No Shame in Good News

Shame can be a powerful force. It can be good, and lead to repentance. It can be bad and lead to death. In a society that praises greed, power, self-reliance, and all sorts of immorality, shame can also be used by the devil to keep us away from God. Saint Paul thought otherwise. Paul, a…

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A Supreme and Humble God

We are reminded every day of the reality of power and influence in our society. Whether it is elected officials or wealthy investors, someone always appears to be in charge. It doesn’t matter if you call it democracy or monarchy, someone is always in charge. That someone is God. It doesn’t require more than a…

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Easter is Over…What now?

On Bright Saturday, also called Renewal Saturday, we glance back at last week and Pascha seems so long ago. It was just last week we were preparing our lamb and leaving for Church to light our candles and celebrate the Resurrection. Now what do we do? We don’t deny that Holy Week and Pascha is…

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Great Compline Prayer Three

Not every prayer is long, but every prayer is important. The shortest prayer is only one word, Amen. Some prayers are so long we struggle to remain attentive. Our Daily Lenten Journey has been reviewing all sorts of prayers, long and short. Today’s prayer isn’t long, but it is powerful. O Master God, Father Almighty,…

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Lamplighting Prayer Five

We spend a lot of time thinking about God as the all-powerful judge. We make decisions based upon the worry that God will punish us if we choose incorrectly. The one thing we rarely think about God is a loving and compassionate God Who delicately watches over us. Until now. Today’s Daily Lenten Journey on…

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Lenten Prayer of Saint Ephraim

This year’s Daily Lenten Journey will be about prayer. I have written extensively on fasting over the years. Other years the Daily Lenten Journey has been about the daily scripture readings. All the fasting and all the bible reading is useless without prayer. So, we will spend the next 40 days discussing various prayers. Today…

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Is there a limit to God’s Power?

The power of prayer. The power of faith. As Christians we are always talking about and invoke the power the God. Still, bad things happen. Still, sick people die. Still, evil seems to be spreading. You might begin to wonder if there is a limit to God’s power. Well, yes and no. About that time,…

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God is in Control

We hear it from friends. We read it on social media. “God is in control!” I must admit that every time I see this it almost always means, “Sit back and let God take care of it.” For others it means God will punish those who attack us or intervene for us. What does God…

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When People of Faith Doubt

When it comes to faith some believe that doubt is a sin. Some believe that it is not possible for someone who knows God and believes Him can doubt His power. Everyone doubts, if even a little, but that doesn’t mean doubt is a sin. Even people of faith doubt. At that time, in the…

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Authority 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…

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