29 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a belief in divine intervention, a future certainty, a heat warning, All glory be to Jesus, an expectation of positive outcomes, an optimistic state of mind, believers in Christ Jesus, bounden duty, christianity, come to a dead end, come to know and love christ like we do, down in the dumps, every morning is a fresh beginning, faith, faith walk, for what a man sees why does he yet hope for ir, give me new direction, goals vanish, God can make a path through the wilderness, guide my steps, handle anything that comes against us, he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him, he that comes to God, holy spirit, hope, hope leads to faith, hope that is seen is not hope, hope thou in God, hope when facing adversity, hurry, I know you never fail, I shall praise him, I take your hand in this place, I will do a new thing, in god's eyes, In Touch Organization, In you I always have hope, Jesus Christ, joy and strength of God, light in the darkness, LOVE, make a way in the wilderness, make a way where there seems to be no way, mercy, must believe that he is, now it shall spring forth, perseverance, rivers in the desert, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, shrouded in darkness, sing a song of praise, strong belief, tempted to feel all is lost, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the evidence of things not seen, the gospel truth, the health of my countenance and my God, the King of Kings, the Lord of lords, the substance of things hoped for, the trail ahead, the whole wide world, to cherish a desire with anticipation, to expect with confidence, to provide solutions, trust in a higher power, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, we are saved by hope, when plans evaporate, Why art thou cast down o my soul, why art thou disquieted within me, wisdom, with patience we wait for it, without faith it is impossible to please God, without hope you can't have faith, worry, You know the way
Psalm 42:11b. hope thou in God: for I shall praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Ah mih people, it was hot yesterday, and it will be hot again today, with a Heat Warning already been issued. But we’ve been longing for summer, and that’s what we’re getting. (smile) Anyhow, we believers in Christ Jesus can handle anything that comes against us, be it human, animal or weather related, for we are assured that we can do anything that’s necessary through our Lord and Saviour who strengthens us! (Phil. 4:13) And all God’s people shouted a loud and grateful: ‘All glory be to Jesus, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords!’
And today, we’re going to look at a word that’s ever so important in our faith walk; it’s the word HOPE! And what’s HOPE all about eh? One commentary tells us that ‘Hope is an optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s own life, or the world at large. As a verb, Merriam-Webster defines hope as “to expect with confidence” or “to cherish a desire with anticipation”.’
But then this other commentary says: ‘What is the Bible definition of hope? The Bible almost never uses the word “hope” the way we do. For us, “hope” refers to something like a “wish” or a “dream.” But in the Bible, “hope” refers to an “expectation”—a future certainty.’ And hope leads to faith, for without hope, you cannot have faith, that strong belief, which as the Bible tells us: ‘is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1)
That means hope and faith primarily involve believing for future things, for what is unseen or not yet attained, not something that’s the present reality, already visible, like Bruh Paul writes to the Romans. ‘For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience (perseverance) wait for it.’ (Rom. 8:24-25)
And having established our basic definition of HOPE, let’s now turn to the recently issued Prayer Cards by the In Touch Organization and offer up a prayer on that controversial but very important and relevant Christian attitude of HOPE! Please pray with me: ‘Thank You, God, for the hope I have today. The trail ahead is shrouded in darkness, but You’re my light. Though I’m tempted to feel all is lost, I know You never fail. Guide my steps, because You know the way. When plans evaporate and goals vanish, give me new direction. Every morning is a fresh beginning in Your great faithfulness. So I take Your hand in this place and sing a song of praise. In You I always have hope. Amen.’
That’s the end of the official prayer, but the card continues with this wonderful advice: ‘You may think you’ve come to a dead end. But God can make a path through the wilderness.’ And isn’t that the gospel truth, as He’s promised through the prophet Isaiah. ‘Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.’ (Is. 43:18-19) Yes friends, all through the scriptures the Lord has promised to make a way where there seems to be no way, for those who sincerely believe and trust in Him and His Son Jesus Christ.
As this commentary further explains. ‘The saying “God can make a way where there seems to be no way” expresses a belief in divine intervention and the power of faith to overcome seemingly impossible situations. It’s often associated with verses like Isaiah 43:19, which speaks of God making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. This concept is a common theme in religious and spiritual contexts, emphasizing trust in a higher power to provide solutions and hope even when facing adversity. The saying also offers comfort and encouragement to individuals facing difficult situations, reminding them that they are not alone and that solutions can be found through faith.’
And many of us who have been Christians for a while, will be able to attest to those sentiments, for we have indeed found solutions, comfort and encouragement in our faith journey with Christ. But getting back to the Prayer Card. It offers this verse from Psalm 42, as the basis of our prayer. It only quoted one line: ‘Hope in God, for I shall yet praise him,’ but we’ll quote the whole verse here because it’s very applicable and appropriate to the whole situation of hope and faith.
It’s that famous verse from the pen of the Sons of Korah: ‘Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.’ (Ps. 42:11) Oh my people, that is such a beautiful and encouraging verse of scripture that it’s quoted twice in Psalm 42 (vs. 5,11) and once in Psalm 43 (vs. 5) It just shows the wonderful, uplifting emotions we can gain from Almighty God when we are down in the dumps, and encourages us to never give up the hope, the promise, the light in the darkness, the joy and strength we find in Him.
Now, with all of that marvelous and miraculous hope built up in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, (smile) let’s go home declaring 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!’
And having made that statement, it’s now become our bounden duty to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do. Much LOVE!
…but without faith…it is impossible to please God…for he that cometh to God…must believe that he is…and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him… (Heb. 11:6)
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a source of strength and resilience within us, accept God's gifts, as a blood bought truth, be not afraid only believe, be of good cheer, bombarding us with carnal things, cling to every promise of scripture, comfort, distract us from our witness for Christ, duty bound, experience one disappointment too many, faith, fearful times, go and pray into me, God will not fail us, God will not renege on His promises, great faith, greater is he that is in you, guidance, help me to see a shimmer of hope, hold on, holy spirit, hope seems naive, hurry, i have overcome the world, I rpay to know somewhere in my soul, I will hearken unto you, if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, in god's eyes, in me ye might have peace, in the name of Jesus, in the world ye shall have tribulation, In Touch Devotional, it takes work and faith on our part to believe, jaded moments, Jesus and Jairus, Jesus Christ, Jesus keeps all of His promises, life is not an easy road to hoe, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, make it to the next day, mercy, move the world, nothing shall be impossible to you, on the hard days, one proviso, our Christian motto, prayers met with silence, refuge for our souls, remove and it shall remove, salvation, say unto this mountain, share His love with my neighbours, sincere prayer, something for a fool, surpasses all external forces, than he that is in the world, that it's safe to trust you, the beloved of God, the Christian life, the gospel truth, the power of God is stronger than the powers in the world, the rough and tumble times, these things I have spoken unto you, this earthly sojourn, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, turn to you, waiting in faith, when ye search for me with all your heart, whom we belong to, wisdom, with the whole wide world, worry, ye shall call upon me, ye shall seek me and find me
Mark 5:36b. Be not afraid, only believe.
