13 Oct 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a body of believers, a grievous toil, a modicum of circumspection, a state of dissipation, a three fold cord is not quickly broken, advisable to have a companion when doing certain things, become incapacitated, being a part of a church, being alone is not always the best way, bereave my soul of good, christianity, come to know and love christ like we do, created a woman from Adam's rib, daily grind and common task, do life alone, don't have to worry, duty bound, encounter danger or illness, external heat sources, faith, for whom do I labour, frail and fragile, gospel truth, he hath neither child nor brother, he hath not another to help him up, he toils only for himself, holy spirit, how can one be warm alone, hurry, I saw vanity under the sun, if one prevail against him, if they fall, if two lie together they have heat, in god's eyes, it is a sore travail, it is not good for man to be alone, Jesus Christ, letting all and sundy know to whom we belong, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, make him an help-meet, marriage is better than being single, mercy, more wisdom up his sleeve, neither is his eye satisfied with riches, nothing beats the warmth of a human body, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, spiritual and emotional help, thanksgiving celebrations are over, the bane of older folks, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the one will lift up his fellow, the preacher in Ecclesiastes, the toil of the miser is futile, the wise words of Solomon, there is no end of all his labour, there is not a second, there is one alone, they have a good reward for their labour, this also is vanity, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, two are better than one, two shall withstand him, wisdom, without incident, woe to him that is alone when he falleth, working together brings a better return, working with a partner increases the chances of success
Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 October 2026 Ecclesiastes 4:9.
Ecclesiastes 4:9. Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour.
Well friends, this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations are over now, and it’s back to sowing and planting, or the common grind and daily task, so that we can have another awesome harvest to celebrate at next year’s Thanksgiving. Let’s hope that we didn’t overdo it, didn’t get to a state of dissipation, (smile) like Bruh Paul warned us about, and indeed exercised a modicum of circumspection so that the celebrations were joyful and without incident. And this Tuesday’s weather is certainly excellent, warm, bright and sunshiny with a decent wind, although it began as a dark and rainy morning. But who’s complaining eh? In the middle of October, we’ll take this kind of weather any day!
And today we’ll look at some wise words of Cousin Sol writing as the preacher in Ecclesiastes. He wisely advises us that ‘Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour.’ (Eccl. 4:9) And that’s ever so true, because working together brings a better return on our labour. But that’s not the only reason why two together are better than one alone. No, for as Cousin Sol continues: ‘For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow (companion): but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.’ (Eccl. 4:10)
More gospel truth my fellow believers! That’s why it’s always advisable to have a companion when you are going to do things that might be dangerous or harmful, or when you are frail and fragile in old age. (smile) And that’s certainly the bane of older folks, especially those that live alone. They can get harmed very easily and without anyone to help them they can become incapacitated, or even lifeless, and remain there for days before someone discovers the tragedy.
And if you think that those are the only two reasons for two being together better than one alone, think again, for Cousin Sol has more wisdom up his sleeve, that he dispenses thus: ‘Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?’ (Eccl. 4:11) Now that’s a very good question, one that I cannot answer. (smile)
And that’s especially true in these cold northern climes where the temperature can get truly cold, and though you may have external heat, there’s nothing that beats the warmth of the human body. Yes, there’s just something about the heat from the human body, possibly an inherent warmth built into it by the Lord, our creator, that provides a kind of warmth that external heat sources cannot offer, and it much improves the situation when two are lying together.
Furthermore, Cousin Sol continues with his theory that two are better than one, when he declares: ‘And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three fold cord is not quickly broken.’ (Eccl. 4:12) In other words, there’s better security in numbers. The odds of you winning a fight with a companion are much better than if you fight alone. And it’s even better when you have a third person, because then their strength is tripled instead of merely doubled.
And there you have it, the basics of Cousin Sol’s theory for two being better than one. And if you’re wondering how he came to put that theory forward, it stems from his earlier observances on the subject of oppression, where he says: ‘Then I returned, and I saw vanity (futility) under the sun. There is one alone, and there is not a second (companion): yea, he hath neither child (son) nor brother: yet there is no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave (deprive) my soul of good? This also is vanity (futility), yea, it is a sore travail (grievous toil).’ (Eccl. 4:7-8)
That’s what led Cousin Sol to put forth his theory that two is better than one. And although many of us prefer to do life, or whatever we do, alone, it’s not always the wisest choice, because we never know when we’ll encounter danger, illness or some such drawback that we cannot handle by ourselves. And the scholars offer this explanation to the situation. ‘The toil of the miser is futile, especially when he toils only for himself.’
That’s why marriage is better than being single, especially at certain times in our lives, because working with a partner increases the chances of our success. And also why being a part of a church, a body of believers, is also important, because they may better understand our spiritual and emotional problems and can thus provide more effective spiritual and emotional help. And although our society lauds those who apparently achieve success on their own strength, that’s a fallacy, for it’s almost impossible to do anything without help from someone or another. It might not be much, but it still goes to show that being alone is not the best way.
And besides, the Bible itself tells us about God’s creation of man: ‘And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help-meet for him (a helper comparable to him).’ (Gen. 2:18) So even the Lord, in His great wisdom, realized that being alone is not always the best thing for us, and thus created a companion, a woman from Adam’s rib. (Gen. 2:21-23)
So, now that we’ve seen that Cousin Sol’s theory does hold water, is worthwhile, makes sense, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…being alone is sometimes useful…but in general…companionship is better…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
06 Oct 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a faithful Creator, a red pencil in my hand, able to guard, according to the will of God, against that day, am persuaded that he is able, as for me, Atacama Desert in Chile, black and bold, blessed with an abundance of rainfall, blocking my peace, blooming with numerous types of beautiful flora, brick barrier, bring forth thy righteousness as the light., cease from anger, climate change, come to know and love him like we do, commit the keeping of their souls to him, commit thy way unto the Lord, don't care whom they trample upon, don't get jealous of prospering evildoers, duty bound, El Nino, envious at the boastful, envious at the foolish, evildoers shall be destroyed, faith, fighting to get material wealth and power, for which cause I also suffer these things, forsake wrath, fret not thyself, fret not thyself in any wise to do evil, give all your cares and fears to God, God's goodness and mercy, gospel truth, haunting anxiety, he shall bring it to pass, holy spirit, hurry, I am not ashamed, I give it to you now, I had almost stumbled, I know in whom I trust, I know whom I have believed, I sit here at my desk, if any man suffer as a Christian, in god's eyes, in well doing, it only causes harm, it's very important to stay close to God, Jesus Christ, joy, keep, laughter, let him glorify God on this matter, let him not be ashamed, let them that suffer, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, mercy, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped, not what people say about me, one strong and sincere voice, only seen the occasional drizzle, palms down, promises of rain, put everything into God's hands for safekeeping, release, release our burdens to God, relief, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, sinister intrusion, suddenly, suffering here in prison, the beloved of God, the Great Invitation of Jesus, the heavy load we're bearing, the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass, the One Year Book of Bible Promises, the powers that be, the prosperity of the wicked, the psalmist Asaph, the weight of it is breaking me, the word keep looms from the page, then understood I their end, those that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth, thy judgement as the noonday, to keep that which I have committed to him, to whom we belong, trust also in him, trust in the Lord,, trust my friend Jesús, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unburden ourselves on Jesus, until I went into the sanctuary of God, until that day, what I have entrusted to him, who prospers in his way, wisdom, with your word before me, worry,
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 October 2026 2 Timothy 1:12b.
