10 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a sinful and ungodly life, acceptable unto God, alienated form the life of God, as God hath dealt to every man, assume a new nature or charcter, be not conformed to this world, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, bought with a price, bring us more into line with God's viewpoint, by the mercies of God, calloused, can't afford to take a break, changing our lifstyle, Christian teaching, corrupt according to deceitful lusts, created in righteousness and true holiness, easy to be conformed to the world, faith, Father I praise you, give much thanks and praise to Almighty God, given themselves over to lasciviousness, giving control of our minds to God, giving me new life in Christ, glorify God in your body and spirit, growth in Christ, having the understanding darkened, help me stay focused on your word, holy spirit, hurry, I learn to follow Jesus, I rely on your grace to transform me, if God spares life, in the vanity of their mind, insensitive, Jesus Christ, keep sliding back, lead me gently back, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, live like Jesus desires, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, mercy, moral and godly conduct, no one can take that from me, not make any real progress, others can come to know and love Christ like we do, perfect will of God, practical bits of advice, Prayer Cards from IN Touch Ministries, present thinking, present your bodies a living sacrifice, prove what is that good and acceptable perfect will of God, put off concerning the former conversation the old man, put off the old man, put on the new man, renounce our old conduct, resist being poured into the mold of the world, sacrificing Jesus on the cross at Calvary, salvation, Satan plays mind games with us, Satan's attempts at temptation, seek to be like Christ, seek to grow in Christ, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, show me how to let go of old ways, something to concentrate on and action every day, sunny skies, take up our cross every day and follow Him, thank you for helping me grow every day, the beloved of God, the blindness of their heart, the futility of their mind, the hardening of their hearts, the ignorance that is in them, the Lord's awesome help, the measure of faith, the mind is a battlefield, the truth is in Jesus, think of himself more hghly than he ought, think soberly, to become more like your Son, to work all uncleanness with greediness, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, value systems of the world, walk not as other Gentiles walk, what a joy it is, when my heart begins to drift, which after God is created in righteousness, wisdom, with God's help it's doable, worry, ye are not your own, ye have not so learned Christ, your body is the temple of the holy Ghost, your reasonable service
Today’s Scrip-Bit 10 November 2026 Romans 12:2a.
Romans 12:2a. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,
More sunny skies on this autumn Tuesday in early November my people! Oh it’s somewhat windy, but the basic temperature in the mid-teens is excellent. I don’t remember when last we’ve seen the sun so regularly as in these past few weeks, and the temperature has also been mostly in our favour. And for that, we give much thanks and praise to Almighty God! Now, today we’re going to look at one of the Prayer Cards recently put out by the In Touch Ministry; this one titled, ‘Growth In Christ.’
So please pray with me: ‘Father, I praise You for giving me new life in Christ. What a joy it is to become more like Your Son! Help me stay focused on Your Word as I learn to follow Him. When my heart begins to drift, lead me gently back. Show me how to let go of old ways, even as I rely on Your grace to transform me. Thank You for helping me grow every day.’
Yes friends, it’s only with the Lord’s awesome help that we can ever seek to grow in Christ, and it’s something we need to concentrate on and action EVERY DAY of our lives. We can’t afford to take a break, otherwise we’ll keep sliding back and not make any real progress. As Jesus says, we need to take up our cross EVERY DAY and follow Him. (Luke 9:23) And the Prayer Card further advises: ‘It’s easy to be conformed to the world. But you can resist. Seek to be like Christ instead.’ Now that’s a great desire and purpose, but it’s definitely not as easy as it sounds, however, as with everything else, with God’s help it is doable.
And how do we do it? By doing as Bruh Paul exhorted the church at Rome. ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable (rational) service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 12:1-3)
Oh my people, it all begins with understanding that our bodies are a holy temple to the Lord, since His Holy Spirit dwells within us. Bruh Paul says it thus to the Corinthians. ‘What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods.’ (1 Cor. 6:19-20) Yes my brethren, we do not belong to ourselves, but to God Almighty, who paid the price for us by sacrificing His Son Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary.
Therefore we ought to behave in a manner that both pleases and glorifies God. And once we understand that, it leads us to not conforming to this world, but being transformed by the renewing of our minds. Another important point to note is that all changes or decisions begin in our minds, for it’s the director of our actions and bodies. That’s why it’s claimed that the mind is a battlefield, for everything passes through it, including Satan’s attempts at temptation, as he plays mind games with us. So in actual fact both Satan and the Lord are fighting to get control of our minds.
And the first step in giving control of our minds to God is to stop conforming to the ungodly and evil things of the world. As the scholars explain: ‘Resist being poured into the mold of the present thinking, value systems, and conduct of the world.’ Now that’s not easy to do, especially in today’s busy and coercive society, filled with numerous eye and mind pleasing distractions. And it’s only through the righteousness and mercies of our wonderful God can we ever hope to make such a change, and even more importantly, stay changed. For the devil is always tempting us to change our thinking back to his ways.
And Bruh Pail further elucidates his exhortation to be transformed, when He says to the Ephesians. ‘This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity (futility) of their mind. Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through (because of) the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness (hardening) of their heart. Who being past feeling (becoming calloused, insensitive) have given themselves over unto lasciviousness (licentiousness), to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation (conduct) the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.’ (Eph. 4:17-24)
Yes my people, Christian teaching desires us to put off the old man, to renounce our old conduct of a sinful and ungodly life, and put on the new man, by the renewing of our minds, or by changing our minds about our lifestyle, and keeping them constantly changed, on a course that will bring us more and more into line with God’s viewpoint. So, in other words, at conversion, when we accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, we must assume a new nature or character and conduct that’s moral and godly. And if you’re wondering how in heaven’s name can you do that, then tune in tomorrow, if God spares life, and we’ll look at some of the many practical bits of advice Bruh Paul gives for changing one’s mind and moral behaviour, and furthermore staying changed.
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!’
That means, we now have 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!
…to live for Jesus…one must live like Jesus…moral and godly…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
03 Nov 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: abused and rejected Jesus, all bare him witness, all that we can ever need, all they in the synagogue, appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, battened down the hatches, be called trees of righteousness, blessed with sunny and warm days, but Jesus passing through the midst of them went his way, cast him headlong over the cliff, challenge Jesus' authority, come to know and love him like we do, comfort all that mourn, console them that mourn in Zion, disicpline, don't have to worry, don't have to hurry, duty bound, faith, filled with wrath, first Tuesday in November, God gifted us Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour, heal the brokenhearted, his commandments are not burdensome, his commandments are not grievous, holy spirit, in god's eyes, is not this Joseph's son, Jesus Christ, Jesus read Isaiah's prophecy in His hometown of Nazareth, Jewish unfaithfulness, led him to the brow of the hill, LOVE, mercy, more than you sow and later than you sow, never look a gift horse in the mouth, no prophet is accepted in his own country, only fools refuse God's gifts of salvation and eternal life, opening of the prison to them that are bound, preach good tidings to the poor, preach good tidings unto the meek, proclaim liberty to the captives, proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, repercussions, rose up and thrust him out of the city, salvation, sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, that God might be glorified, the beloved of God, the cold weather, the day Jesus visited his hometown of Nazareth, the day of vengeance of our God, the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Jesus, the Father's great love for His human creation, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, the gifts of salvation and eternal life, the importance of Isaiah's propehecy, the Lord God hath appointed me, the oil of joy for mourning, the planting of the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, this day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears, this is the love of God, to give unto them beauty for ashes, to live in peace and harmony discipline is essential, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, we keep His commandments, when they heard these things, wisdom, wondered at his gracious words, work to earn our salvation, you reap what you sow
Today’s Scrip-Bit 3 November 2026 Luke 4:21.
