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Comment by russ allen on November 4, 2009 at 7:09am

Good morning! Cool and crisp like a fall day should be! Our faithing and our adherence to the teachings of God in his Word is of utmost importance. We know from the Word that believers in the Messiah Jesus that we are not judged for salvation by our adherence but we are expected to obey the commandments of Jesus. I read something interesting this morning that exposes some lines of thinking and some actions as not in line with Godly teaching. Check this out;

1 Cor 4:18-21
Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
NIV

Look at that. People had become arrogant in their practices and when you research the Greek words written you discover that some of the people were becoming self complacent and actually got puffed up at their holiness. Arrogance by its nature is boasting and haughtiness because it fears no judgement or correction. That leads to "look at me" or "do as I do because I am Holier than you". Boy is that a dangerous place to be! We've talked before on this and our being good or holy isn't a means for judging others or heaping condemnation on others but it's a reflection of Jesus. When we get arrogant and start pointing fingers or weighing down others with our expectations of religious views we become arrogant and step out of his marvelous light and into the shadows of form rather than function. Paul ends those verses with a question about coming with a whip or a rod preaching Jesus or with love and a gentle spirit which when you think about it is self answering to the latter rather than the former. Cramming righteousness down someones throat vs showing the compassion and love of Jesus is a no brainer. The power of the Word of God isn't in lording it over people but in that mentioned love that Jesus showed, taught and lived by. So what do we learn from those verses? Check yourself man! Be holy for holiness' sake and not to show off or compare yourself as better to anyone else. The power is in Jesus, not you or me. Without Jesus, we are lost and therefore not any better than all the rest of the lost people so show the power and love of Jesus so they can be redeemed exactly as much as we are.

Remember Thomas Allan and school and his folks for wisdom...remember Amber Hacker, surgery...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love. Thank you for saving us. Lord, help us be aware and in tune to the needs of others. Help us be mindful of your love and to share it with others and not lord it over them. Help us be the ambassadors for you that we should be. We lift those mentioned up and ask for your continuing touch on our lives, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:36 AM

Comment by Michael Brittain on November 3, 2009 at 10:25am

Russ Allen, What a GREAT Post this morning… Hits me RIGHT in my Own Daily Concerns, Thoughts, Struggles and Growth Focus Area! I enjoy reading your daily posts but THIS ONE hits directly in my heart. Yesterday while on the freeway in Houston I saw a car with a license plate that read "Try God" and I thought to myself "WOW! This woman must be STRONG in her faith" because unlike putting a bumper sticker on the license plate stands out SO MUCH MORE! And having that you KNOW that she is an open target to critical view by EVERYONE! And I thought to myself that I am a PROUD Christian and will speak to anyone that wants to listen and more so work to witness by my actions more than words but I admired this lady SO MUCH MORE because like you said in your post this morning "I would say that a person professing to be Godly and a believer is open game to dark forces that wish to eradicate them from the earth."

Well, that's my 2 cents today! Keep up the Good Word may may we all walk in God's guidance this day and always!

In Faith,

Michael

Comment by russ allen on November 3, 2009 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? We need to notice actions more than words sometimes. We can be fooled into a false sense of security when a position held carries weight into deception. Follow me on this. I trust my Pastor completely but I also know he is a man therefore he is tempted by the same things I am. He battles common things that mankind fight all the time. I would say that a person professing to be Godly and a believer is open game to dark forces that wish to eradicate them from the earth. Don't think so? Look at the things that have come under attack. Heck in this country even speech that doesn't fall in line with the status quo is being openly attacked to be eliminated. We as believers must be wise and be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We must not necessarily fall in line blindly with people of position for that reason only. The Bible warns of infiltrators who deceive for gain and that is true in all walks of life. Gee whiz, I work for the government and I see this at work constantly. This is meant to encourage you to always seek God's best and not just "good enough". We have to be diligent in reading of the Word and seeking truth in everything. My flesh desires things and my mind tells me no which causes a battle inside. By looking in the Word and praying with confidence that truth is always revealed we can tune in to what the Spirit tells us. This doesn't happen overnight and we must remember that the devil and his henchmen disguise themselves as light so just because it seems good doesn't necessarily mean it is good. Therein lies the struggle of the spirit and the flesh. Hmmm...

