03 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a divine means of showing man, abundance, anger, bad attitudes, be therewith content, before many witnesses, christianity, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, confessed a good confession, courage, creativity, curse, do not worry about tomorrow, don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today, drown men in destruction and perdition, erred from the faith, faith, fall into temptation and a snare, favour, fight the good fight of faith, follow after righteousness, glory to God, go out and share blessings, godliness, godliness with contentment is great gain, gospel truth, greed, having food and raiment, holy spirit, into many foolish and hurtful lusts, it is certain we can carry nothing out, jealousy, Jesus Christ, lay hold on eternal life, lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, looking forward to tomorrow, LOVE, material wealth is relatively insignificant, meekness, mercy, negative word, O man of God flee these things, on a late bus, patience, penultimate day of our workweek, pierced themselves through with many sorrows, professed a good profession, prosepr, resentment, ruin and destruction, running down money, running down the riches of the world, salvation, seeking God is to be our first priority, seep into your soul, self-control, self-discipline, sophisticated alarm systems, succeed, sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof, supernatural wisdom, take no thought for the morrow, talent, the ambition to be rich, the antidote to loving money, the BIBLE, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself, the root of all kinds of evil, the rush to accumulate more than enough, the Sermon on the Mount, they that will be rich, thieves break through and steal, thieves do not break through and steal, thou art also called, to strive after as much money as possible, today's challenges, truth, undeserved blessings, we brought nothing into this world, where moth and rust doth corrupt, where neither moth and rust doth corrupt, where your treasure is there will be your heart also, which some coveted after, wisdom, your goal in life
Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 September 2026 Matthew 6:19.
Matthew 6:19. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal.
Oh friends, we’re on a late bus today because the ole fella wasn’t feeling up to scratch earlier on and thus lay in bed longer than usual. However, thankfully, after the rain yesterday, this Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, has blossomed into a bright and sunshiny warm day! Glory to God! And unfortunately, some of us are looking forward so much to tomorrow, Friday, that we are in danger of not concentrating properly on today’s challenges. As the ole people would say, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today.
And per Jesus: ‘Take no thought for the morrow (do not 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) In other words, tomorrow will bring enough problems and challenges of it’s own for you to worry about, so concentrate on not having to carry forward today’s. And with those awesome words of wisdom, (smile) let’s turn to some scriptures that talk about a subject which many of us believers still need to learn. That’s the unwise attitude of running down money and the material things and pleasures of the world.
In the first place, Jesus warned us in the Sermon on the Mount: ‘Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves break through and steal.’ (Matt. 6:19) And we see the wisdom in that every day, where thieves break through the most sophisticated alarm and computer systems and steal oodles of supposedly worthwhile stuff. Meanwhile, what isn’t stolen becomes old and rusty, or eaten by moths. So what’s the wise thing to do?
Listen to Jesus: ‘But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt (ruin), and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.’ (Matt. 6:20-21)And all of that is the gospel truth my people! There are no thieves, rust, nor moths in heaven to ruin your treasures there. Then it’s obvious that wherever your treasures are stored that’s where your heart and mind will be focused. So if they are stored here on earth, then you will be focused on earthly things, and bad attitudes like greed, jealousy, resentment and anger will eventually seep into your soul as you strive to build up your earthly treasures.
But if they are stored in heaven, then you will be focused on heaven. And believe me, that’s the best place to have one’s focus, for all that we have here on earth will stay here when we depart his life, but what we store in heaven will be there waiting for us when we get there and will last us forever! Wow! That brings us to this awesome teaching from Bruh Paul to Timothy on the subject. He begins with this wise warning. ‘But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment (clothing) let us be therewith content.’ (1 Tim. 6:6-8)
More gospel truth my people! And its’ exactly what I just said, we can’t carry anything from this world with us. And according to the scholars ‘This is a divine means of showing man that since material wealth is relatively insignificant, he should pursue the important things mentioned in verse 11.’ Yes friends, we come with nothing and carry out nothing, so why kill ourselves to accumulate earthly treasures eh? Not wise at all.
Oh, material stuff is necessary in our lives, and we must accumulate some to live on during rainy periods or old age, but the greedy rush to accumulate more than enough is certainly unwise, because in the process we kill both body and soul, as well as important relationships like families, friends, co-workers and the church. Now, there’s no harm in wanting to better our circumstances, but that must not be our sole reason for living. That’s why Bruh Paul advises us to be contented with what we have.
As he further says: ‘But they that will (desire to) be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful (harmful) lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition (ruin and destruction). For the LOVE of money is the root of all (kinds) of evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’ (1 Tim. 6:9-10) Yes my fellow believers, that’s what the ambition to be rich can do to you. The LOVE of money is a source from which all kinds of evil can flow. And it’s not the only source of evil, but it certainly can happen when your goal in life is to strive after as much money as you can acquire.
And what’s the antidote to that evil LOVE for money? It’s as the scholars say found in verse 11. ‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, LOVE, patience, meekness.’ (1 Tim. 6:11) Now that’s the kind of life we believers ought to be seeking, not running down the lustful pleasures and riches of this world. And Bruh Paul adds another interesting verse that is supposed to stir up our blood and mission for Christ. ‘Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed (confessed) a good profession (confession) before many witnesses.’ (1 Tim. 6:12)
And to help us do that, we have our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings generously bestowed by the Lord for such purpose. So let’s declare and thus activate them right now nuh, because a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been 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, it now behooves us to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…money and material possessions are important…but seeking God should always be our first priority…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
27 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a man's heart deviseth his way, abundance, against his anointed, an act of homage and submission, be instructed ye judges of the earth, be wise now O ye kings, blessed are all they who put their trust in Him, break their bands asunder, cast away their cords from us, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, concentrate on the challenges of today, courage, creativity, curse, deviate from God's plan, distress them in his deep displeasure, divine protection, do our own thing, don't get carried away, duty bound, each day brings its own problems, end up losing out on something good God had in store for us, experience God's love, experience God's wrath, faith, favour, free will, good friends, good health, great family, he commanded and it stood fast, he spake and it was done, he that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh, holy spirit, if you can't beat them join them, in sync with the Lord's will, it's foolish to fight the Lord, Jesus Christ, jumping from one place to the other, kiss the son, lest he be angry, let all the earth fear the Lord, let everybody stand in awe of God, life is a steady continuum, LOVE, make fools of ourselves, make your life miserable, maketh the devices of the people to none effect, man plans but God laughs, many devices in a man's heart, mercy, Messiah, negative word, O ye kings be instrcted, our plans can come to nought, personal experience, purpose for your life, rejoice with trembling, salvation, self-control, serve the Lord with fear, speak unto them in his wrath, success, supernatural wisdom, talent, the answer of the tongue is from the Lord, the counsel of the Lord shall stand, the counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the gospel truth, the kings of the earth set themselves, the Lord bringenth the counsel of the heathen to nought, the Lord directeth his steps, the Lord is in absolute control, the Lord is sovereign over man's planning and scheming, the Lord is sovereign over man's scheming and planning, the Lord shall have them in derision, the penultimate day of our work week, the people imagine a vain thing, the people plot a worthless thing, the preparations of the heart in man, the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, the thoughts of his heart, the wisest thing you can ever do is join Christ's army, to all generations, truth, vex them in his sore displeasure, when his wrath is kindled but a little, why do the heathen rage, wisdom, ye perish from the way
Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 August 2026 Proverbs 19:21.
