The Most Beneficial Partnership in Life, is that with Almighty God!

Psalm 128:1.        Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways.

And in accordance with God’s great plan of creation, another new day has dawned, thankfully not rainy like the last two, and we have also opened our eyes to see it, another part of God’s great plan. (smile) Unfortunately though, that new day is called Monday, which means getting back to work after the quiet and restful weekend and once again experiencing all the frustrations, annoyances, irritations, disappointments and resentments that will undoubtedly crop up during the day. 

But if we have made good use of the weekend, by getting sufficient rest, going to church and renewing our faith and confidence, then we will be able to handle whatever comes against us in Jesus’ name, with the awesome help of His Holy Spirit. Now, isn’t that alone a great reason to make Jesus our Lord and Saviour eh? For sure! And when you add all the other benefits we receive by making Him the Lord of our lives, it’s inconceivable that anyone could ever refuse to accept Him as the Number One Person in their lives. 

And we all know what Psalm 103 says about the Lord’s benefits: ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with LOVING-KINDNESS and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.’ (Ps. 103:2-5) 

Yes Friends, that’s some of the wonderful benefits we receive when we partner with Almighty God, through His Son, Jesus Christ. And we’ve got to pay close attention to that word partner, because it doesn’t all happen automatically, but is dependent on us playing our part in the relationship. And I believe Psalm 128 gives us a good idea of how that works. 

It says: ‘Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands (the fruit of thy labour): happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of (in the heart of) thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.’ (Ps. 128:1-4) 

Now we all want to have those good things; happiness, eating the fruit of our labour, a fruitful wife and many responsible children. But it only comes when we sincerely reverence the Lord, walk in his ways and keep his commandments. And the opening verses of Psalm 119, agree with that, as they say: ‘Blessed are the undefiled (blameless) in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.’ (Ps. 119:1-4) 

There again, we see the responsibility expected us of from God, basically to keep His commandments, obey and revere Him, seeking Him with our whole hearts, not a part of them. But Moses possibly says it best, or rather more explicitly, when he told the Israelites as he reminded them of their responsibilities. 

‘Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else. Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee (you may prosper), and with thy children after thee, and thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth (live long in the land) which the Lord thy God giveth thee for ever.’ (Deut. 4:39- 40) 

Now there’s no mistaking what the Israelites and consequently we modern day believers need to do to see the Lord’s blessings on our lives. And for our information, the scholars explain that ‘The law is identified as testimonies…statutes…judgements. The “testimonies” denoted the covenant stipulations; the “statutes” were laws written down or inscribed on some suitable medium; and the “judgements” were the decisions of a judge (cf. Ps. 19:7-9).’ 

And those are also some very interesting verses from the pen of Bruh David, as he writes about God’s Law is Perfect. Please read with me: ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting (restoring) the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb (the drippings of the honeycomb). Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.’ (Ps. 19:7-11) 

Oh my people, what a great and happy world we would have if many more of us kept the Lord’s law instead of Satan’s lawlessness! Bruh David explains it so excellently; it makes wise the simple, restores our soul, rejoices our hearts, it’s  true and righteous, more desirable that gold, sweeter than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb, it warns us about the pitfalls of this life and last but not least it brings great rewards to those who revere the Lord and keep His law! 

It could not get any better than that my fellow believers! However, the Lord’s law is not always easy to keep in this sinful and ungodly world, but being the wise and compassionate Sovereign He is, He’s also provided a way for us to get His help; that’s by going to the throne of grace in times of need. So let’s do that right now nuh, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn. 

Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You this Monday morning for life and strong faith in Christ, despite the mass confusion in our world. Heavenly Father, You are the ONLY ONE with the power to solve our many problems. Yes, we have all sinned and seriously disobeyed Your Word, but You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, who has faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

So, we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading for wise guidance and direction to alleviate our problems. Oh Father, please ease the pain of the many suffering from negative situations, show them Your awesome grace and mercy. And faithfully keep Your promise to prosper us if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again, we say: Amen!’ 

And even in our own prayer, we voice the same things God expects of us; prayer, sincerely seeking His face, and turning from our evil ways. So how do we expect to get help if we don’t put those important things in place eh? Much LOVE!

…the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…but fools despise wisdom and instruction… (Prov. 1:7)

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

The Scriptures are God’s Infallible and True Guidebook for Godly Living!