7:16-20
By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
NIV

Jude 8-10
In the very same way, these dreamers pollute their own bodies, reject authority and slander celestial beings. But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" Yet these men speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals-these are the very things that destroy them.
NIV

Jude 14-19
Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about these men: "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones to judge everyone, and to convict all the ungodly of all the ungodly acts they have done in the ungodly way, and of all the harsh words ungodly sinners have spoken against him." These men are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage. But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
NIV

Remember the Sarah Daniels family on her passing...remember Dave and Maria on the road...remember to insert your own concerns where I put mine...

Heavenly Father,
We lift those we are concerned for. Guide and protect them. Heal them. Lord we want true holiness and not just the appearance of it. Help us be wise and recognise truth and not be deceived by anything other than that. Lord, increase our faith and wisdom so we may live upright and holy. Help us not inflict pain but show comfort and love that you show us. Thank you for everything, In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 2, 2009 at 7:13am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Another crisp fall morning and the clocks are set back. The count up till warm weather begins.
You know, we get lots of stuff heaped on us. How to live, what to say, what to and not to do. Our wisest move is to compare all these things to the Bible. Probably the most famous quote we hear is; "neither a borrower or a lender be". That is Shakespeare, not the Word of God. I've heard that all my life. Probably good advise but it ain't biblical. How much do we hear that is regional or culturally biased? That doesn't mean those ideas and sayings are all wrong but be careful not to hang your hat on something that really isn't a precept made by God. All I'm saying is do your own seeking as well as hearing other searches. I was told things as I'm sure you were that turned out to be false or relevant to the times. "Rock n Roll is evil", "traditional hymns are the only true spiritual songs", "the only holy instruments are key boards" or "no instrument but the voice is holy". You could do a historical study on those statements and find the origin and I would bet the farm that they are covered in the thinking of the times they were said. When you look at those statements and churches have been divided over them, what do you see? I see the vision and focus drawn away from the savior and onto things that repel rather than gather. Chalk one up for the other side as it were. Think about that...

James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
NIV

1 Tim 6:3-5
If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
NIV

Prov 18:1-2
An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends;he defies all sound judgment.
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
NIV

Remember Floyd Griffin...remember to pray about everything, even a "Lord open my eyes"...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that reveals truth. Lord we ask for wisdom and discernment in everything we do. Keep us aware of the snares the enemy sets before us. Keep our minds sharp to your truth. Lord, soften our hearts. Lord we lift those minds and spirits that are low today and ask for a touch of healing on those in pain. Search our hearts and make us calm and sure of your grace on and in us, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:39 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 30, 2009 at 7:13am

Good morning! How are we faithing? This has been an interesting week. More thought provoking things of a spiritual nature and practical things have cropped up. We get reminded and we think about old friends and new. We think about past, present and future what ifs. We think and see nice things and crappy things. This time of year we see beautiful colors but realize what's ahead. Our minds wonder and day dream. Some are innocent escapes and some of them turn the other way. When the Bible tells us to pray without ceasing it's telling us to give thanks in the worse as well as the best situations. When it tells us to put on the full armor of God in Ephesians it's telling us to prepare for the things we encounter all the time. It's rough out there with rejection, mistreatment and woes that really whoop us but by being prepared and relying on His strength we can endure. I really can't complain with anything in my life because the realist in me knows that my mistakes or the seeds planted as it were is reaping what was sown. Therefore, wisdom reveals what cause and effect is taking place. Wisdom also shows that God can overcome anything, even bad seeds sown, but if I repeat the same actions, things will remain as they are or at least start the effect all over again. By being quick to pray and to seek God's wisdom, even if it is hard, we learn to trust him in everything. Time and time again I say "duh" and slap my forehead wondering why I missed the mark. This doesn't berate me but informs me. God doesn't want to beat us down but wants us to realize where and when we walked without looking to him and what the results were. Yes he gave us intellect to use and when we have defeated an area we can move on to the next remembering that victory and utilizing that wisdom gained from then on. I don't know about you but I sometimes forget and walk headlong into the same thing again and the forehead slapping commences again....gee whiz...But you know what's cool? God stays the course and forgives again, holds me and tells me that it's ok, keep pressing on.

Eph 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
NAS

Isn't that cool?

