Posts Tagged ‘prayer’
The Fragrance of Repentance
The Church talks a good talk about what ‘not to do’ in our lives. What happens when we fall or even just ‘slip up’ a little? The Church isn’t the best at helping us in our repentance. Maybe it is because we don’t understand the concept. Maybe it’s because we don’t want to repent. Most…
Read MoreRogue Orthodoxy
Practicing Orthodox Christianity in a society that is hyper focused on individualism can be awkward. It can be difficult. It can also be wrong when we make up our own disciplines. We read what we want, watch what we want, and pray how we want, and we’re wrong for it. While we are free to…
Read MoreWhat God does and does not Control
One of the expressions about God that turns my head is, “God has a plan for me.” We usually say in regard to how we are supposed to live on earth. Another expression like it is, “God placed him in my life.” I don’t like either expression. Both expressions are a denial of free will.…
Read MoreA List of Demands
The danger for every Christian entering prayer is to forget the purpose of prayer. We light our candle and incense and begin the pious repetition of ancient words. Then we look up to God and begin our list of demands. We may call them wants, but if we don’t get them…..watch out. At that time,…
Read MoreEpisode 492 – The First Step in Our Salvation
Christ invites His follows, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” The first step in following Christ into heaven is to deny ourselves. We must learn to get over ourselves if we want to follow Christ. The entire life of the Church is meant to…
Read MorePatience before Productivity
Technology has its benefits. This very blog which we produce for your benefit is only possible because of technology, and I am thankful. There is a ‘bad side’ to technology. Technology has created a sense of instant gratification. Sometimes it’s just better to wait. Brethren, working together with him, we entreat you not to accept…
Read MoreTrue Freedom
As Americans we live in the land of the free. As Americans we are free to express our opinions, believe in whatever we choose, and live as we please. Enshrined in our system is the idea that I can ‘do whatever I want’ so long as I don’t hurt anyone else. If only this were…
Read MoreNot What but Why
Many comedians like to joke about every child’s ‘first’ word. “Why?” Though rarely our first word, once we learn to speak, we are always wanting to know information. Why is the sky blue? Why did my goldfish die? Knowing why something happens gives us comfort. It is no different in our spiritual journey with God.…
Read MoreJudgment is the Lord’s
We look around at the actions of others and, before we even realize it, we have judged them. At just a glance, we have determined in our mind whether one person deserves our attention. We rush to judgment that ‘others’ are failing Christ when we are the failures. Judgment is among the most difficult behaviors…
Read MorePrestige is Nothing
We desire it. We honor it. We think we are better because of it, so we chase it our entire life. In the end we are placed in the same grave as those who never achieved it. In the end it is just our bones and theirs. Prestige is nothing compared to what comes next.…
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