When I heard the Eurovision winning song "We are the heroes of our time" I didnt pay attention to the rest what he was singing, at least could not hear it well. But then when hearing it again, I realized he sings "we are dancing with demons in our minds"...Wow, I was struck with these antichristian content and that this "demonic" song was voted by millions of Europeans. "We are heroes because we are dancing with demons???" Worse, the song later says that this dancing with demons is the greatest anthem ever heard! What kind of nonsense is that? Is one a hero because he is a friend of a demon? This is some sort of talk from the "church of satan" on eurovision stage. Demon is an enemy of a human. You dont dance or play with demons. Christian fights the demon, not befriends him. He opposes demonic temptations. St. Anthony says that "Devil arranges different enticements, nice in look but fatal for life!" Devil and hordes of demons had been defeated by Jesus Christ on Golgotha and human had been set free from the bonds of devil and sin. I looked up the lyrics of this song and I was shocked even more. I see that the song starts with words "Dont tell gods I left a mess. I cant undo what has been done. Lets run for a cover..." Gods? There is Only One God. The song promotes polyteism, false belief that if there are many gods, when the first commandment says "Let there be no other God for you!". Then it says "I left a mess which I cant undo" as if there is no repentance, no forgiveness, no mercy, no return to God. Its a lie and father of lies is a devil! God precisely came down to us suffering on the cross to offer us salvation, to stretch human a Divine rescuing Hand of help and free grace. The only thing He asks from a human is to repent and He will undo the sins, through the Blood shed on the cross, through Sacrifice He paid for our sins. Then the song says "He said go dry your eyes and live your life like there is no tomorrow, son". This is another satanic phrase which denies the Last Judgement, life after death, like there is no punishment or responsibility for our actions. The Apostolic Creed says "I believe in Resurrection of the Dead and life of the future ages and life everlasting" and that "Jesus will come to judge the living and the dead." Its obvious that this Swedish singer (the son of professor of Lund University!) is unfamiliar with the very basics of Christian faith and Swedish children are being brought up in moral and spiritual ignorance. How can one call this nation to be Christian if it celebrates in front of TVs for the words "live your life like there is no tomorrow, son". This is precisely what satanism promotes - life of self indulgence, life of hedonism, life of irresponsibility. The fact that most of Europeans and Australians voted for this "anthem" says a lot about the spiritual degradation of modern world when antichristian slogans appeal the European masses. Despite all of this, there are still many Christians in Europe, millions of Christians, perhaps a minority but they are there and their voices are heard in chruches, blogs, streets, Christians TV channels, Christian radio stations. But these are only a few who find the road that leads to life. The thing is the crowd that watches Eurovision is the crowd of "the world", the crowd that walks "the wide road". 1 John 2:15 says "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them". Matthew 7:13 also says "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Christian walks the narrow path. "But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" Matthew continues in 7:14. St. Anthony says that "it is through free choice that demons became evil as most of humans". But unlike demon, human, while he is still in the body, has a chance to repent. Change is only possible here on earth. Spiritually every day we are not the same. We either degrade or grow. Let us use the precious time for growth and purification, to near us to God, to receive forgiveness bringing the fruit of repentance. Because once we die and leave our bodies we will enter the timeless dimension, being "sealed" in the spiritual state we formed ourselves to. Let us struggle to become angels and not demons. About the high calling of human, watch this video of St. Anthony the Great who being just 20 years old withdrew into desert to seek God, living as a solitary for 85 years! He could have found himself a nice wife, he had a chance to indulge in pleasures of life, living "like there is no tomorrow", as Mans Zelmerlow calls the Europeans to do. But he didnt, being 20, he rejected all this! He looked at life from eternal perspective, as there is tomorrow, as there is Judgement, as there is responsibility! Le him be our example to ponder about...
Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salvation. Show all posts
Monday, June 15, 2015
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
On Prayer
Prayer can do miracles and it in fact does them. If God or some angel would disclose you all the effects prayer has upon the events or people in your life, you wouldnt have stopped praying. There are no coincidences in life. We get what we deserve or what God thinks what is beneficial to our souls, though it might be a painful medicine. God is like a Great Surgeon, who wishes only the good. There is no evil in God as He is only Love.
