The Necessity for a Believer to Walk the Fine Line between Excessive Pride and Self-Deprecation!

25 Feb 2025 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 the good news this Tuesday morning friends, is that the temperature is about 4 degrees above freezing! Wow! We haven’t seen above freezing temps in a long, long while. And although it’s somewhat cloudy and damp, what with a li’l drizzle earlier on, and the snow melting some, thankfully, the sun is fighting valiantly to make its presence felt. (smile) 

Let’s hope that the snow doesn’t melt too quickly and cause flooding, or there isn’t too much water in the streets and walkways, so that it doesn’t freeze to ice, when the temperatures plummet below zero at nightfall, and cause even more problems. For the ice is the most dangerous and treacherous aspect of winter, because it can show up at anytime and anywhere, looking innocuous, but packing a very serious wallop. So, if we have to go out at night, or even in the early morning hours, please let’s be careful with the icy conditions that might exist out there. 

Now, let’s turn to this interesting and rather apt poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin, simply titled, ‘Sane Estimate.’ And I’m obviously not sure if I’ve ever shared this one before, but even if I have done so, we know that they all are worthy of sharing several times. (smile) 

So, please read with me: ‘Lord, help me to face with honesty And genuine appreciation The talents and abilities You have given As special gifts to me. Give me a sane estimate of myself. Neither exaggerated nor mud-crawling. Just SANE, as Your Word admonishes. May I be joyfully satisfied With Your unique plan for me. When at times I’d secretly LOVE to ride On a colourful float Beautifully adorned Waving to cheering crowds Smile at me, Lord. With a twinkle in your eye Remind me again That somebody has to build the float.’ 

And that’s the indisputable truth my brethren! Someone has to build and decorate the float before we can ever dream of riding on it, and ofttimes the job falls to us, but we don’t want to get into the building, just the riding and looking pretty up there. But that’s not what our God likes to happen all the time. Yes, sometimes we might get the easy ride, but more often than not, we are expected to build the ride. 

But getting back to the basic premise of the poem, our sane thinking of ourselves, that’s especially important in these times with so many power-hungry, dictator-like, arrogant, greedy and egotistic people and leaders around the globe. The world’s gone crazy for power and glory; however one can get it. Note the number of physical and very emotional strife-filled places in our current world. And it doesn’t seem to be getting better, but worse. However, as true believers in Christ, we are expected to hold a sane and rational opinion of ourselves; not too haughty and prideful, but neither too lowly and unimportant, or as the poem says, ‘mud-crawling.’ 

And believe me, many of us Christians do exactly that; have too low an opinion of ourselves, believing we’re not worthy of acknowledgement or any importance, and thus remain forever mired in the mud-crawling attitude. But please, let’s remember that God has NEVER made anything or anybody without a useful and important purpose. That’s why He’s given each of us special gifts, talents and abilities, so that we can accomplish the important work He’s created us for. And if we keep demeaning and belittling ourselves, then we’re basically saying that God doesn’t know what He’s doing, which obviously is heifer dust. (smile) 

And the scripture verse for our poem today tells it very much like it ought to be. Bruh Paul makes it quite clear to the church at Rome in these admonishing words. ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 3:12) Yes friends, that’s how we ought to behave. And Bruh Paul goes on to explain it more fully in the verses that follow (4-8), which you can, or rather are expected to read and meditate on for yourselves. (smile) 

Meanwhile, the scholars explain those verses (3-8) thus: ‘The righteousness of God will cause the believer to conduct himself in humility in the local church. Paul meets two dangers that the individual faced in the exercise of his spiritual gifts. He might overestimate himself and try to exercise a gift God never gave him. Or he might underestimate himself and fail to exercise the gift God has given to him. Paul shows that God has given each believer specific gifts to enable him to do what God wants him to do. No one is excluded.’ 

And please note that last sentence friends; NO ONE is excluded from God’s generous giving of spiritual gifts, since He has work for every believer to accomplish. And as we all know, Cousin Sol has a word, or several words on all those things that trouble mankind. (smile) Here are couple on this subject of humility and sane estimating of oneself. 

The first one says: ‘It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search (seek) their own glory is not glory.’ (Prov. 25:27) There’s much truth in that; eating too much honey is not good for us, neither is seeking our own glory, or as the old folks would say, ‘blowing one’s own trumpet.,’ which fits in very nicely with this other quote from Cousin Sol. ‘Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.’ (Prov. 27:2) 

And it’s very noticeable in today’s world that that proverb is not being much heeded, if any at all, because everybody, from the top leaders, right down to the lowliest folks are blowing their own horns. Because that’s what the world believes it takes to get ahead in its evil and ungodly state. But children of God, we know so much better, so please, let’s live up to our spiritual gifts nuh, and with God’s help, neither overdo nor underdo our God-given capabilities. 

