November 30, 2014

Giving our all...

Philippians 3:8-11

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Encouraging Words...

Paul reminds us so clearly here that what God provides for us who follow Him is greater than anything, even life itself. He is not talking about wealth or stuff here. This is not some kind of prosperity gospel. Our righteousness comes for Him. Our salvation comes from Him. Everything we have and everything we are come from Him. So why shouldn't we count it all as loss for Him.

November 29, 2014

Saint of the Week...

Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica

November 28, 2014

It takes work...

Philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Personal Challenge...

We see here again that our salvation is not a one time singular event or some special canned prayer that we say. This may have been what set us on our path of obedience to God, but our salvation is a lifelong process doing the work of God as He works within us to do His will and work. We are not on this journey alone. Glory be to God!

November 27, 2014

A thought for this Thanksgiving day

from St. John Chrysostom...

November 26, 2014

Living a martyred life...

Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Personal Challenge...

Does Christ permeate my every fiber? Is my every breath filled with Christ? If I were to die this moment would it be my gain? If I am truly pursuing Christ as my Lord then my answers to these questions need to be moving more and more to a resounding, "Yes!" If I am dying to the world around me, and more importantly to myself, then dying is my gain. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

November 25, 2014

Getting the gospel out there...

Philippians 1:15-18

Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Personal Challenge...

Paul experienced those people in his life that challenged his belief and preached a partial gospel of Christ in order to confront him. He also experienced those who carried on his preaching and shared the gospel of Christ in all of its truth. And in both cases Paul was grateful because the gospel of Christ was being preached. Should we not also follow in his footsteps and be grateful that even those who are preaching and following partial gospels today are still spreading the gospel. God can still use partial truths about Himself to build His kingdom and save the lost.

November 24, 2014

Love surpases the letter of the law...

2 Chronicles 30:18-20

Lord. Most of the people from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun had not cleansed themselves, but they ate the Passover contrary to what was written.

But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, "May the good Lord provide atonement for everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, even though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary." And the Lord listened to Hezekiah and healed the people.

Encouraging Words...

Here we have the people of Israel coming back to God and celebrating His Passover after many years of turning their backs on Him and living sinful lives. They were breaking the law of their covenant with God and this offense was deserving of death. However, Hezekiah, who prefigured Christ, petitioned on their behalf because he knew that their hearts had changed and they desired God. God heard his prayers and blessed the people because the condition of their heart was more important than the letter of the law. Oh how blessed we are to serve such a loving and merciful God.