St. John the Divine Early Learning Center

The Week Before Holy Week Is Known As The Week Of Quietness And Prayer 🙏

This Week Is A Period Of Self-Examination And Preparation in Anticipation Of The Crucifixion And Resurrection Of Christ. It Is A time Of Silent Prayer And Fasting. There Are No Ministries Held This Week.

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Have you ever wanted to be a more effective Christian leader? Have you desired to utilize your gifts in leading others? Join The Louhs as they speak with Orthodox Christian, Tim Tassopoulos, President and COO of Chick Fil A as he shares principles that have guided him as a leader of one of the most successful food chains. The show airs live on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 8pm (Eastern) on Ancient Faith Radio (Ancientfaith.com). Share with your friends and family.

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12

We are called to ”live as children of light,” “to be imitators of God, to walk in love and to separate from darkness,” and to be constantly assessing our motivations, according to God’s instruction, being “very careful with how we live, not as unwise but as wise” because we know that “the days are evil,” Ephesians 5. But when we look at our life, though we know all of this, sometimes we forget to be on guard for things that can derail our life in Christ and play on our carelessness and human nature in its present weak and imperfect condition. Integrity is one such area. And yet what blurs our integrity? Winning, selfish ambition, status, greed, wanting the glory, instant gratification, and even following the wrong leaders. And yet what drives most of these? Pride.

Pride motivates us to place our value on the status we attain in the eyes of the world, rather than in the eyes of God. Pride is also one of the biggest barriers that divides us from God. You see, we cannot have an intimate relationship with God and be prideful at the same time. Pride gets in the way of our own self-awareness, blocking us from seeing ourselves and others through a lens of good intention and righteous acts. It sacrifices our integrity, prompting us to chase glory and recognition, over doing what is right, what pleases God and what is best. So, in order not to sacrifice our integrity, we must first realize that we always have a choice. Because “in our hearts there is good and evil. Which of the two will prevail depends on the effort we ourselves put in. If we give a free rein to our self, without trying to curb it, evil will prevail. On the other hand, if we strive, goodness and virtue will overcome,” St. Isaac the Syrian.

You see, Christians are free to set their minds on the Holy Spirit actively pursuing virtue and goodness and to be spiritually minded does not happen magically, it requires the cooperation of the believer in obedience to God (Romans 8:5-8). So every day, let us choose the way of the spirit and deliberately put to death anything that sets itself up against Christ. And when we make this choice, we allow the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts, prompting us to be imitators of Christ, and to live life with the integrity that our faith requires.

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs Ancient Faith Ministries

We all scream for ice cream! 🍦 We had a successful and delicious Spirit Night at Bruster's. A big thank you to Bruster's Real Ice Cream on Atlantic Blvd. and all those who came out to support St. John the Divine Early Learning Center.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

It’s amazing how God works in our life over time to bring us healing, perspective and peace about the things that plague us in this life. When we look at the darkness in the world, God always finds ways to remind us of His goodness, His love and His light, which are always at work for us even in the greatest of storms. After a tough time, it’s always amazing to look back and see how God answered our prayers, and how powerful His hand of healing can be, no matter how big our burdens are. Whether the things we were worrying about resolve, or our perspective toward them changes, or we grow in ways we never expected, His light is always present, if only we seek to look for it.

You see, God is our healer in all things, and we must remember to “let go and let God,” work in our lives because the good He can bring is far greater than anything we can do on our own, and any change we could have ever imagined. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs Ancient Faith Ministries

I once read that righteousness means having a “right relationship” with God. What does it mean to have a right relationship with God? It means following His teachings and His commandments in our character, in our conscience, in our actions, and in our words. Its letting our choices be motivated by that relationship, over everything else. And isn’t this what having integrity is all about? Doing what is “right” by God, out of our desire to be in a “right relationship” with God. You see, too often, our choice to have integrity rests on whether we believe a situation or a person deserves it. It’s based on the feelings of wanting to do so when it feels good, as in giving back the change when a business erroneously gives us too much change in return for payment. But our integrity can’t be based on our feelings, or on the conditions we place on it, because it is what holds us set in God’s “presence forever.” And integrity comes into play in so many aspects of our being, from what we do, to what we say, to even how we think. You see, the Bible reminds us that God discerns our thoughts from afar, that “even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether,” Psalm 139:4. So, living righteously before God, begins with how we allow ourselves to think, and ends with not letting it be driven by our feelings.