Now, it’s time to go home declaring our Tuesday Mantra, letting the whole world know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel! As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

And having made that declaration, (yesss!!!) we are now duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE, gifts and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…there’s a fine line between excessive pride and belittlement of self…it’s called HUMILITY…

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   14 January 2023 Matthew 20:26.

14 Jan 2023 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 20:26.        But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister (servant);

It’s cold and cloudy out there on this lazy day Saturday…and the snow is no longer beautiful because it’s been sullied by man, for anything that mankind touches goes bad, is destroyed, loses its beauty. But we have to keep on keeping on in Christ’s mighty name regardless of what comes against us, because He has sincerely promised that ‘No weapon formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of (from) me, saith the Lord.’ (Is. 54:17) 

So friends, as faithful believers, it behooves us to accept that promise and move on in steadfast trust and faith. Now, let’s see what words of wisdom our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. And the first one is certainly interesting. It says: ‘I no longer look for the good in people, I search for the real… because while good is often dressed in fake clothing, real is naked and proud no matter the scars.’ 

And the quote does have a point, because nowadays a lot of what seems good on the outside is really evil on the inside, a lot of faking, fraudulent behaviour and deceit is happening in our society, so you can’t trust all those who seem to be wonderful on the outside. It’s like Jesus said of the religious leaders of His time. ‘Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres (whitewashed tombs), which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.’ (Matt. 23:17) We therefore have to be very careful of whom we listen to and let into our inner sanctums. 

Oh friends, I went upstairs just now to warm my coffee, and would you believe, when I looked out the window, I was almost blinded, like Bruh Paul on the road to Damascus, (smile) because the sun was out shining bright and spunkily! Wow! It’s the first time in ages we’ve seen the sun shining, able to overcome the cloud cover! Miracles do happen still! Glory to God! Hope the sunshine will last for than just a short while though. 

But moving on, the next quote advises: ‘If they respect you, respect them. If they disrespect you, still respect them. Do not allow the actions of others to decrease your good manners, because you represent yourself, not others. Do not lower your integrity for anyone.’ And that’s sound advice, especially if you claim to be a believer in Christ Jesus, for in the Sermon on the Mount, He preached: ‘Blessed are ye when men shall revile (upbraid, angrily scold) you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.’ (Matt. 5:11-12) 

That was indeed Christ’s style. And He set the example for us in spades. How does Peter put it? ‘For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted (beaten) for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable to (commendable before) God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile (deceit) found in his mouth. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again (in return); when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.’ (1 Peter 2:20-23) 

Now, because of our fallen human nature, we obviously won’t be always able to do it like Jesus did, but we can certainly do better than we’re currently doing. And that segues quite nicely into this next quote: ‘There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama & people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad & focus on the good. LOVE the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.’ 

There’s no fault to be found with those words of wisdom, especially in these topsy-turvy times when too many people are playing out a whole lot of unnecessary drama. Drama seems to be the name of the game right now. But we believers don’t need that unnecessary stuff. With Jesus, we can just float right along, cruise along in the knowledge and faith of His wonderful grace, mercy and LOVE! Therefore, this other quote should be one we strongly adhere to. ‘Don’t be afraid of change. You may end up losing something good, but you will probably end up gaining something better.’ 

That’s oh so true! And I can testify to that from some recent changes in my life. I unexpectedly lost certain things and figured I’d be completely lost without them. But now I can see some light at the end of that dark tunnel and know that what is in the offing will be better than what I’ve lost. We’re always comforted by what we have and fear what might happen if we succumb to change, but change in the right manner and for the right reasons can be ofttimes better than the old way. Just make sure that we don’t change just for changing sake. 

That brings us to this last simple, but oh so powerful and true quote. ‘Never believe you are above or below anyone. Keep a humble spirit.’ And that’s somewhat difficult to do in these times of overwhelming, pride, arrogance, and hunger for wealth and power. Everyone is seeking to be better than the other, because that’s how the world judges us. But not so in Christ’s kingdom. Bruh Paul wrote it thus in his letter to the Roman church. ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 12:3) 

Yes, it’s possible for us to both overestimate and underestimate ourselves. But per Bruh Paul, ‘the righteousness of God will cause the believer to conduct himself with humility.’  And let’s also remember Jesus’ words when the mother of Zebedee’s sons came and asked Jesus for them to sit on his right and left hand in His kingdom and it riled up the other disciples. But Jesus called them and pointed out how the Gentile higher ups lorded it over them. ‘But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister (servant); And whosoever will be chief (first) among you, let him be your servant (slave): Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto (be served) but to minister (to serve), and to give his life a ransom for many.’ (Matt. 20:26-28) 

Yes my fellow believers, humility was one of Jesus’ most important earthly traits, and it should also be ours. Now humility doesn’t mean being weak and dotish, but knowing one’s self, and not being boastful and arrogant about it, but being modest regarding your gifts and accomplishments. Having a modicum of circumspection, as Jeeves would say. (smile) 

And we can’t end without mentioning these wonderful verses on the subject from the letter to the Philippians, where Bruh Paul declares: ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men, (he emptied himself of all his privileges): And being found in fashion (appearance) as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.’ (Phil. 2:5-8) 

Oh my fellow saints, that’s a good scripture for us to remember when we feel like we’re getting too big for our britches! (smile) So let’s get out there today and fight the good fight for Jesus; be strong, but modest and humble, for that’s the example He set us. Much LOVE!

