Christmas Day: A Day Of Joy and Good News for Everyone!

25 Dec 2025 Leave a comment

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

Luke 2:10.        And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Merry Christmas To One And All!

At long last, it’s the Big Day friends…Yes Christmas Day is finally here after all the hustle and bustle. Let’s hope that we all can enjoy a joyful and peaceful Christmas with friends and families, as we remember that Jesus was born on this day some two thousand years ago to bring light and eternal life to this dark and evil world. And today we wish all our Scrip-Bits friends and families a joyful Christmas Day, and let’s remember to spend some time pondering and meditating on the reason for the Christmas Season…Jesus Christ! (smile) 

And we all know the story of Christ’s birth, where the Emperor Caesar Augustus sent out a decree for a census to be taken, which meant that people had to go to their original homes to be registered. Thus it was that Joseph and Mary, pregnant with Jesus, found themselves on the road to Bethlehem, Joseph’s hometown, for he was of the lineage of Bruh David. And it so happened that on this particular night when Mary was ready to give birth, they could find no decent place to stay and ended up in a smelly barn with all sorts of animals, and there she gave birth to baby Jesus. (Luke 2:1-7) 

Now, while some of us may be wondering why God caused His Son to be born in a smelly old barn, with a manger (feed trough) for His cradle, when He was omnipotent and could do anything. I guess because God wanted to show that Jesus was not born to be a ruler, at this time, but more  a servant and thus a barn suited His purpose. Plus the fact that the Lord likes to take fools to confound the wise, and the weak to confound the mighty, and things that are not to confound those that are. (smile) (1 Cor. 1:27) 

Anyhow, on that starry, starry night when Christ was born, an angel from on high came to earth to break the good news to the people. And who were the first ones he shared it with? A group of unimportant, sidelined people, shepherds who were in the fields watching their flocks. There again, the Lord was showing the importance of the lowly man in His estimation, by first telling the shepherds of Christ’s birth. 

And the Bible tells us: ‘And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon (stood before) them, and the glory of the Lord shone about them: and they were sore (greatly) afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. and this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes (cloths), lying in a manger (feed trough). And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:8-14) 

Yes mih bredrin the heavenly host came to earth to celebrate the birth of Jesus, serenading the earth with beautiful heavenly music. And if the heavens could come and sing on Jesus’ birthday, why can’t we too eh? (smile) No reason whatsoever. So let’s offer up sweet sacrifices of praise on this Christmas day singing that old but always marvellous hymn from the pen  of that wonderful hymnist, Charles Wesley, one which reminds us of that amazing night two thousand years ago, and aptly titled, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing.’ 

So, with heartfelt, sincere voices, let’s offer an up-tempo version that heaven will find worthy. Singing: ‘Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King: peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; with the angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” (Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”) Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord, late in time behold him come, offspring of the Virgin’s womb: veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail the ‘incarnate Deity, pleased with us in flesh to dwell, Jesus, our Immanuel. [Refrain] 

 Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth. [Refrain: Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”, Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King”.’ 

And yes my fellow believers, this is indeed a day when we need to give much glory to Christ, our Lord and Saviour, born, as the song says, ‘that we no more may die, born to raise us from the earth, born to give us second birth.’ And is that ever the gospel truth! For those were the express purposes that the Father sent Him to earth; to be a light to a world living in darkness, while providing salvation and eternal life to all of us who were lost. 

And we pray that on this Christmas Day of 2025, that Jesus has found us and has brought us home to His flock, where we shall remain forever, feeding on green pastures, by peaceful waters, wanting nothing in His awesome LOVE, PEACE, and JOY! 

Now that would certainly bring a trill of joy and warmth to the cockles of the Father’s heart, and a bright smile to His face, because that was His intention from the very beginning! So let’s enjoy the day, the season, and do our best to live sincerely for Christ! Much LOVE!

…Christmas…a time of joy and peace…but also a time of pondering the purpose of our lives…

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

The Overwhelming Importance of Spiritual Growth in a Believer’s Life.

