The Necessity for Christians to Appreciate Their Jobs, and Use Them Wisely for Christ’s Benefit!

27 Apr 2026 Leave a comment

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

2 Thessalonians 3:13.        But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 

And another Monday has rolled around again, a warm, sunshiny one to boot…Praise the Lord! Now why would you do that? Because it gives us the opportunity to go out to work, make some money and experience life at the same time. Yuh know the millions of people around our God-forsaken and strife-filled work who cannot do that, and would gladly give their right arm to be able to do so. Meanwhile, we are here moaning and groaning, complaining about the good things we have going for us. 

And no, it’s not always easy or likeable, but just sit and consider for a moment, what would happen to you and your family if you didn’t have a job in this dog eat dog, rat race of a world we currently live in. And you don’t have to go to any far-off, poor countries to see what happens when you don’t have a job and are living in dire poverty. You can see that in the many jobless and subsequently homeless people that exist right here in our prosperous and wealthy society.

And it’s not because they all don’t want to work, but ofttimes, for whatever reason, they cannot get a job. And with the new rage of AI, Artificial Intelligence, lots of people are being laid off, making it even harder to acquire a decent job. So, if you have one to go this Monday morning, then please count yourself blessed and stop complaining about the inequities and injustice that might come with it.

That’s not to say you ought to allow yourself to be taken advantage of by your employer, but be careful how you go about trying to right the wrong, for it’s very easy to find yourself on the outside looking in. And I know, from personal experience, that’s not a very nice place to be.  

Now you just need to look at all the food banks that have recently opened, and you’ll see how desperate the situation is. When I first came here some fifty odd years ago, a food bank was the exception rather than the rule, but now it’s the norm, for even those who are working, sometimes two jobs at once, still cannot maintain a family on their wages, especially with prices always on the rise, but salaries not running in tandem.

 And talking about working, remember what Bruh Paul wrote to the Thessalonians? ‘For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but they are busybodies. 

Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish (warn) him as a brother.’ (2 Thess. 3:10-15)

Yes friends, with the lack of work ethic that’s currently in vogue, (smile) it’s not surprising to note that there are many in our society, who refuse to work, instead living off of the Government and any others who will help them. And it would be good if we could shame them into working, but some of them have no shame whatsoever, and will keep on in their disorderly conduct regardless of what we do. 

But the important thing to note in all this is that we must not be weary in well doing. In other words, despite the many obstacles we might, or will face, we ought to keep on trying to live the Christian life as best we can. That’s allowing the fruit of the Spirit to flourish in us; echoes of LOVE, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, patience, meekness and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23) 

Which reminds us of these wonderful, encouraging words of Bruh Paul to the Galatians. ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not (do not lose heart). As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.’ (Gal. 6:7-10)

We could not get any better advice than that on this first day of our work week my people. And to help us accomplish it, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, seeking divine aid. And it’s a somewhat different prayer today, because I brought back most of the old one, which I think resonates better with our current times.

So, 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!

Now, let’s go out there and make Jesus proud of us! Much LOVE!

…living for Jesus…always means doing our best… 

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

Today’s Scrip-Bit   9 December 2022 Matthew 25:40.

09 Dec 2022 Leave a comment

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

Matthew 25:40.       Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Now, the new day has dawned somewhat grey and overcast, but that doesn’t matter, because it’s Friday. Oh yes, the last day of the workweek is here and we are all overjoyed. Our shouts of freedom can be heard all over the world. ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday and we can soon rest for two days from the agony of this modern slavery!’ 

And in some respects, the sentiments are quite true, because, in spite of our supposed modern society, a lot of workers are still not enjoying the benefits of our advances, but are unfortunately still stuck in old world ways of work through the greed and selfishness of their rich and predatory bosses. It’s surprising that in a world of plenty, there are still so many with so little. The problem is that too few have too much and have greedily set up the systems so that they can acquire even more off the backs of the many with little. 

But I guess that’s the way it’s been all down through the ages. Although one would have thought that in this supposedly enlightened and modern society of ours, the problem of equality would not be still such a big deal, and the distance between the haves and the have nots would not be so wide. ‘Wishful thinking,’ someone whispers in my ear. (smile) Why, in this day and age do we still have to fight tooth and nail to get a decent wage for a fair day’s work eh?. But it’s the truth. The richer are getting richer while the poor are getting poorer. 