Proverbs 19:21. ‘There are many devices (plans) in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.’
Then it was Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week, and many of us can only think about tomorrow, Friday, when it will all be over. But let’s not get carried away, for we still have to live through today, Thursday, before we can get to tomorrow Friday, and if you don’t handle the problems and challenges of today, you’ll have many more when you add tomorrow’s, for each day brings challenges and problems of its own.
Yes, I know we all want to get to Friday and the weekend as soon as possible, but trying to rush the situation will only bring more heartache than is necessary, for life is made to be played out in a steady continuum, not jumping from one place to the other. And if you’re in sync with the Lord’s will and purpose for your life, then it’s even more important to take your time and follow His lead. For whenever we deviate from His plan and do our own thing, we always end up losing out on something good He had in store for us.
Remember what Cousin Sol says in Proverbs? ‘There are many devices (plans) in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.’ (Prov. 19:21) Yes friends, all our plans can come to nought if the Lord so desires, because He is in absolute control of all we do or don’t do. That’s why there’s the saying, ‘man plans but God laughs.’ And it’s attested to several times in the Bible.
Cousin Sol alone says it twice more in Proverbs: ‘The preparations (plans) of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord.’ (Prov. 16:1) Then later in that same chapter he declares: ‘A man’s heart deviseth (plans) his way: but the Lord directeth his steps.’ (Prov. 16:9) The verses show that that Lord is sovereign over a man’s normal thoughts and words, as well as his scheming and planning.
Meanwhile in Psalm 33 – Praise for God’s Goodness – the psalmist puts it thus: ‘Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices (plans) of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.’ (Ps. 33:8-11)
Oh my people, it could not be said any plainer than that! Whatever the Lord desires, it will be accomplished, and there’s nothing we can really do about it. He might allow us the free will to make fools of ourselves, but if and when He desires to pull us up, then we’ll be unable to stop Him, for the Lord has many ways of getting us to do His will. And I can tell you that from personal experience. (smile) When I tried to fight Him about writing the Bit, He made my life so miserable that in the end I had no choice but to say ‘yes Lord.’
So when we successfully go against the Lord’s will, let’s not pat ourselves on the back too quickly, because it’s the Lord who is allowing us to do our own will, for whatever purpose He has in mind. And Psalm 2, titled ‘God’s Son Shall Reign,’ gives us an interesting example of the Lord’s power over all. It says; ‘Why do the heathen rage (throng tumultuously or restlessly), and the people imagine (plot) a vain (worthless) thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed (Messiah, Christ), saying, Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex (distress) them in his sore (deep) displeasure).’ (Ps. 2:1-5)
Yes my brethren, the heathen will not be able to conquer the Lord’s Son, His Messiah, try as they might. That’s why the psalmist warns later on: ‘Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son (an act of homage and submission) lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.’ (Ps. 2:10-12) And that’s the gospel truth my fellow believers! It makes no sense whatsoever trying to fight Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of the universe and all therein. As the ole saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them.
And joining the army of the Lord’s Son, Jesus Christ is the wisest thing we can ever do. And when we do that, through the Lord’s amazing generosity, numerous undeserved blessings are bestowed upon us to help us do His earthly work. We call them our Thursday Blessings, so let’s declare them right now, so they can be activated, because 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 the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do1 Much LOVE!
…why experience God’s terrible wrath…when you can experience His wonderful LOVE…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
20 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a deep awareness of suffering, a strong wish to help others, absorbed only in our own affairs, abundancecurse, allowing evil to seep into our consciousness, another beautiful summer's day, burnt oofferings and sacrifices, children of the Most High God Jehovah, christianity, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, compassion, courage, creativity, died in the wilderness, divine protection, every tempestuous storm, faith, faith that will not die, favour, forward to God's compassionate ways, go out of our way to help, goes beyond simple sympathy, greed, holy spirit, I stake my life, I will be your God, if not dear God, integrity is sadly lacking in our world, Jesus Christ, lack of Christlikeness, lead us astray, leave the big concerns to God, LOVE, may the Lord have mercy and compassion on us, mercy, my part is to trust and obey, negative word, nor inclined their ear, nothing in my life makes any sense, obey my voice, One Year Book of Bible promises, our audacity to question the integrity of Jesus, our world is headed back towards Satan, ours is not to question why, pass by on the other side, pay the price for disobedience, promotion, rebellion against Almighty God, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, see me through every fiery furnace, self-control, self-discipline, selfishness, stake my life totally completely permanently, staring in the face, supernatural wisdom, take action to ease pain, talent, that it may be well unto you, the BIBLE, the disobedience of the Israelites in the wilderness, the epitome of the word, the Good Samaritan Parable, the gospel truth, the imagination of their evil heart, the integrity of Jesus, the priest and Levite, the Promised Land, the unpredictable month of September, they hearkened not, this one thing I commanded them, to perform what you promised, trust and obey, truth, trying and uncertain times, undeserved blessings, use those blessings to help others, variable types of weather, walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, walked in the counsels, wandered forty years in the wilderness, went backward and not forward, wisdom, ye shall be my people, you will do all you promised, your part is
Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 August 2026 Jeremiah 7:23.
Jeremiah 7:23. Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.
And it’s another beautiful summer’s day, thus we cry out: ‘Thank You Lord!’ For we’re almost staring into the face of that unpredictable month of September, which can unexpectedly bring very variable types of weather. And though we can handle anything that comes against us because we’re children of the Most High God Jehovah, it’s desirable to have good weather as much as possible. (smile)
But instead of worrying about the weather, here’s something more important for us to be concerned about. It’s this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. Just for the fun of it, I checked out the August 20 poem and found it ever so true and worthwhile for sharing today. (smile) And it’s the first time I can remember doing a poem on the day on which it was listed. So it must be a good sign. (smile)
Anyway, the poem’s titled, ‘I Stake My Life.’ So please read with me: ‘I stake my life totally Completely Permanently On the Integrity of Jesus. Lord, Your integrity means You will do all You promised. You will see me through Every fiery furnace Every tempestuous storm. If not, dear God Then nothing in life Makes any sense whatever. Your part is to perform What You promised. My part is to trust and obey.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth! We’re to leave all the big concerns to God and simply trust and obey His will and commands. But what has me chuckling in the poem is our audacity to question the integrity of Jesus, to tell Him what it means, as though He isn’t the person who had, has, and will always have the most integrity in this universe. Instead of being concerned with Christ’s integrity we should be more concerned with our own, for integrity is not something that’s cherished by this evil and ungodly world.
