Month: April 2025

Humility and Self-Estimation

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Daniel 10:12

“…Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them.”

In today’s age of self-care, self-improvement, self-affirmation, and self-love, “self-estimation” came to mind. It is a word that is rarely used and relates to self-evaluation, where you consider your strengths and weaknesses. Self-estimation is the process of judging or assessing one’s own abilities, worth, or significance, and is the act of estimating oneself; self-esteem. So today, I’m considering humility of great value and worthy of further examination as to its role in the lives of God’s people.

There is no doubt that traumas and setbacks have shaped many of us to think in a distorted way about ourselves. The thoughts we may have carried for years are thoughts that have caused some hindrances and challenges in our lives and proven to be ungodly and in need of uprooting to experience true freedom in life. Yet in getting wisdom and understanding, we must keep in mind humility: the attribute that God favors for us, which can sometimes be a force with which we often reckon.

According to the Bible, this trait is shown to be of utmost importance as the consequences of not having it can bring about ruin. Humility is not discouraging or belittling, or thinking negatively of ourselves. But according to Romans 12:3, thinking of ourselves with “sober judgment” according to the faith God has distributed to each of us, and not “more highly” of ourselves than we ought.

Every time I think of humility, I think, and even ask God, that I would humble myself, and that He won’t have to do it. Somehow, I imagine it might be easier on me if I did the humbling. Nevertheless, Merriam-Webster also gives us a simple and clear definition of what humility is as well: “freedom from pride or arrogance; the quality or state of being humble.”

Understanding what pride and arrogance are helps us to avoid them–those attitudes of haughtiness, superiority, or pretentiousness, along with exaggerated self-importance and conceit. Although the Bible teaches us to love one another as we love ourselves, we need to have a healthy love and estimation of ourselves to be successful in doing so. Thankfully, the Bible in Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good, virtuous, and praiseworthy. So it would be difficult to think negatively of ourselves if we use this measure.

A good way to check our own humility levels would be to check our Savior’s character. He told us in Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” The Lord lovingly teaches us with truth, yet he is kind and considerate. He is the most important person one can ever know, but as we see from his life through the Bible, He did not exert a snobbish self-importance, but was lowly, compassionate, and empathetic. These are great qualities to learn and practice.

The Bible reminds us in Matthew 23:12 that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Blessings for those who are meek are an inheritance of land and enjoyment of peace and prosperity (Psalm 37:11). Later in Matthew 5:5, Jesus reiterates that “the meek will inherit the earth.” The Greek definition for meek is translated as gentle or humble in English.

Moreover, the traits of a humble person are gratitude, patience, empathy, and self-awareness. A humble Christian is grateful, composed, and faithful to examine themselves to see whether they are in the faith; testing themselves, realizing that Christ Jesus is in them—unless they fail the test (2 Corinthians 13:5). Furthermore, as shown in Romans 12:16, we exercise humility when we live in harmony with one another, not being proud, but willing to associate with people of low position–not being conceited.

Shepherds or overseers of God’s people aren’t to lord it over those entrusted to them, but to be examples to them. Those who are younger are to submit themselves to their elders, clothing themselves with humility toward one another. Why? Because “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). When we humble ourselves before the Lord, he will lift us up (James 4:10). Psalms 149:4 tells us the Lord crowns the humble with victory!

There are other scriptures in the Old and New Testaments regarding humility. So, with such amazing scriptures on humility, there are enough to decipher what it looks like. Often, someone else’s opinion of what humility should look like on you may not match, so it’s best to know specifically what the Bible says about being humble or meek. Measure yourself by the Bible so as not to be deceived by some other unhealthy opinion.

We should not forget that “By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). Not to mention, “Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; you will prepare their heart; you will cause your ear to hear” (Psalm 10:17).

Sanctification and Consecration: His Part and Ours

by Ms. Rita's Minute

John 17:19

“For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.” ~Jesus Christ

Knowing that God works in us to accomplish his goals for our lives is a privilege. He so graciously does his part, and we attempt to do ours. Hopefully, we all are successful since we don’t do this alone. Today, I’m remembering the acts of sanctification and consecration.

Now, one could get very long and deep into these two terms, but for the sake of time measurement in minutes, I just want to provoke thought and study on their definitions.

The act of sanctification is God’s way of making us holy; an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of his children. Other words we might see used for sanctifying are purification, cleansing, salvation, redemption, regeneration, or rebirth.

The following verse demonstrates how people are made holy–through God’s Holy Spirit: “to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:16).

1 Thessalonians 5:23 is a verse of encouragement that highlights the totality of being sanctified by God, keeping one guiltless or above reproach. “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

We’re chosen by God and as such, he has provided the provision of salvation by the Holy Spirit’s purifying labor, and via faith and the gospel. “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13).

The act of consecration is setting aside or dedicating people, places, or objects for God’s use. This word is sometimes used interchangeably with sanctification. Yet it can be used to describe devoting one’s self to God for his purposes or use, or God’s doing the same with us for himself.

In the following verse, God is requiring the consecration of his people, reminding them of the punishments for sin. This chapter lists a host of things God disliked and warned the Israelites to stay away from. “Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord, who makes you holy” (Leviticus 20:7-8).