Luke 4:21. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (hearing).
And on this first Tuesday in November, it’s another fairly sunny and warm day in my neighbourhood, with a few dark clouds floating around trying to be a threat to the sunshine, but I’m pretty sure they won’t prevail. On the other hand, I don’t know how and why we’re so blessed to be getting so many sunny and warm days this late in the year, but we’ll certainly accept them with much gratitude, because when the cold weather does hit, and be sure it will eventually, we won’t be seeing any of them for a long while.
That brings to mind the old adage, never look a gift horse in the mouth. (smile) And I believe that adage is very appropriate in the case of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Because of the Father’s great LOVE for His human creation, He gifted Jesus to us to be our Saviour, to be all that we can ever need, but we’re so ungrateful that we challenged His authority and presence, abused and wholeheartedly rejected Him. Now if the Lord had said we had to work exceedingly hard to earn our salvation, we would have indeed battened down the hatches and done it.
But because the gift of salvation and eternal life are basically free, only needing us to accept Christ as Lord and Saviour, and live a decent moral life, we find that’s too easy and not very believable. It points to the foolishness of man’s supposed wisdom that says, if it’s too easy, then something’s wrong. Thus we’ll go to all kinds of lengths and difficulties to accomplish hard stuff, but the easy stuff we’ll neglect or simply pass by, even though it’s to our benefit to accept it. That recalls the interesting and oh so true saying of John in his first epistle. ‘For this is the LOVE of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (burdensome).’ (1 John 5:3)
No my people, the Lord’s commandments are certainly not burdensome. Yes, they will take some discipline, but for man to live together in peace and harmony anyway, discipline is essential. And we show our great disregard for God’s commandments by having plenty discipline to do the wrong things and not enough to do the right ones. But let’s remember that favourite saying of the late Uncle Charles (Dr. Charles Stanley); ‘You reap what you sow…more than you sow…and later than you sow.’ Meaning that there will be repercussions for whatever you do, and sometimes they will be very harsh and difficult to accept, but it’s what you sowed.
So, it’s wise to consider what we are sowing before we sow it, since we’ll most likely get a big harvest, of either bad or good, depending on what we sowed. And I’m chuckling here, because I don’t know how I got into that sermon above there, since the Good Book opened this morning at Isaiah’s prophecy of the things that the Messiah, Jesus would come to earth to do. The passage is titled, The Acceptable Year of the Lord. And Isaiah writes: ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord God hath appointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek (poor); he hath sent me to bind up (heal) the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto (console) them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.’ (Is. 61:1-3) Ah friends, it’s a lot of stuff that Jesus would be doing, and it’s not only to help us foolish humans, but also to glorify God the Father. And glorifying our heavenly Father has also become our duty, because it’s one of the reasons He created us in the first place.
And the importance of Isaiah’s prophecy was shown on the fateful day that Jesus visited His hometown of Nazareth. As was His habit, He went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and they gave him the book of Isaiah to read. Jesus found the passage that we’ve just read, about ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,’ but stopped at, ‘To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’ (Luke 4:18-19) And per the scholars, that indicated that the day of vengeance (final judgement) had not yet come. After that Jesus closed the book, returned it to the minister, and sat down.
‘And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears (hearing). And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?’ (Luke 4:20-22) And that began the controversy. For Jesus began telling them some truths about their Jewish unfaithfulness. (Luke 4:23-27) ‘And all they in the synagogue when they heard these things, were filled with wrath (rage), And rose up , and thrust him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him headlong (over the cliff). But he passing through the midst of them went his way.’ (Luke 4:28-30)
Can you imagine it? The people of Jesus’ own home town Nazareth, not only rejecting Him, but worse yet trying to kill Him! It proved His words to them: ‘No prophet is accepted in his own country.’ (Luke 4:24) And it’s the truth. Many famous people are not as well received in their home towns as they are in other places. Unfortunately though, time and space are against us, but hopefully we did further enrich our scriptural knowledge. (smile) 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 said that, we’re now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him as we do! Much LOVE!
…only fools refuse God’s gifts of salvation and eternal life…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
27 Oct 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a froward man soweth strife, a gossip separates best friends, a late bus day, a perverse man sows strife, a whisperer separateth chief friends, above all things have fervent charity among yourselves, ambassadors of Christ, apply the mind set of a true believer, are not able to kill the soul, be more afraid of God than man, beareth all things, believeth all things, charity doth not behave itself unseemingly, charity envieth not, charity is not puffed up, charity never faileth, charity shall cover a multitude of sins, charity suffereth long and is kind, charity vaunteth not itself, Christianity is not a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park, Christians, christians are either afraid or too comfortable to make a difference, come to know and love him like we do, counteract the evil influences of the devil, dem's the breaks, dominating the wolrd with negative actions, don't heed Christ's warning, endureth all things, faith, fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell, fear not them which kill the body, filled with wealth and power, from the error of his way, God's greatest attribute is love, grin and bear them, hatred stirreth up strifes, he that covereth a transgression seeketh love, he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends, he that repeats a matter separates the best of friends, he which converteth a sinner, hide a multitude of sins, holy spirit, hopeth all things, hurry, if any man will come after me, if any of you do err from the truth, in god's eyes, is not easily provoked, Jesus Christ, keeps no account of evil, let him deny himself, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, love covereth all sins, love does not boast, love is action not just talk, love is not arrogant or rude, love is real not abstract, Love never fails, love rejoices in the truth, love shall cover a multitude of sins, mercy, one converts him, one turns him back, painful repercussions, personal expereince, rejoiceth in the truth, rejoiceth not in iniquity, sacrifice whenever necessary, salvation, satisfy the government's demands, save a soul from death, seeketh not her own, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, take up his cross daily and follow me, the bearers of hatred, the beloved of God, the devil and his evil cronies, the Good Book, the gospel truth, the proponents of love, the resource of wisdom, the world is in a strife-filled state, thinketh no evil, threatend with serious repercussions, to accomplish love in action, to stand up and make some noise for Christ, too much hatred and not enough love, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, wake us from our unwise slumber, wisdom, with the Lord's help, work on our love actions, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 27 October 2026 Proverbs 10:12.
Proverbs 10:12. ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but LOVE covereth all sins.’
Ah friends, this sunshiny and cloudy autumn Tuesday is unfortunately a late bus day, because I had to go out and look after some government business; trifling stuff really, but nonetheless necessary to satisfy the government’s demands, or else be threatened with serious repercussions. But dem’s the breaks, you just have to grin and bear them with the Lord’s help.
Anyway, the Good Book opened today at that wonderful resource of wisdom, Proverbs, and the first words my eyes beheld were some very appropriate and important ones for these times. Cousin Sol rightfully declares: ‘Hatred stirreth up strifes: but LOVE covereth all sins.’ (Prov. 10:12) And isn’t that the gospel truth my people! It certainly is! No wonder our world is in such a strife-filled state, because there is way too much hatred and not enough LOVE prevailing in it right now! All around the world are wars and rumours of war, serious repression, oppression and a whole set of negative actions that all lead to strife, economic deprivation, unhappiness and poverty.