So friends, it’s now Tuesday, we’ve successfully gotten past our nemesis, Monday, and are well on our way to a glorious week of work, all in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! What a blessing it is to have Jesus in our lives, to help us travel the ofttimes rocky road we call life. But even with Jesus in our lives, this earthy sojourn is still not any easy road to hoe, for all kinds of ungodly things and powers keep fighting for our attention, bombarding us with all sorts of carnal things, trying to distract us from our witness for Christ.
But that’s where sincere prayer comes in, it helps to quiet our souls, our worries and our fears. And today we’ll look at one such prayer from the July In Touch Devotional. So please pray with me. ‘Lord, when my prayers are met with silence or I experience one disappointment too many, hope seems naïve, something for a fool. In those jaded moments, I pray to know somewhere in my soul – deep, deep down – that it’s safe to trust You, God. On the hard days, help me to see a shimmer of hope and hold on, to turn to You and make it to the next day. In Jesus’ name, amen.’
And you know what friends, we all experience such days, especially in these fearful and crazy times our world is currently going through. But it’s worth noting that Jesus is our help in any and every situation, we just need to call on Him. But there’s one proviso, as stated in the Book of Jeremiah. ‘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 your heart.’ (Jer. 29:12-13)
Yes my people, we can’t only run to Jesus when life gets tough and forget about Him in the good times. We have to be continually having communion with Him, so that when those rough and tumble times come, we’re already in His presence and we don’t have to go searching for Him like crazy, as so many of us seem to do. And as long as we live, there will be problems, hurts, disappointments and all the other unfortunate moments of life. But let’s remember what Jesus said as per those times: ‘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)
Now that’s much easier said than done, but if you truly believe in Jesus, then you will know that He’s faithful to keep all His promises, but it also takes work and faith on our part to stay strong and believe His words. It all doesn’t happen automatically like so many supposed believers think. No! It’s a two way street. God has a part to play, and so do we, but until we do ours, God won’t do His. So all the promises in the Bible are sincere and true, but in most cases we have something to do to access them, like believing and waiting in faith.
Remember the incident with Jesus and Jairus, the Jewish synagogue ruler who came to Him seeking help for his sick daughter? As He was on His way to heal her, He got waylaid by the woman with the twelve years issue of blood. But as Jesus was talking to the woman, He overheard them tell Jairus that His daughter was dead. He immediately turned to Jairus and said, ‘Be not afraid, only believe.’ (Mark 5:36) And that ought to be our Chrisitan motto! Be not afraid, only believe, for when we do that, the powers of heaven align with us and take us through the tough times.
And I like how this commentary explains that verse. ‘So what does it mean for the Christian to not fear, but only believe? It means to cling to every promise of scripture as a blood bought truth and refuge for our souls. It means to trust that God will not fail us, that He will not prove to be deceptive, that He will not back out of His promises.’ And that’s the gospel truth my brethren! God will never renege on His promises, but we do need to hold on tightly to them, if we want to see them come true.
As Jesus said, ‘If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place, and it shall remove (move); and nothing shall be impossible unto you.’ (Matt. 17:20) That means with even a small amount of faith, we can do great things and overcome seemingly impossible obstacles. So can you imagine what we can do with great faith? Not only move mountains but move the world!
Then there’s this final question: why do we think we have the Holy Spirit of God dwelling within us eh? It’s to give us power and faith and hope, comfort and guidance to live the Christian life! But there again, we need to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and do what it commands us if we expect to have divine intervention in our affairs. So friends, let’s wake up this Tuesday afternoon in late July of 2025, and realize that the enemy is bearing down on us with all he has, but we have the power to withstand him, if we choose to do so, for as John writes in his first epistle. ‘Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.’ (1 John 1:4)
More indisputable truth my people. The Holy Spirit that lives within us is greater than the devil that’s in the world! As this commentary explains: ‘The verse emphasizes that the power of God residing within believers is stronger than any worldly power or challenge. It suggests that those who believe in God have a source of strength and resilience within them that surpasses any external forces they may encounter.’ But we first need to believe and then work with the power within us for any of it to come true!
Now let’s go home declaring 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!’
Now, we’re duty bound to go out and share that amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…God’s given us all we need to live the life He desires…but we must first accept His gifts…then put them into action…
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
08 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a daily habit, all manner of disease among the people, an herd of swine, and were drowned, ask for healing and strength from God, awed beyond belief, cannot make it on my own, come to know and love him like we do, commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man, do Jesus' work with diligence, duty bound, enjoy the life He created us to have, epileptics, faith, give me strength to endure, had the palsy, healing all manner of sickness, holy spirit, I trust in your goodness, if God spares life, immediately the fever left her, in faith, in god's eyes, in his right mind, Jesus Christ, Jesus the great Physician, Jesus thou Son of God, Jesus took her by the hand, Jesus went about Galilee, lay sick of the fever, lifted her up, LOVE, mercy, possessed of devils, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, put an end to all pain, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, she ministered unto them, sickness comes knocking at our door, Simon's mother-in-law, sitting clothed at Jesus feet, teaching in the synagogues, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the country of the Gadarenes, the devils entered the swine, the Healing Ministry of Jesus, the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, the needs of my physical body, the paralyzed, there followed him great multitudes of people, too proud to ask for help, tragedy, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, vim and vigour, walk wit me, waning years, what have I to do with thee, wisdom, without the grace and mercy of God, your healing touch
Matthew 4:23. And Jesus went about all Galilee …healing all manner of sickness (every sickness), and all manner of disease (every disease) among the people.
Then it was Tuesday, a somewhat cool and cloudy day, and we can forget Monday…until next week that is, (smile) and go on about our Tuesday business, with vim and vigour, all in Christ’s mighty name. Today, we’re going to deal with the topic of healing, as expressed in a prayer form the Prayer Cards recently issued by the In Touch Organization.
So please pray with me: ‘Lord Jesus, You are the great Physician. When You walked the earth You healed the sick, and You still heal today. In faith I bring You the needs of my physical body. I trust in Your goodness today, knowing that one day You will put an end to all pain and brokenness. Walk with me and give me strength to endure. Thank You for Your healing touch. Amen!’