In fact, the lack of integrity seems to find more favour today than the possession of it, because we’ve become such a lying, fraudulent and deceitful society that anyone who possesses any integrity is frowned upon, even laughed at as an oddity or even a fool. But there should never be any question of Jesus’ integrity, for He is the epitome of the word. and He will see us through the fiery furnace and tempestuous storm as He’s promised. Our concern ought to be believing and trusting Him, that means listening to and following this command that serves as the Bible verse for today’s poem.
Talking about the disobedience and rebellion of the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land, through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord says, He didn’t tell them anything about burnt offerings and sacrifices. ‘But this one thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.’ (Jer. 7:23)
Yes my fellow believers, that’s what we ought to be about in these trying and uncertain times; obeying the Lord’s commands so that life will be good with us! But are we doing it? Unfortunately not as much as we ought to, because we’re allowing the evil and ungodly world to seep into our consciousness and lead us astray. We’re doing exactly like the Lord said of the Israelites back then. ‘But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and the imagination (stubbornness) of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.’ (Jer. 7:24)
Now anyone with an iota of sense can see that our world is headed backward towards Satan and his evil doings, rather than forward, towards God and His good and compassionate ways. Unsurprisingly then, that word ‘compassion’ is not one that’s bandied about much in today’s society, much less having its attributes displayed on a large scale.
And what does compassion mean? This overview explains it thus: ‘Compassion is a deep awareness of the suffering of others combined with a strong wish to help them. It goes beyond simple sympathy by moving a person to take action to ease pain.’ But sadly, how many of us today, even when we see someone suffering, will go out of our way to help them? Not very many. We behave like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan; we pass by on the other side, too busy and selfish, completely absorbed only in our own affairs.
And we all know the great number of people that are currently suffering in our wealthy but evil and ungodly world, badly needing compassion, but because of the selfishness, greed and lack of Christlikeness in so many of us, they continue to suffer when they should not. And do you think the Lord will look down on us kindly if we hold those selfish and ungodly attitudes? Obviously not! Just like those Israelites who came out of Egypt, saw all the wonders God did on their behalf and yet rebelled against Him, never made it to the Promised Land, but wandered for forty years in the wilderness and then died there, likewise we will pay the price for disobedience and rebellion against Almighty God.
What’s wrong with us eh? He’s said it numerous times in His word, and we’ve seen it happen numerous times to those who disobey, but somehow or other we think it won’t happen to us, so we keep on being rebellious and disobedient. For our sakes, may the Lord have mercy and compassion on us yes! But for those of us who sincerely believe and are trying to be obedient, let’s go home declaring our Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings 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, we’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, use them just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…ours is not question why…but to trust and obey…to have faith that will not die…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
17 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a magnificent day, a perishable crown, acceptable unto God, achieve glory, always abounding in the work of the Lord, an awesome greeting, an imperishable crown, an incorruptible crown, an indisputable fact, be a castaway, be disqualified, be not conformed to this world, be of good cheer, be rewarded with glorious victory, be transformed by the renewing of your mind, be ye steadfast, bondaged to Satan, bought with a price, bring it into subjection, but one receiveth the prize, by the mercies of God, children of the Most High God, Christ's sacrificial death, Christians, clothed by freedom in Christ, competes for the prize, conquering power, constantly bombarded by the enemy's evil schemes, disciplining our minds and bodies, divine aid, does man have access to God, don't allow the world to contaminate you, enter thou into the joy of the Lord, even our faith, every man that striveth for mastery, expect to come out victorious, face the music of the working world, faith, faithful over a few things, fill us with steadfast faith, find favour with God, finished my course, finished my race, fought a good fight, furthering your glorious kingdom, getting serious about living for Jesus, give me at that day, glorify God in your body and spirit, go out to meet the enemy in battle, God is sovereign over the world, God's presence within us, he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God, holy, holy spirit, honour God with how we live our lives, humble servants, humbly ask, I beseech you therefore brethren, I discipline my body, i have overcome the world, I have preached to others, I keep under my body, I therefore so run, in a practical manner, in me ye might have peace, in our endeavours for Christ, in the world ye shall have tribulation, into the evil and ungodly world, invincible, irrevocable presentation, Jesus Christ, jobs that serve a useful purpose, keeping lives and families together, kept the faith, know ye not, lest that by any means, LOVE, make thee a ruler over many things, make worthwhile inroads into the enemy's ranks, mercy, my beloved brethren, not as one that beateth the air, not to me only, on Christ's behalf, one more Monday, one more time unto the breach, only through the Son, present your bodies a living sacrifice, prove what is that good and acceptable perfect will of God, put on the new man, rejuvenation of spirit, rewarded with a crown of righteousness, run not as uncertainly, run that ye may obtain, sally forth with confidence, salvation, self-control, so fight I, sure conquerors, take off the old man, temperate in all things, thankful for jobs, thanks be to God who gives us the victory, the BIBLE, the christian life begins with total commitment, the indwelling of the Holy spirit, the joy of the Lord, the judgement day, the parable of the five talents, the renewed vitality and enthusiasm, the righteous judge, the righteousness of God is manifested, the throne of grace, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, these things I have spoken unto you, they which run in a race run all, this is the victory that overcometh the world, through him that loved us, through our Lord Jesus christ, to lead and guide all your servants, to obtain a corruptible crown, trials and tribulations, truth, unmoveable, unto all them that love his appearing, we surrender our all to you, we're not afraid, wearing your powerful protective spiritual armour, well done thou good and faithful servant, whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, who is he that overcometh the world, wisdom, ye are not your own, you've wrought in our weary souls, your body is the temple of the holy Ghost, your incredible aura of love, your labour is not in vain, your reasonable service
Today’s Scrip-Bit 17 August 2026 1 John 5:5.
1 John 5:5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God.
One more Monday, one more time unto the breach dear friends, one more time to face the music of the working world! And though we may experience numerous trials and tribulations in our endeavours for Christ, we fully expect to come out victorious because we are the children of Most High God, and thus sure conquerors through him that LOVED us. And that’s an indisputable fact! If we diligently pursue God’s will for our lives, then we will eventually be rewarded with glorious victory!
