mts

I'm sure you full well understood why the people you did this to were not laughing? I didn't go announcing it to the world I was a Christian when I used to work (semi-retired now). However it would end up people would figure out I wa some sort of Christian, you can't help but be different to the world, to start off with just not swearing or not indulging in any kind of sexually crude jokes around the office is enough to give you away. I have been verbally questioned and attacked in a few jobs by some ex-Catholics because they had some problems with the Catholic Church. Now first of all I would have to point out to these people I'm not Catholic, second I'm not God and third I didn't offend them why take it out on me? Cheers MelC my point was that christains find the weak/alone christains and tell them how wrong they are. the reason i said sarcasticly, "you need to go to church to get your feeling hurt."

back in 04. i would manipulate people into thinking a few things. i'd say a few words and make it seem like i was being serious only to end it with something sarcastic. and once i said what i said, i would then say. "you need to go to church and get your feelings hurt." <,< didn't always get a laugh though.

it wasn't too long ago that a supermod's password was 12345 and the site got hacked and everything that was posted in 2 weeks or a month got deleted.

Perhaps this will help clarify or give you a clarion call about the spirit behind Freemasonry A Freemason's 33rd Degree Initiation Excerpt from Jim Shaw's book: The Deadly Deception, pp. 99 - 109 INTO THE LIGHT The hurricane came and went without any harm to us. But the one within me continued to gather force. It seemed strange, from my point of view, for all the people around me seemed calm. Even the doctor was no longer speaking much to me about the Lord, for I wasn't seeing him regularly. Bonnie was quietly supportive, but we really didn't say much about it. Mike and my other friends went on with life. It was "business as usual" around me, but definitely not that way inside of me. THE HIGHEST MASONIC DEGREE Easter was approaching and one quiet morning I was at home recuperating from the second operation when the doorbell rang. It was a special delivery letter from the Supreme Council in Washington, notifying me that I had been selected for the 33rd Degree. I could hardly believe it was true! This honor is one most Masons never even think of receiving. It was too much, too far out of reach, beyond limits of reality. It was unreal to think I had actually been selected. It was an honor just to be considered for this ultimate degree and I had actually been selected, chosen by that small and powerful group, the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree. I called Bonnie to share the good news with her. In talking with her, I surprised myself by asking her if she thought I should accept it "What a strange thing to ask her," I thought. But before I could contemplate it she said, "Why, sure you should accept it. You have worked so hard for so long to get there - by all means you should accept it." So I returned my acceptance immediately and began making plans for the trip. I MADE IT ON MY OWN With plenty of time to reflect, I thought about my long climb up the mountain of Masonry in search of light. I thought about the odds against anyone's ever making it to the 33rd Degree. I realized that in my case the odds have been even greater. I had made it by hard work and dedication alone. Some men have an edge on selection because of their wealth, political power or prominence. I had none of these. Like the day I had carried the man all the way to the top of "Shaw Hill" between Camp Butner and Raleigh, I had made it to the top of the Masonic mountain because I was willing to make the effort required and refused to quit. Thinking of this, I felt particularly good about it and wished my mother could know. I had come a long way since leaving the front gate that terrible day so many years ago. I had come the distance with no help from Uncle Irvin. Who would have thought that the lonely walk, begun so many years ago by that frightened 13-year-old boy, would have led to this point? I had reached the pinnacle - made it all the way to the top. Some of the most prominent and influential men in the world would undoubtedly be there to participate when I was given this ultimate degree - for me - little Jimmy Shaw, who had gone to work at age five and made it alone since age 13. They would be there to give the 33rd Degree to me. It was really a bit difficult to take it all in. 3 DAYS AT THE MOUNTAIN TOP In order to receive the 33rd Degree it was necessary to go to Washington. D.C. The initiation and related functions were to last three days. Since Bonnie could participate in practically none of the things I would be doing each day, she decided not to go along. We were both excited as I made preparations to leave. But I was not as excited as I expected to be. The edge was taken off the excitement because, in me, it was mixed with a considerable amount of conviction. Way down deep there was a growing restlessness, an increasing conflict, produced by the things the doctor had been sharing and by all the Scripture I had been reading. Preparing to receive this "ultimate honor" was not as thrilling as it might otherwise have been. ARRIVING AT THE HOUSE OF THE TEMPLE I flew into Washington National Airport and took a taxi to the House of the Temple on Northwest 16th Street. Upon arriving at the Temple I was met by a receptionist who asked if I were there to receive the 33rd Degree. I was surprised to find a women in those sacred Masonic precincts, but said that I was and showed her my letter from the Supreme Council. She then told me that in order to receive the degree, I would be expected to make a "minimum donation" of a very large amount of money (at least it was a "very large" amount for me). This took me completely by surprise for there had not been a word about any such "minimum donation" in the letter sent me by the Supreme Council. I didn't carry that much money with me and had left my checkbook at home but was able to borrow the money from one of the other men and gave it to her. We candidates were all unhappy about this unpleasant surprise and grumbled to one another about it, but were not unhappy enough to forsake the degree over it. We were too close to the "top of the mountain" to turn back at that point. THE TEMPLE ITSELF The House of the Temple is quite impressive - a bit awesome, really. Standing large, grey and silent on the east side of Northwest 16th Street, between "R" and "S" Streets, it looms very wide and tall from the curb. There is a huge expanse of granite pavement in front of it, including three levels of narrowing steps as the entrance is approached. Flanking the entrance are two Sphinx-like granite lions with women's heads, the neck of one entwined by a cobra and decorated with the "ankh" (the Egyptian symbol of life and deity). Adorning the neck and breast of the other is an image of a women, symbolic of fertility and procreation. In the pavement, just in front of the tall bronze doors, are two Egyptian swords with curved, serpentine blades and, between the two swords, brass letters, set into stone, saying, "The Temple of the Supreme Council of the Thirty-Third and Last Degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite." Over the tall, bronze doors, cut into the stone, is the statement, "Freemasonry Builds Its Temples in the Hearts of Men and Among Nations." (1) High above the entrance, partially concealed by stone columns, is an elaborate image of the Egyptian sun god, backed with radiating sun and flanked by six large, golden snakes. Inside is elegance: polished marble, exotic wood, gold and statuary. There are offices, a