The Overwhelming Importance of Christians Truly Believing that Jesus Christ is Lord of All and Spreading that Word to All and Sundry!

08 Mar 2026 Leave a comment

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

Philippians 2:9.        Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

It’s Sunday once again friends! And some of us wonder how it comes around so often and so quickly…just like Monday. (smile) But that’s because we know we ought to get ourselves out to church to celebrate the Lord’s Day in fellowship with other believers; giving thanks and praise, while receiving a renewal of faith and confidence to face the turbulent outside world this coming work week. And this week we have a very interesting and popular hymn as our song of praise and worship. It’s aptly titled “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”  

It’s so popular that it’s sung by many Christian denominations. The hymn is often called the “National Anthem of Christendom.” The lyrics were written by Edward Perronet (1721-1792) a prominent British Pastor at one time affiliated with the Wesley’s of the Methodist persuasion, but afterwards became a pastor of a dissenting congregation. And I like how this commentary describes the song. ‘This hymn is a declaration of praise, but it’s also much more than that. The words both declare the majesty of Christ and task us with making that majesty known to all. Like many hymns describing the glory of God and the hope that one day all people will see that glory.’

So, having some idea of what the song is about, let’s raise our voices in sweet sacrifices of praise, in a soulful, mid-tempo version, letting all and sundry know in heartfelt sincerity, to whom we ascribe majesty. ‘All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed of the fall, Ye ransomed of the fall, Hail him who saves you by his grace, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. 

Sinners whose LOVE can ne’er forget The wormwood and the gall, The wormwood and the gall, Go, spread your trophies at His feet And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. Let ev’ry kindred, ev’ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball, On this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all. O that with yonder sacred throng We at his feet may fall; We at His feet may fall; We’ll join the everlasting song, And crown him, crown him, crown him, And crown him Lord of all.’ And we’ll certainly do that when the time comes! 

Now, many of us know the song refers to Bruh Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he writes: ‘’Let this mind be in you, which was in Christ Jesus (that’s harmonious living). Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (emptied himself of his privileges): 

And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath 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.’ (Phil. 2:5-11) 

Ah friends, what powerful and revealing scripture! Jesus, having possessed the very nature of God, gave up His heavenly privileges, or, as the scholars say, ‘decided not to continue enjoying His heavenly existence, although He could have lawfully kept it. But instead, He assumed the position of a servant and appeared in the likeness of men. Consequently, being judged by His fashion (outward appearance) He was recognized by many people as a mere man. But he was much more than that – he was still the Son of God, who continued to possess the divine nature.’ 

Yes my brethren, although Jesus became a man in appearance, He was still all He had ever been, just not using those divine privileges here on earth. But then the scholars pose a very interesting question: ‘Why did Jesus willingly give up His divine existence with all its benefits and advantages? Because He had within Himself the attitude of verses 2c-4: He regarded sinners as more important than Himself (vs. 3), and was just as concerned with their needs as with His own affairs (vs. 4). So the Philippians were to cultivate within themselves this same attitude and express it to one another.’

Now that goes for us believers today also. We ought to stop being selfish and thinking only of ourselves but include our fellow man in our concerns. And it’s because of those sacrifices that the Father exalted Jesus so highly, gave Him the honour of His name being higher than every other name, and the assurance that one day every knee will bow to Him as Lord.

And the scholars give three purposes for Jesus’ exaltation. ‘(1) That every being in the universe might someday submit to Him. (2) That in addition to future universal submission (vs. 10), there might also someday be a universal confession that Jesus Christ is Lord. On earth Jesus is recognized by many to be no more than a man (vs. 8), yet in the future all will acknowledge Him as Lord, that is God. The ultimate purpose for Jesus’ glorification is (3) to the glory of God the Father (vs.11), for His honour.’ That’s why the song says: ‘we’ll fall at his feet…join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.’ 

But here’s another interesting situation, posed by the commentary above. They say: ‘We long for this day, and declare our hope in its arrival in the text of this hymn. But are we willing to declare that hope to those who have not heard it? The phrase, “Easier said than done” comes to mind here. After we have sung these words of victory and longing, what do we do? Do we act on those words and turn our expectancy into realities? Or do we wait for someone else to do it for us? The fourth stanza of this great hymn declares, “We’ll join the everlasting song….” Everlasting means that we are a part of that song right now – are we willing to lift our voices together to sing more than a hymn, and truly crown our God Lord of all?’

