16 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a frightening sea storm, a mixture of reverential awe and real fright, a raging tempest, a wake up call, all my heart to him I give, an integral part of church going, an invitation to church, attend church regularly, be not afraid, be of good cheer it is I, be saved today, bid me come unto thee on the water, billows his will obey, carest thou not that we perish, chillingly eerie to witness, church bells are ringing, confidence, cried out for fear, cry out to Jesus for help, enjoy the company of other believers, even the wind and the sea obey him, ever his praises sing, ever to him i'll cling, faith, faithful loving service too, far from the peaceful shore, fellowship, five loaves of bread, focusing on our circumstances, from the waters lifted me, guilty of the same thing, he your saviour wants to be, heard my despairing cry, holy spirit, how is it that ye have no faith, imagines sinking in water to sinking in sin, Immediately, In his blessed presence live, in the fourth watch of the night, into the well being of his grace, it is a spirit, it's all for our benefit, James Rowe, Jesus asleep in the stern of the boat, Jesus Christ, Jesus completely saves, Jesus fed five thousand men, Jesus lifts us up, Jesus rebuked the wind, Jesus stretched forth his hand and caught him, Jesus went unto them, Jesus went up into a mountain to pray, lift you by his love, likely to go under, Lord if it be thou, lose all sense of courage and faith, LOVE, love lifted me, love so mighty and so true, master of the sea, mercy, merits my soul's best songs, negative situations, never take your eyes off Jesus, no shame to cry out to Jesus, nothing is impossible to Jesus, now safe am I, o thou of little faith, of a truth, out of the angry waves, peace be still, Peter answered him, Peter walked on the water, receiving God's grace and mercy, refocused his attention, required in the Lord's sanctuary, said unto the sea, salvation, sinking deep in sin, sinking to rise no more, sould in danger, souls in danger look above, straightway Jesus spake unto them, sweet sacrifices of praise, take courage, the BIBLE, the Crown Prince of heaven, the disciples were troubled, the disciples worshipped Jesus, the instantaneous dissipation of a violent storm, the Master of the sea, the miracle of the five loaves and two fishes, the one who created the wind and the sea, the wind ceased and there was a great calm, they feared exceedingly, thou art the Son of God, to him belongs, to praise worship and fellowship, took his eyes off Jesus, trusting faith, truth, twelve baskets of leftovers, two small fishes, very deeply stained within, walking on the sea, what manner of man is this, when nothing else could help, wherefore didst thou doubt, why are ye so fearful, wisdom
Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 August 2026 Matthew 14:31.
Matthew 14:31. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
Come on friends, the church bells are ringing, letting us know that it’s Sunday and we’re therefore required in the Lord’s sanctuary to praise, worship, fellowship, encourage and enjoy the company of other believers, while receiving God’s grace and mercy to enable us to go out into the new week of work with confidence and trusting faith. And this past week when I was in Toronto, I heard church bells ringing, and was I ever surprised and delighted because I hadn’t heard church bells ringing in a long while.
I remember church bells being such an integral part of church going. They would ring every Sunday morning, inviting you to come to church. Oftentimes too it was a wakeup call, after a late night out on Saturday. But for whatever reason, the practice was abandoned. I don’t even remember when that happened, possibly during a period when I stopped going to church. (smile) But with or without bells ringing an invitation or a wakeup call, we’re still required to attend church regularly and on this Sunday morning we’re going to open the celebrations with a wonderful hymn we all know, simply titled, ‘LOVE LIFTED ME.’
It was written in 1912 by Irish immigrant to the U.S James Rowe (1865-1933). He was a railroad worker for ten years in New York before becoming an inspector for the Hudson River Humane Society. The lyrics draw from the gospel stories of Jesus and His disciples at sea. Rowe imagines sinking in water to sinking in sin and that Jesus can lift us out of despair to salvation. And is that ever a wonderful notion to consider! So, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, heartfelt, mid-tempo version that truly reflects our sentiments.
Singing: ‘I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore, Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more; But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry, From the waters lifted me, now safe am I. (Refrain: LOVE lifted me! LOVE lifted me! When nothing else could help, LOVE lifted me. LOVE lifted me! LOVE lifted me! When nothing else could help, LOVE lifted me.) All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling, In his blessed presence live, ever his praises sing. LOVE so mighty and so true merits my soul’s best songs; Faithful LOVING service, too, to Him belongs.
[Refrain] Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves; He will lift you by His LOVE out of the angry waves; He’s the master of the sea, billows His will obey; He your Savior wants to be, be saved today. [Refrain: LOVE lifted me! LOVE lifted me! When nothing else could help, LOVE lifted me. LOVE lifted me! LOVE lifted me! When nothing else could help, LOVE lifted me…. Yes, When nothing else could help, LOVE lifted me….’ Oh, that was beautiful my brethren! And as so often happens, we had heaven singing along with us, because it’s such a sweet, truthful hymn about their Crown Prince! (smile)
Now, although most of us know the stories behind the song, it’s always helpful to review them for whatever information and inspiration they might provide. The first incident occurred after Jesus fed the five thousand men, beside women and children with five loaves of bread and two small fishes, and they collected twelve baskets of leftovers afterwards. Then right after the feeding, Jesus compelled the disciples to get into a boat and sail to the other side, while He sent the crowd away, then went up into a mountain by Himself to pray, where evening found Him up there alone. (Matt. 14:14-23)
However, the boat with the disciples was then in the middle of the sea in a frightening storm. The Bible recounts: ‘And in the fourth watch of the night (between 3 and 6 a.m.) Jesus went unto them walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit (ghost); and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer (take courage); it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come.
And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous (violent), he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?’ (Matt. 14:25-31)
Ah mih people, that’s the same question Jesus asks many of us today, when we allow fear to overcome our Christ-inspired faith and courage. Now Peter had the parts to at least come down and begin walking on the water, but in the midst of it, He unwisely refocused His attention from Jesus to the violent wind blowing around Him. But we are also guilty of the same thing; taking our eyes off of Jesus and focusing them on our circumstances, when we quickly lose all sense of courage and faith. It’s therefore essential to never take our eyes off Jesus when confronted with any disadvantageous situations, because then we’re likely to go under.
But, as with Peter, it’s necessary to cry out to Jesus for help in negative situations, so that His LOVE can lift us up. And when it was all over, the disciples worshipped Jesus saying, ‘Of a truth thou art the Son of God.’ (Matt. 14:33) And though it seems sort of late for them to be doing that, I’m sure Jesus understood their fragility, just like He understands ours today.
And the second story is another incident where Jesus and the disciples are crossing the sea and a raging tempest blows up, with the waves washing over the sides of the boat filling it with water. Meanwhile Jesus is asleep on a pillow in the stern of the boat, and the disciples wake him, saying, ‘Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he (Jesus) said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith? And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, what manner of man is this (who can this be), that even the wind and the sea obey him?’ (Mark 4:38-41)
That man was only the One who created the wind and the sea, so they obviously obeyed Him. And I like how the scholars put it about the disciples’ fear, saying that ‘it must have been a mixture of reverential awe and real fright – it would be chillingly eerie to witness the instantaneous dissipation of a violent storm.’ And so it would be, but we still need to remember that it’s Jesus we’re dealing with, to whom nothing is impossible. And as one commentary puts it: ‘Rowe’s hymn masterfully incorporates both stories, using sinking or being swamped into the sea as an illustration for “sinking deep in sin…sinking to rise no more.” Jesus, “Master of the sea,” hears our pleas for help, reaches out to us in LOVE, and lifts us up into the well-being of grace.’
And that is exactly what He does! But we must have the faith and the courage to call out to Him for help, when we find ourselves in negative situations. Remember, it’s all for our benefit! Much LOVE!
