To Live a Godly Life, One must allow God to Lead You!

05 Mar 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 119:133.       Order (direct) my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity (sin) have dominion (rule over) over me.

And finally, all the bacchanal done now! After all the riotous living and excesses of Carnival, everybody suddenly get pious and godly this Ash Wednesday morning! (smile) Who not dieting and fasting, giving up something to make them feel good for the Lenten season. It’s a good thing that I don’t do much, so I don’t have anything to give up. If I give up anything, then I won’t be doing anything at all. I don’t need to fast either, because I do that every day with the hours I eat between meals. 

And dieting…no way Jose! I need to put back on some pounds after the lot I recently lost from my illness. What I believe I need to do is to get back to doing some of the things I haven’t been doing, like writing something besides the Bit, and making some music unto the Lord. Anyway, we all have our own peculiarities and eccentricities in dealing with Lent, and who’s to say who’s right from wrong eh? Certainly not me! (smile) 

Now today, we’re going to look at an interesting poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. As always, I’m not sure if I’ve ever shared this one, but since they are all so interesting and appropriate to our needs, they can all be shared several times. (smile) This poem is titled ‘His Part – My Part.’ 

So please read with me: ‘Lord You want me to trust You so totally That I am unmoved by any circumstance: Then work in me that steadfast trust. You want me to choose to do right: Then turn me from wanting any plan but Yours. You want me to revere and honour You: Then refresh and revive me. You want me to obey You uninterruptedly: Then make Your Word my guide. You want me to depend upon You increasingly: Then reassure me that Your promises are mine. You want Your will to be my will: Then help me to LOVE Your every wish. – – – – – I expect Your help dear Lord For You’ve never broken a single promise And you’re not going to start with me.’ 

Oh my people, we’ve got that ever so right! The Lord’s NEVER broken a single promise, and He’s not going to begin with us if we stick to Him steadfastly and closely like white on rice, and bring to His attention all the promises He’s made us. Let Him know, as Jesus said to Satan: ‘It is written.’ Written in His faithful Word. But please, let’s remember the title of the poem ‘His Part – My Part.’ The Lord is quite capable of doing His part, but are we capable of doing our part, and if so, are we willing to do it? 

That’s the million-dollar question! We want the Lord to do all sorts of things for us, and we’re quite right, because Jesus also told us to: ‘Ask, and it shall be giving you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.’ (Matt. 7:7) So asking and seeking and knocking of God is not wrong, but we must also be manifesting, demonstrating some basic trust, faith, LOVE and obedience in His direction. Otherwise, it would just be a one-way street; coming from God alone, and not a two-way street like it ought to be. 

Yes friends, we can ask for all that we need within God’s will, and He will meet those needs as Jesus promised. if we place Him first in our everyday lives. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) There we have it, another promise of God which we can make Him keep, if we seek Him and His kingdom above everything else. 

And the Bible promise for our poem today comes from none other than the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119. This verse says, quite appropriately: ‘Order (direct) my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity (sin) have dominion (rule over) over me.’  (Ps. 119: 133) Now that’s a nice, overall, all containing request. It gets right to the heart of the matter; being guided by the Lord’s Word, so that no sin can overcome us. 

And how do we do that? By allowing this other verse from Psalm 119 to be uppermost in our lives. ‘Thy word is a light unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) Yes my faithful brethren, the Lord’s Word was given to us to be our Guidebook for earthly living, and if we sincerely study it and put it into action in our lives, we will live the abundant life that Christ died for us to have. Not that we won’t have problems, but we’ll be able to handle those problems in a calm and peaceful manner, just like Jesus did when He lived here on earth. 

And that’s the beauty of making Jesus our Lord and Saviour; He enables us to live a good, strong and solid, God-fearing life despite the trials and tribulations we will face. No One else, or no other organization, even if they promise it, can truly do it! Only Jesus Christ! And having said that, let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, letting the whole world know of our wonderful position in Jesus Christ. 

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!’ 

Now, there’s one more promise that you might not know of; it’s said that if you endure with Jesus right to the very end, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. Wow! So please, let’s stay steadfast with the programme nuh, so that we can meet and enjoy that more than glorious future at the very end! Much LOVE!

…if we truly want to be God’s people…then we truly have to live by His dictates…

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

The Lord’s Never Promised That Life would Be Easy, But He’s Given Us Enough Guarantees that We Can Be Successful!

19 Feb 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 118:24.        This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

So, Wednesday, our second wind day has rolled in, but most of us don’t really need to catch any second wind, because so far, we’ve only worked one day for the week. Or maybe I’m wrong, all the partying over the long Family Day weekend, or the shovelling of all that snow still has a hold on us. (smile) But however we are, today is a new day, and we can expect new things to happen from our great God. That’s why we can joyfully declare: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ (Ps. 118:24) 

And there’s no better way to greet a new day my faithful brethren, because we never know what joy and goodness it may contain, and we’re always expecting something good from our God; that’s the everlasting hope we have in Him! He’s promised to make all things right eventually, for those who LOVE Him and are called to do His work, (Rom. 8:28) so if we are His children and believe His Word, then we ought to always have more joy than sorrow in our hearts. 

