Thank You so much Father. I am a 66 year old isolated Christian, living off grid in the jungle with my family of animals I have rescued. Your videos are truly helping me with my daily devotional practice....I am most inspired by Orthodox Christianity. I spent many months in Bulgaria, where I visted many historical Orthodox Christian sites....I was so deeply moved by that. Sending much gratitude. I am Joseph. Of the jungle.
Let go of what has passed. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Don’t try to figure anything out. Don’t try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest.
I am a new Orthodox Christian who was once a Trappist Monk in the RCC. I love spiritual practices that bring us closer to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit -- One God. This was a great gift!
I started watching you after seeing your episodes on Roots of Orthodoxy and since then you have been a very good influence in my life father. Thank you again from Ethiopia.
@@celine6355 As a matter of fact I did! And I learnt a lot from it and I liked how Matt Whitman conducted the whole thing. If I remember correctly there were multiple episodes. Thank you for your suggestion and further suggestions are also welcomed my fellow orthodox sister from my country.
@@celine6355 @celine6355 Dn Henok is doing great Q&A sessions with OTYD and I have been learning from them a lot too. In case you haven't come across with them.
@@celine6355 @celine6355 Dn Henok is doing great Q&A sessions with OTYD and I have been learning from them a lot too. In case you haven't come across with them.
I'm considering making the switch to Orthodoxy. I'm in college in a secular state at a secular college in the United States and none of my family or friends are very religious, so I kinda feel like I'm all on my own in my spiritual journey as none of my peers are making it with me. Please pray for me, for the conviction and courage to give my life to Christ in a way that I've never been able to do yet. Please pray that I'm able to make such a commitment! I feel scared of being judged for it by my family and friends, and by romantic partners, and I know it's wrong because Christ was judged and hated for me but I can't help but feel the way I do. Please pray for me that Christ can open my eyes and my heart!
I know exactly how you feel. Do it. Its one of the few things in life you wont regret. Ive just recently been going to an Orthodox church and everybody was overwhelmingly nice and welcoming of me. You are not alone brother.
I feel like your eyes and heart are open, it’s just taking the step of obedience for you. Mark 10:29&30 is an encouragement. I feel like most steps of faith have an element of fear attached to them but the reward is worth it all! Think of all Abraham had to have felt when he was told to leave all he knew. I know you will find a family and community within the Church, but I also believe God wants someone to have courage to be a trailblazer to Jesus for the family and friends you mentioned! Maybe that’s you🙏🏼
Heres a template for others, like myself, whose mind requires a map to function and emulate wisdom. Daily Spiritual Message **In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen.* 1. Purpose of the Day - **Reminder:** This day is given for your salvation and deepening repentance. Seek Christ in all you do. 2. Spiritual Tasks to Accomplish - **Task 1:** [Insert a specific spiritual task you want to develop as a habit.] - **Task 2:** [Insert another specific spiritual task that inspires and motivates you.] - **Task 3:** [Insert a third spiritual task or practice.] 3. Habits to Avoid - **Pitfall 1:** [Identify a common mistake or passion you struggle with.] - **Reminder:** Plan steps to avoid this pitfall today. - **Pitfall 2:** [Identify another common mistake or passion.] - **Reminder:** Plan steps to avoid this pitfall today. 4. Role Models to Emulate - **Role Model 1:** [Name of an inspirational figure you admire.] - **Virtue:** [Specific virtue or quality they exemplify.] - **Role Model 2:** [Name of another inspirational figure.] - **Virtue:** [Specific virtue or quality they exemplify.] 5. End of Day Reflection - **Goal:** At the end of the day, reflect on whether you lived in a way pleasing to Christ. Aim to see even a small increase in grace and virtue. --- **May you be blessed and inspired to live this day for Christ.** --- Adjust the placeholders with specific tasks, pitfalls, and role models relevant to your spiritual journey.
Father-Respect I am a new subscriber and I can say thank you from the bottom of my heart BUT I am hearing of betrayal in our church now for quite a few years about Elpidoforos and Bartholomew in Greece alot of things that have nothing to do with the true Faith, perverted ,masons- ways and such if this is true we are doomed.
I do the 5 minute journal but it isn't faith based. I am going to implement this from now on: 1) Tasks - To pray before and after every meal. Before and getting out of my car. Before work and after work 2) Stop Doing - Immediately react negatively when something doesn't go my way; Every Sigh can Be a Prayer via Father Papacioc 3) Figures to Immulate - Father Paul Truebenbach I am going to do this month to month to see how it work. Thank you Father🙏
There is this story from the Saint Sisoes the Great when he was preparing to leave this life, he was talking with the angels that came for his soul asking them to repent a little more. And the fathers surrounding him said : "Abba, you don't need to repent because you have a holy life"; but he responded something like: "Trully, I don't know that I even started my repentence until now". Thank you, father.
