more to stir up another to LOVE and to good works.’

And isn’t that the gospel truth Friends, it’s much easier to stir up strife than LOVE, especially in these godless times!

‘10:25. Not forsaking the assembling: This admonition involves far more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is the outward indication of an inner condition. The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained from one another (cf. Col.3:12-16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor.12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.’

And I say a loud and proud ‘Amen’ to that! There we have it Friends, the reason for going to church, for Christians assembling together in the name of Jesus Christ!

Now let’s go out today, and every day, and work diligently, sincerely and faithfully on behalf of our Lord and Saviour nuh, for that is the ultimate wisdom of this life. Much LOVE!

…following the path that Jesus blazed…and doing His will…brings the greatest joy and eventual richest reward…spending eternity with Him…

P.S. Oh Friends, I know it’s long and late, but that’s all made up for in its wonderful information and its intrinsic beauty! (smile) Much LOVE!

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 June 2013 Hebrews 10:23

05 Jun 2013 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 10:23.     Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
 
And then it was Wednesday, my beautiful Friends in Christ Jesus! Meaning that another new and glorious morn is in the offing, bringing with it exciting and unbelievable opportunities to enjoy the everlasting and bountiful mercies, goodness, blessings, forgiveness and LOVING-kindness of our magnificent and magnanimous God!
 
And the hearts of God’s people were so touched by those sentiments that they erupted in unison, in one loud voice: ‘Oh praise and sanctify the Most High God Jehovah! He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who dwells in the high heavens, but unstintingly pours out His wonderful grace on His adoring people, the children of men, here on earth!
 
Yes mih people, that’s the kind of adoration our Creator, our Provider and most generous, LOVING and faithful God deserves, each and every day of our blessed, mercy-filled lives! 
 
In truth, there are really no words in the human language to truly describe the awesome greatness, splendour, largesse and LOVE of our God, but we do have to try and make do with what we have, because it’s our bounden duty to worship and glorify Him and spread His glorious kingdom to all the ends of the earth, so that when the last trumpet sounds, not a single soul of His creation will be lost to mammon. 
 
And all God’s children declared a loud and glorious shout of ‘Amen! And again we say, Amen!’ 
 
Ah mih breddren, the ole fella just seems to have gotten up in a real praising and thankful mood this morning. (smile) But that’s really the way we ought to be each and every day. So let’s endeavour to pick up our praise and thanksgiving, starting today nuh. We’ll undoubtedly enjoy much better, much happier lives if we do that.
 
Now here’s a prayer from Dr. Schuller’s Hour of Power Devotional that will certainly help us to do that. It’s titled, ‘I Will Move.’
 
Pray with me: ‘Lord, I want your heart to be in my heart. For in you I come alive, moving ahead from boring death to exciting life! In your promises, I will move from discouragement to hope. In your pardon, I will move from shame to glory. In your power, I will move from weakness to strength. In your providence, I will move from failure to success! Thank you, Lord. Amen.’
 
Oh Friends, what a beautiful, heart-moving prayer! I sure hope that it gets all of us worked up for Christ this morning!
 
Now let’s look at how our Bit comes about; it stems from a plea to hold to the new faith. ‘Having therefore, brethren, boldness (confidence) to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say his flesh;
 
And having a high priest over the house of God; Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
 
Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
 
And let us consider one another to provoke (stir-up) unto LOVE and to good works. Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’ (Heb. 10:19-26) 
 
Now what does all of that mean eh? Let’s get some insight from the scholars. First off: ‘Jesus Christ is the new and living way by which believers have direct access into the very Holy Place of God (cf. 4:14; 6:20; 7:25; John 14:6)’
 
Then: ‘The word translated provoke (Gr. paraoxysmos) usually has a negative sense, as is witnessed by its only other New Testament usage (Acts 15:39). The positive connotation which the word has in the present text means to stir up. It is easy to stir up hatred and godless deeds; it takes much more to stir up another to LOVE and good works.’
 
And isn’t that the gospel truth my people! We can very easily stir up ourselves and each other to anger and other unfruitful stuff, but doing it for the positive things takes much more work and time.
 
And finally: ‘Not forsaking the assembling: This admonition involves far more than erratic attendance. It involves the entire worship of Christ and is an outward indication of an inner condition.
 
The assembling of God’s people provides opportunity for reciprocal encouragement, strengthening, and the stirring up that can be gained form one another. (cf. Col. 3:12-16). It consists of participation in worship and fellowship. The church is a body interacting (1 Cor. 12:14-27); it is not merely a dispensary of spiritual food and medicine.’
 
And to that Friends, I can only say ‘Amen!’ For it’s something I’ve been trying to instil in us all along; the necessity for fellowship and believer interaction at all levels, times and places in our lives, because it’s from that coming together, that physical and spiritual mixing, we’re supposed to draw strength, inspiration and faith to carry on.
 
So let’s come together nuh mih people, as Jesus would have us do, to exhort and inspire each other. That’s true wisdom and Christian faith at its everlasting best. Much LOVE!
 
…when Christians join together in true fellowship…all the hosts of heaven rejoice…
 
P.S. Oh my brethren, please remember to check out the scripture references given above, because they are for our benefit, further enlightening us as to the meaning(s) of the Word of God. And if you don’t read the scriptures for yourselves, you’ll NEVER truly understand them. And that’s gospel truth! Much LOVE!