I think that’s why God made sure we got The Book of Job. Regardless of where we are in life, we are going to suffer. We have to make sure not to blame God and keep the Covenant. We are going to be tempted and fall and deal with suffering but regardless we follow Christ’s example. Be open to repentance and strive forward. That’s how we truly live.
Except that G-d is literally at fault for everything that befall Job. Job was devout and a loyal servant of G-d but had his entire family killed because of a bet G-d made with the devil.
@thelostcosmonaut5555 but Job's family were unrepentant sinners. That's why they were killed. Job was rewarded with double of what he had lost because of his faithfulness. The morale to the story is worship the Lord in good times and the bad. What do we say in our wedding vows.
I'm in pain daily. Nobody knows why, people are tired of me mentioning my aliments and my limited ability to do things. My marriage is struggling, I'm in no man's land just starting into Orthodoxy. It's been months and I feel like I can't take it much more. Nothing is changing and on top of that I'm living paycheck to paycheck. I'm afraid I won't make it to heaven on top of all my suffering. I'm trying to hope but despair encompasses me daily. Please pray for me.
My heart feels for you… please don’t give up, thank you for reaching out!!! My best friend suffers from chronic pain, and I understand how it’s the same “merry-go-round” , unrelenting pain and venting. (I listen to her because she listens to me and my own struggles too. We are to carry one another’s burdens). Thankfully God never gets tired of hearing us vent. He loves you. I’m sorry I don’t have words of healing, but I know God does. May your spirit be encouraged 🙏🏻💞 Ask if anyone at the local church knows others with similar situations or pains? To have another family member IN Christ be there for you, y’all can relate. I say this, because, I go to AA meetings and it’s amazing how others who understand don’t hurt others as much when sharing in fellowship, because they understand! If that makes any sense. A Christian support group though. We “relate, don’t compare”, “it’s not a competition (on who has it worse/better)”, “Just for today”… Praise be to our one and real Holy Triune God!
I’m sorry for your pain and struggles. Some of the same. May I say there can be relief from chronic pains when one forgives and releases ought against all people who have hurt you. Also important to forgive yourself and receive God’s love. I know of many who’ve been healed when they’ve done this. Sounds too simple but it is actually part of the spiritual battle we’re in. 🙏
I’m sorry for your pain and struggles. Some of the same for me. May I say there can be relief from chronic pains when one forgives and releases ought against all people who have hurt you. Also important to forgive yourself and receive God’s love. I know of many who’ve been healed when they’ve done this. Sounds too simple but it is actually part of the spiritual battle we’re in. I’m working through this myself and have experienced some relief from these torments. 🙏
The war began for me as soon as I made the decision to start reading the Bible for myself, beginning with Genesis. 5 years later, I'm in Matthew and reading God's word has completely changed my life for the better. It was and still is non-stop war daily. You must have on the Full Armor of God to stand a chance. I quit smoking and drinking and recently quit the hardest sin ever. Lust. 🙏All thanks and praise to Jesus ✨️
@jeremyj427 I've been batting for years . When I quit smoking thc disposables recently, it made a difference and constantly seeking knowledge of God ✨️something just changed and the temptation has been lifted because I made the right choice instead of continuing in sin when I knew it was wrong for so long
"Without temptation we cannot enter into The Kingdom of God" this is so true. I came to Christianity through a temptation. Even though i still feel the shockwaves of this temptation from time to time, i am so greatful and thankful to The Lord that i went through it. All praise be to Him.
Thank you, Father. You've helped me in my search for God. I've recently returned to God's path for me after two decades of living wrongly, in such dark sin. I was raised casually Christian for a few years as a child but I never felt a connection... but now I know it's always been there, I just looked away. I'm so grateful for your channel. Thank you, God bless, and prayers for you, your family, parishioners, California, and all of humanity. 🙏 God is great.
The pain is a grace and few understand it. Many times with the pain we become humble and the most important thing we can OFFER it like Jesus on the Cross for us and for the sinners!
Thus the Bible says ✝️The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God. Because it is foolishness to him. But the Righteous shall understand🙏
If we are not in the midst of a storm, we are about to enter into one. May we behold our Savior during the trials and temptations that we faint not in our hope of the Lord's salvation.
Learning about God again from an Orthodox perspective is enlightening. I'm still struggling with doubt and worldly views but this is resonating. My soul has been empty and been placated with vices, sin, and lies most of my life. Ty for the channel.
Please pray for me. My soul is consumed by lust and I'm trapped. I've prayed my heart out, and would fall in to sin the very next day. I've worn out my conviction. It feels like a stain I can't remove and although I tell myself that God has infinite Forgiveness, I feel undeserving and trapped in guilt. A vicio😂us cycle. At this point I need a miracle cure because I'm weak and have no restraint. Praying for Forgiveness is harder than praying for help yet I still subject myself to it. I typically don't believe in posting things like this but at this point, Im broken. Please pray for me...
I understand how suffering can be salvific, but what about the children in Gaza, the children with cancer. On one level, suffering must remain a mystery. There is no answer sometimes and we are left with the need to just trust God and that all is working together for good! For love.
