19 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: 10th century African Prayer, a light unto my path, abide with you for ever, air quality warnings, all for our benefit, and again I say rejoice, ask and it shall be given you, be careful for nothing, be filled with the Spirit, be not drunk with wine wherein is excess, because I live ye shall live also, blessed be God, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God, calamity, call upon me, comforts us in all our tribulation, dissipation, dwell in the land of the shadow of death, everyone that asketh receiveth, faith, fellowship, giving thanks always for all things, God will come to you if you ask him to, going to God's house to worship Him, have the light of life, He came to me when I needed Him, He gave me eyes to behold, He gave me wealth untold, he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, he that seeketh findeth, He's only a prayer away, hearken unto you, holy spirit, I am the light of the world, I asked the Lord to comfort me, I asked the Lord to walk with me, I count all my blessings each day, I didn't ask for riches, I know the thoughts that I have toward you, I only had to pray, I thank the Lord for everything, I will come to you, I will comfort you, I will not leave you comfortless, I will see you through, if ye love me keep my commandments, in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, in every thing give thanks, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, it shall be opened, Jesus Christ, Ji, Jimmy Duncan, Johnny Lange, knock and it shall be opened unto you, let your moderation be known unto all men, let your requests be made known unto God, lift your cares away, listen to you, LOVE, making melody in your heart to the Lord, mercy, Mule Train, My Special Angel, never be afraid, pray the Father to give you another Comforter, pray without ceasing, rejoice evermore, Rejoice in the Lord always, renew our spirits, salvation, search for me with all your heart, seek and ye shall find, seen a great light, shall keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ, speaking to yourselves in psalms hymns and spiritual songs, sweet sacrifices of praise, the best of everything is bestowed on you, the Father of mercies, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the firmament sheweth his handiwork, the God of All Comfort, the greatest privilege is prayer, the heavens declare the glory of god, the Lord is at hand, the moon and the stars, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the people that walked in darkness, the Spirit of truth, the sun in the sky, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, to give you a future and a hope, to give you an expected end, to him that knocketh, truth, unto god the Father, upon them the light hath shined, we may comfort them which are in trouble, when darkness was all I knew, when things weren't going my way, will not leave you as orphans, wisdom, ye shall call upon me and pray unto me, ye shall seek me and find me
Today’s Scrip-Bit 19 July 2026 John 8:12.
John 8:12. ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’
Ah, Sunday, sweet Sunday! Going to God’s house to sing and praise and worship Him with other believers and renew our sprits for another week! What a glorious time it will be, as we meet and greet and encourage each other! And though some air quality warning is still in place, it’s otherwise a bright and sunshiny day with blue skies and a cool breeze, which makes it even more satisfying to journey to the Lord’s sanctuary. (smile)
And today’s song of worship is a beautiful 20th century hymn, written by Jimmy Duncan (1927-2011) and Johnny Lange (1905-2006) simply but very expressively titled ‘I asked the Lord.’ It’s strange that those two got together to write a hymn, when they were both known for more popular worldly music, like ‘My Special Angel,’ and ‘Mule Train.’ But a beautiful song was indeed created from the collaboration, so, without further ado, let’s raise our voices in sweet sacrifices of praise, in a rich, soulful, scintillating, mid-tempo version.
Singing: ‘I asked the Lord to comfort me When things weren’t going my way; And He said to me, “I will comfort you And I’ll lift your cares away.” I asked the Lord to walk with me, when darkness was all that I knew; And He said to me “Never be afraid, and I will see you through.” I didn’t ask for riches, but He gave me wealth untold, The moon and the stars, the sun in the sky, and He gave me eyes to behold. I thank the Lord for everything, and I count all my blessings each day; For He came to me when I needed Him, I only had to pray. And He will come to you, if you ask Him to, For He’s only a prayer away…. Yes, if you ask Him to, He will come to you, For He’s only a prayer away…’
Oh friends, that was a wonderful version! And what I truly like about the song is that it’s short and simple, but very much to the point. You ask the Lord for something within His will, and He’ll certainly do it for you. As Jesus says: ‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ (Matt. 7:7-8) And if Jesus says it’s so, then it is so!
