#scriptural

Also studying in 1 Corinthians 11 regarding men and women. This is on my heart often, because I highly regard God's creative order in creating us male and female and his purposes in marriage (for those not called to singleness). Marriage is good! In fact, in Scripture we are told men are blessed by God if they find a godly wife (Proverbs 18:22, Proverbs 31:10, Hebrews 13:4, and so on). If you long for companionship, this is a good thing, this is a created innate desire. This is nothing to be ashamed of. "But among the Lord’s people, women are not independent of men, and men are not independent of women." - 1 Corinthians 11:11. Men and women complement each other, this is beautiful. We both have gifts and strengths the other does not. This is good. No one is more valued than another (Galatians 3:28) - both are equal in value, and different in roles. And this is good! I love being a woman. I love being who God created me to be, ultimately a worshipper of him.

Reflecting upon where we are now in society with gender confusion and each gender swapping their own identity for what they want in another gender - it's all just confusion and essentially evil as it goes against God's creative order and Deuteronomy 22:5 states it is an abomination to God. "Abomination" means a vile, shameful, or detestable action, condition, habit, etc. according to the Dictionary.

I think some of this confusion and role-swapping began in women's lib and women entering the workforce at the expense of their families. In reading Scripture, God's design is that with married men and women that men are the providers and women care for the home. A huge task, nothing to be thought lightly of at all. God's heart is for women, for men, for home, for the children in the home, for godly offspring. From Trevor Sheatz, "A stay-at-home father is an unbiblical father. Wives are called to care for the home and children (Proverbs 31, Titus 2:4-5), not husbands; husbands are called to provide for the family financially (1 Timothy 5:8; Genesis 2:15) unless physically unable to do so." This doesn't mean women cannot work as we see this as an example in Proverbs 31:13, 16, 19, 24 - however, they are never to work at the expense of raising their children and caring for their homes. The Proverbs 31 woman likely worked at home primarily as well since she sewed/used a spindle. I have been a single mother for 12 years, I have had to work, and by God's grace I have been able to work around my child/at times working from home, and we have had an incredible life. I've even been able to care for children not my own who have had incarcerated parents unable to raise them. God is abundant in his gifting and provision, beloved! From God's grace and from my desire to be a present, godly mother - not sacrificing raising my child for a specific career that prevents me from primarily raising my child. I don't need the world's accolades or more money, I desire to obey God and raise my child for the glory of God's kingdom. Titus 2:4-5 and 1 Timothy 5:14 also state that married women are to be homemakers. I love this from Titus: "And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled."

And Curses

“…Blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!” James 3:10NLT

What are scriptural curses and blessings? Researching these, I discovered how naive I was— insanely naive enough to believe most Biblical referrals to “cursing” meant ‘profanities.’ After all, English profanities are called “curse words.” Embarrassing to say, I’ve taken “Biblical curses” very lightly.

The tithe was initiated by Abraham— pre-Law; Genesis 14:20. ***Ordained in the Old Testament Law; Leviticus 27:32. ***Revealed as a pivotal point of blessing and curses; Mal. 3:8-10NASB “Will a man rob God? …you are robbing Me! …you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for …robbing Me… Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, …test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” Favorite verses of mine, I never considered the curse therein. Besides, I didn’t consider any scriptures saying Papa God cursed people. He DOESN’T curse and bring harm! Ahh but He IS required by the Law to allow satan to pay with consequences wrong choices.

“…The Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord,” Jer 17:5NLT. Serious curses follow after those who, like the Israelites, in Jer. 17 relied on men. Yahweh wanted to be their God, the One they counted on for everything. No different for us today, going to the doctor not prayer, the bank first, the government first and don’t look to God. We place ourselves in the arena of cursings. Then wonder where our blessings are.

Let us open the personal cursing’s can of worms. Is it cursing a person when we: Gossip? Backstab? Demean? Condemn in disagreement? Pass judgment?

I’ve watched people making serious mistakes in their lives. The “family-friend-emies” set words against them— They can’t ever do anything right. They lie, cheat, steal. Did you see…?