Thank you for this reflection. It brings us great strength and encouragement by giving us the proper orientation in the midst of life’s crises. We do well to heed the wise counsel of St Anthony, viz., to accept our own sins and expect temptations until our last dying breath. Too often we forget that the Christian life is a spiritual battle from beginning to the very end. The devastating fires in southern California highlight the importance of applying these truths to our everyday circumstances. Having established this foundation, is there room for assessing our leaders’ mismanagement? For calling our leaders to accept responsibility and if necessary to demand their repentance? Is there room to ask the question about the relationship between the leadership principles that govern our resources and this devastating fire that brought such destruction? Did we not just go through a global crisis of an even greater magnitude where the same principles could be applied? But where was the accountability on the part of our leaders then? Where was the repentance then? To my knowledge there has been no repentance, and especially no repentance from our hierarchs. And when our leaders, even our spiritual leaders, aren’t held to account for their mismanagement and we don’t see their repentance, is there any wonder that we would continue to see a wasteland of destruction left in the aftermath? How long are we tolerate seeing our businesses, schools, churches, indeed our entire lives destroyed through mismanagement? Without repentance for what we did during Covid, I am afraid we will see even more devastation and destruction like we see in southern California.
When I think about my life, it has been so easy compared to some, and filled with the blessings of our God. I then realize I have no justification in feeling despair. Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good! For His mercy endures forever!
I appreciate your good words. We are made to struggle, which draws us closer to God. I’m glad you spell it out in no uncertain terms. Life is a series of trials and tribulations. Sadly I fail continually, but I’d like to think I’m failing upward.
Thank you, Father. Wondrous and encouraging words, though hard to hear in the relatively easy path we have "in the West". Prayers from Australia for California.
Acts 14:22: "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
May God bring love, strength and the faith to bring the people of California through these extreme pain and sorrow. I pray with you father that you are able to help many people in need of your wisdom and your dedication to the lord.
"Suffering is an indication of a Kingdom which we look to. If being a Christian means being 'happy' in this life, we wouldn't need the Kingdom of Heaven" + Fr. Seraphim Rose
Thank you soo much last year I read book called Your Life Your Game by Keezano. This book truly changed my life..lt beautifully shows how connecting with God and building meaningful relationships can lead to spiritual growth and success in both your personal and professional life. A must-read, hallelujah🙌🏼
The second chord will be played when the first produces a golden splendor. A small repetition, a soft repetition… But, one that with the greatest creative effort and thought will cure the sickness of so many that a circle of angels will sing to you from the golden blush of heaven. The emulation of perfection.
0:01 Catastrophy and Despair. 0:30 St Anthony The Great ☦️ *Temptation* 1:16 About Temptation ☦️ 1:38 Own your own sins ☦️ 2:03 Expect Temptation. ☦️ 3:07 Until the last Breathe 😤😮💨 *Temptation* 3:42 Without Temptation, no one can be saved ☦️ 4:44 Humility ☦️ 5:14 6:39 On The Providence of God. ☦️ 7:12 Fear and The Emperor. *Temptations* 8:26 There are many dangers, snares, temptations. 9:02 The present life is a wrestling school, a training ground, a furnace. 10:18 Gold tried in the fire 🏅🔥 12:20 To appear more worthy. *God Bless You.* 🙏🏼❤️🔥 13:03 Trust in God ☦️ 13:23 God Be With You ☦️
I was curious about the use of labyrinths for prayer. I've seen them at various monasteries of different Christian traditions. Someone was recently encouraging me to go to one for prayer. I feel uncomfortable, thinking they have largely pagan roots...
If one dares to pray so, he might encounter a temptation exceeding his strength; "to one He gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability". Temptation will come even without asking for them.
I'm 72 and I must live outside the United States on my social security of $800 a month. I have lost all, family, business, house everything and I asked bishops and priests how they might help me to live where I can hear liturgy in my own language in America and find me some place to live and the answer is always the same "we'll pray for you" as they pass by but I'm still naked and bruised on the side of the road of life and accused of being bitter and told to self-blame.
Bitterness is not something of which others accuse you; it is a torture you inflict upon yourself, making you increasingly unhappy. Others simply observe and possibly tell you what they observe. Gratitude is the key to happiness, and it is a choice; I can thank God for what I have, or I can pine for what I don't have. And MY CHOICE in this matter is what I am responsible for. Self-blame, as you put it, or self-responsibility, as I put it, is concerning your own sins, not what life has doled out to you. But you are in control of how you react to what life hands you. Have you eaten today? Thank God for the food in your stomach. Do you have a place to live? Thank Him for the roof over your head. Think of the poor people in Ukraine, Syria and Gaza, and Thank Him that you live in a country that is not ravaged by war. Start learning the language of the country you're in, so that you can understand the Liturgy, and thank Him for giving you a way to exercise your brain so as to avoid old age fogginess. I'm 66, I live in Italy, and the Orthodox Church here is moldavian emigrants; I'm learning romanian, at least as much as is contained in the Liturgy, in order to participate with awareness. Thank God for these dear moldavians (and some russians and some romanians as well), for if it weren't for them, there would be no Orthodox Church here! Every day I ask God for the willingness to change my attitude, whenever I start in with self-pity or despondency or pining for what I wish I had, because it's my choice, whether I'm going to respond with gratitude or with protestations, for whatever life throws my way. And in this way, you participate in the spiritual growth God wants to cultivate in you. God bless you and help you to see things differently ❤
Come to.Serbia.to live. You can live.decently.with 800. It is Orthodox country for 1000 years. People are still healthy in the heads and.souls.comparing.to the. European and US contemporary standards. All younger people speak English, and you.can learn Serbian.for 1 year, actually words for Liturgy you can learn for 1 month and to understand all. Nature is beautifull and still healthy,.people hospitable, weather pleasant. You have on YT some.Americans.who moved here, their opinions. May God.bless you and.help you.
