April 26, 2024

TRUE WISDOM

1 Corinthians 3:18

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.

Personal Challenge

We have become a people, and a culture, that prides itself on what it calls wisdom. Granted, we have greater access to information than any other age or culture before us, but that does not lead to true wisdom. Wisdom requires that we be able to parse all that information, that knowledge, and discard the chaff that is invalid and not truthful. We cannot do this effectively without a sincere relationship with Jesus who is Wisdom incarnate. This is what Paul means when he claims that we must become a fool in order to become wise. We must give up all that we think that we know, humble ourselves before God, and let His wisdom overshadow us. Glory be to God!

April 25, 2024

GUARDING OUR MOUTH

Psalms 141:3 (140:3)

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth,
A door of enclosure about my lips.

Personal Challenge

So many of us to today are plagued with the dreadful foot-in-mouth disease. This has been aggravated and spread by the proliferation of social media. How often do we say something just to regret it later? Worse yet, how often do we say things not caring how much someone else is hurt or degraded? We have entered into an age where highly visible leaders have embraced this way of speaking and therefore condoning it. As Christians, it is our responsibility to bring back decency in our conversations. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

April 24, 2024

GOD'S PREPARATION

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

Encouraging Words

As limited, finite beings, we have no clue of that which our unlimited, infinite God and Father has in store for us. His love for us is so unknowable and therefore it is incomprehensible for us to understand the plans that He has for us as His cherished children. Our role in this is to be open to all that He has in store for us and to receive it faithfully and with gratitude. Glory be to God!

April 23, 2024

KNOW MY HEART AND PATHS

Psalms 139:23-24 (138:23-24)

Test me, O God, and know my heart;
Examine me, and know my paths,
And see if there is a lawless way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Personal Challenge

God knows our hearts as well as the path of life that we choose to follow. He knows these better than we do ourselves. He will refine us in order to help us purge those things in our life that get in His way, He does this so that we can be purified for Him. Glory be to God!

April 21, 2024

GLORY IN THE LORD

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.”

Personal Challenge

No matter how much knowledge we gain, no matter how much physical strength we acquire in our bodies, no matter how many possessions we accumulate in our journey through life, we have nothing and are nothing without our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the wisdom from God. He is righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. He deserves all the glory. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

April 20, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. Xanthias

April 19, 2024

OVERWHELMING

Psalms 139:4-6 (138:4-6)

For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether,
The last things and the first things;
You fashioned me, and placed Your hands on me.
Your knowledge has become too wondrous for me;
It has become too overwhelming; I am unable to grasp it.

Personal Challenge

The more we get to know God, the closer we are to Him, the more we realize how little we know Him and how far from Him we truly are. He knows everything about us, even our future, and we know so little about Him. This is very humbling and should drive us to our knees before Him in sincere worship. Even with all of this, He still loves us completely. Glory be to God!

April 18, 2024

FOOLISHNESS OF GOD

1 Corinthians 1:25-29

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, that no flesh should glory in His presence.

Personal Challenge

Why would God choose such foolish things (according to the wisdom of man) to accomplish His will and plan here on earth. What foolish things? Apostles that were uneducated commoners to lead His fledgling Church. Weak and broken people to be His saints and martyrs. Simple and base things to be the foundation of His kingdom. He did this so that no human being could say that they did it and not God. He did this so that all glory would go to Him. He did this so that all mankind can be a recipient of His love, mercy, and grace. He did this for each of us. Glory be to God!

April 17, 2024

HE KNOWS ME

Psalms 139:1-3 (138:1-3)

O Lord, You test me and know me;
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thoughts from afar;
You search out my path and my portion,
And You foresee all my ways.

Encouraging Words

God knows me better than I know myself. In that, He knows which tests and trials to take me through so that I can grow more in the image of His Son. He knows my every action and thought and guides me along my path of life. The challenge is for me to be willing to submit to Him and to choose to walk along His path, His way. Glory be to God!

April 16, 2024

POWER AND WISDOM

1 Corinthians 1:22-24

For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

PERSONAL CHALLENGE

One of the awesome things about living out my Christianity with an Eastern Orthodox faith practice is how easy it is to connect with the mindset of our forefathers like Paul. We, the Western world, are formed by the age of reason and intellectualism, that shaped the way that the church of the west thinks. Because of that mindset people still look for Christ like the Jews did. Show me a sign of some tangible proof. They challenge the truths of Christ such as incarnation, death on a cross, resurrection, as foolishness and unbelievable fairy tells. But to those who have embraced Christ as their savior, all of this becomes easier to accept. For the Eastern mind, this is all part of the power and mystery of our God.