Remember Lorie Jay...Jennifer Taylor...Tonya Fulfer...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask for your touch and your peace on those listed and all of us too. Lord we need you in everything we do. Keep us mindful of your ways and teach us to seek you constantly. Lord we lift up our friends old and new to you. Protect and hold them as they approach today. Lord thank you for loving us, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 29, 2009 at 6:15am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I've been dreaming of people I have not seen in years. Nothing is wrong with them, we just hang out and talk about work, kids and God. Telling them how God has moved in my life and trying to tell them they can experience the same makes for such interesting conversations, while asleep. I'm not sure what to make of these dreams sometimes. Life sometimes works really similar to these dreams. We have conversations and are left wondering how those we talk to are effected. We know how we are effected and we sometimes wonder if the people we talk to think along the same lines. The crews I've had the privilege to work with over the years has made for some really good relationships and some not so good. One of the interesting things is once in a while someone comes to mind and I wonder how they are and usually am prompted to pray for them. Don't know why and have come to know it doesn't matter. Praying for people as shown by Jesus is a necessary thing and I think the Holy Spirit prompts us to pray for people and by being obedient to that prompting we fulfill a command of God. Here are but a handful of verses that tell us to pray. Look at these and think and try to remember to pray in all situations. Believe me, it will change your life.

Luke 21:35-36
Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." NIV

Rom 8:26-27
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.
NIV

1 Cor 14:15-16
So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
NIV


Eph 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
NIV

1 Thess 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
NIV


1 Thess 5:25
Brothers, pray for us.
NIV


James 5:13-16
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
NIV

Remember Matt Coffey-bike wreck...remember each other and the people you encounter, even the ones that tick you off...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that is nourishment to our bones. Lord, help us always seek you, always remember to pray in all things. Lord we need you in our lives and we need to be reminded of your presence in every situation. Help us be the men and women you designed us to be. Lord, heal those people who are sick. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 5:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 28, 2009 at 7:15am

www.4-help.org is where I saw that sticker Padre, in the store, didn't see it on line but you could call

Comment by russ allen on October 28, 2009 at 7:14am

amen Anita

Comment by russ allen on October 28, 2009 at 7:13am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Our enemy is not our neighbor. Our enemy is not that guy who cut you off in traffic. Our enemy isn't our boss. Weird way to start this you say but I want you to realize something without looking around in fear under and on every nook and cranny. Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for who he can devour is what the Word says, so we need to be armed. How do we arm ourselves? The Word and prayer. Study the Word every day. Pray for those who get on your nerves. Pray for your nerves. Look at the situation and not at the person. Examples; that knucklehead that just cut you off may be rushing to the bedside of his kid who fell at school. Your boss that drives you nuts may be struggling with things from above him in the food chain and you just happen to be in the path of his wrath. Our neighbor may have lost someone and he or she is bitter. These actions are wrong in our eyes but rather than curse and complain we need to be praying for them and praying we can show Christ in our lives because that may be all it takes for them to realize where they are. Follow? It's quite simple actually. Like we've said before, hate the sin not the sinner. Everyone has a story and our job is to show Jesus. Our being kind and not giving in to distress, which serves satans cause and not Gods, is a form of warfare the enemy uses. Divide and conquer. As soon as you realize you are distressing over someone elses actions, repent and start seeing through the eyes of Jesus. Yes there are just some jerks out there but that doesn't mean we have a right to be one back. Stand straight without feeling superior for standing straight. That's another ploy by the enemy.

Eph 6:10-14
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
NIV

James 4:7-8
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
NIV

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
NIV

Remember Sarah Daniels...remember Christy and Tonya Fulfer, Christy is ill and Tonya had a baby boy!...remember the lost and those who are hurting in struggle...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love even for a wreck like me. We are so grateful for your compassion that you provide strength when we think we have none. Lord we lift those ailing with this flu season and ask for quick healing. We ask for a touch on the new baby in our midst...Lord we lift those lost that they come to a saving knowledge of you and discover true wisdom and peace, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:44 AM

Comment by Anita King on October 27, 2009 at 4:32pm

I have a prayer request. We worked a double fatality on Sunday night. Two sisters were killed and two other girls were seriously hurt. One of the ladies killed was a member of the Wythe County Rescue Squad (who also worked the accident). Please be in prayer for these ladies families and the Rescue family during this loss.

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