library, dining room, kitchen, Council Room, "Temple Room" and a large meeting room. This room is like a luxurious theater, rather elegantly furnished and decorated. The ceiling is dark blue, with lights set into it to give the appearance of stars. These lights can even be made to "twinkle" like stars in the sky. There is a stage, well-equipped, and it is all very nicely done. But the thing that is most noticeable is the way the walls are decorated with serpents. There are all kinds; some very long and large. Many of the Scottish Rite degrees include the representation of serpents and I recognized them among those decorating the walls. It was all most impressive and gave me a strange mixture of the sensations of being in a temple and in a tomb - something sacred but threatening. I saw busts of outstanding men of the Rite including two of Albert Pike, who is buried there in the wall. INTERVIEWED BY THE SUPREME COUNCIL The first day was devoted to registration, briefings and interviews. We were called into one of the offices, one at a time, and interviewed by three members of the Supreme Council. When my turn came I was ushered into the office and seated. The very first question I was asked was, "Of what religion are you?" Not long before this I would have answered with something like, "I believe the Ancient Mysteries, the 'Old Religion,' and I believe in reincarnation." However, without thinking at all about how to answer, I found myself saying, "I am a Christian." Then, to my sup rise and theirs, I asked them, "Are you men born again?" The man in charge quickly stopped me by saying, "We're not here to talk about that - we are here to ask you questions." After they sent me back out I sat down and thought about it. When the next man came out, I asked him, "Did they ask you if you are a Christian?" He said, "Yes, they did." "What did you tell them?" I asked, and he replied, "I told them 'Hell no, and I never intend to be!'" Then he said a strange thing to me, "They said I'm going higher," and he left through a different door, looking pleased. BECOMING A SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR GENERAL The second day was the day of the actual initiation, held in the theater-like meeting room. Those of us who were receiving the degree were seated and the ceremony was "exemplified" (acted out in full costume) before us, in the same way that we had performed the lesser degrees of the Scottish Rite all those years. The parts in the exemplification were played by men of the 33rd Degree. The representative candidate was dressed in black trousers, barefooted, bareheaded and draped in a long, black robe that reminded me of a very long, black raincoat. He had a black cable tow around his neck but was not hoodwinked. During the initiation he was led around the stage, conducted by two men with swords, as the degree was performed for us. Instructions and signs were given. Upon the altar were four "holy books" (the Bible, the Koran, the Book of the Law and the Hindu Scriptures). At one point the "candidate" was told to kiss the book "of your religion" and, representing us all, he leaned forward and did so. I remembered the First Degree initiation, when I was told to kiss the Bible, and at that moment something came full cycle. It was the final such kiss to be a part of my life. WINE IN A HUMAN SKULL When it was time for the final obligation we all stood and repeated the oath with the representative candidate, administered by the Sovereign Grand Inspector General. We then swore true allegiance to the Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree, above all other allegiances, and swore never to recognize any other brother as being a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry unless he also recognizes the Supreme authority of "this Supreme Council". One of the Conductors then handed the "candidate" a human skull, upside down, with wine in it. "May this wine I now drink become a deadly poison to me, as the Hemlock juice drunk by Socrates, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate the same" (the oath). He then drank the wine. A skeleton (one of the brothers dressed like one - he looked very convincing) then stepped out of the shadows and threw his arms around the "candidate." Then he (and we) continued the sealing of the obligation by saying, "And may these cold arms forever encircle me should I ever knowingly or willfully violate the same." The Sovereign Grand Commander closed the meeting of the Supreme Council "with the Mystic Number," striking with his sword five, three, one and then two times. After the closing prayer, we all said "amen, amen, amen," and it was over. PROMINENT MEN TOOK PART There were some extremely prominent men there that day, including a Scandinavian King, two former presidents of the United States, an internationally prominent evangelist, two other internationally prominent clergymen, and a very high official of the federal government, the one who actually presented me with the certificate of the 33rd Degree. Some made only brief appearances; others stayed much longer. However, they didn't do much mixing or socializing with us, except for those whom they already knew. Even though these celebrities weren't extremely "brotherly," it was still quite an experience for me just to be associated with them. It was easily the largest gathering of such prominent and influential men of which I have ever been a part. The third day there was a banquet to celebrate our becoming "Grand Inspectors General. 33rd Degree." The banquet was a little anticlimactic, at least for me, and I was anxious to get it over with so I could return home. It was good to be a 33rd at last. But it wasn't as exciting or fulfilling as I had thought it would be during all those years in the Craft. I guess this was because of the profound changes going on down deep within me. I returned home as soon as the 33rd Degree award and related social functions were finished, for it was time for my next appointment with the doctor. After he had examined my eyes he said they were healing fine, that he felt good about the way they were looking, and as usual he spoke with me about the Lord. I told him that I planned to come to his church the next Sunday and that I had been reading the Bible. Obviously pleased, he said, "Good. Keep studying, and your sight will soon be much better." By this time I knew what he meant - he was speaking of my spiritual sight. MAUNDY THURSDAY In the Scottish Rite the Thursday before Easter, "Maundy Thursday," is an important day. On this day we always performed a special service of Communion in the local Scottish Rite Temple. At this time I was Wise Master in the Chapter of Rose Croix and it was my job to preside over the exemplification (dramatization) of the ceremony. I had done this many times and was known for my knowledge of the service and for "doing a good job" of putting it on. THE WORDS HAD MEANING NOW On Thursday evening we gathered at our home Temple and dressed for the ceremony. It was always a most solemn occasion and seemed a little awesome, even to those of us who had done it many times. Dressed in long, black, hooded robes, we marched in, single file, with only our faces partly showing, and took our seats. There was something very tomb-like about the setting. The silence was broken only by the organ, playing mournfully in the background, and there was no light except for the little that came through the windows. After the opening prayer (from which the name of Jesus Christ was conspicuously excluded), I stood and opened the service. As I had done so many times before, I said, "We meet this day to commemorate the death of our 'Most Wise and Perfect Master,' not as inspired or divine, for this is not for us to decide, but as at least the greatest of the apostles of