2 Timothy 1:12b. for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against (until) that day.
And amazingly it’s another sunshiny but cool autumn Tuesday. Brother! We’ve seen the sun so much recently that we possibly won’t know rain when we next see it. (smile) With all the promises of rain in the past week, we’ve only seen the occasional drizzle in my area. Meanwhile the Atacama Desert in Southern Chile has been blessed with an abundance of rainfall, so much so that’s blooming with numerous types of beautiful flora. All of this supposedly under the auspices of a hot El Nino wind system that’s changing up the weather patterns on this side of the world.
And yet so many of us still deny the phenomenon of climate change. Unfortunately there’s not much most of us can do about that problem when many of the powers that be refuse to acknowledge it, but here’s something we can surely do something about. It’s the October 6th, poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, simply titled ‘Keep.’
So please read with me: ‘I sit here at my desk, With Your Word before me – A red pencil in my hand. Suddenly the word keep Looms from the page Black and bold: He will keep Keep Keep That which I have committed…” Really, Lord? This haunting anxiety? This brick barrier which is Blocking my peace? This sinister intrusion? It’s so heavy, Lord The weight of it is breaking me. But You said You’d keep So I give it to You now Palms down. Release! Relief! Laughter! Joy!’
Yes my brethren, that’s exactly what happens when we give all our cares and fears to God, when we unburden ourselves from what ever heavy load we’re bearing! When we release it all, we get relief, laughter and joy! And that’s just as it ought to be; letting go of burdens should bring some kind of relief, otherwise what’s the point? And when we release our burdens to God, like Jesus invites us to do in his Great Invitation, we certainly get joy, peace, rest and the many other benefits that flow from his goodness and mercy.
And the Bible verse for today’s poem comes from Bruh Paul’s second letter to Timothy. It says: ‘For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against (until) that day.’ (2 Tim. 1:12) Meanwhile, the New Living Translation which is used in the book puts it thus: ‘And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.’ (2 Tim. 1:12)
Oh friends, our omnipotent and ever-faithful God is most surely able to guard whatever we entrust to His safe keeping! In fact there is no safer place to entrust anything at all than to the Lord’s keep! And Peter, when talking about Christians being partakers of Christ’s sufferings, corroborates it when he declares: ‘Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (matter)… Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.’ (1 Pet. 4:16 & 19)
And there’s no greater wisdom that that my fellow believers! To whom else should we surrender our souls but to the One who created them in the first place, and who also has the best security system to protect them? Now that’s exactly why Bruh David in Psalm 37, titled ‘Trust in the Lord,’ encourages us to ‘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 devises (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:5-9)
And all of that is the gospel truth my people! If we commit ourselves and all that we have to Almighty God then He will take care of us. But we need to wait patiently on Him, and not get jealous of the prospering evildoers, for the Lord’s promised to destroy them in the end. We cannot afford to be like Asaph says in Psalm 73, titled ‘The Prosperity of the Wicked.’ ‘But as for me, my feet were almost gone (I had almost stumbled); my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish (boastful), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.’ (Ps. 73:2-3)
Yes friends, we need to be careful of whom we look at nowadays, when so many are fighting to get material wealth and power and don’t care whom they trample upon, or what they do to get it! And thankfully for Asaph, he finally understood what the future held in store for the wicked and those prospering from evildoing. But please note when and where he saw the writing on the wall: ‘Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.’ (Ps. 73:17) Yuh see mih bredrin, it’s only when Asaph went into God’s house and contemplated the situation, he discovered the answer. That just goes to show how important it is for us to stay close to God!
Now, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having said that, we are now 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!
…true wisdom dictates that…we put everything we have…and all that we are…into God’s hands for safekeeping…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
29 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a chance to listen and learn, a positive impact, a variety of stunning colours, allow the enemy to make us talk too much, anger does not produce the righteousness of God, autumn - the most beautiful season, bridling our tongues, Christians, cliched sayings, come to know and love christ like we do, death and life are in the power of the tongue, enormous benefit to our society, even a fool when he holdeth his peace, everyone has an opinion, faith, fix problems before they get out of control, forgers of lies, Glory be, harbinger of winter, he that shutteth his lips, hearken to the pleading of my lups, hold your peace, holy spirit, hurry, I am not inferior unto you, I desire to reason with God, in god's eyes, interrupting others whie they're talking, is counted wise, is esteemed a man of understanding, it should be your wisdom, Jesus Christ, keep silent, keeping quiet when you don't know is wisdom, keps us from saying hurtful things, let every man be swift to hear, listen more than you talk, listening first, LOVE, mercy, mine ear hath heard and understood it, mine eye hath seen all this, our future behaviour, our two cents worth, pay close attention to the words of others, pay the price for talking too much, physicians of no value, proving they are not wise but foolish, put your foot in your mouth, rowdy and ungodly times, salvation, self-control, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, silence hides ignorance, slow to speak, slow to wrath, social media, speaking too much leads to mistakes, spouting of at the mouth, stay calm, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the leaves are changing colour, the Lord displays His artist's palette, the Lord spoke the universe into existence, the vaalue of restraint, the wrath of man, there's power our words, they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Manrta, understand the other's viewpoint, unsympathetic terms, using our tongues indiscriminately, we assume quiet people are smart, wisdom, words might be wind but can cause unkind blows, worketh not the righteousness of God, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 September 2026 Proverbs 17:28.
Proverbs 17:28. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace (keeps silent), is counted (considered) wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Oh friends, it’s a somewhat cloudy but warm autumn Tuesday at the end of September. And if you didn’t know that it was autumn, then you’ll certainly know it now, because all the leaves have begun changing colour. I looked out my bedroom window a short while ago and was I ever amazed at the beautiful golden yellow that a couple of trees had already turned in my neighbour’s backyard. And although autumn is the harbinger of winter, we still need to acknowledge it as the most beautiful season; the time when the Lord displays His artists’ palette with a variety of stunning colours.
And today we’re going to look at a very interesting and most applicable scripture for these rowdy and ungodly times in which we’re currently living. It comes from the awesome wisdom of Cousin Sol in Proverbs, where he unequivocally states: ‘Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace (keeps silent), is counted (considered) wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.’ (Prov. 17:28)
Now that’s oh so true my brethren, as most of us have experienced through our long years of life. For we’ve seen so many of our supposed wise fellow human beings spouting off at the mouth, and so proving that they are not wise, but rather foolish. And we’ve also known foolish people, who have kept their mouths shut and thus considered wise. And in a sense they are indeed wise; keeping quiet when you don’t know something is indeed wisdom.
And I like how this overview breaks down that proverb. ‘Meaning and Lesson: Silence Hides Ignorance: When an unwise person stays quiet, others cannot hear their foolish thoughts, so people assume they are smart. Value of Restraint: Speaking too much often leads to mistakes, arguments, or trouble. Choosing not to speak shows self-control. Listening First: Keeping quiet gives you a chance to listen and learn instead of reacting too fast.’ And those are all good reasons for not spouting off at the mouth.