As John so rightly states in his first epistle: ‘For whatsoever is born of God (every believer born of God) overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God.’ (1 John 5:4-5) And I like the scholars’ explanation of that last verse. ‘There is conquering power through this confession because God is sovereign over the world, and only through the Son does man have access to and find favour with God.’
Jesus Himself also spoke about overcoming the world when He said to the disciples, and consequently to us. ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33) So John’s words are gospel truth.
And Bruh Paul corroborates John’s words with his own testimony to the Corinthians: ‘But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain (futile) in the Lord.’ (1 Cor. 15:57-58)
And that’s for sure! The Lord will never give us work to do, then not reward us if we do it diligently and excellently. It’s like Bruh Paul wrote to Timothy in his last letter. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (my 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 me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that LOVE his appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:7-8)
Yes, my brethren, all who LOVE the Lord and faithfully do His bidding will be rewarded with a crown of righteousness come the judgement day. It will be just like the Jesus describes it in the parable of the five talents, where one of the servants did a good job with the duties given to him, and the Master rewards him thus: ‘Well done thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee a ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord.’ (Matt. 25:21)
Wow! What an awesome greeting, and what a magnificent day that will be when we receive it from Jesus! And how do we achieve that glory in a practical manner? Listen to some practical advice from Bruh Paul contained in his first letter to the Corinthians, which ties in very nicely with his comment to Timothy about running his race. ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery (competes for the prize) is temperate in all things (has self-control).
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible (perishable) crown; but we an incorruptible (imperishable crown). I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under (discipline) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (be disqualified).’ (1 Cor. 9:24-27)
Yes friends, it all begins with disciplining our minds and bodies, getting serious about living for Jesus. As Bruh Paul further advocates: ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.’ (Rom. 12:1-2)
Now that’s not easy to do, but if we are to truly serve Christ, then we must do our best and don’t allow the world to contaminate us, neither in soul, body or mind. And according to the scholars, ‘This means that the Christian life begins with total commitment and irrevocable presentation. And our bodies are now to be presented to God as a channel through which the righteousness of God is manifested.’
For as Bruh Paul spells out in 1 Corinthians. ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods.’ (1 Cor. 6:19-20) Yes mih bredrin, we no longer belong to ourselves, but to God who paid a rather high price for us, through Christ’s sacrificial death, and with the indwelling Holy Spirit, or God’s presence within us, we are now called to honor God with how we live and treat ourselves.
And for divine aid to help us do that, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; keeping lives and families together.
We also thank You Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm You’ve wrought in our weary souls over the weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing Your powerful, protective spiritual armour!
We surrender our all to You, and humbly ask that You allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to lead and guide all Your servants, as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And having our prayers answered, let’s now go out and do sincere battle with the enemy on Christ’s behalf! Much LOVE!
…take off the old man…bondaged to Satan…and put on the new one…clothed by freedom in Christ…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
06 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a blessing, a compassionate heart, a grat family, a rewarder of them that diligently seek him, a righteous man falls seven times but gets back up again, a strong will, a touch of haze, a world of entitlement, Abel's heart was right with the Lord, abundance, be strong and of a good courage, but of power love and a sound mind, by faith Enoch was translated, by faith the elders obtained a good report, Cain kills Abel in a fit of jealousy, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, commands to be courageous, conviction, conviction is faith relating to the present, courage, courage from faith, creativity, curse, divine promotion, do not be afraid nor be dismayed, Dr. Robert H Schuller, examples of faith Abrahm, faith, faith is the force that sets you free to succeed, faith is the substance of things hoped for, faith like a grain of mustard seed, faith provides assurance, faith provides evidence, favour, fear nots, future hope, God has not given us a spirit of fear, God is omnipotent omniscient and omni-present, God's promised never to leave not forsake us, God's promised to work everything out for our good, good friends, he that cometh to God must believe that He is, holy spirit, hope is faith relating to the future, Hour of Power Daily Book of Motivation and Inspiration, I am the Lord your God, I will be with you, if you have faith like a mustard seed, Jesus Christ, LOVE, mercy, move from here to there, negative word, nothing will be impossible for you, O ye of little faith, obtained witness that he was righteous, omni-present, omnipotent, omnisicent, overshadowing cloud, present realities that are unseen, proof that results in conviction, realization, rooting for you, salvation, say to this mointain, self-control, supernatural wisdom, talent, that he should not see death, the BIBLE, the constant presence of Almighty God, the Creator and Controller of the universe, the crux of the situation, the evidence of things not seen, the forgiveness of sins through Christ's sacrifice, the glorification of the saints, the heroes of faith, the hope of the resurrection, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go, the mountain will move, the penultimate day of our work week, the present intercession of Christ in heaven, the return of Christ, the wonder working quality that keeps us keeping on, they shall not overflow you, truth, unseen realities, when you pass through the water, when you walk through the fire, wisdom, with Jesus in your corner, without faith it is impossible to please God, you shall not be burned, your faith has made thee whole
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 August 2026 Hebrews 11:6a.
Hebrews 11:6a. But without faith it is impossible to please him (God):
And this first Thursday in August, our penultimate working day, has opened into another beautiful summer’s day, with a cool breeze, although there’s a touch of haze, a slight bit of cloud overshadowing it. But we’ll handle that with the help of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, just like we handle everything else with His help. (smile)
And on today’s agenda, we have an interesting discourse from the Hour of Power Daily Book of Motivation and Inspiration, written by the late Dr. Robert H. Schuller. It’s titled, ‘Courage from Faith.’ So please read with me: ‘The Bible is filled with commands to be courageous. Someone counted the “fear nots” in the Bible and discovered that there are 365 verses with this divine command – one for every day of the year! Verses such as: ‘Fear not…When you pass through the waters … they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned … For I am the Lord your God, I will be with you.’ (Isa. 43:1-3).
‘Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ (Josh. 1:9). ‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of LOVE and of a sound (disciplined) mind.’ (2 Tim. 1:7). ‘If you have faith as a mustard seed you will say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.’ (Matt. 17:20). …Observe now how faith is the force that sets you free to succeed.’
Yes friends, that’s oh so true! Faith is the wonder working quality that keeps us keeping on until we succeed. As Cousin Sol says, it’s the quality that allows us to fall seven times, but rise up again, (Prov. 24:7) because we know that we have the constant presence of Almighty God surrounding us at all times, and He’s faithfully promised never to leave nor forsake us, (Heb. 13:5) as well as to work everything out for our good. (Rom. 8:28) And when you have the omnipotent, omniscient and omni-present Creator and Controller of the universe in your corner, actively rooting for you, then you can go through this life in this evil and ungodly world without fear or dread.