And although Cousin Sol talks about LOVE being the catalyst for better things and times, I don’t know if we we’ll ever see the results of LOVE overcoming our world until Jesus comes back and sets up His kingdom. That’s because the devil and his evil cronies, the bearers of hatred, are currently riding high, filled with wealth and power, dominating the world with their negative actions, while the proponents of LOVE, we Christians are not doing very much to counteract the evil influences of the devil and His evil cohorts. The problem there is that we are either afraid of what man can do to us, or we’re too comfortable in our own little space to get up and make some noise for Christ.
But please remember Jesus’ warning: ‘And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.’ (Matt. 10:28) That means we should ne more afraid of God than man, because God can destroy both our bodies and souls in hell, while man can only kill our bodies. However, not too many of us supposed believers are apparently paying attention to that, for we still go about our own comfortable and fearful way. Anyhow, the Lord will be the judge of our actions at some point in time, and the repercussions could be very painful, if we don’t heed Christ’s warning.
But enough lecturing and sermonizing, (smile) let’s look at some scriptures that corroborate Cousin Sol’s point. And we’ll begin with this corroborating scripture from James, who in writing about LOVE, admonishes us thus: ‘And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover a multitude of sins.’ (James 4:8) That just goes to show how important LOVE is in our Christian faith! It’s so important that it can cover a number of sins…but only if it is actioned in our lives, not just talked about. A lot of us talk about LOVE as though it’s some abstract thing, but LOVE is real, and can only be shown by LOVING actions, not by plenty talk.
And to strengthen Peter’s point, listen to James. He writes to the church: ‘Brethren, if any of you do err (wander) from the truth, and one convert him (turns him back); Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.’ (James 5:19-20) Yes friends, that’s the amazing power of LOVE!
And in Bruh Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he lists a number of wonderful attributes possessed by LOVE. He says: ‘Charity (LOVE) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself (does not brag on itself), is not puffed up (arrogant), Doth not behave itself unseemly (rudely), seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (keeps no account of evil); Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:’ (1 Cor. 13:4-8a)
Oh my people, you see the number of things that LOVE covers, does and doesn’t do! And yes, it seems like it’s too much for our fragile human minds and bodies to handle, but with God’s help, it’s not. We simply have to apply the right mind set, that of a true believer and decide to sincerely work on our LOVE actions. That brings us to these last two scripture verses, both from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. The first one says: ‘A forward (perverse) man soweth strife: and a whisperer (gossip) separateth chief (best) friends.’ (Prov. 16:28) We all know that from personal experience.
And the last verse offers us even more wisdom, when it declares: ‘He that covereth a transgression seeketh LOVE; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends (the best of friends).’ (Prov. 17:9) More gospel truth! Ah mih bredrin, I know it’s not always easy to spread LOVE in this evil and ungodly world, but as ambassadors and disciples of Christ, that’s what we’ve promised to do. Remember what Jesus says He expects from those who follow Him. ‘If any man will (desires to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.’ (Luke 9:23)
So you see we didn’t sign up for a Sunday afternoon stroll in the park, inhaling the sweet perfume of the flora therein. No, we signed up to sacrifice whenever necessary to accomplish LOVE in action on Christ’s behalf. And hopefully, all we’ve said today will prod us, wake us up from our unwise slumber, so we can get up and do a better job of showing true LOVE in action! 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 said that, we’re now expected 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!
…God’s greatest attribute is LOVE…and it should also be ours…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
20 Oct 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a beautiful autumn day, attained the goal, be enthusiastic about the success of others, be kindly affectioned one to another, be likeminded, be of good cheer, be so strong, be too large for worry, being made conformable to his death, being of one accord, Christian D. Larson, climate change, come to know and love him like we do, crazy times we're living in, divine commendation, don't have to worry, don't have to hurry, duty bound, every man on the things of others, faith, finished my course, finished my race, for the prize of the high calling in God, for the prize of the high calling of God, forget the mistakes of the past, forgetting those things which are behind, fought a good fight, fulfil ye my joy, give every living creature you meet a smile, God's promises are certain, having the same love, holy spirit, I count not myself to be apprehended, i have overcome the world, I press toward the mark, in god's eyes, in honour preferring one another, in lowliness of mind, in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, Indian summer, Jesus Christ, keep and guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus, keep us on the straight and narrow path, let each esteem the other better than themselves, let not your heart be troubled, let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock stock and barrel, look at the sunny side of everything, look not every man on his own things, LOVE, make all your friends feel there is something in them, make your optimism come true, mercy, my peace I give unto you, neither let it be afraid, not as the world giveth give I unto you, nothing can dusturb your peace of mind, of one mind, Peace i leave with you, press on to greater achievements, promise yourself, promises to ourselves can only be kept by following God's word, reaching forth unto those things which are before, rejoice with them that do rejoice, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share Jesus' amazing love and friendship with others, sharing each other's sorrows, talk health happiness and prosperity to everyone, that I may know him, the basic foundations of our Christian faith, the beloved of God, the Christian lifestyle, the divine summons extended to the believer for salvation, the fellowship of his sufferings, the peace that passes all understanding, the personal staisfaction of attaining one's goal, the power of his resurrection, the righteous judge, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, these things I have spoken unto you, this one thing I do, too happy to permit the presence of trouble, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unto all them that love his appearing, wear a cheerful countenance at all times, weep with them that weep, wisdom, with brotherly love
Today’s Scrip-Bit 20 October 2026 Philippians 3:14.
Philippians 3:14. I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high (upward) calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Ah mih people, I don’t know what’s happening, and I’m not complaining, but it’s another beautiful, sunshiny, warm day in my neighbourhood! Yes, it’s a Tuesday, twenty days into the month of October and the temperature is in the high teens. Wow! I just went out side at midday, and held my head up to the sun and received a burst of it’s glorious heat. I don’t know if this is only what’s called Indian Summer, or if it’s a direct result of climate change, but I’ll take it any time over the cold weather.
And on such a autumn beautiful day, we need something interesting and uplifting to talk about, so here’s this poem from Christian D. Larson, simply titled, ‘Promise Yourself.’ And though I’ve shared it before, in these crazy times in which we’re currently living, it’s certainly worth sharing again. So please read and promise with me: ‘To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.’
And all God’s children said a loud and proud ‘Amen!’ to that! Yes, because doing those things listed above will keep us on the straight and narrow path most of the time, for they are the basic foundations of our Christian faith. And if you don’t believe me, let’s look at a few of the things the poem advocates and see how they fit into our Christian lifestyle. Right off the bat, it tells us to be so strong that nothing can disturb our peace of mind. Now that dovetails very nicely with what Jesus tells us: ‘Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.’ (John 14:27)
Then later on, Jesus further exhorts us by saying: ‘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) Obviously friends, Jesus wanted us to have peace in this troubled world, and the best peace there is, is the one that comes from Him. As Bruh Paul says in Philippians; ‘the peace that passes all understanding, which shall keep and guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 4:7)
And, as being enthusiastic about the success of others as ourselves, there are several scriptures that refer to jealousy and looking out for others. Like Bruh Paul says in Philippians. ‘Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded having the same LOVE, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but also every man on the things (interests) of others.’ (Phil. 2:2-4)
Then there are also a couple of scriptures from Romans that deal with the topic. Bruh Paul writes: ‘Be kindly affectioned (affectionate) one to another with brotherly LOVE; in honour preferring (giving preference to) one another… Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.’ (Rom. 12:10 &15) Those verses definitely show that we should honour each other and appreciate each other’s success as well as sharing their sorrows.