And the last one ‘Listening first,’ ties right into these wise words from James. ‘Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not (does not produce) the righteousness of God.’ (James 1:19-20) Yes friends, man’s anger does not produce God’s righteousness, meaning the way He desires His people to live.
And being swift to hear and slow to speak also provide several other benefits. It teaches us self-control, helps us to stay calm and hopefully fix problems before they get out of control. We also need to pay close attention to what others are saying, trying to understand their point of view, before rushing to reply or getting angry. Waiting before you answer also helps stop arguments and keeps us from saying hurtful things we may later regret.
Believe me friends, those two Bible passages above are of great importance in our Christian lives, if we are to successfully live for Christ. And they all boil down to a few old and clichéd sayings which we all know but don’t pay much attention to in these days of social media, where everybody has an opinion and are ever so willing to share it. We all know the saying about putting our foot in our mouths. But we still do it all the time. What about listening more than you talk? Hn! That’s a no brainer! But we still make the mistake of interrupting others, not giving them a chance to finish their speech before rushing in with our two cents worth.
And in this oh so voluble society of today, talking less and listening more would surely be a step in the right direction, especially for those who claim to believe in and follow Christ! It’s like Cousin Sol says earlier in Proverbs: ‘In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth (restrains) his lips is wise.’ (Prov. 10:19) Yes mih bredrin, there is more likelihood of sin in a multitude of words than in a few choice ones. It’s like Job warned his friends when they began talking in rather unsympathetic terms about why he had suffered his calamity.
He declares: ‘Lo mine eye hath seen all this, mine ear hath heard and understood it. What ye know, the same do I know also: I am not inferior unto you. Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to reason with God. But ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value. O that ye would altogether hold your peace (keep silent)! and it should (would) be your wisdom. Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.’ (Job. 13:1-6) Yes friends, that’s one of those instances where Job’s friends should have just kept quiet, instead of ranting on about his sins causing his calamity.
And these later words of Cousin Sol are also true: ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that LOVE it shall eat the fruit thereof.’ (Prov. 18:21) Yes, there is power in our words, for remember the Lord spoke the universe into existence. However, when we LOVE to talk, we will eventually pay the price of our too many words. Oh my people, we know all those things, but yet we allow the enemy to taunt and tempt us into using our tongues indiscriminately. So, let’s hope that all we’ve said today about talking too much will have some positive impact on our future behaviour, for bridling our tongues would be of enormous benefit to our society.
Now, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having made that declaration, it now behooves us to 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!
…words might be wind…but they can cause some very unkind blows…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a Prayer fo Confidence, a strong feeling, accounted as sheep for the slaughter, act it out with courage and faith, as it is written, awakened from the dormant state, be not afraid neither be thou dismayed, be of good cheer, be strong and of a good courage, called according to God's purpose, challenges in life, chilly days are here, Chrisitans should never lack confidence in God's word, Christ has defeated hell death and the grave, christianity, Christians, confident attitude, distress, Dr. Robert H Schuller, duty bound, everything will work out beautifully, expenditure of effort, face challenges calmly, faith, famine, for thy sake we are killed all the day long, go through difficult times, God is behind me, God will help me, God will rescue me, God's promise, God's Word, handle anything that comes against us, hardy folks, have good success, have I not commanded you, have the keys of hell and death, holy spirit, hurry, I am alive for evermore, I am he that liveth, I feel his spirit of confidence, i have overcome the world, If God be for me who can be against me, if god be for us who can be against us, in all these things we are more than conquerors, in god's eyes, in Jesus' name, in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, in your court, it is flowing into me now, Jesus Christ, Jesus conquered hell and death by His resurrection, Jesus controls the gateway to eternity, keep on fighting the good fight, keep on keeping on, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lifted our spirits and confidence, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, made the right decision, meditate therein day and night, mercy, my conscience is clear, nakedness, not afraid of problems, not to worry, nothing shall separate us from the love of God, observe to do all that's written therein, our relationship to God, peril, persecution, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, stand strong and steadfast for Christ, summer is officially over, surging in my heart, Thank You God, that's it in a nutshell, the amazing help of Jesus, the awesome truth, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the Creator and Controller of the universe, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Hour of Power 50th Anniversary Devotional, the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go, the only thing to get us through these evil and ungodly times, the sword, then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, these things I have spoken unto you, they too can come to know and love Christ like do, this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, to them that love God, tribulation, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unshakeable faith in Almighty God, was dead, we know that all things work together for good, what shall we say then to these things, who shall separate us from the Love of Christ, wisdom, With God I cannot fail, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 September 2026 Romans 8:31.
Romans 8:31. ‘What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’
Aye mih people, it seems like the summer season is officially over, as well as the summer weather we’ve been enjoying for the last couple of weeks. Chilly days are here, notwithstanding that the sun is still shining brilliantly, but it’s heat has fallen away southward, so the southern climes can now enjoy some of its joyful heat. But not to worry, we’re hardy folks, and can handle anything that comes against us with the amazing help of our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And all God’s people acknowledge that fact with a loud and sure ‘Amen!’
And with that confident attitude, it’s ever so appropriate for us to offer up ‘A Prayer for Confidence,’ from the Hour of Power 50th Anniversary Devotional, with writings by the late Dr. Robert H Schuller. So please prayer with me: ‘It is flowing into me now, for my conscience is clear. I have made the right decision. I am not afraid of problems. I will face challenges calmly and serenely for God is behind me. He will help me. If I must go through difficult times, He will rescue me. I feel His spirit of confidence surging in my heart now. With Him I cannot possibly fail. “If God is for me who can be against me?” I have a strong feeling that everything is going to work out just beautifully. Thank You, God. Amen.’
Now that’s a wonderful prayer, and let’s hope it lifted our spirits and our confidence as it is supposed to. Let’s hope that our hope and trust in God was awakened from the dormant state in which it’s been lying in for some time now, because having confidence, unshakeable faith in Almighty God is the only thing that will get us through these terribly evil and ungodly times. And that’s what God’s Word, the Bible, is preeminently written for; to give those who believe the strength, confidence, faith and trust to follow the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Thus it’s like the prayer says, quoting Bruh Paul: ‘What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom. 8:31) And the confident answer to that question is ‘NOBODY!’ And how can anyone be against you when the Creator and Controller of the universe is in your court eh? No way! Now times are hard, and are possibly going to get harder, but with God’s Word to support us we are encouraged to keep on keeping on, to keep on fighting the good fight in Jesus’ name. And if there’s one thing the Bible doesn’t lack is encouragement. Oh yes, it’s chocked full of encouraging words and statements. Like what you ask?
Well let’s begin with a couple more from Bruh Paul’s amazing Chapter 8 in Romans. He writes: ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28) That means that life will work out good eventually for all those who are called to God’s purpose. So though we go through troubles and challenges during life, in the end, it all will work out well. That’s God’s promise!