I would recomend some smaller town in central Serbia-Sumadija (Shoomadeeyah). I just was in Vrnjacka Banja (Vrnyachka Spa) it is kind of town I like, small with parks, cafes. There is mountain Goch, ski resort, and close to it are monasteries Zica (Zhicha) and Studenica (Stoodenitsa) which are 800 years old. Other cites there are Kraljevo, Kragujevac etc, you can search....Most developed part is north Serbia called Vojvodina (Voyvodeenah), city Novi Sad, Subotica, Sombor (town of NBA player Nikola Jokic). I dont like much this northern part because it is all flat, and I like mountains. Avoid if possible the capitol Belgrade, it is 2 milion of nervous arrogant people chasing money. You can explore Montenegro (orignaly Crna Gora) it is small country, with high mountains and beautiful adriatic coast, mediternean pearl. Towns like Budva, Kotor, Herceg-Novi The same nation, religion and language.. The best way would be to first come turisticaly end to go a few days to feel the ambient in eg Belgrade-Novi Sad-central Serbia-Montenegro coast. I know this American he runs the blog , you could even write him with questions : m.th-cam.com/video/_PCGgrQBLzQ/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUQc2VyYmlhIGhlYWxlZCBtZQ%3D%3D The interviewer is Russian, because since war in Ukraine started 300 000 Russians moved here, his chanel Attic Life is all about emigrants in Serbia and could be usefull source of information for you.
Father, my family was recently received into the Romanian Orthodox Christian Church of American Episcopate by Baptism, Chrismation and now receive Communion. Can you please bless my family with a discount coupon for an order of 2 Icons? I plan on paying for them on January 20th. One is Saint Nicholas (our Patron and Parish Saint) and the second is an Icon of the Guardian Angel. My husband has had 6 back surgeries (a birth defect in the spine) and is now on disability. So we don't have much money. Thank you so so much. I will comment this under your videos and hopefully you will answer, God willing.
When will we have a break .doesnt god feel anything. so much suffering ...i dont think it leads anywhere.i noticed the times in my life i suffered the most i became more bitter and evil and hated god.not everyone becomes holy from lifes brutality.
Life is brutal because of the failure of our first parents as recorded in Genesis 3. God is not some sadist that tortures us to see if we respond better (Lamentations 3:33). The problem lies with us. Consider the context of James' remarks about perseverance. For he goes on to say ... 13When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. 15Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.b 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.c
so my friends kept talking about this book Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane, and at first, i was like, “yeah, okay, another manifestation book.” but then i started noticing how much was changing for them-one finally got the opportunities they’d been waiting on, and another straight up started their own business. it’s not flashy or anything, but you can tell their whole vibe is different. it’s wild how something so subtle can feel so real. if you’re curious, maybe check it out-it’s not for everyone, but it hit different for them.
Acts 15:1 KJV "And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved. 6 And the Apostles and Elders came together to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago GOD made choice among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the Gospel and believe. 8 And GOD, Who knows the hearts bare them witness giving them the HOLY GHOST even as HE did unto us; 9 and put no difference between us and them purifying their hearts by FAITH. 10 Now therefore why tempt GOD to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the GRACE of the LORD JESUS CHRIST we shall be saved, even as they." Note: The Apostles and Elders of the Church in Jerusalem all agreed that no works not even one work was to be added to being saved by GOD'S GRACE through FAITH (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV).
Can there be an improper self-blame that leads to mental stress and sickness? My children left the faith my son takes drugs and has illegitimate children, my daughter just attempted suicide and I'm told by my father confessor to blame myself and I ask for clarification did I beat them, starve them, what did I do? I get no answer but that Orthodoxy requires that I must blame myself. If I resist this in any way I am proud and egotistic? What are the limits of self blame?
You're asking commenters to jump into a dialogue between you and your father confessor, and no one can do that, also because there is a lifetime of details that no one but you and your children are privy to. As far as I know, the "blame" that belongs to you at present lies in neglecting to pray for them continuously. And praying that God enlighten you regarding mistakes of the past - so that you can confess them, and then seek the forgiveness of those that were harmed, and carry on in a healed/healing relationship.
So God created man because he's "all powerful, " yet knew man would fall from his Grace,because he's "all knowing," yet still creates man and man is inflicted with pain and suffering of man's own doing,yet God loves his creation and will allow you to earn your way back into his grace with all the pain and suffering man will be faced with in order to do so. All powerful,all knowing and all loving? I think not!