And we can plainly see how the Heroes of Faith in Hebrews Chapter 11 stood their ground because of their faith. It opens by saying: ‘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 that 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)
And the scholars offer some explanations. They say: ‘Faith provides substance or assurance, as well as evidence, in the sense of proof that results in conviction. We’re looking at future hope and also present realities that are unseen. The first includes the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints. The second involves unseen realities, 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.’
Thus the author of Hebrews could write: ‘By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous. God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.’ (Heb.11:4) The thing is that both brothers offered gifts as sacrifices to the Lord, and the kind of gifts did not matter, but Abel’s was apparently done in faith, his heart was right with the Lord, but Cain’s possibly was not that’s why the Lord rejected his offering. Thus Cain kills his brother in a fit of jealousy, and is subsequently cursed by God. (Gen 4.)
Then the author of Hebrews continues; ‘By faith Enoch was translated (so) that he should not see death; and was not found, because God hath translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:5-6)
And that’s the crux of the whole situation my brethren; we cannot please God unless we believe, unless we have faith that He is who He says He is, and will and can do what He says He can and will do! That’s why people like Noah, Abraham, Sara are held up to us as examples, because they journey on in faith although they didn’t see what God promised them, but they believed that He could and would keep His promises.
And that’s what sadly lacking in today’s turbulent and evil world; true faith in Almighty God. We’ve been spoilt by a world of wealth and entitlement, thus expecting to have whatever we want right away, but God works by His own timetable, not ours, therefore a lot of us turn away in anger and disbelief when our needs are not met right away, or how we want them. But that’s a fool’s wisdom my people, for the Lord requires deep seated faith from those who sincerely call on His Holy Name! He’s even shown His amazing generosity by bestowing on us undeserved favour, we call our Thursday Blessings, 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 been 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!’
We’re now duty bound to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, sot that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…O ye of little faith…your faith has made thee whole…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
31 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a splendiferous weekend, addicition, alcoholism has both physical and psychological effects, allow things to get out of hand, an uncontrollable urge, arouses brawling, at the last, be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, be filled with the Spirit, be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, behold strange things, booze, brown girl in the bottle, by the good example we your faithful believers set, Caribana weekend, Christians, Civic holiday, criminal activity, death-provoking waters, defeat the simmering unrest in our land, delusion, divine aid, enslavement, excess libation, exercise a modicum of circumspection, faith, fallen into similar traps, family upheaval, firewater, Friday chant, further your glorious kingdom, get moving for Christ, get sufficient fun fellowship rest and relaxation, glorious weather, goes down smoothyly, he that lieth on the top of a mast, help the rest of us to be responsible, help those who are floundering, holy spirit, I felt it not, I was not sick, I will seek it yet again, in these trying times, intoxication doesn't count as wise living, it biteth like a serpent, Jesus Christ, look not thou upon the wine when it is red, Lord we desperately need your help, lose our sense of equilibrium, LOVE, mercy, moderate drinking, omnipotent help, our minds playing tricks on us, our sinful world, problems are escalating, Prohibition in the U.S, recreational drugs, renewed and refreshed in soul body and mind, salvation, seek another drink, self-control, self-discipline, sky high addictions, stand strong and steadfast, stingeth like an adder, strong drink is raging, stumbling, TGIF! Thank God it's Friday!, the BIBLE, the intoxicating liquid, the throne of grace, the weekend is here at last, they have beaten me, they have stricken me, they that go to seek mixed wine, they that tarry long at the wine, thine eyes behold strange women, thine heart shall utter perverse things, to fix our problems, trusting faith, truth, unconscious wounds, unexpected storms, wake up and and smell the coffee, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright, when it sparkles in the cup, when shall I awake, who hath babbling, who hath contentions, who hath redness of eyes, who hath sorrow, who hath woe, who hath wounds without cause, whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise, wine is a mocker, wisdom, wise guidance, witness for Christ, your generous help
Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 July 2026 Ephesians 5:18.
Ephesians 5:18. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation), but be filled with the Spirit;
And the shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and the weekend is here at last!’ were even more boisterous than normal because this last day of July begins the Civic Holiday long weekend with Caribana and all the other festivities taking place, in Toronto and neighbouring cities. And with the glorious weather we’ve been having over this past week, hopes are at the maximum for a splendiferous weekend!
But as always, please, let’s remember that modicum of circumspection in all our activities, because you know the dire consequences that can occur when we lose that sense of equilibrium and allow things to get out of hand. So let’s enjoy the weekend, but as Bruh Paul warned the Ephesians, ‘And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation), but be filled with the Spirit;’ (Eph. 5:18) (smile)
And as I was chuckling at that last sentence, I was led to some more scripture that advise against excess libation. And who do you think is at the top of the list on the subject? None other than Cousin Sol, the wisest and richest man ever, who had many opportunities to test his theories. In chapter 20 of Proverbs, he solemnly declares: ‘Wine is a mocker, strong (intoxicating) drink is raging (arouses brawling): and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.’ (Prov. 20:1) Yes friends, wine is indeed a mocker because it deceives those who imbibe it, and that doesn’t count as wise living.
But the passage I like on the subject is this from Proverbs 23, where Cousin Sol really gets into it. He says: ‘Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? They that tarry (linger) long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour (sparkles) in the cup, when it moveth itself aright (goes down smoothly). At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder (viper).Thine eyes behold strange women (strange things), and thine heart shall utter perverse things.
Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick (hurt); they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it (another drink) yet again.’ (Prov. 23:29-35) And does Cousin Sol ever know what he’s talking about, for any of us who has imbibed too much have fallen into similar traps, with our minds playing tricks on us, because that’s how alcohol affects the human body.
And the scholars offer these explanations of the passage. ‘Six rhetorical questions drive home the fact that alcoholism has both physical and psychological effects (vs.29) These effects are further specified: physical and psychological poisoning (vs.32); delusion (vs.33, strange women should be translated “strange things”); stumbling (vs.34); unconscious wounds (vs.35a)); and enslavement (35b).’ That last one we would now couch in nicer terms, calling it ‘addiction’ rather than ‘enslavement’, but the effects are all the same, a very strong, uncontrollable urge to imbibe the dangerous liquid.
And the sad part is that alcohol has become one of the biggest businesses in our society today, with the resultant addictions running sky high. Unfortunately too, it’s the source of much family and relational upheaval, as well as criminal activity, both in an attempt to get the alcohol or to get funds to purchase it. It’s one of the worse products that our society produces and embraces, but it also brings great wealth and fortune to those who produce and sell it. And nothing’s wrong with a drink of alcohol now and then, but the problem is that many of us don’t have the self-control or self-discipline to moderate ourselves when imbibing it, so we go on imbibing until it’s too late.