Oh friends, I don’t know about you all nuh, but I desperately need the Lord’s healing touch, each and every day, especially in these my waning years, if I hope to endure and do His work with diligence. And I’m sure a lot of you do too, but oftentimes we’re too proud to ask for help and healing. I certainly am not! I ask for it every single day, because I know that I just could not make it on my own without the grace and mercy of our wonderful God. So let’s promise ourselves to make it a daily habit to ask for healing and strength from Almighty God, so that we can do His work and enjoy the life that He’s created us to have.
And at the end of the prayer, they suggest that we ‘Read some of the many accounts of healing in the New Testament. Jesus is Your Healer.’ And he surely is! Praise the Lord! For without Him I don’t know what we’d do when sickness and tragedy dangerously come knocking at our door. And the first scripture on healing that we will read is the one on which the prayer was based, as Matthew talks about the Healing Ministry of Jesus.
He writes: ‘And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness (every sickness), and all manner of disease (every disease) among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers (various) diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils (demons), and those which were lunatic (epileptics), and those that had the palsy (were paralyzed); and he healed them.’ (Matt. 4:23-24)
Yes mih people, Jesus was, and is indeed our Healer! Can you imagine the crowds of sick people that came to Him back then when doctors and other care givers were in short supply, and the level of human health care was rather low , plus most of the sick could not afford to go to the few health care providers that were available? Matthew says it thus: ‘And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis (the Ten Cities), and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.’ (Matt. 4:25)
Wow! At the end of the day Jesus must have been real tired. No wonder He so often had to escape to a solitary place and commune with the Father, so that His strength could be renewed. And that just goes to show that Healing was a prominent aspect of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Now, let’s look at a few of the individual healings Jesus performed, beginning with Mark’s version of the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law.
‘And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon (Peter) and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon (at once) they tell him of her. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto (served) them.’ (Mark 1:29-31)
Then there was this most poignant and miraculous set of circumstances. Luke tells us of the time when Jesus and the disciples went into the country of the Gadarenes, which was on the opposite shore of the lake to Galilee. And as he stepped out of the boat, ‘there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils (demons) long time, and ware (wore) no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech (beg) thee, torment me not.
(For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught (seized) him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters (shackles); and he brake the bands (chains), and was driven of the devil (demons) into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said , Legion: because many devils (demons) were entered into him. And they (the demons) besought (begged) him (Jesus) that he would not command them to go out into the deep (abyss).
And there was an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought (begged) him that he would suffer (allow) them to enter into them. And he suffered (allowed) them. Then went the devils (demons) out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked (drowned). (Luke 8:26-33)
Obviously the swine herders fled in fear back to the city and broadcast the happening. And when the crowd came back to Jesus, they found the demon filled man in his right mind, sitting clothed at the feet of Jesus. But the people were so afraid, that they asked Jesus to leave their place, and Jesus obediently got back into his boat and went back home. (Luke 8:26-39) Can you imagine being around then, seeing Jesus do those miraculous things. Even now, when He does them, and He still does, we’re awed beyond belief.
But we’ll stop here for today, for time and space are against us, and there are so many more healing miracles that we can talk about. However, if God spares life, tomorrow, we’ll continue looking at some more of Jesus’ marvellous healing miracles. Now, let’s go home declaring 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!’
And having made that declaration, we are now 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!
…Jesus…the greatest Healer of all time…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
01 Jul 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a back to work day, a catalyst for conflict and suffering, a fool filled with food, a generation that curse their father, a generation that does not bless their mother, a lifeline of godly wisdom, a modicum of circumspection, a servant when he reigns, an handmaid that's heir to her mistress, an odious married woman, british north america act, christianity, Christians, cloud cover, come to know and love him like we do, crying give give, despises to obey his mother, duty bound, faith, food for thought, give God the glory, greedier than ever, Hagar's actions, Happy Canada Day, he who has ears to hear let him hear, holy spirit, how lofty are their eyes, humidity, hurry, I have done no wickedness, in god's eyes, inclement weather, incomprehensible things, insatiable things, intolerable people, It is enough, jealousy, Jesus Christ, kinds of sinners, live to see many more wonderful birthdays, LOVE, mercy, no compassion for the poor, no respect for our parents, not washed from their filthiness, power dynamics, proud and haughty, proverbial axioms, Proverbs, pure in their own eyes, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, she eats wipes her mouth and says, such is the way of an adulterous woman, the barren womb, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the challenges of waiting on God, the earth that is not filled with water, the eye that mocketh at his father, the first that saith not, the grave, the horseleach has two daughters, the needy from among men, the ongoing activities of life, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the story of Hagar and Sarah, the way of a man with a maid, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, the way of an eagle in the air, the young eagles shall eat it, their eylids are lifted up in arrogance, their jaw activities as knives, things I know not, things that are never satisfied, things which are too wonderful for me, to devour the poor from off the earth, to share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, whose teeth are as swords, worry, wusdom, young people ought to heed
Proverbs 30:11. There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
HAPPY CANADA DAY!
Oh friends, it’s July 1,that means it’s Canada Day! Happy 158 Birthday Canada! We LOVE you, one of the best big countries in the world! And we pray that you will live to see many more wonderful birthdays! This holiday celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867, with the passing of the British North America Act, which united three British North American colonies (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada) into a federal state, then known as the Dominion of Canada. And though we’re comparatively young compared to many other countries, we’re right up there with the best and brightest of them! Give God the glory!
Unfortunately though, today’s celebrations might be marred by inclement weather, as some rain during the night have left us with some cloud cover and a touch of humidity. But I’m sure that will not stop the celebrations, possibly just move them inside if the rain decides to fall, for all Canada LOVES a celebration, especially when it’s our birthday! So remember, please celebrate with a modicum of circumspection, because we don’t need any more disasters than we already have in our world, and tomorrow is a back to work day. (smile)
And I just opened the Good Library to look for something to write about today, and lo, and behold it opened unto the wise words of Cousin Sol in Proverbs, a section that I found very interesting. And as the scholars explain, they refer ‘to several sets of pronouncements on some of the people, things, and situations that are observable in the ongoing activities of life. These latter thoughts are given in groups of four: four kinds of sinners (vs. 11-14), four insatiable things (vs. 15b-16), four incomprehensible things (vs. 18-19), four kinds of intolerable people (vs. 21-23), four irrepressible creatures that are small but mighty (vs. 24-28) and four stately beings (vs. 29-31).’