Most Holy Theotokos save us. Guide me to the path of repentance for i am tossed in the storm of life. -- Jordanville prayerbook morning prayers 🌵📿🕯☦️🕯🌵
Wonderful father! I just wrote is, here it is: Good morning, Sebastian! God bless you! God has given you this new day for a reason, it is your job to figure out why. Fulfill God’s will today. Be obedient, calm, loving, and humble. Remember, without God you are nothing. You will probably sin today, when you do, try to get back up and repent. Today is a day to have good thoughts, to work, to pray, and to love. Do not forget to read holy scripture, lives of saints, and the psalter. Christ will give you strength to get through all of your hardships. Do not give up on your spiritual battles, but rather, with Christ, overcome them. Do not give in to fleshy desires, or seek false glory. Only seek God, peace, humility, and love. Always remember, Christ is in our midst, he is and ever shall be.
Working towards Confirmation with my two boys. Coming from a long line of Catholics who stopped practicing I saw all I needed to see! My son's 14 and 15 couldn't be more excited so I'm VERY LUCKY God gave me boys who already searched for him on their own, because I wasn't doing my job. My JOB as a parent is to ensure my children know how to live God dependent and reliant lives and due to the secular belief that it's best to let them figure things out for themselves, I almost missed that opportunity. Thank God for sparing me that tragedy and for having the Catholic Church here for me when I need it the most. I wish this change could have happened sooner but I'm grateful it happened at all.
Amazing! Orthodoxy life is all about attentiveness and watchfulness over ourselves in a humble state. Without that, we simply can’t progress. And this personal message is a helpful way for many people to put that watchfulness into practice. Amen!
Many of us who are older deal with back problems, neuropathy, ect,,, managing chronic pain while trying to do your tasks, dependent on a bus, no car, for daily living is a full time job. 😟 Sometimes the enthusiasm about the faith and how hard we all must work to do better, ect. feels stressful, as sometimes just getting through the day is enough without so many routines of what we should do to keep or guard our faith. I really need to hear a talk about that kind of subject; Walking in faith and living with physical disabilities which don't allow us to be so enthusiastic about the sometimes demands of our religion and faith.
I do not know if Fr. Paul lives with chronic pain. I do know, however, that he does have his own problems. Some of which as a parishioners I am familiar with. Some likely not. My point is, even though he is young, his life is not without his share of trials. I will tell you that I am old enough that I could have children of his age. I have chronic pains as well. We must be careful not to judge, because we do not know! May God be with us all!
I don’t understand your comment. I do live with chronic pain. Migraines and headaches- often unpredictable. The doctors cannot find the cause and can only do so much for treatment. I use a daily message. It is on a whiteboard where I pray the daily office. It helps me stay focused on the goal while living with a chronic health issue. The message is: Today is going to be a good day because…… This week it is: Today is going to be a good day because I am a new creature in Christ. Additionally, we can all work on routines and habits to improve our lives no matter public transportation. I am working on taking care of the body God gave me by eating less junk food. Which as an aside helps my mood and pain levels.
@@jnkelley42 I am sorry, I knew when I wrote that first line that is was probably out of line, but I was speaking from a painful position in the morning. I do understand that so many people are still living their lives with chronic and serious conditions (even cancers) which still walk in faith and have hope, even as I do too. But sometimes the weariness wants to be validated even among our teachers to speak to us about living with the stress of chronic pain and limitations while trying to live a good Christian life, especially loving other people when you are in pain. ha-ha
@@shirleygoss1988 I wasn't judging him as such, only responding to the energetic talk about active faith. It has been hard to move forward with such enthusiasm when burdened with pain so often. Life is changed when your body doesn't allow you the freedom to move and be free to move forward and be active without pain. Even the saints were active helping others so much, but one cannot do that when your body won't allow you to do that. It is o.k., I am still working through my faith or should say, still facing the weakness of my faith and practice while physically in pain. Was it stronger when I had a strong body? No, It was not. So, I feel the grace that is with me in acknowledging that I can always grow no matter if I am in a painful body or not. It would be glorious if I did not have this daily ball and chain, but it is what it is, and I am really thankful that I can hear the beautiful and true/deep lessons of truth from the Orthodox teachings, which I hope someday to be able to convert to.
@@shirleygoss1988 You are very fortunate to have him at your church as your Father. I wish I could live nearby and attend service with you. I wake up in the mornings especially lately, and find comfort and desire to listen to many of his teachings, all throughout the day, the good messages are taking seed, even when at first where I might find resistance, ( hee-hee) so this is a good thing, and my heart is with you all.