And what did we ask for above there? Comfort, when things weren’t going our way. And what did Jesus promise when He told the disciples about His going back to heaven? ‘If ye LOVE me, keep my commandments And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter (Helper), that he may abide with you for ever. Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless (as orphans): I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.’ (John 14:15-19)
Yuh see that mih people: Jesus promised the disciples, and consequently us, a Comforter in the form of the Holy Spirit, who will live within us and transmit His messages to us. And furthermore, on the topic of comfort, listen to these wonderful words of Bruh Paul in his second letter to the church at Corinth. ‘Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in trouble (tribulation), by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.’ (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
Now isn’t that simply awesome; the Lord comforts us so that we can comfort others. That’s the wonderful kind of God we serve my faithful brethren! And, as per asking the Lord to walk with us the darkness, listen as Isaiah pours it out: ‘The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death upon them the light hath shined.’ (Is. 9:2) And who was that light? None other than Jesus, for as He says in one of His many ‘I Am’ statements: ‘I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.’ (John 8:12)
What more can we ask for eh? And if that isn’t enough, then listen as the psalmist tells us about the Lord’s Word. ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) So however you take it, once you’re in the Lord’s space, you have light now and forevermore! And though we never asked for riches, the Lord gave us wealth untold in the beauty of His magnificent universe, and eyes wherewith to see, admire and enjoy it. As Bruh David says in Psalm 19: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament (expanse of heaven) sheweth his handiwork (the work of his hands).’ (Ps. 19:1)
Now here comes possibly the most important part of the song: ‘I thank the Lord for everything.’ Yes friends, thanks to Almighty God for all that He’s done for us, especially since we don’t deserve any of it, is of the utmost importance! And so is counting our many blessings, which is all wrapped up in these scriptures of Bruh Paul. To the Ephesians he says: ‘And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation); but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;’ (Eph. 5:18-20)
Then to the Philippians he wrote: ‘Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation (gentleness, reasonableness) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:4-7) Meanwhile, to the Thessalonians, he simply says: ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (Thess. 5:16-18)
And how do we connect it all? Through the greatest privilege in the world; PRAYER! As the Lord says through Jeremiah: ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope). Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto (listen to) you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all of your heart.’ (Jer. 29:11-13) The message could not be any clearer than that my brethren, so please let’s take it to heart and put it into action nuh. For remember all that the Lord’s doing is for our benefit, not His. Much LOVE!
…when you embrace Jesus…the best of everything is bestowed on you like…light…life…LOVE…comfort…joy…and peace…amongst many other things…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
07 Jul 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: all the people said amen and praised the Lord, be careful for nothing, be mindful always of his covenant, bless the LOrd o my soul, blessed be the God of Israel for ever and ever, bound in affliction and iron, brake their bands in sunder, broke their chains in pieces, brought down their heart with labour, brought them out of darkness, call upon his name, children of Jacob, christianity, come to know and love christ like we do, contemned the counsel of the Most High, created to give thanks and praise, crowneth thee with loving-kindness, deliver us from the heathen, eternal life with Christ, even in adversity we're expected to rejoice pray and give thanks, faith, forget not all his benefits, gather us together, give thanks for another day of life, give thanks to thy holy name, give thanks unto the Lord, give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, glory in thy praise, glory ye in his holy name, God is both our Creator and Sustainer, God's great love for us, God's Redemptive Power, he filleth the hungry soul with goodness, he is the Lord our God, he satisfieth the longing soul, heading straight for hell fire and damnation, his chosen ones, his mercy endureth for ever, his servant, his wonderful works to the children of men, holy spirit, hurry, imprisoned in, in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, in every thing give thanks, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord, let the redeemed of the Lord say so, let your requests be made known unto God, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, make known his deeds among the people, O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, open prayer with thanksgiving, out faithful duty, paid for our sins, pray without ceasing, prisoners, redeemed from the hand of the enemy, rejoice ever more, remember His marvellous works, salvation, satisfieth thy mouth with good things, save us O God of our salvation, saved them out of their distresses, seek his face continually, seek ye the Lord and his strength, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, sing psalms unto him, sing unto him, such as sit in darkness, talk ye of all his wondrous works, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the burden of sin, the judgements of his mouth, the Lord's doing, the peace of God which passes all understanding, the shadow of death, the shed blood of Christ, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations, there was none to help, they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, they rebelled against the words of God, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, thy youth is renewed like the eagle's, to whom we belong, tone down the heat, triumph in your praise, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, washed us white as snow, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction, wisdom, worry, ye seed of Israel, yoked under
Today’s Scrip-Bit 7 July 2026 Psalm 107:1.