So, without further ado, let’s get into these wise and interesting pronouncements and observations of Cousin Sol. He writes: ‘There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up (lifted up in arrogance). There is a generation whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.’ (Prov. 30:11-14).
Oh my people, would that happen to be this generation? For all the things that are said there can also be said of our current society. We have no compassion for the poor and needy, we’re greedier and more avaricious that ever, we have little, if any respect for our parents, siblings and each other in general, and are we ever proud and haughty, with an arrogance that has not been seen in the world for a long time! Those words which show the four kinds of sinners, are certainly food for thought. (smile)
But moving on. Cousin Sol then writes: The horseleach (leech) hath two daughters, crying, Give, give. There are three things that are never satisfied, yea, four things say not, It is enough: The grave; and the barren womb; the earth that is not filled with water; and the fire that saith not, It is enough.’ (Prov. 30:15-16) Therein lies the four insatiable things; things that are never satisfied.
And who says Cousin Sol isn’t amongst the great writers eh? For, in between it all, He throws in little gems of wisdom, or as the scholars call them ‘proverbial axioms.’ Like that of the horseleach and his two ‘gravalicious’ daughters in vs. 15a. And also this one: ‘The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey (scorns obedience to) his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.’ (Prov. 30:17) Now that’s a lifeline of godly wisdom that many of the young people of this generation ought to heed.
And Cousin Sol continues his rambling thoughts on God’s great universe, it’s eccentricities and uniqueness. (smile) ‘There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst (heart) of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid (virgin).’ (Prov. 30:18-19) That gives us the four incomprehensible things.
Then here comes another gem of wisdom; a proverbial axion: Cousin Sol advises us: ‘Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.’ (Prov. 30:20) Now isn’t that what so many of us do nowadays; refuse to acknowledge our sinful and evil deeds? Most certainly! Then there’s this section: ‘For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat (food); For an odious (hated, hateful) woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.’ (Prov. 30:21-23) And those are the four kinds of intolerable people.
The last one brings to mind the behaviour of Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant, (Gen. 16:4) whom she gave to Abrahm to try and achieve an heir. This interesting commentary explains it thus: ‘When Hagar found herself pregnant with child by Abraham, she does not directly insult Sarah over her barrenness, but her actions and changed attitude after becoming pregnant by Abraham (Abram) lead to tension and conflict. Hagar’s pregnancy and subsequent contempt for Sarah, who was still childless, caused Sarah to mistreat Hagar, leading to Hagar’s flight. Hagar’s actions are a catalyst for the conflict and suffering that unfolds, highlighting the themes of jealousy, power dynamics, and the challenges of waiting on God’s promises.’
And so it still is in many families today, but hopefully, like in Hagar’s case, through the Lord’s intervention, it will all work out well for many of us. Now, we’ll stop there for today, because there’s much more to talk about, and that will just make the Bit too long. So, if the Lord spares life, then we’ll continue looking at Cousin Sol’s wise words tomorrow. That means it’s time to go home declaring 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!’
And having made that declaration (chuh man!!!) we’re now 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!
…he who has ears to hear…let him hear…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
17 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a life guided by faith, a way to shape believers into Christ's image, come to know and love christ like we do, despise not the chastening of the Lord, don't be discouraged, don't faint when God rebukes you, faith, fellowship, God's discipline, having a lifelong fellowship and intimacy with God, in all thy ways acknowledge him, in God's eyes' hurry, influenced by the world system, inner conviction, intended for spiritual growth, Jesus Christ, Jesus is the be all and end all of everything, LOVE, mercy, motivated by love, must believe that he is a rewarder, my God shall supply all your needs, put them into practice, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, successfully navigated Monday's storms, the beloved of God, the first hurdle to jump, the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want, them that diligently seek him, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, tyothing thy income, we live by faith not by sight, whom the Lord loves he chastens, wisdom, without faith it is impossible to please God, worry
Proverbs 3:5. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.
So then it’s Tuesday; a bright and sunshiny day. That means we’ve successfully navigated the stormy waters of Monday and are now on our way to a hale and hearty week of work, under the wonderful guidance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Wow! And all God’s children gave a grateful and joyful shout of ‘Thank You Jesus!’ Now what can be better than that eh? Absolutely nothing! For Jesus is the be all and end all of everything, and once we have Him and His Holy Spirit guiding our lives we won’t want for anything.
As Bruh David so confidently declares in Psalm 23: ‘The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.’ (Ps. 23:1) And Jesus says, not to worry about things like food and clothing, because our heavenly Father knows our needs. We just have to seek Him and His righteous kingdom first, and all we need will be furnished. (Matt. 6:25-33) Then Bruh Paul further assures us in his letter to the Philippians: ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:19)
Therefore, it’s obvious that if we put the Lord God Almighty in first place in our lives, then we will not lack for any of the necessities of life. But unfortunately that’s where we keep falling down; we don’t always keep God first place in our lives, but are very much influenced by the world’s system, so we’re suffering more than is necessary. That brings to mind these amazing verses of wisdom from Cousin Sol in Proverbs chapter three. We talk about them all the time but don’t practice them sufficiently, otherwise our lives would not be as rough and meaningless, as they currently are.
So let’s consider them one more time, and hopefully this time we’ll put them into action, the way we ought to. (smile) Cousin Sol strongly advises; ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.’ (Prov. 3:5) And that’s the first hurdle we must jump. Putting all out trust in God and not in our puny and finite understanding. And if we don’t do that, nothing else will work. It’s all about trust and faith in Almighty God. The Bible tells us: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight:’ (2 Cor. 5:7) And what does that mean?
This commentary explains it thus: ‘The phrase “we live by faith and not by sight” means that believers should trust in God’s promises and guidance, even when they don’t see immediate evidence or understanding, relying on belief and inner conviction rather than solely on what is physically observable. It emphasizes a life guided by faith, trust, and God’s word, rather than being solely dictated by what is visible or easily understood.’ And that’s why Hebrews tells us that ‘Faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen.’ (Heb. 11:1) It’s the solid hope and trust we place in God for things we have not seen.
