Less Finger-Pointing Needed

 

There's the old mother's proverb that instructs,

"If you point your finger at someone else, you still have three fingers pointing back at yourself."

In other words, don't be judgemental and critical of others.  We have our own foibles.  And it's good to be reminded that when there's better relationship between and among people, there will be less finger-pointing at others.

Similarly, Jesus told the accusing crowd that humilitated the woman allegedly caught in adultery ... And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them,

"Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her"                 (John 8:7 ESV).

If you continue to read the story of what came after Jesus said those words, you'll see that one-by-one, from the eldest to the youngest, the crowds turned away and dispersed.

Let's be humble, truly see the other person.  In many cases, our own assumptions, prejudices, or the negative gossip regarding others, is false and unfounded.

Let's see what's actually behind a person and not make snap judgements.

Don't be the pot that calls the kettle black when you yourself are not without sin.

Lord Jesus, preserve us from self-righteousness and being critical of others.  Help us to humbly see the situation through Your eyes and so respond as You would.  Amen.

Bye for now ...

                                      ~  ERC  August 2026  ~

Based on John 8:4 ESV.

Sing, Jesus Said, Judge Not that Ye Be Not Judged, along with scriptural thinking songs.

Better Relationships Needed

 Better relationships are needed.  Instead of generating bullying, domineering kind of power and control-hungry persons, we ought to pro-actively work on bettering relationships with our children, neighbors, other church members and the like.

Being humble is a big step forward towards this end.  If one is in a position of power, be it ever so slight, being firm is a necessary ingredient for sure, but building trust and respect cannot be coerced.  Coercion produces fear driven subservience, not willing obedience.

Admitting our mistakes, being kind, helping others and being more observant of individuals under our care would go a long way, I believe, towards humble beginnings but also sustaining better relationship with others.

We can slowly but surely do this with Jesus' help and in His name.

Bye for now ...

                                              ~ ERC  August 2026 ~

Based on Philippians 2:3-4 ESV.

Sing, Humble Yourselves, along with the Maranatha Singers.

                 

Lord's Day Devotion - More Admitting and Repenting Needed

 

More admitting and repenting of our mistakes and wrongs are needed.  Oh, for sure!  It is part of being humble, but often difficult to do.  Being resistant is showing pride but knuckling down, cuts at it, convictions from the Holy Spirit influence and knowing Jesus forgives, all help soften our unyielding hard hearts.

I'm so glad He does!

"If we confess, He forgives - completely" (see 1 John 1:9).

Jesus suffered, bled and died in order to offer this.  I shouldn't waste it.  Let's bathe in God's mercy, soften our hearts, admit and repent of our mistakes and wrongs.  It is indeed a mercy to us.  

This Lord's Day, reach for the broken bread and drink from the cup of wine, remember Jesus' suffering sacrifice for us which enables us to admit and repent of our wrongs, mistakes and yes, call it what it is, 'sin'.  

Thank Him for His forgiveness which He bought and brought for us at the high cost of His life.

Praise the Lord, He was victorious and rose again from the dead.  In Him we can find comfort and trust. 

Thank You, Jesus.

Bye for now ...

                                                   ~  ERC August @026  ~

Based on 1 John 1:9 ESV.

Sing, Standing on the Promises of God, along with Unshaken Praise.

Humble Unity

 

What's a benefit of humility?

Good and pleasant feelings bring about unity and are very good benefits of humility.

We become wiser, more gentle and patient.  And when we are not humble, and therefore stumble in this area, we can ask our Heavenly Father to show us the more of the good and perfect ways through His Holy Spirit's conviction and guidance.  Then we can repent and have the greater humility that brings us greater wisdom, unity and good and pleasant feelings.

Choose wisely ...

Ask Him now ... discover this benefit of living together in unity and humility.

Bye for now...

                                                      ~  ERC  August  2026  ~

Based on Psalm 133; Proverbs 11:2 and Ephesians 4:1-2.

Sing, Oh, How Good It Is, along with Keith and Kristyn Getty.

Humbly Ask For Help

 

Sometimes pride blocks us from willingness to ask for help; even when we are in desparate need of it.  Even to ask the Lord for help.

But if we can humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, through Jesus Christ His son, and be willing to ask for His help, He may well guide us to safe people who can help.  When He does, let's learn to swallow our pride and in sincere humility, ask them for help.

Bye for now ...

                                      ~  ERC  August 2026  ~

Based on Mathew 11:28 and 1 Peter 5:16 ESV.

Sing, Humble Yourselves, along with Maranatha Singers.

Private Investigators Needed

 We need more 'private investigators' (PI's), and that does not mean an alligator in a vest!  NOR does it mean that we need more busybodies!  So what does it mean?

We need to 'investigate' as we listen to others, asking ourselves, "what is the best thing in them."  Even when the person is not acting the best, we can listen and observe and reach into the private vibes behind the actions.

Finding what is best in others - is something a more humble person would do.  Helping them to reach in and bring that good thing to the foreground sounds like some sort of skill and talent we need to investigate and develop within ourselves, reaching for that good.

It's like what Abigail did for David before he became king.  David and his scruffy, motley herd of warriors was about to massacre Nabal and his men (Abigail's husband).  She pled and interceded despite the nefarious actions of her husband.  She saw the good in David and negotiated it out of him for the good and betterment of all; especially for David's future and godly reputation.  God was the one to wreck vengence upon Nabal in the end (see 1 Samuel 25, especially vs 29-35 ESV).

Let's hone our PI skills - they're needed.

Bye for now...

                                     ~  ERC  Auguat 2026  ~

Based on 1 Samuel 25, esp vs 29-35 ESV.

Sing, Look For the Good by Jason Mraz 202.  (this may not be a Christian song - per se- as there' no mention of God, Jesus, or the Lord, but the sentiments are what we need to be looking for and explore for ourselves.)

Preventing Pride

 Humble hearts needed, as always.  Lord, help me to be more like You.  Jesus, You came, humbly and obediently, and in

 "the form of a servant."

Reading Your word is one way to imitate You.  Thank you for these words which tell me,

"This regular reading will prevent [me] from becoming proud and acting as if [I'm] above [my] fellow citizens" (Deuteronomy 17:20 NLT).

May Your Holy Spirit convict me, and show me where and when I'm proud and feeling and acting superior to others.  Be my faithful reminder.  In Your name I ask, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

Bye for now ...

                                        ~  ERC  August 2026  ~

Based on Deuteronomy 17:20 NLT, and Philippians 2:4-10 ESV.

Sing, Great is Thy Faithfulness, along with the Maranatha Singers