Fear of God
“With supernatural authority, Christ our God rebukes the wind and calms the sea (Mark 4:39). He intends to awaken his disciples from their trembling and bring them to a righteous fear – a holy awe and dread of God. In this passage the Evangelist Mark uses the word delia, meaning timidity or fright, and also phobos, meaning “fear of the Lord.” The disciples’ initial fright is delia, while their Master’s control over the elements evokes phobos: “Who can this be, that even the w
Heart (Losing Heart)
“ ‘Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart’ (2 Corinthians 4:1). In the face of numerous onslaughts, challenges to his apostleship, and his responsibility “for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28), Paul still writes, we do not lose heart (see 2 Corinthians 4:16). For he is preoccupied with the glories of the ministry of Christ and the mercy by which it is given to him.” (Orthodox Study Bible, 2 Corinthians 4:1) “When a heav
Humility, Pride, and Repentance
“…we must guard against thinking that a humble heart is easily acquired. Although we are attracted to humility, we should anticipate a battle in the soul. The cost of humility on Christ’s terms is an all-out fight against our self-serving pride and vainglory. The humility we perceive in Christ our God requires a lifelong dedication to putting to death our carelessness, arrogance, selfishness, and self-indulgence.” (OCPM 7/31/2017) “Have you ever noticed how most truly humble
Morning Prayer
“Each and every day should begin with our thoughts turned toward God. At the very moment we open our eyes, we should be thanking the Lord for having slept through the night safely and giving thanks for a new day." (Abbot Tryphon) “Try not to skip your prayer rule, morning or evening. But if you skip it sometime for some reason, especially if it is due to circumstances beyond your control, do not be upset, but humbly reproach yourself for your weakness; for self-reproach is an