…although calamity surrounds us…our souls find peace in Jesus… 

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ        

Today’s Scrip-Bit 28 November 2020 Matthew 7:12.

28 Nov 2020 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 7:12.     ​Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophet.

Well finally some decent sunshine in my area! Brother! We haven’t really seen the sun in my neck of the woods this past week, just mere dark, cloudy, dreary, wet days, with the occasional ray of tarnished sunshine. Let’s hope this bright flood will last for at a least a couple of days, I’m tired with what they consider the English type weather. (smile) And yes, I know I have Jesus to warm me up and brighten my day, but that doesn’t mean some physical sunshine isn’t nice every once in a while too! 

So since it’s that lazy day called Saturday, let’s turn to the quotes our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he aspires to inspire us for a brighter tomorrow. And as the new style persists, they are all prefaced by: ‘Positive affirmation you should tell yourself to remind yourself just how awesome you are. I’m calm, happy, and content,’ but I will only reference it this one time. And a gentle reminder that all of that is only possible if you’re in cahoots with Jesus! (smile) And the first quote is an ever so important one: ‘I will not compare myself to strangers on the Internet.’ 

And do we ever need to stop doing that, because it is driving us crazy, especially when the images shown on social media are often outright lies and/or doctored images. We are allowing the practice of body shaming, amongst other negative habits, to destroy our self-esteem and make us dislike ourselves; the way we look, think and behave. That’s utterly foolish my brethren, for who says we need to look like or behave like others eh? If the Lord wanted us to be all alike, He would have made us so. But He wanted us all to be different, to be unique in our own selves, that’s why He created us like we are. 

So it’s a sin against Him, our trying to look like others, most of whom are fakers anyway. Right now, social media is the biggest expletive deleted satanic thing we have in our society. It’s being used for more negative stuff than positive. No wonder our society is in the disgusting state it’s in! Nuff said on that! 

Then there’s this quote that’s contrary to the first one: ‘I LOVE myself fully, including the way I look.’ Now that’s a li’l more like it! But we must also be on guard that we don’t over LOVE ourselves, or in a manner that’s more narcissistic than godly. It’s necessary that we like ourselves because we take ourselves with us wherever we go, and it’s not wise to have a constant travelling companion you don’t like. (smile) 

Remember the premium Jesus placed on true LOVE? He broke down all the commandments to just two: LOVE the Lord God, and LOVE your neighbour as yourself. (Matt. 22:37) That means respecting and caring for your neighbour as you respect and care for yourself. I guess it could be best described by what we call the Golden Rule, more sensitive and commanding words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. ‘Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophet.’ (Matt. 7:12) 

Yes precious people, that ought to be the rule that we live by; do unto others as we want them to do unto us. But unfortunately that doesn’t hold true in today’s society, we practice the other side of the coin, doing to others what we don’t want them to do to us. Or as the ole people would say: ‘Do so ent like so!’ We obviously don’t like others throwing back to us what we first threw to them! Now why does that surprise us eh? 

That leads us to this next quote: ‘I am enough.’ Now that I believe is a rather disturbing thought and sentence. Why? Because in the first place we by ourselves are never enough! The saying that no man is an island is ever so true. We can’t stand alone and be as productive and useful as God desires of us. Remember why and what He said when He created Eve in the Garden of Eden? ‘And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him (a helper comparable to him).’ (Gen. 2:18) 

Then He formed Eve out of Adam’s rib. If He thought that man was sufficient alone, He would never have made woman to help him. So why do we think that we are sufficient unto ourselves eh? Remember Jesus’ words too about the vine and the branches: ‘…for without me ye can do nothing.’ (John 15:5b) And that’s the gospel truth! And until we all understand that and act wisely upon it, we won’t ever amount to what we were made to amount to! Matter fix! 

And again we have another somewhat troubling quote: ‘I choose to be proud of myself and the things I choose to do.’ Now hopefully all those things are not within the ungodly realm of Satan, but within the godly realm of Jesus! If they are within Satan’s realm, then you should not be proud of them, for why should we ever be proud of evil doing eh? 