Those people struggled to better themselves, yet fought invisible monsters bringing them to the mistakes’ level—holding them there. Meanwhile “friend-emies” gloated about being right, proving Prov. 18:21NASB “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Their words had cursed and killed hopes. James said “this is not right!”

For those who live easy lives unaffected by curses— Could the reason curses doesn’t seem to effect them be— Prov 26:2NASB “…an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.”

“Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it,” Prov 30:10NLT. Wisdom says to refrain from slandering anyone.

Have you spoken curses over anyone? I did. Holy Spirit dealt with me on the subject, hence my research. I’ve repented long ago, for everything I thought to be the truth— but Holy Spirit said— ‘didn’t need to be said.’ Then, I cursed all those words I’d said, commanding those words to die and fall idle to the ground, in Jesus’ name. I released any demonic assignments because of my words. Afterwards I commanded demons carrying out the curses to be bound away from the accursed. Last, I began calling down all the blessings of God on those previously accursed people.

Now, I know that no one reading this have never possibly considered or done such a horrid thing. Still, allow Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth, (Jn 16:13). Then decide if you need to repent. With your words will you live on the side of blessings— or curses. It’s your choice. You choose.

PRAYER: Papa God whenever You reveal a truth, it’s because You want to help us grow. Open our eyes Lord to the wonders of Your law, in Jesus’ name I pray.

Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen. 

 Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One. 

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x) 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. 

O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake. 

Lord have mercy. (3x) 

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in the Heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Amen.   

Lord, Have mercy. (Twelve times)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the unto the ages of ages. Amen.

 O come, let us worship God our King. 

O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God.

 O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Psalm 51: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy steadfast love; according to Thy abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified in Thy sentence and blameless in Thy judgment. Behold! I was brought forth in iniquity and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold! Thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness; let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice. Hide Thy face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation and uphold me with a willing Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways and sinners will return to Thee. Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance. O Lord, open Thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. For Thou hast no delight in sacrifice; were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth and of all things visible and invisible.And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He arose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets.In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection of Christ Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

“Truly, Truly, I say to you, / you will weep and lament, / but the world will rejoice; / you will be sorrowful, / but your sorrow will turn into joy.” (Jn 16:20) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“But I will see you again, / and your hearts will rejoice, / and no one will take your joy from you.” (Jn 16:22) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

At the early dawn, / they went to the tomb, / taking the spices which they had prepared. (Lk 24:1) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven / and came and rolled back the stone, / and sat upon it. (Mt 28:2) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“Do not be afraid; / for I know that you seek Jesus / who was crucified./ He is not here.” (Mt 28:5-6) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“For he has risen, as he said. / Come, see the place where he lay.” (Lk 24:6) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“He is going before you to Galilee; / there you will see him.” (Mt 28:7) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And [the women] went out and fled from the tomb / with fear and great joy, / and ran to tell his disciples. (Mk 16:8; Mt 28:8) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“I am the resurrection and the life; / he who believes in me, / though he die, / yet shall he live.” (Jn 11:25) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“And whoever lives and believes in me / shall never die.” (Jn 11:26) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners!

The Second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Then [Jesus] led them out as far as Bethany,/ and lifting up his hands he blessed them. (Lk 24:50) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And Jesus came and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth / has been given to me.” (Mt 28:18) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“Go, therefore / and make disciples of all nations.” (Mt 28:19) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“… baptizing them in the name of the Father / and of the Son / and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“… teaching them to observe/ all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:20) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“He who believes and is baptized / will be saved.” (Mk 16:16) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“But he who does not believe will be condemned.” (Mk 16:16) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“And behold, /  I am with you always, / to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:20) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And when he had said this, / as they were looking on, / he was lifted up, / and a cloud took him out of their sight. (Acts 1:9) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, / was taken up into heaven, / and sat down at the right hand of God. (Mk 16:19) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners!

