Thursday, February 27, 2014

Psalm 37


The steps of a man are established by the LORD, and He takes pleasure in his way; when he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD upholds his hand.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Praying Psalms

Praise God that the Bible offers us not only injunctions to pray but also models of faithful prayer. Praise God for prayers like: “The Lord is my Shepherd”; “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord”; “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good”; “Have mercy upon me, O God”; “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up”; “Our help is in the name of the Lord”; and so much more. Praise God for the journeys that the psalms model for us— journeys from lament to hope, journeys that explore the beginning of God’s work to the end. May God’s Spirit use these phrases and these patterns to sculpt our souls, to shape our desire, and to deepen our capacity for communion with God and one another.

Neste, Ray Van; C. Richard Wells (2012-09-19). Forgotten Songs (Kindle Locations 430-433). B&H Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Alexander Nevski (1219-1276)

Nevsky made peace with the Mongols and paid tribute with them, but he refused to have dealings with Western Catholic powers. This is because the Mongols, although they were not Christians, allowed Russian Orthodox believers the practice their faith; by contrast, Western Catholics forced the Orthodox to submit to the papacy, as they had done in Constantinople. With bold defiance Nevsky declared to the ambassadors of the pope: "Our doctrines are those preached by the apostles. We carefully keep the traditions of the holy fathers of the seven ecumenical Councils. As for your words, we do not listen to them, and we do not want your doctrine."

 - N. R. Needham, 2000 Years of Christ's Power, Part Two, The MIddle Ages, p. 227

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Psalm 15


LORD, who may be a guest in your home? Who may live on your holy hill? Whoever lives a blameless life, does what is right, and speaks honestly. He does not slander, or do harm to others, or insult his neighbor. He despises a reprobate, but honors the LORD’s loyal followers. He makes firm commitments and does not renege on his promise. He does not charge interest when he lends his money. He does not take bribes to testify against the innocent. The one who lives like this will never be upended. - NET

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

The Messages of the Gospels

Matthew
Book of the history of Jesus Christ, 
the son of David, the son of Abraham.
 - Matthew 1:1

Mark
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, 
the Son of God.
 - Mark 1:1

Luke
In as much as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
 - Luke 1:1-4, NASB