September 12, 2014

The fruit of discernment...

Proverbs 14:17

A quick-tempered man acts with recklessness,
But a man with discernment bears many things.

Personal Challenge...

Discernment is the crown of virtues, which are given to us by Wisdom, our Lord, when we choose to follow Him and to reject the vices that are in our lives. The early church fathers taught that man is good by nature, because this is how God created us...in His image. However, by our own choice, our own free will, we reject Him and that nature that He built within us so that we can sin. The anger that a quick-tempered man acts upon is him choosing to submit his will to sin. Through Christ we can choose to reject sinful vices and be discerning, and in this case be patient. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

September 11, 2014

Walking with our Lord...

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good. Or what does the Lord seek from you but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to be ready to walk with the Lord your God?

Personal Challenge...

Here Micah sums up the classical definition of true religion in one verse: living lives of righteousness (doing justly to our neighbor), steadfast love (loving mercy), and humility and faith (be ready to walk with your God). We often ask, "What must I do to be a godly person?" Well here is one clear answer. Glory be to God!

September 10, 2014

The formula for turning away anger...

Proverbs 15:1

Wrath destroys even men of discernment;
But a humble answer turns away anger,
And a grievous word stirs up wrath.

Personal Challenge...

Living life with a truly humble spirit goes so far. When discord, arguments, or disagreements arise in our lives we can either respond in anger and cause the situation to explode or with humility and defuse the situation. How important it is to have a constant attitude and demeanor of humility. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

September 9, 2014

Ah, sleep and rest in peace...

Psalm 4:8 (4:9 LXX)

I will both sleep and rest in peace,
For You alone, O Lord, cause me to dwell in hope.

Encouraging Words...

How is it possible to live a life that is peaceful and restful? By living lives that are committed to our Lord for He is our hope. Glory be to God!

September 8, 2014

Permeated by faith...

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Personal Challenge...

Do we really want to serve our God with all of our heart, soul, and body? If so, then our faith in Him must permeate our entire being. All doubt, all concern, all fear, must be replaced by our trust in Him. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

September 7, 2014

Living by faith...producing good works.

Ephesians 2:8-10

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Encouraging Words...

Why do we do good works? Because God, in His grace, poured out His love and salvation upon us. We need grace, faith, and works, unified by God in our lives to live righteous and holy lives. Grace is uncreated and infinite and can only come from God. Faith is limited and can grow. Good works flow out of authentic faith manifested in our lives. Our works are the evidence of this grace and faith in our lives. Glory be to God. *Adapted from the Orthodox Study Bible, p. 1600.

September 5, 2014

Living by the Word of our God...

Isaiah 40:8 (40:7-8 LXX)

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God abides forever.

Encouraging Words...

We, the people of the generations that follow the incarnation of Christ, are blessed to have many of the teachings of Christ and the early church in written format. However, the Word of God that endures forever is far more than this published text. God has also dispersed His wisdom to us through the traditions of the church, through the teachings of His saints and early fathers, and through His Holy Spirit. The ultimate dispersion was in His Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ. We must embrace Him and seek His truths as our way, truth, and life.