Patience before Productivity

Child praying with stuffed animals and cat.

Technology has its benefits. This very blog which we produce for your benefit is only possible because of technology, and I am thankful. There is a ‘bad side’ to technology. Technology has created a sense of instant gratification. Sometimes it’s just better to wait. Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept…

Read More

True Freedom

Hands breaking free from metal chains.

As Americans we live in the land of the free. As Americans we are free to express our opinions, believe in whatever we choose, and live as we please. Enshrined in our system is the idea that I can ‘do whatever I want’ so long as I don’t hurt anyone else. If only this were…

Read More

Not What but Why

Pieces of paper with the word Why

Many comedians like to joke about every child’s ‘first’ word. “Why?” Though rarely our first word, once we learn to speak, we are always wanting to know information. Why is the sky blue? Why did my goldfish die? Knowing why something happens gives us comfort. It is no different in our spiritual journey with God.…

Read More

Prestige is Nothing

Gold medals with blue ribbons on fabric.

We desire it. We honor it. We think we are better because of it, so we chase it our entire life. In the end we are placed in the same grave as those who never achieved it. In the end it is just our bones and theirs. Prestige is nothing compared to what comes next.…

Read More

Church Growth

Growing bar graph with upward trend arrow.

Church growth isn’t what you think it is. It isn’t about numbers of people in the pews. It isn’t about collections. It isn’t even about how large a temple the Church needs on a Sunday morning. Although these are all indicators of church growth. Actual growth is different. With so much attention given to the…

Read More

Our Everything is a Gift for God

Ornate altar with crucifix and candlesticks.

When we think of gifts, we think of material things such as money or toys. We rarely think of the gift of time or loyalty. We never think of our bodies as a gift, especially for God. The reality is that everything we have, and that includes our bodies, is a fitting gift for God.…

Read More

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…

Read More

Faith is an Internal Thing

Silhouette with "FAITH" at sunrise background.

Is it good works or faith that saves us? This has been the debate for centuries among Christians. My answer has always been, “Well, even atheists feed the poor.” If atheists do good works, does this mean faith saves us? Then again, “Faith without works is dead.” Hmmmm Brethren, he is not a real Jew…

Read More

Have I Changed Yet?

Illuminated sign displaying "Time for Change."

Today is the Leave-taking of Pascha, the last day of the Feast. It is the final day we greet each other and sing Christ is Risen, until next year. Last year in my blog “Christ is Always Risen” I wrote about reviving the fervor of Pascha. Today, I still wonder about my fervor. Every year…

Read More