…it’s no shame…to cry out to Jesus for help…any time at all…under whatever circumstances…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
09 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a name written, according to the riches of his grace, at the name of Jesus, be made the righteousness of God in Christ, become the righteousness of God in him, beside me there is no God, bestowed grace on us, carry them in his bosom, celebrates Jesus as our blessed redeemer, Chester G Allen, Christ is coming, crown him, every knee should bow, every tongue confess, faith, Fanny Crosby, feed his flock like a shepherd, for our sins he suffered and bled and died, gather the lambs with his arm, Gentiles brought into God's fold, gently lead those that are with young, give thanks and praise, given him a name above every other name, God also highly exalted him, God made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin, God's worthy to be praised, gospel truth, hail him, he hath made him to be sin for us, he hath on his vesture and on his thigh, he our rock, he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, heard the voice of many angelsround about the throne, heavenly portals, highest archangels in glory, his redeemer, His wonderful love proclaim, holy spirit, I am the first and I am the last, I am the good shepherd, I know my sheep and are known of mine, I know that my Redeemer lives, I will call upon the Lord, in his arms he carries them all day long, in whom I will trust, in whom we have redemption through his blood, Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father, Jesus Christ sacrificed, Jesus our Blessed Redeemer., Jesus reigneth for ever and ever, Jesus Saviour, Jesus the crucified, Jesus who bore our sorrows, Jesus will guard his children, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, like a shepherd, loud with hosannas ring, LOVE, love unbounded, made us accepted in the beloved, mercy, my buckler, my deliverer, my high tower, our hope of eternal salvation, over the world victorious, power and glory unto the Lord belong, Praise Him Praise Him, praises Jesus' amazing gifts of salvation and redemption, Prophet and priest and king, recognize the goodness and greatness of jesus, reconcile us back to Himself, salvation, saved from mine enemies, set us free from the bondage of sin, sing O earth, sound his praises, strength and honour give to his name, sweet sacrifices of praise, the forgiveness of sins, the four and twenty elders, the God of the whole earth, the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, the greatest gift ever to mankind, the Holy One of Israel, the horn of my salvation, the Lord is my rock and my fortress, the Lord of hosts, the Lord's Day, the redeemer of all men, the righteous judge, thy Redeemer, to receive power and riches, to the praise of the glory of his grace, truth, unto him that sitteth on the throne, unto the Lamb for ever and ever, wisdom, worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever, worthy is the lamb that was slain
Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 August 2026 Ephesians 1:7.
Ephesians 1:7. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
A new day has dawned bright and sunshiny my people! It’s also the first day of the week, Sunday, the Lord’s Day, and thankfully we’re still alive to enjoy it. So, it’s our bounden duty then to attend the Lord’s sanctuary so we can give thanks and praise for all the good things He’s done for us, especially the offering of His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice to pay for our abominable sins! It’s the greatest gift ever given to mankind! And today’s song of worship is one that addresses that very fact. It’s most appropriately titled ‘Praise Him, Praise Him,’ one of the many hymns of the blind American hymn writer Fanny Crosby (1820-1915), written in 1869, with the musical tune composed by Chester G. Allen.
The hymn celebrates Jesus as our “blessed Redeemer” and praises his amazing gifts of salvation and redemption. Let’s therefore offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a heartfelt, mid-tempo version of the song, ensuring that all who hear us know that we’re truly sincere in our praise! Singing: ‘Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Sing, O earth – his wonderful LOVE proclaim! Hail him! hail him! highest archangels in glory, Strength and honor give to his holy name! Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard his children – In his arms he carries them all day long:
(Refrain: Praise him! Praise him! tell of his excellent greatness! Praise him! Praise him! ever in joyful song!) Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins he suffered and bled and died; He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation, Hail him! hail him! Jesus the Crucified! Sound his praises – Jesus who bore our sorrows – LOVE unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong: [Refrain] Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring! Jesus, Savior, reigneth for ever and for ever, Crown him! crown him! Prophet and Priest and King! Christ is coming, over the world victorious – Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong: [Refrain]’
Oh my brethren, all of heaven sang along with us, because they too recognize the goodness and greatness of Jesus and also wanted to offer their own sacrifices of praise. And truthfully, there’s no praise that we can ever offer that can truly capture the awesome sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, offering up His sinless life, taking our sins, so that we could become the righteousness of God. As Bruh Paul says in 2 Corinthians: ‘For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Christ.’ (2 Cor.5:21)
Yes friends, we’re declared righteous in God’s eyes based on the merits of Christ’s work. As the song so rightly says: ‘Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins he suffered and bled and died;’ Job said it long ago: ‘For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day (at last) upon the earth.’ (Job 19:25) Meanwhile Isaiah writes: ‘Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts: I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.’ (Is. 44:6) And again: ‘For thy Maker is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.’ (Is. 54:5)
And Isaiah is there prophesying about the Lord becoming both the Maker and husband of the Gentiles, the Redeemer of all men, while also being the Holy One of Israel. Therefore, He is the God of the whole earth. And after Christ’s sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, the Gentiles were indeed brought into the fold of Almighty God, starting with the amazing zeal and hard work of Bruh Paul, whom the Christ sent to preach especially to the Gentiles. That’s why in the letter to the Ephesians, he could say of God: ‘To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved (bestowed grace or favour on us). In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.’ (Eph. 1:6-7)
Yes mih bredrin, it was all the Lord’s doing through His wonderful LOVE for His human creation. He sent Jesus to die on the cross so that His blood could redeem us, set us free from the bondage of sin, and reconcile us back to himself. That’s why He’s so worthy of our praise and LOVE, and the psalmist could rightly declare: ‘Praise ye the Lord (shout hallelujah). Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power (mighty firmament). Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness…. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (shout hallelujah).’ (Ps. 150:1-2,6)
Then we have that beautiful imagery in the song: ‘Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard his children – In his arms he carries them all day long:’ Jesus indeed referred to Himself as a shepherd: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.’ (John 10:11) Which is exactly what He did on the cross of Calvary. Then later he also declared: ‘I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ (John 10:14) More gospel truth again, for Jesus does indeed know all those who truly know Him as Lord and Saviour. And way back when Isaiah also referred to the Lord as a shepherd. ‘He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is. 40:11)Yes, the Lord takes good care of His people like a shepherd takes good care of his sheep.
And there’s absolutely no doubt that ‘Jesus is our Rock, and our hope of eternal salvation.’ Bruh David says it so eloquently in Psalm 18: ‘I will LOVE thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower (stronghold). I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ (Ps. 18:1-3) And that’s what he did, and the Lord saved him from His enemies. And since the Lord doesn’t change, if He did it for Bruh David, then He will also do it for all who sincerely call upon His Holy Name for help!
Meanwhile because of Jesus’ sacrifice, the Lord ‘Hath also highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of (those) things in heaven, and (those) things in earth, and (those) things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ (Phill. 2:9-11) And then, when Jesus comes as the righteous Judge, the Bible says: ‘And he hath on his vesture (robe) and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.’ (Rev. 19:16)
And there’s also joy and singing in heaven, ‘Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!’ when ‘ John says in Revelation: ‘And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts (living creatures) and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessings, and honour, and glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. And the four beasts (living creatures) said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. ’ (Rev. 5:11-14)
Yes my people, that’s only a foretaste of how it will really be. Much LOVE!
…our great Godhead…Father, Son and Holy Ghost…are indeed worthy of all our praise…and even more…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
02 Aug 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a renewal of faith and confidence, a song about finding strength, a soulful ballad, a spiritual source, a unique song, and lo I am with you always, beats so imperfectly, believest thou this, bondage to Satan, Christians, come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, during difficult times, each restless heart, emotional weariness, empowers others to overome adversity, even unto the end of the world, faith, find rest unto your souls, finding inner strength and hope, for praise worship and thanksgiving, gentle and humble in heart, give you rest, have the light of life, he that believeth on me shall never thirst, he that cometh to me shall never hunger, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, holy spirit, hope, I am filled with wonder, I am still, I am strong, I am the bread of life, I am the good shepherd, I am the resurrection and the life, I am the way the truth and the life, I can stand on mountains, I glimpse eternity, I know my sheep and are known of mine, in the face of worldly challenges, Jesus Christ, Jesus is a Superstar, Jesus is there for us in any area we need help, Jesus will take good care of us, Jesus' yoke is filled with mercy and grace, join other believers in the Lord's sancturary, Josh Groban, learn of me, long holiday weekend, LOVE, meek and lowly in heart, mercy, most important action, my heart burdened be, my soul so weary, no life without its hunger, no man cometh unto the Father but by me, numerous festivities taking place, perseverance, reach your full potential, salvation, Secret Garden, sinful darkness, sweet sacrifices of praise, take my yoke upon you, that action under our belt, the BIBLE, the first Sunday in August, the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep, the gospel truth, the great invitation, the light of the world, the love and guidance of God, the presence of a loving you, the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the sacrifice of Jesus, the support of another person, though he were dead yet shall he live, to be more than I can be, to walk on stormy seas, truth, until you come and sit awhile with me, wait here in silence, when I am down, when I am on your shoulders, when troubles come, when you come, whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die, wisdom, You Raise Me Up
Today’s Scrip-Bit 2 August 2026 Matthew 28:20b.
