Archive for May 2025
Christians Don’t Flaunt Freedom
There is a troubling trend in American Christianity to flaunt our freedom in front of everyone. I’m not sure what the reason is, but the desire for constant attention from ‘the opposition’ brings hatred rather than respect. If only we learned more lessons from the ancient Church. In those days, Peter went to the house…
Read MoreConversion Stories
For those of us who have been Orthodox since our birth the concept of ‘giving a testimony’ is foreign. Since we have always been in the Church, we don’t understand why anyone would need to explain their faith. We’re here because we have always been here, but not everyone. In those days, while Peter was…
Read MoreGod’s Timing
When we pray to God we normally include requests for our needs. We need peace. We need health. We need many things that God can grant to us. We also have many wants. We want a better job. We want better relationships, and we want everyone now, but God may not agree. It isn’t easy…
Read MoreJesus Christ is the Answer
As Orthodox Christians we live in a world filled with questions. How did the earth come into being? How were humans created? If there is a god, why is there so much violence and hate in the world, my favorite. Jesus Christ is the Truth, and the truth answers all questions. In those days, the…
Read MoreWhen God Calls
Something about which we can all agree, is that living the Christian life is not easy. It requires faith, discernment and constant effort to remain true to God’s calling. One of the hardest, in my estimation, is learning how to hear God when He does call. In those days, at Caesarea there was a man…
Read MoreEpisode 450 – The Church is Our Mother
On Mothers’ Day we turn to the Church as our mother. Like our earthly mothers, the Church knows what is good for us when we are sick. We may not like cure, but just like our mothers’ cure-all, the Church offers us the sacraments and the life of the Church to heal us. We should…
Read MoreOne Disagreement Away from Enemies
I have watched best friends willing to die for each other, only to stop talking over a single disagreement. We put so much energy into our relationships that when they ‘go bad’ we are lost. Even family members can turn on each other if loyalties don’t align. In those days, Saul was with the disciples…
Read MoreDoes Your Life Convert Others to Christ?
What do people see when you watch you walk down the street, or face difficulties in your life? Do they see someone who grumbles or someone who praises God? What do people think of your response to life’s ‘ups and downs’ when they see you in the marketplace? Today is the Feast of Saint Christopher…
Read MoreA Common Starting Point
If you have ever had a conversation about religion with someone who wasn’t Orthodox Christian, then you have likely struggled like the rest of us. “Where should I begin?” Is it necessary to start with Genesis, or can we start someplace else? In those days, an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Rise and…
Read MoreGod’s Plan for Your Life
It is a regular conversation among Christians with statements like, “God has a plan for you.” In my experience this is often associated with major life changes or even avoided tragedy. It is very true. God does have a plan for each of, but it may not be the plan we had in mind. The…
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