Posts Tagged ‘James’
Ask God
It is said that some of the first words children learn are ‘why’ and ‘what’, because as infants and toddlers we are in a constant state of discovery. Every parent understands the situation. Loving parents answer every question like it is the most important question. God is a loving parent. The disciples were full of…
Read MoreSpeak no Evil
We can be so focused on what we do, we forget that what we say can do much more damage. Yes, it is important that our behavior reflects our Christian moral standards. It is much more important that our speech reflects the same standards. What comes out of our mouth reflects who we are on…
Read MoreFruit Doesn’t Lie
Nobody has ever walked up to an orange tree and picked a fresh ripe apple. Nobody has ever found zucchini growing on a tomato plant. In fact, you would think I was crazy or pulling your leg if I claimed it was possible. Everyone knows that a tree can only produce fruit of its own…
Read MoreKnow Your Limitations
We learn it as little children. We boast about our ability way beyond the truth. It may be cute to watch little children pretend to lift an entire sofa. It isn’t so cute when adults think they can ‘handle’ more than they really can handle, especially when sin and temptation are involved. Today the Church…
Read MoreAutomatic Christianity
I just don’t get it. Why is it I meet so many people that think ‘just because’ they were baptized that means they are Christians and will be saved. It is as if baptism is some sort of magic pill that guarantees entrance to heaven. Others think, “I believe in Jesus. That’s enough.” Then there…
Read MoreGod Does Not Tempt
Like takes its twists and turns. We sometimes find ourselves where we do not belong. Deep down we don’t want to be in dark places, but alas it happens. Struggle happens. We suffer at the hands of our enemies, many times caused by our own choices. Trying hard to deflect the blame we think we…
Read MoreAsk Rightly
There is only one way to guarantee that the answer from God to every prayer is ‘yes’. We have to learn to ask for the right things from God. When we ask for the right things, He will always say yes. The Lord said to his disciples, “Ask, and it will be given you; seek,…
Read MoreWorks follow Faith
We’ve heard it before. “Faith without works is dead.” (James 2.20) As Orthodox Christians we are challenged all the time by our friends that works will not save us. Of course, what they mean is that fasting and prostrations won’t save us. They’re right, but not because they’re right. Fasting and prostrations are not works…
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