mankind." As I spoke these words that I had spoken so many times before, I had a strange and powerful experience. It was as if I were standing apart, listening to myself as I spoke, and the words echoed deep within me, shouting their significance. They were the same words I had spoken so many times before, but had meaning for me now. They made me sick, literally ill, and I stopped. The realization of what I had just said grew within me like the rising of a crescendo. I had just called Jesus an "apostle of mankind" who was neither inspired nor divine! There was a silent pause that seemed to last a very long time as I struggled with a sick smothering within. When I was finally able, I continued with the service and we gathered around a large table across the room in marching order. The table was long, shaped like a cross, and covered with a red cloth which was decorated down the center with roses. A BLACK COMMUNION Once we were assembled at the table, I elevated (lifted high) the plate of bread, took a piece, put my hand on the shoulder of the man in front of me, gave him the plate and said, "Take, eat, and give to the hungry." This continued until all had partaken of the bread. Then I lifted up the goblet of wine, took a sip, and said, "Take, drink, and give to the thirsty." Again, this continued until all had partaken of the wine. Then I took the bread, walked over to the first row of spectators and served it to the man previously chosen for the honor of representing the rest of the Lodge As I handed it to him I again said, "Take, eat, and give to the hungry." In like manner I served the wine to him saying, "Take, drink, and give to the thirsty," and he sat down. After this we took our places at the table shaped like a cross and sat down. The setting was dark, our long, sweeping robes were solid black, our faces nearly concealed in the hoods, and the mood was one of heavy gloom. The Christ-less prayers and the hymns we sang fit right in. The one word that would describe the entire event would be "black." It was, indeed, a Black Communion - a strange Black Mass. EXTINGUISHING THE CANDLE There was a large Menorah (candlestick with seven candle holders) in the center of the room, with seven candles now burning. Standing again, I said, "This is indeed a sad day, for we have lost our Master. We may never see him again. He is dead! Mourn, weep and cry, for he is gone." Then I asked the officers to extinguish the candles in the large Menorah. One by one they rose, walked to the center of the room, extinguished a selected candle and left the room. Finally, with only the center candle still burning, I arose, walked sadly to the Menorah and extinguished the last candle - the candle representing the life of Jesus, our "Most Wise and Perfect Master." We had dramatized and commemorated the snuffing out of the life of Jesus, without once mentioning his name, and the scene ended with the room in deep silent darkness. I walked out of the room, leaving only the darkness and the stillness of death. Once again, the single word best to describe it would be "black." All through the service I was shaking and sick. I have never felt so sad. I had stumbled over the words but, somehow, I made it to the completion of the ceremony and went back to the dressing room. I still didn't know much about praying but felt that I had been sustained by the Lord through it all. THE FINAL PARTING Back in the dressing room we hung up our black, hooded robes, put our street clothes back on and prepared to leave. Less than two hours had passed since I arrived. But what had happened in that period of time had changed my life forever. Still sick in my heart, I changed clothes without a word to anyone. The others asked me what was wrong. But I couldn't reply. They reminded me that I had acted as Wise Master so many times before, that I was known for my smooth performance of it, and they asked what had gone wrong. I was choking on the awful reality of what we had said and done, the way we had blasphemed the Lord, and the evil, black mockery we had made of His pure and selfless death. With weeping welling up within me. I could only shake my head in silence and walk out. Mike was waiting for me at the door, expecting to get a ride home, and he asked, "What's the matter, Jim? Are you sick?" Finally able to speak, I quietly replied, "No, Mike, I'm just sick of all this." "IT ISN'T RIGHT" I started down the wide steps in front of the large Scottish Rite Temple, realization and conviction growing within me, reached the bottom step and stopped. Turning around, I looked back at the huge, granite building and slowly studied the words, carved in the stone across the top of the entrance: "ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY." Something came clearly into focus in my understanding and I made a decision. This crisis point in my life, one which had required so many years for me to reach, passed in seconds. The truth was revealed and the choice was made - a choice that would be the difference between darkness and light, death and life, one that would last for eternity. Looking up at those words I had walked under so many times, words of which I had been so proud, I spoke to myself out loud. It was as if I were the only man in the world as I heard myself say, slowly and deliberately, "It isn't ancient, it isn't Scottish, it isn't free, and it isn't right!" INTO THE LIGHT I turned away and walked into the parking lot, knowing that I would never return. As I walked into the deepening darkness of that springtime night, I was walking into the growing light of the living God. As the natural darkness closed around me, the supernatural light welled up within me. With every step I took, as the Temple receded behind me, I was more free. "I will never return," I thought with each step. "I will never return, I will never return...." The decision was made, the die was cast. From that night onward I would serve the true and living God, not the Great Architect of the Universe. I would exalt and learn of Him, not Osiris, Krishna or Demeter. I would seek and follow Jesus, not the will--the-wisp of "hidden wisdom." I was walking, after such a long time, out of the darkness and into the light. Footnote 1 This statement is an interesting contradiction with the Temple it adorns, as well as with the thousands of other such Masonic temples built around the World at a total cost of many billions of dollars. A PERSONAL WORD FROM JIM As this true story is closed, I would be greatly remiss if I did not make it clear that in my pre-Christian life I truly loved Freemasonry. I loved the men with whom I was associated in the Lodge and the men with whom I worked so hard in the degrees and bodies of the Scottish Rite. Most of all, I was so very sure that I was doing what was right and pleasing in the sight of the Great Architect of the Universe. Never in all my years of dedicated service to Masonry did anyone in the Lodge witness to me about the love and saving grace of Jesus. The Lodge attended a church once each year as a group. Each time the pastor (who was himself a Mason) would introduce us to the congregation and then exalt the Craft, telling them about all our wonderful works. We usually left the church thinking of how wonderful we were and feeling sorry for all those in the church who were not Masons, participating in all our good deeds. After having been witnessed to by my ophthalmologist for some time I read those simple, wonderful words of Jesus, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life." These words, so short and so sweet, went right through my heart. I looked in the Bible for more and I found blessed assurance everywhere I looked. Jesus the Christ, the Son of God, really loved me as a real Brother! He will do the same for you. - Jim Shaw. was a good read.

