Stop Wondering

I’ve been Orthodox Christian my entire life. For me, there was never a moment I doubted God. That being said, it never ceases to amaze me just how many people witness His power and grace but refuse to believe. They choose wonder rather than glory. I don’t get it. At that time, Jesus passed along…

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Context Matters

Many years ago, slaver owners used the Scriptures to defend their position of slavery. They were wrong. Today, many are still using the Scriptures to enforce or otherwise influence those around them. They are also wrong. The Scriptures guide us, but the Scriptures have context. Brethren, in whatever state each was called, there let him…

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Think Twice and Speak Once

Growing up in shop class I learned the saying “measure twice, cut once” to avoid mistakes. I’m not a great carpenter. Carpentry is like speaking. The more time you take to review what you say, the less you say. I must admit. I’m not much better at speaking than carpentry. Wisdom comes with age, so…

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The Saints are Alive and Working

Many Christians struggle with praying to the Saints for help. Some say that praying to Christ is enough. Others insist we should pray to the Father ‘in the name of Jesus’ and our prayers will be answered. As Orthodox we know all prayers, even the prayers of the saints, help. Today is the Feast of…

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Do Not Judge Yet

A judge using their gavel

We’ve all heard it. We’ve probably all said it, and it always means something bad. We say, “Do not judge,” when we don’t want to feel badly about our behavior. We don’t want to judge others, also because it might make them feel bad about themselves. So, why do we do it? Judgement is always…

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Don’t Depend Upon Yourself

It’s the American Way! Make a name for yourself. Be your own man. This may be the saying of the world, but anyone who has ever lived knows them to be useless words. Nobody can accomplish anything on their own. It is just impossible. Saint Paul knew this well when he wrote, “Let no one…

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All Growth is from God

Human nature dictates that we take credit for all the good things we accomplish. At work, at home, even at Church, when something goes well, we take the credit. When something goes wrong, don’t you dare accuse us of doing something wrong. Human nature is wrong. I was inspired by today’s reading from Saint Paul,…

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We Cannot Remain Children Forever

children putting hands on each other shoulder

When we are children, our parents protect us from danger. They guide us through decisions we don’t understand. They even make decisions for us we are unable to comprehend. In every way our parents shape us. Eventually we must grow up. We can’t remain children forever. When we are in first grade, we learn basic…

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Avoid Divisions in the Church

It seems to be ancient practice. Find a unified group of people and try to divide them. Kingdoms have risen and fallen again through ‘divide and conquer’ philosophies. It all started in The Garden. It all started with the ‘divider’ Satan. Saint Paul knew this. Before becoming Christian, and the greatest evangelist in Church history,…

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