“For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our
commonwealth is in heaven . . . Therefore, my brethren, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in this way in the Lord, my beloved.” Philippians 3:18-20a, 4:1. St. John Climacus said, “To repent is not to look downwards at my own shortcomings, but upwards at God’s love. It is not to look backwards with self-reproach, but forwards with trustfulness.”

Let us pray, Loving Father, we detest being enemies of the Cross of Your Son; we repent the times we simply served our bellies; we are sorry for the times we gloried in our shame with our minds entirely set on earthly things. Renew us, Lord, that we may lift our eyes to heaven and stand firm and strong in the Lord Jesus; living holy and befitting lives as Your sons and daughters. Amen. “Let your light shine!!” Be blessed. Larry.