Spiritual Fasting

Steak and rosemary

I hear it so often I can’t count. “It’s not what goes into the mouth, but what comes out!” Every time I talk about the importance of fasting, this argument is taken like an arrow from its quiver. I wonder if people understood that Christ used this comment in reference to the hypocrites, if they…

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Pharisee Christians

Pharisee Christian

Some people think Christians cannot be Pharisees. I think we can. It is very easy to convert obedience into a rule law rather than faith. The Scriptures are filled with examples of Pharisee Jews who looked to the Law as the reason they were saved as the People of God. Church history is also filled…

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Flesh and Spirit

A Bowl Full Of Food With Decoration On It

Many people struggle to understand the spiritual benefits of fasting. Food is blessed by God, so why does the Church ‘punish’ us by not letting us eat? There is so much suffering in the world. It would be nice if food wasn’t the source of our suffering. Fasting is not about suffering. Fasting is about…

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Episode 400 – We Have a Job to Do

People along with the priest worshiping in the church

When Christ invited the first disciples to follow Him, He called them to a job. He called them to become fishers of men, to bring people into the Church. Today we are called by Christ to bring people to Christ. We are not just supposed to bring them into our community, but into Christ. The…

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Trust and Betrayal

There are so many examples of human betrayal it can be difficult to trust anyone. Some parents abandon their families. Some adults abuse the people in their care. Even the ‘system’ can betray us when corrupt leaders take control. It is no surprise then that so many Christians do not trust the Church. I get…

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Episode 399 – Living as Saints

People along with the priest worshiping in the church

When we accept the invitation to become saints, we must also accept the challenge of a life willing to give it all up for God. We must live the life of the Church which has been guided by the Holy Spirit since Pentecost. A life of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving is meant to help us…

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Nothing Worth Anything is Easy

A Man Cutting A Branch Of a Plant With A Cutter

Whether it is going to the fitness center for a good workout, or studying for the bar exam, we can all agree that hard work is part of success. We often don’t value what is easy. There is no sense of accomplishment when something comes too easy for us. So, why do we think our…

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A Fasting Refresher

A Bowl Full Of Food With Decoration On It

Christ is Risen! Today the Greek Orthodox Church returns to what I would call a ‘normal fasting’ schedule. From now until Holy Pentecost we will return to fasting every Wednesday and Friday. So, I thought it would be a good day to have a refresher about fasting. Refresher One: One thing is clear. Fasting is…

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2023 Daily Lenten Journey – Day 39

A golden abstract artwork of the Jesus

For weeks we have been considering where it all began. God created. Man fell. God planned our salvation. Man fell again. God continued to keep His promise. Man fell again. There is a pattern that I pray you have come to have a new appreciation. Today there is one final reminder of faith before we…

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2023 Daily Lenten Journey – Day 32

A golden abstract artwork of the Jesus

During Great Lent we get so focused on our fasting and extra prayers that we can forget we are not alone. We are on a group journey as a Church, but not only as a Church. As human beings, we share the journey of salvation with every human being. Today is a good reminder of…

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