Daily

I am very glad that The Lord God leads me in His amazing Way through the unique ways that I have never thought before. The greatest way for me, I think is that He entrusted me to the the Ancient, Beautiful and Childlike Faith, to the The Orthodox Church. Yes, if I count the number of years, it was since 2000 years or so ago, it is very ancient, yet it is authentic and so rich. But how wonderful it is, I am amazed, that Faithful God preserves and sustains His Beloved Body unconquerable until now, and I am drawn into it by His Mercy.

Furthermore, The Lord makes me a new convert each day! I've just realized about it this morning when I conversed with my great friend. And surprisingly, I found that's true! Every day God gives the strength; He grants me the teachings, refreshing his servant, offering his Love and Mercy; gives us choice to decide whether to accept and follow Him or deny Him. He also provides us each day with so rich blessings. This is very beautiful that He has made me a convert each day and provides me (and us) so richly all the means for the heart, mind and life amendments in His Grace; to repent and to be like Him.

And this is not merely behavioral renovations or to be nice, sweet and lovable person superficially. It's not wholly about the behavioral modifications, but something beyond that, the change of the heart and thus the transformation of life in His Grace; from a sinner to be a saint. Our spiritual life in Christ is dynamic, live and participatory life. This is very real and practical. A Christian must not be feeling content by only hearing the teachings and wandering around for the refreshment and even fulfillment of self-desires. If so, what is then, his/her difference with the sleeping Virgins while waiting for the Groom. We are to awake, vigilant, joyful and ardor while we are waiting Our beloved Groom Who is coming. We work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

And this is my joy when I learn something very practical; ways of life taught by our Holy Fathers and Mothers and Brothers and Sisters passed through from generation to generation, which is compiled nicely here. Indeed, our Faith is not merely philosophical matter.

But, let's be reminded that these are not checklists to make us somehow feel 'good' or 'worthy'. Instead, we are joyful because we know know by living this, we live out our faith, a precious exercise and wise instructions; a treasure from our Loving Fathers and Mothers! Not because we want to be seemed good or to show off our glory before Him, not at all. Contrary, that's because we are amazed and moved by His Love. We admire His Goodness, Faithfulness and Mercy! This is because we surrender our will to Him willingly, trusting in His Holy and Perfect Will. We are overjoyed to behold His Glory. This has always been moved by Joy with capital J which the world can not even offer.

This is like Wise Virgins who wait for the Groom joyfully and stay awake, constantly hold their precious oil with them, letting no one take it from them! Their eyes kept radiant and glowing for Ultimate Hope and Faith for The Groom!

Yet this is not done by our own 'love' or efforts (but this doesn't mean also just to sleep (like the Fool Virgins) and do nothing) nor we try hard to perform it --as if we can do anything outside of Him, without His Mercy and Patience --but in His Love and Mercy which He shows through The Holy Church His own Bride, so that we might live a holy life in His Grace according to His Holy Will. For blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God! How Joyful that is!! Therefore, Glory to God for He has made me (and us!!) a new convert each day!

Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!