Only with Total Faith and Trust In Jehovah God, can a Human Being Live in Fearless Safety!

25 Sep 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 3:5.        I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.

And I guess after many sunny and dry days, it’s only natural to expect some cloudy and damp ones, thus we’re not surprised that Thursday is as cloudy and damp as Wednesday was. Now, what’s interesting is that yesterday, the dreary, scary looking dark clouds threatened rain all day, but it’s only in the evening hours that some actually fell, and not a whole lot either. But who really knows what the weather will be like in these uncertain days of climate change eh? I’m sorry for the weather forecasting people, who now have a different set of norms to deal with, if one can call the vagaries of climate change norms. (smile) 

However, be that as it may, today we’ll focus on the prayer from the September Edition of the In Touch Devotional. So please pray with me: ‘Lord, You know me – my limits, struggles, and weaknesses – and when I’ve come to the end of myself. In those moments, Father, revive me. Show me Your tender care by day; let me lie down in peace at night and wake again to Your mercy, which is always waiting for me. You know my soul, and you alone strengthen it. In Jesus’ name, amen.’ 

Yes friends, because of our human frailties and imperfections, we all come to the end of ourselves at some time or another. I guess the Lord made us that way, so that we would need to depend on Him in those rough times, to revive our souls and spirits through prayer and thanksgiving. And there are all kinds of scriptures that promise the stuff we’re asking for. So let’s look at a few of them nuh. Like these scriptures from Psalms 3and 4. 

In Psalm 3, when Bruh David fled from his son Absalom, who was seeking to overthrow him, he writes: ‘Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for (around) me; my glory, and the lifter up of (the one who lifts up) mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill (mountain). Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.  I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.’ (Ps. 3:2-6) 

Yes my people, when we place our trust, our total surrender in the Lord God Jehovah, then He works continually on our behalf. It’s like Bruh David declares in Psalm 4: ‘Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.” (Ps. 4:7-8) 

Oh my faithful brethren, it’s only when our hearts and souls are truly immersed in Almighty God, can we say and do those things. And Bruh David proved it when king Saul sought to kill him for so many years, but was unable to, because he was the Lord’s anointed, and was kept safe by His grace and mercy. And we can’t have scriptures on subjects like these and not hear from Cousin Sol, the wisest man ever. Of course not! For he has something to say on almost every topic under the sun. (smile) 

Thus, he reminds us that: ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths (deeps) are broken up, and the clouds drop down dew. My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace (favour) to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear (terror), neither of the desolation of (trouble from) the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken (caught).’ (Prov. 3:19-29) 

Oh my fellow believers, what encouraging words those are from Cousin Sol. Words that he himself experienced when he sought the Lord, and consequently, in his old age, when he allowed his numerous pagan wives to turn him away from the God of his father David, he paid a huge price for his foolish transgression. So like Bruh David, he knows what he’s talking about from hard experience, not merely hearsay. Thus, we ought to listen to them both and follow their advice. 

And as the old people would often tell us: do as I say, not as I do. But the young people today simply don’t understand that wisdom. They believe that they ought to do as we do, even if our behaviour doesn’t follow our words. But there’s wisdom in listening to wiser souls, which many of us forego, and thus often suffer irreparable damage for that unwillingness to listen. 

And please remember that the Bible was written to give us wisdom and understanding, to give us examples of how to and how not to live, if we want to be righteous and successful in this earthly life. For as Bruh Paul so wisely wrote to Timothy. ‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (equipped) unto all good works.’ (2 Tim. 3:16-17) 

And with all of that wisdom now under our belts (smile) let’s get to declaring our undeserved Thursday Blessings, which the Lord has so generously bestowed on us, so that we can do His earthly work. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘I declare that I am blessed with God’s supernatural wisdom and receive clear direction for my life! I declare today that I am blessed with creativity, courage, talent and abundance! I am blessed with a strong will, self-control and self-discipline! 

