dailyreadings Archives • Page 259 of 290 • Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Midlands, U.K.

You have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 1:6 & 7 . . By enduring the present afflictions with courage, while having no experience, God will grant you the possibility to endure any thing that – God forbid – would probably happen against your will. Therefore, if you seek heaven, and what concern the life to come, nothing would ever harm you. Even the hosts of darkness (the devils) themselves, would never be able to harm us, unless we harm ourselves by ourselves; even though our body be torn to pieces, that would mean nothing to us, as long as our Spirit is sound – St John Chrysostom #trials #dailyreadings #holybible #coptic #orthodoxy

You have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that …

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For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 4:6 . . For this reason, too, you will be called the ‘newly enlightened’ because, if you wish, the light can always be new for you, and will never be extinguished. Night brings to an end the daily light of our world, whether we wish it or not, but darkness has no knowledge of that heavenly light… the earth is bright just so long as the rays of the sun endure. Not so with the soul. It is illuminated and becomes brighter when it receives the gift of the Holy Spirit. Consider now the comparison more carefully. When the night comes and all is dark, one often sees a rope, but thinks it’s a snake; one flees an approaching friend thinking he is an enemy; one is greatly frightened at any noise. So it is with our soul. When divine grace comes, it drives away our darkness, and we recognise things for what they are, contemptuous of our former fears. We no longer fear death, for we have learned that death is not death, but a sleep and temporary rest. We do not fear poverty, or sickness, or any such thing because we know we are on our way to a better life, pure and incorruptible, and free from all such contingencies. . -St John Chrysostom . #light #coptic #dailyreadings #bible #orthodoxy #enlightenment

For it is God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give …

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“For with God nothing will be impossible.” – Luke 1:37 . “In the life with God, there is nothing that is impossible; there is hope whatever the sin, whatever the hardship, and however difficult the matter may seem.” – H.H. Pope Shenouda III #nothingisimpossiblewithGod #annunciation #stmary #archangelgabriel #trustinGod #faith #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” – Luke 1:37 . “In the life with God, there is nothing that …

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But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! 2 Timothy 4:17-18 . . If people have abandoned St Paul, yet God has not allowed him to suffer on that account. Indeed, He strengthened him and granted him the courage to speak, never allowing him to drown. Notice the extent of his humility! He does not say that God strengthened him because he deserves that gift, but on account of the ministry that was entrusted to him and that had to be accomplished. Notice how close he came to death! He fell into the very mouth of the lion, for Nero was known as a lion due to his fierce and violent rule. – St John Chrysostom . #preservingus #protectingus #strengtheningus #coptic #orthodoxy #dailyreadings #bible #verses

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and …

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“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” – 1 Peter 4:10 . “You are steward over every gift that God has given you, to use it for the glory of His Name, and not for your personal glory” – H.H. Pope Shenouda III #gifts #talent #useyourgiftsforgood #serveotherswithwhatyouhave #servewithwhatyouaregiven #stewardsofthemanifoldgraceofGod #ministertooneanother #dailyreadings #coptic #orthodox

“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of …

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