The Necessity for Believers to ALWAYS Rise Again whenever They Stumble and Fall!

Proverbs 24:16.         For a just (righteous) man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity).

So it’s the first Sunday after Christmas and many of us are tired from all the preparing and celebrating, but please, let’s not forget the necessity for going to the Lord’s house today to thank Him for all He’s done, is doing and has promised to do for us, especially sending us the greatest gift ever; Jesus, to live and die and bring us salvation, eternal life, and wonderful reconciliation with Himself. Nothing can be better than that my people! 

That’s why today we’ll sing this most appropriate song, Drinking From My Saucer, letting the Lord know how grateful we are for His grace and mercy. And we’ll do the song in the slow, soulful, heartfelt manner as that done by the Jamaican Gospel Artist, Jabez. First, we pray: ‘We Worship You Lord, we worship You with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds.’ 

Then we offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise, singing: ‘I’ve Never Made A Fortune, And It’s Probably Too Late Now, Oh but I Don’t Worry About That Much, Cause I’m Happy Anyhow. And As I Go Along Life’s Journey, I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow. I’m Drinking From My Saucer, Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches, And Sometimes The Going’s Rough, But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus, And That Makes Me Rich Enough. I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. 

I Remember Times When Things went Wrong, And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin, But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke, And the Sun Peeped Through Again, (Monologue) You know, right now you may be going through some rough times in your life, but I’m here to encourage you today, not to give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! I pronounce a blessing upon your life, upon your family. You must prosper and be in good health in the name of Jesus. I believe it with all my heart’ (singing:) 

So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living, When The Way Grows Steep And Rough I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings Jesus, For I’m Already Blessed Enough, And May I Never Be Too Busy, To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord, Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes My cup has overflowed…’ 

And yes my fellow believers, did our cups ever overflow that Christmas night two thousand years ago when Jesus Christ was born in that smelly barn in Bethlehem. And what’s even better, is that our cup is still overflowing with the great sacrifices He’s so selflessly endured for us. As the song so rightfully says, most of us will never amass a lot of earthly wealth, and in any case, it might just be too late for some of us to do that, but the good thing about it all is that we’re not worried, because we’re still happy, and as we go along life’s journey, we’re reaping better than we sow; so much so that our cup is overflowing, causing us to drink from our saucer. 

Now what else can we ask for eh friends? When one’s reaping more than one sows, and your cup is overflowing so that you are forced to drink from the saucer, then there’s nothing whatsoever to complain about. And even though the going ofttimes gets rough, we don’t question it, because we know that we have a wonderful friend named Jesus, who will look after us through all the storms of life, and will eventually make the dark, stormy clouds disappear and the sun to shine again.. And that makes us rich enough! Glory be! 

And the monologue is very encouraging, exhorting us to NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! Now that is a veritable no-no for believers in Christ Jesus, for in His kingdom, there is NO giving up whatsoever! It’s as Cousin Sol says in Proverbs: ‘For a just (righteous) man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief (stumble into calamity).’ (Prov. 24:16) And that’s the modus operandi of the Christian believer. 

As this commentary explains: ‘The verse signifies that while good people face hardships and failures (falling), their defining characteristic is their resilience and persistence to get back up (rise again), contrasting with the wicked who collapse in disaster. The phrase “fall seven times, stand up eight” is a common interpretation, emphasizing that no matter how many times you’re knocked down, you must always get up one more time. 

The core message is about perseverance through life’s trials, emphasizing that falling isn’t the end; rising is what matters. It highlights the difference between the just, who recover from setbacks, and the wicked, who ultimately succumb to calamity. In essence, this proverb serves as a powerful reminder that setbacks are temporary and that faith, persistence, and a refusal to quit are key to overcoming life’s challenges.’ 

Oh my faithful brethren, I could not have said it any better! So, let’s not grumble and complain about the tough times nuh, for it’s all a part of this pilgrim’s life we’re living down here on earth for Jesus, who is always blessing us, even when we don’t deserve it. That means we must grin and bear our burdens, hard though it may be, while helping others to bear theirs, for we have the greatest promise of all to look forward to, that from the book of Romans: ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28) 

Yes friends, we must believe that God will eventually work everything out for our good as He’s so faithfully promised. Until then, we must keep on fighting the good fight, while drinking from our saucers, as our cups overflow with His grace, goodness and mercy. Much LOVE!

…it’s a proven fact…that GOD’s LOVE NEVER FAILS… 

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

Be Contented With What You Have, For God’s Blessings Will Always Surpass Your Trials and Tribulations

Hebrews 10:23.       Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Oh friends, if there’s one thing we know it’s that one day follows the next like clockwork, because that’s the way God made it. That means Sunday always follows Saturday, which further means that it’s time for true believers in Jesus Christ to gather in His sanctuary, or wherever possible, to engage in fellowship with Him and with each other. And we’ll open today’s fellowship with a true and sincere song by Jamaican Gospel Artiste Jabez, titled ‘Drinking From My Saucer, from his album God Never Fails! 