I took your teaching and adjusted it for me in two ways. First I made a daily spiritual agenda I included some orthodox study and bible study goals on the agenda that will change daily along with other things that will stay the same like prayer rule, and reminder to dress modestly and simply. I followed this with a daily reflection where I am to summarize what I read in the Bible, what I studied ect and reflect on did I focus on God or my own desires today? And finally if I could go back and change only one thing to better for God today what would it be ? I set this up as a daily journal I can share with a priest or spiritual father if I need guidance. I’m new to orthodox so new I haven’t been able to get to a service yet. But I’ve been studying online until I can. The other thing I am planning but haven’t done is to craft quotes from Saints into a craft project wall decor and hang the quotes on my walls in the room I pray and study so if my mind wonders and I’m looking around instead of reading the Bible or praying the quote will prompt me to get my mind back where it belongs ( I chose quotes from the Saints that would coincide with my spiritual agenda so it’s message directly speaks to what I’m supposed to be doing). Is this a good way of doing this? I would ask my priest but for now am without guidance.
I recently focused to try every morning when I open my eyes the first thing I do is Thank God for this is the day HE has made let me rejoice in it and be glad. I get up and take care of the morning bathroom needs I go downstairs, let the dog out and feed her, make coffee, and do my quiet time study of scripture. Paul tells us in Romans that it is the WASHING OF THE WORD (scripture) that causes our MIND to be renewed (made new again) Sin takes root in our mind and once in our mind it grows into our heart and once rooted in our heart we ACT that putting into action is the FRUIT of sin. This is why FLESH AND BLOOD MAY NOT enter the kingdom because flesh is fallen. The word exposes us to the truth and there we must choose to look at the truth and accept it no matter how difficult what God is showing us disturbs us.
Dear Fr. Paul, could you please make a video for those of us who are being haunted by our past mistakes, struggling with self-forgiveness and walking with a heavy heart. Thank you for your teachings and for guiding us lost souls back to God!
Excellent Father, I’ll write it now! I think reading some of the core gospel texts every day, such as the sermon on the mount, can be helpful to read first thing in the morning to orient ourselves towards fulfilling His commandments
This is crazy just a couple minutes before watching this video I wrote down on my phone notes that I wanna start journaling or just writing down things I wanna accomplish to help me increase my faith with God then I watch this video and it just left me amazed , thank you for this video I will try my best to make my own spiritual message
I do something similar, but every quarter, when the seasons change. I call it the Quaterly Habit Reset. I put a template together to fill out what my habits are and what I want them to be. I think I will blend with what you are suggesting. Thanks for the video!
As a reminder (to myself as well), don't be eased just to follow a list that you made. Orthodoxy is not mediation or like other "practices". Read the Bible, the lives of the Saints, and the Psalms and at some point, prayer will become part of your life; you will pray out loud without thinking about it while doing other stuff. But all these mean nothing if you don't go to your local church to see Christ, listen to Him talking, and participate in the Lord's Supper. Cheers and love from Greece!
I know its not exactly the same, but on the same vein... I started keeping a notebook with me the day after I was baptized, I think of it as my war journal. It helps to reflect on the situations and conditions where temptations arise, know the enemy and his tactics. "Keep your mind in hell and despair not." I'll definitely try to fold these ideas into that journal as well.
Peace be with you Father Paul and to the brothers and sisters who are checking in. Thank you for always making your messages so very helpful and useful! Through your messages you show that spiritual life is actually a proactive process til the very end of our lives. I have repeatedly listened to this particular message. Thanks for showing us that there are actually concrete steps that we can take to in our spiritual walk!
Father , you excellent , practical and humble messages are truly inspiring . May the Lord bless you , your family and your ministry in every way . Thoxa so o Theos .
Some Catholics do Examen, given by Holy Spirit trough st Ignatius of Loyola. But it is done night before, or in the middle of the day. To reflect on day, God in our life, and where we need him more later
@@Joe27160 Thank you man, i appreciate your call but for now I don't have need to go anywhere else. If i ever do that change for some reason i will most likely chose Orthodoxy but i will really miss all our writings of saints we had in last thousand years, eucharist adoration and charismatic movement in our church. Basically here we have everything you guys have, all the wisdom given by fathers of the church, and little more than that
@@user-7lf7w The Catholics do not have everything we have as they lack true faith and true doctrine and they innovate things. I hope you join Jesus Christ Church and I understand that feeling of attachment towards The roman catholic saint But the orthodox Saints are true saints of viture and faith. God bless you and please come to the holy church my wish is for all latins to come to holy orthodoxy inculding the gravley mistaken pope.
Thank you Father! I loved your contemplation and share of this- such grace and humility, I needed this. Amen and blessings the Lord. May you and your work be blessed and teach many souls ❤ that’s seek to be in Christ and to have Him in their hearts like I do. Amen. Much love, my sisters and brothers 🙏
Thank you father! Would you be able to to share an example or two of what this might look like? A letter, a list...? I don't mean yours, just a hypothetical layperson's spiritual message...