That then leads to this other very important scripture verse: ‘But without faith it is impossible to please Him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) So it’s all about trust and faith when you accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, nothing else will do, or get you anywhere in His righteous kingdom. Cousin Sol then follows up that verse of complete trust in God with this one: ‘In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:6)
Yes friends, according to the scholars, that means ‘having fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.’ Then this next verse is indeed wisdom personified. ‘Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.’ (Prov. 3:7) And why should we be humble in our own estimate and have a reverential awe of God, while staying away from evil? Cousin Sol gives a very simple, true and straightforward answer: ‘It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength, refreshment) to thy bones.’ (Prov. 3:7)
Then there’s this other admonition: ‘Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.’ Why? ‘So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) overflow with new wine.’ (Prov. 3:9-10) That means, at the least tithing thy income and also being generous to kingdom work and those who are sadly in need. What we need to recognize here my people is that we don’t do those things simply for the sake of doing them, but substantial rewards accrue from doing them. We worship and fellowship with God first place in our lives, and He rewards us for our trust and faithfulness.
And now this last admonition: ‘My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of (detest) his correction: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:11-12) Ah mih people, that admonition is one we certainly don’t like, because none of us like to be chastened or corrected, even when we know we’re wrong. I guess that stems from our high level of foolish pride. But just like our earthly fathers correct and chasten us because they LOVE us, that’s the same reason God does it to us.
And as Hebrews remind us: ‘And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children (sons of God), My, son, despise not the chastening (discipline) of the Lord, nor faint (be discouraged) when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the Lord LOVETH he chasteneth, and scourged every son whom he receive.’ (Heb. 12:5-6)
So what does all of that mean? This commentary explains in simple form: ‘In religious contexts, “the chastening of God” refers to God’s discipline and correction of believers, often through trials and difficulties, motivated by LOVE and intended for spiritual growth. It is not meant as punishment, but rather as a way to shape believers into the likeness of Christ and help them run the race of faith with endurance.’
There we have it friends, some of the best scripture verses in all the Bible! Ones that if we truly put them into our lives, and keep them there, we will live an amazing life of trust and faith in Almighty God, and be well rewarded for our efforts. And for those of us who are already trying to do just that, let’s go home declaring 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!’
And having said that, we’re now 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!
…like our earthly parents have rules…so does God…and just like our earthly parents…He disciplines us when we disobey them…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
10 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a time of intense persecution, Arthur Howells, be of good courage, be with Christ throughout eternity, be ye also ready, behold I come as a thief, being alert to what's happening in our world, being ready for Jesus' return, believers will not experience the tribulation, blessed is he that watcheth, blessed is the man maketh the Lord his trust, bounden duty, Christ doesn't lie or make false promises, come to know and love him like we do, even unto the end of the world, faith, foolish wisdom, for in such an hour as ye think not, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come, free will, have doubts and fears in our daily walk, he shall strengthen thine heart, holy spirit, hurry, I go to prepare a place for you, I had fainted, I will come again and receive you unto myself, I would have told you, if it were not so, if ye believe in God believe also in me, if you don't have complete trust and faith in Him, in my Father's house are many mansions, in the land of the living, in the unknown future, innovative theological education, Jane Williams, Jesus Christ, June's into double figures, keepeth his garments, known in what watch thethief would come, lest he walk naked, let not your heart be troubled, lo I am with always, LOVE, Mellitus College, mercy, no purpose in having a God, nor such as turn aside to lies, our duty to stay alert for Jesus' coming, outdoor activity, remain faithful and loyal to Christ, respects not the proud, salvation, selfish longing for summer, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, teach me to wait with patience, temptation, the Battle of Armageddon, the beloved of God, the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night, the end of the church age, the frigid weather of winter, the Great Commission, the Little Book of Lent, the problem lies with us, the quality of being right in God's eyes, the Rapture, the Son of man cometh, there may I be also, they see his shame, those called to serve Christ, to know your presence, to prepare a place for me, to see the goodness of the Lord, to trust that you are with me, to watch with alertness, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unbelievers will be overtaken by destruction, ungodliness, unless I had believed, wait I say on the Lord, wait on the Lord, warm blooded animals, watch therefore, watch with alertness, watching for the return of Jesus, where I am there ye may be also, where you are, wisdom, with the whole wide world, worry, you have gone before me
Matthew 24:44. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
Aye friends, please note that the month of June has already reached double figures. (smile) Yes, June is moving along quite quickly, and before we know it, summer will be over and we’ll be thrust back into the dark and frigid weather of winter. Please answer me, if you can, why do the nice, warm, summer months seem to pass more quickly than the cold dreary winter ones eh?
Technically speaking, they all move at the same speed, but it’s possibly our warped, selfish longing for the summer warmth and sunshine, as well as the outdoor, activity it provides in semi-naked dress, that makes us feel those days are going by more quickly than the ones where we’re all bundled up and spend most of the time indoors. But that’s just life in the northern climes, and why we naturally hunger so much for summer. God made us to be warm blooded animals, and gave us places with sunshine and warm weather all year round, but we, in our free will and foolish wisdom, chose to live in the cold places, so we just have to learn to stand our bounce. (smile)
And on this sunny Tuesday in early June, we’ll say a prayer from the recent Prayer Through the Ages Publication of the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, highlighting Daily Prayers for spiritual renewal. This one is ascribed to Jane Williams, a Professor at St. Mellitus College in London, founded in 2007 by the Church of England to provide innovative theological education and training for those called to serve Christ in the church and the world. I believe the prayer was originally published in 2014 in The Little Book of Lent, compiled by Arthur Howells.
And now that we know the origins of the prayer, (smile) let’s pray it together. ‘Christ, you have gone before me to prepare a place for me, that where you are there I may be also. Teach me to wait with patience, to watch with alertness, to trust that you are with me in the unknown future and to know your presence. Amen!’ Ah friends, that’s short and sweet and to the point! And it encompasses several scriptural and Christian values that we ought to possess.
The first sentence reminds us of Jesus’ promise to the disciples, and consequently to us, where He reassures them. ‘Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions (dwellings): if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.’ (John 14:1-3)
Oh my faithful believers, Christ promised to prepare a place in heaven for us, and come back for us, so we could be with Him throughout eternity. And if He promised it, He will surely do it, because He doesn’t lie or make false promises. So therefore, if in our daily walk, we have doubts and fears, then the problem lies with us, for our God does whatever He says. That’s why the prayer implores God; ‘Teach me to wait with patience…’ Yes, that’s a big part of our Christian walk, waiting with patience, as Bruh David so astutely puts it in Psalm 27, titled – My Heart Shall Not Fear.
To end the psalm He reasons: ‘I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait (in faith) on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait (in faith), I say, on the Lord.’ (Ps.27:13-14) And I know that’s sometimes easier said than done, but if you are reading the Word and living it, your faith ought to be growing, and anytime God comes through for you, then that ought to add another notch to your faith, and help you to wait in patient faith.