And we all know that as gospel truth! So let’s  offer up some sweet sacrifices of praise in a mid tempo, soulful rendition of this truth-laden song. But before we sing, we pray: ‘We Worship You Lord, we worship You with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds.’ Then, singing: ‘I’ve Never Made A Fortune, And It’s Probably Too Late Now, Oh, but I Don’t Worry About That Much, Cause I’m Happy Anyhow. And As I Go Along Life’s Journey, I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow. I’m Drinking From My Saucer, Because My Cup Has Overflowed. 

I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches, And Sometimes The Going’s Rough, But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus, And That Makes Me Rich Enough. I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I Remember Times When Things went Wrong, And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin, But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke, And the Sun Peeped Through Again,’ 

(Monologue:) ‘You know, right now you may be going through some rough times in your life, but I’m here to encourage you today, not to give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! I pronounce a blessing upon your life, upon your family. You must prosper and be in good health in the name of Jesus. I believe it with all my heart.’ 

(Singing:) ‘So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living, When The Way Grows Steep And Rough I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings Jesus, For I’m Already Blessed Enough, And May I Never Be Too Busy, To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord, Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes My cup has overflowed… Thank You Lord, that my cup has overflowed…’ 

Ah mih people, almost all of us believers can agree on the truth of those words, encompassing the many trials we’ve experienced, but also the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us during our lifetime, especially in those times when we didn’t know our right hand from our left, or what step to take next. And that’s the beauty of our Triune God, He saves us, just when we’re about to go under. And though we might never accumulate many riches, we will always be contented if we walk with the Lord, for as Bruh David says in Psalm 23: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.’ (Ps.23:1) 

Now that should stop all worries, but He’s also promised that we can do all things through His strength, (Phil. 4:13) and will provide for all our needs, (Phil. 4:19), as well as His strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9) And we all know one of His many names is Ever-Faithful, so what’s there to be worried about eh?  

Remember what the author of Hebrews also writes: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.’  (Heb. 10:23-25) 

Yes friends, that’s what we ought to be doing: staying faithful, living in LOVE, gathering to celebrate our faith and encouraging each other to do good works. And that’s especially important in these evil and ungodly times, when it seems like the last days are upon us. Now, more than ever, we need to be strong and take on the enemy, mano a mano and let him know that we Christians are not pushovers, but mighty in Christ Jesus, willing to battle him to the death! 

And although many of us are still finding the going tough, believe me, we’re living better than most of the world, so let’s stop complaining and appreciate all that we have, for compared to may others, our cup is truly overflowing, so that we must drink from our saucer. Let’s also remember, that in Jesus’ economy, giving up is never an option. Those words don’t occur in His vocabulary. 

And we need to hold on to this awesome promise found in Romans: ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28) That assures us that although things might go wrong during our earthly sojourn, in the end, the Lord will make it all right. Remember how Cousin Sol said it in Ecclesiastes: ‘Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.’ (Eccl. 7:8) 

In other words, ‘The end of a matter being better than the beginning highlights the importance of perseverance. We are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith and actions.’ And that’s what following Jesus is all about; remaining steadfast and strong, true and faithful, despite the trials and tribulations we will undoubtedly face. And what better words to end with than these most reassuring one from Jesus, where He encourages the disciples thus: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’  (John 16:33) 

And we know that’s true because Bruh Paul says it in his first letter to the Corinthians: ‘But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1 Cor, 15:57) Meaning that ‘Jesus broke the power of sin and its relationship to death. His death on the cross paid for our sins so that believers will not face the eternal second death. His resurrection from the dead conquered death.’ And if you don’t believe Bruh Paul, you might believe Jesus Himself when He says to John in Revelation: ‘I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell (hades) and death.’ (Rev. 1:18) 

Now, if you can’t believe Jesus, then something’s seriously wrong with your faith, and you’d better check it out immediately. Much LOVE!

…though trials will come…if we stand steadfast and true…the faithful promises of God…will help us triumph over them…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   5 June 2022 Acts 2:4.

Acts 2:4.      And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

​Sunday oh Sunday! The Lord’s Day! A day of praise and worship, rejuvenation and reassurance! What a blessed day! Especially this Pentecost Sunday when we remember the birth of our church, the memorable day when the Holy Spirit descended from on high and entered the souls of the disciples and other followers of Jesus who were celebrating the Feast of Weeks in Jerusalem. That fulfilled Jesus’ promise to the disciples before He ascended into heaven, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, ‘For John (the Baptist) truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.’ (Acts 1:5) 

Then they wanted to know if Jesus would be coming back then to set up His kingdom. ‘And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power (authority). But ye shall receive power after that (when) the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and in the uttermost parts of the world.’ (Acts1:7-8) Then He was taken up from them. But some fifty days later, in Jerusalem, on this day, two thousand years ago, Christ’s promises were fulfilled. 