Matthew 28:20b. …and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Oh my people, on this first Sunday in August, although the rain is trying to create some unnecessary havoc, with the long holiday weekend in progress, and the numerous festivities taking place, let’s not forget the most important action we need to take; that’s joining other believers in the Lord’s sanctuary for praise, worship and thanksgiving. For without that action under our belt, the upcoming week will not be as easy to handle, for our faith and confidence would not have received its weekly renewal. (smile)
And to help us do that this week, we have a wonderful song to sing; one that all of us know and LOVE; one simply titled, ‘You Raise Me up.’ It’s a song originally recorded in 2001 by the duo Secret Garden with singer Brian Kennedy, but was made famous worldwide by Josh Groban in 2003. And it’s one of those unique songs that speak to all of us in one way or another, so let’s not delay any longer, and offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful ballad, a scintillating, heartfelt version.
Singing: ‘When I am down and oh, my soul so weary When troubles come and my heart burdened be Then I am still and wait here in the silence Until You come and sit awhile with me (Chorus: You raise me up so I can stand on mountains You raise me up to walk on stormy seas I am strong when I am on Your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be: You raise me up so I can stand on mountains You raise me up to walk on stormy seas I am strong when I am on Your shoulders You raise me up to more than I can be.)
There is no life, no life without its hunger Each restless heart beats so imperfectly But when You come and I am filled with wonder Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity You raise me up so I can stand on mountains (You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains) You raise me up to walk on stormy seas (Walk on stormy seas) And I am strong when I am on Your shoulders Oh, you raise me up to more than I can be You raise me up to more than I can be.’
That was wonderful friends! And though the song is not a recognized hymn, it does have many of the qualities that most hymns have. It’s like this Overview explains. ‘”You Raise Me Up” is an inspiring ballad about finding strength, hope, and perseverance through the support of another person, often interpreted as God or a spiritual source, especially during difficult times. The lyrics describe a person’s emotional weariness and how the presence of a LOVING “you” empowers them to overcome adversity, “stand on mountains,” “walk on stormy seas,” and achieve more than they could alone.’
And isn’t that the gospel truth! We could not find our way in this life without the awesome LOVE and guidance of our wonderful God, through the sacrifice of His sinless Son, Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, and then the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit within us to help lead and guide us along the straight and narrow path! And we discover that situation, right in the very first verse, where troubles burden us, and we sit in silence waiting until that special someone comes to sit with us.
Who’s that special someone eh? No one but Jesus, as He offers His Great Invitation to all who are burdened and weary. ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11:28-30)
Yes friends, Jesus’ yoke is indeed light, for it’s not as heavy as the yoke that the Rabbis of old, placed on their followers, with the numerous laws that no sinful human could ever keep properly. Instead, Jesus’ yoke is light and unencumbered, because it’s filled with mercy and grace. That makes Him the best One to provide comfort and support and lift you up when you are hurting.
And if as they say, the song is about finding inner strength and hope in the face of worldly challenges, He is indeed the One most able to provide those things. And if you’re also looking for someone to support you, so that you can reach your full potential, and even greater, then Jesus is again the One you need. For lets’ look at all the things He is and does.
In the first place, He claims: ‘I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.’ (John 8:35) He is the bread that gives spiritual and eternal life. Then He claims: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12) That means Jesus won’t allow you to be pressured into or remain in the sinful darkness and bondage that Satan delights in keeping those who follow him.
Then again, as Jesus says to Martha, Lazarus’ sister: ‘I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead (may die), yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?’’ (John 11:25-26) Now that’s a good question for all of us to seriously ponder. Then there’s this claim, where Jesus says to the disciple Thomas, and consequently to all of us: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.’ (John 14:6) So nobody can get to Father God, but through belief in His Son Jesus Christ.
Then last, but by no means last, Jesus claims: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep… I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.’ (John 10:11&14) And we all know what a good shepherd does- take good care of the sheep in his flock. Therefore, if we put our trust in Jesus, He will take good care of us. In fact, all those ‘I am’ statements were to show us how unique and all-encompassing is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In any area in which we need help, He is always there for us. As he says at the end of the Great Commission: ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b)
Now how can you beat that eh? You simply cannot, for Jesus is a Superstar; the One and only One in the universe. That means we can rest assured in all areas of our lives, if we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. Let’s hope you do. Much LOVE!
…Jesus can raise us up from any state or trouble…in which we find ourselves…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
26 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a deficiency causes a clear adverse outcome, a misguided heart, a need is something that's necessary to sustain life, a want is a desire wish or aspiration, all fall down, bowing here, cling to God, come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, congregate in the Lord's sanctuary, consider all the blessings we have, dysfunction, eternal death, exciting, faith, fellowship, find grace to help in time of need, find rest unto your souls, find true rest and direction, gentle and humble in heart, God goodness and mercy, God's largesse, hard, headed straight for hell fire and damnation, Holiness is Christ in me, holy spirit, I confess, I find my rest, I need you every hour, I will call upon the Lord, I will give you rest, I will love thee O lord my strength, I'll fall on you Jesus, in whom I will trust, Jesus Christ, Jesus is more than sufficient for all our needs, Jesus is our be all and end all, joy filled, learn from me, let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, Lord I come, Lord I need you, LOVE, makes me wan to worship, Matt Maher, meek and lowly in heart, my buckler, my burden is light, my deliverer, my god, my high tower, my one defense, my righteousness, my shield, my stronghold, my yoke is easy, O God how I need you, obtain mercy, on the right hand of God, painful, run to God, salvation, saved from mine enemies, song of worship, Sunday, sweet sacrifices of praise, take my yoke upon you, teach my song to rise to you, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, the delicious truth, the first day of the week, the horn of my salvation, the Lord is my rock and my fortress, the throne of grace, the undeserving children of men, there is no other God like our God Jehovah, this evil and ungodly society, time of need, total reliance on God, trust God with everything we're going through, truth, we cannot make it on our own, we need God every minute, we need God in every situation in our lives, we need the Lord's saving grace, when I cannot stand, when temptation comes my way, where grace is found is where you are, where sin runs deep, where you are Lord I am free, wisdom, without you I fall apart, worthy to be praised, you're my hope and stay, you're the one that guides my heart, your grace is more
Today’s Scrip-Bit 26 July 2026 Matthew 11:28.
Matthew 11:28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
It’s the first day of the week my fellow believers! Sunday! The day we congregate in the Lord’s sanctuary to celebrate His sovereignty as one joyful body, to offer up praise and thanksgiving for His mercy and goodness to us undeserving children of men. For without His largesse, we’d have no chance whatsoever of escaping eternal death.
And today’s song of worship is one that shows our total reliance on our Creator. It’s a 2011 contemporary Christian song by Matt Maher, most appropriately titled `Lord I Need You. So, without further ado, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, heartfelt, lively and uplifting version, as per the Brookly Tabernacle Choir.
