The Overwhelming Importance of Understanding How Much God Dislikes Pride and Idolatry!

18 Jul 2026 Leave a comment

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   18 July 2026   Isaiah 42:8.

Isaiah 42:8.        ‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.’

And it’s a wonderful kind of day for enjoying a lazy-day Saturday inside! Meaning that it’s humid, somewhat cloudy and raining; the perfect weather to just wrap up in your covers and go right back to sleep. I enjoyed a little of that earlier on, but unfortunately had to get up and come down to write the Bit. Chuh man!

Hopefully and thankfully though, the little rain will wash away some of the smoke effects from the forest fires still burning ferociously up in the north country. Although I’m just noticing that the computer is telling me that the air quality is very poor. Now, let’s pray that whatever little rain might fall up there will help to put out those fires and more people won’t have to be evacuated from their homes and possibly lose all of their life’s work to the fiery elements. And before we get too deeply entrenched in our lazy-day Saturday activities, (smile) let’s offer up our Lazy-Day Saturday Prayer, in all sincerity and truth.

As one strong voice: ‘Lord, I want to be with You now. Please slow my thoughts and quiet my soul. Let my muscles relax, my breath deepen. You are here with me – Your peace and LOVE are present. I marvel to think You can’t be contained, that Your LOVE both surrounds and fills me. Thank You for this tenderness, Lord. I praise You for Your unceasing nearness. Increase my awareness of You today, that I may know You all the more. Amen!’ 

And there’s no doubt that if the Lord checked our hearts and found them to be sincere in desiring greater intimacy with Him, that He will soon issue orders for a heavenly kind of peace and calm to fill our souls, for His eternal desire is to get close to, and intimate with all of His human creation. Now today, we’ll look at an interesting scripture from the Book of the prophet Ezekiel, regarding the King of Tyrus’s pride.

First off, let’s note these words from Cousin Sol in Proverbs. ‘These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him (his soul). A proud look (haughty eyes), a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (devises wicked schemes), feet that be swift in running to mischief (evil), A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.’ (Prov. 6:16-19)

So we see the things that get God’s anger moving, and the first one is foolish pride, a sin of which so many of us down through the ages have been guilty of and for which many have been punished, because when you are haughty and prideful, you’re saying that you don’t need Almighty God, you can do it all yourself. Remember how the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar claimed that he had done all the wonderful work of his kingdom himself, and before the words could come out of his mouth the Lord sentenced him to seven years of madness, eating grass in the field like oxen, until he came to realize who was the One true God and admitted it to all and sundry. (Dan. 4: 28-37)

Now apparently the king of Tyrus (Tyre), did likewise. The Bible tells us: The word of the Lord came again unto me (Ezekiel), saying, Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyrus, Thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is lifted up (proud), and thou hast said I am a God (a god), I sit in the seat of God (gods), in the midst of the seas; yet thou art a man, and not God (a god), though thou set thine heart as the heart of God (a god):

Behold, thou art wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from thee: With thy wisdom and with thine understanding thou hast gotten thee riches, and has gotten silver and gold into thy treasures: By thy great wisdom and by thy traffick (trading) hast thou increased thy riches, and thine heart is lifted up because of thy riches.’ (Ezek. 28:1-5)

Oh my people, that surely sounds familiar to all of us, because all of us know somebody or bodies whose pride has been lifted up by their riches. That someone might even be one of us. (smile) But please, please, I plead with us, let’s not go down that road, because the Lord will certainly make an example of us as He did with the king of Tyrus (Ethbaal III (591/90 -573/72 B.C.), for saying that he was a divine being, a god and behaving as such, when he was only a mortal man, as God pointed out to him in verse 2 above.

Then Ezekiel continues: ‘Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God (a god); Behold, therefore I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible (most terrible) of the nations: and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. They shall bring thee down to the pit, and thou shalt die the deaths of them that are slain in the midst of the seas. Wilt thou yet say before him that slayeth thee, I am God? but thou shalt be a man, and no God, in the hand of him that slayeth thee. Thou shalt die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God.’ (Ezek. 28:6-10)

And we know when the Lord makes a promise, He keeps it. Ah friends, pride is one of, if not the worst sin we can commit against God for it totally leaves Him out of the equation, and that He will not stand still for. Remember His words from Isaiah: ‘I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.’ (Is. 42:8)

Yes my brethren, the Lord guards His praise and glory very zealously, so let’s be careful not to get on His wrong side by exhibiting things like pride and idolatry, for we will surely suffer the negative consequences. Much LOVE!

…the Lord He is God…and will prove it to anyone…who tries to say or do otherwise…

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

The Importance of Christians Understanding They are not to Blow Their Own Trumpet, but Live in Godly Humility!