The prayer also asks for us to watch with alertness. Now that’s something we have to do on two fronts. The first is being alert to what’s happening in our world, and quickly recognizing the trends of ungodliness and temptation that are coming against us and prevent them from addling our souls. The next avenue of alertness is that of watching for Jesus’ return, and being ready for it. Jesus Himself warned us: ‘Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman (master) of the house had known in what watch (hour) the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered (allowed) his house to be broken up (into). Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ (Matt. 24:42-44)
Bruh Paul also says it in his first letter to the Thessalonians. ‘For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.’ (1 Thess. 5:2) So we have been warned, it’s now our duty and self-interest to stay alert for Jesus’ coming. And what does it mean that Jesus will come as a thief in the night? This commentary explains it thus: ‘The passage assures us that believers will not experience the tribulation. The day of the Lord will commence unexpectedly, like the arrival of a thief at night. It is described as a time of darkness with dreadful consequences. Unbelievers, identified as those who belong to the night, will be overtaken by destruction.’
That’s why we must be ready for the Rapture, the end of the church age, for the period of the Great Tribulation will indeed be one of horrific violence and persecution. And Jesus even assures those believers in the Great Tribulation, when He says; ‘Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.’ (Rev. 16:15)
This is the time of Jesus’ Second Coming, before the battle of Armageddon, where Christ finally defeats Satan and his cronies. The scholars tell us that’s ‘an exhortation to the surviving believers to be watchful and alert, and to remain faithful and loyal to Christ during a time of intense persecution. To have garments, rather than be naked, relates to spiritual preparedness.’
And finally, as to trusting God and knowing that He’s always with us, these two scriptures tell it like it is. The first comes from Psalm 40, where Bruh David confidently writes: ‘Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.’ (Ps. 40:4) And the second scripture is a gem of a promise from Jesus, where after He gives the disciples the Great Commission, He ends: ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) Now, if you can’t believe Jesus, then I don’t know whom else you can believe.
However, for those of us who believe Him totally, let’s go home declaring 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, it’s our bounden duty 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!
…what’s the purpose of having a God…if you don’t have complete trust and faith in Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
03 Jun 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: baubles and bangles, Beelzebub, begin to comprehend, brng us back to his fold, Christ came to save the world, Christ died for us, Christ din't come to condemn the world, come to know and love him like we do, duty bound, enduring, eternal separation from Almighty God, everlasting, God commendeth his own love toward us, God created us in His own image, God demonstrated his LOVE for us.', God lead the way to love and forgiveness, God sent His Son Jesus, God so loved the world, God will always love us, God's truth endures to all generations, gospel truth, have everlasting life, he gave his only begotten son, heartache, heat and wildfires, hellfire, his mercy is everlasting, holy spirit, hurry, I feel like a blob, I know that you love me, in god's eyes, innumerable things, insinuate itself, Jesus Christ, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, mercy, no love like God's love, no one can take that from me, not what I do, not what I have, One Year Book of Bible promises, put it in your pipe and smoke it, rain and flooding, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, should not perish, soaring like a graceful eagle, the beloved of God, The Lord is good, the one great certainty of my life, the reality of life, the smart money is all on Jesus, the whole wide world, to die on the cross, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, turbulent times, unchanging, walking our talk, whatever happened to disturb me, while we were yet sinners, whosever believeth in him, wildfires, wisdom, worry, You love me, you loved me, you'll love me
Psalm 100:5. For the Lord is good; his mercy (LOVE) is everlasting; and his truth (faithfulness) endureth to all generations.
And it’s a beautiful, sunshiny Tuesday, this third day of June 2025. Temps are in the mid-twenties, and might even reach a record high according to the weather forecasters. But let’s hope not today, for the hot temps are already causing problems out in the Western Provinces, with several wildfires raging because of the hot and dry weather. It’s interesting, but also saddening that some places could be having oodles of rain, with floods threatening, while others are hot and dry, with wildfires in the offing. But that’s the reality of life in today’s world, with an unpredictable climate change scenario.
However, there’s one thing in this world that we know will never change. And what’s that you ask? Let’s read this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin and find out nuh. (smile) The title of the poem is simply ‘You LOVE Me,’ which I’ve most likely shared before, but it’s very appropriate for these tense and turbulent times.
So please read with me: ‘Yesterday, God, I was soaring Like a graceful eagle And You LOVED me. Today I feel like a blob and You LOVE me. Tomorrow I may ask “Whatever happened To disturb me yesterday?” And You’ll LOVE me. God, there innumerable things I cannot begin to comprehend But the one great certainty In all my life is this: I know that You LOVE ME.’
Oh my fellow believers that indeed is one thing we can ALWAYS be sure of! Whatever happens to us, or however we may feel, our great and wonderful God, the One who created us in His own Image and sent his Son Jesus to die on the cross to pay for our sins and bring us back to his fold, that Same One True and Living God will ALWAYS LOVE us! There’s absolutely no doubt about that! And if you don’t believe me, then listen to this marvellous verse of scripture, one of my favourites, as written by Bruh Paul to the Roman church.
‘But God commendeth his LOVE toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Rom. 5:8) what a marvellous God we serve my brethren! That means, God LOVED us so much, that He demonstrated that awesome LOVE while we were yet sinners. Yes friends, He didn’t ask us, or wait for us to change before He showed His wonderful care and compassion. No sir! He showed us how much He cared for His human creation, by leading, by showing the way to LOVE and forgiveness.
Oh my faithful believers, our God walked His talk before He even impressed it on us. And walking our talk – that’s our godly talk – ought to be something we continually aspire to, because right now too many of us supposed believers are not even talking the talk of Jesus, much less walking it, and that’s why our world is in such an ungodly mess.
But let’s get back to the fact that our God LOVES us unconditionally and always. Listen to these other scriptures that corroborate it. First off, this marvellous statement from Jesus on the subject. ‘For God so LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.’ (John 3:16-17)
Yes mih people, if the Lord didn’t send Jesus to save us, we’d be all be certainly headed for Hades and the terrible consequences it holds for its inmates. But God didn’t want that happen to us all, so He sent His Son and gave us an option. Remember He gave us a certain amount of free will, and hoped that we would be wise and use it to accept His Son and the salvation and eternal life He offers, not the hellfire and damnation the fallen angel Lucifer, offers.
Unfortunately though, many of us still seem to prefer the shiny but worthless baubles and bangles that the evil one holds so alluringly before us to the real McCoy that Jesus offers. What a crying shame to allow the world to have such a foolish hold on us! But we all have to make our own choices, and for your information, the smart money is ALL on Jesus! Yes it is, for Beelzebub doesn’t have anything to offer but heartache and hellfire, and eternal separation from Almighty God, which I keep reminding us is the worst thing that can ever happen to a human soul.