keep'em coming man.

I know being lonely can be emotionally draining. wanting to read the bible and singing songs become less and less appealing. i'm not typing in the spirit, i don't have scripture to give you. i'm in doubt weather i should post this due to me still being lonely for about 5 years. advice from me is a bad idea about this. i havn't been close to anyone emotionally or talk to alot of people. i do talk to people just not sharing close friendship with anyone. Try not to think God brought this upon you(trust me, it's not going to help). i've thrown my bible away three times, almost became an atheist, and didnt' care for God anymore. something i do regret. Don't throw your fellowship with god because of this. Mary Mart-He's so close, is a nice song to listen to. You are my God-Rich mullins is a very good song. both are slow with Mary Mary song more secular sounding and the Rich Mullins song is more about having fellowship with your creator. Learn to fly-Third Day is a nice pacing song (first verse) My troubled heart makes me weak, i wait for you to comfort me, and in you i'll will find my strength, i will soar on the wings of eagles. i will learn to fly high above this world, and i will soar on the wings of eagles i will learn to fly i will learn to fly high above this world. my hope is in you-Third Day another good song. To you oh Lord, i lift my soul. in you of God, i place my trust. do not let me be put to shame. don't let my enemies triumph over me. my hope is in you. show me your ways. guide me in truth in all my days. my hope is in you. Rise Up-third day is another good song to listen. I was there when you were torn apart, now a piece of you is gone. somehow you wish that you could only find a little strength to carry on. You try to hard to try and make it on your own. and that your heart has come undone and so i am here to prove that i alone have the power to over come don't let your heart be troubled this world will never keep you down it will never keep you down. so rise up my friend. know this will never be the end. so rise up my friend. The Truth-ZOEgirl They called you a failure, they called you lost cause. they said you would never become anything at all. Of a generation with no direction. but when i look into your eye i see the fright yet to(not sure what she says) i'll say it once i'll say it twice. but your life was worth the price. paid for you, paid for me. and i believe in you and i know you'll find the truth. i know you've been broken. cause i'll seen the aviance(i think that what she says) i know theres a place inside your heart begging for truth for a soft spoken answer that won't brake your spirit This is my offering-Third day. very good song. Of all the things you've created, still you choose to think of me, who am i that you should suffer your very life to set me free. the only i can give you, is this life you've gave to me. this is my offering dear lord this is my offering to you God. and i will give you my life for it's all i have to give because you gave your life for me. I stand before at this alter. so many have given you more, i may not have much i can offer yet what i have is true to you. not sure how much help this will be since i'm not typing in the spirit to help.

i think they mean well. just not lead by the spirit but rather being told to do this as a good deed. as for me. in 04. i used to sit in the back of the church alot. the preacher for some reason...thought that sitting in the front row was more important then sitting in the back when i could easily hear him from maybe, 20-30 feet away(yes it's that small of a church) he waited for me to move from the back to the front a few times. and after a few weeks of this...he finally went to the back of the church to preach to try and see what i would do. i never really fit in with those who were close or had friendship with the preacher. i remember being the reason some people didn't go to church or didn't want to go because of me.

