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Comment by russ allen on October 23, 2009 at 7:35am

you got it Kevin...

Comment by russ allen on October 23, 2009 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It amazes me and is interesting at the same time how people will offer up opinions and propositional ideas based on nothing but "it sounds good to me" or even "feels good or right". If we do not test or hold these ideas to the fire as it were, we are bound to stumble at the least or drift off in a place we ought not go. For example, "God'll get you for that" or "you'll go to hell for this or that". Any of these can be refuted with the Word. Worldly Ideas like "Be good and you'll make it into heaven" are easily proven to be false. The Word tells us "none are good, no not one" so what principle is that statement based on? That previous feel good idea mentioned earlier. The hard facts that refute that is the grace of Jesus. We've talked about it so many times. Yes or no on the subject of Jesus, that determines heaven or hell. Following the Master has consequences such as behaving better, doing right, being a good person and these come about as a result of our choice to believe not in order to believe. Think about any idea that is presented. Test it by holding it up to scripture. Stealing a pencil or the hope diamond, a white lie or a bald face deceptive for gain lie. Either are what they are. Propositional ideas like any performance based dogma flies in the face of scripture so why do they permeate and how do people fall for them? Upbringing is one way. It is probably the hardest thing to believe contrary to what we learned the first 10 years of our lives. Accepted truth for the only reason of who said it. That one gets most people, including me. I've been duped before on the word of someone and have learned to research for myself when any doubt exists. The point to this is for you all to put on that armor we talked about yesterday and arm yourself with truth so you don't fall for the crap around us. Sure we may get had sometimes but with an inquisitive mind and knowing the where to search, we can grow and be prepared when the devils schemes come at us.

2 Peter 2:1-22
But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them-bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed-an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey-a beast without speech-who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity-for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."
NIV

remember Mom Millsap...remember these kids with the flu...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that is all true. Thank you for leading and teaching your principles. Lord, we ask a healing on the children who are sick. We ask for your touch on our hearts and minds. Be ever present in our conscience and sub conscience. Help us build up our faith so we can stand when attacked, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:52 AM

Comment by Kevin Johnson on October 23, 2009 at 12:53am

Brothers and Sisters, I really need your prayers! I was recently added to the unemployment roll in the great state of Louisiana. I made a decision after a lot of thought and prayer and decided to quit chasing after the good life. I am currently re certifying as an EMT-B. I have been with this department since 2000. My family and I have moved a couple of times and have wound up back in the town we call home. My wife is having a difficult time dealing with me going back into the Fire and EMS service. I was making six figures in the pharmaceutical industry, but was really not happy. I saw the layoff as a blessing. I am not working at the moment but I am getting unemployment which gets us by. It has been hard on everyone in the family. A lot of stress due to not being able to do anything extra. Please pray that God will give us the calm that we desperately need in our family. My wife is a Christian also, but I think that she is having a hard time understanding my decision. Thanks for all of your prayers.

Comment by Ron King (Fire Chief) on October 22, 2009 at 11:11pm

Hey everyone, Something to think about: EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE. BUT DONT WORRY; GOD NEVER BLINKS

Comment by russ allen on October 22, 2009 at 7:56am

Great morning! How are we faithing thus far? I've come to realize that I cannot be holy or righteous enough to stand alone. I have not the power or the might to resist the schemes of the powers of this world. Things fly in our face constantly and the devil knows how to entice us. The wonderful thing that God gave us through his son is a way for us to stand, a way to resist. I've reflected at my mistakes and outright sins in the past for the purpose of discovering how I'm still alive. It sure wasn't my doings that kept me upright and not dead. The might of God is the only reason we all are able to stand. Look at the news and we can see people who do not stand for righteousness. We also see the results of that rebellion. Unfortunately in this society today that rebellion is accepted in many forms. I don't need to point them out, we see them every day and yet we remain silent when it is tossed in our face. It has become acceptable and tolerated because of the worlds definition of freedom. True freedom from all of this is only possible by the grace of God who gave his son for you and me. Come on, be honest, we engage in things that are walking that thin line of right and wrong and we enjoy the thrill. I pray it is not at the expense of our souls. I pray we don't get enticed right off that line. Unfortunately I do see people who have choose the wrong way and it grieves me as I'm sure God is grieved even more so. It is time we stand and leave the consequences to God. We must plant our boots firmly with the Word of God and stop looking for just comfort. Abiding in the love of God is not by word only but by deed too. The proof we believe is shown to others by our actions. Sure we all faulter but how do we get back on that line? That is where the grace and strength comes in. Were it not for God and HIS power, we would all just turn into kaos and ruin would abound. So seek our savior and the power of his might, put on all his armour and fight the good fight. In all of our weakness he becomes so strong. He gives us the power and the strength to carry on. Think about this today...