But if they are within the realm of Jesus, you can be proud of them, but not to the exclusion of the one who gave you the strength and grace to do them; meaning Christ, through whom we can do ALL things. And in our pride, please, let’s remember these notable words of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome. ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 12:3) 

And the scholars offer this interesting explanation of that verse. ‘12:3. The righteousness of God will cause the believer to conduct himself in humility in the local church (vs. 3-8). Paul meets two dangers that the individual faced in the exercise of his spiritual gifts. He might overestimate himself and try to exercise a gift God never gave him. Or he might underestimate himself and fail to exercise the gift God has given to him. Paul shows that God has given each believer specific gifts to enable him to do what God wants him to do. No one is excluded.’ And that’s the indisputable truth! 

However, we must be careful to remember that it’s only through God’s underserved grace that we do all that we do, and not get too big for our britches, like our world has recently gotten, else the Lord will cut us down to size, just like He’s doing right now with all the strife and disasters and sickness He’s allowing in our oh so wonderful, but oh so sinful world! 

And the last quote says: ‘I let go of all that no longer serves me.’ And that’s what we all need to do! And I’ll give us just two scriptures on that subject. The first is this, more words of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome. ‘And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’ (Rom. 12:2) Yes friends, if we intend to live for Jesus, then we need to give up all that the world holds highly, and seek God’s righteousness first of all, by first transforming our minds, because that’s where all the major battles are fought. 

And lastly, let’s remember Bruh Paul’s words to the church at Philippi! ‘But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung (rubbish), that I may win Christ.’ (Phil. 3:7-8) Yeh friends, Bruh Paul gave up all his many educational and religious credentials to know Christ! He even considered them rubbish in the end. 

Now let’s remember that God prizes humility above pride, but we still need to have a delicate balance between both. So let’s go home with these words of Bruh Paul ringing in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls nuh. ‘I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.’ (Phil. 3:14) We couldn’t do any better. Much LOVE!

… a good and successful life…all hinges on…being in sync with Jesus… 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 16 September 2020 Romans 12:3.

16 Sep 2020 Leave a comment

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

Romans 12;3.     ​For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Yeh friends, it’s Wednesday once again…and getting over this hump is a crucial aspect of our work week. Once we do, we see it as a done deal rather than as a challenge that Monday, the start of the week, seems to throw out. But let’s remember that when Christ is sincerely in our lives, we are up to and ready for each and every challenge that the evil world sends our way, for He is our strength, and with Him running the show, we can do all things that need doing! Glory be my fellow saints in Christ! 

And I believe that this poem from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin gives us a good idea of how to suit up ourselves for the challenges of life. It’s titled ‘Sane Estimate.’

Please pray with me: ‘Lord, help me to face with honesty And genuine appreciation The talents and abilities You have given As special gifts to me. Give me a sane estimate of myself. Neither exaggerated nor mud-crawling. Just sane, as Your Word admonishes. May I be joyfully satisfied With Your unique plan for me. When at times I’d secretly LOVE to ride On a colourful float Beautifully adorned Waving to cheering crowds Smile at me, Lord. With a twinkle in Your eye Remind me again That somebody has to build the float.’ 

Yeh friends, somebody has to build the float before we can ride on it in the parade waving to cheering, festive folks! And ofttimes that somebody has to be us. The Lord has made each of us in His own image, but with unique differences and talents which we need to be able to successfully complete the also unique plan He’s made for every one of His creation. 

And the Bible verse associated with that poem is also our Bit for today; the immortal words of Bruh Paul to the church at Rome: ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly that he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.’ (Rom. 12:3) 

Oh my people, so many of us in this current world need to take that advice so badly because so many of us think much more highly of ourselves than we ought to! Boasting and self-aggrandization has unfortunately become a way of life in our modern society, and its evil tentacles even reach out and embrace supposed believers, who ought to know better. Sadly too, we also have the believer who behaves like a ‘mud-crawling’ animal, not thinking enough of him or herself, and thus wallowing in the mire of self-pity and not functioning the way Christ expects. 

But neither state is what the Lord planned nor desires of us. And I guess that’s why Bruh Paul wrote to the Galatians, re his meeting with the apostles in Rome. Some of them seemed to think little of Bruh Paul, neither did they impress him (Gal. 2:1-6)

‘But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually (worked effectively) in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty (worked effectively) in me toward the Gentiles. 

And when James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who seemed to be the pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen (Gentiles), and they unto the circumcision (Jews). Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward (eager) to do.’ (Gal. 2:7-10) 

Yuh see friends, especially in high circles, and the church is no exception, there is great susceptibility to think more highly of ourselves and not enough of others, which causes us to make a mess of God’s plans. But thankfully James and John and Peter, the stalwarts of the then church recognized Bruh Paul’s God-given grace to take the Word to the Gentiles, and only reminded him to remember the poor which is a vital part of Christ’s ministry, something that he was already eager to do.