Now that’s a most poignant question? Are we ready to do more than sing the words of the hymn, but also spread the word, and truly crown Jesus Lord of all? Let’s go home pondering that question this Sunday morning, hoping we’ll reach a positive conclusion! Much LOVE!

…Jesus’ sacrifices, compassion, selflessness and obedience…caused the Father to exalt Him to the highest level… 

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Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 March 2014 Daniel 2:20

07 Mar 2014 Leave a comment

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

Daniel 2:20.    Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his.
 
Well Friends, it’s that day again – Friday… And strangely the shouts of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday!’ are not as loud as usual. (smile) I guess we’re too tired from all the partying we did earlier on in the week, and then the Lenten Season’s seriousness added it’s own li’l bit of moderation and ‘modicum of circumspection,’ as Jeeves would say.
 
And that’s definitely not a bad thing my people, because every so often we do need to tone down our boisterous selves and take a more serious approach to, and look at life, meaning the things and people that surround us. And as we’ve been saying all week, Lent is the best time to do that, since it’s a season for contemplation and adjustments. 
 

And as always, our Friday Chant will help us get the right perspective on handling the weekend. So let’s chant up a storm. Hn, hn! Sorry, I forgot that we’re too tired to chant up a storm, but let’s just do the best we can. (smile)
 
As one voice now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
 
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
 
Hopefully Friends, that prayer will restore some of our energy and zest, and allow us to go out and do a good job for Jesus. Don’t worry about it though, just talk to Jesus as you go along, and He will enable you to do whatever you need to do.
 
Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his.’
 
Yesterday, we saw where the Lord blessed Daniel with supernatural discernment, re the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretation. Today, I want to look at a few scriptures where other people of God echo Daniel’s sentiments.
 
Sadly, I could only find one scripture pertaining to the blessing of God’s Name, and that comes from Psalm 113, God’s mercies are many.
 
After opening the psalm with praise, the psalmist continues: ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised.
 
The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!’ (Ps.113:2-6)
 
Yeh mih people, who is like unto our God eh? And all God’s people joyfully trilled: ‘NOBODY!’ And that my brethren is an indisputable fact! 
 

However, concerning God’s wisdom and might, there are numerous scriptures that shout it out. Let’s take in a couple, beginning with Bruh David’s thanksgiving and prayer when he was preparing to hand over the throne of Israel to Cousin Sol.
 
Oh, oh fellow believers, the Holy Spirit just guided me to another scripture where the Lord’s name is blessed. Thank You Lord! I sincerely bless Your Holy Name! And lo and behold it comes right before the passage I intended to quote.
 
So here it is all together. ‘Wherefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.
 
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.’ (1 Chr.29:10-13)
 
What beautiful words of prayer and praise to our wonderful God, my brethren!
 
And we’ll close with an interesting note from the scholars’: ’29:10. David again shows himself to be a man of prayer (cf. 16:2, 7-36; 17:26-27). Those who stand before God’s people should likewise be capable of leading them in genuine intercession and communion with God.’
 
Oh Friends, we can never overestimate or overstate the importance of prayer in our daily lives, neither the importance of our leaders being able to lead us in genuine communication with God, for it’s one of the necessary attributes, a necessary ability of a leader.
 
Now may the Lord of heaven and earth bless and keep us safely, and cause His countenance to shine brightly upon us this day, as we journey on our path to heaven, to be with Him forever in LOVE, Peace and Harmony! Much LOVE!
 
…walking and talking with God…ought to be the believer’s unbreakable passion… 
 
P.S. Oh my people, please note how short and sweet the Bit is today, and say a grateful, ‘Thank You Lord!’ (smile) Much LOVE!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 21 February 2014 Luke 19:10

21 Feb 2014 Leave a comment

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

Luke 19:10.    For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
 
And then it was Friday…! That’s obvious with all the joyful shouting of ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday! Work soon over, and the partying start…! Thank God is Friday yes!’
 
And nowhere right now are the shouts louder and more joyous than in Rio for their carnival, New Orleans for their Mardi gras, and T&T for Mas… Bacchanal fuh so! As those bacchanalian celebrations are only another week away.
 
However Friends, despite your not liking to hear Granny’s words of caution, because you think it puts a spoke in your wheel, stops you from doing certain things, it is indeed necessary for your protection.
 