Singing: ‘Lord I come, I confess Bowing here, I find my rest Without You, I fall apart You’re the one that guides my heart (Chorus: Lord, I need You, oh I need You Every hour, I need You My one defense, my righteousness Oh God, how I need You) Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more Where grace is found is where You are And where You are, Lord I am free Holiness is Christ in me (Chorus)
So teach my song to rise to You When temptation comes my way And when I cannot stand, I’ll fall on You Jesus, You’re my hope and stay (Chorus. Lord, I need You, oh I need You Every hour, I need You My one defense, my righteousness Oh God, how I need You You’re my one defense, my righteousness Oh God, how I need You My one defense, my righteousness Oh God, how I need You!’
And isn’t that the delicious truth! We desperately need the Lord’s saving grace, mercy, salvation, and all the other good things He has to offer, for we simply cannot make it on our own! But before we get into the specifics of the song, I think we should clarify what we mean by a need. And this commentary gives us a good basis on which to begin.
It says: ‘A need is something that is necessary for an organism to live a healthy life. Needs are distinguished from wants in that, in the case of a need, a deficiency causes a clear adverse outcome: a dysfunction or death. In other words, a need is something required for a safe, stable and healthy life (e.g. food, water, shelter), while a want is a desire, wish, or aspiration.’
From that explanation, we can deduce that needs are ever so necessary in a human’s life, and most, if not all of them can only be met by or obtained through God’s goodness, grace and mercy! Just look at the first verse: ‘‘Lord I come, I confess Bowing here, I find my rest Without You, I fall apart You’re the one that guides my heart.’ Now where else can you find true rest and direction for an unsure or misguided heart eh? Nowhere else but in and through Jesus!
As He says in His Great Invitation: ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of (from) me; for I am meek and lowly in heart (gentle and humble): and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ (Matt. 11: 28-30) Now that’s Jesus satisfying a couple of our most basic needs; rest and relief from heavy burdens. No one else can do that like He does.
Then look at the chorus: ‘Lord, I need You, oh I need You Every hour, I need You My one defense, my righteousness Oh God, how I need You).’ And if that isn’t the gospel truth, then I don’t know what is! And in this evil and ungodly society that seems to be getting worse with each passing day, do we ever need the Lord. Not only every hour but also every minute, because life is passing by so swiftly, if He isn’t with us all the time then all fall down.
And the chorus most rightly terms the Lord, ‘our one defense,’ which Bruh David clearly states in Psalm 18 – A Call for God’s Deliverance, when he confidently declares: ‘I will LOVE thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength (rock), in whom I will trust; my buckler (shield), and the horn (strength) of my salvation, and my high tower (stronghold). I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.’ (Ps. 18:1-3)
It could not be said more clearly than that my people! And we know that Bruh David was talking there from personal experience and not simple hearsay. Then this verse tells us: ‘Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more Where grace is found is where You are And where You are, Lord I am free Holiness is Christ in me.’
And where do we find grace, but at the throne of grace! As the author of Hebrews so rightly informs us: ‘Let us therefore come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Heb. 4:16) And if we find grace where Jesus is, then Jesus must in heaven, as Peter says: ‘Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.’ (1 Pet. 3:22)
Yes my fellow believers, as I keep on saying, Jesus is our End All and Be All; without Him we’re completely lost, headed straight for hell fire and damnation, but with Him in our lives, we don’t need anything or anyone else, for He is more than sufficient for all our needs!
And we’ll close with a couple of testimonies on the song. The first one says: ‘God is ALL that we need. That’s what He wants from us. For us to run to Him, cling to Him and trust Him with everything we’re going through. Whether it’s painful and hard, or joy filled and exciting! We need Him!’ Don’t we know it!
And the second testimony declares: ‘This is a very beautiful song.it makes me look at God and see how much I need him in every situation in my life. It makes me want to worship every time I sing it. It surely is a blessing.’ What an awesome truth! And with that truth declared, I think we should spend some time today considering all the blessings we have, by having Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour! Much LOVE!
…what a great God we serve…there is no other like Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
19 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 10th century African Prayer, a light unto my path, abide with you for ever, air quality warnings, all for our benefit, and again I say rejoice, ask and it shall be given you, be careful for nothing, be filled with the Spirit, be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, because I live ye shall live also, blessed be God, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God, calamity, call upon me, comforts us in all our tribulation, dissipation, dwell in the land of the shadow of death, everyone that asketh receiveth, faith, fellowship, giving thanks always for all things, God will come to you if you ask him to, going to God's house to worship Him, have the light of life, He came to me when I needed Him, He gave me eyes to behold, He gave me wealth untold, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, he that seeketh findeth, He's only a prayer away, hearken unto you, holy spirit, I am the light of the world, I asked the Lord to comfort me, I asked the Lord to walk with me, I count all my blessings each day, I didn't ask for riches, I know the thoughts that I have toward you, I only had to pray, I thank the Lord for everything, I will come to you, I will comfort you, I will not leave you comfortless, I will see you through, if ye love me keep my commandments, in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, in every thing give thanks, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, it shall be opened, Jesus Christ, Ji, Jimmy Duncan, Johnny Lange, knock and it shall be opened unto you, let your moderation be known unto all men, let your requests be made known unto God, lift your cares away, listen to you, LOVE, making melody in your heart to the Lord, mercy, Mule Train, My Special Angel, never be afraid, pray the Father to give you another Comforter, pray without ceasing, rejoice evermore, Rejoice in the Lord always, renew our spirits, salvation, search for me with all your heart, seek and ye shall find, seen a great light, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ, speaking to yourselves in psalms hymns and spiritual songs, sweet sacrifices of praise, the best of everything is bestowed on you, the Father of mercies, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the firmament sheweth his handiwork, the God of All Comfort, the greatest privilege is prayer, the heavens declare the glory of god, the Lord is at hand, the moon and the stars, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the people that walked in darkness, the Spirit of truth, the sun in the sky, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, to give you a future and a hope, to give you an expected end, to him that knocketh, truth, unto god the Father, upon them the light hath shined, we may comfort them which are in trouble, when darkness was all I knew, when things weren't going my way, will not leave you as orphans, wisdom, ye shall call upon me and pray unto me, ye shall seek me and find me
Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 July 2026 John 8:12.
John 8:12. ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’
Ah, Sunday, sweet Sunday! Going to God’s house to sing and praise and worship Him with other believers and renew our sprits for another week! What a glorious time it will be, as we meet and greet and encourage each other! And though some air quality warning is still in place, it’s otherwise a bright and sunshiny day with blue skies and a cool breeze, which makes it even more satisfying to journey to the Lord’s sanctuary. (smile)
And today’s song of worship is a beautiful 20th century hymn, written by Jimmy Duncan (1927-2011) and Johnny Lange (1905-2006) simply but very expressively titled ‘I asked the Lord.’ It’s strange that those two got together to write a hymn, when they were both known for more popular worldly music, like ‘My Special Angel,’ and ‘Mule Train.’ But a beautiful song was indeed created from the collaboration, so, without further ado, let’s raise our voices in sweet sacrifices of praise, in a rich, soulful, scintillating, mid-tempo version.
Singing: ‘I asked the Lord to comfort me When things weren’t going my way; And He said to me, “I will comfort you And I’ll lift your cares away.” I asked the Lord to walk with me, when darkness was all that I knew; And He said to me “Never be afraid, and I will see you through.” I didn’t ask for riches, but He gave me wealth untold, The moon and the stars, the sun in the sky, and He gave me eyes to behold. I thank the Lord for everything, and I count all my blessings each day; For He came to me when I needed Him, I only had to pray. And He will come to you, if you ask Him to, For He’s only a prayer away…. Yes, if you ask Him to, He will come to you, For He’s only a prayer away…’
Oh friends, that was a wonderful version! And what I truly like about the song is that it’s short and simple, but very much to the point. You ask the Lord for something within His will, and He’ll certainly do it for you. As Jesus says: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ (Matt. 7:7-8) And if Jesus says it’s so, then it is so!