04 May 2026 Leave a comment

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

Proverbs 27:2.        Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

And then it was Monday … a beautiful, sunshiny though somewhat windy Monday, with temps around 20 Celsius! So, there ought to be no problem in getting up and going out to work today, with such lovely weather. Just think about the many Mondays in the past few months when every Monday was a cold snowy one, and you’ll just breeze through today! (smile) Seriously though friends, sometimes the comparisons between things and times do make them easier to handle. And yes, it might be just in our minds, but every little bit helps.

Well since I had nothing specific in mind to talk about today, I opened the Word to find something worthwhile to discuss. And, lo, and behold, it opened unto the Book of Proverbs, which houses those wise words of Cousin Sol; the wisest man ever. And my eyes caught upon this most provocative second verse of Chapter 27. ‘Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.’ (Prov. 27:2)

Oh my people, how I wish our world could hear those wise words continually over a loud speaker, so that they could change their unwise philosophy of being the ones to blow their own trumpets and let their associates know of their great deeds. For that’s the current philosophy of today’s world. No one waits for others to say wonderful things about them, they broadcast it themselves. No  wonder our world is such a hodge podge of wannabes, who will never be, especially with the far reaching tentacles of social media. It’s all a matter of self-gratification and self-aggrandization.

But the Lord’s Word totally rejects that situation. Listen to Cousin Sol again, earlier on in Proverbs. ‘It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search (seek) their own glory is not glory.’ (Prov. 25:27) And that is indeed the living truth my brethren! When we seek our own glory, how can that be glory eh? For as a general definition of glory states: ‘Glory generally means high renown, honor, praise, or magnificent splendor, often earned through achievement or bestowed upon something.’

And I like those last two statements, meaning that glory must first be earned and then bestowed upon you. People notice your achievements then bestow glory on you. You don’t bestow glory on yourself. And Jesus said it quite explicitly, when speaking on humility. ‘For whosoever exalteth himself  shall be abased (humbled); and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.’ (Luke 14:11)  But our world doesn’t pay attention to that philosophy; we allow people to exalt themselves and we admire them for middling achievements.

But the Bible staunchly demands humility from God’s people. Listen to Peter: ‘Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.’ (1 Pet. 5:5-6) Oh friends, sometimes it’s good to know that you are appreciated by your fellow man, and looked upon with fondness, but there’s nothing to match God’s exaltation! When the Lord exalts you, that’s when  you know you’ve done really worthy stuff in His name, and thus you’ve reached the peak of your existence!

That’s why James also encourages us to seek humility. ‘God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 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 4:6b-7; 8a;10) It’s obvious that Christians are not expected to be glory seekers, but should enjoy it with some humility if it comes.

Oh, and I just remembered a good scripture passage for us to close with; one that wraps it up all very nicely and also reminds us of  what not to do as believers. (smile) Please read with me from Cousin Sol’s proverbs. ‘These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look (haughty eyes), a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (devises wicked plans), feet that be swift in running to mischief (evil), A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.’ (Prov. 6:16-19)

And isn’t it interesting to note that all things the Lord dislikes are what the world likes and is very focused upon today. Just thought I’d throw that scripture in there to help us wake up from our slumber, from our comfortable world driven lifestyle. (smile) Now let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid to help in these distressing times. 

Altogether: ‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise and thank You  this Monday morning for our jobs; jobs we sometimes don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose; keeping lives and families together. We also thank You Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm You’ve wrought in our weary souls over the weekend. It’s that rejuvenation of spirit which now allows us to sally forth with confidence into  the evil and ungodly world, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s evil schemes.

But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing Your powerful, protective spiritual armour! We surrender our all to You, and humbly ask that You allow Your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit to lead and guide all Your servants, as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, thereby furthering Your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Amen!

And with all the reminders we’ve had today, we ought be able to go out and do good work for God! Much LOVE!

…Jesus looks for humility in Christians…the world seeks pride and haughtiness in its people…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 January 2021 Psalm 37:1.

08 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 37:1.     ​Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

And so, as the world turns slowly on its axis, once again we come to Friday, the day we all LOVE and revere, because it reminds us that our work week will soon be over. The only problem here though, is that many of us are not working, or are afraid to go out after work, or there’s no way to go because all the watering holes and other places of excitement are shut tight. That’s why it’s surprising that the number of COVID-19 cases are trending upward every day. 

Remember when we were aghast at a few hundred? Now a few thousand is the norm, despite the introduction of a vaccine, repeated lockdowns and entreaties to stay safe and observe the necessary rules. But who listens in this selfish, me-first, I don’t care about anybody else society eh? Enough of me though, (smile) let’s hear the ordinary workingman’s take on the situation nuh, we haven’t heard from him in a while. 