Just sit and imagine it nuh: if you choose Satan over God, there’ll come a time when you won’t’ be able to communicate with God, even if you desperately want to, because you’ll be in hell, truly catching hell, and He’ll be in heaven, enjoying life, and neither the twain shall ever meet. So please, please, I implore us to take time and consider our options, for eternity is a much longer time than this earthly life, and whatever you choose now, you’ll have to endure for ever.
And before I forget, with all this preaching, (smile) the Bible Promise for our poem today comes from Psalm 100: ‘For the Lord is good; his mercy (LOVE) is everlasting; and his truth (faithfulness) endureth to all generations.’ (Ps. 100:5) So, let’s put that gospel truth in our pipe and smoke it, inhaling deeply with every puff, (smile) so that it can insinuate itself in all of our hearts, souls, bodies and minds, until we truly believe and begin to live it!
Now, it’s time go home declaring our Tuesday Wail, 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!’
And having said that, we’re now 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!
…there’s no LOVE like God’s LOVE…unchanging, enduring and everlasting
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
20 May 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a guest, and smiling did reply, but I have marred them, christianity, crying out for God's love, despising the shame, do our work in fine fashion, dragging their feet, drew nearer to me, endured the cross, enjoy the freedom Jesus offers, enjoy the fruits of His goodness and mercy, enjoying the sinful pleasures of the world, eteranl life, faith, for the joy that was set before him, forsaken and ungodly times, George Herbert, God invites us to sit, God's unconditional LOVE, grace, guilty of dust and sin, have not I the Lord, he that formed the eye, he that planted the ear shall he not hear, holy spirit, I cannot look on thee, I did sit and eat, I will serve, in god's eyes, interacting with God, Jesus Christ, let my shame go where it doth deserve, lock stock and barrel, looking unto Jesus, LOVE, love bade me welcome, love took my hand, make excuses, mercy, my soul drew back, never last, never satisfy, observing me grow slack, our sinful soul, Prayers through the Ages, questioning if I lacked anything, quick-eyed love, reparations for our sins, salvation, set a good example, set down at the right hand of the throne of God, shall he not see, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, Simone Weil, sit down and taste my meat, the author and finisher of our faith, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them, the ungrateful, the unkind, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, when will ye be wise, who bore the blame, who hath made man's mouth, who made the eyes but I, who maketh the dumb the deaf the seeing or the blind, wisdom, worry, worthy to be here
Hebrews 12:2b. who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Well friends, it’s a sunny but somewhat chilly Tuesday now, time to get back to work. And I do hope we’ve done that with good spirits, abounding in the LOVE, diligence and strong work ethic that Christ desires of His people! (smile) Oh, no doubt some of us are still tired from all the celebrations over the weekend, but we must try and set it aside and do the work we’ve been contracted for in fine fashion, so that we set a good example for the unbeliever and Jesus can be glorified. Wow! What a wonderful notion! (smile)
Now, let’s turn to the Anglican Church, Diocese of Toronto’s recent publication titled ‘Prayers Through the Ages – Daily prayers for spiritual renewal.’ It’s a compilation of prayers from different people and places down through the years, a few of which we’ve previously shared. Today, I want to share this beautiful poem with obvious Biblical connotations, written by George Herbert 1593-1633.
So please read with me. ‘LOVE bade me welcome; yet my soul drew back, Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed LOVE, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning If I lacked anything. “A guest,” I answered, “worthy to be here:’ LOVE said, “You shall be he.” “I, the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear, I cannot look on Thee.” LOVE took my hand and smiling did reply, ‘Who made the eyes but I?” “Truth, Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve.” ‘And know you not,” says LOVE, “Who bore the blame?” “My dear, then I will serve.” “You must sit down,” says LOVE, “and taste my meat.” So I did sit and eat.’
Now doesn’t that sound just like many of us interacting with God? We try to make excuses or reparation for our sins, but the Lord, through His wonderful unconditional LOVE, just waves our contentions away. That’s because He’s so glad that we had the wisdom to come to Him, and consequently He never turns away anyone who does that. And it’s been said that the famous but short -lived French Philosopher of Spirituality and Political Justice, Simone Weil (1909-1943) was converted after reading that poem, which she learned by heart. Now if that’s true, then it shows the awesome power of the poem.
And I particularly relish the statement ‘quick-eyed LOVE,’ because that’s just the way LOVE is. It’s quick to notice, to help and to share. Oh, how wonderful it would be if many more of us supposed believers would wave that godly wand of ‘quick-eyed LOVE!’ And isn’t it interesting that though we speak of being a guest, worthy to be in God’s presence, when He welcomes us as such, we still have that sinful weight on our conscience, and talk about, “I, the unkind ungrateful? Ah, my dear, I cannot look on thee.’
But our God is so magnificent and magnanimous, that He takes our hand and with a soulful smile asks “Who made the eyes, but I?” And we have several scriptures that attest to that, beginning with this one from Exodus, where Moses is feeling inadequate in the power of speech, when the Lord wants to send him to talk to Pharaoh. ‘And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?’ (Ex.4:11)
Then in Psalm 94, the psalmist asks the brutish and the fools, ‘when will ye be wise? He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see?’ (Ps. 94:8-9) And we can always count on Cousin Sol for a word of wisdom on any subject. (smile) In Proverbs, he confidently tells us: ‘The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord hath made even both of them.’ (Prov. 20:10) So there we have it; the definitive answer to who made the eye.
But still our sinful soul will not relent, claiming that we have marred the eyes God made, and our shame should not be absolved. However, the Lord turns it around and asks, if we don’t know who bore the blame for our shame? And indeed we do, Jesus Christ! As the author of Hebrews so vividly tells us: ‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (the originator and perfector) of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Heb. 12:2)
And knowing that, we decide that we will serve. But God isn’t finished with us. No! Not by a long shot. For then His awesome LOVE invites us to sit and enjoy the fruits of His goodness and mercy. And finally, we acquiesce and sit and enjoy His largesse, even thou we know we don’t deserve it, but He nonetheless wants us to enjoy it. Oh my people, what a wonderful God we serve! There’s none other like Him! But how could there be eh? Two like Him could never exist in the same universe!
But the bottom line is that we should be ever so thankful and grateful for His awe-inspiring majesty, and above all for His marvelous goodness to the underserving children of men, that we should not wait to be invited, but of our own volition, run to Him with open arms, crying out for His LOVE, mercy, grace and goodness, salvation and eternal life! Now, that’s how it ought to be! (smile) And some of us do it, but foolishly too many are still dragging their feet, trying to enjoy the sinful pleasures of the world that never last nor satisfy the soul, especially in these forsaken and ungodly times.