The two groups of believers had been entrusted with the very same gospel, but to two different groups of people. So it really doesn’t matter to whom God’s grace leads us, once we recognize the leading and fervently obey it. As Bruh Paul later wrote to the church at Ephesus: ‘There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.’ (Eph. 4:4-7) 

Yes my brethren, the church is one body, speaking of Christian unity in the oneness of Holy Spirit, Father and Christ. It is the same ONE GODHEAD who gives to all of us, but who gives different gifts individually, to do the work He’s planned for each individual. So there is unity, as well as diversity in the church, because of the different gifts, but ALL of it is endowed with grace, spiritual energy from the One God so we can perform our God-given tasks successfully. 

And these wise words on the subject from Cousin Sol make a good going-home present (smile). ‘It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search (seek) their own glory is not glory.’ (Prov. 25:27) Then there’s this: ‘Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.’ (Prov. 27:2) And with those awesome words of wisdom throbbing vibrantly in our hearts, bodies and souls, let’s go home declaring (ah Lord eh) our Wednesday Wail, letting the world know of our wonderful position in Christ Jesus. 

Altogether now, in strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘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!’ 

Oh yes mih people, if we stick to Christ like white on rice, (smile) and endure to the end, then the future will indeed be unimaginably glorious! Much LOVE!

…God ALWAYS gives us the grace…the spiritual power…to do whatever He asks of us…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 14 July 2020 Hebrews 10:35.

14 Jul 2020 Leave a comment

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

Hebrews 10:35.     ​Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.
 

And then it was a cloudy and uncertain Tuesday morning, just like the cloudy and uncertain Monday we had yesterday! But it’s oh so refreshing and wonderful when you don’t have to depend on the physical weather to get your sunshine; when you have the bright, amazing and beautiful light of Jesus and His everlasting salvation shining in your souls! Mama Mia! Yeh friends, you can tell that the ole fella is definitely glad to be alive to see another glorious day, be it physically rain or shine! It’s the only way to live this life! It also means that once we’re still here the Lord has big plans for us! Glory be! 

One person who’s no longer here with us though enjoying our earthly friendship is our ever-faithful church sister Mavis Harvey. Mavis died last week, thankfully with her family by her side, after being in poor health for a long time. But you would never have known it from her staunch and positive behaviour. She was the epitome of the sweet, quiet, godly, grandmotherly woman. Didn’t say much, but whatever she said had value. She was one of the few people who religiously attended our Wednesday morning service. 

And talk about stubborn! In the days before the church was shut down, Mavis, who lived a few blocks away and had some ambulatory problems, most always refused a ride to or from church unless the weather was real bad. She had her walker and that gave her exercise. She will always be remembered for her LOVING-kindness; baking stuff for the church, as well as knitting blankets and other baby stuff. It was good that our pastor, Father Jeff, was able to spend some time with her before she went home to glory. Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to her family. May your wonderful soul rest in peace Mavis, my sister. 

Ah friends, for more saints like Mavis in our church families, instead of the rango- tango, gossipy, resentful, petty cliques and divisions that seem to currently proliferate. Sometimes it makes one belief that the world is more inside the church body than outside, the way we behave so much like it. And especially in these tumultuous times when unity is so badly needed, it’s sad and sorrowful that we have such a divided and fractured church. 

But I firmly believe that these tumultuous times are instances that our great and mysterious God has allowed to come upon us partly for the purpose of bringing us together and showing the world that His people, Christ’s church are actually whom they claim to be; kind, LOVING, understanding, unified, helpful and godly folks, by actually doing Christ-like work amongst the poor, sick and needy. Yes, I know it’s a rather convoluted sentence, but full of truth, what I like to call a Bruh Paulian sentence. (smile) 

That’s why precious people of God, I’m here to encourage us, to exhort us to take a true and sincere stand in these uncertain and trying times to be salt of the earth and lights of the world like Jesus desires of us, so that we can rebuild, renovate, fix, make right, whatever is currently wrong with His church. Remember, actions speak much louder than words, and if ever there was a time that plenty action was needed from the church it’s right now! So let’s not faint and give up during this time of pandemic and strife nuh. 

Instead, let’s write this scripture indelibly in our hearts and action it with much vim and vigour. ‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience (endurance, perseverance), that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.’ (Heb.10:35-36) Yes friends, remember giving up is not in Christ’s vocabulary. And whosoever will endure to the end will receive a crown of glory. And even then, it’s not so much about the eventual reward nuh, but the fact that we LOVE and admire Jesus and all that He’s sacrificed for us and we just want to do His will as best we can. The eventual reward is just lagniappe, brawtha, icing on the cake. It’s not what should really move us. 

