Verse of the Day

  • July 26, 2020

    A GOOD WAY

    Proverbs 16:3

    The beginning of a good way is to do righteous things,
    And this is more acceptable to God than to offer sacrifices.

    Encouraging Words

    Living a life that is a good way is something we all desire. Sometimes we may need to check what we define as a good way against God’s definition. Here we are reminded that doing righteous things, godly things, is more valuable to God than any sacrifice that we might offer in our piety. Something to seriously consider. Glory be to God!

  • July 25, 2020

    Saint of the Week
    St. Isaac the Syrian

  • July 24, 2020

    OUR WORKS

    Proverbs 16:1

    All the works of the humble are evident before the Lord,
    But the ungodly will be destroyed in the evil day.

    Personal Challenge

    Why should we, as Christians, do good works? Is it to earn God’s favor? No, He loved us before we were born. Is it to buy our way into heaven? No, that door was opened for us through Christ, and Christ alone. Is it so that everything will go better for us in our lives? No, because God’s economy is different than ours. Then, why? We do good works because we are so thankful for God’s love for us and the mercy that He has poured out on us that we want to give back to Him and share His love for all of His creation with everyone we can. We do good works to say thank you. Glory be to God!

  • July 23, 2020

    GIVE HEED TO REPROOF

    Proverbs 15:37-38 (15:32-33)

    He who rejects instruction hates himself,
    But he who gives heed to reproofs loves his soul.
    The fear of God is instruction and wisdom,
    And the beginning of glory will respond to it.

    Personal Challenge

    There is nothing like receiving corrective discipline from someone, especially when that someone is God. As humans, designed from the very beginning with free will, we often get hung up on the belief that we have the right to do what we want, to be who we want to be. But what happens when that goes against the teaching and expectations of our Lord? Reproof! Correction! Discipline! If we resist this, then God says that we hate ourselves. That is harsh. We should embrace instruction and reproof in order to be lovers of our souls. Glory be to God!

  • July 22, 2020

    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

    One of the issues that we are facing in today’s society is that many people feel that the only way to address disagreement is with anger and harsh words. We have all been created unique and different. This means that our perspectives and beliefs are also different. This is the way that it was meant to be. If we want to thrive at living together then we need to learn how to accept and embrace our differences so that we can build our lives together. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

  • July 21, 2020

    HEALER OF THE HEART

    Proverbs 14:31 (14:30)

    A man with a gentle spirit is a healer of the heart,
    But a sensual heart is the moth of the bones.

    Personal Challenge

    In this day of the coronavirus pandemic, racial tension, and government uncertainty, we certainly need more healing of our hearts and fewer moths eating at our bones. We will never get to this place by being passionate about this world and seeking our own edification and glory. We must all embrace the desire to have gentle spirits and exhibit love for one another if we want to see hearts healed. This transition starts with each of us striving to be gentle in spirit. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

  • July 20, 2020

    MIND THAT TEMPER

    Proverbs 14:17

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

    Personal Challenge

    Part of learning to be humble is learning how to manage our temper. Sometimes it can be very difficult to put up with those things that drive us crazy, but we are reminded here to not let a hasty response lead us into recklessness. If we can respond with patience, discernment, and humility, we will be able to bear with the person much longer and hopefully come to a peaceful resolution. Glory be to God!

  • July 19, 2020

    COMPASSION AND MERCY

    Proverbs 13:10

    Deceitful souls are led astray in sins,
    But the righteous have compassion and are merciful.


    Personal Challenge

    What a contrast in the results of how these two lives are lived. Deceitful people, those who take advantage of others and who twist the truth for their own gain, end up being lead away in their sins. They end up sinning even more. Those who are righteous, however, end up having compassion and mercy for those in their lives. I think I would rather pursue righteousness then being deceitful. Glory be to God!

  • July 18, 2020

    Saint of the Week

    St. Theophan the Recluse

  • July 17, 2020

    WOUNDING OR HEALING

    Proverbs 12:20 (12:18)

    There are those who wound with a sword as they speak,
    But the tongues of the wise heal.

    Personal Challenge

    It takes a lot of work and self-discipline to ensure that the words that come from our mouths are words that heal and edify. We live in an age where put-downs, inuendoes, and sarcasm reign. This way of speaking may not be like wounding someone with a sword but rather like thousands of small slashes with a razor blade. They still cut and eventually kill the life in those around us. Our Lord wants our words to be like a healing salve and build up the recipients. This is our challenge every moment of every day. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!