However, for those of us who have heeded the call, and are actively trying to spread the Word, let’s go home declaring 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 behooves us 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!
…Jesus has already borne the blame, the pain and the shame…now…He wants us to enjoy the freedom He offers…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
13 May 2025
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a mass reproduction of Christ, a season of inexplicable stuff, after that ye have suffered a while, all that is now so mysterious, all things work together for good, be the first born among many brethren, beholding as in a glass the glory of God, by Christ Jesus, by the Spirit of the Lord, called according to His purpose, called us into his eternal glory, changed from glory to glory, changed into the same image, christianity, Christians, clinging to you hopefully, confidently, conformed to the image of his Son, cry out for help, despite the drain and strain, determined to wait to trust, faith, faith means believing in what you cannot see, fresh depths of insight, from glory to glory, get a bit much to bear, grace grows best in winter, grin and bear it, grow in spiritual maturity, he also did predestinate, holy spirit, hurry, I anticipate new perspectives, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, judge not that ye might not be judged, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, make you perfect, mercy, no easy steps in conforming, O God ...My God, One Year Book of Bible promises, pet peeves, process of transformation, puny understanding, rely on your faithfulness, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, Samuel Rutherford, saturated with the lustful and carnal things of the world, share His love with my neighbours, sit outside in shirt sleeves, some sense of understanding, spiritual maturity, teaching me, the abiding presence of God, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the conflicting things, the face of Moses reflected the glory of God, the God of all grace, the great truth, the Lord's intention, the whole wide world, to be conformed to the image of his Son, to conform his people, to the image of His son, to them that love God, totally hidden, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unveiled face, whom he did foreknow, wisdom, with open face, worry
Romans 8:29. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the first born among many brethren.
And then it was Tuesday, before which we had a lovely Monday, with temps in the twenties, and in the evening I got to sit on my porch in my shirt sleeves, enjoy a cool summer breeze and watch the people go by. Unfortunately though, I saw several dogs being walked, but no children. And you know that’s one of my pet peeves. The society seems more interested in dogs, rather than children. But who am I to judge them eh? Jesus said ‘judge not, that ye be not judged,’ (Mat. 7:1) and I’m trying, but sometimes it’s difficult to overlook certain things.
Anyway, today seems like it’s going to be another beautiful day, so let’s enjoy it without any more unnecessary contention, we already have enough in our world. Instead, let’s focus on an interesting poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. And this one is emphatically titled ‘O God … My God.’ And if you don’t need it, then I’m glad for you, because I certainly need it. as I’m going through a season of inexplicable stuff that I can’t make heads or tails of, but as we are led to believe, there is a reason for it all. I just can’t figure it out with my puny understanding. (smile)
So please read with me: ‘O God…My God Though You now seem totally hidden I am clinging to You hopefully Even confidently. Someday, some way, You will make All You are now permitting Blessedly clear. With fixed purpose, dear God I am determined to wait, to trust To rely upon Your faithfulness. Despite the drain and strain I anticipate new perspectives And fresh depths of insight Into all that is now so mysterious. O God, in ways unanticipated You are teaching me the great truth Of Samuel Rutherford’s words: ‘I see that grace grows best in the winter.’ Thank You, dear God Thank You for that!’
Ah mih friends, it’s definitely not easy when the Lord puts you through your paces without any reasoning or understanding…and in the real winter time too, which makes it even harder. But you just have to grin and bear it, and as the poem says, wait, trust, and rely on his faithfulness. And I’m certainly doing that, but sometimes the conflicting things get a bit much to bear, and all you can do is cry out for help and some sense of understanding, though ofttimes you won’t get an answer, but you are still expected to hang in there and trust in His timing and faithfulness. I guess it’s one of the ways in which we grow in spiritual maturity.
And of course, the promise for today’s poem comes from Peter’s tough but wise statement. ‘But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish (confirm), strengthen, settle you.’ (1 Pet. 5:10) I guess that explains it all. The Lord is simply doing His intended work by bringing us into line with His wonderful Son, as Bruh Paul writes in Romans. ‘For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his son, that he might be the first born among many brethren.’ (Rom. 8:29)
And believe me, there are no easy steps in that task, especially when we’re saturated with all the lustful and carnal things and thoughts of the world. And this commentary explains it quite clearly and succinctly. ‘The Lord’s intention is to conform His people to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ, making them His sons and brothers, as stated in Romans 8:29.
This process of transformation, known as being “conformed to the image of His Son,” involves a spiritual growth where believers’ lives reflect Christ’s character and LOVE. God’s redemptive plan includes choosing, calling, and glorifying those He foreknew and predestined. In other words, God’s desire, His intention, was to have many sons who are just like Christ. He wanted a mass-reproduction of Christ in humanity.’
But sadly, He doesn’t seem to be getting that right now, with all the turning away and questioning of His existence and sovereignty. However, as Bruh Paul says to the Corinthians. ‘But we all, with open (unveiled) face beholding as in a glass (mirror) the glory of the Lord, are changed (being transformed) into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.’ (2 Cor. 3:18)
And the scholars offer this explanation. ‘Beholding as in a glass: The term beholding can have the sense of “reflecting.” The believer himself “reflects” the glory of the Lord just as the face of Moses reflected the glory of the Lord (vs.13). For Moses the glory eventually faded away, but under the New Covenant the believer is changed into the same image. This transformation takes place by the abiding presence of God.’
Oh my fellow believers, having read that, the question we must now ask is whether the glory of God is being truly reflected in our faces? Obviously our faces won’t shine as brightly as Moses did when he came down from Mt. Sinai bearing the two tablets of stone that had the Ten Commandments inscribed on them. Being in God’s presence caused the radiant light to reflect on his face. This bright countenance caused fear in Aaron and the Israelites, who initially didn’t recognize Moses because of the light, and he had to wear a veil to speak to them. (Ex. 34:29-35)
We won’t need a veil, but surely the unbeliever will see the glory of God shining in our faces, if we are a true reflection of Jesus Christ. And I do hope we’ll all hunker down and bear whatever inexplicable things that come against us, knowing as Bruh Paul so confidently proclaims: ‘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) Remember faith means believing in what you cannot see.
And with that in mind, let’s faithfully declare (steups!!!) 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!’
And that means we’re now expected to 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!
…being changed from glory to glory…is never an easy transformation…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
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