I noticed that if I pray before sleep I also sleep and rest better. Life without prayer is a nightmare - it is as walking in darkness not knowing where is the next pitfall. Without God, without prayer you set your life, health at a great risk - its like living at the mercy of the devil, who has no mercy as there is no goodness in him.
Christian shoud address God every morning and night. Once you wake up make a sign of the cross over yourself, recite the "Prayer of Optina elders", which is a blessing prayer for the day. One should know it by heart, as I for example, use it daily in Ukrainian. It is very much used in the Orthodox Christian Church. It is included in all prayer books. It sounds the following:
"Grant unto me, O Lord, that with peace of mind I may face all that this new day is to bring.
Grant unto me to dedicate myself completely to Thy Holy Will.
For every hour of this day, instruct and support me in all things.
Whatsoever tidings I may receive during the day, do Thou teach me to accept tranquilly, in the firm conviction that all eventualities fulfill Thy Holy Will.
Govern Thou my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say.
When things unforeseen occur , let me not forget that all cometh down from Thee.
Teach me to behave sincerely and rationally toward every member of my family, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to none.
Bestow upon me, my Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day, and to bear my part in all its passing events.
Guide Thou my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive, and to love.
Amen"
Before you fall asleep you should make sign of cross over yourself and say "In Thine Hands I give over my spirit O, Lord". Falling asleep is a sort of a "little death". Our spirit does leave or better to say "releases" the body during sleep but not alltogether and because of that we are more vulnerable to the external influences and need Divine protection. Thats why even if your are sleepy and tired, try to say at least the basic prayers (as Our Father, Ave Maria, Heavenly King, ask for sins forgiveness) or in general address God with your own words as you can. If you are not tired and have time and the necessary moment of silence, light the candle before the Icon of Christ or Mary or the Crucifix and say all the night prayers from prayerbook (good to know them by heart) and also pray with your own words too. Prayer with your own words is important as it comes straight from your heart and God values such prayers a lot. You can also recite couple of psalms. Genuflection (making knee bowings or prostrations) at the end of prayer is important. It is a sign of our respect and gratitude towards God who is the Superior Master over all creatures, who granted us life and everything we have in life, as nothing happens without His Will or Permission on this earth.
As far as prayer book is concerned - get yourself Orthodox prayer book (this is the best on my opinion) in your own language or Catholic prayer book (if you are Catholic). Any Christian living the modern western world should be well versed in both Christian traditions - eastern and western (I add even Jewish one) and get "the best pearls" out of all for your own spiritual benefit. Synchretism can be dangerous, I agree but if you have some education, knowledge of Christianity, have faith and reasoning you can find your safe way. I for example, use even Latin prayers like Salve Regina or Ave Regina (learned them by heart) or Hebrew ones (like Avinu Malkeinu or Christian prayers or psalms in Hebrew as Simkhi Miriam, Aveinu she be Shemaim, Esa einai el heharim...) though I am with the Orthodox Church. Its your personal choice how you wish to pray or praise God and Christ. It depends very much upon your cultural background or ethnicity. Good to have Holy Water (I usually get it in January from the Church, when waters are blessed on the day of the Baptism of Christ, get some 2-3 liters to be blessed then) and drink a glass of Holy Water once in a while.
Taking a regular Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church (I would recommend at least twice a month) will help you to pray. You will see that its much easier to make your pray (and to maintain spiritual life) after the Holy Communion (its a great relief for the soul as a Drop of Christ´s Sacrificial Blood purifies your entire being, depression (which is basically a "sin burden") goes away, you feel like you loose 20 kg) than if you dont take it for a long time.
Prayer and the Holy Communion will make your life safer. That I can reassure you in that!