Then later in the chapter Bruh Paul asks this most important question: ‘Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us. For I am persuaded (that nothing) shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:35-39)
Oh friends, with that kind of confidence and certainty about our relationship to God, how can we not stand strong and steadfast in His name eh? And when you add these most encouraging words of Jesus to the equation, things only get brighter. Believe Him, when He says: ‘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)
And that’s the awesome truth! Jesus has overcome the world by defeating Satan, the world’s ruler, and taking away the keys of hell death and grave from him. It’s like He says to John in Revelation: ‘I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.’ (Rev. 1:18) And yuh know what that means my brethren? Jesus has complete authority over hell, death and the grave, because He’s conquered them by His resurrection. Thus He controls the gateway to eternity, and therefore we don’t need to fear the grave because our Lord and Saviour controls eternity!
Wow! How could we not be confident under those amazing circumstances eh? But unfortunately all of that doesn’t happen without some expenditure of effort on our part. And the Lord said it very plainly to Joshua when He made him the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth (shall be constantly in thy mouth); but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8)
Yes friends, that’s it in a nutshell. All the good things are waiting for us, but we have to do our part by reading, studying and living the word. And I like the last part of the Lord’s speech to Joshua: ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9 ) Oh my people truer words were never spoken, for the Lord our God is indeed with us wherever we go, but we need to sincerely believe it, and act it our with courage and faith, so that we can be prosperous wherever we go.
And with all of that confidence flowing through us, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong; lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having said that, we’re now 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!
…Christians should never lack…confidence in God’s word…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
15 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a true Christian, advertises Christ both in word and deed, baptizing them in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost, be it sinner or saint, broached the topic of Christ to anyone, Christ's ambassadors, christianity, Christians, cloudy skies trying to suppress the sunshine, come to know and love christ like we do, committed them to prison, devout men carried Stephen to his burial, dragging of men and women, easier said than done, faith, feeling like the weather, gave heed to what Philip spoke, go ye therefore and teach all nations, greater is he that is in you than he that's in the world, haling men and women, have overcome them, help bring unbelievers to Christ, holy spirit, hurry, in fear of the unbeliever's reaction, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, Jesus is indeed stronger than the devil, keep their mouths shut, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lo I am with you always, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, made great lamentations over him, made to stumble, make disciples of all nations, mercy, one of those days, persecuted Christians didn't run and hide, persecution against the church at Jerusalem, Philip went down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them, put you out of the synagogue, responsible for administering Christ's earthly kingdom, salvation, Saul made havoc of the church, Saul was consenting unto Stephen's death, Saul watched them stone Stephen to death, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, stand steadfast and persevere, surrender to his evil wiles, teaching them to observe all things, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the decptive devil, the Great Commission, the indwelling strength of Jesus, the people were scattered abroad, the people with one accord, the time cometh, there was great joy in that city, these things have I spoken unto you, those scattered abroad, till the Son of man come, today's Christians are afraid to talk about Christ or His word, too focused on their own comfort, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unworthy of the name, went everywhere preaching the word, whatsoever I have commanded you, when they persecute you in this city flee to another, whosoever killeth you, will think that he doeth God a service, wisdom, worry, ye are of God little children, ye should not be offended
Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 September 2026 1 John 4:4.
1 John 4:4. ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’
Ah friends, we’re running a tad late, because it’s one of those days, when the ole fella is feeling somewhat like the weather, (smile) cloudy skies trying to suppress the sunshine. But we won’t allow it to happen, with the indwelling strength of Jesus we will stand steadfast and persevere. And we all know that’s easier said than done, especially when the deceptive devil is doing his best to make you surrender to his evil wiles. But let’s remember the truth and wisdom of John’s words in his first epistle: ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 4:4).
And is that ever the glorious truth! Jesus who dwells in us is much stronger than the devil who dwells in the world! And that’s one of the scriptures we need to keep first place in our hearts for when the evil Beelzebub dares to come against us. That brings us to these words of warning from Jesus to the disciples in John’s gospel. He tells them: ‘These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended (made to stumble). They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God a service.’ (John 16:1-2)
I guess that refers to the cruel times in the early days of the church, and to people like Bruh Paul when he was called Saul and very intent on hurting the followers of Christ, like when he stood by in silent consent and watched them stone Stepehen to death. (Acts 7:57- 60) The Bible tells it thus: ‘And Saul was consenting unto his (Stepehen’s) death. And at the time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the region of Judaea and Samaria, except for the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentations over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling (dragging off) men and women committed them to prison.’ (Acts 8:1-3)
Yes mih bredrin, the supporters of the early church experienced much persecution, but hear the good news that the Bible brings: ‘Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.’ (Acts 8:4) It’s like they took Christ’s warning in the gospel of Matthew to heart. ‘But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over (through) the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. (Christ’s second coming).’ (Matt. 10:23)
That’s when the Bible recalls: ‘Then Philip went down to the (a) city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people (multitudes) with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies (paralysis), and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.’ (Acts 8:5-8)
Yuh see how it was back then my people? When the early Christians were persecuted, they didn’t run and hide or keep their mouths shut like so many of us do today. No. They simply moved on to another place and continued preaching the truth of Christ’s gospel. And the sad part is that very few of us have ever suffered or will ever suffer the kind of persecution that they underwent. But yet, so many of us supposed Christians refuse to speak of Christ or His Word to the unbelievers, either in fear of their reaction, or because we’re too focused on our own comfort to be bothered to expend any energy on Christ’s behalf.
And now’s a good time for all of us to consider the question that one Pastor asked his congregation: ‘When last have any of you broached the topic of Christ to anyone, be it sinner or saint?’ And the sad part is that too many of us, if we’re truthful, would have to answer: ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve done that,’ or ‘I’ve never done that.’
And that surely doesn’t speak well of our Christian conviction and witness, for remember Christ’s directive was for us to: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:19-20) That means friends, that too few of us are really doing our small part of the Great Commission, and thus not helping to bring the unbelievers to Christ, like we ought to.
Remember we’re Christ’s ambassadors, meaning that we’re responsible for administering His kingdom here on earth. And if we’re not doing anything to help build and/or stabilize His earthly kingdom, then we’re unworthy of the name ambassador, or even follower, believer or Christian. Now that’s not a very nice thing to be said of us, but unfortunately it’s very true. However, we still have the opportunity of turning it around. So please let’s do that nuh, beginning right now, by declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And having said that, we’re now 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!
