Yeah... Red, color of my furry character, Firestorm. Howdy ya'll! I'm bad. I know! I haven't come around nearly as often as I should or should like to. So, now that I'm planning to be active again, I thought I'd give everyone an update on things.

I do not know whether some of you have been worried about Wayfarer based on some of the posts she made when she first arrived. I can happily announce that she HAS kept in contact with me via the phone.

I know she seemed quite depressed the last time she was here (She will return around August 20, BTW. She's away from internet access until college in North Carolina begins again). However, I was informed by her today that the Lord has been working in her life, through me and through several of her other 'brothers', and He has brought about a maturing in her.

Please keep her in your prayers as she continues to mature and heal after some of the devastation she endured not too long ago.

I will also be finishing school, HOPEFULLY, by the beginning of September. Pray the Lord would grant me perseverence and the will to do what must be done in order to finish by that date.

I know that both Wayfarer and I have been in many of your prayers since the last time we spoke, and I wish to thank you for that. Hopefully, now that I'm back AGAIN, I'll be able to become a more regular contributer to this wonderful community.

Ruth, if Christianity were removed from the affairs of the government (As it will be after the rapture), the world would be in a FAR worse state than it is today. In fact, IMHO, God is using US as the glue that holds this world together. As Christians, it's true that we have a responsibility toward the gospel. We need to spread it as effectively as we are humanly able.

But we also have a moral responsibility to care for our fellow man, and this responsibility means (More often than not) becoming involved with those in authority, IE, the government.

April 16, 2006


AFA Poll

Should we replace the birth of Christ to date time (BC/AD) with a secular dating method (BCE/CE)? Read the information below and then vote!

Dear Friends,

The Kentucky Board of Education has voted to take the first step in redefining how America dates time. The board voted to include a new secular system of dating the calendar, BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era), and added it to the BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini, Latin for "in the year of our Lord") method.

The new secular system of time dating will appear in the curriculum and other materials used by Kentucky educators. This new system is already being included in textbooks across the nation.

The new method will replace the birth of Christ as the dividing point in history. For example, the new system would change 2006 AD (Anno Domini) to 2006 CE (Common Era).

It also opens the door for the ACLU to find a liberal activist judge who will forcefully remove the use of BC and AD. The ACLU types will claim that the use of BC and AD are a violation of the First Amendment because it dates history based on the birth of Christ.

Actually, the exact quote was, "Speak softly, and carry a big stick." -Teddy Roosevelt

Anyway, the American media has shown itself to be venemously anti-Christian, anti-Jewish... Anti-God in general. But we do not react as the Islamo-fascists do when our Lord's name is mocked. We bear it patiently, knowing that He will have the ultimate revenge in the end. And to a Christian, it is a blessed thing to be persecuted.

But it is different. Islam is about being honored, not being humiliated. These same people say that Christ did not die on the cross, but that Judas was instead put in his place. They do this because they believe our Lord to be nothing more than a prophet, a mortal man, greater than others but less than Muhammad. They do not stand for mockery of their prophet, or of Allah. Islam is a religion of lifting one's self up, not humbling one's self. And such makes the media afraid.

Anyway, that's all I have to say about that.

Oh no, Pastor Roger. I'm not a bit shy on this one at all. The government's response to this issue has me royally TICKED OFF!!!!

This is a matter of SECURITY, and what the government has done amounts to little more than election-year, political posturing! They care more about themselves, about THEIR POWER than about the security of THIS NATION! Since they can't seem to decide what to do on their own, I propose that we make this an issue on which the PEOPLE vote! And before the vote, one must PROVE one's legal status as a United States citizen!

It isn't like me to scream, but just this once, I'll make an exception...

AAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUGH!!!!!!!

I support President Bush. I respect him as this country's leader. But it really bothers me that neither he nor the congress are listening to the people on this one! Instead they're siding with: Illegals, business, and an uninformed, mainly-liberal minority! 

The new bill seeks to avoid the appearance of conferring amnesty on illegal immigrants, allowing only those who have been in the US for more than five years to stay in the country to adjust to legal status.

Well, I don't know how that ISN'T amnesty! They're still allowing people who have DISRESPECTED OUR LAWS, many of whom do not WISH to become Americans but are merely here for jobs, to STAY! And to JUMP AHEAD in the line of people who are doing things LEGALLY!

Mr Frist said that he was "optimistic after today's vote that with the Hagel-Martinez proposal we can finish a bill that will make America safer and recognises America's interest in legal immigration".

Uh... Excuse me. Mr. First? How will this bill make America safer? What will change? What will make those who have not respected our laws in the past make them respect the laws NOW?