And what did we ask for above there? Comfort, when things weren’t going our way. And what did Jesus promise when He told the disciples about His going back to heaven? ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter (Helper), that he may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.’ (John 14:15-19)
Yuh see that mih people: Jesus promised the disciples, and consequently us, a Comforter in the form of the Holy Spirit, who will live within us and transmit His messages to us. And furthermore, on the topic of comfort, listen to these wonderful words of Bruh Paul in his second letter to the church at Corinth. ‘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 our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble (tribulation), by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Now isn’t that simply awesome; the Lord comforts us so that we can comfort others. That’s the wonderful kind of God we serve my faithful brethren! And, as per asking the Lord to walk with us the darkness, listen as Isaiah pours it out: ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death upon them the light hath shined.’ (Is. 9:2) And who was that light? None other than Jesus, for as He says in one of His many ‘I Am’ statements: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)
What more can we ask for eh? And if that isn’t enough, then listen as the psalmist tells us about the Lord’s Word. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) So however you take it, once you’re in the Lord’s space, you have light now and forevermore! And though we never asked for riches, the Lord gave us wealth untold in the beauty of His magnificent universe, and eyes wherewith to see, admire and enjoy it. As Bruh David says in Psalm 19: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament (expanse of heaven) sheweth his handiwork (the work of his hands).’ (Ps. 19:1)
Now here comes possibly the most important part of the song: ‘I thank the Lord for everything.’ Yes friends, thanks to Almighty God for all that He’s done for us, especially since we don’t deserve any of it, is of the utmost importance! And so is counting our many blessings, which is all wrapped up in these scriptures of Bruh Paul. To the Ephesians he says: ‘And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation); but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;’ (Eph. 5:18-20)
Then to the Philippians he wrote: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation (gentleness, reasonableness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:4-7) Meanwhile, to the Thessalonians, he simply says: ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (Thess. 5:16-18)
And how do we connect it all? Through the greatest privilege in the world; PRAYER! As the Lord says through Jeremiah: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope). Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto (listen to) you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all of your heart.’ (Jer. 29:11-13) The message could not be any clearer than that my brethren, so please let’s take it to heart and put it into action nuh. For remember all that the Lord’s doing is for our benefit, not His. Much LOVE!
…when you embrace Jesus…the best of everything is bestowed on you like…light…life…LOVE…comfort…joy…and peace…amongst many other things…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
12 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a humble and grateful attitude, a stressful time, a very present help in trouble, an abundantly available in time of trouble help, approach life and God with a heart full of thankfulness, be thankful unto him, bless His name, blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul, born from the depths of such unimaginable sorrow, Christ has regarded my helpless estate, devout Christian, enter into his gates with thanksgiving, faith, faith shall be like sight, find words of God to reassure us, for thy coming we wait, God has the power to overcome even the darkest times, God is a refuge for us, God is our comfort and calm, God is our refuge and strength, God will see us through any storm, haste the day, he is my defence, He only is my rock and my salvation, his mercy is everlasting, his truth endureth to all generations, holy spirit, Horatio Spafford, I bear it no more, I shall not be moved, in death as in life, In God is my salvation and my glory, into his courts with praise, it is well, it is well with my soul, Jesus Christ, joyful celebration, let this blest assurance control, LOVE, mercy, much like Job, my expectation is from him, my refuge is in God, my sin, my soul, nailed to the cross, not in part but in whole, only in god can we ever find true refuge and solace, Philip Bliss, placed his trust in god both in prosperity and calamity, pour out your heart before him, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord O my soul, S.S Ville de Havre, salvation, scarlet fever, Selah, shall we not receive evil, shall we receive good at the hand of God, shed his own blood for my soul, silently wait thou only upon God, sorrows like sea billows roll, strong faith does not spare us from adversity, sweet sacrifices of praise, taught me to say, terrible upheaval, the bliss of this glorious thought, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the gospel truth, the Great Chicago Fire, The Lord is good, the Lord shall descend, the mountains shake with the swelling thereof, the only way to keep things together, the pinnacle of success, the rock of my strength, the sky not the grave is our goal, the trump shall resound, the waters thereof roar and be troubled, therefore will not we fear, though Satan should buffet, though the earth be removed, though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, tragedy, tragic loss, tragic times, trials should come, trump of the angel, trust in him at all times, truth, turmoil, turn to the scriptures, voice of the Lord, whatever my lot, when peace like a river attendeth my way, when tragedy strikes turn to God, whisper thy peace to my soul, wisdom
Today’s Scrip-Bit 12 July 2026 Psalm 46:1.
Psalm 46:1. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in trouble.
And after our lazy-day Saturday, where we do little or nothing, comes the Lord’s Day, Sunday, when we go to church, or as the psalmist says: ‘Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.’ (Ps. 100:4-5) Yes, my fellow believers, that’s how we ought to enter the Lord’s sanctuary today, and every day we visit it.
As this overview puts it. ‘The scripture invites believers into God’ presence. It beautifully pairs a humble, grateful attitude with joyful celebration, serving as a reminder to approach life—and God—with a heart full of thankfulness.’ So please let that always be our attitude when we go to church, for that’s what the Lord expects of us. And today’s song of worship is a well-known and marvellous song, but one with a heartbreaking story. It’s titled, ‘It is well with my Soul.’
The story goes that Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) a Presbyterian layman, successful lawyer and real estate investor in Chicago, had four beautiful daughters and one son. One commentary describes him thus: ‘Much like Job, he placed his trust in God during his life’s prosperity, but also during its calamities.’ And just like Job, at his pinnacle of success, living a blessed life, he encountered numerous calamities. As the commentary says: ‘But faith, no matter how great does not spare us from adversity.’
To begin with, his four-year-old son died from scarlet fever. Then, when the Great Chicago Fire happened in 1871, Spafford lost most of his real estate fortune. Obviously, it was a very stressful time for Spafford and his family. Then in 1873, with his wife still overcome by grief, He decided to send her and their four daughters to England for a holiday aboard the S. S. Ville de Havre., intending to join them later after straightening out some business affairs.
While crossing the Atlantic Ocean on November 22, 1873, the ship became involved in a terrible collision and apparently sank within 12 minutes. Spafford’s four daughters and some 200 hundred other people died in that tragedy. It is said that when his wife Anna reached Cardiff, Wales, she sent her husband a telegram that began: “Saved alone. What shall I do?” After receiving the telegram Spafford immediately set sail for England, and during the voyage, the captain, who was aware that Spafford had lost his four daughters in the collision, requested Spafford to join him.
The captain pointed out the location where the collision occurred. A devout Christian, Spafford thought about his four daughters, and he was comforted by the hope he had. He rushed to his room, and penned the words to a poem, which was the beginning of this timeless hymn. A few years later, famous hymn composer, Philip Bliss (1838-1876) was apparently so moved by Spafford’s prose, that he composed a peaceful tune to accompany the words. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.
So now that we know the story behind the song, let’s finally offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise, in a soulful, heartfelt, mid-tempo rendition. Singing: ‘When peace like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul (Chorus: It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul.)
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Chorus) My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul (Chorus) For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul. (Chorus)
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul! (Chorus) And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul. It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul.’
Now that was certainly beautiful and heartfelt, so much so, that all heaven sang along with us. And to be a believer with such awesome faith is certainly not easy, because that kind of tragic loss reaches right down into one’s soul, just desiring to eat away at it. But like Job, Spafford must have reasoned: ‘What? shall we receive (accept) good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive (accept) evil (calamity)?’ (Job 2:9a)
Yes, that would be the right thing to say, but very few of us under those circumstances would probably not be able to even think those words much less speak them. Neither the words, ‘It is well with my soul,’ for most of our souls would be in terrible upheaval and turmoil. And at such tragic times the only way to keep things somewhat together is by turning to the scriptures and finding words of God to reassure us.
Words like these 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)
And then we have words like these from Bruh David in Psalm 62, that we only recently spoke about. He writes: ‘My soul, (silently) wait thou only upon God; for my expectation (hope) is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved (shaken). In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.’ (Ps. 62: 5-8) Yes friends when tragedy strikes, God should be our strength and refuge, our comfort and calm, for no else can do it like Him.