…you can’t be a true Christian…unless you advertise Christ…both in word and deed…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
08 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: christianity, Christians, confidence in God's faithfulness, do serious work for Jesus, establish you and keep you from evil, faith, filled with wonder, for thou art with me, from Genesis to Revelation, God comes through in amazing ways, God will never leave nor forsake us, god's ever-faithful promise, great is thy faithfulness, he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himself, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, He is faithful that promised, his compassions fail notthey are new every morning, hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, holy spirit, I praise God's name, I remember all God's done in the past, I will fear no evil, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, if we be dead with him we shall also live with him, if we believe not, if we confess our sins, in god's eyes, In Touch Prayer Card on God's Faithfulness, it is a faithful saying, It is of the Lord's mercies that we're not consumed, Jeremiah's lament, Jesus Christ, keep his commandments, keepeth covenant with them that love him, lift up my heart to you in trust, lock stock and barrel, look forward with joy, LOVE, mercy, mount up with wings as eagles, nothing is too hard for God, our bounden duty, our faith grows when we remember God's faithfulness, our trust in God deepens, refresh our hearts minds and souls, run and not be weary, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, summer time freedom over, take stock of our spiritual maturity, thank you for your perfect works, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the faithful God, the gospel truth, the Lord is faithful, the Lord thy God He is God, the Lord will take care of me, the lord will take me up, they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they too can come to know and love Christ like do, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thy faithfulness reaches unto the clouds, thy faithfulness shalt thou esteblish in the very heavens, thy mercy O Lord is in the heavens, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, to a thousand genearations, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, to seeing your plans fulfilled, to whom we belong, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, walk and not faint, when I don't understand an outcome, when my father and mother forsake me, when things look impossible, wisdom, with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness, with the whole wide world, you are faithful, your ways never fail
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 September 2026 Psalm 36:5.
Psalm 36:5. ‘Thy mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.’
So the Labour Day partying is over and done with now. That means the summer time freedom and frolicking is also done, and it’s time to get down to some serious work for Jesus; contemplating, who He is, what He’s done and is doing, and how we are reciprocating His awesome LOVE and compassion. It’s time to take stock of our spiritual maturity; see whether we’re growing, regressing, or just standing still, marking time, for who knows what. And to help us do that, today we’ll take a look at God’s faithfulness, starting with the information on the In Touch Prayer Card on the subject.
Please pray with me: ‘I’m filled with wonder, God, when I think of Your great faithfulness. When things look impossible, You come through in amazing ways. Truly nothing is too hard for You. I remember all You’ve done in the past and praise Your name! When I don’t understand an outcome, I will lift up my heart to You in trust. You are faithful, and Your ways never fail. I look forward with joy to seeing Your plans fulfilled. Thank You for your perfect works.’
Ah friends, those are perfect sentiments for us to consider in our own lives. Do we feel and also remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives? If we are true believers then we certainly ought to! And that’s one of the great things about our faith. When we remember God’s faithfulness, all the times that He’s shown up when things seemed impossible, but He came to our rescue just in time, then our faith grows, our trust in Him deepens, because we know that we can depend on Him in the tough times. He will never leave, forsake nor fail us, it’s is ever-faithful promise, and He keeps repeating it in His Word from Genesis right through to Revelation.
So let’s see if we can find some scriptures that reflect God’s faithfulness to refresh our hearts, minds and souls. And we’ll begin with this one where Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness, as they are about to enter the Promised Land. ‘Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that LOVE him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.’ (Deut. 7:9) And I believe that scripture will do some of us a world of good if we sit and ponder it for a moment or two; the important thing there being the keeping of God’s commandments.
Then we have this verse from Psalm 36, that the In Touch Prayer Card uses as its resource. Bruh David writes: ‘Thy mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.’ (Ps. 36:5) Meanwhile in Psalm 89, which speaks of the Mercies of God, Ethan the Ezrahite contemplates God’s faithfulness and writes: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS) shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.’ (Ps. 89:1-2)
And we all know Jeremiah’s famous lament on the subject: ‘It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam. 3:22-23) What more can we ask eh? Now here’s another magnificent verse re God’s faithfulness, one we all spout, but don’t truly pay much attention to. It’s from Bruh David’s famous Psalm 23, where he declares in no uncertain terms: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ (Ps. 23:4) What assuredness in God’s faithfulness! Do we have that confidence in God’s faithfulness? Let’s hope so.
Then in 2 Thessalonians, Bruh Paul tells them: ‘But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil (the evil one).’ (2 Thess. 3:3) And to Timothy, Bruh Paul writes: ‘It is a faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer (endure), we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us: If we believe not (are faithless), yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim. 2:11-13) And that’s the gospel truth friends! God cannot deny His attributes.
Then we come to this scripture from Hebrews that strongly and wisely advocates: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is fateful that promised;) (Heb. 10:23) And that’s great advice for us to follow, especially in these deceitful and untrustworthy times. And what about this amazing verse from John’s first epistle, where he states with all certainty: ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9) Now that’s a wonderful scripture for us to know and keep at the forefront of our minds!
And here’s another awesome verse displaying God’s faithfulness, another one we know but don’t truly action in our lives. The prophet Isaiah shouts it from the mountaintop: ‘But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Is. 40:31) Yes friends, waiting on God is never in vain, for He will always be faithful to those who are faithful to Him. And we’ll close with this very reassuring verse from Psalm 27, when Bruh David declares: ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up (take care of me).’ (Ps. 27:10)
Now isn’t that wonderful assurance of God’s faithfulness! It certainly is! And there are plenty more scriptures that address God’s faithfulness, but unfortunately time and space prevent us from quoting anymore. So let’s go home now 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, it’s become our bounden duty 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!
…take time to remember God’s faithfulness in your life…then let it lift your trust and faith in Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
01 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a very present help in trouble, a wordl of evil and ugodliness, all things are possible to him that believes, all things work together for good to them that love God, assurance, assurance about what we do not see, be not afraid neither be thou dismayed, be not dismayed, be strong and of a good courage, believing in who Jesus says He is, by faith the elders believed the word of God, by faith the elders obtained a good report, christianity, come to know and love christ like we do, condition ourselve to the upcoming winter season, conviction is faith relating to the present, do not depend on your native instincts, duty bound, faith, faith cometh by hearing, faith in God provides security, faith is confidence in what we hope for, faith is the substance of things hoped for, faith provides evidence, faith provides substance, faith strengthening scripture, fear thou not for I am with thee, for we walk by faith not by sight, future hope, God is always right beside us, God is our refuge and strength, grow in faith, have fellowship and intimacy with God, have I not commanded thee, he shall direct thy paths, hearing by the word of God, holy spirit, hope for the return of Christ, hope is faith relating to the future, hope of the resurrection, hurry, I am thy God I will strenthen thee, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness, if thou canst believe, if wishes were horses all beggars would ride, in all thy ways acknowledge him, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, lean not unto thine own understanding, LOVE, mercy, no belief means no substance to build your faith on, nothing is impossible for God, our ever-faithful God, present realities that are unseen, proof that results in conviction, salvation, scriptures that build up our faith, Selah, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, strife, take root in your heart and soul, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the evidence of things not seen, the first day of September, the forgiveness of sins through Christ's sacrifice, the glorification of the saints, the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go, the mountains shake with the swelling thereof, the present intercession of Christ in heaven, the things which are seen, the worlds were framed by the word of god, therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters roar and be troubled, through faith we understand, to them who are called according to his purpose, trials and tribulations, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, we believe that God created the world form nothing, we know that all things work together for good, were not made of things which do appear, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 September 2026 2 Corinthians 5:7.
