Nobody is Safe from Temptation

Temptation Ahead sign

As Christians we are told that God will protect us from evil. We grow up knowing that God is watching over us. So then, why do so many leave the Church and walk in sin? Temptation is the great equalizer. The stronger our faith, the stronger the temptation. The Lord said to his disciples, “When…

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Nothing Can Separate You from God

Red heart intertwined with silver chains.

It is too easy to feel alone in a world filled with billions of people. It is all too common. In the middle of struggle, we look around and feel alone. We feel nobody ‘has our back’ or that nobody understands what we are going through. We even wonder if God has forgotten us. Brethren,…

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No Law Against Kindness

Wooden blocks spelling the word "Kindness".

I hear it all the time. Be kind. What does it mean to be kind? Is it kind to allow people to think they are something they are not? Is it kind to tell someone they are going to hell if they don’t change? Some say yes. Some say no. Brethren, the fruit of the…

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Wanted Dead or Alive!

Old West-style wanted posters on display.

As you may know I was raised in the west, sometimes called the wild west, where legends of famous outlaws blanketed history. In every small town you could always find a sign to purchase to hassle your best friends. The saying was for outlaws, but Christ wants us alive, not dead. Brethren, all who have…

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Aim High

Stairway leading to heaven, bright sky.

We all have goals. We may not always meet our goals, but we all make them. In the next week or so, we will all make our annual New Year Resolutions. My advice for this year, is to aim high. Shoot for the moon. Don’t settle for just a little progress or you won’t succeed.…

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Episode 440 – Not Sinless but Holy

People along with the priest worshiping in the church

When we hear the human lineage of Christ in Matthew 1.1-25, we hear about our human ancestors. The ‘list of names’ reminds us that God has never walked away from us, no matter how far we have strayed away from Him. The Feast of Christmas is a celebration of God’s saving act of becoming human…

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What is Perfection?

Perfection" text over question mark cards.

Are you a perfectionist? For some people, the idea of making a mistake or falling short of reaching a goal can be crippling. Whether it is at school, work or even at home, being a perfectionist is rarely a trait that inspires others to join us. What about Church? Timothy, my son, the saying is…

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God Knows You

Outstretched hand offering a handshake outdoors.

Three words that can either terrify you or comfort you. When we are told “God knows you” we often turn our minds to guilt and sin. While we may indeed be guilty of sin, there is something much better in these three words. God has known us since creation, and He is waiting for us.…

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Whitewashed Souls

Showerhead spraying water in dimly lit bathroom.

You already know how it feels. You spend the day working. It could be in the garden or in the fields at work. You know how it feels to ‘get dirty’ after a long day’s work. You also know the feeling of the dirty washing off and stepping out of the shower, clean and ready…

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Common Life

Unity" written on a chalkboard background.

In every Divine Liturgy we proclaim our common life in Christ when we pray, “Let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.” We do not commend our unison lives to Christ. We commend our life, singular, to Christ. That should mean something. Brethren, let any one who thinks…

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