The Third Glorious Mystery – The Descent of the Holy Spirit Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

When the day of Pentecost day had come, / they were all together in one place. (Acts 2:1) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And suddenly a sound came from heaven like the rush of a mighty wind, / and it filled all the house where they were sitting. (Acts 2:2) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And there appeared to them tongues as of fire, / distributed and resting on each one of them. (Acts 2:3) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit,/ and began to tell the mighty works of God. (Acts 2:4, 11) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, / devout men from every nation under heaven. (Acts 2:5) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

But Peter, / standing with the Eleven, / lifted up his voice and addressed them. (Acts 2:14) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And Peter said to them, / “Repent, and be baptized every one of you / in the name of Jesus Christ / for the forgiveness of your sins; / and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

So those who received his word were baptized, / and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created;/ and you shall renew the face of the earth. (Pentecost Alleluia) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful;/ and kindle in them the fire of your love. (Pentecost Alleluia) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners!

The Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Dormition of the Theotokos Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

“My beloved speaks and says to me: / “Arise, my love, / my dove, my fair one, / and come away.” (Songs 2:10) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“For behold, the winter is past, / the rain is over and gone.”’ (Songs 2:11) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“Let me see your face, / let me hear your voice, / for your voice is sweet, / and your face is comely.” (Songs 2:14) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, / and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple; / and there were flashes of lightning, / loud noises, peals of thunder, / an earthquake, and heavy hail. (Rev 11:19) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And a great sign appeared in heaven, / a woman clothed with the sun. (Rev 12:1) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

… with the moon under her feet, / and on her head a crown of twelve stars.  (Rev 12:1) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

The daughter of the king is decked in her chamber / with gold-woven robes; /  in many-colored robes she is led to the king. (Psalm 45:13-14) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“O daughter, you are blessed by the Most High God above all women on earth.” (Judith 13:18) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“Your hope will never depart from the hearts of men, / as they remember the power of God.” (Judith 13:19) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

“You are the exaltation of Jerusalem, / you are the great pride of our nation!” (Judith 15:9) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners!

The Fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation of the Theotokos Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Who is this that looks forth like the dawn, / fair as the moon, / bright as the sun?” (Songs 6:10) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Like the rainbow gleaming in glorious clouds; / like roses in the days of the first fruits. (Sir. 50:7-8) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

I am a rose of Sharon, / a lily of the valleys. (Songs 2:1) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

My throne was in a pillar of cloud, / and for eternity I shall not cease to exist. (Sir. 24:4,9) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Come to me, you who desire me, / and eat your fill of my produce. (Sir. 24:19) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Like a terebinth I spread out my branches, / my teaching is sweeter than honey. (Sir. 24:17,20) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

And now, my sons, listen to me; / happy are those who keep my ways.  Hear instruction and be wise.’ (Prov 8:32-33) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Happy are those who keep my ways,/ watching daily at my gates.’ (Prov 8:32,34) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

For he who finds me finds life / and obtains favor from the Lord. (Prov 8:35) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Hail, Queen of mercy, protect us from the enemy,/ and receive us at the hour of death. (Queenship of the B.V.M., Gradual) Rejoice! O Virgin Theotokos! Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners!

It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.  Amen.

 Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. 

O Lord, Bless. 

“The time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.” - 2 Timothy 4:3

That time has come.

People are listening to teachers who “say what their itching ears want to hear,” focusing on 1) self-esteem, 2) the easy life, and 3) a casual attitude toward sin.

Many Christians are taken in by these “hollow and deceptive” philosophies. It's absolutely critical that we know and understand Scriptures like these:

“Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Romans 12:3  

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”James 1:2-3

The grace of God “teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:12  

God's commands lead to wholeness, life, and a mature faith.

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8

1. Self-love

There is not a single passage in Scripture that commands us to love ourselves. But there are multiple passages like this one:

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

2. Avoiding difficulty

Should we refuse ungodly companions and avoid situations that cause us to sin? Yes. Should we avoid situations that involve hard work, reconciliation, humility, and perseverance? No.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer…Bless those who persecute you…Live in harmony with one another...Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:10-21

3. The Christian attitude toward sin

I encourage you to read this whole linked passage. I've only included excerpts:

“Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient…For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…find out what pleases the Lord…” Ephesians 5:1-20