Posts Tagged ‘prayer’
Everyone’s Savior
Are you saved? Orthodox Christians have been struggling over this question for years. We struggle not because we fear judgment. We struggle because confuse judgment with salvation. We are all saved and yet we are all judged. Before you get upset that I am teaching ‘universal salvation’ take a moment and read what Saint Paul…
Read MorePatience Saves
Our world moves quickly. Deals are made in ‘fast time’ using communication technology ‘at the speed of light’ without consideration of consequences. Our fast-paced life might work in the secular business world, but fast-paced spirituality can lead to shipwreck. IN THOSE DAYS, when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul…
Read MoreFalse Accusation
There is a venerable tradition in our country of innocent until proven guilty. That doesn’t stop people from accusing, nor jumping to conclusions. As Americans, we have a system that is designed to protect us against false accusations. As Christians, there is no protection. IN THOSE DAYS, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea…
Read MoreSaved by Grace
Do you believe? Do you have to ‘do works’ to be saved? Why do we have to go to Church? Why do we have to fast? Why are there so many rules in the Orthodox Church? Aren’t we supposed to be saved by grace? What’s the deal? IN THOSE DAYS, some believers who belonged to…
Read MoreHidden Hate
It is all too common in our society. We treat people one way when they are watching, and we treat them another way when they are not watching. It goes well beyond gossip. When we are face to face, we are kind. When our backs are turned, we are filled with hidden hate. About the…
Read MoreReveal Christ through Your Kindness
All Christians desire to be an example of Christ. We pray. We attend Church services. We even fast. All these things Christ did, but still our lives do not inspire others to see Christ. Maybe it is because we do not reveal Him in our daily lives, but only in private Church services. Today is…
Read MoreRun to the Light
There was a study of the healing power of light in which it was discovered that patients who were positioned near windows healed faster than patients away from natural sources of light. What is true about light in our physical health is also true in our spiritual health. The Lord said to his disciples: “God…
Read MoreChrist is Risen – Truly He is Risen!
Today is a New Day. The day of Pascha is the ‘Day of Days’ and ‘Feast of Feasts’ on which the entire world rejoices! The fast has come to an end. The ‘extra-long’ services have finished. The Church, and our life, is no longer in darkness, but shining with the Light of the Risen Lord.…
Read MoreDo Not Envy Evil
It is totally natural. We look around and see ‘everyone but us’ enjoying life. We are struggling to keep the fast of Great Lent and attend extra church services while our friends are going to parties and living it up. We feel like oddballs among our friends, and sometimes even family. Great Lent will be…
Read MorePlans Change
The saying, “The best laid plans of mice and men,” struck me today. No matter how much we plan, we cannot control other people. We can only control ourselves. Sometimes even our family will betray us along the way. That’s ok because God is on our side. When Isaac was old and his eyes were…
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