And what’s the first question we’re asked when we visit somebody: ‘Yuh want a drink?’ Ah mih people, firewater, the brown girl in the bottle, booze, and the many other names by which we call it, is the devil’s own concoction, for I’ve seen family and friends reduced to absolutely nothing by being addicted to the drink. And there’s nothing sadder than seeing a well-educated, once prosperous person, wandering the streets in an alcoholic daze begging for money to buy the stuff.
But the people who prosper from it don’t really care. In fact many of them are alcoholics themselves, only thing is they don’t have to go around begging for money to buy it, and they can hide behind their wealth and power and ease of getting the intoxicating liquid. And there’s no sense in prohibiting it’s production and sale either, for look at what happened during the period called Prohibition in the U.S in the early part of the last century. Alcohol flourished underground more than ever, and criminal activity increased severely over it’s sale and acquisition.
The problem is that whatever mankind truly desires, it will get one way or the other. Just look at all the prohibiting laws on the other kinds of recreational drugs, yet they still are out there in vast quantities, making money for some, as well as causing criminal activities over them. Who knows the answer my fellow believers? I certainly don’t. But we must make sure we help those who might be floundering in those kinds of murky and death-provoking waters. And to help us help them, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, seeking divine aid in these troubled times.
Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work. It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through. You know our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving, and we desperately need your help to fix them. Heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. So please give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly.
And despite the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times, help us to be responsible, and get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that we can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out next week and further your glorious kingdom by the good example we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’
And having said all of that, we believers also need to wake up and smell the coffee, because our witness for Christ in these trying times is certainly not good enough. So let’s wake up and get moving for Christ! Much LOVE!
…if you can’t control your imbibing…then don’t imbibe…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
30 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a call for revenge, a compassionate heart, a positive outlook on life, a tough row to hoe, abundance, as generously as the Lord shared them with us, avenge not yourselves, backing away, be discouraged, be not overcome of evil but overcome evil with good, be the children of your Father in heaven, be ye perfect, bless them that curse you, cause him shame, christianity, ciurse, clear direction for my life, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners, courage, creativity, cutting words, deadly slings of word arrows, despising the shame, divine protection, do good to them that hate you, do not be discouraged, do not even the publicans so, do not even the publicans the same, don't react with trepidation, duty bound, easier said than done, encourage decent behaviour, endured the cross, even as your Father in heaven is perfect, faith, fallen by the wayside, favour, fill my heart with courageous love, for the joy that was set before him, give place unto wrath, he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and the good, heap coals of fire on his head, help me see others as you do, holy spirit, hostility, hurt people hurt others, I want to hide, if he thirst give him drink, if thine enemy hunger feed him, if ye love them that love you, if ye salute salute your brethren only, imperfect people like me, In Touch Devotional, it is written, Jesus Christ, Jesus fought them with love and compassion, keeping close only those who make me feel safe, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds, living in a dog eat dog world, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, love flowed from your wounds, love strong enough to choose connection, love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy, Love your enemies, make me a source of your healing, mercy, negative word, no need to fear diatribe, no thought to the other person's wellbeing, others' words cut deeper than I let on, penultimate day of July, penultimate day of our workweek, people who need grace and compassion, persecute you, pierced by words and nails, poison, pray for them which spitefully use you, promotion, recompense to no man evil for evil, respond with gratefulness or graciosuness, salvation, self-control, sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, shook our souls to their very foundations, show me why that person hurts, soften my heart, steering clear of others, strife-filled days, success, supernatural wisdom, talent, tax collectors, tempted to pull away, the author and finisher of our faith, the BIBLE, the manners of previous generations, the nails and shame of the cross, the nature of the human animal, the originator and perfecter of our faith, the Sermon on the Mount, the tempo and temper of our times, the wind dancing the light fandango with the trees, truth, turn first to God and ask for help, use the blessings to help others, vehemence, vengeance is mine' I shall repay, what do ye more than others, what reward have ye, wisdom, words cut to the quick, words used like a weapon, ye have heard it said
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
23 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a forlorn and shipwrecked brother, a great family, a passing moment in our journey, A Psalm of Life, a state of preparedness, a state of readiness, a strong will, abundance, act in the living present, art is long, be a hero in the strife, be heroes for Jesus, be not like dumb driven cattle, be ye also ready, beating funeral marches to the grave, christianity, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, courage, crapaud smoke yuh pipe, curse, departing, don't worry about death, dumb driven cattle for Satan, dust thou art, each tomorrow find us further than today, eternal death, eternal life, eternal life depends on the glorification of the Son, faith, favour, footprints on the sands of time, for in such an hour as ye think not, for those who come after us, for ye know neither the day nor the hour, generously bestowed on us, get up and get a move on, get up and get going, good friends., good health, heart within and God overhead, henry wadsworth longfellow, holy spirit, in the world's broad field of battle, Jesus can return at any time, Jesus Christ, learn to labour and to wait, leave behind a valuable legacy, leave behind us, let the dead past bury its dead, let us then be up and doing, life is but an empty dream, life is earnest, life is made for living, life is real, like a thief in the night, like muffled drums, live in the present not the past, lives of great men remind us, living for Jesus, LOVE, make our lives sublime, mercy, negative word, not enjoyment, not sorrow, not spoken of the soul, on the verge of saying goodby, our destined end or way, our hearts though stout and brave, prosper, sailing o'er life's solemn main, salvation, seeing, self-control, stil achieving, still pursuing, succeed, talent, thake heart again, that perhaps another, the best way to live this life, the BIBLE, the bivouac of life, the grave is not our goal, the last summer month of August, the living truth, the parable of the ten virgins, the second to last day of our work week, the Son of man cometh, the soul is dead that slumbers, the time to consider your eternal destiny is right now, things are not what they seem, time is fleeting, to act, to dust returnest, to eternal life with Christ, trust no future however pleasant, truth, undeserved blessings, watch therefore, wherein the Son of man cometh, wisdom, with a heart for any fate, working for and waiting on Jesus, worry where our souls will be spending eternity, ye know not what hour your Lord doth come
Today’s Scrip-Bit 23 July 2026 Matthew 24:44.
Matthew 24:44. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
And then it was Thursday, a somewhat cool but bright and sunshiny second to last day of our work week. And would you believe it, we only have one more week left in this fast receding, controversial month of July. We just said hello to July, celebrating Canada Day and the 4th of July, now we’re on the verge of saying goodbye and welcoming the last summer month of August. Where has it all gone eh? Only the Lord alone knows, that’s why it’s ever so important to get up and get a move on with our own lives and business and don’t wait for a supposed better time, because a better one might never come.