I am blessed with a great family, good friends, good health, faith, favour and fulfillment! I am blessed with success, supernatural strength, promotion and divine protection! I am blessed with a compassionate heart and a positive outlook on life! I declare that any curse or negative word that’s ever been spoken over me is broken right now in the name of Jesus! I declare that everything I put my hands to, will prosper and succeed! I declare it today and every day! Amen!’ 

And having made that declaration (yesss!!!) it now behooves us to go out and use those blessings to help others, just as generously as the Lord shared them with us, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!…

earthly life consists of problems…but in Jesus…we can do all things through Him…who strengthens us…

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

Biblical Reflection: Loving Your Enemies – A Lesson in Forgiveness

14 Jun 2024 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:44.       But I say unto you, LOVE your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you, and persecute you;

Oh, it was indeed a glorious shout of ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday’! when we awakened to a bright, beautiful, sunshiny and clean Friday. And my area should indeed be fresh and clean after the barrage of rain, wind, lightning and thunder it received just before midnight last evening. We finally received the rain we’d been promised all week, but which the constant high winds had been blowing away. Last night I had to get up and close my bedroom window because the rain was blowing in. And as I closed it, a sudden bolt of lightning flared up outside and I had to also close the blinds. 

Oh, there’s no finer feeling than lying in bed, late at night and hearing the rain fall, especially on a galvanized roof. (smile) It often acts like a lullaby and helps you to drift off to sleep. So, now that the weekend is upon us, I hope that our plans are to rest, relax, have a li’l fun and go to church on Sunday. Please don’t overdo it, so that come Monday, you’re too tired to get up and go about Jesus’ business. (smile) 

And today we’ll simply read and ponder some interesting scripture from the first Book of Samuel, where the Good Library opened a short while ago. It’s about the time when King Saul was chasing down Bruh David to kill him. The Bible says: ‘And it came to pass, when Saul was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi. Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats.’ (1 Sam. 24:1-2) 

Imagine that nuh, Saul was just come back from fighting his country’s greatest enemy, the Philistines, but he was so filled with hatred and jealousy, and so determined to kill Bruh David, that once he heard of his whereabouts, he got up and went to search him out. Let’s hope friends, that none of us are filled with such soul searing hatred. 

Then the Bible continues: ‘And he (Saul) came to the sheepcotes by the way, where there was a cave; and Saul went into cover his feet (attend to his needs): and David and his men remained in the sides of the cave. And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good to thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt (a corner of) Saul’s robe privily.’ (1 Sam. 24:3-4) 

Yuh see friends, how life can be somewhat traitorous. When we think we’re alone, we might just be in the midst of our enemies. Saul never thought that Bruh David would be in the same cave where he went to relieve himself, but in fact he was completely surrounded by his enemies. Let’s be careful and not forget that our enemy, the devil and his evil cronies are all around us, just waiting for an opportunity to pounce on us. 

Samuel then writes: ‘And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt (the corner of his robe). And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. So David stayed (restrained) his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went his way.’ (1 Sam. 24:5-7)  

Contemplate that nuh! Bruh David refusing to harm the man who for years was hunting him down like a wild animal strictly because he was anointed to be the next king of Israel. Saul had no qualms whatsoever about killing the Lord’s anointed, but it seems Bruh David had enough for both of them. (smile) Yuh see the difference friends between the ones who hold sincerely to God’s word, and those who don’t, or only give lip service to it. Bruh David knew deep down that if he harmed Saul, he would be placing his own anointing in jeopardy. 

And the story continues thus: ‘David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee today into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my Lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed. 

Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt (corner) of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt (corner) of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression (rebellion) in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul (life) to take it. The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of (on) thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.’ (1 Sam. 24:8-12) 

Oh my people, can we be so magnanimous against our proven enemies? I don’t know nuh, for it takes a man truly imbued with the Spirit of God to forgive, or even lay off one that has done him such a high level of wrong for no just cause. But that’s the way our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ expects us to behave. 

As He taught in Hie Sermon on the Mount: ‘Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, LOVE your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully (spitefully) use you, and persecute you; That ye may be children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.’ (Matt. 5:43-45) 

Those are not my words friends, but Jesus’, and if you intend to truly follow Him, then you will have to live by them, however distasteful they might seem to you. Now, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant, for help to do tough things like what we’ve just read. Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…  because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. 

Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

And to truly receive divine aid, we must begin by setting a good example, being true and faithful believers! Much LOVE!

…vengeance is mine…I will repay, saith the Lord… (Rom. 12:19)

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 January 2021 Psalm 34:3.

03 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 34:3.     ​O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Well here we are, the first Sunday in this new year of 2021, and as always, we are gathering to give Almighty God thanks and praise for His wonderful blessings this past week and to ask for His continued grace, mercy and forgiveness throughout the upcoming one. But unfortunately, we’re still doing it through technological means, but as they say, better through technology, than not at all. (smile) And the Lord doesn’t really care how we gather either, once we gather in His name, to support, uplift, encourage and edify each other through the acknowledgment of His holy word. So let’s get underway without further unnecessary talk nuh. (smile) 

And today’s song is a real favourite of mine, ever since I heard the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir sing it last year. It’s titled ‘Psalm 34: O Taste and See that the Lord is good.’It’s a reworking of Bruh David’s words, when he changed his ways before Abimelech, the priest, who drove him away, and he departed to seek refuge amongst the Philistines, running from his nemesis, king Saul. The reworking was done by one Shane Barnard, and I absolutely LOVE how the BTC perform it. Nuff talk though, time for some sweet singing, sincere praising and worshipping, in rich, scintillating, harmonious voices. (smile) Let’s do it! 

‘I sought the Lord And He answered me And delivered me From every fear. Those who look on Him Are radiant They’ll never be ashamed They’ll never be ashamed. This poor man cried And the Lord heard me And saved me from My enemies. The Son of God Surrounds His saints He will deliver them He will deliver them. Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever. Oh taste and see That the Lord is good Oh blessed is he Who hides in Him. Oh fear the Lord Oh all you saints He’ll give you everything He’ll give you everything. 

(Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever. Repeat) (Let us bless the Lord Every day and night Never ending praise May our incense rise. Repeat 4 times) Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever. {Repeat} Oh taste and see That the Lord is good. He’ll give you everything He’ll give you everything. Oh taste and see That the Lord is good. He’ll give you everything He’ll give you everything. …He’ll give you everything…’ 

Oh Mama, Mama, Mama! Every time I hear that song, I…I can’t really describe my reaction nuh, like my spirits just rise, I get a high from it. (smile) It does touch me deep down inside, and I can’t play it just once – it’s so nice I have to play it at least twice, if not thrice. And that was a great rendition we just did there my people, heaven most definitely approved since they were singing along with us. And what I especially like about the psalm is the amount of truth it contains, the personal testimony of Bruh David. 

As he says: ‘I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened (radiant): and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear (reverence) him, and delivereth them.’ (Ps. 34:4) Oh friends, the same goes for all of us who call upon the Lord in sincerity. He will answer us and deliver us from our fears, from our enemies, keep us radiant and not ashamed. 

Yuh notice how Bruh David managed to keep escaping from Saul, and even had chances to kill Saul, but refused to touch the Lord’s anointed. That was the Lord’s doing. Just look at the first time Saul tried to kill him, in a fit of jealous rage with a javelin as Bruh David was making music for him. (1 Sam. 19:8-10) Yuh think an accomplished soldier like Saul would have missed at such close range. Not likely. But Bruh David was also the Lord’s anointed and couldn’t be touched by Saul since the Lord had other plans for him. 

The same thing applies to us friends; no one, or nothing can keep us from our appointed destiny if we sincerely reverence the Lord. That’s why Bruh David could further declare in all sincerity: ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want (lack) to them that fear him. The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want (lack) any good thing.’ (Ps. 34:8-10) And that’s the gospel truth my brethren, to which many of us can testify. 

Obviously we don’t get everything we want, especially if it’s out of God’s will, but whatever is in God’s will, we will get. That’s why in accordance with Bruh David’s words, we too can say: ‘O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.’ (Ps. 34:3) Yes, that’s one of my favourite parts of the song: ‘Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever.’ 