It's called a shaker. oh ok. thanks.

i forgot to add. "See him in me"-Bone prophet it's an acoustic...country or how should i put this? i'll just say it's acoustic. not sure how long the band is been around but that song by them....is good. it's up beat, not sure if it's country though. acoustic, bass and a....a.... it makes a sound like that of when yur shaking salt or pepper in the shaker.... <.< no drums though.

there's an early 90's song by Al Green(i know i know goes against secular talk) called"Everything's going to be alright." it's a good easy listening song about Jesus. the video i saw was made in 1987 this might be going against the secular beliefs.... doctrine....stuff. but it's a good easy listening song to listen to. nice beat, vocal is very good because it's al green. and i may have got a few lyrics wrong. i really havn't been able to check out the new music since 04. this isn't really a worship song....but i "He said Peace"by the happy goodmans is a nice song to listen to. not sure when that was made. King of Glory-Lamar Campbell Anthem of Praise-Richard Smallwood King of Glory-The Commission Reunion The Truth-ZOEGirl Heavens Jubilee-Chuck Wagon Gang(a 24 year old who listens to this signs the world is coming to an end) There's a song by Angela Pinkson that goes something like this i don't know what this song is called it's a slow song. very good worship song. it's a burtn cd i got from my sister back in 04. from a trip to seattle i checked youtube a few years ago for this women and only found one video of her. i didn't really watch the video. not sure what song she sang live. but this song....this song. it's very good. very good. find her CD because it's very good. another song by angela pinkson this is another very good song. that cd that i got from my sis is very good. very very good. find an angela pinkson cd and you will not be disappointed. she's very good. her voice....goodness. blessed i tell you. blessed. anyway. sorry. not sure if i was of any help. and sorry for any spelling error The views and comments made by mts do not reflect that of worthyboard or it's staff in anyway shape or form. and can not accountable to the lyrics written by the poster. back to your normal viewing. or whatever. disregard this last paragraph....

i don't know about now. but TBN been a blessing alot of times. and yes TD Jakes, Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer, and Creflo dollar are good to listen to. since i can't watch TBN no more i listen to TD Jakes on youtube. Regardless of TBN or not. when your heart is really seeking God, God will find a way for you to hear what he has to say uplift, answer your prayers, and send his very presence. i don't have TBN but i was tired of being alone this past month. i was just sitting by myself music on(secular) playing games with violance(military, secular shooter games with curse words). i just prayed a 307 second prayer. "i'm tired of being alone." the next day i was asked to go out hunting with an old friend. he asked me to meet him by a lake after noon. i didn't show. so what happened was, he left without me not showing at the appointed time, so he's about 5-10 minutes out of town and looks back and his sled(for hauling a catch back home)was gone. and he told me that he found it at the lake we were suppose to meet. and he also told me that since he came back to get the sled, he'll might as well just come pick me up. and he did. my ski doo was at the shop about to have new ski's on and almost a full tank of gas. and we went to pick it up. and he went on out hunting trip. Prayer works. and i didn't even have TBN at the time. But no doubt it'll be a blessing when i tune in. Right now i just have Sky angel to watch, Worthyboards to read and a faith to pray. is all i got right now. before you want to tune into anything. really just try to seek God. i don't remember what verse or what book in the bible it states that what God.... gosh i can't remember right now. but it's goes something God sending a message. and it has something to do with rain or something like that. I can't remember the verse. rain doesn't reach the ground without watering the plants or something. i really can't remember. but my point is. When your really seeking, he'll send a message for you to hear. i don't have any bible verses to quote. the only thing i can give you is experience in the past month about prayer being answered all with out watching TBN or Sky angel. sorry if i got off topic. but TBN has been a blessing. not sure about now since i havn't seen TBN broadcasting since november of 08. but from past experiences it's been a blessing.

good read again. God bless.

JCISGD, since this thread has gone off into left field a bit, I went back to the OP to see what you had to say. I agree with you that when it gets to the place where ministers have to fear prosecution for simply preaching the Bible, we are in a sad state of affairs. I also agree that the Lord's return cannot be far off. In America, we have a Constitutional right to free speech which should trump all hate crime laws. I personally oppose all hate crime legislation as we also are supposed to have a right to equal justice under the law. I think they should be challenged in court. hi Butero, yep not long now. Although a little shocked when i heard the anger in Ellens voice, I did think it was cause to rejoice that Christ was soon coming back rather than dismay at the state of things. We have read the end of the book so to speak and apart from a restless night, we get to wake up to breakfast in bed. >.> Genesis 47:13 just saying.

another good read man. still have more to read though. <,<

disregard my last post. <,<

the Holy ghost is younger then Jesus.....<.< the Father, the son, and the Holy Ghost. just saying though. >.> the passover had the oldest sons killed when there wasn't blood on the door frame(or whatever).