His greeting is the same, but not very enthusiastic. ‘TGIF! Thank God is Friday…and at least I’m alive, not like so many others who aren’t. Ah Lord eh…what’s becoming of our world eh? People still dropping like flies from this Covid business…and to make matters worse, no work. Can’t tell when last ah went to work nuh…or when next I might go. That is if the slave master still going to have a job for me. With the state of the economy, who knows? The li’l money we getting from the government just keeping we from starving. 

And the school situation ain’t no better…one day they learning online, next they going to school, then they staying home again. Ah wish somebody would make up their blooming minds and stop playing musical schools with the children! And what kind of leaders we have eh, when they telling us to stay home, but so many of them going holidaying around the world…and getting away with it too? They obviously believe in the ‘do as I say, not as I do’ philosophy. 

And then look at that crazy, egotistic jack-a down in the U.S nuh. Instead of bringing the country together, he focussed on fomenting insurrection, just so he could stay in power and get away from the squalid jail cell that waiting for him. Hn! He not going to get away from it though! And just look at all the people who fraid him nuh and doing his lying, foolish, criminal bidding! Brother! What kind of leaders we have nowadays eh? No balls whatsoever! Is only greed and fear and corruption that fuelling them! They don’t give a darm about the people they suppose to be representing and who money they thiefing! 

And we Canadians shouldn’t get uppity nuh with we noses in the air nuh, because we have the same kind up here in Canada too, just on a smaller scale! But as a pardner keep telling me, ‘time longer than twine yes boy,’ and all ah dem twine soon run out. Glory to God that He still on the throne oui, and have His own plans for the wicked.’ 

Oh friends, I’m chuckling at the ordinary workingman’s tale, but deep down we all know what he’s saying is true. We’ve lost our way in this selfish and evil world, and what li’l LOVE we had for humanity has now disappeared completely! Can you imagine leaders behaving so irresponsibly so blatantly? At least before they would hide and act shamefaced if they were caught. Not now though. They couldn’t give a darm! Who doesn’t like it, tough on them! That seems to be the prevailing attitude. But as the ordinary workingman reminds us, the Lord God Almighty is still on the throne, and His eyes are on both the righteous and the wicked, with His own plans in store for either set. 

And it just happens that the Good Book is open in front of me in the sayings of Cousin Sol, on what he terms the seven deadly sins. ‘These six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him (his soul): A proud look (haughty eyes), a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations (devises wicked plans and schemes), feet that be swift in running to mischief (evil), A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.’ (Prov. 6:16-19) 

Oh mih people, those abominations Cousin Sol listed so long ago are exactly the ones that are most prominent in our society today! No wonder our world is in such a serious state of upheaval and disaster! But there is hope my brethren! Yes there is indeed hope, because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is alive and kicking, and when He’s ready, He’s going to be kicking the butt of the wicked right into outer darkness and damnation! 

Listen to these reassuring words of Bruh David from Psalm 37, re The true state of the wicked. ‘Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.’ (Ps. 37:1-2) 

Yes friends, every dog will have its day, but the final word will be the Lord’s. Hear how Bruh David puts it nuh: ‘The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him, for he seeth that his day is coming. The wicked have drawn out the sword, and bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation (conduct). Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.’ (Ps. 37:12-15) 

Oh my fellow saints in Christ, that’s the future of the wicked, so please, let’s not envy them, or join with them, because they will soon be no more! Just like the promise the Lord made to the Israelites through Moses when they were fleeing Egypt and the Egyptian army was hot on their heels at the Red Sea. ‘And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still and see the salvation (deliverance) of the Lord, which he will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.’ (Ex. 14:13) 

And the Lord kept that promise when He drowned the whole Egyptian army in the Red Sea. And that’s the self-same promise He’s giving to us today my people; if we will turn to Him and be not afraid, He will fight for us. Now let’s go to him in prayer nuh, carry all our burdens, cast our care on His strong and mighty shoulders, take up His yoke, as He desires of us, so that He can strengthen and refresh us. In unison and sincerity, let’s send up our Friday Chant to heaven. 

‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. Yuh know it’s been rough… what with all the anxiety, the confusion and havoc that the Covid-19 virus and the racial strife causing. We not accustomed to that kind of life Lord, and it really telling on us. And we know we can’t handle it on our own, that we desperately need your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat both the virus and the unrest in our streets. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give the governments and those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the sure and wise guidance to handle the situation properly, with the least amount of loss to life and property as possible. 

And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe, so that we can avoid any more serious setbacks. And Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to also bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. It’s also a good opportunity to introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion because of the way we, your faithful believers, handle the situation. 

Yes Lord, please use this pandemic and the unrest in the streets as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

Now let’s really show our Christian side nuh, for we are the ONLY hope our world has! Much LOVE!

…it’s time for our salt to be the most flavourful…and our light to shine the brightest…

P.S. Yes, it’s long, but good and necessary! (smile) Much LOVE!