2 Corinthians 5:7. For we walk by faith, not by sight:
And this Tuesday morning, the first day of September opened earlier with bright sunshine, but by midday it’s become somewhat humid and cloudy, but we’ll take it anyway. (smile) Let’s hope and pray that the fairly warm weather keeps up for some time yet, as we need to get our minds and bodies conditioned to the upcoming winter season. Oh, there’s no doubt we’ll handle it, but it would be so much nicer if we didn’t have to. And yes, if wishes were horses, all beggars would ride, for we cannot get away from the cold weather that’s in the offing, because that’s just how it is in the northern climes.
But enough whimpering, let’s look at some scriptures that build up our faith, that provide strength and confidence in God and all His promises, because in the current state of our world, with all the strife, evil and ungodliness that’s happening, we need something strong to hold on to. And the first scripture is that awesome verse from Philippians, where Bruh Paul writes: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengetheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:13) Of course we can! Since nothing is impossible to Jesus, if He desires us to do something then He will surely empower us to do it.
And Jesus reinforces that when He tells the father who brought his epileptic son to Him for healing. ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’ (Mark. 9:23) Yes friends, this life with Jesus all depends on believing: in believing who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He can and will do. If you don’t believe that Jesus is who He is then there is no substance on which to build your faith. For as Bruh Paul emphasizes in 2 Corinthians: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight:’ (2. Cor. 5:7)
Yes, with Jesus, it’s all about faith; basically what you can’t see, but believe is possible and will happen at some time or other. Or, as Hebrews puts it: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible). (Heb. 11:1-3) In other words, by faith we believe that God created the world from nothing, and by faith the elders believed the word of God and lived it, even though they did not always get what they expected.
And according to the scholars, ‘faith provides substance or assurance. It also provides evidence in the sense of proof that results in conviction. Of things hoped for involves future hope, like the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints. While of things not seen involves present realities that are unseen, such as the forgiveness of sin through Christ’s sacrifice, and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope is faith relating to the future, conviction is faith relating to the present.’
Then in Romans, Bruh Paul advises us: ‘So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom. 10:17) And that’s the truth! You cannot believe the word or have faith until you hear it preached. It must be heard over and over so it can take root in your heart and soul, get strong, and grow into faith. Meanwhile, Isaiah, offers comfort, assuring believers of God’s presence and strength in difficult times. ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ (Is. 41:10) If you believe and have faith, then that’s what the Lord will do.
Then we have these wonderful words of faith from the Sons of Korah in Psalm 46. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (heart of) the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.’ (Ps. 46:1-3) So through faith in God we also find a place of security, when everywhere else is insecure.
And we must remember these awesome words of Cousin Sol in Proverbs: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) And the scholars explain those verses thus: ‘Three commands are given: trust, meaning “rely on, depend on”; lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts; and acknowledge, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.’ What wonderful advice! But it’s all based on belief, faith and trust in Almighty God!
Then there’s this overwhelming command of God Himself to Joshua. ‘Have I not commanded thee? be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9) You can’t beat that friends! We can be courageous because we know that our God is always right there beside us. But here’s the awesome scripture that I believe holds it all together. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to His purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28)
Ah mih people that scripture gives us the godly assurance that despite all the trials and tribulations we might face during our earthly lives, our wonderful God will use it all to make it good at the end! Now that’s where our faith truly comes in; believing that it will all work out right in the end, because our ever-faithful God says so!
And with all that faith strengthening scripture in our hearts and souls, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
And that now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…faith is confidence in what we hope for…and assurance about what we do not see…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
25 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: be of good courage, beloved of God, blessed is the man maketh the Lord his trust, christianity, circumstances pulling us under, crowning glory, doubt tries to creep back in, emptiness into fulness, established my goings, established my steps, even praise unto our God, faith, feel as if I don't matter, girded me with gladness, God is always God, God is faithful, God remains steadfast and true, God's goodness to the children of men, great is thy faithfulness, he abideth faithful, he brought me up also out of an horrible pit, he cannot deny himself, he heard my cry, he inclined unto me, he shall exalt thee to inherit the land, he shall strengthen thine heart, hear O Lord and have mercy upon me, help me hold on to hope, his compassions fail not, holy spirit, hurry, I waited patiently for the lord, I will give thanks unto thee for ever, I wonder if you hear my prayers, I'll never stop saying it, if we be dead with him we shall also with him live, if we believe not, if we deny him he will deny us, if we suffer we shall also reign, in god's eyes, in Jesus' name, In Touch Devotional, it is a faithful saying, it is good that a man, It is of the Lord's mercies that we're not consumed, Jesus Christ, joy comes in the morning, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lo I am with you always, lock stock and barrel, Lord be thou my helper, LOVE, many shall see it and fear, mercy, my glory shall sing praise to thee, my soul shall sing praise to thee, no prayer too repetitive, no situation too broken, not be silent, not talking from hearsay, nothing is too hard for you, out of the miry clay, put a new song im, put off my sackcloth, quicker than the blink of an eye, respecteth not the proud, salvation, set my feet upon a rock, shall trust in the Lord, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, such as turn aside to lies, talking from personal experience, the ache so deep, the BIBLE, the Great Commission, the Lamentations of Jeremiah, the last Tuesday of August, the Lord hears all our prayers, the Lord is good unto them that wait for him, the Lord is my portion saith my soul, the Lord never leaves nor forsakes us, the Lord will never leave us in a lurch, the sackcloth of my mourning, the salvation of the Lord, the waiting is so long, the word of God is not a chain, therefore have I hope, therefore will I hope in him, they are new every morning, they too can come to know and love Christ like do, this I recall to mind, to the end, to the soul that seeketh him, trials and tribulations, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, turn emptiness into into fullness, turn mourning into dancing, turned for me my mourning into dancing, unto the end of the world, wait in faith I say on the Lord, wait in faith on the Lord, wait on the Lord and keep his way, waiting patiently in faith is not easy, weeping may endure for a night, when the wicked are cut off thou shalt see it, wisdom, worry, y mouth, you are faithful, you see me when I feel invisible, you've never left me
Today’s Scrip-Bit 25 August 2026 Psalm 40:1.
Psalm 40:1. I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
Ah friends, we’re into the last Tuesday of August; next week Tuesday we’ll be talking about September. (smile) But today, as many of the previous August days, it’s sunshiny and warm, so there’s still hope for August to finish up as a good month. And since we’re running a li’l bit late, (my fault) let’s get to today’s topic right away. And that’s this month’s prayer from the In Touch Devotional.
So, please pray with me: ‘Lord, sometimes I wonder if you hear my prayers – the waiting is so long, the ache so deep. But You’ve never left me – You see me when I feel invisible, when I feel as if I don’t matter. Nothing is too hard for You – no prayer too repetitive, no situation too broken. You turn mourning into dancing, emptiness into fulness. Help me hold on to hope when doubt tries to creep back in. I’ll never stop saying it: You are faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
And that last statement about God’s faithfulness is absolutely true! All of us who have spent anytime in God’s presence know that to be a glorious fact, because we have all experienced at least some modicum (small amount) of His faithfulness in our time with Him. And the bible has oodles of verses that talk about it, but we’ll only share a couple of the better known ones here.