And remember also, that Jesus can return at any time, like a thief in the night, as He says, and if you’re not ready, then crapaud smoke yuh pipe! So, let’s be up and doing as this interesting poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow advises. It’s titled ‘A Psalm of Life,’ and does offer wise insights. So please read with me. ‘Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but an empty dream! For the soul is dead that slumbers, And things are not what they seem. Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not its goal; Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul. Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Find us farther than to-day.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting, And our hearts, though stout and brave, Still, like muffled drums, are beating Funeral marches to the grave. In the world’s broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act,— act in the living Present! Heart within, and God o’erhead! Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time; Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again. Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.’
Ah friends what wonderful advice! Let’s remember that ‘the soul is dead that slumbers,’ but ‘Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not it’s goal.’ No my brethren, the grave is not our goal, it is only a passing moment in our journey to eternal life with Jesus. As the poem says: ‘Dust thou art, to dust returnest, Was not spoken of the soul.’ Yes my people, Dust to dust was spoken for our bodies, but not our souls, so let’s not worry about death, because it comes to all of us at some time or another. Let’s worry instead about where our souls will be spending eternity; in eternal death, or in eternal life.
And the time to consider that situation is right now! For ‘Time is fleeting,’ and Jesus can come back at any time, or we can be taken home without any notice, and if we’re not prepared, then ‘So long sonny!’ And Jesus, in talking about that specific situation, said only the Father knew when the Son would return, then warned: ‘Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman (master) of the house had known in what watch (hour) the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered (allowed) his house to be broken up (into). Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:42-44)
Then in the next chapter, in the parable of the five wise and five foolish virgins, Jesus again warns: ‘Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 25:13) That means we always have to be a in a state of readiness, of preparedness for whenever Jesus comes back; be it today or years from now! And I like how the poem describes the life we should lead: ‘In the world’s broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife! Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant! Let the dead Past bury its dead! Act,— act in the living Present! Heart within, and God o’erhead!’
And isn’t that the living truth! We’ve got to get up and get going, live in the present not the past, and be heroes for Jesus, rather than dumb driven cattle for Satan. And when we live that life, our godly efforts will leave behind a valuable legacy for those who come after us. As the poem says: ‘And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time; Footprints, that perhaps another, Sailing o’er life’s solemn main, A forlorn and shipwrecked brother, Seeing, shall take heart again.’
Yes friends, that’s the kind of life and legacy we need to live and leave behind, and we can only do that through living consistently and faithfully for Jesus. So as we said earlier on: ‘Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait.’ Oh my brethren, all the scriptures tell us about working for and waiting on Jesus as being the best way to live this life. So let’s do just that nuh! Especially when the Lord has granted us these undeserved blessings we call our Thursday Blessings, generously bestowed on us to help us do His earthly work.
So let’s declare and thus activate them now nuh, since a blessing is not a blessing until it’s declared. 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 now behooves us to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…life is made for living…living for Jesus…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
16 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a compassionate heart, a positive outlook on life, abundance, because they trust him, blame others for our shortcomings, bring forth thy righteousness as the light., cease from anger, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, commit thy way unto the Lord, creativity, curse, delight thyself also in the Lord, deliver them from the wicked, divine protection, dreams that are deep down in my heart, duty bound, faith, feed on his faithfulness, feel aggrieved, forsake wrath, fret not thyself because of him who prospers, fret not thyself in any wise to do evil, give thee the desires of thine heaert, he shall bring it to pass, he shall exalt thee to inherit the land, holy spirit, interesting diversions, it only causes harm, Jesus Christ, laziness and the devil is diverting me, like a mother weans a babe, LOVE, mercy, my days are numbered, negative word, not an easy road to tread, nothing but me, nothing is holding me back, our shortcomings, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, salvation, self-control, so shalt thou dwell in the land, sourage, stole my good intentions, supernatural wisdom, talent, the devil is diverting me, the Lord has me on a tight rein, the Lord shall help them and deliver them, the man who brings wicked schemes to pass, the mocking reply, the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord, their strength in time of trouble, thou shalt be fed, thy judgement as the noonday, to satisfy my hungry soul, trust also in him, trust in the Lord and do good, truth, wait on the Lord and keep his way, when the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it, wisdom
Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 July 2026 Psalm 37:3.
Psalm 37:3. Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on his faithfulness).
And then it was Thursday… Already, I asked? Yes. But I haven’t done anything worthwhile for the week, I claimed. Too bad, came the mocking reply. I’m glad that we have just one more day to go before the weekend. Ah friends, sometimes I sincerely believe the days are running away from me. And it isn’t that I’m doing nothing. I am doing stuff, but not the stuff I truly want to do; the stuff that’s deep down in my heart, the writing and the music, the dreams I believe the Lord put there.
But somehow or the other, either through laziness and procrastination, or because the devil is diverting me with other things, or because the Lord has me on a tight rein, (smile) I just can’t seem to get around to fulfilling those dreams. Oh friends, I’ve tried doing like Bruh David says in Psalm 37 titled Trust in the Lord. ‘Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on his faithfulness). Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (it only causes harm).’ (Ps. 37:3-8)
Now, I’ve tried my best to do most of that, but I still feel somewhat aggrieved. (smile) Technically though, I don’t have much reason to be aggrieved, because the Lord has indeed been good to me down through the years, although it hasn’t always been an easy road to tread. And to be truthful, He has given me the knowledge and experience in the areas that I like, but not enough to satisfy my hungry soul. The thing is, after exposing me to those experiences, He took them away, weaned me off of them, like a mother weans a babe, and wrapped me up in His work, His Word and His business, namely writing the Bit.
And since I didn’t know much when I began, it necessitated my taking time to learn about it all. And don’t get me wrong, I fully believe and expect the Lord to fulfill the rest of my desires, but just in His own time. The problem though is that I’m not getting any younger, my days are numbered and I feel like time might run out on me before I get to put things to right. And I’m here chuckling, because I’m wondering where all this is coming from. I guess it stems from me asking myself earlier this morning, why I’m not doing the things I truly want to do?
And after considering the matter, I decided that there was nothing really holding be back from doing some of the things I desired; nothing but me. I guess the Lord is waiting for me to cut out the easy to come by, interesting diversions, and instead take up the heavier tasks that are involved in my heart’s desires. So I guess the challenge rests in my hands. Am I going to accept it and do the stuff I want to do, or continue the way I’m going right now, then complain about not doing what I want to do.
Granted, there has been some recent illness that stole all my good intentions and energy, but that’s over now. So I can’t blame my lackadaisical attitude on that any longer. But isn’t that exactly what we do; try to put the blame on other people and other things for our shortcomings; especially in these days of entitlement? That’s for sure! We’ve become so adept at placing blame everywhere else but where it rightly belongs, on ourselves.