April 15, 2024

GIVE THANKS TO GOD

Psalms 138:4-6 (137:4-6)

O Lord, let all the kings of the earth give thanks to You,
For they heard all the words of Your mouth;
And let them sing in the ways of the Lord,
For the glory of the Lord is great;
For the Lord is high, and He watches over the lowly things;
But the high things He knows from afar.

Personal Challenge

No one is above God. No matter how much power or money or any other earthly possessions a person has, they are still inferior to God. God speaks and all hear Him. God's glory exceeds everything in this world created by Him. He is high above all and watches over all. We all, including all kings and all leaders, will someday, whether on our own accord or through compulsion, will ultimately give Him thanks. Why not start now? Glory be to God!

April 14, 2024

FOOLISHNESS

1 Corinthians 1:18

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Personal Challenge

The world around us, especially those who do not follow Christ, believe the devote Christians are foolish. As Paul writes here to the church in Corinth, the whole message of God becoming a man and dying on a cross, sounds like foolishness. But isn't that how God works? His economy, His way of doing things, is always so much different than how people would do things. That is why we must put our faith in Him. He far exceeds any level of understand that we will ever have, and because of that He does things in ways that we will never understand. That is why He is God, and we are not. Glory be to God!

April 13, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. Augustine of Hippo

April 12, 2024

LIKE FRAGRANT OIL

Psalm 133 (132)

Behold now, what is so good or so pleasant
As for brothers to dwell together in unity?
It is like fragrant oil running down upon the beard,
The beard of Aaron,
Running down upon the border of his garment;
It is like the dew of Hermon, running down upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the Lord commanded the blessing
And life forever.

Encouraging Words

Following up on yesterday's passage, today's also speaks of the beauty of unity. This was not planned by me and there are no such things as coincidences with God. Unity between brothers, or those in our lives, is as sweet as fragrant oil. When kings were anointed, a fragrant oil was poured on their head, and it ran down through their beard and over their whole garment. It was a fragrant reminder of God's blessing and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We anoint new members of the church of baptism with holy oil for this same reason. What a vibrant image to remind us of how important unity is to God. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

April 11, 2024

PERFECTLY JOINED TOGETHER

1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Personal Challenge

We live in an age where unity has become a nonentity. We have divisions in our homes, our churches, our relationships, and all across our society. At times it appears as if division is the desired state. True followers of Jesus will desire unity for our God is always desiring unity. The enemy thrives on sowing seeds of division. Unity is not always easy, especially when dealing with people. Unity requires work and a willingness to reconcile and cooperate with others. But this is part of our responsibility if we desire to be like Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

April 10, 2024

BLESSED

Psalms 128 (127)

Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
Who walk in His ways.
You shall eat the fruits of your labor;
You are blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be like a vine, prospering on the sides of your house;
Your children like newly planted olive trees
Around your table.
Behold, so shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
May the Lord bless you from Zion,
And may you see the good things of Jerusalem
All the days of your life;
May you see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel.

Encouraging Words

We can live lives that are blessed by God. It does mean, however, that we live our lives in a way that opens the doors for those blessings. We most fear our Lord in the way that the saints before us did. This is not in fear of punishment but in awe and respect for how great our God is. We need to walk in His ways and labor for Him. Being a blessed child of God does not come from a passive life in Christ, but an active Christ-centered, Christ-like life lived actively for Him. Here the blessings received far outshine the sacrifice of ourselves for Him. Glory be to God!

April 9, 2024

TAKE NOTE

Romans 16:17-18

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

Personal Challenge

Once again, we are in the middle of another national election cycle. This passage can serve us well as we assess the candidates to determine who we believe God would want us to vote for. We live in an age where so many claim to be Christians, and yet their behavior and their speech bears no resemblance to Christ. It is incumbent upon us to prayerfully search our hearts to determine if we are supporting the people that God would want us to. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner and guide me through this process.

April 8, 2024

WHO BUILDS THE HOUSE?