This is interesting in contrast to guidance from the Church not to be too concerned with measuring our "progress" but rather to just strive for faithfulness. I always thought our "progress" is given by God the Holy Spirit in our slow transformation into the image & likeness of Christ as we are steadfast in our faithfulness/repentance. Not so much 'how am I doing' but 'what am I doing'. Fr. Paul, would you be able to clarify a bit on this?
My apologies if this has been asked and answered previously. If you could only choose 5 books to convey to someone what Orthodox Christians believe and teach, what would they be?
Father, thank you. Can you explain how one can add just a drops more of Grace? I hope this wasn’t covered in any of the previous comments. I should’ve read through them all. God bless you.
No, nothing about "earning" drops of grace... To use an analogy here, we all are broken vessels and equally immersed in the sea of divine grace, but each of us can carry different amount of this grace within us depending on HOW broken our vessels are; on how many cracks and holes there are. God is willing to help us and heal us according to His loving-kindness, BUT He does not do that without our permission and participation in this "therapy" and medical treatment. We abide in Christ just as eagerly as we want to abide in Him, and get closer to Him just as much as we want to approach Him. And when there're little (even microscopic) improvements in our spiritual life here and there, these cracks and holes are being sealed, bit by bit, and we can receive "more grace" than before - because now we can contain and tolerate more grace within ourselves than before.
@HomoEucharistica this was very helpful. Thank you, brother. I have a lot of growing to do to capture the orthodox phronema. Pray for me if you think of it. I have a lot to unlearn.
@@Lochaby Oh, don't worry about it - becoming an Orthodox is a life-long journey for all: a cradler Orthodox or a convert, everything really just starts at baptism and/or chrismation. Of course I can (and will) pray for you... with your username or with your real name?
Thank You so much Father. I am a 66 year old isolated Christian, living off grid in the jungle with my family of animals I have rescued. Your videos are truly helping me with my daily devotional practice....I am most inspired by Orthodox Christianity. I spent many months in Bulgaria, where I visted many historical Orthodox Christian sites....I was so deeply moved by that. Sending much gratitude. I am Joseph. Of the jungle.
Very good. Greetings from oklahoma
Bro, your cool
joseph the jungle man
Let go of what has passed.
Let go of what may come.
Let go of what is happening now.
Don’t try to figure anything out.
Don’t try to make anything happen.
Relax, right now, and rest.
Вера вечна, Вера славна, наша Вера Православна!! ❤ love, from Russia 🇷🇺
Amin!!!!!. 😌🤌💕.
I am a new Orthodox Christian who was once a Trappist Monk in the RCC. I love spiritual practices that bring us closer to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit -- One God. This was a great gift!
I do this for every single time I go to the gym but never for my spiritual life!
I started watching you after seeing your episodes on Roots of Orthodoxy and since then you have been a very good influence in my life father. Thank you again from Ethiopia.
@@celine6355 As a matter of fact I did! And I learnt a lot from it and I liked how Matt Whitman conducted the whole thing. If I remember correctly there were multiple episodes. Thank you for your suggestion and further suggestions are also welcomed my fellow orthodox sister from my country.
@@MatthiasAmare23My pleasure!
@@celine6355 መምህር ሄኖክ OTYD ጋር በተመሳሳይ አቀራረብ (Q&A) ጀምረዉታል እና በጣም ደስ ይላል እሱንም ካላየሺው እህቴ፡፡
@@celine6355 @celine6355 Dn Henok is doing great Q&A sessions with OTYD and I have been learning from them a lot too. In case you haven't come across with them.
@@celine6355 @celine6355 Dn Henok is doing great Q&A sessions with OTYD and I have been learning from them a lot too. In case you haven't come across with them.
I'm considering making the switch to Orthodoxy. I'm in college in a secular state at a secular college in the United States and none of my family or friends are very religious, so I kinda feel like I'm all on my own in my spiritual journey as none of my peers are making it with me. Please pray for me, for the conviction and courage to give my life to Christ in a way that I've never been able to do yet. Please pray that I'm able to make such a commitment! I feel scared of being judged for it by my family and friends, and by romantic partners, and I know it's wrong because Christ was judged and hated for me but I can't help but feel the way I do. Please pray for me that Christ can open my eyes and my heart!
I know exactly how you feel. Do it. Its one of the few things in life you wont regret. Ive just recently been going to an Orthodox church and everybody was overwhelmingly nice and welcoming of me. You are not alone brother.