Life will never be totally easy, especially with our human sin nature, but if we’re sincerely walking with God, then we know that He is guiding and leading us along the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. As these opening words of Psalm 119 indicate: ‘Blessed are the undefiled (blameless) in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.’ (Ps. 119:1-3) Yes friends, that’s what expected of us, as believers in Christ Jesus: to walk in His ways, now and forever. 

And if you don’t believe those words from Psalm 119, then try these from Psalm 1. ‘Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (wicked), nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate (ponder) day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers (channels) of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ (Ps. 1:1-3) 

Oh my people, that is the kind of believers we’re called to be. And I like how the scholars explain it. ‘The key word in the psalm is the word blessed. It serves here as a pronouncement upon a man – but a certain kind of man. In essence, the psalm is teaching that the blessed or happy man is the righteous man. The happy man avoids evil influences, deeds and attitudes (vs.1); he delights in God’s Word (vs. 2), therefore, God causes him to prosper.’ 

Now the big question is why aren’t so many of us supposed believers prospering? Is it that we are allowing the evil deeds, attitudes and influences of the world to overly influence our daily lives? That could surely be a part of the answer, especially when we see the great hold that evil and all its attendant vices currently have on the world and are constantly bombarding us with the cheap and short-lived pleasures of iniquity. 

However friends, we cannot use that as an excuse, because we have the Lord’s Word and His everlasting promise that if we meditate on it day and night and put it into action in our lives, then we will prosper and have good success. (Josh. 1:8) That means, if we’re not prospering, then some, if not all of the fault lies in our not taking God’s Word seriously and doing as He says. Remember what the author of Psalm 119 also says; ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ (Ps. 119:105) 

Now, are we making that the truth in our lives? Are we allowing the word of God to show us the way, and daily light our paths? That’s another question we ought to ask. And please don’t take this as condemnation, for remember Bruh Paul’s words to the church at Rome: ‘There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.’ (Rom. 8:1) 

And that, as this commentary explains, basically means ‘those who have faith in Jesus are no longer under judgment for their sins, because those who believe in Jesus are justified, or declared righteous before God. This is because Jesus took on the punishment that people deserve for their sins, dying in their place. However, we turn away from sin, not because we fear punishment, but because we understand the LOVE and sacrifice that God has bestowed upon us. In conclusion, Romans 8:1, when properly understood, is a powerful declaration of God’s LOVE and mercy towards us. However, it is not a free pass to sin.’ 

Definitely not! For there are always consequences to sin. But we have to fight, to truly know, to meditate on God’s Word and put it into action so that our sinfulness will not drag us down to the depths of Hades. Oh my fellow saints, we all know that living for Christ is not as easy as it sometimes sounds, because we have taken solemn vows to be His ambassadors and agents in the world. Remember what Jesus desires of all who choose to become His disciple. ‘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) 

Yes friends, that’s what we signed up for, to DAILY take up our cross and follow Jesus. But let’s remember too, that He’s always with us, helping us out in each and every situation, per His promise; ‘and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ (Matt. 28:20b) And when we remember that, it gives us the wherewithal to keep on keeping on in His glorious name! Now, let’s go home declaring 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 yuh know what, it’s been promised that that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine, if we stay the course with Jesus right to the very end. So, let’s be wise and do that nuh, so that we can enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!

…the best way to success in this evil world…meditating on God’s Word…then putting it into action…

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

God owns the Universe and ALL therein, because He created it from Nothing!

12 Feb 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 24:1.       The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Here we are friends, one day older, wiser, closer to death, but with also more wisdom and health as we live and enjoy the abundant life that Christ died for us to have! And yes, it’s actually Wednesday, our second wind day. What a way it’s come so quickly. But I’m sure we’ll notice that everything’s happening very quickly these days. Whether it’s actual fact, or merely our imagination, who knows, (smile) but it surely seems that way. But with Christ as the centrepiece of our lives, we don’t really need to worry about how quickly or slowly things are moving, because we know that He has complete control over everything! 

And there are so may scriptures that pertain to that glorious fact, I think we should spend some time remembering a few of them, to help us with our earthly problems. And what better scripture to begin with, than this one from Psalm 24, where Bruh David writes in no uncertain terms: ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods (rivers).’ (Ps. 24:1-2) Now those two verses put everything right up front. The earth and all therein belong to the Lord because He created it. It could not get any clearer than that. 

But then there’s this verse that I also like, because it offers certain encouragement from the Creator of the universe. The prophet Isaiah says on the Lord’s behalf. ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.’ (Is. 41:10) 

Wow mih bredrin! What wonderful encouragement from our God, the Creator of the universe and all therein! That means whatever happens the Lord will be with us to protect us. He won’t always lead us by the easy way, but will walk through even the ‘valley of the shadow of death’ with us. That’s how much He LOVES and cares for us. 