Psalms 127:1 (126:1)

Unless the Lord builds the house,
Those who build it labor in vain;
Unless the Lord guard the city,
Those who guard it stay awake in vain.

Personal Challenge

Whether we are talking about building a house, guarding a city, or doing anything in our life, the primary question is about who is leading the effort. Is it God or is it us acting it on our own. We need to give it all over to Him. The wonderful thing is that God always knows what to do. Glory be to God!

April 7, 2024

JOY AND PEACE

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Encouraging words

It is always good to know that someone is praying for us. Here we have the Apostle Paul praying that we will be filled with joy and peace in believing by the God of hope. We must note that he is not praying for happiness, but joy and peace. He is also praying that we may abide in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. These are blessings that we can surely hold on to. Glory be to God!

April 6, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. Augustine

April 5, 2024

WHERE SHALL MY HELP COME FROM?

Psalms 121:1-4 (120:1-4)

I lifted my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
Let not your foot be moved;
Neither let Him who keeps you slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Shall neither slumber nor sleep.

Encouraging Words

As a follower of Christ, we can know without a shadow of a doubt where our help in life comes from. It is our Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, that helps us through every aspect of life. He never slumbers and is always present in our lives. Glory be to God!

April 4, 2024

FOR OUR LEARNING

Romans 15:4

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Encouraging Words

We have been blessed with thousands of years of written Scriptures and teachings to guide us through our lives. They give us patience and comfort as they provide us what we need along the way. Glory be to God!

April 3, 2024

HE HEARD ME

Psalms 120:1-4 (119:1-4)

To the Lord in my affliction
I cried out, and He heard me.
O Lord, deliver my soul from unjust lips
And from a deceitful tongue.
What should be given You, and what added to You,
Against a deceitful tongue?
The arrows of the Mighty One are sharpened
With hot coals from the desert.

Personal Challenge

The psalmist reminds us that God hears us when we cry out to Him. He also hears us when we speak out with unjust lips and deceitful tongues. We must remember that God knows all, sees all, and hears all, not just the good things that we want Him to know about. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

April 2, 2024

LEADING TO EDIFICATION

Romans 15:1-3

We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.”

Personal Challenge

It is imperative for us to remember that if we are choosing to be followers of Christ then His expectation is that we will die to ourselves and live for Him. This passage provides some examples on how this looks. We are to bear with the scruples of the weak and not please ourselves. This gives us the opportunity to encourage them in their weakness and help them to grow stronger. We are to please our neighbor and not look to our own desires for this is what Jesus did for us. Doing these kinds of things lead to the edification of those around us. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

April 1, 2024

I CRIED OUT

Psalms 119:147 (118:147)

I arose at midnight and cried out;
I hoped in Your words.

Personal Challenge

Life is full of challenges and difficulties. Our biggest challenge is to be willing to cry out to God for His help through these challenges. We so often move to the place of doing it ourselves, our way. God is there to hear our cry and to offer us His hand to guide us through. We must, however, cry out to Him and put our hope in Him. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, 
the sinner!

March 30, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. Paisios

March 29, 2024

PEACE AND EDIFICATION

Romans 14:19

Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

Personal Challenge

Paul concludes his discussion on loving our fellow Christians by challenging us to pursue those things in our relationships that result in peace and edification of one another. In order to do this, we must be willing to humble ourselves and put others first. Even if our doctrines are slightly different, as long as we are followers of Christ, we are family. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

March 28, 2024

DIRECT MY STEPS

Psalms 119:133 (118:133)

Direct my steps according to Your teaching
And let no lawlessness rule over me.

Encouraging Words

We have seen two passages in this psalm that show us how God provides His light to guide us on our path through life. He does not stop there. He is willing to direct our steps on that path according to His teaching and guidance. We just need to be willing to follow His direction. We can also pray to Him asking that we be protected from the lawlessness of this world that will try to distract us from Him. Glory be to God!

March 27, 2024

STUMBLING BLOCKS

Romans 14:12-13

So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way.

Personal Challenge

When Paul wrote this letter there was only one Holy catholic and apostolic church. They were already dealing with heresies and wrong teaching, but they were not yet divided as we are today. His message here is more important today than ever. We are told to take care of our brothers and sisters in Christ, no matter what. Whether they are Orthodox, Catholic, or Protestant, as long as they are followers of Christ, we are not to judge them or be stumbling blocks to them. Sobering thoughts in this day with our Christian faith practice so divided and hostile towards each other. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

March 26, 2024

LIGHT

Psalms 119:130 (118:130)

The revelation of Your words gives light,
And it causes children to understand.