I feel like your eyes and heart are open, it’s just taking the step of obedience for you. Mark 10:29&30 is an encouragement. I feel like most steps of faith have an element of fear attached to them but the reward is worth it all! Think of all Abraham had to have felt when he was told to leave all he knew. I know you will find a family and community within the Church, but I also believe God wants someone to have courage to be a trailblazer to Jesus for the family and friends you mentioned! Maybe that’s you🙏🏼
@@jenniferlearman1623 thank you 🙏
@@Cheezy_Bunz thank you 🙏
Heres a template for others, like myself, whose mind requires a map to function and emulate wisdom.
Daily Spiritual Message
**In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen.*
1. Purpose of the Day
- **Reminder:** This day is given for your salvation and deepening repentance. Seek Christ in all you do.
2. Spiritual Tasks to Accomplish
- **Task 1:** [Insert a specific spiritual task you want to develop as a habit.]
- **Task 2:** [Insert another specific spiritual task that inspires and motivates you.]
- **Task 3:** [Insert a third spiritual task or practice.]
3. Habits to Avoid
- **Pitfall 1:** [Identify a common mistake or passion you struggle with.]
- **Reminder:** Plan steps to avoid this pitfall today.
- **Pitfall 2:** [Identify another common mistake or passion.]
- **Reminder:** Plan steps to avoid this pitfall today.
4. Role Models to Emulate
- **Role Model 1:** [Name of an inspirational figure you admire.]
- **Virtue:** [Specific virtue or quality they exemplify.]
- **Role Model 2:** [Name of another inspirational figure.]
- **Virtue:** [Specific virtue or quality they exemplify.]
5. End of Day Reflection
- **Goal:** At the end of the day, reflect on whether you lived in a way pleasing to Christ. Aim to see even a small increase in grace and virtue.
---
**May you be blessed and inspired to live this day for Christ.**
---
Adjust the placeholders with specific tasks, pitfalls, and role models relevant to your spiritual journey.
Thankyou sm 🙏
Thanks so much
This was super helpful, thank you so much!
Father-Respect
I am a new subscriber and I can say thank you from the bottom of my heart BUT I am hearing of betrayal in our church now for quite a few years about Elpidoforos and Bartholomew in Greece alot of things that have nothing to do with the true Faith, perverted ,masons- ways and such if this is true we are doomed.
Thank you for this
0:32 "So much of the spiritual life can actually be based"
Thank you father, very cool
I do the 5 minute journal but it isn't faith based. I am going to implement this from now on:
1) Tasks - To pray before and after every meal. Before and getting out of my car. Before work and after work
2) Stop Doing - Immediately react negatively when something doesn't go my way; Every Sigh can Be a Prayer via Father Papacioc
3) Figures to Immulate - Father Paul Truebenbach
I am going to do this month to month to see how it work. Thank you Father🙏
Thank you Father! Cradle Greek Orthodox for 71 years. One is never too old to learn.
There is this story from the Saint Sisoes the Great when he was preparing to leave this life, he was talking with the angels that came for his soul asking them to repent a little more. And the fathers surrounding him said : "Abba, you don't need to repent because you have a holy life"; but he responded something like: "Trully, I don't know that I even started my repentence until now".
Thank you, father.
U are so Good at explaning at a level where everyone can understand. Thank You Father, your videos are helpful and inspiring.
Thank you Father from Ukrainian Christian Orthodox! There are very worthy practical advices for our daily routines and life!
I LOVE THIS! Thank you, Father.🙏🏻☦️
God bless orthodoxy amen Jesus ❤
Most Holy Theotokos save us. Guide me to the path of repentance for i am tossed in the storm of life.
-- Jordanville prayerbook morning prayers 🌵📿🕯☦️🕯🌵
Wonderful father! I just wrote is, here it is:
Good morning, Sebastian! God bless you!
God has given you this new day for a reason, it is your job to figure out why. Fulfill God’s will today. Be obedient, calm, loving, and humble. Remember, without God you are nothing. You will probably sin today, when you do, try to get back up and repent. Today is a day to have good thoughts, to work, to pray, and to love. Do not forget to read holy scripture, lives of saints, and the psalter. Christ will give you strength to get through all of your hardships. Do not give up on your spiritual battles, but rather, with Christ, overcome them. Do not give in to fleshy desires, or seek false glory. Only seek God, peace, humility, and love.
Always remember, Christ is in our midst, he is and ever shall be.
I Love Father Paul❤️🙏🏼Came to know him from a brilliant TH-cam show 10 minute Bible hour✝️☦️ Instantly drawn to his wisdom and teaching 🙏🏼
❤✝ CHRIST IS RISEN ✝❤
❤💪🙏✝ GOD BE WITH US IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST EVIL AND TEMPTATIONS ✝🙏⛪🕊
Amen 🙏
Thank you Father! Greetings from the Philippines! 🇵🇭☦️
Hi Philippines! I attended liturgy in Parañaque in May.