If you seperated a man into his base components, you'd have not much more than minerals, bacteria and water. What does pure carbon even do for the environment? I can't imagine too much, maybe effect soil nutrient balances. Together, as the sum of all their parts, you have something that can show love and tenderness and courage and curiosity. But also greed and hate and laziness. Imagine if all those were the same thing. That sounds like an intense experience. But also imagine being that and pondering what it's like to experience life into it's base elements. Like what would it be like if I could just experience love, in the same way white gives birth to all the colours. If my life was black and white, what a gift to see colour it would be. Thus this is the essence of free will. God gives us a path, but also the freedom to stray. Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it's not. We just have to know when God is testing us and when God wishes to "merely" show the way
It is so brutal and painful because apparently we deserved it right when we are unfortunate enough to be born, we deserve it for sins of these two who's, yet angles at least 2/3 of them don't deserve any punishment for sins of 1/3 of them, very fair to me
Flesh is a bit rough, easily can get grimy. Angels cannot reproduce though, flesh is necessary. So, it compares to farming, not nice, but there are better and ideal ways. Food production, creating new beings, is procreative, active in God's Kingdom. Life management takes life knowledge. Life and death both feed on life, and that is what is so prescious, and worth a struggle. Some struggle is necessary, or we become spoiled. If it isn't unpleasant, we wouldn't seek up , sometimes it seems that enough haven't been seeking spiritual knowledge and higher love, Agape love, parental. Shalom, in Jesus's name, A.D. truth, Heritage, help us to understand and grow, Amen!
The Orthodox believe that through their own pain and suffering they can enter the Kingdom of Heaven do they not? Part Jesus', part man's own suffering, right? Why think this? It is completely against the Bible.
Isn't it God's fault? The revelation says he would create a perfect world, why not from the beginning? He knew that Morning Star would rebel and we humans would be deceived! He is the creator of everything and everything is the way he wants it, so his fault! or?
i kept hearing about Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane from my friends, and honestly, i thought it was just another trendy self-help book. but when they started landing jobs they thought were impossible and reconnecting with things they’re passionate about, i had to pay attention. it’s not just “be positive” stuff; it’s more about aligning with what you actually want in life. if you’re stuck or feeling off, maybe it’s the nudge you need-it’s worked for people around me.
i used to think books about manifestation were just fluff until my friend wouldn’t stop talking about Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane. i thought it was gonna be one of those “just think positive” things, but it’s deeper than that-it’s about the energy you’re putting out and how it shapes what comes back. my friends who read it are legit more focused and are actually pulling in opportunities and relationships they’ve wanted for years. not saying it’s magic, but it’s clicked for a lot of people i know-might click for you too.
not gonna lie, i thought manifestation was overhyped until a friend gave me Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane. i wasn’t expecting much, but everyone i know who read it started making these real changes-they’re more focused, more aware of their energy, and opportunities they’ve been chasing are finally coming through. it’s not a magic answer, but it opens your eyes to what you’re putting out there. if you’re feeling stuck, it might help shift things for you too.
I think that’s why God made sure we got The Book of Job. Regardless of where we are in life, we are going to suffer. We have to make sure not to blame God and keep the Covenant. We are going to be tempted and fall and deal with suffering but regardless we follow Christ’s example. Be open to repentance and strive forward. That’s how we truly live.
I’ve been yelling at God bro it’s been tough I don’t understand what he’s doing. I feel breathless and tbh it sucks. Please pray for me
@@nathanielkleber1443you aren’t always supposed to know what God is doing. that’s why you have faith, whether you know or not
Except that G-d is literally at fault for everything that befall Job. Job was devout and a loyal servant of G-d but had his entire family killed because of a bet G-d made with the devil.
dude. i love you man this is so good
@thelostcosmonaut5555 but Job's family were unrepentant sinners. That's why they were killed. Job was rewarded with double of what he had lost because of his faithfulness. The morale to the story is worship the Lord in good times and the bad. What do we say in our wedding vows.
I'm in pain daily. Nobody knows why, people are tired of me mentioning my aliments and my limited ability to do things. My marriage is struggling, I'm in no man's land just starting into Orthodoxy. It's been months and I feel like I can't take it much more. Nothing is changing and on top of that I'm living paycheck to paycheck. I'm afraid I won't make it to heaven on top of all my suffering. I'm trying to hope but despair encompasses me daily. Please pray for me.
I’m in the same boat expect I’m in college and I’m 19. I feel breathless sometimes, and it sucks bro.
I will pray for you brother
My heart feels for you… please don’t give up, thank you for reaching out!!! My best friend suffers from chronic pain, and I understand how it’s the same “merry-go-round” , unrelenting pain and venting. (I listen to her because she listens to me and my own struggles too. We are to carry one another’s burdens). Thankfully God never gets tired of hearing us vent. He loves you. I’m sorry I don’t have words of healing, but I know God does. May your spirit be encouraged 🙏🏻💞 Ask if anyone at the local church knows others with similar situations or pains? To have another family member IN Christ be there for you, y’all can relate. I say this, because, I go to AA meetings and it’s amazing how others who understand don’t hurt others as much when sharing in fellowship, because they understand! If that makes any sense. A Christian support group though. We “relate, don’t compare”, “it’s not a competition (on who has it worse/better)”, “Just for today”… Praise be to our one and real Holy Triune God!