Encouraging Words

We all need light to see in the dark. Since we live in a dark and fallen world, we need a light that is spiritual and pierces through that darkness. God's living Word provides that light and helps us, His children, to see and understand the way. Glory be to God!

March 25, 2024

DO NOT JUDGE

Romans 14:7-10

For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Personal Challenge

Jesus told His disciples, and ultimately all of us, in Matthew 7:1-2,

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Too many who proclaim to be followers of Christ choose to put on the robe of the judge and measure others against a standard that they hold for others and not even themselves. This is a dangerous thing to do. God, and only God, is the judge of the actions of each and every person. Only He knows their hearts. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

March 24, 2024

HIS WORD

Psalms 119:105 (118:105)

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my paths.

Encouraging Words

Why is it so important for those of us who choose to follow in the footsteps of Christ to continue to be in the scriptures? One very important reason is clearly articulated in this verse. We live in a fallen world, a dark and dangerous world. By staying in God's word, we have a bright and consistent light to lead us on the path that leads us to heaven. Glory be to God!

March 23, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. Diadochos of Photiki

March 22, 2024

DO NOT JUDGE

Romans 14:3-4

Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Personal Challenge

The Christian Church is currently in the season of Lent. The Western Church is winding down to Palm Sunday this weekend and the Eastern Church is in the midst of their first week of Lent. A common practice in both in this season of Lent is fasting. This is to be a time of soul searching and repentance as we prepare for the upcoming, Easter/Pascha celebration. Unfortunately, it is also a time where many people begin to of judge others on how they are doing, or not doing, with their Lenten practices. Paul makes it clear that what another does, or doesn't do, is none of our business. We have a big enough job looking after our own lives. Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

March 21, 2024

FOREVER

Psalms 119:89 (118:89)

Forever, O Lord,
Your word continues in heaven.

Encouraging Words

Christianity has only been around for 2,000 years, however, the God that we worship is eternal. His word is eternal and became flesh 2, 000 years ago. No other religion of cult can claim this truth. That very God, who is eternal, has loved us from the beginning of time and desired for us to be His children. this truly is encouraging. Glory be to God!

March 20, 2024

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Personal Challenge

We have come to a significant crossroad in our day with institutional Christianity. We are hearing so many people; church leaders, church participants, elected officials all proclaiming the label of Christian, and yet, treating their neighbors with contempt and hatred. This is antithetical to the teachings of the Christian faith. God has made it undeniably clear that we are to love our neighbor and do them no harm. If we desire to claim that we are a child of God, then we must look honestly at our behavior in this area. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

March 19, 2024

COMPASSION

Psalms 119:77 (118:77)

Let Your compassions come to me, and I shall live;
For Your law is my meditation.

Personal Challenge

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are challenged to walk in His footsteps, to be like Him, to act like Him. As the Psalmist here calls out for the compassions of God, we are reminded that Jesus was God's compassion for us made incarnate. He poured out His compassion by humbling Himself and becoming human. If we are to truly be His followers, then we too must humble ourselves and be compassionate to those whom He brings into our life. This means everyone, the immigrant, the indigent, the homeless, the sinner, everyone! Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner and forgive me for not showing compassion to my neighbor.

March 18, 2024

BE SUBJECT TO

Romans 13:1

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Personal Challenge

One of the unchristian behaviors that I have seen in my lifetime is the blatant resistance to the leaders of our government. God has Appointed the leaders that we have. We are charged with submit ting to them and praying for them. We are blessed to live in a time and country where if we disagree with them, we can vote against them. We are to exercise that right with prayerful consideration and then treat those who are voted into office with godly respect. When the world around us begins to dehumanize and disrespect these leaders, we are not supposed to join in. That makes us complicit with the ways of the world, which are driven by the enemy of God. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

March 17, 2024

IN HIS WAY

Psalms 119:37 (118:37)

Turn away my eyes that I may not see vanity;
Give me life in Your way.

Personal Challenge

This is one thing that we so often neglect to seek after...God giving us life in His own way. We are constantly trying to shape that which goes on around us in our own ways and not His. This is why we so often end up committing sin and needing to run back to him. He has a way that will always lead us on His path. We need to take our eyes off the vane things of this world and keep them on Him. Glory be to God!