14 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 119:10.       With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

And then it was Wednesday, our mid-week work day that enables us to catch our second wind, renews our energy and enthusiasm, and allows us to continue our good work for Jesus. And all God’s people gave a loud and grateful shout of: ‘Thank You Lord for reenergizing us, for boosting our hope and faith on this Wednesday, in the crazy days of this summer season! We LOVE You, and praise Your holy name! Amen!’ 

Ah friends, unfortunately, life doesn’t get any easier as we get older, but fortunately with God’s help, with each passing day, we mature and get stronger, and are thus better able to handle whatever life throws at us. And what do we mean by growing in spiritual maturity, and how do we do it? This commentary from the cru.org website article on the subject gives a brief but good explanation.

‘You can grow in spiritual maturity by persevering in following God’s plan through the trials and challenges of your life (James 1:2-18) and living a life that is Spirit-filled — that is, learning to be aware of and listen to God’s Spirit, who lives within all Jesus followers (Ephesians 5:18; Romans 6:11-14). Community also plays an important role in character growth, brings God’s Word to life, gives prayer a life-changing impact and is vital for telling others about Christ.’ 

Yes my brethren, it’s all about growing in knowledge and understanding of Christ and putting it into action for His benefit. And we all know, but don’t like what James says in that reference. (smile) ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (various) temptations; Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh (produces) patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing.’ (James 1:2-4) 

And by any standard that’s tough to do in this evil and ungodly world, but with the help, the numerous tools and promises that God has given to His people, we are certainly able to do it, if we put our hearts, minds, bodies and souls to it. And one of the wonderful things about Bruh Paul, is that not only does he give us sincere doctrine, but always give us some practical guidelines to help us accomplish then. Listen to these simple, practical steps that will certainly help us grow in spiritual maturity, as he writes to the Ephesians. 

‘See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess (dissipation); but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’ (Eph. 5:15-21) 

Oh my fellow believers, you could not find a simpler way to practice godliness and grow in spiritual maturity. And having said that, I just found this other commentary by Art Tilles from the redding.com website, that interestingly expands on our earlier definition of spiritual maturity. He writes: ‘Spiritual maturity is measured by one’s likeness to Christ. Of course, it goes almost without saying that no likeness to Christ is possible at all as long as a person has no real faith-based relationship with him. That is, spiritual maturity is not even an issue when one is spiritually dead. 

For a Christian, though, likeness to Christ is the goal of our election and the purpose of the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Viewed from another angle, spiritual maturity is measured the same way the maturity of a fruit tree is, by the amount and quality of its fruit, specifically what the Bible calls the fruit of the Spirit; and we’re not talking about some hyper-spiritualistic drama; rather, the Bible tells us what the fruit is that the Holy Spirit works in us: LOVE, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those are the measures of spiritual maturity.’ 

And all of that is gospel truth! And if you really want a study in spiritual growth, then look no further than Psalm 119, which is all about growing in God through learning and LOVING  His Word and putting it into action. And these words from the psalm ought to resonate very loudly and clearly in our hearts. ‘Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgements of thy mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto (contemplate) thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.’ (Ps. 119:9-16) 

Yes, saints of Christ, what rich, sincere, interesting longing and LOVE for God, His Word and Ways! Oh, if only many more of us could feel that way and put it into practical use! How wonderful our world would be! And no, it’s not a pipe dream, but a positive reality, if we believers in Christ will only wake up and do what we need to do! Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. 

As one strong and sincere voice:  ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And if we stick with Jesus right to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! He’s promised it! So hope to see you then! Much LOVE!

…solid food…not merely the milk of the word…is essential for spiritual growth…

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

Perseverance: The Foundation of a Believer’s Faith and Life!

07 Aug 2024 Leave a comment

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

Romans 5:3.       And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh (produces) patience;

And that’s one thing about our work week, or even a normal week; it doesn’t  stumble, or falter, or even miss a beat in it’s cyclical go round. Now that’s something many of us believers ought to try adopting; not faltering or missing a beat in our spiritual journey here on earth, but just staying calm, steadfast in prayer and persevering under whatever our circumstances might be. And no it’s not easy. It’s never easy to go against the grain, and the grain of this current world is evil and ungodliness. 