Then there’s this everlasting promise from that mighty chapter of Scripture, Romans 8, where Bruh Paul confidently informs us: ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that LOVE God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.’ (Rom. 8:28) What another wonderful and encouraging scripture! Life will not always be easy, but for certain in the end the Lord will work everything out for the good of those who LOVE Him and obey His will. 

And what about this other marvellously encouraging scripture from the prophet Jeremiah eh? ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil (calamity), to give you an expected end (a future and a hope) …And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.’ (Jer. 29:11, 13) Yes friends, the Lord’s goodness is earmarked for us, but we also have to sincerely seek Him with all of our hearts. It doesn’t just fall down on us without any involvement from us. 

It’s like Jesus said when asked what the great commandment was. ‘Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.’ (Matt. 22:37-40) There you have it my people, the two basic commandments on which God’s law is based. And they both have to do with LOVE: LOVE for God, for ourselves and for our fellow man! 

No wonder our current world is in such a chaotic and disastrous state; there’s no real LOVE, or very little in existence in it. It’s mostly the negative and sinful things of Satan that are currently ruling the roost. So what else can we expect eh? For godliness brings responsibility and contentment, but unrighteousness brings chaos and destruction. As Cousin Sol so wisely says in Proverbs 11: ‘The righteousness of the perfect (blameless) shall direct his way (make his way smooth or straight): but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.’ (Prov. 11:5) 

And we’re certainly seeing that in all parts of our world, where the wicked are reigning destruction on themselves with their wicked and ungodly behaviour. But the houses of the righteous are indeed flourishing, according to God’s faithful promise. And we will continue to flourish if we don’t give up hope, or lose faith, but buckle down and weather the tough times with a good and faithful attitude and belief in Almighty God. 

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!’ 

Now, we also need to know that if we endure right to the end with Christ, then that glorious future will be even brighter and more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, with all wisdom and understanding, let’s plan to meet there and enjoy it nuh! Much LOVE!

…if Almighty God…the Creator and Controller of the universe…is for us…then who can be against us eh… absolutely NO ONE…!

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

The Awesome Faithfulness of God, even when We’re not Faithful!

05 Feb 2025 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 36:5.       Thy mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

Oh my people, please accept my heartfelt apologies, but it was just one of those days, when everything that could happen, happened. I did not even get to go to my Wednesday morning prayer group because I wasn’t in such good shape, then I had a doctor’s appointment in the noonday, and that took longer than I expected. Then, with the running of a couple of necessary errands, I did not return home until late in the afternoon, and by then I needed to rest. So the Bit was put off until now! 

I even toyed with not writing it, but did not want to miss any more days than I’ve already done in the last week or so. Therefore, this will be short and sweet. (smile) And today we’re going to have a short talk about God’s faithfulness. And if you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you will know that God is indeed faithful. And before we get into any scripture, let’s read this prayer from one of the prayer cards recently put out by the In Touch Ministry, so aptly titled ‘God’s Faithfulness.’  

So, 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.’ 

And believe me friends I can certainly testify to the faithfulness of God, back in the past and also right now in the lengthy health problems that I’m going through. As the prayer says: ‘When things look impossible, You come through in amazing ways.’  And I saw that happen today. Something that should have taken weeks to happen will now happen in days, because of God’s faithfulness. 

And the important thing that so many of us forget to do, is as the prayer says: ‘I remember all You’ve done in the past and praise Your name!’ Yes friends, that’s the essence of faith and faithfulness; remembering what God has done, and thus knowing that He can and will do it again. But too many of us don’t remember God’s faithfulness, that’ why our faith is oftentimes so small when it needs to be big. 

Then there are these most important words that come from that faithfulness in God. ‘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.’ Now that’s where true faith comes in! You know God’s faithfulness and although you don’t understand what’s happening, you still put your heartfelt trust in Him, because you’ve seen Him come through for you many times before. And that’s one of the benefits of having a long personal relationship with God, your experience builds your trust. 

And since we promised to be short and sweet, (smile – it is possible) let’s turn now to the scripture quoted on the card for the Lord’s faithfulness, a most amazing, positive and uplifting one. Please read with me, these faithful words of Bruh David from Psalm 36. ‘Thy mercy (LOVING-KINDNESS), O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness is like the great mountains (lit. mountains of God); thy judgements are a great deep (ocean): O Lord, thou preservest man and beast. 

How excellent (precious) is thy LOVING-KINDNESS, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness (fullness) of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy LOVING-KINDNESS unto them that know thee: and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.’ (Ps. 36:5-10) 

And you can bet your bottom dollar my fellow believers, that if you truly know God and His righteousness, then He will continue to be faithful to you right until the very end! Now let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry 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 endure right to the very end with Christ, then it’s been promised that the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s plan to meet at the very end nuh, and enjoy that more than glorious future together! Much LOVE!