I’m sorry for your pain and struggles. Some of the same. May I say there can be relief from chronic pains when one forgives and releases ought against all people who have hurt you. Also important to forgive yourself and receive God’s love. I know of many who’ve been healed when they’ve done this. Sounds too simple but it is actually part of the spiritual battle we’re in.
🙏
I’m sorry for your pain and struggles. Some of the same for me. May I say there can be relief from chronic pains when one forgives and releases ought against all people who have hurt you. Also important to forgive yourself and receive God’s love. I know of many who’ve been healed when they’ve done this. Sounds too simple but it is actually part of the spiritual battle we’re in. I’m working through this myself and have experienced some relief from these torments.
🙏
"Lead me not to temptation, but deliver me from evil." Amen.
it is keep me away from temptation....your ancestors purposely mistranslated to mislead people and mock Elohim
The war began for me as soon as I made the decision to start reading the Bible for myself, beginning with Genesis. 5 years later, I'm in Matthew and reading God's word has completely changed my life for the better. It was and still is non-stop war daily. You must have on the Full Armor of God to stand a chance. I quit smoking and drinking and recently quit the hardest sin ever. Lust. 🙏All thanks and praise to Jesus ✨️
Hallelujah!!!!
How did you quit lust?
@jeremyj427 I've been batting for years . When I quit smoking thc disposables recently, it made a difference and constantly seeking knowledge of God ✨️something just changed and the temptation has been lifted because I made the right choice instead of continuing in sin when I knew it was wrong for so long
@@nalveyna thanks for the answer.
5 years. Man that gives me hope.
May God protect you and your parishioners father!
"Without temptation we cannot enter into The Kingdom of God" this is so true. I came to Christianity through a temptation. Even though i still feel the shockwaves of this temptation from time to time, i am so greatful and thankful to The Lord that i went through it. All praise be to Him.
Thank you, Father.
You've helped me in my search for God. I've recently returned to God's path for me after two decades of living wrongly, in such dark sin. I was raised casually Christian for a few years as a child but I never felt a connection... but now I know it's always been there, I just looked away.
I'm so grateful for your channel.
Thank you, God bless, and prayers for you, your family, parishioners, California, and all of humanity. 🙏
God is great.
The pain is a grace and few understand it. Many times with the pain we become humble and the most important thing we can OFFER it like Jesus on the Cross for us and for the sinners!
Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.✝️
We must all walk through the fire, some of us literally.
you are right. It will be your turn very soon.
The existence of suffering is the most potent argument against belief in God, good that this subject is addressed.
The Problem of Pain- CS Lewis
Thus the Bible says ✝️The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God. Because it is foolishness to him. But the Righteous shall understand🙏
Also one of the most potent for the truth of Genesis 3.
@@DM100 The Protestant Pope!
Thank you father, for the encouragement you offer us.
Destruction gives you an opportunity to rise with the lord and once again connect in ultimate meaning
If we are not in the midst of a storm, we are about to enter into one. May we behold our Savior during the trials and temptations that we faint not in our hope of the Lord's salvation.
❤🔥😇✝GOD HAVE MERCY ON US SINNERS 🙏🕊💪
It’s getting brutaler by the minute it feels
"Into every life a little rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary"
- Longfellow
FACTS. TRUTH. WISDOM....here it is, folks. Lord Jesus Christ, Have mercy on us☦️
Glory to Jesus Christ!
Our church on the other side of the world is praying for your state in the prayers of the faithful, so are countless others
The themes for me this week have been surrender and mercy.
Thank you Father, This I needed to hear. So much we don’t know but we get to graciously learn.
Learning about God again from an Orthodox perspective is enlightening. I'm still struggling with doubt and worldly views but this is resonating.
My soul has been empty and been placated with vices, sin, and lies most of my life. Ty for the channel.
Please pray for me.
My soul is consumed by lust and I'm trapped. I've prayed my heart out, and would fall in to sin the very next day. I've worn out my conviction. It feels like a stain I can't remove and although I tell myself that God has infinite Forgiveness, I feel undeserving and trapped in guilt. A vicio😂us cycle. At this point I need a miracle cure because I'm weak and have no restraint. Praying for Forgiveness is harder than praying for help yet I still subject myself to it. I typically don't believe in posting things like this but at this point, Im broken. Please pray for me...
Go to a priest/ bishop and confess your sins.
same
Thank you father ✝️🕊️♥️🙏 God belss everyone♥️
Thank you Father Josiah, very helpful and encouraging.
I understand how suffering can be salvific, but what about the children in Gaza, the children with cancer. On one level, suffering must remain a mystery. There is no answer sometimes and we are left with the need to just trust God and that all is working together for good! For love.
Yes there is. The answer is Sin through sin comes suffering.
Exactly. There is only hard in some lifes and there is just no answer sometimes
@@ryanralston1466 too simplistic.
@DM100 ??? What happened in the Garden of Eden?
@@DM100 I'd assume it's to teach you that this world is cruel and unforgiving since the current mortal world is filled with vices
Thank you father
Thank you for your content Father Josiah, and God bless you
Thank you for this reflection. It brings us great strength and encouragement by giving us the proper orientation in the midst of life’s crises. We do well to heed the wise counsel of St Anthony, viz., to accept our own sins and expect temptations until our last dying breath. Too often we forget that the Christian life is a spiritual battle from beginning to the very end. The devastating fires in southern California highlight the importance of applying these truths to our everyday circumstances.
