September 30, 2013

Pursuing that which is good.

Isaiah 55:1-2

“You who are thirsty, go to the water, and all who have no money, go and buy wine and fat, and eat and drink without money and price. Why do you value at the price of money, and give your toil for what does not satisfy? Listen to Me and eat good things, and your soul will delight in good things."

Encouraging Words...

The things that we so often pursue in this world are bankrupt. They are temporary and yet expensive because they distract us from our Lord. If we truly want to enjoy the glorious feast we must pursue that which is good, Jesus Christ. We must partake in the meal that He offers, which is valuable beyond price. Then, and only then, will we delight in His good things, both in this life and the one to come.

September 29, 2013

Righteousness for God makes a difference.

Tobit 12:8-9

Prayer is good with fasting, almsgiving, and righteousness. A few prayers with righteousness are better than many with wrongdoing. It is better to do almsgiving than to lay up gold. For almsgiving rescues one from death, and it will wash away every sin. Those who do almsgiving and are righteous will be full of life.

Personal Challenge...

Once again it is pointed out that almsgiving (going above and beyond that which is expected) is good for us. Yes, is it is only God that can forgive our sins, but by living a righteous life, and doing these things that He has commanded us, like prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and living righteously, will draw us closer to Him. And in drawing closer to Him our desire to sin will decrease and our desire to honor Him will increase.

September 28, 2013

Life is good living under His wing.

Psalm 91:4 (90:4 LXX)

He shall overshadow you with His shoulders,
And under His wings you shall hope;
His truth shall encircle you with a shield.

Encouraging Words...

God is my protector, my shield, my hope. There is no reason to walk through the journey of life with any trepidation, fear, or uncertainty when this truth can be embraced. Glory be to God!

September 27, 2013

Almsgiving, a practice that we need again...

Tobit 4:16 LXX

From your bread, give to him who is hungry, and from your clothing, give to the naked. If you have more than you need, do almsgiving, and do not let your eye envy the almsgiving when you do it.

Personal Challenge…

This whole chapter is full of wise and magnificent life advice. This verse focuses on doing almsgiving, a word, and activity, not used much in today’s vocabulary or society. The essence of its meaning is to give of oneself above and beyond what is due. This is what comes after the tithe, after the obligations. It is no wonder that our early church fathers and the traditions of our Orthodox faith encourage us to practice almsgiving. It helps to fortify the soul and bring the love of God to those around us.

September 26, 2013

Sometimes the journey is difficult.

Tobit 1:6 LXX

But I alone traveled frequently to Jerusalem for the feast days, as it is written for all of Israel in an everlasting ordinance. I would carry the first fruits and the tithes of my harvest and the first-shearing.

Personal Challenge…

Tobit is one of the apocryphal books that does not exist in most Western Bibles. This book is a love story which is similar to the love story encapsulated in John 3:16 by Jesus: A father sending his son into the world so that he may find a bride, save her, and bring her back rejoicing to his parents. This verse reminds me that often times to be truly submissive to my Lord, to follow Him where He leads me, I will have to do things that are inconvenient for me and often contradictory to those around me. So be it, because His glory is more important than mine.

September 25, 2013

What actions am I being stirred up to?

1 Ezra 9:54-55 (1 Esdras LXX)

Then everyone went on their way to eat and drink, to gladden themselves, to give gifts to those who were lacking, and to heartily rejoice. For they were inspired by the words which were taught to them, and they gathered together.

Personal Challenge...

The passage leading up to these verses gives us the account of Ezra reading the Law of the Lord to the people of Israel and their being stirred up to these actions. Am I moved to action every Sunday through liturgy after worshiping Him who fulfilled the Law? If I am not, it is more of a condition of my heart than it is the liturgy. Are the actions that I am stirred up to directed at others, taking care of meeting their needs, sacrificing myself for them as Christ did for me? If not, then again it points to the condition of my heart. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

September 24, 2013

Giving credit where it is due...

1 Ezra 4:58-59 (1 Esdras LXX)

Now when the young man went out, he lifted his face to heaven toward Jerusalem and blessed the King of heaven, saying, “The victory and the wisdom are from You, the glory is Yours, and I am Your servant."

Personal Challenge...

Am I this willing to claim that all of my successes and accomplishments are not of my own doing, but from the Lord? I can do nothing on my own. I can accomplish nothing on my own without becoming prideful about it. Part of growing to be like Christ is giving all credit to the Father for what He has done and for His willingness to use me.