…the Lord is faithful even when we’re not…for EVER-FAITHFUL is His name…and He cannot deny Himself…

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

The Overwhelming Importance for Christians to be Peace-Minded like Jesus Desires!

01 Jan 2025 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 5:9.       Blessed (happy) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children (sons) of God.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And a Happy New Year to all you beautiful people out there in Scrip-Bits land! Let’s hope that this new year has met you in good shape, physically, mentally and emotionally, and if it hasn’t, then it will improve things as quickly as possible. And we sincerely pray that this new year of 2025 will bring a modicum of peace and joy to our strife and disaster-filled world, because our poor world is desperately groaning with all the negative things that’s happening to it. 

And now is the right time for us to remember that peace doesn’t come of its own accord, but we have to seek it. As Bruh David says in Psalm 34: ‘Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace and pursue it.’ (Ps. 34:14) Yes friends, we not only have to avoid temptation, to reject it from wherever it comes, while seeking peace and pursuing it. And what does that mean eh? 

This commentary explains it as follows: ‘The verse conveys that peace is something that people must actively seek out, and that it is not something that will just happen. The phrase emphasizes the ongoing effort required to maintain peace. The Hebrew word radaf used in the verse means to chase or follow after with intensity. The verse also conveys that choosing good over evil, and peace over sin, is part of honoring God properly. It also suggests that making peace manifests a God-fearing attitude.’ 

And that’s exactly what we supposed followers of and believers in Christ Jesus need to do in a much greater fashion this new year! We most definitely need to raise our level of discipleship, with all diligence and efficiency, if we ever hope to make any worthwhile difference in this evil world. Remember the Bible tells us in several places that we have to diligently go after the peace, for it won’t come to us. And if you don’t believe me, then listen to Bruh Paul to the Romans: ‘Let us therefore follow after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify (build up) another.’ (Rom. 14:19) 

And Before that he admonished them thus: ‘If it be possible, as much as lieth in (depends on) you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ (Rom. 12:18-19) Oh my fellow believers there couldn’t be any stronger admonishment for going out of our way to live in peace! 

And the author of Hebrews also had something to say on the subject of peace. ‘Follow (pursue) peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: Looking diligently lest any man fail (fall short) of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.’ (Heb. 12:14-15) Now those are indeed strong sentiments my brethren, but we need to take them to heart, for if we don’t, we’re liable to fall short of God’s grace and take many others with us. And we certainly don’t want to do that. 

And if you don’t believe what those writers said, then check out these words of our Lord and Saviour nuh. And we’ll begin with begin with this commentary that asks: ‘What was Jesus main message about peace?’ And answers: ‘One of the central themes of the Sermon on the Mount is Christ’s expectation that His followers be characterized by peace—not violence or war. In the famous opening to this great sermon known as the Beatitudes, Jesus taught, “Blessed [happy] are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children (sons) of God” (Matthew 5:9).” 

Yes friends, we cannot be true disciples of Christ until, and unless we are characterized by peace! And this other commentary takes it a little further: ‘Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). We are to try for peace. Peace can be experienced only when we have received divine pardon – when we have been reconciled to God and when we have harmony within, with our fellow man and especially with God.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth! We can’t have peace until we have harmony with ourselves, with others and most of all with God. It’s as the two great commandments say: ‘Thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt LOVE thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and prophets.’ (Matt. 22:37-40) 

Oh my people, Jesus is all about peace and LOVE, but unfortunately, those are currently the least two attributes to be found in our topsy-turvy world. But we can turn it around this new year, provided we’re so inclined. However, it will take lots of work and sacrifice, with us totally increasing our salty flavour and the intensity of our light, while keeping these most encouraging words of Jesus on peace, front and centre in our minds. 

The first statement says: ‘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 there’s this other encouraging statement on peace. ‘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 we believe truly believe that Jesus has overcome the world, defeated Satan, hell, death and the grave, then we will truly find peace in Him and His awesome promises. So please, let’s make this a year of peace and joy and LOVE, with our ONE New Year’s Resolution; that being to improve our faith walk with Jesus, thus grow in spiritual maturity and achieve greater intimacy with God! If we do those things, then everything else will fall into place. 

Now let’s go home declaring (steupsss!!!) 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 endure to the very end with Jesus, then it’s been promised that the future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine! So, see you there! Much LOVE!

…if you have the peace of Jesus…then you are truly blessed…because His peace…surpasses all of man’s understanding…

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

A Merry Christmas, with Peace and LOVE to One and All, as We celebrate the Birth of Christ!

25 Dec 2024 Leave a comment

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

Isaiah 9:6a.       For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:

Ho, Ho, Ho! A Merry Christmas to all; and to all a Happy New Year! Yes friends, we wish you and yours all the best for this joyful Christmas season. For as Isaiah prophesied so long ago: ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of his father David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.’ (Is. 9:6-7) 

And my fellow believers, the zeal of the Lord of hosts did perform that miracle some two thousand years ago, when in the fields of Israel, one starry, starry night, an angel descended from heaven on high and appeared to shepherds watching over their flocks. And the shepherds were terribly afraid, because as the angel appeared, so too all around them the glory of the Lord began shining. 