Thank you! Romanian Christian Orthodox here ! I am so happy that I found this channel!🙏
Thank you Father for this wisdom. I am going through intense spiritual warfare and I am going to implement this into my life.
Today is not yours, be selfless. Love your channel Father.
Working towards Confirmation with my two boys. Coming from a long line of Catholics who stopped practicing I saw all I needed to see! My son's 14 and 15 couldn't be more excited so I'm VERY LUCKY God gave me boys who already searched for him on their own, because I wasn't doing my job. My JOB as a parent is to ensure my children know how to live God dependent and reliant lives and due to the secular belief that it's best to let them figure things out for themselves, I almost missed that opportunity. Thank God for sparing me that tragedy and for having the Catholic Church here for me when I need it the most. I wish this change could have happened sooner but I'm grateful it happened at all.
Amazing! Orthodoxy life is all about attentiveness and watchfulness over ourselves in a humble state. Without that, we simply can’t progress. And this personal message is a helpful way for many people to put that watchfulness into practice. Amen!
Wisdom!
I’m a new Catechumen. I would love to see more examples of spiritual messages and goals.
Irish Catholic here Thanks for this video
Many of us who are older deal with back problems, neuropathy, ect,,, managing chronic pain while trying to do your tasks, dependent on a bus, no car, for daily living is a full time job. 😟 Sometimes the enthusiasm about the faith and how hard we all must work to do better, ect. feels stressful, as sometimes just getting through the day is enough without so many routines of what we should do to keep or guard our faith. I really need to hear a talk about that kind of subject; Walking in faith and living with physical disabilities which don't allow us to be so enthusiastic about the sometimes demands of our religion and faith.
I do not know if Fr. Paul lives with chronic pain. I do know, however, that he does have his own problems. Some of which as a parishioners I am familiar with. Some likely not.
My point is, even though he is young, his life is not without his share of trials.
I will tell you that I am old enough that I could have children of his age. I have chronic pains as well. We must be careful not to judge, because we do not know!
May God be with us all!
I don’t understand your comment.
I do live with chronic pain. Migraines and headaches- often unpredictable. The doctors cannot find the cause and can only do so much for treatment.
I use a daily message. It is on a whiteboard where I pray the daily office. It helps me stay focused on the goal while living with a chronic health issue.
The message is:
Today is going to be a good day because……
This week it is: Today is going to be a good day because I am a new creature in Christ.
Additionally, we can all work on routines and habits to improve our lives no matter public transportation. I am working on taking care of the body God gave me by eating less junk food. Which as an aside helps my mood and pain levels.
@@jnkelley42 I am sorry, I knew when I wrote that first line that is was probably out of line, but I was speaking from a painful position in the morning. I do understand that so many people are still living their lives with chronic and serious conditions (even cancers) which still walk in faith and have hope, even as I do too. But sometimes the weariness wants to be validated even among our teachers to speak to us about living with the stress of chronic pain and limitations while trying to live a good Christian life, especially loving other people when you are in pain. ha-ha
@@shirleygoss1988 I wasn't judging him as such, only responding to the energetic talk about active faith. It has been hard to move forward with such enthusiasm when burdened with pain so often. Life is changed when your body doesn't allow you the freedom to move and be free to move forward and be active without pain. Even the saints were active helping others so much, but one cannot do that when your body won't allow you to do that. It is o.k., I am still working through my faith or should say, still facing the weakness of my faith and practice while physically in pain. Was it stronger when I had a strong body? No, It was not. So, I feel the grace that is with me in acknowledging that I can always grow no matter if I am in a painful body or not. It would be glorious if I did not have this daily ball and chain, but it is what it is, and I am really thankful that I can hear the beautiful and true/deep lessons of truth from the Orthodox teachings, which I hope someday to be able to convert to.
@@shirleygoss1988 You are very fortunate to have him at your church as your Father. I wish I could live nearby and attend service with you. I wake up in the mornings especially lately, and find comfort and desire to listen to many of his teachings, all throughout the day, the good messages are taking seed, even when at first where I might find resistance, ( hee-hee) so this is a good thing, and my heart is with you all.
I took your teaching and adjusted it for me in two ways. First I made a daily spiritual agenda I included some orthodox study and bible study goals on the agenda that will change daily along with other things that will stay the same like prayer rule, and reminder to dress modestly and simply. I followed this with a daily reflection where I am to summarize what I read in the Bible, what I studied ect and reflect on did I focus on God or my own desires today? And finally if I could go back and change only one thing to better for God today what would it be ? I set this up as a daily journal I can share with a priest or spiritual father if I need guidance. I’m new to orthodox so new I haven’t been able to get to a service yet. But I’ve been studying online until I can. The other thing I am planning but haven’t done is to craft quotes from Saints into a craft project wall decor and hang the quotes on my walls in the room I pray and study so if my mind wonders and I’m looking around instead of reading the Bible or praying the quote will prompt me to get my mind back where it belongs ( I chose quotes from the Saints that would coincide with my spiritual agenda so it’s message directly speaks to what I’m supposed to be doing). Is this a good way of doing this? I would ask my priest but for now am without guidance.