Psalm 107:1. ‘O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy (LOVING KINDNESS) endureth for ever.
And on this first Tuesday in July, a beautiful sunshiny summer’s day, with a cool breeze blowing to tone down the heat, I want us to do something we certainly don’t do as much as we ought to; that’s give thanks to our heavenly Father for another day of life on this wonderful planet earth, and also for all the good things He’s done for us down through the ages. So to comply with that desire, we’ll check out a few Bible verses out of the many that remind us of that faithful duty.
And the first scripture we’ll look at is this one from Psalm 107, titled ‘God’s Redemptive Power.’ It opens with this marvellous statement: ‘O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy (LOVING KINDNESS) endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.’ (Ps. 107:1-2) And that’s us my brethren; for the Lord has most definitely redeemed us from the burden of sin the enemy had us imprisoned in and yoked under, through the shed blood of Christ that paid for our sins and washed us white as snow.
For that we should be everlastingly thankful and grateful, otherwise we would still be heading straight for hell fire and damnation, instead of eternal life with Christ. And that was the Lord’s doing because of His great LOVE for us! Please, let’s remember that and continually give Him thanks, as Bruh Paul says to the Thessalonians: ‘Rejoice ever more. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:16-18) Yes, friends, even in adversity we’re expected to rejoice, pray, and give thanks, because that’s what the Lord expects of us.
Likewise Bruh Paul wrote thus to the Philippians: ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:6-7) Oh my people, the best way to bypass fear and anxiety is through prayer, but our God desires thanksgiving in our prayer, and you’ll notice throughout the Bible, that whenever prayer is made, it usually opens with thanksgiving.
That takes us to 1 Chronicles 16, where it says: ‘Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord into the hand of Asaph and his brethren. Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord. Seek ye the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.
Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgements of his mouth; O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the Lord our God; his judgements are in all the earth. Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations.’ (1 Chro. 16:7-15)
Now that’s only the beginning of Bruh David’s song of praise, which has been encapsulated into Psalm 105:1-15. But here’s how he ends the song in 1 Chronicles. ‘O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory (triumph) in thy praise. Blessed be the God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the Lord.’ (1 Chr. 16:34-36)
And that’s how it ought to be my people; us finding joy and praise and thanksgiving in the Lord our God, because He’s both our Creator and Sustainer, and we can’t do much of anything without His approval and/or help. And here, we go back to Psalm 107 as the psalmist declares: ‘Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING KINDNESS), and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron (prisoners);
Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned (despised) the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder (broke their chains in pieces). Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness (LOVING KINDNESS), and for his wonderful works to the children of men.’ (Ps. 107:8-15)
Yes, my fellow believers, that’s what our God is all about. And if you still don’t believe that we ought to give thanks and praise to our God, then listen to these true words from Psalm 103, where Bruh David writes: ‘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)
And if those aren’t all most excellent reasons to give God thanks and praise, then I don’t know what is. But I do hope we’ll review those scriptures and let them raise the level of our praise and thankfulness to Almighty God. Now, let’s declare our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
That now makes us duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…giving thanks and praise to God…is what we were created to do…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