I noticed that if I pray before sleep I also sleep and rest better. Life without prayer is a nightmare - it is as walking in darkness not knowing where is the next pitfall. Without God, without prayer you set your life, health at a great risk - its like living at the mercy of the devil, who has no mercy as there is no goodness in him.
Christian shoud address God every morning and night. Once you wake up make a sign of the cross over yourself, recite the "Prayer of Optina elders", which is a blessing prayer for the day. One should know it by heart, as I for example, use it daily in Ukrainian. It is very much used in the Orthodox Christian Church. It is included in all prayer books. It sounds the following:
"Grant unto me, O Lord, that with peace of mind I may face all that this new day is to bring.
Grant unto me to dedicate myself completely to Thy Holy Will.
For every hour of this day, instruct and support me in all things.
Whatsoever tidings I may receive during the day, do Thou teach me to accept tranquilly, in the firm conviction that all eventualities fulfill Thy Holy Will.
Govern Thou my thoughts and feelings in all I do and say.
When things unforeseen occur , let me not forget that all cometh down from Thee.
Teach me to behave sincerely and rationally toward every member of my family, that I may bring confusion and sorrow to none.
Bestow upon me, my Lord, strength to endure the fatigue of the day, and to bear my part in all its passing events.
Guide Thou my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to suffer, to forgive, and to love.
Amen"
Before you fall asleep you should make sign of cross over yourself and say "In Thine Hands I give over my spirit O, Lord". Falling asleep is a sort of a "little death". Our spirit does leave or better to say "releases" the body during sleep but not alltogether and because of that we are more vulnerable to the external influences and need Divine protection. Thats why even if your are sleepy and tired, try to say at least the basic prayers (as Our Father, Ave Maria, Heavenly King, ask for sins forgiveness) or in general address God with your own words as you can. If you are not tired and have time and the necessary moment of silence, light the candle before the Icon of Christ or Mary or the Crucifix and say all the night prayers from prayerbook (good to know them by heart) and also pray with your own words too. Prayer with your own words is important as it comes straight from your heart and God values such prayers a lot. You can also recite couple of psalms. Genuflection (making knee bowings or prostrations) at the end of prayer is important. It is a sign of our respect and gratitude towards God who is the Superior Master over all creatures, who granted us life and everything we have in life, as nothing happens without His Will or Permission on this earth.
Ukrainian Orthodox prayer book
As far as prayer book is concerned - get yourself Orthodox prayer book (this is the best on my opinion) in your own language or Catholic prayer book (if you are Catholic). Any Christian living the modern western world should be well versed in both Christian traditions - eastern and western (I add even Jewish one) and get "the best pearls" out of all for your own spiritual benefit. Synchretism can be dangerous, I agree but if you have some education, knowledge of Christianity, have faith and reasoning you can find your safe way. I for example, use even Latin prayers like Salve Regina or Ave Regina (learned them by heart) or Hebrew ones (like Avinu Malkeinu or Christian prayers or psalms in Hebrew as Simkhi Miriam, Aveinu she be Shemaim, Esa einai el heharim...) though I am with the Orthodox Church. Its your personal choice how you wish to pray or praise God and Christ. It depends very much upon your cultural background or ethnicity. Good to have Holy Water (I usually get it in January from the Church, when waters are blessed on the day of the Baptism of Christ, get some 2-3 liters to be blessed then) and drink a glass of Holy Water once in a while.
Taking a regular Holy Communion in the Orthodox Church (I would recommend at least twice a month) will help you to pray. You will see that its much easier to make your pray (and to maintain spiritual life) after the Holy Communion (its a great relief for the soul as a Drop of Christ´s Sacrificial Blood purifies your entire being, depression (which is basically a "sin burden") goes away, you feel like you loose 20 kg) than if you dont take it for a long time.
Prayer and the Holy Communion will make your life safer. That I can reassure you in that!