‘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 (Bethlehem) 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.’ (Luke 2:10-12) 

Yes friends, our great God does whatever He promises. And on this day some two thousand years ago, the Prince of Peace was born of lowly parents in a lowly stable and laid in a manger (feed trough) for a cradle. And please note whom the Lord decided to first inform of His Son’s birth, lowly shepherds. That must say something about the Lord’s purpose for His Son; that His earthly life would not be princely and proud, like so many expected, but humble and peaceful as befitted the prince of peace. 

And the Lord wasn’t satisfied with just letting the shepherds know that Jesus Christ was born, no, He instigated a ceremony worthy of His Son. As the Bible tells us: ‘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, and good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:13-14) And that is exactly what we hope will manifest itself as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday; that there will be a curtailing of the strife and all the negative emotions that’s oppressing our world, and we will begin a slow march back to the peace that Jesus desires of us. 

It’s the perfect day and time to end all the nonsense, all the wars, and rumours of wars that are burdening our world and sadly dragging it under. It’s time to repudiate Beelzebub and all his foolishness and turn back to the One True God, as personified by Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His sinless life on the cross of Calvary, so that our sins could be forgiven, and we receive salvation and eternal life! 

What good has Satan ever done for us eh? Absolutely nothing! He’s simply trying his best to drag us down to the depths of hell with him, because he was once foolish enough to try to overthrow his Creator, and is now paying dearly for that foolishness. In other words friends, Satan is just looking for company, he doesn’t have our good at heart at all. So please, let’s try and break the bondage he holds so many of us in nuh. As believers in Christ Jesus, along with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have all the tools to resist him, but we must be prepared to make a serious effort, because he doesn’t ever give up trying to belittle us in the eyes of the Lord. 

But to accomplish that we need to do as James, the brother of Jesus says in his epistle: ‘Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh (near) to God, and he will draw nigh (near) to you… Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.’ (James 4:7-8, 10) 

Oh my fellow saints, if we want to get away from the devil, that is exactly what many of us need to do in these oh so trying and troubled times; draw closer to God, for you cannot resist Satan without God’s help. However, there are many of us who are trying the ole sitting on the fence trick, trying to play one side against the other, but that won’t work, because neither God not Satan accepts double minded people, or those who try to outsmart them. So, it’s absolutely necessary to ramp up our situation with God, if we want to be a part of the Prince of Peace’s peaceful army. (smile) And there’s no better time to do it than on this the celebration of His birthday. 

And before I forget, let me apologize for the lateness of the Bit, but I went to church this morning, then came home and found a big breakfast waiting for me, which I heartily enjoyed. But that then meant I had to go and get a nap and allow the food to digest, because there’s another, even bigger meal in the offing this evening. Brother! I don’t see the need for so much food, with so few people! But I don’t make the rules, the ladies of my household do, and I’m just expected to abide by them. And in my own fashion, I’m trying to be obedient. (smile) 

Oh, I also wanted to sing a hymn today yes, ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing,’ but it seems like I got sidetracked, so let’s go home declaring our Wednesday Wail, it’s very applicable and appropriate for today, showing our trust and faith in Christ. As one strong and sincere voice:  

‘Wednesday, Wednesday, Wednesday: I’m so glad to be alive on this Christmas Day 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 we know that the Lord has sincerely promised that whoever endures with Jesus to the very end, will enjoy a future that will be more glorious than they can ever ask or imagine. So please, let’s make a solemn date to meet there at the very end nuh, and enjoy that future together! Much LOVE!

…Jesus birth…began the winds of change…in our evil and ungodly world…

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

The Importance of Believers understanding that One Day, there will be a New World with NO Sin!

13 Nov 2024 Leave a comment

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

Revelation 21:1.       And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And the days move along swiftly without waiting on anyone or anything! Why? Because that’s the way God planned it. It’s His solemn promise as stated in His Word. After destroying the earth and it’s habitants, except Noah and His family by a flood, the Lord promised Noah that He would never destroy every living thing again. (Gen. 8:21) Then He concluded: ‘While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.’ (Gen. 8:22). 

And this portion of an article on the subject from the bibleref.com website explains it thus. ‘From this point, throughout the planet’s history, the patterns of nature will remain as God has created them. The cycles will continue. Day will follow night. One season will follow another. The world will continue to function predictably according to God’s design. This is the grace of God upon all His creation. 

It is important to notice that this promise begins with “while the earth remains.” God doesn’t guarantee that the planet in its current form will exist eternally. In fact, at some point in the future, God will re-make the heavens and the earth (Revelation 21:1). But while it does, those who live on earth will enjoy the goodness of the repetition of the days and seasons by God’s great mercy on sinful humanity.’ 

And for our Biblical enlightenment (smile) here’s what Peter says about the destruction of the planet. ‘But the day of the Lord (Judgement day, not the Rapture) will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation (conduct) and godliness. 