And no, it DOESN'T recognize America's interest in legal immigration BECAUSE (Many of)THE ILLEGALS ARE STILL REWARDED FOR BREAKING OUR LAWS!

Under the Republican proposals, illegal immigrants who have been in the US for more than five years – about two thirds of the 11m - could switch to legal status without leaving the country if they met eight requirements, such as speaking English, having worked for at least three of the last five years and paid all federal and state taxes.

Uh huh. This is JUST what I have been saying. REWARDING those who came to this country illegally just because of their having paid taxes, learning english, and working. That does NOT make them Americans, NOT when they do not have the respect to go through the same process as everyone else!

Illegal immigrants in the US for between two and five years can secure a temporary work visa, but must first leave the country. They may apply for legal status later, and have priority over other immigrants applying for green cards. Illegal immigrants in the country for fewer than two years must return home and apply for a temporary worker visa.

Once again, simply rewarding those who have BROKEN the LAW because of the length of time they've been here. They are allowed to JUMP AHEAD in line, AHEAD of those who are doing things legally. ARGH!

Oh, and let's not forget that this relies almost ENTIRELY on the 'honor system'. We all know how well that's going wo work out. How many 'Illegals' are actually going to step forward and admit their illegal status?! How many are going to be willing to even 'leave the country to apply for a work visa'?!

And in what way does this make us safer?! What does this bill do to stem the flow of illegal immigrants?!

I'm sorry... But on this one, President Bush and the whole of Congress have REALLY screwed up. 

Pastor Roger, let me say Amen!

People are so easily deceived in this day an age, I think, because they want to be. They don't want to acknowledge God or Christ, and the only way they can justify this lack of acknowledgement is to perpetuate a lie that either says He does not exist (*coughtmacro-evolutioncough*), or a lie about Christ and His work on the earth. (*coughdavincicodecough*)

And don't forget, Wayfarer, that though humanity will often fail us, God will not. You know me well enough to know that I lost what faith I had in humanity a long time ago. But I've not lost my faith in God. I've not lost my faith in His ability to use humanity, to bring people into our lives when we need them most.

Don't forget that though those you have mentioned have failed you, there are so many more of us who love you dearly, and who will not give up fighting for you. You are in my prayers even now, my dear sister.

To both BEP and Pastor Roger,
I want to thank you for your encouragement. Wayfarer has been through trials that you and I could never truly sympathize with, trials that we may never experience in our own lives... She has expressed to me that she is tired of fighting. And that is another reason I directed her here. She needs you, and I, and so many others to be prayer warriors for her, and to lend what strength we can.

Wayfarer, you were away when I posted this, so I'm putting it here. Your story, in many ways, reminds me of Job. He lost so much more than you or I could ever hope to gain. He lost his status, his family (All of his children, killed), his wealth, and yes, for a time, his health. And he asked tough questions just as you are now... It may seem lengthy, but perhaps his story will be an encouragement to you in this difficult time.

Listen to the words of the people here... And know that they are praying for you as fervorently as I am.

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to speak my peace for Wayfarer. I know she thinks herself a pity cause, but she is truly a wonderful person, someone who has been used by God in my own life since I met her.

I asked her to come here because I know that God has given her a special insight, a sort of fire deep down for Him and His word. She has allot to give, but she feels herself to be weak. There are so many here who have been an encouragement to me, and some who I feel to be closer to God than I could ever hope to be. And I know that you will have words of encouragement and love for my dear sister.

And I think that as God helps her to continue in her growth, she will grow into a truly beautiful Christian woman. Keep her in your prayers as you continue getting to know her through this forum.

-Little Pilgrim

I agree 100%. Evolution is just what most already call it, a theory, untested, unproven. It is double-speak for a person to call Intelligent Design and Creationism (Two different things, but starting from similar bases) unscientific when the same can be said for Darwinian (MACRO-Evolution).

While we should not believe what we are taught about it, I think it is important to know what is taught so that we can better defend against it. I say this after having had dozens of debates with folks.

Neither Creationism, nor Intelligent Design, Nor Evolution can be called true science, for all are untestable by human means. So it is true that in the end what you believe will come down to your basic phillosophy of life.

Do you believe God and His word? You most likely believe Creationism. (My personal belief).
Do you believe God and His Word to be false? You are most likely a darwinist.
Are you not sure? Most likely you are a proponant of ID (Kind of middle of the road.).

But where the scientific community gets into trouble is when they say Macro-evolution is the only acceptable theory, especially considering that it is dead and dying. They shut out the answers before they ask the question... THAT is just bad science.

[AMEN!]

Add a third AMEN! from me.

Although the Spirit that resides in us as children of God is more powerful than the enemy and his minions, we need to understand that he and his minions are indeed more powerful than our own spirits. I have seen all too often the effects of demonic forces in individuals' lives.