As Jesus told Bruh Paul when He knocked him off his horse on his way to Damascus to incarcerate more believers. The Bible tells us: ‘And he (Bruh Paul) fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, (his name then was Saul), why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutes: it is hard to kick against the pricks.’ (Acts 9:4-5) 

And if you’re wondering what Jesus meant, this commentary explains. “A ‘prick’ refers to a goad, which is a sharp spear or stick used to poke animals to make them move ahead. Rather than move forward, stubborn animals sometimes kick back to retaliate, literally kicking ‘against the pricks.’ But nonetheless, as true believers in Christ Jesus, we do need to kick back some against the sinfulness of this world, because that’s what our discipleship calls for, as characterized by this statement of Jesus. ‘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) 

Now, we all know that crosses are heavy things to bear, but with God’s promised help and anointing we are all able to carry our crosses. Nobody said anything about it being easy…and life’s not easy. It never was, and never will be, but those who persevere in spite of the difficulties usually come out on top, come out the winners. And that’s all Christ is asking us to do; to persevere in His name, with His strength. Now why is that? 

Because, as this passage from an article on the BibleStudyTools website explains: ‘Perseverance is vital to growing in your faith, and God wants his people to persevere no matter what happens, so we have to learn how to overcome obstacles, difficulties, trials, and tribulations to experience victory in Christ. We have two choices when faced with hardship – trust in God and keep our vision on Him or quit and abandon hope. God has so much more in store for us, and His plan for us is for struggles and hardships to become blessings and rewards if we persevere!’ 

And one of the great scripture passages on the subject is this one from Bruh Paul’s letter to the Roman church. ‘Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh (produces) patience; And patience, experience (character); and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed (does not disappoint); because the LOVE of God is shed abroad (has been poured out) in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.’ (Rom. 5:1-5) 

Yes friends, through the awesome sacrificial work of Christ, we have been brought back into right standing with God; justified, reconciled, filled with grace by faith, and can therefore rejoice in the hope that comes from all of that. A hope so sure and certain that we can even take pleasure in tribulations and all the other stuff that work against us, but build godly character when we persevere through them. Obviously with the help of the Holy Spirit that imbues us with the amazing LOVE of God. 

One cannot ask for more than that my people. Our great God has indeed given us ALL that we need to succeed in His name in this world. We just need to bear down, buckle up, and use the numerous tools He’s given us, so that we can shine like a light in the darkness and spread the good news of his Word around the world. But success is only possible when we eschew the comfortable life that the world currently glorifies. Oh my fellow believers, in these difficult and mind boggling times, perseverance is a must for us to bring glory to God. 

It’s like James also says: ‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers (various) temptations; Knowing this, that the trying (testing) of your faith worketh (produces) patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect  and entire (complete), wanting (lacking) nothing.’ (James 1:2-4) There you have it friends, more godly advice on the power of patience and perseverance during the certain trials of life.  

And Jesus also said it loud and clear in John’s gospel. ‘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 if you’re a true believer, then you will use those words to boost your life. There will undoubtedly be tribulation in the world, but there’s no need to fear, because our wonderful Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ has already overcome the world and all the trouble that’s in it. 

Thus we can go back to the epistle of James, Jesus’ brother, and read these reassuring words. ‘Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when his tried (have been proven), he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that LOVE Him.’ (James 1:12) And there’s no better verse to go home on this Wednesday morning my people. One that gives us hope and reassurance that if we persevere with Christ, then we’ll receive a wonderful crown of life as promised by our heavenly Father.

 Now let’s declare our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry know of our amazing position in Christ Jesus. As one strong and sincere voice: ‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Wednesday! Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: Thank God the breath of life is still flowing through me on this Wednesday! I am halfway home. My hands are fixed securely on the plough, and I’m not turning back. I’m not looking back at the past, not focusing on what has gone before. But my eyes are fixed straight ahead; straight ahead to a glorious future with Jesus. Glory Hallelujah!’ 

And let’s remember, that if we endure right down to the very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So let’s plan to meet at the very end nuh! That’s wisdom to the nth degree! Much LOVE!

…Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence…Talent will not…nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent…Genius will not…unrewarded genius is almost a proverb… (Calvin Coolidge; 30th President of the U.S.)

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