The Good Book describes the amazing happening thus: ‘And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord (one purpose in mind) in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven (divided) tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.’ (Acts 2:1-4) 

Yes friends, that was the pivotal day when the Holy Spirit began dwelling within each believer. Hitherto, the Spirit acted externally, and was only temporary, and for exceptional circumstances. But after that great show of firepower, where it baptized the followers, it moved to an internal position, and once a person receives Christ as Lord and Saviour, he or she is immediately filled with the Holy Spirt, to lead, guide and comfort them. Glory Hallelujah! And who says we don’t worship a most wonderful God eh? Tell them for me, that they don’t know what they’re talking about, and they shouldn’t knock it until they try it. (smile) 

And I believe that one of the reasons why some people refuse to come to Christ is because they are afraid they’ll discover that everything we say about Him is true, and then they’ll be hooked and can’t go back to their old ungodly lifestyle. So they stay away and talk all sorts of nonsense, about things they really know nothing about. Anyhow, on that memorable day, after the Holy Spirit baptized the believers, they came out speaking of Christ in various languages to the many visitors in Jerusalem celebrating the feast. 

They thought that the believers were drunk, but Peter got up and with a loud voice informed them that they were not drunk, but it was simply the fulfillment of the prophecy of the prophet Joel about the outpouring of the Lord’s Spirit. ‘And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.’ (Joel 2:28) Then Peter went on to preach a mighty sermon, and at the end they had some three thousand converts. Wow! What a day! And you can read all about it in Acts 2:14-42. (smile) 

And like that day, today we doing things different from normal, meaning we usually have the worship first and then the sermon after, but today the Holy Spirit decided to change it up, (smile) in celebration of that great Pentecost Day that He came to begin dwelling in the hearts of believers in Christ. And to celebrate this Pentecost day, our song of worship is very appropriate. It’s done by the Jamaican Gospel singer Jabez, and it’s aptly titled ‘Drinking from My Saucer.’ Yes friends, our cups are so overflowing with Christ’s LOVE and amazing blessings that our cups are overflowing and we have to drink from our saucers. How many of us remember doing that when we were young eh? Drinking from the saucer to cool the tea. But that was when they used saucers. (smile) 

Enough talk though, let’s open with these words of praise. ‘We Worship You Lord, we worship You with all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds.’ Now, it’s time to raise our soulful voices in sweet sacrificial praise: ‘I’ve Never Made A Fortune, And It’s Probably Too Late Now, Oh but I Don’t Worry About That Much, Cause I’m Happy Anyhow. And As I Go Along Life’s Journey, I’m Reaping Better Than I Sow. I’m Drinking From My Saucer, Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I haven’t Got A Lot Of Riches, And Sometimes The Going’s Rough, But I’ve Got a friend in Jesus, And That Makes Me Rich Enough. 

I Thank God For all His Blessings on me, And The Mercies He’s Bestowed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. I Remember Times When Things went Wrong, And my Faith Wore Somewhat Thin, But All At Once The Dark Clouds Broke, And the Sun Peeped Through Again,’ And right here, there’s a monologue: ‘You know, right now you may be going through some rough times in your life, but I’m here to encourage you today, not to give up. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP! I pronounce a blessing upon your life, upon your family. You must prosper and be in good health in the name of Jesus. I believe it with all my heart.’ 

And we sing: ‘So Lord, Help Me Not To Grumble and complain About The Tough Rows That I’ve Hoed. I’m Drinking From My Saucer Because My Cup Has Overflowed. And If God Gives Me Strength And Courage to go on living, When The Way Grows Steep And Rough I’ll Not Ask For Other Blessings Jesus, For I’m Already Blessed Enough, And May I Never Be Too Busy, To Help Others Bear Their Loads, Then I’ll Keep Drinking From My Saucer Lord, Because My Cup Has Overflowed! Yes, I’ll keep drinking from my saucer Lord, Cause my cup has overflowed, Oh my cup has overflowed…. Yes My cup has overflowed…’ 

Mama oh Mama! And isn’t that the gospel truth! Our cups have certainly overflowed since we’ve placed out trust in Christ Jesus! And if yours haven’t overflowed, then you must be doing something wrong! And it doesn’t mean that there are no problems, or will never be any, but there is assurance that the Lord will work them all out for our good, and will eventually bring us through them safe and sound, in better shape than when we began! 

Oh praise His mighty and compassionate name my people! Now let’s go home with a passion and enthusiasm for Christ, with a fire in our bellies, like the fire that came down from heaven on that Pentecost Day, so long ago! (smile) Much LOVE!

…God’s LOVE and promises…never fail… 

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