And I’m chuckling again, trying to figure out why the Lord made me go down this road today. I can only guess that it’s a lesson for some of you, my readers, an example of how to, and how not to go about the Lord’s business in our lives. Hopefully someone can learn something from my experiences. The important thing here though is to do exactly as Bruh David says in the Psalm; trust in the Lord, fret not, be not envious, do good, delight thyself in the Lord, commit thy way to Him, cease from anger and forsake wrath.
As the scholars say: ‘All of these exhortations urge the believer to confidently trust the Lord with all of life’s problems.’ Now that won’t always be easy, and you’ll find reasons to complain some, (smile) but if you’re serious and sincere, the Lord will lead you aright, through both the tough times and the good ones. As Bruh David says later on in the psalm. “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…. But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him’ (Ps. 37:34, 39-40)
Yes my people, it all boils down to how much we truly trust the Lord. And why shouldn’t we trust Him totally, after He’s been so good to us. Take for example these Thursday Blessings, undeserved blessings He’s so generously bestowed on us to do His earthly work. So, let’s declare and thus activate them 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 activated those blessings, we’re now duty bound to go out and use them to help others, use them just as generously as the Lord bestowed them on us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE him like we do! Much LOVE!
…one can only develop true trust in God…by going through the tough times with Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
14 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a life of service and sacrifice, a piece of clay in the potter's hands, a real scorcher, a Sunday afternoon stroll, able to stand up to any kind of pressure, always complaining, an accumulation of life experiences, back of my neck, be able to comfort those in trouble, become more like Jesus, being confident of this very thing, both to abound and to suffer need, buzzing in our hearts and souls, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God, christianity, clones of Jesus, cold, come to know and love him like we do, comforts us in all our tribulation, duty bound, evangelism, everything will turn out right in the end, everywhere and in all things, faith, faithfulness, gentleness, getting dirty and gritty, getting to know Jesus, go home encouraged, go through tough times, God will never abandon us, God's purpose won't be denied, goodness, grow in spiritual maturity, have it more abundantly, he which hath begun a good work in you, heat, high winds, holy spirit, hot town, hurry, I am come that they might have life, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I have learned, I know how to abound, I know how to be abased, if any man will come after me, in god's eyes, in God's hands, in whatsoever state I am, it comes gradually, Jesus Christ, joy, kindness, learn from our experiences of life with jesus, let him deny himself, like a bee around a flower, like there's no way forward but God makes one, live humbly, live in prosperity, LOVE, mercy, never satisfied, on God's potter's wheel, over a period of time, patience, peace, persecution, poverty, regretting the end of summer, salvation, see God's awesome love and faithfulness, self-control, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, soon be experiencing the cold of winter, souls grieved unto death, suffer loss or disappointment, summer in the city, take up his cross daily and follow me, the beloved of God, the best life available, the BIBLE, the Christian's eternal security, the crux of the situation, the Father of mercies, the fruit of the spirit, the God of All Comfort, the good shepherd, therewith to be content, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, wealth, will perform it until the day of Jesus, wisdom, with the help of the Holy Spirit, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 July 2026 Philippians 4:13.
Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Here it is friends, another hot summer Tuesday in mid-July; a real scorcher with the promise of high winds too! As the song says: ‘Hot town, summer in the city, back of my neck getting dirty and gritty.’ Yes mih people, it looks like we’re in for a truly hot summer…and let’s not complain, because, with the days moving so quickly, before we know it, we will soon be experiencing the cold of winter and ruing (regretting) the day this hot summer ended. (smile) Yes, that’s the way we are, never satisfied, always complaining about one thing or another.
But let’s remember that we are saints of Jesus, with the ability to handle whatever comes against us with a spiritual calm that overrides our natural fleshly behaviour. As Bruh Paul would say: ‘ …for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased (live humbly), and I know how to abound (live in prosperity): every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:11-13)
And that’s the crux of the situation: Christ enables us to do all that we need to do when we’re sincerely living for Him. Consequently, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to stand up to any kind of pressure that comes against us; whether it’s poverty or wealth, heat or cold, persecution or evangelism. But the important thing there is that we need to learn how to do all of that, it does not come automatically, easily, or overnight. No, it comes gradually, over a period of time, when we learn from our experiences of life with Jesus.
It’s an accumulation of life experiences. Like when we go through tough times and see His awesome LOVE and faithfulness pull us through. Like when there seems to be no way forward, but He finds one for us. Like when we suffer loss or disappointment and our souls are grieved unto death, and as Bruh Paul, contends: ‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all out tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble (tribulation), by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Oh mih people, that’s the wonderful and miraculous way in which our great God works; comforts us so that we can comfort others! And each instance of Jesus showing up for us builds our faith and teaches us how to operate the way He desires. And let’s remember how that is. He says: ‘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) That means a life of service and sacrifice like He portrayed here on earth. And no, it won’t always be hard times and suffocating sacrifice, but when it’s necessary we must be able to do it and not complain too much.
Remember too, that Jesus said; ‘I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) Now that doesn’t mean a life of strictly or only sacrifice, but one also filled with LOVE, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, kindness, faithfulness and self-control. In other words, a life filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit! Jesus also called himself the good shepherd, (John 10:11 & 14) and the good shepherd makes life good not difficult for His sheep.
So coming to know and LOVE Jesus can be tough, but believe me, it’s in those tough times that we truly know and appreciate Him, as well as grow in spiritual maturity, and become more like Him, which is the Lord’s desirous outcome for us all. That’s why Bruh Paul tells us: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jeus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) Meaning that once the Lord begins turning us into good clones of Jesus, He won’t ever stop until He takes us home, or Jesus returns.
That means, every day we’re alive, like a rough piece of clay in a potter’s hands, we’re liable to be in God’s hands, and on His potter’s wheel, being moulded and formed into the perfect image of Jesus. Now, that again is not always an easy process, but we have to accept His LOVE and faithful promises that He won’t intentionally hurt us, but that all He does will eventually turn out to be for our good. (Rom. 8:28) As the scholars advise us: ‘This speaks of the Christian’s eternal security. For God had a purpose in view when He began His saving work in the Philippians (and also in us), and that purpose will neither be abandoned nor unrealized.’
Yes my faithful brethren, God will never abandon us! Of that we can be very sure! So with all that reassurance in God’s power and goodness buzzing in our hearts and souls, like a bee around a beautiful, sweet smelling flower, (smile) let’s go home encouraged, and thus 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!’
Now, that means we are 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!
…getting to know Christ…is not a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park…but it’s certainly the best life available here on Mother Earth…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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