November 6, 2013

We are living our lives trying to be like Christ...

Wisdom of Solomon 7:22-23 LXX

So in herself, wisdom is a spirit that is rational,
Holy, only- begotten, manifold, subtle, easily moved, clear,
Undefiled, manifest, invulnerable, loving what is good, keen,
Unhindered, beneficent, man- loving, steadfast, unfailing,
Free from worry, all- powerful, all- surveying,
And penetrating all spirits that are rational, pure, and most subtle

Encouraging Words...

And people wonder why we worship and love the risen and living Christ! Glory be to God! The Orthodox Church teaches that through deification or becoming like God, humanity is given the capacity to share in the uncreated energies of God -- His power, purity, light, and goodness. (Orthodox Study Bible notes). Again, we choose to worship God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, because through the work of Christ, death has been defeated and we can share in His glory.

November 5, 2013

The source of all wisdom is from above.

Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-15 LXX

Wisdom is radiant and unfading
And is easily perceived by those who love her;
For she is found by those who seek her.
She comes upon those who long to know her beforehand.
He who rises early in the morning to seek her
Will not grow weary,
For he will find her sitting at his gates.
For to think deeply about her
Is the perfection of discernment,
And he who keeps watch for her
Will soon be free from worry;

Encouraging Words...

The early church fathers taught that the wisdom spoken of in the Old Testament is Christ. He is radiant and unfading and easily perceived by those who love Him. He is found by those who seek Him and truly comes to those who long for Him. He gives strength to the weary and renews those who pursue Him. He perfects discernment in those who think deeply on Him and takes away the worries of those who keep watch for Him. Glory be to God!

November 4, 2013

Living our lives worthy of a crown...

Wisdom of Solomon 5:15-16 LXX

But the righteous live forever,
And their reward is with the Lord;
And their care is by the Most High.
Therefore they shall receive a kingly dwelling of dignity
And a crown of beauty from the hand of the Lord,
Because He will shelter them with His right hand
And protect them with His arm.

Encouraging Words...

Many people might ask why do we, Christians that are committed to our Lord, spend so much of our time and resources doing things that seem archaic to them. Why? Because we believe in the Lord Most High, His precepts, and His promises. We look forward to our lives that will be continued throughout eternity and the rewards that our God will bestow upon us for following Him and attempting to live righteous lives. We live this way in faith, with a hope in what we have not seen, but has been evidenced to us throughout history. We cherish His care, His shelter, and His protection.

November 3, 2013

Virtue...something to pursue and to hold on to.

Wisdom of Solomon 4:2 LXX

When virtue is present, people imitate it,
And when it goes away, they long for it.
Throughout one's lifetime,
Virtue leads the struggle for undefiled prizes,
Wearing a crown and conquering.

Encouraging Words...

We were created in the image of God, and in this fragile, earthbound package there has been placed this desire, this yearning for virtue in our lives. It is our responsibility to pursue it, to embrace it in our lives, and to pass it on to those around us...even when many around us do not have it or even appear to desire it. Living a virtuous and godly life may be difficult at times, but it will lead us through the struggles of life and bring us to those prizes that are undefiled. Living this way will also bring us to our place in eternity wearing a crown, the crown placed upon us by our Lord, and being conquerers for Him.

November 2, 2013

Finding God...

Wisdom of Solomon 1:1-2 LXX

Love righteousness, you who judge on the earth.
Think about the Lord in goodness
And seek Him with sincerity of heart;
Because He is found by those who do not tempt Him,
And He is manifest to those who do not disbelieve Him.

Command with a Promise...
Love righteousness, think about the Lord in goodness, seek Him with sincerity of heart, do not empt Him, do not disbelieve Him, and He will be found, He will manifest Himself to us, and we will know Him.

November 1, 2013

How long will His love prevail? Throughout eternity!

Psalm 13:5-6 (12:6 LXX)

But I hope in Your mercy;
My heart shall greatly rejoice in Your salvation;
I will sing to the Lord, who shows kindness to me;
I will sing to the name of the Lord Most High.

Encouraging Words...

Someone may ask of us why we live our lives with so much hope, joy, and rejoicing. It is because of the Lord God Almighty in whom we put our hope. He is merciful, He is our salvation from the worst of all fears...death, He shows us kindness, He is our protector and provider. Glory be to God!

October 31, 2013

Time holds no reins on His mercy!

1 Chronicles 16:34 (16:33 LXX)

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.

Encouraging Words...

Our God is indeed good, He is indeed merciful, and we are blessed to be His children, adopted into His family and joint heirs in His Kingdom. Glory be to God!