17 May 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a great King above all Gods, a pause we all need to take, a rollicking good version, always numbering your troubles, amid the conflict, angels will attend, as the manner of some is, as ye see the day approaching, be careful for nothing, be singing as the days go by, burdened with a load of care, Christ has promised you His wealth untold, Christians, church bells are ringing, consider one another, count your blessings, count your many blessings, deserving of praise honour and glory, difficulties are only opportunities for advancement, do not be discouraged, does the cross seem heavy, doesn't get us down, every doubt will fly away, exhorting one another, faith, fellowship, fellowship in the Lord's sanctuary, focusing on the few negative things in our lives, God gives us many blessings every day, God is indeed a great God, God is over all, great or small, hear the joy in our voices as we sing, heavy the cross you are called to bear, help and comfort give, holy spirit, how great is the sum of them, how precious are thy thoughts unto me, in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, in every thing give thanks, in these uncertain times, it will surprise you what the Lord hath done, Jesus Christ, Johnson Oatman Jr., keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, let your requests be made known unto God, like the grains of sand on the seashore, look at others with lands and gold, LOVE, make a joyful noise, many are thy wonderful works, mercy, money cannot buy your reward in heaven, more in number than the sand, more than can be numbered, name them one by one, need to keep our spirits high, never find time to count your blessings, no use becoming frustrated in your difficulties, not forgetting the assembling of ourselves together, O come let us sing unto the lord, O Lord my God, opportunities hiding in them for a turnover, pay lip service, personal interaction, praise, preeminent importance, provoke unto love and to good works, remembering the many blessings God has generously bestowed on us, reminds us to stop and give thanksfor all God has done in our lives, salvation, see what God hath done, shout joyfully, shout joyfully unto god with psalms, so much more, soca version by Joseph Niles, something to take very seriously, sweet sacrifices of praise, tempest tossed, thanksgiving, the bad habit, the BIBLE, the chaos and adversity in our world, the gathering of Christians, the living truth, the Lord is a great God, the negative stuff that's happening, the peace of God which passeth all understading, the rock of our salvation, they cannot be reckoned up, thinking all is lost, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, thy thoughts to us-ward, to your journey's end, truth, when I awake I am still with thee, when upon life's billows, wisdom, wretched and ungrateful souls, you are discouraged, your home on high
1 Thessalonians 5:18. ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’
Believe it or not friends, it’s Sunday and the church bells are ringing, once more calling us to fellowship in the Lord’s sanctuary, to give praise and thanks and receive blessings and strength to face the upcoming week. And let us never forget that Christians gathering together is of preeminent importance in our faith, as the Bible warns us. ‘And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto LOVE and to good works: Nor forgetting 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.1024-25)
So it’s very necessary that we gather on a regular basis that we can encourage and stir up each other through personal interaction. And with all of that in mind, let’s get to our song of worship for today, one that is very appropriate for these evil and ungodly times. It’s one we all know and sing, but mostly do it just lip service, otherwise so many of us believers would not be worried and scared at all the chaos and adversity in our world. The song’s simply titled ‘Count Your Blessings!’ and was written by popular American hymnwriter and ordained minister, Johnson Oatman Jr. (1856-1922).
And today we’re going down south with the song, adding sweet sacrifices of praise in a scintillating up-tempo Soca riddim, a la, Jospeh Niles’ version of some years ago. So, let’s hear the joy in our voices as we sing, simultaneously remembering all the many blessings the Lord has so generously bestowed on us. And to get us off on a rousing note, we’ll open with the chorus.
Singing ‘(Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.) When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. (Refrain: Count your blessings,) Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly, And you will be singing as the days go by. [Refrain]
When you look at others with their lands and gold, Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; Count your many blessings, money cannot buy Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high. [Refrain] So, amid the conflict, whether great or small, Do not be discouraged, God is over all; Count your many blessings, angels will attend, Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end. [Refrain: Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your blessings, see what God hath done; Count your blessings, name them one by one; Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.)’
Yes mih people, that was a rollicking good version, and we could hear the joy in most of our voices as we sang and rocked to the music. And before we get into any talk on the song, it might be best to consider a definition of Counting our Blessings. One commentary puts it this way: ‘to be grateful for the good things in your life, often to stop yourself becoming too unhappy about the bad things.’