Having established this foundation, is there room for assessing our leaders’ mismanagement? For calling our leaders to accept responsibility and if necessary to demand their repentance? Is there room to ask the question about the relationship between the leadership principles that govern our resources and this devastating fire that brought such destruction?
Did we not just go through a global crisis of an even greater magnitude where the same principles could be applied? But where was the accountability on the part of our leaders then? Where was the repentance then? To my knowledge there has been no repentance, and especially no repentance from our hierarchs. And when our leaders, even our spiritual leaders, aren’t held to account for their mismanagement and we don’t see their repentance, is there any wonder that we would continue to see a wasteland of destruction left in the aftermath? How long are we tolerate seeing our businesses, schools, churches, indeed our entire lives destroyed through mismanagement? Without repentance for what we did during Covid, I am afraid we will see even more devastation and destruction like we see in southern California.
Saint Anthony pray for us 🙏 ☦️
This was very eye opening. Thank you
For real ones to thrive, putting God first.
Thank you so much for this. ❤
When I think about my life, it has been so easy compared to some, and filled with the blessings of our God. I then realize I have no justification in feeling despair. Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good! For His mercy endures forever!
I appreciate your good words. We are made to struggle, which draws us closer to God. I’m glad you spell it out in no uncertain terms. Life is a series of trials and tribulations. Sadly I fail continually, but I’d like to think I’m failing upward.
Brilliant, thanks Fr.
Thank you, Father. Wondrous and encouraging words, though hard to hear in the relatively easy path we have "in the West".
Prayers from Australia for California.
Glory to God
Acts 14:22: "Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."
I love this and accept it. This is the way.
God bless you Father ☦️⛪️🙏💪
Exactly what I was praying for.
May God bring love, strength and the faith to bring the people of California through these extreme pain and sorrow. I pray with you father that you are able to help many people in need of your wisdom and your dedication to the lord.
Just what I needed. Thanks, father.
Great message, great timing, thank you
Thank you
Amen!
Bless u all!☀️Brittany 🔥
Thanks
What are the other reasons life is brutal? Part 2 please. God bless 🙏😇.
"Suffering is an indication of a Kingdom which we look to. If being a Christian means being 'happy' in this life, we wouldn't need the Kingdom of Heaven"
+ Fr. Seraphim Rose
I'm adoring these videos..
Could we have good advice on how to fast while mothering for a toddler?
I struggle with this bcuz it’s like, we do all this work but then God gets all the glory. I’m a believer but sometimes I struggle with this pride.
God provides the strength to do the work
God gives you the very breath in your lungs. All glory to God, Creator and Provider of all things.
@@NFS0038 thank you for replying. This is a good reminder.
Thank you soo much last year I read book called Your Life Your Game by Keezano. This book truly changed my life..lt beautifully shows how connecting with God and building meaningful relationships can lead to spiritual growth and success in both your personal and professional life. A must-read, hallelujah🙌🏼
a must-read
Buy an ad, and somewhere else.
Liberty is most powerful because self esteem is often mistaken for wisdom and humility is rock which is an ageless male.
The second chord will be played when the first produces a golden splendor. A small repetition, a soft repetition… But, one that with the greatest creative effort and thought will cure the sickness of so many that a circle of angels will sing to you from the golden blush of heaven. The emulation of perfection.
0:01 Catastrophy and Despair.
0:30 St Anthony The Great ☦️
*Temptation*
1:16 About Temptation ☦️
1:38 Own your own sins ☦️
2:03 Expect Temptation. ☦️
3:07 Until the last Breathe 😤😮💨
*Temptation*
3:42 Without Temptation, no one can be saved ☦️
4:44 Humility ☦️
5:14
6:39 On The Providence of God. ☦️
7:12 Fear and The Emperor.
*Temptations*
8:26 There are many dangers, snares, temptations.
9:02 The present life is a wrestling school, a training ground, a furnace.
10:18 Gold tried in the fire 🏅🔥
12:20 To appear more worthy.
*God Bless You.* 🙏🏼❤️🔥
13:03 Trust in God ☦️
13:23 God Be With You ☦️
LIfe is not brutal....reality is !
Father, please insert in the episode description the name of this book you hold on the 8th minute. ❤ Sounds amazing
I was curious about the use of labyrinths for prayer. I've seen them at various monasteries of different Christian traditions. Someone was recently encouraging me to go to one for prayer. I feel uncomfortable, thinking they have largely pagan roots...
I am responsible for life’s brutality because of my own sin.
Then why do we pray our father prayer . And lead us NOT into temptation, but deliver us from evil . Please respond.
To build immunity is to build trust.
What was the name of the St. John Chrysostom book he was referencing?
So I should pray "and lead us into temptation that we might be saved"?
If one dares to pray so, he might encounter a temptation exceeding his strength; "to one He gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability". Temptation will come even without asking for them.
I'm 72 and I must live outside the United States on my social security of $800 a month. I have lost all, family, business, house everything and I asked bishops and priests how they might help me to live where I can hear liturgy in my own language in America and find me some place to live and the answer is always the same "we'll pray for you" as they pass by but I'm still naked and bruised on the side of the road of life and accused of being bitter and told to self-blame.
