“So, now we’re negotiating.” It was a great moment. We had been going back and forth for a while and finally had agreed on a course of action and all that was left to do was determine the details. You see, it had become clear to me that we were...
“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Well, sure, but the name “rose” captures that smell perfectly, doesn’t it? You see names matter. They aren’t merely random labels we attach to things, places, and persons. That kind of thinking has gotten us in deep trouble as a...
On this Sunday of St. John of the Ladder, we are confronted with the power of doubt and a lack of spiritual discipline to weaken us in our faith. What can we do about doubt? How can we stay strong for the spiritual battle that is everyday life? An Ancient...
Next Tuesday is Fr. Barnabas’ birthday, and we here at Faith Encouraged want to invite you to help us celebrate. Would you consider making a special gift to Faith Encouraged Ministries to wish Fr. Barnabas a Happy Birthday? Just click the Pay Pal link and make your tax-deductible gift to...
There’s a prevailing notion that the mere granting of mental assent is believing. But is that really true? Is that really enough to actually believe? Does simply saying you think something is true to mean you truly believe it? I know we live in a society that likes to reduce...
The concept of “holy space” takes a beating in our modern society that values egalitarianism above hierarchy. But without one place being set aside as “holy” we lose the ability to see the “holy” in every place! In our Scripture Lesson today we read how God promised Abram (later his...
Daring to follow God’s plan for your life is an act of faith that rarely happens by accident. You have to be listening to hear His plans! So how do you develop a lifestyle that makes you attentive to God’s direction for your life? It all starts with being willing...
It is said that the greatest chess players “see” at least 4 moves ahead at all times. This is why they can anticipate their opponents’ moves and be ready for them. But most of us simply don’t think that far ahead in our lives. We clutter our moments with as...
Years ago, in my police officer days, I got assigned to the local DUI Task Force. This was a multi-jurisdictional team of officers specifically trained to combat driving under the influence and a direct result of the work of Mothers Against Drunk Driving that had formed in our community. I...
It’s an old word, but I like it. The word “covenant” is such a significant word for we moderns precisely because we have seemed to have forgotten the power of “covenant.” Our society is gripped by hyper-individualism that seems to be intoxicated with the notion of “rights” and “privilege” and...