And that’s something we ought to take very seriously, for too many of us have the bad habit of focusing on the relatively few negative things in our lives, rather than the many good ones. And especially in these uncertain times we need to keep our spirits and our faith at a high level, so that all the negative stuff that’s happening doesn’t get us down and /or discouraged.
Now the theme of the song is basically about praise and thanksgiving, and there are so many scriptures on those topics that we will only be able to deal with a few; like this one from Psalm 95, where the psalmist declares: ‘O Come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise (shout joyfully) unto him with psalms (songs). For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.’ (Ps. 95:1-3) And our God is indeed a great God, deserving of much praise, honour and glory!
Then listen as Bruh David sings the Lord’s praises from Psalm 40. ‘Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to-us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up (recounted) in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.’ (Ps. 40:5) And isn’t that the living truth! God’s goodness toward us has been so numerous, like the grains of sand on the shore, they simply cannot be counted.
And in that marvellous Psalm 139, Bruh David again declares God’s goodness. ‘How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.’ (Ps. 139:17-18) And this commentary from the http://www.godtube website says it loud and clear. ‘God truly gives us so many blessings each and every single day. Some may even be so small that we might overlook them. The classic hymn ‘Count Your Blessings’ truly reminds us to stop and give thanks for all God has done in our lives. This is definitely a pause we all need to take. Amen.’
And Bruh Paul says it thus to the Philippians. ‘Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:6-7) Meanwhile, to the Thessalonians, He writes: ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1Thess. 5:18)
Now it could not get any clearer than that; God expects us to give Him thanks and praise, and He most certainly deserves it, for all the goodness and mercy He’s bestowed on our wretched and ungrateful souls. And this commentary seems to be a most fitting way to close our discourse today. It wisely advises: ‘If you always find yourself numbering your troubles, you will never find time for counting your blessings. There is no use becoming frustrated in your difficulties while you have all opportunities hiding in them for a turnover.’ So, let’s ponder that today, while we count our many blessings. Much LOVE!
…difficulties are only opportunities for advancement…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
29 Jan 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a father of the fatherless, a good family, a judge of the widows, a positive outlook on life., a strong will, abundance, all ye that are upright in heart, an object of scorn, as smoke is driven away, as wax melts before the fire, be glad in the Lord, Bible, by his name JAH, children of God, clear direction for my life, come to know and love christ like we do, curse, David danced before the Lord, divine protection, drive them away, duty bound, everything will turn out right in the end, extol him that rideth upon the heavens, faith, favour, find great joy in God, generously bestowed, give thanks, God brings out those bound in chains into propserity, God in his holy habitation, God is a defender of widows, God sets the lonely in families, God's supernatural wisdom, great adoration, he that trusteth in the Lord, heartfelt gladness, holy spirit, in every thing give thanks, Jesus Christ, let God arise, let his enemies be scattered, let the righteous be glad, let the wicked perish as the presence of God, let them exceedingly rejoice, let them rejoice before God, let them that hate him flee before him, LOVE, many sorrows shall be to the wicked, mercy, mercy shall compass him about, negative word, pray without ceasing, promotion, prya, put in a nutshell, rejoice, rejoice before God, rejoice evermore, rejoice ye righteous, self-disicpline, share our undeserved blessings, shout for joy, sing praises to his name, sing unto God, talent, the ark of the Lord, the destruction of God's enemies, the penultimate day of our work week, the presence of God, The Triumphant God, these cold and uninspiring day, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, true believers in Christ, truth, undeserved favour, weep and moan regulalrly, wisdom
Psalm 68:3. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.
