2 Corinthians 8:9

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Personal Challenge…

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the co-creator of Heaven and earth, gave up His place in Heaven so that He might become man. He lived amongst us as a man, fasting from the glories of Heaven for us, for our sakes that we might become rich in Him. What a wonderful example for us to follow. To fast from the things of this world so that we might have more to give to those around us, whether it be of our resources or our time. We do this fasting so that our minds and hearts will be focused on our Lord and our new home. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

2 Timothy 2:3-4

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.

Personal Challenge…

So much of the scriptures are filled with metaphors. Without living in the society where these metaphors are based on everyday occurrences, then their meaning sometimes gets lost, if not at least watered down. If I had been enlisted into an army such as the one that the Romans had then this verse would have meant a lot to me. In order to survive, especially in times of war, I would have to commit 100% of my energy and focus on the affairs at hand and totally ignore the rest of the world around me. In doing this, I would not only survive, but would also please my commanding officer. Being that I am no longer a citizen of this world, and that I have been enlisted in the army of the kingdom of heaven, then it is imperative that my heart, soul, and mind be focused on that kingdom and the defense against the warfare that would attack it. This would mean that I must endure the hardship of the battles for the goal is exceedingly more priceless than where I am today. What a great verse to help us press through Great Lent toward the goal of Pascha (Easter).

Psalm 16:3 (15:3 LXX)

To the saints on His earth,
In them He magnified all His will.

Psalm 119:133 (118:133 LXX)

Direct my steps according to Your teaching
And let no lawlessness rule over me.

Encouraging Words…

So, what is this teaching that the Psalmist is requesting to be directed in? Contrary to modern belief it is not just the published Bible that so many of us have in our homes. The teachings of God are indeed found in the Bible, but also in the teachings of His saints, confirmed and validated over 2,000 years in the boundaries of His Church, in the traditions of the Church, in our hymns, and in our community. God even teaches through His creation. If we submit ourselves to Him and His way of teaching us we will be able to live righteous and holy lives filled with His wisdom.

Luke 10:19-20

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

Personal Challenge…

Indeed it is awesome to know that because of the work of Jesus Christ and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, that we can be triumphant over the demonic hosts of this world and all they throw at us. However, what is more important than this, is that we rejoice in the promise that we are permanent citizens in heaven. Why is this so much more important? Because the world and all of the demonic host that is ruling it will some day pass away and we will dwell in the heavenly realm forever. This is where our hearts and minds should be today and every day.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

Encouraging Words…

Our God is faithful, He will never leave us nor forsake us, He will establish us in His kingdom and protect us from the evil one. This is not some way off in the future kind of promise, but an ever-present active presence in our lives by the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We can deal with each day and every event within it with confidence that our Lord is there with us. Glory be to God!

Daniel 6:5-6

The administrators and governors sought to find some charge against Daniel, but they could find no charge or wrongdoing or fault against him because he was faithful. Then the administrators said, “We will find nothing against Daniel unless we find it in the laws of his God.”

Personal Challenge…

What an awesome compliment to pay to a person who serves his God. Daniel’s live is on that we can all strive for…to live our lives in a way that no one around us can find fault in what we say or do. I know it is too late for this to occur in my life in relationship to my past, however, it is never too late to start living the rest of my life in a way that people could not find any fault in my ways from this day forward. It is clear that I will not be able to do this on my own accord, but by the grace of God and through the indwelling Spirit, I believe it is possible to strive for this for the remainder of my life. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner! Be Lord and Master of my life precious Jesus!

Daniel 3:40 (LXX addition)

So let this be our sacrifice before You today,
And may it be accomplished for those who follow You;
For there is no shame for those who trust in You.

Personal Challenge…

God does want us to offer sacrifices to Him. He does not want stuff offered, or even our labors, but what He wants is our hearts. There is nothing that we can do to merit God’s grace, but because of God’s grace poured out on us we should be willing to give our all as a living sacrifice for Him…freely, willingly, and with joy. Glory be to God!

Today I would like to dedicate this post to my father, Billy Gene Short. Today he would have been 88. Memory Eternal Dad! Your meekness was an obvious indicator of your devoted life of prayer.