After that, the poem talks about forgetting our past mistakes and pressing on to greater achievements of the future. Now, there’s no better scripture to describe that this one from Bruh Paul to the Philippians, where he excitedly declares: ‘Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended (attained his goal): but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth (forward) unto those things which are before (ahead), I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high (upward) calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 3:13-14)
And according to the scholars, ‘The mark is the objective of verses 10 and 11 (i.e., knowing Christ). The prize is the joyful personal satisfaction of having attained it, as well as the divine commendation and reward granted in heaven for having reached this goal on earth. The high calling of God is the divine summons extended to the believer for salvation.’ So you see our greatest goal is knowing Christ. Or as Bruh Paul puts it: ‘That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable to his death.’ (Phil. 3:10)
And when we set our goal to know Jesus, then at the end we can say like Bruh Paul did to Timothy. ‘I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course (race), I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them that LOVE His appearing.’ (2 Tim. 4:7-8) Ah friends, what a blessed day it will be when the Lord, the righteous judge gives us our crown of righteousness. But right now we must concentrate on fighting the good fight and running a good race, so that it can happen when the time comes.
Now, there’s a lot of other scriptural stuff we can talk about in the poem, but it will make today’s Bit way too long, therefore we’ll leave the remainder for tomorrow, obviously if God spares life. (smile) So 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 Jesus’ amazing LOVE and friendship with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!
…God’s promises to us are certain…but our promises to ourselves…can only be kept…by following God’s Word…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
13 Oct 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a body of believers, a grievous toil, a modicum of circumspection, a state of dissipation, a three fold cord is not quickly broken, advisable to have a companion when doing certain things, become incapacitated, being a part of a church, being alone is not always the best way, bereave my soul of good, christianity, come to know and love christ like we do, created a woman from Adam's rib, daily grind and common task, do life alone, don't have to worry, duty bound, encounter danger or illness, external heat sources, faith, for whom do I labour, frail and fragile, gospel truth, he hath neither child nor brother, he hath not another to help him up, he toils only for himself, holy spirit, how can one be warm alone, hurry, I saw vanity under the sun, if one prevail against him, if they fall, if two lie together they have heat, in god's eyes, it is a sore travail, it is not good for man to be alone, Jesus Christ, letting all and sundy know to whom we belong, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, make him an help-meet, marriage is better than being single, mercy, more wisdom up his sleeve, neither is his eye satisfied with riches, nothing beats the warmth of a human body, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, spiritual and emotional help, thanksgiving celebrations are over, the bane of older folks, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the one will lift up his fellow, the preacher in Ecclesiastes, the toil of the miser is futile, the wise words of Solomon, there is no end of all his labour, there is not a second, there is one alone, they have a good reward for their labour, this also is vanity, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, two are better than one, two shall withstand him, wisdom, without incident, woe to him that is alone when he falleth, working together brings a better return, working with a partner increases the chances of success
Today’s Scrip-Bit 13 October 2026 Ecclesiastes 4:9.
Ecclesiastes 4:9. Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour.
Well friends, this year’s Thanksgiving celebrations are over now, and it’s back to sowing and planting, or the common grind and daily task, so that we can have another awesome harvest to celebrate at next year’s Thanksgiving. Let’s hope that we didn’t overdo it, didn’t get to a state of dissipation, (smile) like Bruh Paul warned us about, and indeed exercised a modicum of circumspection so that the celebrations were joyful and without incident. And this Tuesday’s weather is certainly excellent, warm, bright and sunshiny with a decent wind, although it began as a dark and rainy morning. But who’s complaining eh? In the middle of October, we’ll take this kind of weather any day!
And today we’ll look at some wise words of Cousin Sol writing as the preacher in Ecclesiastes. He wisely advises us that ‘Two are better than one: because they have a good reward for their labour.’ (Eccl. 4:9) And that’s ever so true, because working together brings a better return on our labour. But that’s not the only reason why two together are better than one alone. No, for as Cousin Sol continues: ‘For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow (companion): but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.’ (Eccl. 4:10)
More gospel truth my fellow believers! That’s why it’s always advisable to have a companion when you are going to do things that might be dangerous or harmful, or when you are frail and fragile in old age. (smile) And that’s certainly the bane of older folks, especially those that live alone. They can get harmed very easily and without anyone to help them they can become incapacitated, or even lifeless, and remain there for days before someone discovers the tragedy.
And if you think that those are the only two reasons for two being together better than one alone, think again, for Cousin Sol has more wisdom up his sleeve, that he dispenses thus: ‘Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?’ (Eccl. 4:11) Now that’s a very good question, one that I cannot answer. (smile)
And that’s especially true in these cold northern climes where the temperature can get truly cold, and though you may have external heat, there’s nothing that beats the warmth of the human body. Yes, there’s just something about the heat from the human body, possibly an inherent warmth built into it by the Lord, our creator, that provides a kind of warmth that external heat sources cannot offer, and it much improves the situation when two are lying together.
Furthermore, Cousin Sol continues with his theory that two are better than one, when he declares: ‘And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a three fold cord is not quickly broken.’ (Eccl. 4:12) In other words, there’s better security in numbers. The odds of you winning a fight with a companion are much better than if you fight alone. And it’s even better when you have a third person, because then their strength is tripled instead of merely doubled.
And there you have it, the basics of Cousin Sol’s theory for two being better than one. And if you’re wondering how he came to put that theory forward, it stems from his earlier observances on the subject of oppression, where he says: ‘Then I returned, and I saw vanity (futility) under the sun. There is one alone, and there is not a second (companion): yea, he hath neither child (son) nor brother: yet there is no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave (deprive) my soul of good? This also is vanity (futility), yea, it is a sore travail (grievous toil).’ (Eccl. 4:7-8)
That’s what led Cousin Sol to put forth his theory that two is better than one. And although many of us prefer to do life, or whatever we do, alone, it’s not always the wisest choice, because we never know when we’ll encounter danger, illness or some such drawback that we cannot handle by ourselves. And the scholars offer this explanation to the situation. ‘The toil of the miser is futile, especially when he toils only for himself.’
That’s why marriage is better than being single, especially at certain times in our lives, because working with a partner increases the chances of our success. And also why being a part of a church, a body of believers, is also important, because they may better understand our spiritual and emotional problems and can thus provide more effective spiritual and emotional help. And although our society lauds those who apparently achieve success on their own strength, that’s a fallacy, for it’s almost impossible to do anything without help from someone or another. It might not be much, but it still goes to show that being alone is not the best way.
And besides, the Bible itself tells us about God’s creation of man: ‘And the Lord God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help-meet for him (a helper comparable to him).’ (Gen. 2:18) So even the Lord, in His great wisdom, realized that being alone is not always the best thing for us, and thus created a companion, a woman from Adam’s rib. (Gen. 2:21-23)
So, now that we’ve seen that Cousin Sol’s theory does hold water, is worthwhile, makes sense, 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 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!