Eph 1:18-23
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
NIV

Ps 119:18-24
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth;do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. Remove from me scorn and contempt,for I keep your statutes. Though rulers sit together and slander me,your servant will meditate on your decrees. Your statutes are my delight;they are my counselors. NIV

Remember Moni Beasley...Mike H...CKB...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for friends that stand by us when we are weak. Lord bless those who seek you. Lord we ask you for forgiveness and for wisdom in all we do. Help us see truth in things and not get pushed and pulled from the thin line of righteousness. Lord we thank you for your wonderful creations. Help us see pain and help and not inflict it, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 21, 2009 at 7:41am

Wow do we have battles in this life that are astonishing. We see stuff happening and wonder why they do. We experience pain and misery and wonder where God is. Nothing should surprise us or rather when we see something that makes us go "whoa!", we need to remember where we are and what is happening. We live in a fallen world. We have free choice so that can be manifested in many ways. We can see satan's minions at work and we see God at work. The thing is to recognise who's who. How do we do that? The Word. If it is contrary to the Word, it isn't of God. Simple right? Well not always because the world bombards us with ungodliness. Come on now, watch TV and tell me some of it is holy and just. Listen to some music and tell me it props you up instead of tearing down. Point is to be in the Word so you can distinguish between the two. Will we always get it right? Of course not. I'm a guy and I have the typical guy stuff attacking me i.e. pretty girls and images everywhere. Gee whiz man, we can't escape what the billboards, TV and magazines show. I can't even look at a car magazine without an ill clad gal standing by the car. I appreciate beauty as much as the other guy but come on! This is a battle of the flesh and men are visual. It works. I can't speak for gals for obvious reasons but I pray you get this and analyze for yourself. Our battle is in the mind and if we don't prepare for war on that battle ground, defeat is bound to come. With those thoughts in mind, look at the scripture below and think about each one. They relate to this subject but from angles you may not have considered, or maybe you have and this is is just encouragement to press on ;

2 Cor 5:11-12
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.
NIV

Prov 27:22
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.
NIV

Eph 6:10-18
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. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 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

Remember Hallie...remember Brad and Pam MacDonald...remember Diane


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that guides us daily. Lord we have so may questions and we know some wont be answered here but please, we ask for peace and understanding and above all unfailing faith to stand firm on your Word because it is your Word. Lord we lift those up in turmoil and those afflicted physically. Heal them and restore us to your image, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:10 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 20, 2009 at 7:40am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Suffering is nothing new. We all have had teeth pulled or broke something or even just stubbed our toe and suffered pain. Suffering of that type stinks but we know we will get over it. Pain goes away and we continue on. What about emotional pain? Intellectual pain? That's the stuff that hangs with us and hurts a long long time. Some of that pain never goes away, or can it? Forgiveness will hasten the retreat of that type of pain and realizing that God has truly forgiven...and forgot...is an example of what forgiveness is. My kids pulled some real doozies when they were little but they were forgiven almost a quick as they did whatever they did. Because of God's love, bigger than ours for our kids, that forgiveness is instantaneous. We as a species tend to hold on to our failures and fondle them. We tend to go back and pick them up to chastise ourselves a little more. That just intensifies that emotional baggage. Look people, God loves us no matter what and most times when we reassess past bad stuff all we succeed in doing is distancing ourselves from what God wants us to be doing. Assessing for knowledge to not repeat is fine but don't get caught up in reliving the shame. Check these out;

Ps 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
NAS

Isa 43:1-3
But now, this is what the LORD says--he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel:"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God,the Holy One of Israel, your Savior
NIV

1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
KJV

1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
NIV

Remember Sage Cutler...Bob Burnsmier...Hallie Tracy...Kiyoko Beasly's Mom...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your forgiveness and love for us that we have a hard time realizing just how huge it is. Lord we ask for healing on your people. Heal our minds and hearts so we can be about your work. Help us be a witness for you. Lord we ask for a touch of the potters hand on these lumps of clay. Mould us and set us up to the things that are necessary and to resist those that are not. Thank you for all you do and help us know it's you that matters, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:56 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 19, 2009 at 7:31am

Good morning! How are we faithing. Many of us struggle with form over function. Many of us adhere to our performance rather than the grace God has given. Look at these with that in mind;

