For your consideration, I offer the following two quotes.

"When principles that run against your deepest convictions begin to win the day, then battle is your calling, and peace has become sin; you must, at the price of dearest peace, lay your convictions bare before friend and enemy, with all the fire of your faith." By Abraham Kuyper.

"Truth is so obscure in these times and falsehood so established, that unless we love the truth, we cannot know it." Blaise Pascal.

I offer these as food for thought and wonder as to your reaction. The first quote haunts me, the second saddens me. God Bless! Wendy

-- Wendy@GraceAcres (wjl7@hotmail.com), October 24, 2000

Answers

In the last few days I received 14 e-mails asking me how I could say the things I do about america. The answer is--from an early age I read books. Not hunderds but thousands of books ! Thru this I was able to keep my mind open and the American propoganda was not effective on me. I quote--" If a man says he loves God, yet hates his brother, he is a liar and the truth is not in him"-Jesus. This one phrase has kept my eye on the prize and showed me America's true agenda.

Tonight we are preparing to leave for Texas. There are enough tears to flood the Sahara Desert. I fully expected to be cursed by more than one child or wife but it did not happen. Instead they hugged me, more than one child saluted me and that was not necessary. It is truth that compels us to act. The kind of truth these quote's inspire. Thank You, Wendy for posting them.

If you indeed seek the truth than watch the money. If any man says the right thing to do involves the money than he is the liar. It is so simple ! Than set your principles and convictions against him.

Wendy, you reminded me of Jesus's rebuke of Peter in the garden for using his sword. Thank You, your words did not go without much thought. I am not defending Jesus from Herod. That was necessary to fulfill the scripture. Thanks Again, for your many words of inspiration !

-- Joel Rosen (Joel681@webtv.net), October 25, 2000.

Added to my permanent file...

-- William in WI (thetoebes@webtv.net), October 25, 2000.

Wendy,my response to this shall be a post titled "Alone".Grace and peace--Beth

-- Beth Weber (talmidim88@hotmail.com), October 25, 2000.

Joel, you are in our prayers as you leave for Texas. Your family as well. Thank you for your response. I understand regarding Peter. I guess I was trying to offer that His ways are above our ways, and it is hard to understand at times. I believe that as God had a plan that Peter did not see, He continues with His plan even now, and it confounds us at times. I make no claim in regards to His will concerning the situation you are dealing with (actually we are all dealing with, or will in some way) only to the larger picture. I struggle with this, as I want to do battle in the flesh. Yet I know the battles that are being fought in high places, among principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and against spiritual wickedness, as the Word tells us. So within this framework, I try to operate. And it is difficult. I do not believe we are to "lay down" because a larger battle is being fought. But on the other hand we must choose carefully our battles. Wisdom is what I pray for.

I guess that is partly why these quotes mean so much to me. It is a delicate balance we are called to..... at least it seems that way to me. For I know my nature and must "reign" myself in a lot!

I disagree with your view of this country, as I believe that for a time we were faithful in our understanding and application of Godly principles. Therefore we were able to be used in countless ways to further the Kingdom of God. The spreading of the Gospel being a primary one. But we are not different in regards to the sin nature. That is common to all mankind. In some ways we are worse off, because we had truth in our hands and have traded it for another "gospel", and the results of that trade off are only beginning to be seen.

And altho we disagree regarding our country, I admire your commitment to justice and your passion regarding your principles! You are a good man and I appreciate your point of view! God Bless! Wendy

-- Wendy@GraceAcres (wjl7@hotmail.com), October 25, 2000.

Wendy, well said.

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), October 26, 2000.

Hells Bells, I love America, and I am not deserting, to any other nation. I will defend the Flag, and not hate my neighbor. Nor do I have multiple wives/husbands, (though a few extra could make the load easier :). Good Wishes...... Never been to Spain, though I'd like to go there. But I have been to Oklahoma. Your Call, to all who hear.

-- My Self (Story@sticking.com), October 31, 2000.