See what? No one here? Nah, won't happen; this is the best Christian forum online. Believe me, I've joined them all and and turned my back on all of them too. >.> that's going too far isn't it? i love coming here to Worthy but wouldn't that be an overstatement? as for the vampires. i have nothing to say. i really don't know what to say. it's the words i bolded are the reason i wanted to type something. <.<

The original singer and writer for Creed was and is a christian, he wrote that song for his son I believe. He left the band so he could be around for his son and family along with some differences within the band itself. I don't think I would label them as a 'christian' band, I quit listening to them not long after the first guy left. oh ok. Was he still in the band when "My Sacrifice" came out? i can't figure out if hes the same guy singing "My Sacrifice".

that was a good read. thanks for posting this.

i thanked them and took their advice. Luke was the first NT book i've read since i've started reading the bible. I'm going to have to pray alot about this because it's not the leaving part that frieghtens me. it's Gods plan that i'm afraid of. i'm nervous right now. ---------------- Jason Upton-I'm just a bird. With a melody to sing. I'm hardly heard. Look at these tiny little wings. But i can see, the arrow flying and i'm not afraid. And i can hear terror try to steal the night away. But i'm not afraid. but i'm not afraid. I am hiding. here in your saddle. riding under your wings. and i am flying, trusting the angels and i am living your calvery. and i'm noty afraid. not afraid. I'm just a bird. not a penny to my name. they sound ubsurd. got no plans beyond today. And i can see the arrow flying. and i'm not afraid. and i can hear the terror try to steal the night away. but i'm not afraid. but i'm not afraid. I am hiding here in your sdalle. and i am riding under your wings. and i am flying, trusting the angels. i am living your calvery. i am hiding here in your sdalle. i am riding under your wings. i am flying trusting the angles. i am living your calvery. ---------------- i might of got some of the lyrics wring... but the problem though....i'm an afraid. do you know this song by creed arms wide open ? god wants a relationship with you mts he cares about you and he only wants the best for you i have not heard this song mts or of jason upton lord i ask that you draw near to my brother mts father i ask that you show mts how much you love him place your hedge around mts prottect mts from satan and his demons i ask father that you put mature christians in mts path christians that will guide him be there for him i ask father that you will calm mts thoughts and i ask that you will protect mts as he sleeps and as he dreams i speak life into this young man i come against anything that is going to be thrown at my brother and i rebuke the army satan is going to use to destroy what you have planned for mts i pray as mts reads his bible that your spirit will guide him let what my brother reads speak into his life in jesus name amen god loves you i only want the best for you read psalm 23 get to know psalm 23 speak posative things over you listen to posative christian music speak psalm 23 over your life mts and psalm 91 damo1 i may have heard it before but i'm not sure. i was surprised when i heard the song. i knew about creed. i've heard some of their songs but this song. i wasn't expecting a song like this from creed. thank you for showing me that song and bible verses along with the prayer. Is creed a christian band or a secular band? if they are a christian band i never knew about that. again thanks for the song, prayer and scripture.

i thanked them and took their advice. Luke was the first NT book i've read since i've started reading the bible. I'm going to have to pray alot about this because it's not the leaving part that frieghtens me. it's Gods plan that i'm afraid of. i'm nervous right now. ---------------- Jason Upton-I'm just a bird. With a melody to sing. I'm hardly heard. Look at these tiny little wings. But i can see, the arrow flying and i'm not afraid. And i can hear terror try to steal the night away. But i'm not afraid. but i'm not afraid. I am hiding. here in your saddle. riding under your wings. and i am flying, trusting the angels and i am living your calvery. and i'm noty afraid. not afraid. I'm just a bird. not a penny to my name. they sound ubsurd. got no plans beyond today. And i can see the arrow flying. and i'm not afraid. and i can hear the terror try to steal the night away. but i'm not afraid. but i'm not afraid. I am hiding here in your sdalle. and i am riding under your wings. and i am flying, trusting the angels. i am living your calvery. i am hiding here in your sdalle. i am riding under your wings. i am flying trusting the angles. i am living your calvery. ---------------- i might of got some of the lyrics wring... but the problem though....i'm an afraid.