Where do you find it hardest to practice integrity? Do you find it hard to treat your family the same way at home, that you do in public? Or how about when someone else experiences something good in their lives that you have always wanted, do you find it hard to be happy for them? Or how about when someone doesn’t necessarily deserve grace, do you get caught up in what’s fair and struggle to give that grace? Having integrity means choosing what's right, not what feels right. It's choosing in all things, to live in right relationship to God, placing Him first and at the center of everything we do. St. basil once said, we are to contemplate ourselves until we see God. So let us all go out today and contemplate ourselves (in thought, word and deed) until we begin to see God’s righteousness directing our steps, and in this way, we find the birth of integrity.

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs Ancient Faith Ministries

There are people in this world who cross our path and whose presence is a reminder of Psalm 16:8, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me.” As their light shines in a world full of darkness, truth and hope is revealed; sometimes it’s the timing of their words, the hope we hear in their testimony, or the mere comfort of their unrelenting presence. And as human beings, we need each other, because we all share a common nature. We are made in God’s image but all struggling with how to live exactly in that way when our life faces difficult seasons. And we must never forget that sharing our light, sometimes means sharing our story. Just think about the story of the blind man in the Gospel of John and how greatly he exemplifies this lesson. In sharing His testimony, He became a witness for Christ. A light to those in darkness. And even as the pharisees’ doubt and skepticism abounded, manifesting in question after question, the blind man answered simply, “one thing I do know, that whereas I was blind before, now I see,” John 9:25. He didn’t share His light by trying to convince others of what they should believe, He simply shared how his life was changed by knowing Christ. And by his openness, his testimony became a powerful witness for who Christ is. So how can we share our light? Our story is a powerful place to start.



Think about your own life, how did you come into your faith? What made it real for you? What deepened your faith, taking you from a shallow understanding, to a deep connection and dependence? How are you changed because of knowing Christ?


I will personally never forget a woman who shared her story with me, in the midst of my own desperation, bringing her light into darkness. In one of the many hospitalizations my father experienced during his battle with cancer, I was by his side, monitoring all the lab numbers coming in; reading and researching everything I could, to make sure the doctors were not missing anything pertinent to his care. In trying to figure everything out, I just remember feeling so overwhelmed because there were so many things going wrong at the same time. It wasn’t looking good. “God please give us hope,” I prayed. At that very moment, my prayer was interrupted with a knock on the door. It was an African American woman who looked to be in her late 50’s or early 60’s. She said, “Excuse me ma’am, I know you don’t know me, and I don’t know you, so forgive my intrusion, but my sister is being discharged from the hospital today after a medical scare. God granted us a miracle today. And I have no idea why you all are here, but as I was passing your room, I felt God telling me you might be in desperate need of prayers too. Can I give you this little book of prayers for healing that I used when I prayed for her? I don’t know, but maybe it will help you.” She spoke with conviction and comfort, as though she was an old friend. I can’t describe the warm feeling that washed over me, wrapping me with comfort. And after making that statement, before I was even done processing what she had just shared, she was gone. I didn’t even get to say, thank you. But in that moment, all I could feel was God’s presence. She brought light into a very dark moment. It was a reminder that He was with me, that I wasn’t alone and that He would carry us through. The truth is, her visit was short and sweet, it was simple and kind, and it was authentic. It also took courage, but wasn’t overthought, she trusted her gut. So, in sharing your light, let your story be shared, and be the reason someone might experience knowing that, “the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me,” Psalm 16:8.

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs Ancient Faith Ministries

Trust in Him fully not just sometimes, but at all times.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

It’s easy to trust in God when everything is going well in our lives; when our prayers are answered and things just seem to be working out. But when life comes crashing down upon us and obstacles abound, it can leave us feeling defeated, and out of control, like the waves of a great big ocean tossing our boat without a sail. Obstacles and setbacks can make us lose our way and think to ourselves, “Why is this happening to me?”