…being alone is sometimes useful…but in general…companionship is better…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
06 Oct 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a faithful Creator, a red pencil in my hand, able to guard, according to the will of God, against that day, am persuaded that he is able, as for me, Atacama Desert in Chile, black and bold, blessed with an abundance of rainfall, blocking my peace, blooming with numerous types of beautiful flora, brick barrier, bring forth thy righteousness as the light., cease from anger, climate change, come to know and love him like we do, commit the keeping of their souls to him, commit thy way unto the Lord, don't care whom they trample upon, don't get jealous of prospering evildoers, duty bound, El Nino, envious at the boastful, envious at the foolish, evildoers shall be destroyed, faith, fighting to get material wealth and power, for which cause I also suffer these things, forsake wrath, fret not thyself, fret not thyself in any wise to do evil, give all your cares and fears to God, God's goodness and mercy, gospel truth, haunting anxiety, he shall bring it to pass, holy spirit, hurry, I am not ashamed, I give it to you now, I had almost stumbled, I know in whom I trust, I know whom I have believed, I sit here at my desk, if any man suffer as a Christian, in god's eyes, in well doing, it only causes harm, it's very important to stay close to God, Jesus Christ, joy, keep, laughter, let him glorify God on this matter, let him not be ashamed, let them that suffer, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, mercy, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well nigh slipped, not what people say about me, one strong and sincere voice, only seen the occasional drizzle, palms down, promises of rain, put everything into God's hands for safekeeping, release, release our burdens to God, relief, rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him, Ruth Harms Calkin, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, sinister intrusion, suddenly, suffering here in prison, the beloved of God, the Great Invitation of Jesus, the heavy load we're bearing, the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass, the One Year Book of Bible Promises, the powers that be, the prosperity of the wicked, the psalmist Asaph, the weight of it is breaking me, the word keep looms from the page, then understood I their end, those that wait upon the Lord shall inherit the earth, thy judgement as the noonday, to keep that which I have committed to him, to whom we belong, trust also in him, trust in the Lord,, trust my friend Jesús, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unburden ourselves on Jesus, until I went into the sanctuary of God, until that day, what I have entrusted to him, who prospers in his way, wisdom, with your word before me, worry,
Today’s Scrip-Bit 6 October 2026 2 Timothy 1:12b.
2 Timothy 1:12b. for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against (until) that day.
And amazingly it’s another sunshiny but cool autumn Tuesday. Brother! We’ve seen the sun so much recently that we possibly won’t know rain when we next see it. (smile) With all the promises of rain in the past week, we’ve only seen the occasional drizzle in my area. Meanwhile the Atacama Desert in Southern Chile has been blessed with an abundance of rainfall, so much so that’s blooming with numerous types of beautiful flora. All of this supposedly under the auspices of a hot El Nino wind system that’s changing up the weather patterns on this side of the world.
And yet so many of us still deny the phenomenon of climate change. Unfortunately there’s not much most of us can do about that problem when many of the powers that be refuse to acknowledge it, but here’s something we can surely do something about. It’s the October 6th, poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, simply titled ‘Keep.’
So please read with me: ‘I sit here at my desk, With Your Word before me – A red pencil in my hand. Suddenly the word keep Looms from the page Black and bold: He will keep Keep Keep That which I have committed…” Really, Lord? This haunting anxiety? This brick barrier which is Blocking my peace? This sinister intrusion? It’s so heavy, Lord The weight of it is breaking me. But You said You’d keep So I give it to You now Palms down. Release! Relief! Laughter! Joy!’
Yes my brethren, that’s exactly what happens when we give all our cares and fears to God, when we unburden ourselves from what ever heavy load we’re bearing! When we release it all, we get relief, laughter and joy! And that’s just as it ought to be; letting go of burdens should bring some kind of relief, otherwise what’s the point? And when we release our burdens to God, like Jesus invites us to do in his Great Invitation, we certainly get joy, peace, rest and the many other benefits that flow from his goodness and mercy.
And the Bible verse for today’s poem comes from Bruh Paul’s second letter to Timothy. It says: ‘For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against (until) that day.’ (2 Tim. 1:12) Meanwhile, the New Living Translation which is used in the book puts it thus: ‘And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.’ (2 Tim. 1:12)
Oh friends, our omnipotent and ever-faithful God is most surely able to guard whatever we entrust to His safe keeping! In fact there is no safer place to entrust anything at all than to the Lord’s keep! And Peter, when talking about Christians being partakers of Christ’s sufferings, corroborates it when he declares: ‘Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf (matter)… Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.’ (1 Pet. 4:16 & 19)
And there’s no greater wisdom that that my fellow believers! To whom else should we surrender our souls but to the One who created them in the first place, and who also has the best security system to protect them? Now that’s exactly why Bruh David in Psalm 37, titled ‘Trust in the Lord,’ encourages us to ‘Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday.
Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devises (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil (it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps. 37:5-9)
And all of that is the gospel truth my people! If we commit ourselves and all that we have to Almighty God then He will take care of us. But we need to wait patiently on Him, and not get jealous of the prospering evildoers, for the Lord’s promised to destroy them in the end. We cannot afford to be like Asaph says in Psalm 73, titled ‘The Prosperity of the Wicked.’ ‘But as for me, my feet were almost gone (I had almost stumbled); my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish (boastful), when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.’ (Ps. 73:2-3)
Yes friends, we need to be careful of whom we look at nowadays, when so many are fighting to get material wealth and power and don’t care whom they trample upon, or what they do to get it! And thankfully for Asaph, he finally understood what the future held in store for the wicked and those prospering from evildoing. But please note when and where he saw the writing on the wall: ‘Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.’ (Ps. 73:17) Yuh see mih bredrin, it’s only when Asaph went into God’s house and contemplated the situation, he discovered the answer. That just goes to show how important it is for us to stay close to God!
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 said that, 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!
…true wisdom dictates that…we put everything we have…and all that we are…into God’s hands for safekeeping…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
22 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a Prayer fo Confidence, a strong feeling, accounted as sheep for the slaughter, act it out with courage and faith, as it is written, awakened from the dormant state, be not afraid neither be thou dismayed, be of good cheer, be strong and of a good courage, called according to God's purpose, challenges in life, chilly days are here, Chrisitans should never lack confidence in God's word, Christ has defeated hell death and the grave, christianity, Christians, confident attitude, distress, Dr. Robert H Schuller, duty bound, everything will work out beautifully, expenditure of effort, face challenges calmly, faith, famine, for thy sake we are killed all the day long, go through difficult times, God is behind me, God will help me, God will rescue me, God's promise, God's Word, handle anything that comes against us, hardy folks, have good success, have I not commanded you, have the keys of hell and death, holy spirit, hurry, I am alive for evermore, I am he that liveth, I feel his spirit of confidence, i have overcome the world, If God be for me who can be against me, if god be for us who can be against us, in all these things we are more than conquerors, in god's eyes, in Jesus' name, in me ye might have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, in your court, it is flowing into me now, Jesus Christ, Jesus conquered hell and death by His resurrection, Jesus controls the gateway to eternity, keep on fighting the good fight, keep on keeping on, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lifted our spirits and confidence, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, made the right decision, meditate therein day and night, mercy, my conscience is clear, nakedness, not afraid of problems, not to worry, nothing shall separate us from the love of God, observe to do all that's written therein, our relationship to God, peril, persecution, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, stand strong and steadfast for Christ, summer is officially over, surging in my heart, Thank You God, that's it in a nutshell, the amazing help of Jesus, the awesome truth, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the Creator and Controller of the universe, the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, the Hour of Power 50th Anniversary Devotional, the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go, the only thing to get us through these evil and ungodly times, the sword, then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, these things I have spoken unto you, they too can come to know and love Christ like do, this book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, to them that love God, tribulation, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unshakeable faith in Almighty God, was dead, we know that all things work together for good, what shall we say then to these things, who shall separate us from the Love of Christ, wisdom, With God I cannot fail, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 22 September 2026 Romans 8:31.