Looking for and hasting (hastening) unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.’ (2 Pet. 3:10-14) 

Oh my fellow believers, since all that stuff will take place eventually, it’s necessary for us to follow Peter’s warning to look beyond this present world, and live accordingly, or so that we can become a part of the new, righteous and peaceful world. Now, here’s what the first few verses of Revelation tells us about that New World. 

It’s John speaking: ‘And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. and he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.’ (Rev. 21:1-5) 

Yes my brethren, if we remain faithful believers in Christ Jesus, that’s the glorious time we have to look forward to, when the universe will be cleansed of all the effects of sin! Wow! What a time that will be! After the Millenium (Christ’s thousand year reign) upon the earth, which will be a time of righteousness and peace, and the Final Judgement, New Jerusalem will become the eternal habitation of the saved. 

The first heaven and earth which was predicted by Isaiah will be destroyed. On God’s behalf, he wrote: ‘For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. 

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be heard no more in her, nor the voice of crying. There shall be no more thence an infant of days (live but a few days), nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.’ (Is. 65:17-20) 

Oh friends, yuh see that the Lord promised us a good place from way back when, if we only believe. And why is that so difficult to do eh? Because we don’t have the spiritual wisdom and maturity to look to the future; we’re held captive here by the things of this fallen world, which as we have seen, will all be destroyed. So all the earthly things that we are killing ourselves now to obtain will not serve us one iota of good in the next life. 

And nothing’s wrong with things, but they should not be our idols, they should not be placed above the worship and presence of God, as so many of us do. But no one can make you choose Christ and His righteousness over Satan and his evil doings, we each have to make that decision for ourselves. But please, we plead with us to choose Christ, for His is the best choice. Just look to the future and see where you prefer to be, in the New Jerusalem, or the Lake of Fire. 

Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!) our Wednesday Wail, letting all and sundry 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 endure right to the very end with Christ, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ever ask or imagine. So, see you there! Much LOVE!

…just imagine nuh…no more tears, pain or death…in the New Jerusalem…can’t wait to experience it…

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

Salvation calls for Repentance and Faith in Jesus Christ!

30 Oct 2024 Leave a comment

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

Acts 16:31.       And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (household).

And it’s a good Wednesday; an early morning shower followed by mostly sunshine, with a few devilish clouds hanging around to try and make things difficult, but the blustery wind will make short work of them, and send them back to their evil lair. (smile) And Glory be! The temperature is already up to 21 at midday. You can’t ask for better than that at the end of October. 

But today, we have something even better than the warm weather to share; that’s ‘HOW “YOU” CAN BE SAVED.’  And hopefully you will remember the old Bible tract from the Leviticus Church in Jamaica, New York we used last week that told us ‘ETERNAL LIFE IS A ”FREE” GIFT.’ Well, the same tract is also telling us how to be saved. I guess we can call it ‘Christianity 101.’ So let’s check it out nuh. (smile) 

And it begins by saying, ‘The Bible calls for “REPENTNACE TOWARD GOD,” with a reference of Acts 20:21b. But let’s look at the context of that scripture. It’s where Bruh Paul is in Ephesus talking to the church elders about when he first came to them, in humility, letting them know all that had happened to him: ‘And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Acts 20:20-21) 

So, the basic necessities for being saved, are to repent before God, and have faith in Christ Jesus. And what’s repentance, you ask? The tract gives us this definition. ‘Repentance’ is a change of heart which causes you to turn from your way of life toward God, accepting the Bible facts that you are guilty as a sinner before Him, and that you are unable to deliver yourself from the punishment of hell, due you because of your sin.’ And all of that is very true my people. You cannot be saved without acknowledging your sins before Almighty God, and your inability to help yourself. 

Then the tract continues: ‘The Bible also calls for “FAITH TOWARD OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.” And they again reference Acts 20:21b, which we can see also calls for faith in Christ Jesus. And what is faith? The tract explains: ‘Faith is putting “your complete trust in Jesus Christ,” as your only means of clearing your guilt and delivering your soul from the punishment of hell.’ And that’s the gospel truth friends! Sincere and total trust in Jesus is the ONLY way to achieve salvation. And the tract references Acts 16:31a for that scripture. 

The context for that though is when Bruh Paul and Silas were in jail in Philippi: ‘And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands (chains) were loosed.’ (Acts 16:25-26) 

Obviously with all the commotion the jailer woke up, and when he saw what had happened was about to kill himself, ‘But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he (the jailer) called for a light, and sprang (ran) in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas. And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (household).’ (Acts 16:28-31) 

And there’s a happy ending to the story, where the jailer and all of his family accepted Christ as Lord and Saviour, and were saved. Yes, our great God sometimes moves in mysterious ways to bring people to Him. But let’s get back to the tract, where it continues: ‘If you will receive Jesus Christ in to your heart, “by trusting Him to save your soul,” you will become a son of God and spend eternity in heaven.’ 