Thank you for this, Father. I feel like it's going to help me tremendously! What a great idea.
Thank you Father for taking the time to share this.
I recently focused to try every morning when I open my eyes the first thing I do is Thank God for this is the day HE has made let me rejoice in it and be glad. I get up and take care of the morning bathroom needs I go downstairs, let the dog out and feed her, make coffee, and do my quiet time study of scripture. Paul tells us in Romans that it is the WASHING OF THE WORD (scripture) that causes our MIND to be renewed (made new again) Sin takes root in our mind and once in our mind it grows into our heart and once rooted in our heart we ACT that putting into action is the FRUIT of sin. This is why FLESH AND BLOOD MAY NOT enter the kingdom because flesh is fallen. The word exposes us to the truth and there we must choose to look at the truth and accept it no matter how difficult what God is showing us disturbs us.
Dear Fr. Paul, could you please make a video for those of us who are being haunted by our past mistakes, struggling with self-forgiveness and walking with a heavy heart. Thank you for your teachings and for guiding us lost souls back to God!
That was sweet.
Confession helps
Thank you father for giving this current priest messages for people whom are struggling . to strive to be more in Christ daily.
Excellent Father, I’ll write it now! I think reading some of the core gospel texts every day, such as the sermon on the mount, can be helpful to read first thing in the morning to orient ourselves towards fulfilling His commandments
Thank you Fr. Paul. Blessings from Orthodox Iceland.
This is brilliant... SO HELPFUL. I WILL do this, and i WILL benefit. THANK YOU for this, Father Paul.
Just wrote my spiritual message to myself - thank you, can't wait to implement this exercise every morning!
This is crazy just a couple minutes before watching this video I wrote down on my phone notes that I wanna start journaling or just writing down things I wanna accomplish to help me increase my faith with God then I watch this video and it just left me amazed , thank you for this video I will try my best to make my own spiritual message
I do something similar, but every quarter, when the seasons change.
I call it the Quaterly Habit Reset.
I put a template together to fill out what my habits are and what I want them to be.
I think I will blend with what you are suggesting.
Thanks for the video!
Tks Father....this is so precious! I will use in my life!
I am grateful for your wisdom.
Thank you Father and God bless you always ❤️🔥🙏✝️
please pray for me father, I wish to become orthodox but I keep making excuses and my sins wash over me. thank you.
Why did you consider Orthodoxy?
As a reminder (to myself as well), don't be eased just to follow a list that you made. Orthodoxy is not mediation or like other "practices". Read the Bible, the lives of the Saints, and the Psalms and at some point, prayer will become part of your life; you will pray out loud without thinking about it while doing other stuff. But all these mean nothing if you don't go to your local church to see Christ, listen to Him talking, and participate in the Lord's Supper. Cheers and love from Greece!
Thank God Jesus 's first evangelist was a woman... He showed us that women were important in His earthly ministry!!
Wonderful advice, Father. I'm working on this list right now.
I know its not exactly the same, but on the same vein... I started keeping a notebook with me the day after I was baptized, I think of it as my war journal. It helps to reflect on the situations and conditions where temptations arise, know the enemy and his tactics. "Keep your mind in hell and despair not."
I'll definitely try to fold these ideas into that journal as well.
great idea
Peace be with you Father Paul and to the brothers and sisters who are checking in. Thank you for always making your messages so very helpful and useful! Through your messages you show that spiritual life is actually a proactive process til the very end of our lives. I have repeatedly listened to this particular message. Thanks for showing us that there are actually concrete steps that we can take to in our spiritual walk!
I am excited to write my letter and try it out! ❤ thank you!
Thank you, Father. You have the gift of the speech and through this channel you do put it in holy use! Praise be to God!
WOW!!! Such a great message applicable to the daily spiritual life progress!!! Thank you for sharing!!
OUTSTANDING : One can only make Baby Steps. ! Make Progress Daily with Humility. Amen
God bless orthodoxy amen ❤
This was inspirational, I wish to follow the Lord and live through Him and in Him fully 🙏 . I will start implementing this spiritual practice!
Father , you excellent , practical and humble messages are truly inspiring . May the Lord bless you , your family and your ministry in every way .
Thoxa so o Theos .
an amazing recommendation
I love listening to your word. Makes my day every time!
Thank you. Your simple to understand messages have helped me a great deal.