March 16, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. Basil the Great

March 15, 2024

WISE IN OUR OWN OPINION

Romans 12:14-18

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Personal Challenge

This passage is full of wise advice on how to live our lives in godly ways. Bless our persecutors. Do not curse. Rejoice and weep with those who need it. Be like minded with our brothers and sisters. Don't focus on high and mighty things but be humble. Don't repay evil with evil. Have regard for others and live peaceably with all. But, at the center of this list is the charge to not be wise in our own opinion. This is the one the gets us in to trouble more often than not. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

March 14, 2024

HIS TEACHINGS

Psalms 119:11 (118:11)

I hid Your teachings in my heart
So as not to sin against You.

Personal Challenge

As I get older, I recognize how important it has been to store up God's words in my heart. As my memory begins to wane His teachings continue to be there for me. I may not be able to recall them all the time, but they do continue to lead and comfort me. Glory be to God!

March 7, 2024

SEARCHING

Psalms 119:2 (118:2)

Blessed are those who search out His testimonies;
They shall search for Him with their whole heart.

Personal Challenge

We all desire to receive God's blessing. This is part of being created in the image of God. We desire to be connected with our creator. If we truly desire to receive His blessing, then we must be searching for Him in all aspects of life. He placed Himself throughout all of creation. We can find those testimonies about Himself by searching for them, for Him. We need do this with our whole heart. This is not a search for knowledge but a search for God Himself. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy on me as I search for You in every nook and cranny of life!

March 6, 2024

WITHOUT HYPOCRISY

Romans 12:9

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

Personal Challenge

This short verse packs quite a wallop. We all have heard the two great commandments given to us by Jesus... Love God and love our neighbor. But like so many other things in the Christian walk, we can slip into a mode where we are pretending to love this way. Paul reminds us that we must love without being hypocrites. Is our love true and real? Is it Christ-like. Do we really abhor evil or just talk about it? Do we cling to what is good like our life depends on it? Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

March 5, 2024

THIS IS THE DAY

Psalms 118:24 (117:24)

This is the day the Lord made;
Let us greatly rejoice, and be glad therein.

Encouraging Words

As I look out the window on this beautiful spring-like day and listen to the birds and squirrels chattering outside, this verse comes fully to life. This is the beautiful day that He has given me to enjoy in Him. How can I not greatly rejoice and be glad in it? We so often let the busyness of life get in the way of every day like this. Glory be to God for He is good!

March 4, 2024

ONE BODY

Romans 12:4-5

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

Personal Challenge

These verses so clearly inform us on how we should behave with our brothers and sisters in our church community. It takes everyone with their gifts and talents to make the body work effectively. What about how we interact with other Christian communities that also follow Christ, but might do that a little different than we do? We are still all one body in Christ, and we must recognize that God needs us all to build His kingdom. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

March 3, 2024

TRUST AND HOPE

Psalms 118:8-9 (117:8-9)

It is good to trust in the Lord
Rather than to trust in man;
It is good to hope in the Lord
Rather than to hope in rulers.

Personal Challenge

It is difficult for us finite human beings to not put our hope and trust in fellow humans. God is the only one that we can trust. Putting our unwavering and total trust in people of this world will only end in bad results. Putting our hope in people leads us down their path and their ways, which will never end up God's ways. God deserves our complete trust and hope, and He will never lead us astray Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

March 2, 2024

Saint of the Week

St. Gregory of Nazianzen

March 1, 2024

A LIVING SACRIFICE

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Personal Challenge

Jesus paved the way for us to be able to live our lives as living sacrifices. He was the first to be a living sacrifice. He gave His entire life for His Father and us. He died for us. And He came back to life from the grave after completing His work of defeating death so that we would have eternal life with Him. The ask for us to sacrifice ourselves to this world is an ask for us to follow in His footsteps and to live for Him. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

February 27, 2024

HE IS GOOD

Psalms 118:1-4 (117:1-4)

Alleluia.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say that He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say that He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.
Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.

Personal Challenge

We are also called to enter into this praise of our Lord. His mercy does endure forever. We are continually the recipients of His mercy and love. We can proclaim at the top of our lungs with joy and fervor that He is good and that we are blessed, for His mercy endures forever. Glory be to God!