And this commentary provides us with a very good ending. ‘It’s incredible to think such encouraging and uplifting words were born from the depths of such unimaginable sorrow. It’s an example of truly inspiring faith and trust in the Lord. And it goes to show the power our God has to overcome even the darkest times of our earthly life. We pray this brought you inspiration. Be sure to share this story with others who could use a reminder that our God will see us through any storm!’ And that’s the gospel truth! So please remember it! Much LOVE!
in tragic times…only in Jehovah God…can we ever find true refuge and solace…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
05 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a feeling of such joy and elation, a heartfelt version of the song, a touch of fear, a writer of gospel songs, be enthusiastic about serving God, be of the most use to my Master, celebrates joyful companionship with Jesus, Charles Austin Miles, Christians, clung to him for dear life, do not cling to me, experience tender moments, faith, fellowship, go to my brethren, grief turned into joy, he bids me go, he speaks, He walks with me and He talks with me, his voice to me is calling, holy spirit, I am not yet ascended to my Father, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, I come to the garden alone, I know not where they have laid him, I serve willingly, I'd stay in the garden with him, In the Garden (He walks with me), Jesus calls Mary by name, Jesus Christ, Jesus saith unto her, listen to what Jesus says, LOVE, loved ones in joyful surprise, Mary did not recognize Jesus, Mary Magdalene, mercy, no heat warning, none other has ever known, not as efficiently as is my desire, poetic justice, Rabboni, renewed an revitalized spirits, salvation, scintillating music, sincere words, sweet sacrifices of praise, take the time to walk with Jesus, tells me I am His own, the BIBLE, the birds hush their singing, the dew is still on the roses, the elation of seeing Jesus alive, the first to see Jesus alive, the joy we share as we tarry there, the melody that he gave me, the night around me be falling, the Son of God discloses, the sound of his voice is so sweet, the voice I hear falling on my ear, the voice of woe, they have taken away my Lord, those assumed dead suddenly return alive, to my god and your God, touch me not, truth, turned around and saw Jesus staning there, whom seekest thou, wisdom, within my heart is ringing
Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 July 2026 John 20:15a.
John 20:15a. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?
And it’s another Sunday, somewhat cloudy and not as hot as the last few days, that’s why the church bells are pealing, inviting us to come together in the Lord’s sanctuary to praise and worship Him, fellowship with other believers, while having our spirits renewed and revitalized so we can get back out into the world, strong and ready to continue doing good work for Jesus. And all God’s people, said, ‘Praise the Lord!’
Now, today’s song of worship was authored by the American gospel song writer Charles Austin Miles (1868- 1946) He began his career as a pharmacist, then around 1892 got into the song writing and publishing business. And as per that switch, he says: ‘It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire.’
Oh friends, I wish many more of us could be as enthusiastic about serving the Lord as Miles seemed to be. And today’s song, written in 1912, is one we all know and like, titled, ‘In the Garden (He walks with Me).’ So, without further ado, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a mid-tempo, soulful, heartfelt version of the song, with rich, scintillating music accompanying our sincere words.
Singing: ‘I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses, And the voice I hear falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses… And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! He speaks and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that he gave to me, Within my heart is ringing . . .
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling. And He bids me go through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling… And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! (Repeat)’
As always, that was wonderful my people, no one can say that we didn’t mean what we sang. (smile) And what’s the song all about you ask? It celebrates the joyful companionship that the author experiences with Jesus as he walks through the garden. It seems that the song was inspired by the elation Mary Magdalene felt when she saw the risen Jesus.
As this commentary says: ‘One occasionally hears stories of someone who disappeared and was assumed dead suddenly reappearing to their family and loved ones in a joyful surprise. Imagine how much greater Mary Magdalene’s shock and elation was when Jesus, whom she had seen dead and buried three days earlier (Mark 15:40, 47), suddenly called her by name and she turned and saw Him, very much alive and in person (John 20:16). This hymn elaborates on the emotions she may have felt in that moment, when her grief was turned to joy.’
And according to John’s gospel early on the resurrection morning, Mary Magadalene was in the garden where Christ had been buried, and when she came to the tomb, it was empty, but two angels in white sat at the head and foot of where He had lain. ‘And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back (turned around), and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?
She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence (carried him away, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master (Teacher) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not (don’t cling to me); for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.’ (John 20:13-18)
Oh my people, can you imagine how Mary Magdalene must have felt being the first to encounter Jesus in His risen state? I guess the first reaction might have been a touch of fear after the sadness of not knowing where his body lay. Then when the realization that He was indeed alive, really sunk in, it was one of such joy and elation that she could not control herself and clung to Him for dear life. As the song says: ‘And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known!’
And I guess that’s the truth, because she was the first one to see Him after His resurrection, and what joy could eclipse that of being the first person to see the Lord alive and embrace Him after His resurrection? Truly, none! And can you imagine how Mary felt when she heard Him call her name? The song explains it very nicely: ‘He speaks and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that he gave to me, Within my heart is ringing . . .’
Yes, for the rest of her life, she certainly would have remembered and treasured those few moments alone in Jesus’ company, and the sound of His voice when He called her name. And could it have been poetic justice that Mary was the first to see Jesus alive, since He had turned her demon filled life around and she had become a serious and sincere follower? Who knows?
But what I do know friends, is that all of us can experience tender moments like the song says, if we take the time to walk somewhere quietly with Jesus and simply listen to what He has to say to us, through His Holy Spirit that indwells us. But we need to make the time and effort to do it. Much LOVE!
…it’s easy to hear Jesus…just listen when He speaks…and He does speak…we just don’t listen hard enough…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
28 Jun 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a most moving experience, a powerful reminder of our God's faithful protection, a renewed and refreshed spirit, a soulful heartfelt version, afflictions, always remember that God is by our side, an incurable cripple, another beautiful summer's day, are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, are ye not much better than they, are you not more valuable than the birds, astonishing faith, bedridden, behold the fowls of the air, bright hopefulness, but one step I may see, Charles H Gabriel, christianity, Civilla D Martin, expression of boundless faith, faith, fear him which can destroy both body and soul in hell, fear not them which kill the body, fear ye not therefore, feeling down and discouraged, fellowship, fired the imagination, from care he sets me free, gather in barns, giving thanks and praise, God watches us through all our difficulties, gripped the hearts, guide thee with mine eye, he shall direct thy paths, His eye is on the sparrow, his tender word I hear, holy spirit, I draw the closer to him, I know He watches me, I lose my doubts and fears, I sing because I'm free, I sing because I'm happy, I will instruct thee, improve our sense of worth, in all thy ways acknowledge him, inspiration and comfort, Jesus Christ, Jesus is my portion, Kirk Franklin, lean not unto thine own understanding, led by God when we put our trust in Him, let not your heart be troubled, lived happy Christian lives, long for heaven and home, LOVE, mankind is worth a lot to God, mercy, moving at breakneck speed, my constant friend is he, no doubt about our sincerity, none of them shall fall to the ground without your father, not able to kill the soul, our faith shows up in our afflictions, propelled himself in a wheelchair, resting on His goodness, ring ever so true, salvation, see ourselves as God sees us, sweet sacrifices of praise, teach thee in the way thou shall go, the BIBLE, the Doolittles, the everlasting truth, the outcome of, the Sermon on the Mount, the very hairs of your head are numbered, they sow not neither do they reap, though by the path he leadeth, touches your heart, true saints of God, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, truth, want to make a difference, when hope within me dies, when songs give place to sighing, whenever clouds arise, whenever I am tempted, why should I feel discouraged, why should my heart be lonely, why should the shadows come, Why we sing, wisdom, ye are of more value than many sparrows, your heavenly Father feeds them
Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 June 2026 Matthew 10:31.
Matthew 10:31. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
And the weekly cycle has come around again; it’s Sunday, another beautiful summer’s day. But would you believe it’s already the last Sunday in June? Another two days and June is done! And if I didn’t know better, I’d swear that time has sped up, so that the days and months seem to be moving at breakneck speed. But whether time is moving more quickly or not, the fact that today is Sunday means we need to visit the Lord’s sanctuary to fellowship with other believers, giving thanks and praise and receiving a renewed and refreshed Spirit in return.