The first one comes from Bruh Paul’s second letter to Timothy, where he is telling him that the word of God is not bound, is not a chain: ‘It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer (endure), we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim. 2:11-13) Oh my people, isn’t it wonderful and ever so encouraging to know that God is always God, regardless of who I am, or how I behave! His character is one of utmost faithfulness, therefore He remains steadfast and true even when I am not.
And the second scripture comes from Jeremiah’s famous testimony on the Lord’s faithfulness in his Lamentations. ‘This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.’ (Lam. 3:21-26)
Yes my brethren, wiser words were never spoken! And waiting on the Lord can be very long and heart aching, that like the prayer says, we sometimes are led to wonder if He’s heard our prayers. But He indeed hears them all; it’s just that He takes His own time to answer them; whether it be yay, nay, or not now. Our job though is wait patiently and keep on persevering until we get an answer. Know one thing though, the Lord will not leave us in the lurch, whatever answer He has will arrive in good time for us to make the necessary arrangements.
And a man who certainly knew about waiting on the Lord, Bruh David, strongly advises it in several of his writings. In psalm 27, he says: ‘Wait (in faith) on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith), I say, on the Lord.’ Then in Psalm 37: he declares: ‘Wait on the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.’ (Ps. 37:34)
Now listen to the crowning glory of waiting on the Lord. In Psalm 40 – Praise for God’s Deliverance, Bruh David testifies: ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings (steps). And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps. 40:1-4)
And we all know that Bruh David is not talking from hear say, but from personal experience, because after the Lord anointed him king of Israel, he went through many years of trials and tribulations waiting for that to happen. And it would never have happened if he had not waited on God, patiently in faith. And we also know that waiting patiently in faith is not easy, especially when our circumstances seem to be pulling us under quicker than we can blink, but that’s where our faith and trust in God is expected to show up.
But there are a few things we need to know and believe. Firstly, that the Lord never leaves nor forsakes us, that’s His promise. (Heb. 13:5) So although we may not see or feel His presence, rest assured that He’s always there with us. As Jesus assured the disciples at the end of the Great Commission; ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) We could not desire better assurance than that my fellow believers.
And when the song says: ‘You turn mourning into dancing, emptiness into fulness,’ Bruh David corroborates those sentiments in Psalm 30, when he declares: ‘Hear O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth (the sackcloth of my mourning), and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory (my soul) may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.’ (Ps. 30:10-12)
Yes friends that’s exactly how it ought to be; us continually giving thanks to God for His LOVE, faithfulness and everlasting goodness to the children of undeserving men! Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice! ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
So let’s go out now 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!
…weeping may endure for a night…but joy comes in the morning… (Ps. 30:5b)
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
04 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a glorious summer's day, a sacificial way, a sacrificial life, according to your compassion, according to your unfailing love, all of it, an attitude of prayer, an end to all good things must be, balance work with play, be discouraged, be out and about, blot out his/her transgressions, Caribana celebrations, carrying your loved ones as you go, christianity, cleanse him/her form all unrighteousness, come to know and love christ like we do, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners, daily grind and common task, despising the shame, direct it like a river, doing right by everyone, endured such hostility of sinners, endured the cross, even on the long boring days, every day, every hour, faith, faithfully holding them in prayer, Father, follow Christ's example, for the joy that was set before him, godly purposes, godly ways of doing certain things, have mercy O Lord on my loved one, help usually involves sacrifice, helping others, holy spirit, honouring this life, how you move beyond what's comfortable, how you move forward in faith, how you show up, hurry, If any man will follow me, in god's eyes, In Touch Devotional, In Touch Devotional how you move forward, is set down at the right hand of the throne of God, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the best example, knowing God is carrying you through, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds, let him deny himself, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, living the uncomfortable life, lock stock and barrel, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, loving sacrificially, mercy, my loved one's heart is in your hands, my neck of the woods, not perfectly, not what people say about me, outdoors, pray without ceasing, prayer should be a constant in our lives, present with the people around you, refreshed our minds and souls, remaining steady, remembering where God has taken you so far, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, staying open to where God will take you, take up his cross daily and follow me, the author and finisher of our faith, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the Christian way is a sacrificial way, the Christian way is not being comfortable, the life you'e been entrusted with, the whole wide world, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, upend our comfort, wash away his/her iniquity, we all love our comfort, we're here for that journey, wherever you please, wisdom, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 4 August 2026 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
1 Thessalonians 5:17. ‘Pray without ceasing.’
Oh friends, it’s another glorious summer’s day in my neck of the woods! Bright sunshine and cool breezes make it an excellent day to be out and about outdoors, but sadly I’m stuck in here writing the Bit. (smile) But that’s okay, it’s my own fault for not starting earlier so that I could finish earlier. Anyway, as they say, all good things to an end must come, and thus the Caribana celebrations and all the other festivities of the past weekend are now over and done with, and we’re back to the daily grind and common task of work, work, and more work. But work is a good thing, there are many benefits to it, we just have to learn to balance it with our play time.
And since the Lord has granted us more breath of life to see today, let’s keep our promise from yesterday of continuing to look at the interesting article in poem form from the July In Touch Devotional. It reads: ‘This is how you move forward in faith: by remembering where God has taken you so far and staying open to where He’ll take you tomorrow. This is how you show up: by carrying your LOVED ones as you go, every hour, every day – not perfectly but faithfully holding them in prayer.
This is how you move beyond what’s comfortable: by LOVING sacrificially, doing right by everyone, honouring this life you’ve been entrusted with. Even on the long days, the boring days, the wish-it-were-already-tomorrow days. Remaining steady, present with the people around you. Knowing God is carrying you through. We’re here for that journey. All of it.’
Yes friends, it’s all true’ there are certain things we need to do in this life and certain Christian or godly ways of doing them. Now, yesterday we dealt with the first aspect of the poem,; moving forward in faith, using the example of Bruh David’s life. Let’s look now at the second aspect; how you show up. And they say you do that by constantly carrying your LOVED ones; faithfully keeping them in your prayers as you go through this life. In general, it’s like Bruh Paul says in 1 Thessalonians: ‘Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:17) Meaning prayer should be a constant in our lives, or have an attitude of prayer.
And also like he says in Ephesians: ‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for the all saints.’ (Eph .6:18) That’s about praying for all believers, but there are prayers we could use for our LOVED ones in particular, like this one drawn from Deuteronomy 30:6: ‘Lord, circumcise my LOVED one’s heart so that he/she may LOVE you with all his/her heart and with all his/her soul, and live.’
And this one drawn from Psalm 51 – Bruh David’s plea for forgiveness. ‘Have mercy O Lord on my LOVED one, according to your unfailing LOVE, according to your compassion blot out his/her transgressions. Wash away his/her iniquity and cleanse him/her from all unrighteousness.’ (Ps. 51:1) And like this one drawn from Proverbs: ‘Father, my LOVED one’s heart is in your hands, direct it like a river wherever you please.’ (Prov. 21:1) And there are many other scriptures from which we can extrapolate or convert to prayers for our LOVED ones, but keeping them prayed up is a must.