Thank you Father Truebenbach, I will be using this within my life from this point onward. God Bless.
Great talk! Thanks for sharing this practice. I plan to write my own spiritual message to myself. Sounds very useful!
Excellent counsel!👍👍👍
Thank you Fr for the good advice. And for the reminder that the gift of life is an opportunity to make our lives holier, as God desires 🙏
" May heaven consume you "
♥
Great advice, Father thank you ☦️🙏
Father thank you so much for this advice. ❤
Some Catholics do Examen, given by Holy Spirit trough st Ignatius of Loyola.
But it is done night before, or in the middle of the day. To reflect on day, God in our life, and where we need him more later
You should convert to orthodoxy I am former catholic and I promise it’s worth it.
@@Joe27160 Thank you man, i appreciate your call but for now I don't have need to go anywhere else.
If i ever do that change for some reason i will most likely chose Orthodoxy but i will really miss all our writings of saints we had in last thousand years, eucharist adoration and charismatic movement in our church.
Basically here we have everything you guys have, all the wisdom given by fathers of the church, and little more than that
@@user-7lf7w The Catholics do not have everything we have as they lack true faith and true doctrine and they innovate things. I hope you join Jesus Christ Church and I understand that feeling of attachment towards The roman catholic saint But the orthodox Saints are true saints of viture and faith. God bless you and please come to the holy church my wish is for all latins to come to holy orthodoxy inculding the gravley mistaken pope.
Thank you very much
God bless you
God bless you abundantly Father! Grateful
Thank you Father. Glad I listened to all of it.
thank you father, very good advice
Thank You Father
Thank you Father! I loved your contemplation and share of this- such grace and humility, I needed this. Amen and blessings the Lord. May you and your work be blessed and teach many souls ❤ that’s seek to be in Christ and to have Him in their hearts like I do. Amen. Much love, my sisters and brothers 🙏
Reading the Bible will do this and more.
Thank you father! Would you be able to to share an example or two of what this might look like? A letter, a list...? I don't mean yours, just a hypothetical layperson's spiritual message...
Love from Pakistan
Thank you, Father.
Thank You Father.
Thank you father
Thank you for sharing this!
So good ✅👏👏👏
Thank you!!
It sounds like creating a sword and shield to fight demons and the devil on the throne of skulls
Thank you
This is interesting in contrast to guidance from the Church not to be too concerned with measuring our "progress" but rather to just strive for faithfulness. I always thought our "progress" is given by God the Holy Spirit in our slow transformation into the image & likeness of Christ as we are steadfast in our faithfulness/repentance. Not so much 'how am I doing' but 'what am I doing'. Fr. Paul, would you be able to clarify a bit on this?
Yk what, I might try this.
👍👍
My apologies if this has been asked and answered previously.
If you could only choose 5 books to convey to someone what Orthodox Christians believe and teach, what would they be?
☦️
Your blessings, abouna. It would be wonderful to see a simple example! It doesnt have to be yours, but is there a template you can walk us through?
Father, thank you. Can you explain how one can add just a drops more of Grace? I hope this wasn’t covered in any of the previous comments. I should’ve read through them all.
God bless you.
Is there an email we can send Father for guidance?
Do we read this before our morning prayers?
@@Nvbragz Up to you! I do, as mine instructs me in prayer a bit.
Algorithm boost.
Boosting
I await the day of re-unification between Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
Can a spiritual message be a bible verse ?
Is it based on the day's mass reading? Or from meditation or a devotional?
Everything is spiritual. This is the way to find god. Until you see it and do what needs - you will yearn for the One.
I am Ethiopian Orthodox. is it the same with this teaching?
Are you earning drops of grace? I don't get it. What does he mean by Grace? (Orthodox inquirer here)
No, nothing about "earning" drops of grace... To use an analogy here, we all are broken vessels and equally immersed in the sea of divine grace, but each of us can carry different amount of this grace within us depending on HOW broken our vessels are; on how many cracks and holes there are. God is willing to help us and heal us according to His loving-kindness, BUT He does not do that without our permission and participation in this "therapy" and medical treatment. We abide in Christ just as eagerly as we want to abide in Him, and get closer to Him just as much as we want to approach Him.
And when there're little (even microscopic) improvements in our spiritual life here and there, these cracks and holes are being sealed, bit by bit, and we can receive "more grace" than before - because now we can contain and tolerate more grace within ourselves than before.
@HomoEucharistica this was very helpful. Thank you, brother. I have a lot of growing to do to capture the orthodox phronema. Pray for me if you think of it. I have a lot to unlearn.
@@Lochaby Oh, don't worry about it - becoming an Orthodox is a life-long journey for all: a cradler Orthodox or a convert, everything really just starts at baptism and/or chrismation. Of course I can (and will) pray for you... with your username or with your real name?