Verse of the Day

Author: David Short

  • October 4, 2013

    God can use us to do His work…

    Judith 8:17

    Therefore, while we await His deliverance, let us call upon Him to help us, and if it pleases Him He will hear our voice.

    Encouraging Words…

    God protects His people from their enemies. He works in mysterious ways as evidenced throughout history through human beings, both evil and good, powerful and weak. The lesson in these readings teach us that our worship of God, our trust in Him, and our obedience to His commandments result in divine protection and salvation from our enemies, no matter how powerful they may seem to be. This may not play out the way that we would do it, but His ways are always better. Glory be to God! (Adapted from the Orthodox Study Bible chapter notes.)

  • October 3, 2013

    For the wrong reason…


    Judith 8:11-13

    They came to her, and she said to them, “Listen to me now, rulers of the people of Bethulia! Your words spoken today to the people are not right, nor is the oath you have sworn and pronounced between God and yourselves, promising to surrender the city to our adversaries unless the Lord turns and helps you in so many days.

    Now who are you to have put God to the test this day, setting yourselves up as God’s equal among the sons of men? You are testing the Lord Almighty, but you will never come to know anything!

    Personal Challenge…

    The book of Judith is so appropriate to today’s living where the truths of God are under constant attack. I would encourage everyone to read it. Here we have a situation where this community is surrounded by the enemy and the prospects do not look good. But rather than proactively do something about it the leaders expect God to take over. Along comes Judith, a widow, who chastises them for putting God to the test. We do not have the right, authority, or power to do that. If I pray this prayer then God will do… If I behave a certain way or do certain things then God will… This is not how God works! Yes, God performs miracles…when He chooses to. Yes, God answers prayers…when He chooses to. I am supposed to be consistent in my behaviors, my practices and traditions, my prayer, fasting, and almsgiving because I am His child and I love doing things His way….not so that He will be my big sugar daddy in the sky. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

  • October 2, 2013

    He walks amongst us.


    Leviticus 26:12

    I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.

    Encouraging Words…

    We do not serve some disconnected, inanimate god. Our Lord is ever present in our lives and walks amongst us. He is not a “future” god, but our “Now” God. Glory be to Him!

  • October 1, 2013

    Do the actions of the people of a nation determine the outcome of their future?



    Judith 5:20-21 LXX

    “Now my lord and master, if there is any sin of ignorance in this people and they sin against their God, then we will identify their offense and will go up to defeat them. But if there is no lawlessness in their nation, then let my lord leave them alone, lest their Lord shield them, and their God defend them, and we will become a reproach before the whole earth.”

    Personal Challenge…

    The reputation of the God of Israel, our Lord and Savior, was profound in the day of Judith. He was the defender and protector of those who followed Him and obeyed Him. Can this be said of us today who proclaim Him as Lord? Is my life a beacon to those around me pointing to His glory and magnificence? Are our churches revered in this way by those who would attack and conquer us? God is constant, He continues to guard and protect His bride. He helps her to prosper…when she holds true to His precepts. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

  • 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.