Monday, February 10, 2014
Spiritual health
Do you know that your physical health is dependent upon your spiritual health? Healthy spirit generates a healthy body. Dont believe in lies that tell you that you are just the body, a mere matter, like a car or computer. It is eternal soul that fills the body and makes it alive. Spirit is a "upper part" of the soul, it is the heart, the mind, the intellect, self consciousness. The intelligent and divine spirit makes us humans. Animals also have the soul but they dont have the higher spirit, they cant reason, they dont have remorses of consiousness, they dont have true freedom of will (they cant go against their bodily instincts)- hence they are not responsible for their actions. We humans, stand responsible (before God) for all our actions already in this life and even more in the life to come.
Dont fool yourself by thinking that you will die and disappear. You will loose the body but your eternal soul will keep living, you will keep thinking (because thinking is spiritual, immaterial process) and remembering, regretting or feeling peace for what you have done in life. Every action, every thought, very word is recorded, nothing goes into oblivion. In fact, they say in Tibet, your soul leaves the body your thought works 7 times faster than in bodily state, as it is not limited by material nature. However after death, you loose the opportunity to change your soul. It gets "fixed" in the very state you leave the body. Change, growth, development is possible only here on earth, while you are in the body. Your eternal and immortal soul is "one" with the temporarily and deadly body. It fills every cell of the body. Hence while we are in the body we have to use time to shape and form our eternal soul to the best possible ethical and moral level, developing knowledge, good habits, virtues, accumulating good deeds, pray and develop our relations with the Absolute Spirit and Creator, our Father, which is God. Our goal should be our sainthood, our sanctity, so that when we leave the body we would be ready and fit to enter heaven, the abode of saints, what eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind - God prepared this for those who love Him.
Dont fool yourself by thinking that you will die and disappear. You will loose the body but your eternal soul will keep living, you will keep thinking (because thinking is spiritual, immaterial process) and remembering, regretting or feeling peace for what you have done in life. Every action, every thought, very word is recorded, nothing goes into oblivion. In fact, they say in Tibet, your soul leaves the body your thought works 7 times faster than in bodily state, as it is not limited by material nature. However after death, you loose the opportunity to change your soul. It gets "fixed" in the very state you leave the body. Change, growth, development is possible only here on earth, while you are in the body. Your eternal and immortal soul is "one" with the temporarily and deadly body. It fills every cell of the body. Hence while we are in the body we have to use time to shape and form our eternal soul to the best possible ethical and moral level, developing knowledge, good habits, virtues, accumulating good deeds, pray and develop our relations with the Absolute Spirit and Creator, our Father, which is God. Our goal should be our sainthood, our sanctity, so that when we leave the body we would be ready and fit to enter heaven, the abode of saints, what eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind - God prepared this for those who love Him.
Human develops and grows not only as a body but also as a spirit. There is bodily growth (or degradation) and there is spiritual growth (or degradation). You are not the same even next day. While you are in time you are subject to change. There is no way to stop or go back. We have to face constant challenges, constant exams while we live. And here knowledge is very important to make right choices, right decisions, to avoid mistakes, things and actions that harm our soul. We need advise from holy men, saints and most of all from God Himself on how to live. And we do have it readily available - these are the Bible (in particular the New Testament), Teachings of Church Fathers, lives of saints, thousands of books by experiences theologians, Christians scholars, preachers or even blogs written by wise men. I do not consider myself to be particularly wise, being just an average Christian who like you longs for truth, spiritual wellbeing and salvation. But as we are obliged to help others in life, as Our Lord commanded (spiritual assistance and advise are far more important than material one) I decided to start this blog to bring to you, dear reader, what I have learned from my Christian experience, prayer, spiritual readings and studies. Modern world is full of confusion and chaos. It is very hard to find a true light and knowledge in it. My blog is intended to help all those who are lost or seek the answers to the truly important existential questions and dilemmas many face today.
English is not my native language (Ukrainian is), so I ask you pardon for any mistakes you find in my articles. Coming originally from western Ukraine, for the past soon 14 years I had been living in Norway and Iceland, writing this from Reykjavik now.
May God bless your day and will help you to come closer to Him. Today, I ask also the intercession of Saint Macarius the Great for you and your family. Until tomorrow dear friend.
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