I am not ashamed to admit that it scares me, yet I also understand it is a healthy fear. Spiritual warfare is real. There are battles going on around you and me that we cannot possibly see or hope to understand, and it is EXTREMELY unwise for people to dabble in such things in ANY way.

Watching such shows, practicing magic arts, consulting mediums, astral projection, etc... All these are opening the door in our lives for the enemy to attack. In doing such things, we essentially agree to play by his rules. And personally, I'd rather cheat. I'd rather wrap the Spirit's protection around me.

My advice is to shut that show off, PERMANENTLY.

I went to a concert at my church last night where a man named Timothy Mark was performing. A couple of his songs really had an impact on me. I looked on his website and managed to get the lyrics to these songs. (Removed link from own post pending moderator/administrator approval)

The first song, "The Church Across the Street..." had an impact on me because it shows too clearly the situation of the church today. It describes the kind of person we need to be reaching, but are not...

The Church across the Street
Words and music by Timothy Mark
Copyright 1998 Global Outreach Music/BMI. All rights reserved.

"She put the phone back in its cradle,
and she leaned against the wall
Devastating silence from a long awaited call
“Congratulations” had confirmed her deepest fear
As she gave herself the label
Unwed Mother, 18 years

CHORUS:
And at the church across the street
the band played on
And the choir sang another verse
of another lovely song
But her world was crashing
in apartment thirty-three
And she wondered if she would ever meet
Someone from the church across the street

She left her apartment at a quarter after eight
Drove the mile to the clinic
and walked inside the iron gate
She was greeted warmly
with reassurance in his voice
A simple safe procedure
but had she made the proper choice

CHORUS:
And at the church across the street
the band played on
And the choir sang another verse
of another lovely song
But her world was crashing
as she paid the Doctor’s fee
And she wondered if she would ever meet
Someone from the church across the street

Aching recollections she tries to forget
But the room where she had lived alone
she shares with her regret
She sits by her window
and longs for something more
As she listens to a baby cry
in apartment thirty-four

CHORUS:
And at the church across the street
the band played on
And the choir sang another verse
of another lovely song
But her world was crashing
in apartment thirty-three
And she wondered if she would ever meet
Someone from the church across the street

(INSTRUMENTAL INTERLUDE)

And she wondered if she would ever meet
Someone who could help her with her need
Maybe someone from the church...
across the street...."

This next song had an impact on me because it is a call, a call that we as Christians ignore far too often. It's a call to reach out and to live what we learn on Sunday during the rest of the week.

What I Believe
Words and music by Timothy Mark.
©2004 Global Outreach Music/BMI. All rights reserved.

"Are you going through the motions?
Is His Spirit really real?
Is it more than mere emotion?
More than a feeling you feel?

In a world full of questions
Searching for the truth
Will they find the answer
In the gospel according to you?

Chorus:
I will give my life for Jesus for he gave his life for me
I will live to tell the story how he paid my penalty
For he lived to die and died so that I might live
What I believe

I will live to share the message with every word or deed
I will be the hand of Jesus reaching out to meet the need
I will live the call to live so that all can see
What I believe

VERSE 2:
This old world is spinning faster
Looking for reality
But if it’s hidden in a steeple
Tell me how will they believe?
Is he just a God of Sundays?
Or is Monday his day too?
Can he answer prayer on Tuesday?
What if the answer was you?

Chorus:
I will give my life for Jesus for he gave his life for me
I will live to tell the story how he paid my penalty
For he lived to die and died so that I might live
What I believe

I will live to share the message with every word or deed
I will be the hand of Jesus reaching out to meet the need
I will live the call to live so that all can see
What I believe

(Repeat)"

I may post other songs on this topic in the future, but for now, these are the two that stuck out to me. They carry a message that I feel is important for all of us. We need to simply stop professing our faith, we need to LIVE our faith, and we as a church need to do more, both in America and around the world, to reach out to those in need. Because I have news for you... If the Church does not reach out to those who need help most... No one will.

Teddy Kennedy and John McCain. Doesn't that just say it all? XD

Seriously, I support allot of what this president does. But on this issue, just like on the DPW issue, he is WRONG.

I don't support a program that offers illegals amnesty of ANY kind. PERIOD! If you don't respect the laws of this nation, you do not deserve citizenship, nor are you entitled to support from the government, which is support from OUR pockets.

LOL My great uncle, a Vietnam vet, would have disowned me if I'd gone into the marines.

But at least you didn't say the Army's better. *nudgenudge*

Anyways, I'm not sure of any of that yet, as I need to graduate before speaking to the recruiter, but in this instance, I'm glad to be following in my father's footsteps.

Thanks for all your warm greetings and prayers everyone.