In Joshua 3-5, namely verse 5, Joshua prepares the people for God’s presence and actions even when faced with possible opposition and war. “Joshua told the people, ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.”

The Lord’s mighty works, along with the Israelites’ consecration, brought about a wonderful display of God’s grace in their crossing at Jordan’s flood stage. They successfully passed by on dry ground as the waters piled up in a heap a distance away. Then, when the Amorite and Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the Lord had dried up the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, they were fearful and no longer dared to face them.

Later in the New Testament, we see references to consecrated objects, where food that God created to be received was told to be avoided. “They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:3-5).

This event reminds me of Acts 10:10-20, where Peter, in a trance, is shown by God a sheet containing all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds, and told by God to eat and not to call anything impure what he has cleansed.

As seen throughout the Bible, in consecration, God may ask us to fast, pray, dedicate, or give up something in preparation for a specific divine purpose.

In addition, other scriptures demonstrate these two vital works of God that involve his and our efforts. Yet some are interpreted in varying styles. Nevertheless, these things cause us “to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Concluding on a light note 😂:

The Christian Walk: Faith and Love

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Galatians 5:6

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Have you ever thought about which is more important: faith or love? These are two vital aspects of one’s Christian walk. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Not to mention, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Additionally, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

There are many ways to study faith and love and much can be discussed about them. However, since this blog is meant to be simple and not many minutes, I’d just like to share a few thoughts.

Learning the principles of these two attributes are of paramount importance to a Christ follower. Perhaps faith is not currently taught as often in church as in the past because of the real or assumed mismanagement of the Bible’s teaching on faith. However, because of some teachers’ mishandling, whether intentional or not, we mustn’t avoid the many scriptures on faith and how they relate to our lives.

Jesus certainly made clear the importance of it in the lives of his followers, so we should as well. This involves following and teaching those elements of faith that seem impossible or difficult to believe. I call them SUPERnatural factors. If we don’t, we rob ourselves of the necessary elements for successful Christian living and bringing God the glory we should allow shown in our lives.

Furthermore, without faith, we can’t experience the salvation Jesus provided us with his death and resurrection. It is the main attribute in personally receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior; believing He died for our sins and rose again. It must remain a large portion of our teaching as in varying instances with Jesus actions and teachings, faith was required.

Likewise, “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10). As this wonderful action is continually exercised, it flows into everything we do and protectively affects any temptations to sin. Our measurement of love is seen in how we treat God, ourselves, and others.

A critical notion is, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26). So, if we show no love in our behavior, our faith has no life. When we have faith, we believe, trust and stand on the truth of the matter. If we have love, we show consideration, compassion and respect for others.

There will be many opportunities in life for us to practice faith and love. I want to learn all I can about both so as to put them more increasingly to work in my life, as well as teach them to others. The Bible shows there are also wonderful benefits to demonstrating each and there’s no harm in desiring them.

Enjoying Freedom

by Ms. Rita's Minute

John 8:36

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.“

Freedom is a wonderful way to live. According to Galatians 5:13, it’s a true mark of God’s calling: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

We must remember freedom is not something God frowns upon, but actually provides. He has graciously given us a will to choose who and what we hold dear. He has provided what he deems best while allowing us the choice of what we think best. He won’t bully us to change, but will often send sound Bible teaching and commands, with different inspirations and considerations into our lives to lead us toward his way.

Those of us who believe Jesus to be the Son of God and Lord over our lives, trust His way to be best for our lives. He has provided in the Bible how to accept and live for him as well as how to treat all people: sinners and saints, enemies and friends. He has shown us the way of love and will work with us, as we allow, to be successful in this endeavor.

Jesus has provided ways to help us turn from sin which is destructive to our lives and the righteousness he died to give us. He has shown us how to walk by the Spirit, which is initially foreign to man, and not by our human instincts and worldly desires. He has also made a way for us to live an abundant life here on earth, as it is in heaven.

I thank and praise God for Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Hence, we’re done with slavery if we truly want to be. We can trust that if Jesus makes us “free,” we are free indeed. The word free in John 8:36 means to set at liberty: from the dominion of sin. This is a wonderful thing.

By God’s grace, we don’t have to be enslaved to sin anymore. We have the freedom to choose to sin, but clearly, we don’t have to give in to it. Instead, we choose life given with his gift of righteousness. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, “…God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

Again, he has provided freedom of choice in decision-making. Hence, in our relationships, we should never try to make anyone do anything they don’t want to do. God doesn’t. Yet he wants us to act of our own volition in choosing what he’s revealed to be best for us. I’ve found throughout life he’s committed to steering his believers in the right direction, even when at times we think another way is best. I’ve found him to be truly gentle and humble in heart as stated in Matthew 11:29. His “yoke” on us, brings rest, not turmoil.

Therefore, in our freedom, I’ve concluded that gentleness and humility are key in our relating to others regarding their choices of living. In showing the love of Christ, we must be respectful in how we treat others even when we don’t agree with how they live or they don’t agree with how we live. Nevertheless, we don’t compromise what we hold to be a life of true liberty. We follow confidently, supportively, assertively, and kindly the path God has created for us.