high you need to be care full and you need to be clear that its god as satan can do this to cause us to hurt those clossest to us by making you think its god speaking to you i use to do this when i was young but i always had one close friend who was my spiritual mentor i would tell my spiritual mentors were i was going that way if people in my church needed to know my spiritual mentors could tell them whats going on when i was young i use to go walk abouts i would disappear for three months and if i did not want to make contac with anyone of be found i would do as i saw fit but as an adult i cant afford to drift or day dream or cut my self off from my son and people i know who are non believers i have responsabilitys and i also need to keep a roof over my head when i first began to read the bible i would find it hard to focus and i listened to the ssme music as you i had all of matalicas collection in my possession i also loved listening to ac / dc pink floyed the wall was my best cd i would listen to but most of the time it was my heavy metal music i had brought that i would listen to i was hooked as i got mature in my walk i began to learn what the music i was listening to was doing to me as a person and i got rid of my collection i gave it away to a close friend who is a non believer his girl has given you sound advice before you read your bible pray this simple prayer holy spirit i invite you into my room holy spirit i ask that you guide me teach me as jesus taught his disciples dont let my flesh or head do the talking silence the human side off me and alow me to learn from you i found it even hard to pray i would always get distracted but know i dont alow my self to get distracted you need your family its important that you dont cut your self of from your family i hav no family my family are those that god has put around me i have grandfathers and grand mothers and uncles and brothers and sisters who the lord has put in my path and i have mothers and fathers also who god has put in my path thes people i can turn too and they are ther for me you will know who to cut your self from i use to hang out with drug dealers and criminals and pimps and guys who owned strip clubs these guys were my mates as i became a christian it was hard to cut my self from my mates what spun me out is how they tracked me down i had strong ties wtth these guys and i learnt from a close friend who was were i was at that satan was ussing these mates of mine satan did not want me hanging out with my spiritual mentors or my new christian friends or being involved in the churches out reach group and music group one guy wanted me to deal for him another guy wanted me to hurt some one and another guy wanted me to look after two of his workers this only hapend as i began to nail the old me to the cross every time i had let go off my old life and the way i would think and behave and talk out of the blue i had guys i knew who i had dealt with in drugs or handled stollen goods turning up on my door asking for help or wanting to hide out from the cops in one town i had to move i did not want to leave i found a good assemblys off god church but it was were i had grown up i new the local bad boys and the cops also new me the drug delars and herroin and speed dealers i new got scared word got out i had become a christian they all new the pastor i got threatend sevral times but the pastor and the people in the church encouraged me and did not judge me or force me to stay i wanted to stay god told me to move to another city i put one of the dealers in and gave the police a list of other dealers i knew it was my choice i did not want to do it put these guys in but i knew what harm they had also done in the community and the damage they had done it was threw prayer that i had the courage to do what i did when i make a blood oath i stick to it what i see and hear stays with me god was working on me and the oaths i had made i had to cut my self totaly from these guys if i stayed i would have gotten hurt or i would have hurt one of my mates and found my self in trouble and facing time you do need counsling and you need strong matur christians around you you dont need weak christians around you who are going to be a bad influence in your life you need mature strong christians around you who have their head screwed on you dont need a fruit loop way to many fruit loops giving out wrong advice to guys like your self i presume you are a brother it will get worse before it gets better god needs to deal with what you are holding on to first and you know what you need to let go off but please dont cut your self from your family what i am picking up you are confused and its ok to be confused sort out a pastor with his head on who is not a screw ball ask god to guide you to a church that you can be appart off you need people around you who wil guide you damo1 Yeah God created me as a dude. <,< thanks for your words. there is only one church in this village and a population of 300+ people. that's my only option. one church. right now. leaving everything behind seems like the best option. i will have to check out the church though. A friend of mine who has a job outside of this village asks if i go to church yet. so i know it's open and someone preaches there. that's all i know of the church...is that's it's open. i don't know who preaches there and i know it's the only church in this village. and thanks for typing about your life. it was a good read. Knowing that i'll be able to find guidance soon. and getting advice and guidance now. After i had dropped out of school and about to graduate in the 11th grade(2003), a few months after school was over. I got three apllications for colledges. One from Duke, one from Arizona, and one from North Western indian politechnic( i think that's what it was called, my coach gave me advice to apply to that school). If i had accepted those and applied to one of those schools. i would of been leaving for worldy reasons. I still havn't finished high school and given up on that. I still havn't finished God's work and waking up is proof of that. i still have a job to do. I really don't think a 9-5 isn't for me,a well paid job isn't for me. I was told in my 7th grade year i'm to be a preacher. And if i leave some time in the future when ever that is, it seems i'd be leaving for God's work with a bigger purpose then the one i would of had if i had planned it. Worthy boards right now, is the only place i can get advice from(that i can trust) Greetings brother mts i hear you like you i finished school but i realy never learnt anything i was in the lower classes i strugled in some subjects i liked music metal work and wood work but i strugled in maths science history was ok and so was english my family depended on me to learn this language then me and my mothers brother taught our familys how to speak english my grandmother stuck to our origonal language i was born in yugoslavia and being forced to learn a language i had never spoken was hard i also hated some of the teachers and ther were two teachers who often picked on me the reason i am saying you need mature christians around you mts i dont want to see you being taken advantage of i have had my fair share when i was young they came out of the wood works god knows why the fruit loops saw me as a person they can guide and mold i Was only 18yrs old when i gave my heart to the lord i found it hard to die to the spirit of the world and i found it hard to let go of the music i had grown up around matalica is a well known band in australia and a lot of young people love matalica in the street i use to live in i would hear matalica playing it was a like a compation with some of the neighbours matalica also has adult fans who like their music and women also like their music the heavy metal music i had in my colllection was from around the world their are some good heavy metal bands in russia and sweeden and from france and from singapore the city i live in we have a group of young christians who reach out to young people hooked on heavy metal these young kids have just finished high school and play in the worship band in the churches they belong to the pastors and youth pastors support them they wear the full gear like ripped jeans ripped t shirts earings and long hair just pray that god puts the right people around you who can speak into your life who can help you live in the real world you dont need weak christians around you mts weak christians will do more harm than good i am only sharing from my pass i made a lot of mistakes when i was a young christian i hanged out with the wrong group to the point were i became very negative and cynical i would find flaws in the pastor and the leaders and the elders i never really listened and i realy never told any one what i was doing i would only tell the people in my church what i wanted them to hear never realy saying what was on my mind i even learnt to put on a mask mts by being on your own you have left your self wide open for the enemy to attack you satan knows the bible very wel mts he once use to be an angel were if you have people around you they can pray for you stand in the gap for you and teach you when you read the bible on your own with out the guidence of a matur pastor or mature leader can be dangerous i am glad there is a church in the village you are living in get to know the pastor and the people in the church you need people around you trust me i have been on my own since i was 14 i am 41 yrs old know i can live on my own i am one of thes guys that are comfterbal in my own skin i have had no family around me yet being on your own has its down side to something i dont wish on no one mts you are doing fine by reading your bible and i will pray that god puts the right people around you mts take care damo1 thanks for all the advice. Thanks for your prayer for people to be around me. Thanks for all your doing, taking the time to comfort me and typing all that you have. You've been a real good help to me these last few days.