We pray, we trust, we work hard, try to do life right and yet sometimes our plans still fail. And without even realizing it, we can easily begin to internalize a narrative of defeat; seeing it as permanent, a result of our own inadequacies, and a prediction of what’s to come if we pursue other goals. It’s a perfect recipe for giving up on our dreams of making a difference in this world. But it’s been said that “all human wisdom can be contained in these two words: “wait” and “hope,’” (Alexandre Dumas) and this couldn’t be more true. The Bible epitomizes this wisdom throughout scripture, encouraging us to lean into God and to trust in Him fully not just sometimes, but at all times, because He is our refuge and our hope (Psalm 65:8).

So in the midst of defeat, we must seek peace for our soul, by turning our worries, our setbacks and our defeat over to Him. We remain in hope knowing, that not only does God tell us that He has a purpose for our lives, but He also says that He will accomplish it, as He does not forsake the work of His hands (Psalm 138:8). And we must never forget that God often uses our difficulties, “so that the works of God might be displayed in us,” John 9:3. It’s easier to wait when we remember that God is always in control, working for our good, even if we can’t see how it’s all going to come together in the end.

God only asks for our “desire and effort,” which must come from [us]. And “God will provide the power and the result,” (Elder Paisios of Mount Athos). So if you are feeling defeated by something today, or facing setback after setback, remember that God does not let go of us until He’s accomplished the work of His plans and “No purpose of His can be thwarted,” Job 42:2. So, remain steadfast in prayer, trust in His goodness and never let go of the hope of His promises.

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs Ancient Faith Ministries

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

As parents, we love our children more than life itself. And because of that, we want to give them everything they need to reach their goals, their dreams and their aspirations. Along the way of course, this requires much guiding, teaching and reminding. For parents, there is no shortage of behaviors to mold and shape in our children. And although we want our children to grow up to be kind, to have integrity, to listen well, to say please and thank you, to do well in school and to be respectful to everyone they meet, ultimately we want to shape our children into who they need to be to fulfill God’s greater purpose for their lives. It’s a big responsibility, and sometimes we forget along the way, that our children are still developing the capacities to be responsible, patient, respectful, and kind.

Their brains are still maturing, growing, changing and developing (well into their mid 20’s). And in our good intention, sometimes in all our teaching, we aren’t actually reaching our children because we forget to make room for hearing and seeing them; hearing how they feel, validating their perspectives, and helping them feel understood. Yet what is required for our children to truly adapt our values as their own? Our connection. Children tend to remember most, not what we say, but the way we make them feel. So, if we want our children to learn our values, they have to feel connected to us as they are learning them. We have to make time to connect not just correct. In doing so, we provide a means for our children to even follow our faith, because they have experienced our faith, through our love.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” John 13:35. So, the next time you want to shape a behavior, be willing to take a step back and connect first. Ask your child how they are really doing, and then really listen to the answer. Make what happens in their day important to you, even if it seems trivial. Remember to check in about what they said they were excited or worried about, and try to follow up on how it went. Check in with them, before you remind them of everything that needs to get done. And if they are overwhelmed, try to ask the simple question, “how can I help?” And lastly, take interest in their interests and never forget the power of a hug, a compliment or a kind gesture. When we connect before we correct, we leave a foundation they will want to come back to.

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:24

We have all come across people in the world who just seem more drawn toward the negative. It’s as if their brains, even at rest, are simply not at peace. And because of this, they may tend to joke in ways that are hurtful, or be invalidating or demeaning in relation to our truths. When it comes to things that go wrong, they tend to be more focused on blame, than problem solving how to help. And how do most of us react? By walking on eggshells, overthinking what we say and do, and feeling defensive at every turn. If we are not careful, their negativity can become our negativity.

Realize though, it's okay to step off the rollercoaster. The Bible is filled with wisdom about the importance of being slow to anger and cautious around those who are angry. “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil,” Psalm 37:8. We step off the rollercoaster when we realize that just because someone provokes us, doesn’t mean we have to be provoked. In fact, we can feel something, without letting it lead our reactions, but only if we are paying attention enough to know when their negativity has become our negativity. So remain conscious of your own thought life, take in only what is necessary for the sake of the moment and leave the rest to God, trusting in Him to heal in them, what you cannot. You see, when God calls us to follow Him, we must remember that it wasn’t toward a life of ease. Yet, He also promises us that in all of our battles, we will have ultimate victory through Christ Jesus.