And the last aspect of the poem is: ‘This is how you move beyond what’s comfortable:’ Now that won’t sit right with many of us, because we all LOVE our comfort, especially in these times when almost everything is being done to make us as comfortable as possible. But that’s not the Christian way; it’s not the example that Christ showed when He was down here on earth. No! Christ’s way is a sacrificial way. It doesn’t dwell solely on comfort, but on ways to help others. And wherever help is involved, sacrifice will most likely be there also.
And there’s nothing to upend our comfort like reminding us of Christ’s desire for His followers. (smile) ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23) Yes mih bredrin, an uncomfortable sacrificial life is the possible lot of a believer in Christ Jesus. It won’t always be such, but if it does turn out to be like that, then we’re supposed to embrace it like Christ embraced His sacrificial life down here.
That’s why the author of Hebrews could write: ‘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 (be discouraged) in your minds (souls).’ (Heb. 12:2-3)
Undoubtedly my fellow believers, Jesus is the best example of living the uncomfortable sacrificial life, for He did as the poem says: by LOVING sacrificially, doing right by everyone, honouring the life He was entrusted with. Even on the long, bad and boring days. Remaining steady, present with the people around Him, because He knew that God would carry Him through the job He was sent down here to do. Likewise, so should we, since we too ‘Are here for that journey. All of it.’
And having refreshed our minds and souls with some of our godly purposes and requirements, let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That means we now have 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!
…the big thing in Christ’s life was sacrifice…and so should it also be…in the lives of Christians…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
21 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a flame of fire, a heart fixed on God, a ruler's staff, a sceptre of righteousness, as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, being confident of this very thing, boundaries, bring us back to God, can never be rectified, can never be retrieved, children of God, Christ is indestructible, christianity, come to know and love christ like we do, confession, dare not live in a spirit of desair and defeat, despise not the chastening of the Lord, discipline, don't take God's discipline for a lack of love, duty bound, even as a father, everyday we're in the potter's hands, faith, forest fires, God anointed thee with the oil of gladness, God desires to reconcile us back to himself, God never ignores us, God never rejects or refuses His children, god will do whatever he needs to do, God's desire is always to restore us never to reject us, God's discipline has one objective, God's goal is always to use us, God's love is always working on our behalf, hated iniquity, he which hath begun a good work in you, holy spirit, hurry, in god's eyes, in the marvellous image of Jesus, irrefutably true, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and for ever, Jesus is better than the angels, laid the foundation of the earth, let all the angels of God worship him, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock stock and barrel, lost many opportunities, LOVE, loved righteousnes, made foolish choices, makes his angels spirit, makes his ministers a flame of fire, mercy, need to understand, One Year Book of Bible promises, possible because of Jesus who never changes, prevent us from going astray, rain to quench the parched earth, renewed surrender, Ruth Harms Calkin, safeguards, safely restored in his fold, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the difference between the angels and Jesus, the God Who Never Changes, the heavens are the work of thy hands, the light began to shine, the living truth, the sceptre of thy kingdom, the son in whom he delights, they shall be changed, they shall perish but thou shalt endure, thou art the same, thunderstorms, thy throne is for ever and ever, thy years fail not, to bring us to the end of ourselves, to make us whatever he needs us to be, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, ungodly times, wax old as a garment, whom the Lord loveth he correcteth, will perform it until the day of Jesus, wisdom, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 July 2026 Hebrews 13:8.
Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
So we’ve come to Tuesday, which opened with a very lively thunderstorm in the early morning hours. But that soon petered out and the light began to shine, until very recently when a big shower of rain descended upon my neighbourhood, leaving it wet and cloudy. And we certainly needed some good rain to quench the parched earth as well as wash away the smoke from the forest fires that are still burning in the northern areas of the province. That means we must keep on praying and doing whatever else we can to aid the cessation of those destructive fires.
Now, let’s look at a very interesting poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, this one aptly titled, ‘The God Who Never Changes.’ Whether or not I’ve ever shared it before is unimportant, because it’s still very applicable to all our lives today in these ungodly and evil times. So please read with me. ‘It is irrefutably true: We have lost many opportunities that can never be retrieved. We have made foolish choices that can never be rectified. But we dare not live life in a spirit of despair and defeat.
As children of God we need to understand that all God’s discipline has but one objective: To bring us to the end of ourselves and back to Him! His desire is always to restore us, never to reject us. His goal is always to use us, never to ignore us. With confession, renewed surrender, and a heart that is fixed on him, God will do in us whatever He needs to do to make us whatever He wants us to be. Every necessary change God chooses to make is wonderfully possible because of Jesus, who never changes.’
And all God’s people said a loud and grateful, ‘Thank the Lord for that!’ Yes my fellow believers, we have to be everlastingly grateful for the fact that Jesus never changes, as the Scripture for the poem says: ‘Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.’ (Heb. 13:8) And that’s the living truth! Our Lord and Saviour never changes, therefore we are able to rely on, to put our total trust in Him and whatever He says.
And the author of Hebrews laid the foundation for that contention very early in his writings, when talking about the very meaningful difference between the angels and Jesus, that God’s Son is better than the angels. ‘And again, when he (God) bringeth in the firstbegotten (firstborn) into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirit, and his ministers a flame of fire.
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre (a ruler’s staff) of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast LOVED righteousness, and hated iniquity (lawlessness); therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (companions). And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the work of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they shall wax (grow) old as doth a garment; and as a vesture (cloak) shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.’ (Heb. 1:6-12)
Yes friends, the Father imbued the Son with power to create and destroy, but also that He himself shall be indestructible and never change! Glory to God! And that’s why the opening sentiments of the poem are ever so true. We’ve lost innumerable opportunities, which can never be retrieved, because that’s just the nature of a lost opportunity. We’ve also made numerous foolish choices that can never be rectified. However, with all of that, as supposed children of God, we ‘dare not live life in a spirit of despair and defeat.’ That would be the worst choice we could ever make.
And above all. we need to understand that all God does, falls into only one compartment; to reconcile us back to himself. Yes mih bredrin, that’s our God’s raison d’etre for everything He does in, with, to and for us! His only goal is to have us safely and LOVINGLY restored in His fold, in the marvellous image of His Son Jesus. Unlike us, God never rejects or refuses His children, but always does what ever is needed to restore them and bring them home to Himself.
Thus Bruh Paul reminds the Philippians: ‘Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform (complete) it until the day of Jesus Christ.’ (Phil. 1:6) Meaning that once God commences to turn us into the image of Christ, He won’t stop until His job is complete. Consequently, every day we can find ourselves in His potter’s hands, like a lump of clay being molded on His potter’s wheel into the very image of His wonderful Son, Jesus Christ. However, that change can only be successful if we sincerely confess our wrongdoing, surrender our lives to Him once again, and have a heart that’s irrevocably fixed on Him.
And we ought to always remember these ever so wise words of warning from Cousin Sol on the Lord’s discipline. ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) And unfortunately that’s where a lot of us make our mistake; taking God’s discipline for a lack of LOVE, when it’s the very reason behind the correction. And it’s no different to when we correct our children because we LOVE them, not because we want to hurt them. So let’s not take umbrage when the Lord tries to correct us, but understand it’s His LOVE working on our behalf.
Now let’s go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…like all children…we need boundaries, safeguards and discipline…so that we don’t go astray…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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