Psalm 119:105.       Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Another glorious summer day seems to be in the offing on this last Wednesday in August, as we wind down the summer holidays to the Labour Day Weekend, when all the fun and games of summer come to screeching halt. Chuh! The Ex (Canadian National Exhibition) closes. School reopens, adults go back to work and the long weekends are now fewer and further between. (smile) But that’s just the way it is these northern climes…after the summer comes the fall when you get ready for winter, then winter comes and you hibernate. 

But let’s remember that through it all, both the bad times and the good, we have Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, to whom nothing is impossible, and His Holy Spirit as our Guiding Light, who will lead us on to glory, if we pay sincere attention to His guidance. But it all begins and ends with us knowing the Word of God, constantly reading and meditating on it, for as the Lord told Joshua, ‘for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8) 

We need to write that indelibly in our hearts, souls, bodies and minds friends, if we desire to achieve success in this ungodly and evil world. Yes, it’s only by following God’s Word that we will rise above the evil and ungodly wiles of the devil. And the scriptures says it quite plainly: ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) That is gospel truth my people! When you allow God’s word to lead you, you will never go wrong. 

And Cousin Sol says as much in this section of Proverbs that deals with keeping the Father’s Commandment, and a warning against adultery. He writes: ‘My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:’ (Prov. 6:20-23) 

Then Cousin Sol goes on to tell about how keeping God’s word will keep you from falling prey to an evil, adulteress woman. (Prov. 6:24-29)  But the truth of the matter is that the keeping of God’s law will also keep you from falling prey to Satan’s many other deceitful schemes. Yes friends, our safety net all depends on knowing God’s law and keeping it! And for a more detailed testimony on the subject, let’s listen to Cousin Sol’s father, Bruh David from Psalm 19. He expounds thus on the perfection of God’s law: 

‘The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting (restoring) the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the (drippings of the) honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.’ (Ps. 19:7-11) 

Oh my people, what good news that is, re the benefits of knowing and keeping God’s law. Wow! It certainly is awesome: it makes wise the simple, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes, and is much more to be desired than gold, even fine gold, and it’s even sweeter than honey, or the drippings from the honey comb! Brother! What a magnificent thing is the Lord’s law, and such a wonderful thing to have always at one’s beck and call! 

Meanwhile, the apostle Peter puts it this way about the Lord’s law. Early on in the passage he talks about being on the Mount of Transfiguration with Jesus, and being an eyewitness to His majesty. ‘For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 

We have also a more sure word of prophecy (the prophetic word made more sure); whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (origin). For the prophecy came not in old (any) time by the will of man: but the holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.’ (2 Pet. 1:17-21) 

And there again Peter refers to the Lord’s law as a light shining in the darkness, that shines in our hearts when Jesus ,the day star, comes into them. But the general meaning of the passage is the assurance of the infallibility of the scriptures, because the revelation of God’s word didn’t originate with men, but came to them directly through the Holy Ghost. Thus we can lay our lives down on the truth of scripture. And let’s hope and pray that we’ll all continue doing that today, keeping the Lord’s commandments and enjoying the benefits that emanate from so doing. 

Now, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’

And furthermore, if we endure with Jesus right down to the very end, then it’s been promised that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, looking forward to seeing you there at the very end! Much LOVE!

…who is Jesus…the author of our salvation…and the light that shines in the darkness…to show us the true way…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   6 January 2022 Psalm 119:105.

Psalm 119:105.        Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The sun’s shining this Thursday morning people! Glory be! Strange things do happen in this world! (smile) Yes, we haven’t seen the sun really shine without cloudy overtones for a while now. Consequently, it’s a good thing we have Jesus, the Light of Life to provide light and guidance in our often dark and dreary world. That’s why the Good Book informs and continually reminds us of these salient facts. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) What awesome and encouraging truth my brethren! 

And Cousin Sol says it this way in his warning against adultery. ‘For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.’ (Prov. 6:23) And the good thing about that friends, is that it doesn’t only keep thee from the wiles and flattering tongue of a deceitful woman, (smile) but it also guides you in every aspect of life. So, whatever happens in this life you can always find an answer or good guidance in the commandments and laws of Almighty God! 

