Today I'm writing my blog late on Friday night instead of Saturday morning to free up more time on my Saturday schedule. This week I read an article in the news which made me very angry. Seldom does a news article make my blood boil, but this story definitely did. It occurred in Texas where a federal judge ruled Wednesday that any form or even mention of prayer at a Texas high school graduation ceremony was strictly forbidden. The judge ordered the words "invocation" and "benediction" banned from the program and further ordered that no student or speaker would use the words "prayer," "bow your heads," "join in prayer," or even "stand" when used in reference to prayer. The ruling was in response to a suit filed by a family whose son attended the school who claimed that their atheistic son would suffer "irreparable harm" if exposed to prayer during graduation. Talk about a chilling restriction of free speech - this would certainly be one! Atheists are growing in both numbers and intolerance of any religious expression in various venues. Years ago the percentage of American atheists was 4% but today it stands at 16%, and they are becoming increasingly militant in their stand against any form of religious expression. Fortunately a federal appeals court overturned the judge's ruling and allowed prayer to be expressed in the commencement exercises this weekend. Thank God some sanity was restored regarding this issue and common sense ultimately prevailed. Christians should never sit idly by while their God-given religious freedoms are being taken away. As Moses asked the children of Israel, "Who is on the Lord's side?" (Exodus 32:26). If we don't stand up for our rights, we just may lose them one by one and that would be an ultimate tragedy since so many paid such a steep price so that we might have them (reference last week's blog regarding Memorial Day).

Tomorrow's sermon is part two on the Millennial reign of Christ. I hope to see you there.

Mel Brown