And I think this scripture from Peter is very useful for us in these non-understandable times. ‘But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity (LOVE) among yourselves: for charity (LOVE) shall cover a multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging (grumbling). As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God; if any man minister. Let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.’ (1 Pet. 4:7-11) 

Oh friends, please remember that whatever we have, be it earthly wealth and power, or spiritual gifts they still belong to God, and we are only stewards down here on earth to ensure that they are well used and distributed. And please allow these words of Bruh Paul to sink deeply into our consciousness and truly live by them. ‘For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office (function): So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one (individually) members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.’ (Rom. 12:3-6) 

Ah mih people, the long and short of the story is that through the grace, the generosity, the undeserved favour of God, we have all been given certain gifts in different areas, and we must use them diligently, without grumbling or greed, to effectively promote Christ’s church. That’s it in a nutshell! (smile) And there’s truly no better time for us to come together and do our thing (stir up the gift of God) than right now when the world is in such a state of confusion and we are the ONLY ones with the ONLY solution: Jesus Christ! 

Now let’s go home declaring (yeahhh!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting the world know who and whose we are. In strong voice, with sincere hearts: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with the world. Amen!’ 

And do we ever need to share Jesus’ LOVE and friendship with this sad and sorrowful world! Much LOVE!

…in tough times…tough people…namely Christians…stand tough…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 18 April 2020 1 Corinthians 3:7.

18 Apr 2020 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 3:7.    ​So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
 
Well the days pass by as quickly as ever, although they seem to be taking their own sweet time, what with the huge amount of inactivity so many are undergoing through the Covid-19 fallout. But friends, if we want to make it through this disastrous situation successfully, we have to try and stay as active as possible within the narrow means that are currently available to us. That’s exercise body, mind and spirit! And you can’t use that age old excuse that you’re busy and have no time, (smile) for if it’s one thing most of us have right now is lots of idle time on our hands. 

That means we also have the magnificent opportunity to get into the Good Book and voraciously devour the Word of the Lord! Glory be mih people! Yes, getting into the marvellous Word of our great God, should be our number one priority in these idle times, so that when our world returns to whatever the new normal will be, we will all be much better versed in it, and thus better able to live it! Wow! 

Friends, most of us will never have a better opportunity to learn the Word than right now, so please, let’s not waste it, since our lack of knowing, and thus implementing the Word is probably what has brought us to our current situation. Read that as stubborn, hard-hearted rebellion and an abundance of sinful disobedience against the Lord of the universe! 

Anyway, it’s Saturday, so let’s get into those quotes that our friend Anselm sent us this past week, as he sincerely aspires to inspire us for a better tomorrow. And he did have some very interesting ones this week, focussing on what we term progress. But listen to this first one – I just LOVE it. ‘Little by little becomes a lot.’ And isn’t that the awesome truth! As my Jamaican people would say; ‘one one cocoa full basket.’ 

Yes friends, simple consistency and satisfaction with a small amount is rather important in our lives. Or as we’d say further down south: ‘Take a li’l and live long!’ And that’s a major problem with our society these days; a lack of patience and overarching greed, wanting whatever we want right now in profusion. That’s also why we have to start saving from early, always putting aside a little for the rainy day that’s bound to come! 

And this one, I can certainly testify to it’s truth: ‘Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.’ Oh isn’t that the awesome truth my people! I’ve experienced it some in my own life. When you’re riding high, everyone wants to be your friend, but when the chips all fall down, there’s never anyone around to help you look for them. Those are what we call ‘fair-weather friends.’ 

And for some reason, when that talk comes up, I always  remember MC Hammer (Rick Stanley Burrell) the American rap artiste and dancer. He spoke to that situation. When he was popular and riding high, there were numerous so-called friends around to enjoy his largesse, but by the time he hit bankruptcy, none of those bodies could be found. So friends, please take note; look for those people who are willing to ride the bus with you, when the limo breaks down, or you can no longer afford it. 

Now hear this: ‘Progress is not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be.’ And there is some truth in that, for enhancing what we have is not always the best way to go. We need to keep our eyes steadfastly fixed on where we want to go, where it would be most beneficial for us to go, and work towards that. Just doing better in the area we’re currently in is not necessarily progress, especially if the Lord has a better and/or different plan for our lives. And that, my brethren, needs to be our number one consideration; the Lord’s plan for our earthly lives, for from that, all else ought to flow. 

And that thought segues ever so smoothly into this one: ‘You don’t make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining.’ That’s the gospel truth! But if it wasn’t…then our world would be ever so progressive since this generation has made whimpering and complaining a lifestyle of the first order! Steups! Nobody wants to put up with a li’l discomfort, or do a li’l bit of hard work, but everybody wants to live the high life; that associated with the rich and famous. 

But friends, here’s a li’l secret that we all ought to know; the initial rich and famous didn’t get rich and famous by whimpering and complaining, but by working their tails off, be it for good or evil! Yes, some of their descendants might have come into their fame and fortune rather easily because of their forefathers, but here’s another li’l gem, none of them will keep it if somebody doesn’t put some blood sweat and tears into doing so! And consequently, this quote is also rather true and wise. ‘Don’t compare your progress to that of others. We need our own time to travel our own distance.’ 

