The Prophet

Today, we hear accounts from many "prophets" warning us of coming doom. People are beside themselves in preparation. But what right do they have to frighten people, unless they have an ulterior motive. We have had prophets since the beginning of time. Who then, do you believe? What is their source? Certainly, not those who are out there to make a profit on you.
I agree, if there were anytime that we needed sound prophecy, it would be now, as things are surely a mess, worldwide, (as they always have been). The only creditable source that I know of, is the Bible. The bible, which spans thousands of years of wisdom, and is the Word of God.

One of my favorite prophets was King David. In Psalm 89 (90) taken from the Orthodox Study Bible, we learn that God exists outside of time, that a thousand years are like yesterday. (Verses 14-17) teaches us that we should come to Him each and every morning, looking for His return at the Second Coming. He fills us daily with His mercy, joy and enlightenment, and becoming prosperous daily, we will find our strength and hope. We know success in averting spiritual warfare. For He is our help, shelter and refuge. This is where our victory will come from. We do not live in fear. He upholds us with His right hand. We are safe from all calamity, in a world that has always known nothing but, as it is in a fallen state. We must be at the "ready" at all times, seeing God before our face.

On Pascha (Easter) we learn that all has been provided for those who have put on Christ, through Baptism, and that he has given us the Victory through His Resurrection. Christ our Lord is the promised One to King David. (Luke 1:32) "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end."

What does this prophetic king, David, have to say to this generation? We find his words in (ACTS 2:22)

"Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourself also know--Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, and have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it."

Today, like David, we can be glad. Having celebrated the Resurrection of Christ, as the many who have rejoiced before us, and those who will after us can say. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

In other words, there is no such thing as death, to those who believe in Him, and have put on Christ.

In the words of King David, (Acts 2:25) 'I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand that I may not be shaken, therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh will dwell in hope."

The only question left is this: Are you, prepared like the wise virgins?

(Psalm 119:105) "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Maybe it's time to stop walking in the darkness and put on Christ, who is the only light in life, our only true HOPE, who gives us the promise of everlasting life in Him through faith.

Christ is Risen, Indeed He has Risen. And because He lives, so shall we live!

Our Right to Creativity

Appearing all over face book is the story where some people changed words to a famous song because they didn't want the word "God" to appear.

One song was written by Lee Greenwood, and it is a "hit" as far as I'm concerned. I gave this some serious thought, and while my opinion is just that, I read some responses that gave me pause. What are people trying to do? Do they think that they can remove God? Perhaps, it offends them to hear the word, God. I thought everyone knows this but, just in case, you will never remove God, He is everywhere present and He fills all things. It doesn't matter that His name is there or not, He still IS There. I'd like to see someone try it, if it were possible, because it is not.

I am sick of the excuses. It is wrong to change someones music, words to a song, or even creative art. We still have our opinions. Censorship is dangerous, as it places us on a slippery slope.

Commonsense tells you not to believe something just because someone says so, or because it is a "popular belief." Are you strong enough to stand up for your own position? If you don't fight for your rights, you will lose them to a "common voice," one you may not like to hear or agree with. Maybe you like to be swayed by the crowd, it is easier sometimes than making the wrong choice. That way, you do not have to be held responsible, if the choice is different, or unpopular.

I don't believe that the majority of people would agree that God should be taken out of the lyrics of Lee Greenwood's song, but only a small amount of cowardly people, who prey on the likes of innocent victims. Who better, than children who have no choice but to follow your sick propaganda.

I've got news for you. God not only is present, but He hears and sees all that you do. I'm sure somehow, that you do not need reminders about that either. What is it that your so afraid of?