They reference John 1:12 for corroboration, but I will attempt to put it in some context by quoting the verses around it. ‘He came unto his own (His own things or domain as the Creator of all), and his own (His own people, the Jews) received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (the right) to become the sons (children) of God, even to them that believe on his name. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.’ ’ (John 1:11-13) 

And continuing, the tract declares, (steups!!!) ‘GOD PROMISES He will save you if you will trust Jesus Christ as “your” Saviour. And they quote Romans 10:9 to confirm that promise. But as always, I’ll add to it with some surrounding verses. ‘That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed (put to shame). For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ (Rom. 10:19-13) 

I have to chuckle at the many times in those verses that Bruh Paul tried to pound into our hard and stubborn hearts and heads, the necessity for calling on God and belief in Christ for salvation. And having said it all, the tract then closes with this heartfelt plea: ‘PLEASE ACCEPT THE “FREE GIFT” OF ETERNAL LIFE GOD IS OFFERING YOU.’  

Oh my fellow believers, I cant say it any better! And I do hope that having reviewed and refreshed our minds and spirits with what it takes to be saved, that our faith will grow even stronger in the coming days, because we need great faith to handle the trials and tribulations of this evil and ungodly world. Now let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) 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 it’s also been promised, 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 there nuh! Much LOVE!

…if being saved by Jesus is already so glorious…no wonder our minds cannot comprehend the future glory…

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

God’s Free Gift of Eternal Life!

16 Oct 2024 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 9:12.        Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

And it’s surprising how quickly Wednesday shows up when Monday is a holiday. (smile) But we’ll take Wednesday any time, because it’s our second-wind opportunity day, and just like the recent few days it’s bright and sunshiny but chilly. From here on in though, for the next several months, the days will be chilly. You won’t hear me talk about a warn day unless we’re blessed to have a few days of Indian summer; that’s some warm days in the midst of autumn. 

So please dress warm from now on, because the dangerous thing about the cold weather is that it can come upon you without warning. The mid-morning hours might seem warm, but by the time you’re ready to leave work, it can be freezing. The motto; it’s better to have on too much than not enough, is one we ought to follow in the cold months. We can always take off the outer layers if we’re too warm, but you cannot put on anything when it gets cold, if you don’t have it handy. I can certainly testify to that! (smile) 

So what are we going to talk about today eh? I recently found a tract in my mother’s old Bible from the Leviticus Church in Jamaica New York, which has some very interesting information, some of which I want to share today. It seems the church is still going strong and I’m glad for that, because the demise of any church is sad news for all believers. Anyway, the title of the tract is ‘Did you know? ETERNAL LIFE IS A “FREE” GIFT.’ Now, that’s a very good question, because despite all the necessary information at hand, a lot of people still have trouble believing it, or simply have a contrary belief. 

And after that bold heading, the tract continues thus: ‘The Lord Jesus Christ paid the FULL PRICE for the salvation of your soul. He gave himself for our sins.’ And they quote Galatians 1:4a as a scripture reference to that statement. I will however expand on that, so that we can get the full context of the scripture. Bruh Paul wrote in his opening verses of the epistle to the church at Galatia: ‘Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world (age), according to the will of God and our Father: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Gal. 1:3-5) 

Now that gives us the full context of the reference. And I guess having those last words ‘He gave himself for our sins,’ highlighted is a means of driving home the truth that Jesus gave His Life for us, it wasn’t taken from Him. And He made that quite clear when He says: ‘Therefore doth my Father LOVE me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.’ (John 10:17-18) 

That ought to make it quite clear my fellow believers that Jesus was not forced to give up His life, but He did it willingly because of his great LOVE for us. And in being able to give His life then take it up again, He once again asserts His deity; that He was both God and man. Then the tract continues: ‘JESUS, the Son of God, LOVED me, and gave himself for me.’ 

And there they reference Galatians 2:20b, but I will quote the entire verse for the sake of getting the full context. Bruh Paul writes: ‘I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of (in) the Son of God, who LOVED me, and gave himself for me.’ (Gal. 2:20) Awesome truth my people! 

And the tract goes on: ‘Now because  by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (Heb. 9:12b), there remains no price for us to pay! And that’s the gospel truth. But for our information, the whole of that verse reads: ‘Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.’ (Heb. 9:12) 

Yes friends, it wasn’t the blood of any ordinary animal that paid our sin debt in full, because they could not. Only the sinless blood of the Son of God could ever achieve such a magnanimous outcome. Therefore as the tract tells us: ‘It is finished.’ That comes from this verse on Jesus’ crucifixion. ‘When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar (sour wine), he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost (His spirit, died).’ (John 19:30) 

And we’ll stop there for today, because the rest of the stuff the tract has to offer will run on too long, and in any case, we have quite enough marvellous and enlightening scripture for us to contemplate today. It’s good to contemplate and meditate on the scriptures, but I believe that too much all at once detracts from the task of contemplation and meditation, and we lose economies of scale, which says the more you try to learn at once, the less you will learn, or the more you will forget. So like in all things, lets have a modicum of circumspection, (smile) or just enough for us to do a good job. 

