Posts Tagged ‘love’
Be a Person of Mercy
You’ve heard it before. What you give is what you get. Nothing is more true when it comes to the effort you ‘give’ to your spiritual life. The more you give to God, the more God gives to you, and I’m not talking about money today. Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,…
Read MoreEpisode 435 – God’s Grace is for All People
When God’s blessings come, we don’t always understand them for what they are. In the Parable of the Sower found in Luke 8.5-15 we learn that God’s sends out His Son for all people, but not everyone is able to understand God’s grace fully. In every situation, good and bad, God’s grace is for everyone.…
Read MoreAll Things Under His Feet
For many years I have struggled with the idea that God is ‘in control’ as if He was playing some sort of game with humanity. “God did…God placed…God chose…” These are expressions of power, not love. God is in control, but He doesn’t play chess. God’s control is based on love. Brethren, God has put…
Read MoreBecome a True Theologian
Among the various Orthodox website and media channels, many present themselves as theologians. Quoting the Fathers and Holy Canons of the Church out of context, these ‘OrthoBros’ as they are sometimes known, are a long way from being theologians. Today is the Feast of the Falling Asleep of Saint John the Evangelist and Theologian. His…
Read MoreExcel in Love
We often wonder what genuine love is, how we show it, or how we feel it. We say it all the time. “I love you.” Just because we say it doesn’t mean it is genuine. Most of the time the love we express and the love we feel is not genuine, but worldly and shallow.…
Read MoreWhy Pray for the Dead?
The other day I was asked (it wasn’t the first time) why we offer memorials for the dead if they have ‘finished’ and reached the objective? I get a variety of questions about praying for the dead, so today’s reading from Saint Paul is a good opportunity to take another look. Brethren, what do people…
Read MoreAuthority is for Good
As human beings we are consumed with power and authority. Our politics reflect it. Our personal relationships reflect it. Even our home life reflects the desire for power and authority. The problem is, we don’t use our power and authority for good. Brethren, let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is…
Read MoreHow Much do You Love
As Americans we are independent thinkers and actors. We choose our own destiny. We make our own rules. We ignore what others think about our choices and beliefs. What if I told you this was not a Christian manner of thinking? What if I told you being independent was wrong? If we believe that our…
Read MoreSacrifice as Response
When we hear the word sacrifice, most think of involuntary death. Thanks to Hollywood we have no understanding of what it means to make a sacrifice to God. Let me just remind you. Sacrifice has nothing to do with convincing God to ‘do’ something. Brethren, if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God…
Read MoreNo Guarantees
Our consumer society has a way of convincing us to purchase products we don’t even desire. Retailers and manufacturers proudly assert a money back guarantee if we are not satisfied. All we need to do is change our mind. Salvation does not come with a money back guarantee. The Lord said, “Not every one who…
Read More