Bitterness is not something of which others accuse you; it is a torture you inflict upon yourself, making you increasingly unhappy. Others simply observe and possibly tell you what they observe. Gratitude is the key to happiness, and it is a choice; I can thank God for what I have, or I can pine for what I don't have. And MY CHOICE in this matter is what I am responsible for. Self-blame, as you put it, or self-responsibility, as I put it, is concerning your own sins, not what life has doled out to you. But you are in control of how you react to what life hands you. Have you eaten today? Thank God for the food in your stomach. Do you have a place to live? Thank Him for the roof over your head. Think of the poor people in Ukraine, Syria and Gaza, and Thank Him that you live in a country that is not ravaged by war.
Start learning the language of the country you're in, so that you can understand the Liturgy, and thank Him for giving you a way to exercise your brain so as to avoid old age fogginess. I'm 66, I live in Italy, and the Orthodox Church here is moldavian emigrants; I'm learning romanian, at least as much as is contained in the Liturgy, in order to participate with awareness. Thank God for these dear moldavians (and some russians and some romanians as well), for if it weren't for them, there would be no Orthodox Church here!
Every day I ask God for the willingness to change my attitude, whenever I start in with self-pity or despondency or pining for what I wish I had, because it's my choice, whether I'm going to respond with gratitude or with protestations, for whatever life throws my way. And in this way, you participate in the spiritual growth God wants to cultivate in you. God bless you and help you to see things differently ❤
Come to.Serbia.to live. You can live.decently.with 800. It is Orthodox country for 1000 years. People are still healthy in the heads and.souls.comparing.to the. European and US contemporary standards. All younger people speak English, and you.can learn Serbian.for 1 year, actually words for Liturgy you can learn for 1 month and to understand all. Nature is beautifull and still healthy,.people hospitable, weather pleasant. You have on YT some.Americans.who moved here, their opinions. May God.bless you and.help you.
Where would you recommend I go in Serbia and do you know of any English speaking foreigners who are orthodox living in Serbia?
I would recomend some smaller town in central Serbia-Sumadija (Shoomadeeyah). I just was in Vrnjacka Banja (Vrnyachka Spa) it is kind of town I like, small with parks, cafes. There is mountain Goch, ski resort, and close to it are monasteries Zica (Zhicha) and Studenica (Stoodenitsa) which are 800 years old. Other cites there are Kraljevo, Kragujevac etc, you can search....Most developed part is north Serbia called Vojvodina (Voyvodeenah), city Novi Sad, Subotica, Sombor (town of NBA player Nikola Jokic). I dont like much this northern part because it is all flat, and I like mountains. Avoid if possible the capitol Belgrade, it is 2 milion of nervous arrogant people chasing money. You can explore Montenegro (orignaly Crna Gora) it is small country, with high mountains and beautiful adriatic coast, mediternean pearl. Towns like Budva, Kotor, Herceg-Novi The same nation, religion and language.. The best way would be to first come turisticaly end to go a few days to feel the ambient in eg Belgrade-Novi Sad-central Serbia-Montenegro coast. I know this American he runs the blog , you could even write him with questions : m.th-cam.com/video/_PCGgrQBLzQ/w-d-xo.html&pp=ygUQc2VyYmlhIGhlYWxlZCBtZQ%3D%3D The interviewer is Russian, because since war in Ukraine started 300 000 Russians moved here, his chanel Attic Life is all about emigrants in Serbia and could be usefull source of information for you.
Where do you live now?
How are there 12 thumbs down?
5:22 "we must overcome temptation to be saved!"
So, sinless perfection is the standard??
This is confusing in regard to scripture.
Father, my family was recently received into the Romanian Orthodox Christian Church of American Episcopate by Baptism, Chrismation and now receive Communion.
Can you please bless my family with a discount coupon for an order of 2 Icons? I plan on paying for them on January 20th.
One is Saint Nicholas (our Patron and Parish Saint) and the second is an Icon of the Guardian Angel.
My husband has had 6 back surgeries (a birth defect in the spine) and is now on disability. So we don't have much money.
Thank you so so much. I will comment this under your videos and hopefully you will answer, God willing.
Slava Ocu 😇☠️⚔️☦️ Amin.
When will we have a break .doesnt god feel anything. so much suffering ...i dont think it leads anywhere.i noticed the times in my life i suffered the most i became more bitter and evil and hated god.not everyone becomes holy from lifes brutality.
Life is brutal because of the failure of our first parents as recorded in Genesis 3. God is not some sadist that tortures us to see if we respond better (Lamentations 3:33). The problem lies with us. Consider the context of James' remarks about perseverance. For he goes on to say ...
13When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. 14But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. 15Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.b 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.c
so my friends kept talking about this book Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane, and at first, i was like, “yeah, okay, another manifestation book.” but then i started noticing how much was changing for them-one finally got the opportunities they’d been waiting on, and another straight up started their own business. it’s not flashy or anything, but you can tell their whole vibe is different. it’s wild how something so subtle can feel so real. if you’re curious, maybe check it out-it’s not for everyone, but it hit different for them.
Bot comment
Say Christ is Lord
Acts 15:1 KJV "And certain men which came down from Judæa taught the brethren and said, Except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.