And our song of worship for today is a beautiful, relatively recent and very interesting Christian song written in 1905 by Civilla D. Martin and Charles H. Gabriel, titled ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow.’ The song is so popular that’ it’s been recorded by numerous artists from several different genres, but many of us might only know it as the powerful, climactic bridge in Kirk Franklin’s gospel song, ‘Why We Sing.’ However, today, we’re going to do the real song in a slower more soulful, heartfelt version like it was originally written.
So, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise, letting them ring ever so true, that there’s no doubt about sincerity. Singing: ‘Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, And long for heav’n and home; When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is he; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me. (Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free; For his eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me.)
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on his goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path he leadeth, But one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me. [Refrain] Whenever I am tempted, Whenever clouds arise; When songs give place to sighing, When hope within me dies, I draw the closer to him, From care he sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me; His eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me. [Refrain: I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free; For his eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me. I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free; For his eye is on the sparrow, And I know he watches me.’
And that’s the everlasting truth, my people! The song is a powerful reminder of our wonderful God’s faithful protection! And this commentary cements it: ‘Throughout life, we may feel discouraged and down. But always remember that He is by our side and watches over us through it all. Just like the lyrics of ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’ remember that He is with us in all that we do. And when you hear how this popular hymn came to be written, your heart will be touched. Do not be troubled because we have the King of kings on our side!’
More glorious truth my fellow believers! And the story behind the song’s creation is truly touching and most encouraging. The lyricist, Civilla Martin, explained that her inspiration for the song came from a friendship they made with another couple, Mr. And Mrs. Doolittle, while living in Elmira, New York. She called them ‘true saints of God.’ And here’s why. Apparently Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for almost twenty years. On the other hand, her husband was an incurable cripple who propelled himself to and from his business in a wheelchair. But despite their afflictions, they lived happy, Chrisitan lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them.
One day, while visiting the Doolittles, her husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: ‘His eye is on the Sparrow, and I know He watches over me.’ What astonishing faith! Many of us who have all our faculties intact don’t have half as much faith. But I believe that it’s in our afflictions that our faith shows up the most. And according to Mrs. Martin, the beauty of that simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of she and her husband, and the hymn, ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’ was the outcome of that most moving experience.
And what else can one expect when you come upon such true and beautiful faith. It makes you also want to make a difference of some magnitude. And Mrs. Martin certainly did with that song. But what of the scripture references eh? They seem to echo words from Bruh David in Psalm 32: ‘I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way in which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.’ (Ps. 32:8) That’s to do with being led by God when we put our trust and faith in Him. It’s as Cousin Sol also wisely advises 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)
Then, as per the connection to the sparrow, they come from the words of Jesus, trying to make us understand how very much the Father cares for us. In the Sermon on the Mount, during His teaching on worry, He points out: ‘Behold the fowls of the air (birds): for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better (more valuable) than they?’ (Matt. 6:26) That seems rather obvious, although we don’t seem to accept it.
Then, later on, when talking on fear, Jesus says: ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.’ (Matt. 10:28-31) More everlasting truth my fellow believers! And let’s hope that we were able to renew and also improve our sense of worth and thus see ourselves as our heavenly Father sees us. Much LOVE!
…to be God’s most valuable creation…means that we’re worth a lot to Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
21 Jun 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a total disaster, a tough relationship to cultivate, a wake up call for fathers, absentee fathers, all nature sings, as thou Father art in me and i in you, basic foundation of our society, bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, cause them to go astray, cherish and appreciate our fathers, cruelty, current youth violence and crime, declare their Maker's praise, established it upon the floods, even when he is old, faith, fall by the wayside, fathers are the head of the household, fathers provoke not your children to wrath, favouritism, God appointed job, God is the ruler yet, God reigns, godly men, going out to see the father's world, Happy Father's day, he hath founded it upon the seas, he reigns in power and in love, he shines in all that's fair, he speaks to me everywhere, he will not depart from it, his hand the wonders wrought, holy spirit, honour thy father and thy mother, I and my Father are one, I have a glorious father, I have given them, I hear him pass, in rustling grass, injustice, Jesus Christ, Jesus praised the Father and their close relationship, lead by example, let the earth be glad, let the heavens ring, like clockwork, loss of temper, LOVE, Maltbie Davenport Babcock, mercy, need more fathers in the homes, no proper parental guidance, O let me ne'er forget, of skies and seas, our bounden duty, our heavenly Father, participate in rearing godly children, praise, praying for believers, raise children in a god-like manner, rest me in the thoughts of, rocks and trees, round me rings, salvation, savour the scenic view, show godly beahaviour, single parent families, soulful and scintillating, sweet sacrifices of praise, takes a toll on relationships, thanksgiving, that they may all be one, that thy days may be long, the best father -son relationship ever, the best father there is, the birds their carols raise, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the glory which thou gavest me, the importance of honouring our parents, the lily white, the Lord is king, the morning light, the music of the spheres, the Niagara Escarpment, the world and they that dwell therein, the world may believe that you sent me, they also may be one in us, they may be one even as we are one, this is my Father's world, though the wrong seems oft so strong, to my listening ears, train up a child in the way he should go, truth, turn things around now, undue severity, why should my heart be sad, wisdom, working to make ends meet, ye fathers, you make the child but not their minds
Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 June 2026 Ephesians 6:4.
Ephesians 6:4. And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture (training) and admonition of the Lord.
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
It’s another Sunday friends, a mostly sunny one. And yes, Sundays show up like clockwork, right on time, to remind us that we need to make our way to the Lord’s sanctuary for praise and thanksgiving. And this Sunday is a special one in the lives of fathers because we celebrate them today; show them the many ways we cherish, appreciate and admire them. But before we get into talking about our earthly fathers, let’s remember the best father there is, our heavenly Father.
And today’s song of worship is especially in His honour. It’s appropriately titled, ‘This is my Father’s World.’ It’s a popular Christian hymn penned by Maltbie Davenport Babcock, (1858-1901) a Presbyterian minister from New York. When Babcock resided in Lockport, it’s claimed that he would take strolls along the Niagara Escarpment to savor the overlook’s scenic view of upstate New York surroundings and Lake Ontario, telling his wife he was “going out to see the Father’s world”. Unfortunately, the poem wasn’t published until after his death in 1901, when his wife released a collection of his poems that contained it. And it wasn’t until 1915 that it appeared in the current hymn form.
So, on this special day for fathers, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a soulful, scintillating, mid-tempo version of the song. Singing: ‘This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas– His hand the wonders wrought. This is my Father’s world: The birds their carols raise, The morning light, the lily white, Declare their Maker’s praise. This is my Father’s world: He shines in all that’s fair; In the rustling grass, I hear Him pass, He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father’s world: O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father’s world: Why should my heart be sad? The Lord is King: let the heavens ring! God reigns; let earth be glad! I have a Father, a glorious father, He reigns in power and in LOVE, We have a Father, our glorious Father, creator, King and God. This is my Father’s world: O let me ne’er forget That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet. This is my Father’s world:’
And so it is my people! As Bruh David so rightfully says in psalm 24: ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods (rivers).’ (Ps. 24:1-2) And having noted that the world and all therein belongs to our heavenly Father, let’s take a quick look at the relationship between Him and His Son Jesus. That’s the best father – son relationship there’s ever been, and will ever be.
And though the Father sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay our sin debt, Jesus never held it against Him, but continued LOVING Him because He knew the great thing the Father was trying to do, and that He was the only person capable of doing it. Instead, Jesus praised the Father and the close relationship they enjoyed. As He said: ‘I and my Father are one.’ (John 10:30) And later on, when praying for believers, He again declares: ‘That they may all be one; as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.’ (John 17:21-22)
Yes friends, though that’s a tough relationship to cultivate between earthly fathers and children, that’s the type of relationship we ought to seek. And the Lord warned us of the importance of honouring our parents from way back in the Ten Commandments, with the only commandment of promise, when He declared: ‘Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.’ (Ex. 20:12) So, although our relationship with our fathers might not be of the strongest kind, it’s still our duty to respect and honour them.
