Not What but Why

Pieces of paper with the word 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.…

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Our Everything is a Gift for God

Ornate altar with crucifix and candlesticks.

When we think of gifts, we think of material things such as money or toys. We rarely think of the gift of time or loyalty. We never think of our bodies as a gift, especially for God. The reality is that everything we have, and that includes our bodies, is a fitting gift for God.…

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We Cannot Remain Children Forever

children putting hands on each other shoulder

When we are children, our parents protect us from danger. They guide us through decisions we don’t understand. They even make decisions for us we are unable to comprehend. In every way our parents shape us. Eventually we must grow up. We can’t remain children forever. When we are in first grade, we learn basic…

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The Power of Compassion

Hands clasped together in a moment of connection.

Jesus said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13.35) He also said, “Love your enemies.” (Matthew 5.43) Did you ever wonder what happens when we love one another and love our enemies? Even non-Christian historical texts verify that ancient Christians were compassionate to…

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The Danger of Rejecting Truth

Yellow caution tape with "DANGER" printed repeatedly.

Just one week ago we sat in Church commemorating Jesus in the Tomb. Holy Week witnessed Him arrested, tried, crucified, buried and then gloriously resurrected. We came out in thousands to celebrate. All this was just one week ago. Will we be in Church tomorrow? It can be too easy to excuse ourselves from being…

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Believing is Living

Wooden church structure surrounded by lush greenery.

Christ is Risen! They say seeing is believing, but I say believing is living. We are now enjoying the 5th Day of Pascha. We still greet each other with ‘Christ is Risen’ and we still sing the hymn. Soon enough, unfortunately, we will grow lax in our celebration and life will return to normal. I…

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Struggling Against Passions

Two intense boxers clash in a fierce match under dramatic lighting.

I hear it all the time. Christians are accused of being hypocrites because we don’t live sinless lives. Some of us even struggle against the Church. In my experience, the Church isn’t filled with hypocrites. The Church is filled with Christians struggling against their passions. Seen from the outside of the Church, I understand the…

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