Romans 8:31. ‘What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’
Aye mih people, it seems like the summer season is officially over, as well as the summer weather we’ve been enjoying for the last couple of weeks. Chilly days are here, notwithstanding that the sun is still shining brilliantly, but it’s heat has fallen away southward, so the southern climes can now enjoy some of its joyful heat. But not to worry, we’re hardy folks, and can handle anything that comes against us with the amazing help of our wonderful Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. And all God’s people acknowledge that fact with a loud and sure ‘Amen!’
And with that confident attitude, it’s ever so appropriate for us to offer up ‘A Prayer for Confidence,’ from the Hour of Power 50th Anniversary Devotional, with writings by the late Dr. Robert H Schuller. So please prayer with me: ‘It is flowing into me now, for my conscience is clear. I have made the right decision. I am not afraid of problems. I will face challenges calmly and serenely for God is behind me. He will help me. If I must go through difficult times, He will rescue me. I feel His spirit of confidence surging in my heart now. With Him I cannot possibly fail. “If God is for me who can be against me?” I have a strong feeling that everything is going to work out just beautifully. Thank You, God. Amen.’
Now that’s a wonderful prayer, and let’s hope it lifted our spirits and our confidence as it is supposed to. Let’s hope that our hope and trust in God was awakened from the dormant state in which it’s been lying in for some time now, because having confidence, unshakeable faith in Almighty God is the only thing that will get us through these terribly evil and ungodly times. And that’s what God’s Word, the Bible, is preeminently written for; to give those who believe the strength, confidence, faith and trust to follow the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Thus it’s like the prayer says, quoting Bruh Paul: ‘What shall we say then to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?’ (Rom. 8:31) And the confident answer to that question is ‘NOBODY!’ And how can anyone be against you when the Creator and Controller of the universe is in your court eh? No way! Now times are hard, and are possibly going to get harder, but with God’s Word to support us we are encouraged to keep on keeping on, to keep on fighting the good fight in Jesus’ name. And if there’s one thing the Bible doesn’t lack is encouragement. Oh yes, it’s chocked full of encouraging words and statements. Like what you ask?
Well let’s begin with a couple more from Bruh Paul’s amazing Chapter 8 in Romans. He writes: ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are called according to his purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28) That means that life will work out good eventually for all those who are called to God’s purpose. So though we go through troubles and challenges during life, in the end, it all will work out well. That’s God’s promise!
Then later in the chapter Bruh Paul asks this most important question: ‘Who shall separate us from the LOVE of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that LOVED us. For I am persuaded (that nothing) shall be able to separate us from the LOVE of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ (Rom. 8:35-39)
Oh friends, with that kind of confidence and certainty about our relationship to God, how can we not stand strong and steadfast in His name eh? And when you add these most encouraging words of Jesus to the equation, things only get brighter. Believe Him, when He says: ‘These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.’ (John 16:33)
And that’s the awesome truth! Jesus has overcome the world by defeating Satan, the world’s ruler, and taking away the keys of hell death and grave from him. It’s like He says to John in Revelation: ‘I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.’ (Rev. 1:18) And yuh know what that means my brethren? Jesus has complete authority over hell, death and the grave, because He’s conquered them by His resurrection. Thus He controls the gateway to eternity, and therefore we don’t need to fear the grave because our Lord and Saviour controls eternity!
Wow! How could we not be confident under those amazing circumstances eh? But unfortunately all of that doesn’t happen without some expenditure of effort on our part. And the Lord said it very plainly to Joshua when He made him the leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. ‘This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth (shall be constantly in thy mouth); but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then shalt thou have good success.’ (Josh. 1:8)
Yes friends, that’s it in a nutshell. All the good things are waiting for us, but we have to do our part by reading, studying and living the word. And I like the last part of the Lord’s speech to Joshua: ‘Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9 ) Oh my people truer words were never spoken, for the Lord our God is indeed with us wherever we go, but we need to sincerely believe it, and act it our with courage and faith, so that we can be prosperous wherever we go.
And with all of that confidence flowing through us, 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!
…Christians should never lack…confidence in God’s word…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
15 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a true Christian, advertises Christ both in word and deed, baptizing them in the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost, be it sinner or saint, broached the topic of Christ to anyone, Christ's ambassadors, christianity, Christians, cloudy skies trying to suppress the sunshine, come to know and love christ like we do, committed them to prison, devout men carried Stephen to his burial, dragging of men and women, easier said than done, faith, feeling like the weather, gave heed to what Philip spoke, go ye therefore and teach all nations, greater is he that is in you than he that's in the world, haling men and women, have overcome them, help bring unbelievers to Christ, holy spirit, hurry, in fear of the unbeliever's reaction, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, Jesus is indeed stronger than the devil, keep their mouths shut, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lo I am with you always, lock stock and barrel, LOVE, made great lamentations over him, made to stumble, make disciples of all nations, mercy, one of those days, persecuted Christians didn't run and hide, persecution against the church at Jerusalem, Philip went down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them, put you out of the synagogue, responsible for administering Christ's earthly kingdom, salvation, Saul made havoc of the church, Saul was consenting unto Stephen's death, Saul watched them stone Stephen to death, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, stand steadfast and persevere, surrender to his evil wiles, teaching them to observe all things, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the decptive devil, the Great Commission, the indwelling strength of Jesus, the people were scattered abroad, the people with one accord, the time cometh, there was great joy in that city, these things have I spoken unto you, those scattered abroad, till the Son of man come, today's Christians are afraid to talk about Christ or His word, too focused on their own comfort, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, unworthy of the name, went everywhere preaching the word, whatsoever I have commanded you, when they persecute you in this city flee to another, whosoever killeth you, will think that he doeth God a service, wisdom, worry, ye are of God little children, ye should not be offended
Today’s Scrip-Bit 15 September 2026 1 John 4:4.
1 John 4:4. ‘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.’
Ah friends, we’re running a tad late, because it’s one of those days, when the ole fella is feeling somewhat like the weather, (smile) cloudy skies trying to suppress the sunshine. But we won’t allow it to happen, with the indwelling strength of Jesus we will stand steadfast and persevere. And we all know that’s easier said than done, especially when the deceptive devil is doing his best to make you surrender to his evil wiles. But let’s remember the truth and wisdom of John’s words 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 4:4).