Yeh mih bredrin, just like the Lord has different plans for different people, the time we need to accomplish them also differ. And the worst thing we can ever do is compare our plan and what it entails with that of someone else, because all that does is breed frustration, jealousy, envy, dissatisfaction and resentment in our hearts, especially if the other somebody seems to be more progressive and successful than we are. Listen to Bruh Paul as he warned the church at Rome and us: 

‘For I say, through the grace given unto me. To every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office (function): So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one (individually) members one of another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching…’ (Rom. 12:3-6) 

Yes my fellow believers, we all have different gifts to do different things in the Lord’s cause, but they don’t all have the same result, or take the same time, but we are all members of one body, Christ, so we must not be contentious and jealous, think of ourselves too highly or lowly, just know that we will be well rewarded for whatever Christ has us to do if we do it selflessly and sacrificially,. 

Bruh Paul also touched on the subject in his first letter to the Corinthians: ‘For ye are yet carnal (fleshly, worldly): for whereas there is among you envying and strife , and divisions (dissensions), are ye not carnal, and walk as men (according to man)? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.’ (1 Cor. 3:3-7) 

So my faithful brethren, please, please, let’s stop complaining and whining and comparing ourselves to each other nuh, for if we truly believe that our God is wise, then all the parts He’s made will fit nicely and smoothly together in one plan, if we sincerely follow His blueprint; His Word. Much LOVE!

…the Lord’s blueprint for earthly living is perfect…we just need to follow it sincerely…

Today’s Scrip-Bit 9 December 2015 1 Corinthians 12:20

09 Dec 2015 Leave a comment

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

1 Corinthians 12:20.  But now are they many members, yet one body.

Well my precious people in Christ, it’s Wednesday! God has granted us one more day to execute His holy plan for our lives. So let’s be thankful by wailing our most appropriate Wednesday Wail nuh. 

As one wailing soul now, let’s wail: ‘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!’ 

Oh Friends, isn’t that just a wonderful prayer? It surely is! We’re thankful to be alive, thankful that God’s awesome breath of life is still running through our imperfect bodies, and we can see that we’re halfway to Friday in our work week and the big two days of at the weekend loom larger every day. 

But above all, we’re looking ahead, plowing straight furrows, focusing on the glorious future that Christ has so faithfully promised us. Glory to God my brethren! 

Now here’s a little something that we Christians desperately need to help us improve our earthly pilgrimage. It’s by an unknown author and says: ‘Teamwork divides the tasks and multiplies the success.’ 

Now if that isn’t indisputable truth, then I don’t know what is! If we would all work together as believers in Christ, instead of fighting amongst ourselves, we would be much better representatives of Christ, and the unbelievers would pay much more attention to us, and our world surely would not be in a big as mess as it is. 

Remember we are all believers in Christ and are supposed to be sharing the same message and as far as Christ is concerned we are ONE BODY, HIS CHURCH! 

But we have been so contentious amongst ourselves and broken up into so many divisions, religions, denominations, sects and what have you, that we have lost the ONE VOICE that we need to truly gain some serious traction in this world. 

Remember Christ said that a house divided cannot stand, and that’s exactly what has happened, and is still happening to the Christian faith. Instead of coming together, everyday we keep hearing about more divisions and factions. Friends that will only weaken Christ’s church and thus His testimony. 

Our Bit says it best. ‘ But now are they many members, yet one body.’ 

Yes my brethren, when Christ returns, He isn’t coming back for the Protestants, the Jews, the Catholics, et all, but for THE ONE BODY OF HIS CHURCH! So why are we so foolishly divided eh? 

Hear how Bruh Paul puts it to the church at Corinth, at the beginning of the section that contains our Bit. ‘For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we bond (slaves) or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.’ (1 Cor.12:12-14) 

Oh friends, regardless of the religion or denomination we belong to, it is the same Spirit of Christ that indwells us all! That means we ought to be working closer together, be in a more harmonious relationship with each other. 

As Bruh Paul goes on to use the human body as an example; where there are several parts to the ONE body, and though they all have different functions, they are still a part of only ONE body, and if any part tries to go its own way, rebel against the whole, the body malfunctions and serious problems develop. 

And we all know the story of how all the comely parts of our body wanted to be the boss, but when our uncomely rear end also threw his hat into the ring, the other more comely parts broke into riotous laughter. 

But yuh know what? When the rear end shut down, and stopped allowing the poisons of the body to be released, all the comely parts became sick and eventually useless. So the rear end had the last laugh. 