Rom 6:13-14
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
NIV

Rom 7:6
But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
NIV

Col 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
NIV

So with those verses we can surmise that the regulations from before the cross are no longer the measuring stick used for our salvation. Interesting. Does that mean those regulations are no longer valid? Of course not! Those regulations are lessons and ways to live on earth, we just are not judged by them. It's simple really when you read the Bible in its entirety. The principles laid out way back when work inso much as when you read you can see consequences for the actions. There is a principle at work in everything. You jump, you come back down. You shoot an arrow and it eventually will drop to earth. You don't bath, you stink. Simply put;

Gal 3:23-25
Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
NIV

Well I'll be. This helps us begin to learn to seek Gods face in everything we do. We're forgiven when we believe so therefore we can move on with the course set before us unencumbered with worrying about "doing it right". It's already been done by Jesus. The grace we are now under sets aside all those infractions we did or will do. No we don't run amok to every whim we have but we can press on to a finer life knowing that every little whip stitch we miss isn't sending us into the hot abyss. To me that is comforting and extremely encouraging. I can make it because he said I will. Far out!

Remember Olivia Wiley...remember Christy Fulfer...remember Tony in his job search...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace that saves someone like me. Thank you for revealing your truth in your Word. Father, we lift those mentioned here that they find their needs met and they know you are the one who is there for them. Lord we lift the soldiers and their leaders to make wise choices in all they do. Protect our emergency workers and bless Rex and his family as they travel, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 16, 2009 at 7:12am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Being reacquainted with people from our past who know us in detail makes it hard for us to preach about what Jesus has done for us in our lives. On the other hand when they see the difference they know something is real because of the change. What we believe effects how we live which in turn effects others perception of our life. I know some of us are intimidated by certain people and in this case we are talking about the past, but we must remember who we draw our strength from. Our savior wont leave us. We may turn for a short time but he remains constant. Peter denied Jesus 3 times in one evening and that's a guy who walked and talked with Jesus. So don't consider yourself worthless when you drop the proverbial ball. Better people have too. The reassurance that Jesus gives is what we hold onto. Knowing that our forgiveness is indeed complete, beginning to end, is what our confidence is built on. Failures are learning tools and not chastismental things to beat us down. The Word is for our edification and a practical principle is that fed sheep follow, beat down sheep look for an escape. Jesus is our shepherd and does not beat us down but lifts us up so we can prosper in his presence. Will things get tough? Sometimes. Will we dip deep in sorrow? Sometimes, but remember this;

John 10:22-30
Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
NIV

remember Amy B...remember Emily Harkerrider...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you long suffering love for us. Thank you that you never give up on us. Lord, open the scriptures to us. Forgive our failures and thank you for that forgiveness. Lord, let us know your presence and let us be keenly aware of your work in our lives. Help us recognise you hand and the work it does. Lord we lift those who are hurting to you. We lift those lost people we encounter, let them see you in us. Thank you for sound minds to see truth,in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:25 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 14, 2009 at 7:02am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Sometimes what is said here has ticked some people off. Sometimes what is said here has made people uncomfortable. I don't want to be flip or cold hearted by saying something like,"I don't care" because I do care. I care that you all are encouraged and not beat down. I care that when you are hurting, I want to help not chastise. I care for your soul. I care that you are encouraged to face each day. I want all of you to find that peace and joy in Jesus that I have found. I care your dogma is sound and not splintered with untruths. We have a loving God who does not judge us on our performance every day. He is judging us on one thing, Jesus. Our relationship with the son is all that matters. Our relationship with the son manifests those spiritual good things that we tried so hard to do before we come to know Jesus but can't seem to do. Do we not try to "be good"? Of course we try to behave in a manner pleasing to God but our redemption doesn't rely on "being good". We are in the throngs of such upheaval in this day and age and so many are falling by the wayside. So many are floundering and searching in the world for a peace that does not exist in that realm. Look around, I'm telling you anything you don't already know. But I have found comfort in turmoil, rest when weary, peace where there is no peace and all of this is in my savior Jesus the Christ. Where is your peace? Where is your comfort? Booze? Drugs? Physical pleasures? All these have a place but it isn't salvation that's for sure. I encourage you to stand up and look deeply into your own heart armed with the knowledge that Jesus is messiah and the Holy Scriptures is the only book that has endured and prospered throughout history. You can be redeemed. You are worthy to come to Jesus because of the love he has for you. Matters not what you've done, he just asks for you to come. Where are you today?

2 Cor 5:16-21
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
NIV

remember Jamie Stevens and family...remember Bob Burnsmier...remember the Cowboy Church...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that overlooks our failings when we accept the gift from your son. Lord we desire to please you and to follow you. Help us help others and not cause them to turn away from you because of us. Thank you for your loving hand that heals us. Lord we ask for peace and comforting for those who are hurting today. Help us see needs and not fear to step out on faith to try to show your love, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

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