Then it was Thursday, the penultimate day of our work week. And there’s some joy showing through as the week slowly peters out. (smile) And it’s amusing that since the snowstorm on Sunday, everyday has been mostly bright sunshine and not the dreary cloudiness we had hitherto been saddled with. I don’t know if regular sunshine in the winter months is worth the price of such a massive snowfall, but we’re surely glad to see the sun to brighten our spirits, especially in these cold and uninspiring days. (smile)
But on a more serious note, today, I want us to look at a few verses from Psalm 68, titled, ‘The Triumphant God.’ The scholars say that although there is no superscription explaining when this psalm was written, there is general agreement that it was written when the ark of the Lord was moved from the house of Obed-edom to the new location in the tabernacle specially built for it in Jerusalem, and Bruh David danced before the Lord. (smile) (2 Sam. 6:1-18 )
However, what I want us to consider in the first few verses is the magnificent manner in which Bruh David desires the destruction of God’s enemies, talks of His might and power, praises His Holy name, while encouraging us to also sing His praises with joy and great adoration. So please read with me. ‘Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him. As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice. Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol (praise) him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH (Lord), and rejoice before him. A father of the fatherless, and a judge (defender) of the widows, is God in his holy habitation. God setteth the solitary (lonely) in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains (into prosperity): but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.’ (Ps. 68: 1-6)
There again, like yesterday, we see friends God’s great interest in the widows, orphans and the downtrodden. But today I want us to focus on the third and fourth verses, that encourage us as the righteous of God to be glad before him, to rejoice exceedingly, to sing praises to his name, to extol Him. And that word ‘extol’ does not simply mean to praise but to laud, to magnify, to exalt, to glorify, to acclaim and greatly celebrate! Yes friends we ought to find such great joy in our wonderful God that we just let it all hang out with praises and worship, fellowship and heartfelt gladness.
It’s like when Bruh David brought the ark home to Jerusalem he felt such a joy and blessing that the Good Book tells us, he danced before the Lord. But to his wife Michal, it was a vile and disgusting behaviour, not fit for a king. However, Bruh David was of a different opinion, and because of her snotty snobbishness, he banned her from his presence, and she was thus childless all of her days. (2 Sam. 6:20-23) That obviously made her an object of scorn and inuendo, for remember the great importance placed on wives bearing their husbands children in those days.
Anyway, getting back to the praise and worship due our magnificent and generous God, listen to these words of Bruh David from Psalm 32, titled ‘Confession and Forgiveness.’ He ends it with these very purposeful verses. ‘Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about (surround him). Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.’ (Ps. 32:10-11) And I believe that’s something not enough of us do on a regular basis. But we do weep and moan very regularly. (smile)
Now, if our God is so good, why do we weep and moan more often than we rejoice and be glad eh? If we know and believe God’s promise that everything will turn out all right in the end (Rom. 8:28) then why are so many of us still so fearful? It means that we don’t truly believe. And what did Bruh Paul encourage the Thessalonians to do? ‘Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (2 Thess. 5:16-18)
That puts it all in a very nice nutshell my people. (smile) Our basic duties are to pray, rejoice and give thanks! And even though it’s difficult to do in these crucial times, we desperately need to increase all three activities if we are to remain true believers in Christ Jesus and children of God. Now let’s do some giving of thanks by declaring our Thursday Blessings; underserved favour most generously bestowed on us by our marvellous God to 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!!!) we’re now duty bound to go out and use those undeserved 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!
…God made mankind to LOVE…pray to…sing His praises and worship Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
15 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a brutish man knoweth not, a good living, as the heavens are higher than the earth, come to know and love him like we do, duty bound, finite understanding, God's infinite ways nd thoughts, holiday, holy spirit, how great are thy works, hurry, I will be glad and rejoice in thee, I will declare all all thy marvellous works, I will praise thee O Lord, I will sing praise to thy name, I will triumph in the works of thy hands, in every thing give thanks, in god's eyes, indisputable truth, internet connection, it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, Jesus Christ, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, man's most important tasks, mercy, more heat warnings, my thoughts are not your thoughts, my thoughts higher than your thoughts, my ways are not your ways, neither doth a fool understand this, O thou most High, Praise the Lord, pray without ceasing, rejoice evermore, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, so are my ways higher than yours, the beloved of God, the big part the internet plays in our lives, the whole wide world, this is the day the Lord has made, this is the will of God in Christ concerning you, thou hast made me glad through thy work, thy faithfulness every night, thy thoughts are very deep, to love the Lord, to show forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, we will rejoice and be glad in it, wisdom, with my whole heart, worry, your word is spread worldwide
Psalm 9:1. I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth (tell of) all thy marvellous works.