6 And the Apostles and Elders came together to consider of this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them, Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago GOD made choice among us that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the Word of the Gospel and believe. 8 And GOD, Who knows the hearts bare them witness giving them the HOLY GHOST even as HE did unto us; 9 and put no difference between us and them purifying their hearts by FAITH. 10 Now therefore why tempt GOD to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the GRACE of the LORD JESUS CHRIST we shall be saved, even as they."
Note: The Apostles and Elders of the Church in Jerusalem all agreed that no works not even one work was to be added to being saved by GOD'S GRACE through FAITH (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV).
Can there be an improper self-blame that leads to mental stress and sickness? My children left the faith my son takes drugs and has illegitimate children, my daughter just attempted suicide and I'm told by my father confessor to blame myself and I ask for clarification did I beat them, starve them, what did I do? I get no answer but that Orthodoxy requires that I must blame myself. If I resist this in any way I am proud and egotistic? What are the limits of self blame?
You're asking commenters to jump into a dialogue between you and your father confessor, and no one can do that, also because there is a lifetime of details that no one but you and your children are privy to. As far as I know, the "blame" that belongs to you at present lies in neglecting to pray for them continuously. And praying that God enlighten you regarding mistakes of the past - so that you can confess them, and then seek the forgiveness of those that were harmed, and carry on in a healed/healing relationship.
You can ask your children what you did in the past to hurt them, they will tell you
Just for the sake of clarity, is it Google that shadowbans respectful comments or questions that void all foul language, or you?
Accountability
So God created man because he's "all powerful, " yet knew man would fall from his Grace,because he's "all knowing," yet still creates man and man is inflicted with pain and suffering of man's own doing,yet God loves his creation and will allow you to earn your way back into his grace with all the pain and suffering man will be faced with in order to do so. All powerful,all knowing and all loving? I think not!
☦️
If you seperated a man into his base components, you'd have not much more than minerals, bacteria and water. What does pure carbon even do for the environment? I can't imagine too much, maybe effect soil nutrient balances. Together, as the sum of all their parts, you have something that can show love and tenderness and courage and curiosity. But also greed and hate and laziness. Imagine if all those were the same thing. That sounds like an intense experience. But also imagine being that and pondering what it's like to experience life into it's base elements. Like what would it be like if I could just experience love, in the same way white gives birth to all the colours. If my life was black and white, what a gift to see colour it would be. Thus this is the essence of free will. God gives us a path, but also the freedom to stray. Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it's not. We just have to know when God is testing us and when God wishes to "merely" show the way
It is so brutal and painful because apparently we deserved it right when we are unfortunate enough to be born, we deserve it for sins of these two who's, yet angles at least 2/3 of them don't deserve any punishment for sins of 1/3 of them, very fair to me
because of you and your people, that's why. No need for a video on that question
Flesh is a bit rough, easily can get grimy. Angels cannot reproduce though, flesh is necessary. So, it compares to farming, not nice, but there are better and ideal ways. Food production, creating new beings, is procreative, active in God's Kingdom. Life management takes life knowledge. Life and death both feed on life, and that is what is so prescious, and worth a struggle. Some struggle is necessary, or we become spoiled. If it isn't unpleasant, we wouldn't seek up , sometimes it seems that enough haven't been seeking spiritual knowledge and higher love, Agape love, parental. Shalom, in Jesus's name, A.D. truth, Heritage, help us to understand and grow, Amen!
The Lord CAN add more angels at ANY time, as many as a Need requires.
How do you fight when you have brain damage? Then what.
Quit doing your brain continued damage.
Oh boy @@DIOGENEShound
Keep surrendering it to God every second, every moment, He is patient and a Good Father. He understands and will not leave you.
The Orthodox believe that through their own pain and suffering they can enter the Kingdom of Heaven do they not? Part Jesus', part man's own suffering, right? Why think this? It is completely against the Bible.
Isn't it God's fault? The revelation says he would create a perfect world, why not from the beginning? He knew that Morning Star would rebel and we humans would be deceived! He is the creator of everything and everything is the way he wants it, so his fault! or?
This place blows.
i kept hearing about Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane from my friends, and honestly, i thought it was just another trendy self-help book. but when they started landing jobs they thought were impossible and reconnecting with things they’re passionate about, i had to pay attention. it’s not just “be positive” stuff; it’s more about aligning with what you actually want in life. if you’re stuck or feeling off, maybe it’s the nudge you need-it’s worked for people around me.
i used to think books about manifestation were just fluff until my friend wouldn’t stop talking about Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane. i thought it was gonna be one of those “just think positive” things, but it’s deeper than that-it’s about the energy you’re putting out and how it shapes what comes back. my friends who read it are legit more focused and are actually pulling in opportunities and relationships they’ve wanted for years. not saying it’s magic, but it’s clicked for a lot of people i know-might click for you too.
not gonna lie, i thought manifestation was overhyped until a friend gave me Vibrations of Manifestation by alex lane. i wasn’t expecting much, but everyone i know who read it started making these real changes-they’re more focused, more aware of their energy, and opportunities they’ve been chasing are finally coming through. it’s not a magic answer, but it opens your eyes to what you’re putting out there. if you’re feeling stuck, it might help shift things for you too.
☦️