Following Christ wholeheartedly and avoiding excessive carnality will require distancing ourselves from influences that are destructive to our path which clearly is the wisdom of God. However, we never stop showing love for human life, as Christ has taught and demonstrated. At the same time, we refuse to reject the Bible’s teachings regarding to whom we yoke or bind ourselves in agreement. Over a believer’s lifetime, God will be clear in showing each of us those relationships best for our lives.

As for me, I want to live free and stay free in the convictions God has given for my life. I can’t let any person, place, or thing stop that process. We only get one life, and I’ve lived a large portion of mine and want God’s life for me to continue strong. I sometimes think I know better when he might prefer something else, but I don’t feel that way for long. I believe I healthily fear God and if not, he has proven faithful to show me. In all of this, I actually feel freedom. It’s when I am being disobedient and know it, that I feel terribly bothered. For this, I am thankful, too. It signifies God is still working in me.

Throughout my life, as he strips away everything that might hinder the freedom he’s provided, eventually my soul feels increasingly lighter of the worries of this world. Those things that meant so much don’t mean much to me anymore. Yet at the same time, he reveals the beauty and wonder of a new life so unimaginable, that it causes an increasing joy in my heart I can’t explain. With it, peace comes along with a conscience free of worry. The heaviness of sin is no longer desired, and when I err, God corrects and continues to sanctify me. For that, I would not trade anything.

So let’s continue to walk in the freedom God has provided each of us. Don’t risk losing it for anything or anyone. Let’s stay free of the bondage that can weigh us down and keep us from living in God’s peace and abundant life and study what God’s freedom truly is and how to experience it. Whether we are wealthy, poor, or in-between; married or unmarried; healthy or unhealthy; happy or sad; wherever we currently find ourselves, let’s be confident in the fact that if we are sincere followers of Christ, we are free!

Let’s embrace all the blessings God has for us. Let’s not allow anything to keep us from enjoying the freedom Jesus so dearly paid for. Let’s hold fast to my favorite scripture, John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Not to mention: 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

How to Pray

by Ms. Rita's Minute

Matthew 6:9-13

 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Jesus is so generous. He even shared with his disciples how to communicate with Almighty God, his Father, and now ours. He didn’t have to, but He did. So, if we ever wonder how we should pray, I believe this would be our first example among the other references to prayer in the Bible:

+ “This, then, is how you should pray:

There are various references to prayer in the Bible; all of them valid. They speak of people praying corporately in one location together, as well as praying alone in one’s room. They tell us we don’t need to go on and on babbling or in vain repetitions thinking we’ll be heard for our many words. Nor should we pray just to be seen by others. However, in these verses, Jesus tells his disciples more specifically how to pray.

In examining this simple, yet brilliant prayer, let’s briefly look at its parts:

+ “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Jesus doesn’t start the prayer with “Father” or “My Father”, but with “Our Father.” This denotes that we share kinship and the status of family with our Lord and his Father. In addition, we acknowledge his name in Greek as sanctified and holy; or in Oxford’s definition of revered and honored.

+ your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Though there are many kingdoms on the earth, we ask that the Father’s kingdom come to this earth. We request his rulership, which encompasses his government, to come. Further, we ask that his desires and ways of doing and being would be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

Thankfully, he’s revealed a large part of his will for us in the Bible. He’s also given us his grace to carry it out. But there’s a greater measure of the Father’s presence and will to be seen, which is an awesome state of living to anticipate for the future.

+ Give us today our daily bread.
“Bread” here in Greek literally means bread or loaf. So we can interpret this to refer to our daily nourishment or sustenance; provision for our physical needs. We see “bread” referenced in other important ways in the New Testament such as Christ’s body, a central element of Christian communion, and remembrance of his sacrifice. Or, Jesus identifying himself as the “Bread of Life,” offering spiritual nourishment and eternal life to those who believe in him. 

+ And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Here we are asking that the Father forgive us our debts as we have also forgiven others of theirs. Interestingly, “debts” in Greek here is defined as that which is owed or obligations, whether financially or morally. Yet in other translations, “debts” are translated as “trespasses” or “sins” to convey the same idea of wrongdoing or failure to meet our obligations. This is a crucial part of the prayer as we see in other places in the Bible, God’s command to forgive others so that our heavenly Father would forgive us (e.g., Matthew 6:14-15).

+ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Moreover, temptation in Greek here translates as putting to proof, by experiment (of good), experience (of evil), solicitation, discipline, or provocation; by implication, adversity. Hence, we ask that the Father would not lead us into trials or experiments in the context of trials that come for testing and strengthening as well as temptations that come from evil. However, we are to ask for deliverance or to be rescued or saved from the evil one; the person of Satan or evil in general terms, that can include everything evil (thoughts, deeds, demons, etc.).

We’ve been given an awesome privilege to have access to the creator of heaven and earth through prayer. To have his dear Son share with us his method in this manner is priceless. There’s so much we could ask of the Lord, but let’s pray His will be done here today in our lives, where we live, just as it is in heaven.