That’s because it’s at these kinds of ‘leggo-beast’ celebrations, where the evil, deceitful one is ever present, like a roaring lion, constantly on the lookout for someone to get his poisonous fangs into, and thus erect strongholds in our minds, souls and bodies. (1 Pet.5:8)
 
But since this is unacceptable in a believer’s life, we need to ensure that certain boundaries, certain borders are not crossed, are not invaded by the sly and malicious enemy. Thus Granny’s warning ought to be taken very seriously. ‘Sonny boy, please, ah beg yuh, drunk or sober, please mind yuh business!’ 
 
And that’s really a standard warning we should all live by, my people, especially in big celebratory times, when we let go and let our hair down.
 
And as always, to help us get the right perspective for using the weekend, let’s chant our Friday Chant with all sincerity. ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through another week of work! It hasn’t been easy, but with your generous help, I made it through.
 
Now, please help me to get sufficient fun, fellowship, rest and relaxation in these two short days off, so that I can be renewed and refreshed in soul, body and mind, to go back out and do it all over again next week, furthering your glorious kingdom with each step I take. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen.’
 
Yes Friends, the weekend’s not only for partying, but also for rest and fellowship. Now let’s turn to our Bit. ‘For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.’ And this is definitely the last day for it. (smile)
 
So what scriptures do we have to share that support Christ’s contention that He came to save us? Let’s begin with Bruh Paul talking to the Colossians, re reconciliation in and through Christ.
 
‘And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in (on) earth, or things in heaven. And you that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled. In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight.’ (Col.1:20-22)
 
Now here are some thoughts from the scholars on those verses. ‘1:21. Reconciliation is the act whereby God, through Christ’s atonement, brings men who are at odds with Him back into a peaceful, proper relationship with Himself.’
 
‘1:22. In the body of his flesh through death (or, “by His fleshly body through death”). The Colossian heretics may have argued that Jesus’ humanity and death indicate His inferiority to the angelic beings in the universe. Paul turns the argument against them, showing that His death points to His superiority; for His death is the divine means of achieving reconciliation to God.
 
To present you holy… in his sight (or, “to bring you holy… into His presence”). This expresses the ultimate purpose of reconciliation: it is to eventually usher the believer, made perfectly holy, into the heavenly presence of God.’
 
Oh my brethren, we can NEVER GO WRONG, IF WE FOLLOW JESUS! 
 
And finally, listen to Bruh Paul in his missive to the church at Rome, talking about sin through Adam, and salvation through Christ. ‘Therefore, as the offense of one (false step) judgement came upon all men to condemnation; even so be the righteousness of one (righteous act) the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
 
For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.’ (Rom.5:18-19)
 
And that’s the gospel truth of all gospel truths, my fellow believers in Jesus Christ!
 
And the scholars have this to say re those two verses. ‘5:18-19. Paul’s reference to Adam shows that he understood Adam to have been a real person. Adam was not a mythological figure any more than Jesus was.’
 
Oh Friends, our Jesus was definitely not a mythological character, for it’s only through His sacrificial death, resurrection and ascension that we are now able to come before God’s holy throne clothed in righteousness.
 
And that’s the GOOD NEWS OF JESUS’ GOSPEL, which He asked us to go forth and share with all mankind, to all the corners of the earth, so that all the earth would hear it and have a chance for salvation. (Matt.28:19-20)
 
Please my fellow believers, let’s take that commission very seriously and diligently address ourselves to its implementation. For it’s not only our bounden duty, but also heavenly wisdom, and will bring us great heavenly rewards in the future too. Much LOVE!
 
… he who doesn’t know the Son…unfortunately…will NEVER KNOW the Father…

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 February 2014 Ephesians 1:3

05 Feb 2014 Leave a comment

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

Ephesians 1:3.   Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.  

‘One more morning, One more day!’ Yes Friends, that’s all the ole fella has left of this glorious vacation on Robinson Crusoe’s beautiful Isle! What a pity! It’s sad, but it’s the reality of life and this particular situation.

And I really can’t complain, because just as the Lord had something good waiting down here for me, I know He also has something good waiting for me in the North Country, just under different physical conditions, although, sea, sun and sand, are certainly preferable to freezing cold, snow and ice. (smile)
 
But Friends, it’s the memories… the memories! And we certainly made a grand one yesterday, for around 11.30, my half-brother Haymer, picked up the Duchess and I, and took us for a sightseeing tour of the Northern side of the island. We passed through several, quaint, picturesque and colourful towns and villages, some I hadn’t been to in ages, and a few that I had never been to.
 