And there are many good, bad and indifferent fathers in these crucial times. Fathers are supposed to be the head of the household; to take the lead in godly behaviour, to lead the children by their own example. But the fact that there are so many absentee fathers from today’s homes, so many single parent families, that it takes a toll on all relationships. Ofttimes the one parent is out working to make ends meet while the children are left on their own, and with no proper parental guidance get into all kinds of trouble. Lack of proper parental guidance is certainly one of the causes for so much current youth violence and crime.
It’s true that Cousin Sol theorized: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go: and (even) when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ (Prov. 22:6) And that holds true to a certain extent, but as the old people would say, you make the child but not their minds. So regardless of what you teach them in their youth, circumstances, friends, whatever, can always cause them to go astray. But still, we need more fathers in the homes, and fathers that care and are willing to do their God appointed job and guide their children in a God-like manner.
And it’s why Bruh Paul warned in the letter to the Ephesians. ‘And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture (training) and admonition of the Lord.’ (Eph. 6:4) And as the scholars point out, there are several ways in which fathers can provoke their children to wrath; ‘by injustice, loss of temper, undue severity, cruelty, favouritism, suppression, sarcasm, ridicule, and misuse or abuse of authority. Meanwhile, nurture here means spiritual education. Admonition is instruction that points out one’s responsibilities and duties. Of the Lord, indicates that behind the parents’ rearing and instruction of their children stands the Lord as the chief teacher in child education. Parents do not rear children alone.’
The long and short of the story friends is that the family as the basic foundation of our society is falling apart, as marriage and childbearing fall by the wayside, and the number of godly men who are willing to participate in rearing godly children also dwindle. But fathers, this is a wakeup call for us all to do better. Just look at how our children are running around aimlessly and irresponsibly, getting into oodles of trouble. That is not a good sign for the generation to come, so let’s rise up and do something about it nuh, for it’s our bounden duty. Much LOVE!
…if we don’t turn things around now…the next generation will be a total disaster…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
14 Jun 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a cross that raiseth me, a ladder set upon the earth, a standard bearer, age after age, all my song shall be, all that thou sendest me, angels beckon me nearer my god to thee, ascending and descending on it, at rest, Baal Worship, Bethel, Bethel I'll rise, bright with praise, by my woes to be, call upon God's name every day, called the name of that place Bethel, came to a certain place, cleaving the sky, constantly near to God, darkness be over me, descendants, during life's darkest trials, e'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, e'en though it be, faith, fellowship, fighting the good fight, finding God's presence and comfort, for our own well being, give thanks and praise to Almighty god, God's goodness to the children of men, gospel truth, he dreamed, health issues, hearing loss, holy spirit, how awesome is this place, how dreadful is this place, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, I am with thee, I knew it not, I will not leave thee, I'd be nearer my God to thee, in mercy given, in my father's home, in my Saviour's love, in thee and thy seed, Jacob awaked out of his sleep, Jacob went out from Beersheba, Jacob's dream of the ladder to heaven, Jesus Christ, let the way appear, like the wanderer, living the abundant life, LOVE, Luz, mercy, my rest a stone, my waking thoughts, nearer my God to thee, nearer to thee, on joyful wing, out of my stony griefs, perfectly blest, poured oil on the top of it, put them for his pillow, receive God's mercy and grace, safe, salvation, Sarah flowers Adams, search for me with all your heart, set it up for a pillar, shall all the families of the earth be blessed, steps unto heaven, sweet sacrifices of praise, tarried there all night, the angels of God, the foundation of the Jewish nation, the gate to heaven, the house of God, the land whereon thou liest to thee will I give it, the last song played on the Titanic, the Lord is in this place, the Lord never leaves our side, the Lord stood above it, the perfect call to the Lord, the sun gone down, the sun was set, the top of it reached to heaven, the twelve tribes of Israel, thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, to thy seed, took of the stones of that place, truth, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of, upward I'll fly, used stones for his pillow, will bring thee again into this land, will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, wisdom, ye shall seek me and find me
Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 June 2026 Genesis 28:16.
Genesis 28:16. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.
And on this somewhat damp and cloudy Sunday summer Sunday in mid-June, we join the millions of other believers around the world gathering in the Lord’s sanctuaries to give thanks and praise to Almighty God for His wonderful goodness to the children of men and to receive His awesome mercy and grace to enable us to keep on living the abundant life and fighting the good fight in His glorious name!
And today’s song of worship is a beautiful 19th century Chrisitan hymn written by Sarah Flower Adams in 1841, that’s ever so appropriate for today’s chaotic times. It’s titled ‘Nearer My God to Thee.’ Apparently, the song was commissioned by a London Unitarian minister, Reverend William Johnson Fox, who desired a song to accompany his upcoming sermon on Genesis 28:10-22—the story of Jacob climbing the ladder to heaven in his dream. And they say Sarah Flower Adams wrote the lyrics within a week, despite suffering from severe health issues and hearing loss.
And did she ever craft a beautiful message about finding God’s presence and comfort during life’s darkest trials. Her sister Eliza composed the tune for it. The song also became famous when it was alleged to be the final one played by the band aboard the sinking Titanic ocean liner. So, having some background info on the song, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise, in a soulful, heartfelt, mid-tempo version.
Singing: ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. (Refrain: Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!) Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, Darkness be over me, my rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, my God, to Thee. (Refrain) There let the way appear, steps unto Heav’n; All that Thou sendest me, in mercy giv’n; Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee. (Refrain)
Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs Bethel I’ll raise; So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee. (Refrain) Or, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee. (Refrain) There in my Father’s home, safe and at rest, There in my Savior’s LOVE, perfectly blest; Age after age to be nearer, my God, to Thee. Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!’
That was beautiful friends! And do we ever need to be constantly near to God for our own well-being, finding joy and comfort in being close to Him. And what about the scripture upon which the hymn is based. The story stems from Isaac sending his son Jacob back to his mother’s country to find a wife, because he did not want him marrying a Canaanite woman.
The Bible tells us: ‘And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon (came to) a certain place, and tarried (stayed) there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillow (used stones for his pillow), and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.
And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed (descendants); and thy seed (descendants) shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.’ (Gen. 28:10-15)
What a powerful dream my fellow believers! But that’s how our great and wonderful God moves. It’s the same way He spoke to Cousin Sol in a dream and kept His word. (1 Kin. 3:5-15) It also shows how the Lord uses those whom we would not usually choose to do great works, or be a standard bearer, for Jacob was a trickster, most of his adult life, but God chose Him nonetheless to be the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. Remember, Abraham only had one legitimate son, Isaac, and Isaac had only two, Esau and Jacob. It was left to Jacob to provide the foundation of the Jewish nation.
But getting back to our story. The Bible then tells us: ‘And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful (awesome) is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Beth-el (house of God): but the name of that city was called Luz at the first.’ (Gen. 28:16-19)
What a story! And only our ingenious God could create it. (smile) Now, here are a couple of interesting explanations from the scholars They say, ‘Jacob’s response to this vision suggests that he may have become a true believer on this occasion. Meanwhile pillar and oil are the symbols normally used for a memorial and consecration. The pillars that were later forbidden were related to Baal worship and objects of that worship.’
And after a great song and a great story, the only thing left to do is to add this most worthwhile commentary. ‘Even when we cannot see or feel Him, the Lord never leaves our side. As we walk through each day, let us remember to call upon His name and give thanks. The beautiful lyrics of ‘Nearer My God to Thee’ are the perfect call to the Lord. And when you hear the story behind this amazing hymn, you will be reminded exactly why we need him every hour and second.’
And that’s the gospel truth my people! We need God every second, every minute, every hour, and every day of our lives. So, let’s be wise, get serious, and constantly seek Him! It’s all for our benefit! Much LOVE!
…and ye shall seek me and find me…when ye shall search for me with all your heart… (Jer, 29:13)
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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