Now let’s go home declaring (awright!!!) 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!’ 

Now my fellow saints, if we endure right to the very end with Jesus, then He’s promised that that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine! And I sincerely hope to see you there, so that we can enjoy it together! Much LOVE!

…eternal life is free…if you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour…

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

The Beauty and Wisdom of putting One’s Total Trust in Almighty God!

09 Oct 2024 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 4:8.       I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.

Ah friends, the cold weather seems to have finally found us! Yes, the past few days have been rather chilly, with temps barely meeting the mid-teens, and just now as I came down to write the Bit, I decided it was time to turn on some heat in the cold house. Some people might find it too early, or it’s not cold enough for heat, dressing up in a pile of sweaters to stay warm in the house, trying to save a few measly dollars, but I’m too old and cold for that foolishness. I like my comfort, and am willing to pay for it. (smile) 

And today we’re going to look at an interesting poem from Our One Year Book of Bible Promises, with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one is titled ‘Beautiful Things Happen:’  And I don’t think I’ve ever shared this one before, because it seems new and unfamiliar to me. But who knows, there are three hundred and sixty-five poems, and though I’ve been sharing them for a number of years, I’m sure I’ve not shared them all. Anyway, they are all interesting and worth hearing over and over. (smile) 

So please read with me: ‘O God such beautiful things happen When I meet you day by day In quietness and confidence. There is a deep inner wholeness And the assurance of Your guidance. I am not so easily disturbed By changing circumstances. I am less dependent on others And more dependent on You. My eyes may be full of tears But my heart is full of joy. In discovering Your hidden treasures I learn how deeply I am treasured by You. When day by day I am responsive To Your whispered secrets You do more for me in one day Than I could do for myself in a lifetime.’ 

And that’s the gospel truth my people! When we listen to God and respond positively to His guidance we are able to do much more in a short period of time than if we tried to do it in our own strength! And that’s the beauty of having a close and intimate relationship with Christ; we accomplish much more than if we work on our own. Oh, if the majority of believers, and the world as a whole could only realize that eh! Can you imagine the wonderful world we’d have! But unfortunately most of us don’t truly listen to the Lord and His Word, or the Holy Spirit that indwells us, and try to do things on our own! No wonder life can be so difficult and not as prosperous for many of us. 

Oh friends, it’s a habit we need to pick up and become addicted to. (smile) That’s meeting in quietness and confidence with God each and every day, so we can get the assurance of His amazing guidance, and not be running around every day, like chickens with our heads cut off as our circumstances change. And I can personally testify to the statement about being less dependent on others when you become more dependent on God. That has happened to me during the last few months of this year. 

And yes, when we realize how treasured we are by our Creator, Almighty God, then, though our prevailing circumstances might cause tears to fill our eyes, however our hearts can be bursting with joy, because we know that we are totally, unconditionally and irrevocably LOVED and our future is in God’s good and powerful hands! It’s not always easy to feel that way, but once we truly know God, our ever-changing circumstances won’t hit us as hard, as if we don’t know Him. 

Now, here are the Bible verses that pertain to this poem. I’ll give you the one in the Book first, that’s the New Living Translation. ‘You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and wine. I will lie down in peace and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.’ Now, let’s hear how Bruh David most likely wrote it. (smile) ‘Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn (grain) and wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.’  (Ps. 4:7-8) 

And we hear the same sentiments from Bruh David in Psalm 3 – The Lord Protects His People – written when he ran from his son Absalom, who rebelled against his kingship. He writes: ‘Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord art a shield for (around) me; my glory, and the lifter up (the one who lifts up) mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill (mountain). Selah. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me.’ (Ps. 3:2-5) 

And you know my fellow believers that we cannot doubt Bruh David’s testimonies in those matters. When he was on the run from King Saul for all those years, he had a good relationship with the Lord, and the Lord kept him safe. And also when he ran from his son Absalom’s rebellion, although by then he had done much wrong, and that was one of the consequences of his wrong doing, he still had a good relationship with the Lord, and again it was the Lord who protected him, made him win the war and eventually be restored to his rightful place on the throne of Israel. 

So there’s great wisdom and assurance in placing one’s entire trust in the ONE TRUE GOD; He of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But unfortunately that assurance doesn’t come overnight, or easily. No, it’s built on time spent with God, with experience through the rough times and the good times, and gradually understanding that He is indeed who He says He is, and will indeed do what He says He will do. And these words from the author of Hebrews must form the basis of our belief. ‘But without faith it is impossible to please him (God): for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.’ (Heb. 11:6) 

And with those poignant words knocking at our hearts, 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 endure right to the very end with Jesus, then that future will be even more glorious than we can ask or imagine. So please, let’s be wise and plan to meet there nuh! Much LOVE!

…one can NEVER go wrong…in putting one’s entire trust in Jesus…

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

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