There were places like Government Hall, Mason Hall, Moriah, Runnymede, Castara, Parlatouvier and Bloody Bay. Now it’s hill country, with narrow, winding roads, which haven’t changed much since my boyhood days, and the majority of the buildings are perched on the hills, on either side of the road, not leaving much room for any road expansion.
 
But Friends, in some places, the scenery is so beautiful that it simply takes your breath away and makes you go ‘Wow!’ At those points, we just had to stop and take some pictures to add to the kaleidoscope of the holiday. (smile)
 
The non-stop conversation was healthy, punctuated with all sorts of reminiscences, as well as new stuff. It ‘s strange, but true, that my brother and I hadn’t shared this kind of time together in many, many years, possibly since school days. But as he rightly said, ‘nothing happens before its time.’ And that’s undeniable truth my people!
 
We had a dip in the cold, but refreshing and invigorating water of Parlatouvier, which, according to my brother, is much less polluted and contaminated than the sea around the bigger towns and built up areas, for much less human effluent flows into it up there. 
 
We got back home around 4 o’clock, rested for a short spell, then hit the road again to purchase some stuff the wife needed, including dinner. We ended up in Scarborough, buying Chinese food, which was okay, but didn’t really thrill me. The Duchess was happy with it though, and was the most important thing, for once the Duchess is happy, my life’s at peace. (smile)
 
After eating, we just sat around, reading and playing computer games till bed time, for it had been quite a busy and eventful day. And that’s the good stuff I put away in my memory bank from yesterday, the eve of my penultimate day in Paradise!
 
And that segues nicely into our Bit, as Bruh Paul so wisely enlightens the Ephesians and us, as to the goodness of our wonderful God: ‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.’ 
 
No doubt the good times I’ve been experiencing here in Tobago, are some of the spiritual blessings the Lord had stored up for me, and is now sharing them a few at a time, as I need them. And there’s so much truth in Bruh Paul’s simple statement, that we can talk about it forever, and still not cover everything.
 
So we’ll continue looking at how he explained to the Ephesians, the spiritual blessings received through Christ. Now yesterday, we saw where God, having set His plan for redemption in motion, finally revealed the mystery of the plan to mankind, through His divine efforts and guidance, all for His good pleasure and mighty purpose.
 
We left off at verse 9, yesterday, so let’s continue from verse 10. ‘That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on the earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained and inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Jesus.’ (Eph.1:10-12)
 
Ah Friends, we see here God relating, through Bruh Paul, more and more of the mystery of His awesome plan for the redemption and reconciliation of mankind, through His Son Jesus Christ.
 
Now listen to the scholars’: ‘1:10. This verse refers back to God’s “good pleasure” (v.9). Verse 10 is made more plain by the paraphrase, “for the purpose of executing it (i.e., God’s good pleasure) in the fullness of times, and His good pleasure is to head up all things in Christ, things in heaven, and things on earth.”
 
In the near future, when the time is ripe, God will put His purpose into effect and carry it out. And His “good pleasure” or intention is the restoration of original universal unity, when all things are brought back into harmony with Himself and under the headship of Christ.’
 
Now, as per ‘1:11. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance may be read, “by whom we were also made an inheritance.” That is, believers are God’s treasure. Why would Paul regard this as a blessing? As God’s treasure Christians are the apple of His eye, the special objects of His LOVE. He is then determined to provide and care for His people who are His heritage.’
 
And re ‘1:12. The purpose of being made God’s “inheritance” and having been “predestinated” (v.11) is that we should be to the praise of his glory, that is, that we should glorify God. Who first trusted in Christ refers to Jewish believers.’
 
There we have it Friends, God’s mysterious but awesome plan being revealed, bit by bit to humans, all under the leadership of Jesus Christ. So why then are we still reluctant and sometimes downright ornery to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour eh?
 
It just boggles my imagination, what with all the scripture we have, it’s faithful fulfillment and the wonderful works of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, all in consort and concert with the Father!
 
All I can do is to advise us to think carefully, ponder our individual situations, and with God’s always available help, to make the wise and right decision, for if we don’t make the right one, then crapaud smoke we pipe – things will turn out real bad for us. Much LOVE!
 
…opting to be in Jesus’ army…under His protective wings…that’s the smartest and wisest option available to man…