And is that ever the glorious truth! Jesus who dwells in us is much stronger than the devil who dwells in the world! And that’s one of the scriptures we need to keep first place in our hearts for when the evil Beelzebub dares to come against us. That brings us to these words of warning from Jesus to the disciples in John’s gospel. He tells them: ‘These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended (made to stumble). They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God a service.’ (John 16:1-2)
I guess that refers to the cruel times in the early days of the church, and to people like Bruh Paul when he was called Saul and very intent on hurting the followers of Christ, like when he stood by in silent consent and watched them stone Stepehen to death. (Acts 7:57- 60) The Bible tells it thus: ‘And Saul was consenting unto his (Stepehen’s) death. And at the time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the region of Judaea and Samaria, except for the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentations over him. As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling (dragging off) men and women committed them to prison.’ (Acts 8:1-3)
Yes mih bredrin, the supporters of the early church experienced much persecution, but hear the good news that the Bible brings: ‘Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.’ (Acts 8:4) It’s like they took Christ’s warning in the gospel of Matthew to heart. ‘But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over (through) the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. (Christ’s second coming).’ (Matt. 10:23)
That’s when the Bible recalls: ‘Then Philip went down to the (a) city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people (multitudes) with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies (paralysis), and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city.’ (Acts 8:5-8)
Yuh see how it was back then my people? When the early Christians were persecuted, they didn’t run and hide or keep their mouths shut like so many of us do today. No. They simply moved on to another place and continued preaching the truth of Christ’s gospel. And the sad part is that very few of us have ever suffered or will ever suffer the kind of persecution that they underwent. But yet, so many of us supposed Christians refuse to speak of Christ or His Word to the unbelievers, either in fear of their reaction, or because we’re too focused on our own comfort to be bothered to expend any energy on Christ’s behalf.
And now’s a good time for all of us to consider the question that one Pastor asked his congregation: ‘When last have any of you broached the topic of Christ to anyone, be it sinner or saint?’ And the sad part is that too many of us, if we’re truthful, would have to answer: ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve done that,’ or ‘I’ve never done that.’
And that surely doesn’t speak well of our Christian conviction and witness, for remember Christ’s directive was for us to: ‘Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:19-20) That means friends, that too few of us are really doing our small part of the Great Commission, and thus not helping to bring the unbelievers to Christ, like we ought to.
Remember we’re Christ’s ambassadors, meaning that we’re responsible for administering His kingdom here on earth. And if we’re not doing anything to help build and/or stabilize His earthly kingdom, then we’re unworthy of the name ambassador, or even follower, believer or Christian. Now that’s not a very nice thing to be said of us, but unfortunately it’s very true. However, we still have the opportunity of turning it around. So please let’s do that nuh, beginning right now, by 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!
…you can’t be a true Christian…unless you advertise Christ…both in word and deed…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
08 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: christianity, Christians, confidence in God's faithfulness, do serious work for Jesus, establish you and keep you from evil, faith, filled with wonder, for thou art with me, from Genesis to Revelation, God comes through in amazing ways, God will never leave nor forsake us, god's ever-faithful promise, great is thy faithfulness, he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himself, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, He is faithful that promised, his compassions fail notthey are new every morning, hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, holy spirit, I praise God's name, I remember all God's done in the past, I will fear no evil, I will sing of the mercies of the Lord, if we be dead with him we shall also live with him, if we believe not, if we confess our sins, in god's eyes, In Touch Prayer Card on God's Faithfulness, it is a faithful saying, It is of the Lord's mercies that we're not consumed, Jeremiah's lament, Jesus Christ, keep his commandments, keepeth covenant with them that love him, lift up my heart to you in trust, lock stock and barrel, look forward with joy, LOVE, mercy, mount up with wings as eagles, nothing is too hard for God, our bounden duty, our faith grows when we remember God's faithfulness, our trust in God deepens, refresh our hearts minds and souls, run and not be weary, salvation, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, summer time freedom over, take stock of our spiritual maturity, thank you for your perfect works, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the faithful God, the gospel truth, the Lord is faithful, the Lord thy God He is God, the Lord will take care of me, the lord will take me up, they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they too can come to know and love Christ like do, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, thy faithfulness reaches unto the clouds, thy faithfulness shalt thou esteblish in the very heavens, thy mercy O Lord is in the heavens, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me, to a thousand genearations, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, to seeing your plans fulfilled, to whom we belong, trust my friend Jesus, truth, Tuesday Mantra, walk and not faint, when I don't understand an outcome, when my father and mother forsake me, when things look impossible, wisdom, with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness, with the whole wide world, you are faithful, your ways never fail
Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 September 2026 Psalm 36:5.
Psalm 36:5. ‘Thy mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.’
So the Labour Day partying is over and done with now. That means the summer time freedom and frolicking is also done, and it’s time to get down to some serious work for Jesus; contemplating, who He is, what He’s done and is doing, and how we are reciprocating His awesome LOVE and compassion. It’s time to take stock of our spiritual maturity; see whether we’re growing, regressing, or just standing still, marking time, for who knows what. And to help us do that, today we’ll take a look at God’s faithfulness, starting with the information on the In Touch Prayer Card on the subject.
Please pray with me: ‘I’m filled with wonder, God, when I think of Your great faithfulness. When things look impossible, You come through in amazing ways. Truly nothing is too hard for You. I remember all You’ve done in the past and praise Your name! When I don’t understand an outcome, I will lift up my heart to You in trust. You are faithful, and Your ways never fail. I look forward with joy to seeing Your plans fulfilled. Thank You for your perfect works.’
Ah friends, those are perfect sentiments for us to consider in our own lives. Do we feel and also remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives? If we are true believers then we certainly ought to! And that’s one of the great things about our faith. When we remember God’s faithfulness, all the times that He’s shown up when things seemed impossible, but He came to our rescue just in time, then our faith grows, our trust in Him deepens, because we know that we can depend on Him in the tough times. He will never leave, forsake nor fail us, it’s is ever-faithful promise, and He keeps repeating it in His Word from Genesis right through to Revelation.
So let’s see if we can find some scriptures that reflect God’s faithfulness to refresh our hearts, minds and souls. And we’ll begin with this one where Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s faithfulness, as they are about to enter the Promised Land. ‘Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that LOVE him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.’ (Deut. 7:9) And I believe that scripture will do some of us a world of good if we sit and ponder it for a moment or two; the important thing there being the keeping of God’s commandments.
Then we have this verse from Psalm 36, that the In Touch Prayer Card uses as its resource. Bruh David writes: ‘Thy mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.’ (Ps. 36:5) Meanwhile in Psalm 89, which speaks of the Mercies of God, Ethan the Ezrahite contemplates God’s faithfulness and writes: ‘I will sing of the mercies of the Lord for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations. For I have said, Mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS) shall be built up for ever: thy faithfulness shalt thou establish in the very heavens.’ (Ps. 89:1-2)
And we all know Jeremiah’s famous lament on the subject: ‘It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.’ (Lam. 3:22-23) What more can we ask eh? Now here’s another magnificent verse re God’s faithfulness, one we all spout, but don’t truly pay much attention to. It’s from Bruh David’s famous Psalm 23, where he declares in no uncertain terms: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ (Ps. 23:4) What assuredness in God’s faithfulness! Do we have that confidence in God’s faithfulness? Let’s hope so.
Then in 2 Thessalonians, Bruh Paul tells them: ‘But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil (the evil one).’ (2 Thess. 3:3) And to Timothy, Bruh Paul writes: ‘It is a faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer (endure), we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he will also deny us: If we believe not (are faithless), yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.’ (2 Tim. 2:11-13) And that’s the gospel truth friends! God cannot deny His attributes.