People in the so-called third and fourth world nations would never believe the amount of poverty, homelessness, sickness and economic suffering that exists in these supposed first world countries. They all think that it’s a bed of roses, and beg, borrow and steal to get here, until they arrive and sadly discover that in many cases, they were better off where they came from. At least back there if they didn’t have a job or food, some friend or relative would share what little they had with them. But in the first world countries sharing with your neighbours is not the norm. 

And one aspect of the situation that’s so horrifying is the prevalence of food banks nowadays. People are working forty or more hours a week and still can’t afford to buy food for their families. I remember volunteering at a food bank many years ago, and they were few and far between at the time. It was only supposed to be a stop-gap measure. But now they are everywhere and desperately needed too. What with rents and prices for everyday items skyrocketing, but wages remaining stagnant, the ordinary man in the street needs help to feed and clothe his family. 

However, the food banks should not be a staple or standard of our society, because that would simply turn us into a bigger beggy-beggy society than we already are. Three quarters of the mail I receive is from charities asking for donations to support one thing or another. I give, and gladly too, but at times it just gets to be too much. You pick up the phone, it’s someone growling in your ear about giving. You open your e-mail, the same thing. And yet, despite all these supposed charities, the situation is not improving. The governments don’t care. They are only interested in getting in power and being able to milk the gravy train themselves. 

Oh my people, if we want to be a truly just and Christian society, we need to remember those who don’t have and treat them properly. Our God decreed that from way back when. Listen to these scriptures. In Leviticus, He says: ‘And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex (mistreat) him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born (native) among you, and thou shalt LOVE him as thyself: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.’ (Lev. 19:33-34) Yes friends, all of us were strangers in some land at some time or another, and because of that the Lord expects us to treat strangers properly. 

And Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s desire in Deuteronomy. ‘Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked (stubborn, rebellious). For the Lord your God is God of gods, and the Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward (the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality, nor takes a bribe). He doth execute the judgement of the fatherless and widow, and LOVETH the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. LOVE ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.’ (Deut. 10:16-19) 

And all through the Bible references can be found about treating the stranger, the widow and fatherless with LOVE and compassion. Jesus even told us that the second great commandment was to LOVE our neighbours as ourselves. (Matt. 22:39) And our neighbour includes anyone with whom we come into contact. Then there’s also this poignant and appropriate scripture from Hebrews. ‘Let brotherly LOVE continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.’ (Heb. 13:1-2) 

Yes my faithful brethren, Abraham (Gen. 18:13) and Lot (Gen. 19:1-2) did receive angels unawares. And although that might not happen nowadays, showing hospitality to the needy is still important and will be very beneficial in the long run. Please remember Jesus words after the parable of the talents, when He separates the sheep from the goats, and says to the sheep. ‘For I was hungered (hungry), and ye gave me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.’ (Matt. 25:35-36) 

And when the righteous in surprise asks when they dd all those things for Him. He replied: ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’ (Matt. 25:40) That should give us plenty food for thought my people! Now, through our Friday Chant, let’s go to God in humble but confident prayer, asking for His divine intervention in our less than stellar affairs. 

Altogether now: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough… what with all the confusion and anxiety caused by our many serious problems. And you know Lord that we can’t fix them on our own, so 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 the simmering unrest in our land. So Lord, we sincerely ask you today to give those involved in the forefront of this serious and unexpected storm, the wise guidance to handle the situation properly, without further setbacks. And please help those of us who must go out to work amidst all the confusion, to be responsible and to stay safe. 

Also Lord, we fervently pray that You’ll use this situation to bring a lot of backsliders back to your fold, show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a whole new flock, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. Yes Lord, please use this pandemic, the bubbling discontent and dissatisfaction in our land, as a means of restoring faith in You, so that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

Now friends, if we want to receive a positive answer to our prayers, then we need to get serious about the promises we’ve just made, obeying God’s word and living the life He desires us to live. Much LOVE!

…you can’t exploit the downtrodden…and expect to be rewarded by Christ… 

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