high you need to be care full and you need to be clear that its god as satan can do this to cause us to hurt those clossest to us by making you think its god speaking to you i use to do this when i was young but i always had one close friend who was my spiritual mentor i would tell my spiritual mentors were i was going that way if people in my church needed to know my spiritual mentors could tell them whats going on when i was young i use to go walk abouts i would disappear for three months and if i did not want to make contac with anyone of be found i would do as i saw fit but as an adult i cant afford to drift or day dream or cut my self off from my son and people i know who are non believers i have responsabilitys and i also need to keep a roof over my head when i first began to read the bible i would find it hard to focus and i listened to the ssme music as you i had all of matalicas collection in my possession i also loved listening to ac / dc pink floyed the wall was my best cd i would listen to but most of the time it was my heavy metal music i had brought that i would listen to i was hooked as i got mature in my walk i began to learn what the music i was listening to was doing to me as a person and i got rid of my collection i gave it away to a close friend who is a non believer his girl has given you sound advice before you read your bible pray this simple prayer holy spirit i invite you into my room holy spirit i ask that you guide me teach me as jesus taught his disciples dont let my flesh or head do the talking silence the human side off me and alow me to learn from you i found it even hard to pray i would always get distracted but know i dont alow my self to get distracted you need your family its important that you dont cut your self of from your family i hav no family my family are those that god has put around me i have grandfathers and grand mothers and uncles and brothers and sisters who the lord has put in my path and i have mothers and fathers also who god has put in my path thes people i can turn too and they are ther for me you will know who to cut your self from i use to hang out with drug dealers and criminals and pimps and guys who owned strip clubs these guys were my mates as i became a christian it was hard to cut my self from my mates what spun me out is how they tracked me down i had strong ties wtth these guys and i learnt from a close friend who was were i was at that satan was ussing these mates of mine satan did not want me hanging out with my spiritual mentors or my new christian friends or being involved in the churches out reach group and music group one guy wanted me to deal for him another guy wanted me to hurt some one and another guy wanted me to look after two of his workers this only hapend as i began to nail the old me to the cross every time i had let go off my old life and the way i would think and behave and talk out of the blue i had guys i knew who i had dealt with in drugs or handled stollen goods turning up on my door asking for help or wanting to hide out from the cops in one town i had to move i did not want to leave i found a good assemblys off god church but it was were i had grown up i new the local bad boys and the cops also new me the drug delars and herroin and speed dealers i new got scared word got out i had become a christian they all new the pastor i got threatend sevral times but the pastor and the people in the church encouraged me and did not judge me or force me to stay i wanted to stay god told me to move to another city i put one of the dealers in and gave the police a list of other dealers i knew it was my choice i did not want to do it put these guys in but i knew what harm they had also done in the community and the damage they had done it was threw prayer that i had the courage to do what i did when i make a blood oath i stick to it what i see and hear stays with me god was working on me and the oaths i had made i had to cut my self totaly from these guys if i stayed i would have gotten hurt or i would have hurt one of my mates and found my self in trouble and facing time you do need counsling and you need strong matur christians around you you dont need weak christians around you who are going to be a bad influence in your life you need mature strong christians around you who have their head screwed on you dont need a fruit loop way to many fruit loops giving out wrong advice to guys like your self i presume you are a brother it will get worse before it gets better god needs to deal with what you are holding on to first and you know what you need to let go off but please dont cut your self from your family what i am picking up you are confused and its ok to be confused sort out a pastor with his head on who is not a screw ball ask god to guide you to a church that you can be appart off you need people around you who wil guide you damo1 Yeah God created me as a dude. <,< thanks for your words. there is only one church in this village and a population of 300+ people. that's my only option. one church. right now. leaving everything behind seems like the best option. i will have to check out the church though. A friend of mine who has a job outside of this village asks if i go to church yet. so i know it's open and someone preaches there. that's all i know of the church...is that's it's open. i don't know who preaches there and i know it's the only church in this village. and thanks for typing about your life. it was a good read. Knowing that i'll be able to find guidance soon. and getting advice and guidance now. After i had dropped out of school and about to graduate in the 11th grade(2003), a few months after school was over. I got three apllications for colledges. One from Duke, one from Arizona, and one from North Western indian politechnic( i think that's what it was called, my coach gave me advice to apply to that school). If i had accepted those and applied to one of those schools. i would of been leaving for worldy reasons. I still havn't finished high school and given up on that. I still havn't finished God's work and waking up is proof of that. i still have a job to do. I really don't think a 9-5 isn't for me,a well paid job isn't for me. I was told in my 7th grade year i'm to be a preacher. And if i leave some time in the future when ever that is, it seems i'd be leaving for God's work with a bigger purpose then the one i would of had if i had planned it. Worthy boards right now, is the only place i can get advice from(that i can trust)

Thanks for taking the time to type all this.

sorry for the double post. nervous would be the word to describe what i'm reading.