We all strive in finding the root of passion find that passion or zeal in our own lives.
When you talk to someone with a dream, they usually tell it with passion. If you come across someone with a gift they like to share, they are considered passionate.
Did you know that the Latin root of passion is patis, which means suffering. Why on earth would passion and suffering be related? Then again the Passion of Christ was the largest suffering anyone could encounter.
Think of this week, the week we call Holy week. On Palm Sunday you likely heard the story called the Passion. There are performances and movies that depict the passion of Jesus. He truly did suffer and humble himself to become man, take on our sins and be crucified for us. Out of passion?
When we give of ourselves for others. Chase a dream through sleepless nights. Humbly serve our brethren. We too find our passion. It is through our dying unto ourselves that others may live.
My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion,
some compassion, some humor, and some style. ~ Maya Angelou
People in hospitals are called patients, also the root is patis , and they are those who are also suffering. When we show signs of patience we suffer in silence for others. All these have the same root but numerous meanings. The patience it takes as we chase down our passion in turn can bring

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As Christians we travel through life guided and touched by the Holy Spirit. Or are we? We thrive in life through our flesh rather than being guided by the light. We profess that we believe, but do you? Last weekend I spent getting my world shattered. I know I am broken, we all are to some extent. But when you have your brokenness laid out before you and are called to look it straight in the eye. How would you react? Sure I read my Bible, go to Church, tithe and “act Christian.” As many do I wear the t-shirts, preach the gospel. But that is not enough. I might as well be a heathen. I hide my sins, my pain and scars. Thinking that there is no way God would ever forgive a wretch like me. Holding onto years of anger and bitterness only drives the nails in deeper. Living in darkness becomes easy. “Let’s ask ourselves: are we open to the Holy Spirit, do I pray to him to enlighten me, to make me more sensitive to the things of God?” ~ Pope Francis Knees bruising from the weight of by burdened soul. I knelt down for what seemed like forever. For the first time in my life, I felt home. Home among thousands, yet the Holy Spirit chose me to be the one. Touched by the light, His fire and spirit burned from inside me. Crying like a small child, I asked for forgiveness. Relieve me from the pain of this darkness. Bring me from the […]

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Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Lenten season marking the beginning of a 40 day journey of Ashes, Abstinence, Fasting and Penance.

Many Christians are under the belief that these 40 days are a new diet. They give up chocolate, sweets, caffeine and more. It is really not the time to join Weight Watchers. This is not a make up period for your broken New Year’s resolutions. Rather than concerning ourselves with simple atonement that others might notice. Better we do penance for our sins than continue breaking God’s heart.

“Wherever you are in the spiritual life, Jesus Christ wants to encounter you right there and take you further…” ~ Steve Bollman

If we spend these 40 days in reflection and prayer.

Take time each day to investigate our own hearts.
Start a conversation with your Heavenly Father.
Focus on forgiveness, not only of others but your own.
We are all broken sinners that by God’s Grace and healing we can be made new. Beginning a path to spiritual newness and donning the armor of our faith. We can begin to live a life of sacrificial service and fortitude. As men we are challenged by temptations throughout our life. Lent is a prime opportunity to wage war against the three main temptations.

The Temptation of the Flesh – sins like pride, greed, lust, anger, envy, sloth and gluttony (Deadly Sins)
The Temptation of the World – pursuits of the material world through power and prestige and ‘to rule over others’.
The Temptation of the Devil – outlets like the media, movies, t.v. and more that work hard to persuade us to live without the presence of God.

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