Faith Explored Posts

God allows bad things to happen – not because he wills or desires evil but because he believes so strongly in giving us free will. But he doesn’t stop there. He invites us to cooperate with him and allow him to bring good out of evil.

How often are you thankful for the things you are not in control of? Consider these wise words from a young man who is thankful for things he can't control. How can we respond to a God who lovingly gives us so many good things we do not control?

Now that the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence has passed, let’s take a look at what true freedom really is. It is more than just freedom FROM the rule of others. America’s founders saw it as freedom FOR something. But for what?

Many things might happen if humans encounter intelligent creatures from another world. Films and books have rarely considered how our spiritual nature and theirs might affect the outcome. Our track record is not good.

To be believed, some people need to make promises or swear they are telling the truth. Jesus has a better idea: Let your “Yes” always mean “Yes.” If you do that, you won’t need to swear that you are telling the truth.

One of my students asked me, “Mr. Faletti, how do you stay so calm?” I responded that “I know the end of the story.” “What do you mean?” the students asked. "How do you know the end of the story?" The answer begins with Easter.

In junior high, I used to shoot 100 free throws a day but could never make more than 57 shots. Elite athletes pour their heart and soul into the pursuit of excellence. What can we learn from them as we pursue our goals?

When a coworker, teammate, church member, student, or family member is not doing the right thing, what should we do? It is tempting to respond with anger. This expert on human relationships offers a different approach that is more effective in dealing with difficult people. Take a look at what to do – and what not to do.

Last week’s SpaceX rocket launch was awe-inspiring because engineers and scientists spent years using their gifts and talents to achieve an amazing goal. When we use the curiosity, creativity, and intellect that God placed in us at our creation, to do good, it is awesome and can bring glory to God, even if that is not our intention.

The song “This Little Light of Mine” comes from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:13-16), where Jesus tells us to let our light shine. But what is the “light” we are called to shine? Jesus’s answer might surprise you.

We face 3 common temptations: to fill our wants inappropriately, to seek inordinate attention, and to pursue power at the cost of integrity. They lure our public figures. How do you respond when they entice you?

As I looked at my friend’s body, the message was clear: Your days are numbered; use the time you have well. It’s a lesson that applies both to our personal lives and to our professional lives.

The “wise men” of the Christmas story are foreigners who travel from another country to see Jesus and are welcomed by the Holy Family. But these wise men are part of a much bigger story that Matthew is telling in his Gospel. What is Matthew's bigger point, and how do the wise men fit into it?

My Christmas cactus didn’t bloom for years. When it did, I learned some lessons about having patience and not judging others.

How much good news can you capture in just 8 notes? Take a look at this video to see. Then ask yourself: What are the “pauses” in your life that are needed between the notes, to help the good news sound clearly?

The movie “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” was not written by or for Christians, but it shows an ordinary Christian trying to be a channel of God's grace – something every Christian is called to do. How does that show up in the middle of a murder mystery?

Most people love a good love story – in movies and plays, in literature and books. But many people don’t realize that the greatest love story in the history of the world is celebrated every year – and YOU are in the story!

Everyone – politicians, people in business, and you and me – face the temptation to make ourselves look good and to think that we are solely responsible for who we are. Giving thanks to God can help us gain some perspective and avoid hubris. Here are some things you can thank God for.

Developing a habit of gratitude can rewire your brain and change your life and the lives of others. Take a look at this video to see gratitude in action (warning: it will put a smile on your face but might also tug at your heart). And consider these ideas for how to give thanks.

God loves you more than the birds, more than the moon and stars, more than you can imagine. Listen to Matthew West as he expresses these truths in his powerful song “More.” Then accept and embrace God's love, and shine brightly.