Oh mih bredrin, I don’t know what else to say nuh. (smile) So I’ll just give us some more of Bruh David’s magnificent words. ‘Come ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that desireth life, and LOVETH many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile (deceit). Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.’ (Ps. 34:11-14) 

And the best way to ensure that kind of behaviour in our lives my fellow saints in Christ is to ‘Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever.’ Yes, if we keep singing His praises, we won’t get into too much trouble. 

So let’s go home doing just that nuh: ‘Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever… Magnify the Lord with me Come exalt His name together Glorify the Lord with me Come exalt His name forever.’ Let’s not stop doing that this year of 2021. Much LOVE!

…let us bless the Lord…every day and night…never ending praise…may our incense rise… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 31 December 2012 Psalm 34:7

31 Dec 2012 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 34:7.       The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Well Friends, the next big day of the season is finally here – New Year’s Eve! And a great many shouted for joy! Unfortunately though, it is also a Monday, and the official holiday, New Year’s Day, is not until Tuesday. That means many of us still have to go to work today after eating, drinking and making merry for most of the last week. So to get our adrenalin up and running, especially in these cold, snowy, northern climes, let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn with mucho gusto. As one harmonious, earthly choir, let’s rock both the earth and heavens with our song. ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ Yes my people, the heavenly hosts were duly impressed! Jesus just wants us now to carry that strong, energetic, vibrant, righteous and faithful attitude out into the wicked world and blaze a trail of victory in His Name, amongst the great unwashed. (smile) And if we’re still seeking encouragement to do so, there are no better enabling words than those of Bruh David in our Bit: ‘The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.’  Absolute truth Friends, absolute truth! Bruh David was personally testifying to those facts in his own life, for we all know that though he was anointed early in life to be king of Israel, he underwent a long road of horrors before it actually happened, mainly from king Saul who sought every opportunity to kill him, and rebellion from his own son Absalom. But he prevailed against them all. Why? Because he sincerely trusted in the Lord God of his fathers, and as our Bit so rightly proclaims, no one can touch the Lord’s anointed, unless He allows it. Yes my brethren, all who put their faith and trust in Almighty God are securely guarded by members of the heavenly host. Now let’s look at some scripture that backs up our facts. We’ll start in 2 Kings Chapter 6, when the Syrian army comes against Israel. Several times though, the prophet Elisha warns the king of Israel about the place and time of attack, and thus thwarts the Syrians. It leads the king of Syria to believe that there’s an Israeli spy in his camp. But his people inform him otherwise; it’s the prophet Elisha’s doing. Then the king sends a sizeable force to the city of Dothan where Elisha is then residing, to bring him hither. So you can imagine the reaction of Elisha’s servant when he gets up one morning and finds the city encompassed by the Syrian forces. In much fear, he pleads with Elisha: ‘Alas, my master! how shall we do?’ (2 Kin.6:15) But hear ye now Friends, the power, the majesty and the goodness of the great God we worship. ‘And he (Elisha) answered, Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.’ (2 Kin.6:16-17) Yes my people, the Lord opens our eyes when we come before Him in all sincerity! And if that didn’t touch your hearts and souls, then listen to Daniel after he’s spent the night in the den of lions. ‘Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency (innocence) was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt (wrong).’ (Dan.6:21-22) Now Friends, if that doesn’t resonate with power and truth deep in the hearts of believers, then I don’t know what will. Nevertheless, we’ll end with some more encouraging words, this time from Psalm 91; God is a refuge and fortress. The psalmist tells it like it truly is. ‘Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation (dwelling place); There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear (lift) thee up in their hands, lest thou dash (strike) thy foot against a stone.’ (Ps.91:9-12) Oh my people, how can we not bow down and faithfully worship such an awesome, omnipotent Deity eh? It is the ONLY way to righteousness, salvation and eternal life! Much LOVE!…with the Lord God Jehovah as our guide and protector…there’s no need to worry about…ANYTHING…