So it’s Tuesday, the middle of the month of July, another hot day with more heat warnings, and thankfully I’ve finally gotten my internet reconnected. Yes friends, I need to apologize for not publishing a blog since last Friday. But that was because I lost my internet connection on Friday afternoon, and just got it reconnected today. It seems that that I wasn’t alone in my misery, (smile) there was a general outage in my area.
But Brother! You never realize what a big part that internet connection plays in our modern day lives until you don’t have it for some time. You simply feel lost; no phone, no television, no computer, no what’s ap messages! And you can only read so much. Although I have other things I could have done, I just was too lazy to do them, deciding instead to enjoy the holiday. (smile)
But that holiday is now over. Chuh man! Its’ back to the daily grind and common task; the everyday things that life is really about. So why don’t we do the appropriate thing in this situation, that’s give thanks to God for having our internet connection restored. For as Bruh Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: ‘In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.’ (1 Thess. 5:18)
And all God’s children said: ‘Thank you Lord for the restored internet connection through which your Word is spread worldwide. And we pray that it will not be interrupted again, because that means your Word will not be transmitted to those who sincerely need it. We pray it in Jesus’ Name! Amen!’ And to continue in thanksgiving mode, these words of Psalm 9 titled ‘Praise for God’s Judgement,’ seem to be very appropriate. Bruh David writes: ‘I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth (tell of) all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.’ (Ps. 9:1-2)
Oh friends, those are the exact things that we were created for! To be glad and rejoice in God, as well as give Him thanks and praise and spread abroad His marvellous works. So many scriptures point them out that we could hardly forget them, although in our busy world lifestyle, we do. And we’re talking about scriptures like this seminal verse from Psalm 118, one we all know and quote, but don’t live up to as we ought. The psalmist writes: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24)
How many of us get up and say those words and then go out and have a most miserable day because in the busyness of the day, we have removed God from our thoughts? That’s why Bruh Paul instructed us to ‘Rejoice evermore, and to Pray without ceasing.’ (1 Thess. 5:16-17) When you have a glad heart filled with God, and you keep Him continually in your thoughts, then no matter what the world or it’s evil associates do, you won’t lose your peace and joy. For remember the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Neh. 8:10) That’s why we need to keep our joy in God as strong and continuous as possible.
Then these wonderful words of Psalm 92, titled ‘Give Thanks to the Lord’ say it all, my fellow believers. So please read with me: ‘It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name O most High: To shew forth (declare) thy LOVING-KINDNESS in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night. Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the psaltery (lute or lyre); upon the harp with a solemn (harmonic, melodious) sound. For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work: I will triumph in the works of thy hands. O Lord, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. A brutish (senseless) man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.’ (Ps. 92:1-6)
What words of indisputable truth those are my brethren! We need to give thanks and praise to our great God, for it’s through Him that we have life and a good living, through His great works we enjoy all the benefits of the planet we’re living on, and it’s through His grace and mercy that we triumph in this difficult life. And it’s obvious that a senseless man or a fool cannot understand God’s greatness!
Even those of us who seek to do so will fall far short because as the prophet Isaiah declares on the Lord’s behalf: ‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.’ (Is. 55:8-9)
It’s as simple as that friends! The Lord God our Creator and Controller’s infinite ways and thoughts are so much higher than our puny and finite understanding. That means, as hard as we may try, we will never understand all that God does…not until we get to the other side. (smile) So it doesn’t make sense to fight what God says, just do it and say ‘Praise the Lord!’
And although all of that is much easier said than done, if we’re to be true believers and disciples of Christ, then we need to do what He says, remembering that He will never ask us to do something without giving us the wherewithal to do it. Now, for those of us who are sincerely trying to do His will, let’s go home declaring (steups!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel.
As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’
Now, we’re duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…man’s most important tasks are…to LOVE the Lord…and give Him thanks and praise…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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