How wonderful is that eh? We don’t have to run to friends and neighbours for help, but to God first in every circumstance. He might redirect us to friends and families, even foes, but it’s wisest to make Him our first avenue of help and assurance. And if we listen to these marvellous words of Bruh David on the law of God from Psalm 19, we will get a better understanding and appreciation for them. 

He says: ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, converting (restoring) the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb (the drippings of the honeycomb). Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in the keeping of them is great reward.’ (Ps. 19:7-11) 

Oh my people, what a true and beautiful treatise on the law of our God! Bruh David spells it out in spades for us: ‘the law is perfect’…but we all know that. (smile) Furthermore, it’s also good for ‘converting the soul’ while ‘making wise the simple.’ How powerful is that eh? The statutes of the Lord are not only right, but they rejoice the heart! 

Wow! And do we ever need stuff that rejoices our hearts in these turbulent and evil times! And in addition to being perfect, the commandment of the Lord is also pure, and thus ‘enlightens the eyes.’ Meanwhile ‘the fear (reverential awe) of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever.’ Please notice the words used so far to describe the quality of the law: perfect, pure, right and clean, while His judgements are ‘true and righteous altogether.’ 

Yes friends, the Lord’s a most righteous and just judge, that’s why He couldn’t simply pardon our sin without it being paid for. Justice had not only to be done, but also appear to be done. So unlike what’s currently happening in our world. Justice isn’t being done, neither is it seeming to be done, so great, powerful and doh care are the workings of the evildoers. But they will all have to deal with the Lord eventually. That’s why Bruh David warns us in Psalm 37. ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.’ (Ps. 37:1-2) 

That’s gospel truth friends! But enough about evildoers, let’s go back to the goodness of God’s law. (smile) Where were we at eh, before the evildoers intruded? Oh yes, we were talking about the truth and righteousness of the Lord’s justice. And on top of all that, the Lord’s law and justice is also sweet; sweeter even than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb, and thus greatly to be desired, even more so than ‘much fine gold!’ 

Wow! Can you believe it my fellow saints? There’s something that’s sweeter than honey and more valuable and desirable than gold? Yes, the law of our awesome, faithful, merciful, gracious and LOVING God! And why is that eh? Because the Lord expects us to live by His law, His word, His commandments, His statutes, call them what you want. But we can’t live by them unless we read and study them, then put them into action in our lives. That’s the beauty of the Word, it gives us good guidance, and as Bruh David says, it warns us of going down the wrong paths, and great rewards are to be had if we keep it. 

Now how much better can life get eh? Not much really, for our amazing God provides everything we need to live this life and the one hereafter. All it takes is belief and obedience. And sadly, that’s where most of us fall down. Even when we say we believe, we don’t obey. And that’s the crux of the matter. Obedience to God and His law is everything my people! Just look at all the godly people who suffered loss because of disobedience nuh. Saul lost his kingdom. Moses didn’t set foot in the Promised Land, only saw it from afar. Bruh David lost his son with Bathsheba because of his adultery with her, and had strife within his family for ordering her husband’s death. 

So, it’s obvious that we can expect some tough times if we keep disobeying the edicts of Almighty God, especially when we are trying to get rid of Him from our society. Do we think He will just lie down and play dead and allow us to get away with our sinful and criminal acts for ever? Certainly not. Remember His promise in Isaiah: ‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.’ (Is. 42:8) 

That says it all friends! Loud and clear! The Lord God Jehovah will NEVER allow His creation to take control of His universe. I don’t know when or what it will take for us to understand that nuh. And although we’ve come so far in terms of enlightenment and learning, we still cannot save ourselves from ourselves. But we’ve gotten so proud and big for our britches that we won’t even consider the possibility that we don’t know it all, and thus cannot solve all our problems. But God can, if we would turn to Him in sincerity and true repentance, which unfortunately, doesn’t seem likely to happen soon. 

But for those of us who know the truth and are sincerely working to spread it, our God has granted us awesome blessings to help in our devoted cause. We call them our Thursday Blessings, and since a blessing is not a blessing until it’s been declared out loud, let’s do just that nuh; declare our Thursday Blessings in strong and sincere voice. 

Altogether now: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! 

I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

Now, let’s put those blessings to work in Christ’s service, sharing them just as generously as Christ shared them with us. Much LOVE!

…there’s nothing better in this world…than living for Christ…by His laws… 

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