“For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God,” James 1:20.

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity. Titus 2:7

Each and every day we are faced with a decision…..How are we going to respond to the brokenness we see in the world? We don’t have to look far to see needs all around us. Yet, too often, we are either too consumed with defeat at the state of the world, or we aren’t paying enough attention to respond when the opportunity presents. But today, we challenge you to look around.

Maybe someone you know has just experienced the sudden death of a loved one. Maybe you turn on the news and are reminded of the continued spread of disease alongside division, anger and violence. Maybe you look outside the walls of our country and see those living in war torn countries just trying to exist amidst government corruption. Maybe you pull up the latest statistics on children in this world who do not have food to eat, or clean water to drink, while food and water abound in other parts of the world.

We must remember that God gave us free will and He yearns for us to respond to the call all around us. And yes it’s easy to get over overwhelmed by all the need, and sometimes we just don’t know where to start, but remember -start right where you are, right now. Monumental change never started with an elaborate act, but rather lots of tiny, little efforts as opportunities present right within our midst. So today, practice kindness. If you see someone on the highway needing to merge, be courteous and let them in.

If you know someone in your community that could use some encouragement, help them feel less alone, and either call or write them a card. Find a charity near and dear to your heart and research how to support it. And even when it comes to your own thought life, try to be mindful. Remember, how we treat others, begins in large part with how we see others in our minds. So, refuse to let judgment lead. Let this week be your commitment to a renewed beginning. Let one virtue that you would like to see more of in this world be your focus every day.

Day 1: Live with more patience and humility, replacing “me” with allowing for “we.” Day 2: Live with tolerance and compassion. Learn about someone different than yourself, listen to their story, hear their plight. Day 3: Practice being helpful in some way to others. Ask your neighbors or those in your community how you can help with something they are doing. Day 4: Practice a random act of kindness. Pay for someone’s coffee, leave an anonymous positive note for someone. Day 5: Live with more gratitude and appreciation. Thank those you might usually overlook and choose not to complain about anything for an entire day. Don’t let another opportunity pass you by to pour goodness into this world. The world is yearning for us to make the choice, see the need and be the change we hope to see. Let’s get started!

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs

"For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ," 2 Corinthians 4:6

In life we come across so many different people; people we feel similar to, and those we couldn’t be more different from. Yet as we come across those who are different, those who might have different beliefs, life choices or backgrounds than us, it's easy to suddenly forget our purpose and overcomplicate our calling. But it truly is, none other than our love that brings others to know Christ's love. It is not our preaching, not our correcting, and certainly not our judging. As earthly vessels of God’s goodness, we are called to let His light shine with transparency, both in us, and through us, so that others may come to ask, “Who is this God you worship?”

You see, we must never forget that everyone we meet has had a different experience with learning who God is. Some have come to doubt His existence, others have come to know Him only as something to fear, or as something that is far from them because of their past mistakes. But our God is a loving God, who shows mercy and compassion, and who does not condemn others no matter the mistakes they have made (John 8). We worship a God who wipes the slate clean when we turn our hearts to Him. And yet, no one will come to know our loving God, if we don’t learn how to share Him in a way that transcends our differences, with love. You see, we cannot underestimate our influence on others.

How we live, has the power to turn others toward our faith, to give them hope, to turn their life around by showing them a good, loving and merciful God that they can count on no matter their past, or we can give others yet another reason to stay distant from God. Let's not overcomplicate our response. We need only to manifest His spirit of love, with humility and mercy. In this way, we fulfill the law according to scripture which demands us to love our neighbor without partiality, and to let “mercy triumph over judgment,” John 2:8-13. It is through our love, and by our love that others will be able to see God’s love. It is demonstrating our faith, that prompts others in the search for their own faith. So, let us lay aside every judgment, every complicated approach to control and watch as God works through you to bring healing, comfort and hope to those around you, simply by your having been a vessel of His goodness. You see, when we strive to let no enemy work within us, there will be no longer an enemy to face outside of us.

Please help us spread the light to those who may need it most by sharing these messages and encouraging others to join our daily inspiration by going to TheLouhs.com and clicking on "subscribe.." Have a blessed day and stay strong in your walk of faith. -The Louhs