So the moral of the story friends, is if we don’t work in harmony, whatever kind of body we belong to will not flourish. You’ll notice that all the evildoers work together, spreading evil. So why can’t all of Christ’s people work together spreading His special message of LOVE and goodness eh? 

I really don’t know the answer. But until we start working together, I know that we will never be able to defeat the forces of evil. 

And we’ll end with some appropriate words from Bruh Paul to the Roman church. ‘ For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 

For as we have many members in one body, and all the members have not the same office (function): So we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one (individually) members one of another.’ (Rom.12:3-5) 

Yes Friends, let’s take some time today to ponder our ONENESS and the necessity for it, because it is indeed wisdom of the highest order! Much LOVE!

…the best example of ONENESS…our Holy Trinity…the Father…the Son…and the Holy Spirit… our three in ONE Godhead…

 

 

Today’s Scrip-Bit 8 October 2015 Psalm 55:22

08 Oct 2015 Leave a comment

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

Psalm 55:22.  Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).

Aye mih fellow breddren in Christ, the workweek is moving along as it’s been planned! Would you believe it’s already Thursday, the penultimate day? Yes it is, so please, let’s hang in there, keep giving of our best, and with the faithful help of Jehovah God we WILL make it through, possibly tired, but unscathed. For that’s the promise of our great God, and He never makes idle promises. 

And I just could not ignore this most appropriate passage from our One Year Book of Bible Promises with writings by Ruth Harms Calkin. This one’s called ‘I asked for a sign.’ Listen up carefully people. 

‘Even as I answer your letter, you are perhaps still waiting while God sends only silence. There is no sudden hailstorm, no writing in the sky. The crisis is real, and you don’t want to be presumptuous. Like Gideon in Judges 6, you want to feel the wet fleece. Or the dry fleece – you don’t care which one. You just want to know! You don’t stand alone! 

All of us who walk with God face conflicts that involve urgent decisions. God is not a God of confusion. We can know his will. When our faith is very new, He may send a sign to fortify us. However, I am convinced that God’s highest intention is to free us from unnecessary “props.” He wants to buttress us, not baby us. Above all, He wants us to trust His Word, not the wool. 

When He encourages us to hope in a promise, that hope may be our only evidence. At this moment you can’t see ahead. However, you can still be incorrigibly hopeful! You can anticipate as you wait, knowing that God will never disappoint the hope He Himself implants. He is never too late. Remember: Not the wool but His Word!’ 

Yes Friends, in our times of crisis and confusion, we all look for a sure and certain sign from God, and sometimes He does send them. But at other times He doesn’t, because as the above passage declares, He wants to buttress, shore us up, not baby us. 

He wants us to be strong and sure in the power of His promises, and that will never happen if we keep crying out every minute, and He sends signs all the time. As the passage also says, it’s not about the fleece that Gideon got a sign on, but about the Word of God, which we need to have enough faith to stand on, without receiving a sign. 

Now signs are all very well and good, but please remember it’s all about building our faith, about maturing in the Word of Almighty God. And the promise for that passage is our Bit for today. ‘Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer (permit) the righteous to be moved (shaken).’ 

Now that is what our wonderful, ever-loving, ever-caring, and ever-faithful God wants us to do! Just cast all our cares and burdens upon Him without any fear or anxiety, because He has promised to sustain us and never let those who walk in His will be shaken. 

Jesus specifically made that promise in Matthew 6 when He spoke about trusting one master, and seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then all that we need would be given to us by our heavenly Father. (Matt.6:24-34) 

So Friends, it’s ever so important that we seek first the face of God, before we begin seeking the things of the world. I know that in these turbulent and violent times that’s not always easy, but if we truly have the faith of His promises in His Word, then we will be able to do it. 

That’s why the building of our faith in God’s Word is so important in the life of every believer. For without it, we’re just lost and adrift on a rough and lonely sea. And in Psalm 37 – The true state of the wicked – we have the encouraging, uplifting and edifying words of Bruh David to help foster and boost our faith. 

‘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. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed (feed on His faithfulness).  

Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement (justice) as the noonday. 

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices (schemes) to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise (way) to do evil (it only causes harm). For evildoers shall be cut off (destroyed): but those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth.’ (Ps.37:1-9) 

Oh Friends, I don’t think it can be put any clearer or simpler than that nuh! Once we put on the ‘new man in Christ,’ we need to build up our faith, and that only comes through experience in daily living. We need to read the Word, study it, meditate on it, then put it into practice in our lives, which often means waiting patiently with no signs, for that’s the measure of faith. 

So today, please let’s show our wisdom and trust in God’s promises found in His Word, and live in true faith by casting all our cares, all our burdens, all our fears and anxieties upon our omnipotent God, for that’s what He desires of us, and He is well able to carry them on our behalf. Much LOVE!

…have faith…trust sincerely in God…for His timing is perfect…sometimes He might leave it to the last minute…but He is NEVER late…