Then we come to this scripture from Hebrews that strongly and wisely advocates: ‘Let us hold fast the profession (confession) of our faith (hope) without wavering; (for he is fateful that promised;) (Heb. 10:23) And that’s great advice for us to follow, especially in these deceitful and untrustworthy times. And what about this amazing verse from John’s first epistle, where he states with all certainty: ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9) Now that’s a wonderful scripture for us to know and keep at the forefront of our minds!
And here’s another awesome verse displaying God’s faithfulness, another one we know but don’t truly action in our lives. The prophet Isaiah shouts it from the mountaintop: ‘But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.’ (Is. 40:31) Yes friends, waiting on God is never in vain, for He will always be faithful to those who are faithful to Him. And we’ll close with this very reassuring verse from Psalm 27, when Bruh David declares: ‘When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up (take care of me).’ (Ps. 27:10)
Now isn’t that wonderful assurance of God’s faithfulness! It certainly is! And there are plenty more scriptures that address God’s faithfulness, but unfortunately time and space prevent us from quoting anymore. So let’s go home now 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, it’s become 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!
…take time to remember God’s faithfulness in your life…then let it lift your trust and faith in Him…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
01 Sep 2026
by randyobrien50
in Christian Thoughts and Inspiration., Daily Devotion, Daily Inspiration, Inspirational Living, Spiritual Living
Tags: a very present help in trouble, a wordl of evil and ugodliness, all things are possible to him that believes, all things work together for good to them that love God, assurance, assurance about what we do not see, be not afraid neither be thou dismayed, be not dismayed, be strong and of a good courage, believing in who Jesus says He is, by faith the elders believed the word of God, by faith the elders obtained a good report, christianity, come to know and love christ like we do, condition ourselve to the upcoming winter season, conviction is faith relating to the present, do not depend on your native instincts, duty bound, faith, faith cometh by hearing, faith in God provides security, faith is confidence in what we hope for, faith is the substance of things hoped for, faith provides evidence, faith provides substance, faith strengthening scripture, fear thou not for I am with thee, for we walk by faith not by sight, future hope, God is always right beside us, God is our refuge and strength, grow in faith, have fellowship and intimacy with God, have I not commanded thee, he shall direct thy paths, hearing by the word of God, holy spirit, hope for the return of Christ, hope is faith relating to the future, hope of the resurrection, hurry, I am thy God I will strenthen thee, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness, if thou canst believe, if wishes were horses all beggars would ride, in all thy ways acknowledge him, in god's eyes, Jesus Christ, lean not unto thine own understanding, LOVE, mercy, no belief means no substance to build your faith on, nothing is impossible for God, our ever-faithful God, present realities that are unseen, proof that results in conviction, salvation, scriptures that build up our faith, Selah, share His love with my neighbours, share the amazing love and friendship of Christ, strife, take root in your heart and soul, the beloved of God, the BIBLE, the evidence of things not seen, the first day of September, the forgiveness of sins through Christ's sacrifice, the glorification of the saints, the Lord thy God is with thee wherever you go, the mountains shake with the swelling thereof, the present intercession of Christ in heaven, the things which are seen, the worlds were framed by the word of god, therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea, though the waters roar and be troubled, through faith we understand, to them who are called according to his purpose, trials and tribulations, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, trust my friend Jesus, Tuesday Mantra, we believe that God created the world form nothing, we know that all things work together for good, were not made of things which do appear, worry
Today’s Scrip-Bit 1 September 2026 2 Corinthians 5:7.
2 Corinthians 5:7. For we walk by faith, not by sight:
And this Tuesday morning, the first day of September opened earlier with bright sunshine, but by midday it’s become somewhat humid and cloudy, but we’ll take it anyway. (smile) Let’s hope and pray that the fairly warm weather keeps up for some time yet, as we need to get our minds and bodies conditioned to the upcoming winter season. Oh, there’s no doubt we’ll handle it, but it would be so much nicer if we didn’t have to. And yes, if wishes were horses, all beggars would ride, for we cannot get away from the cold weather that’s in the offing, because that’s just how it is in the northern climes.
But enough whimpering, let’s look at some scriptures that build up our faith, that provide strength and confidence in God and all His promises, because in the current state of our world, with all the strife, evil and ungodliness that’s happening, we need something strong to hold on to. And the first scripture is that awesome verse from Philippians, where Bruh Paul writes: ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengetheneth me.’ (Phil. 4:13) Of course we can! Since nothing is impossible to Jesus, if He desires us to do something then He will surely empower us to do it.
And Jesus reinforces that when He tells the father who brought his epileptic son to Him for healing. ‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.’ (Mark. 9:23) Yes friends, this life with Jesus all depends on believing: in believing who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He can and will do. If you don’t believe that Jesus is who He is then there is no substance on which to build your faith. For as Bruh Paul emphasizes in 2 Corinthians: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight:’ (2. Cor. 5:7)
Yes, with Jesus, it’s all about faith; basically what you can’t see, but believe is possible and will happen at some time or other. Or, as Hebrews puts it: ‘Now faith is the substance (realization) of things hoped for, the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand the worlds (ages) were framed (prepared) by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear (are visible). (Heb. 11:1-3) In other words, by faith we believe that God created the world from nothing, and by faith the elders believed the word of God and lived it, even though they did not always get what they expected.
And according to the scholars, ‘faith provides substance or assurance. It also provides evidence in the sense of proof that results in conviction. Of things hoped for involves future hope, like the hope of the resurrection, the return of Christ, and the glorification of the saints. While of things not seen involves present realities that are unseen, such as the forgiveness of sin through Christ’s sacrifice, and the present intercession of Christ in heaven. Hope is faith relating to the future, conviction is faith relating to the present.’
Then in Romans, Bruh Paul advises us: ‘So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.’ (Rom. 10:17) And that’s the truth! You cannot believe the word or have faith until you hear it preached. It must be heard over and over so it can take root in your heart and soul, get strong, and grow into faith. Meanwhile, Isaiah, offers comfort, assuring believers of God’s presence and strength in difficult times. ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ (Is. 41:10) If you believe and have faith, then that’s what the Lord will do.
Then we have these wonderful words of faith from the Sons of Korah in Psalm 46. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help (an abundantly available help) in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst (heart of) the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.’ (Ps. 46:1-3) So through faith in God we also find a place of security, when everywhere else is insecure.
And we must remember these awesome words of Cousin Sol in Proverbs: ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths.’ (Prov. 3:5-6) And the scholars explain those verses thus: ‘Three commands are given: trust, meaning “rely on, depend on”; lean not, meaning do not depend on your own native instincts; and acknowledge, meaning have fellowship and intimacy with God in all of life. The result of such devotion is that God will make the paths straight before you.’ What wonderful advice! But it’s all based on belief, faith and trust in Almighty God!
Then there’s this overwhelming command of God Himself to Joshua. ‘Have I not commanded thee? be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’ (Josh. 1:9) You can’t beat that friends! We can be courageous because we know that our God is always right there beside us. But here’s the awesome scripture that I believe holds it all together. ‘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)
Ah mih people that scripture gives us the godly assurance that despite all the trials and tribulations we might face during our earthly lives, our wonderful God will use it all to make it good at the end! Now that’s where our faith truly comes in; believing that it will all work out right in the end, because our ever-faithful God says so!
And with all that faith strengthening scripture in our hearts and souls, 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 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!
…faith is confidence in what we hope for…and assurance about what we do not see…
Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien
Previous Older Entries
