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Comment by russ allen on September 23, 2009 at 7:27am

Great morning! How are we faithing? The significance of family cannot be understated. I don't know what your situation with yours is but everything does revolve around family. From youth up to now you have been influenced by family. Some good influence and some not so good. Being able to bicker and still love, to be put out yet still enjoy coffee with them, to sometimes not like but love are all normal. It so is this way with our savior. Once you believe, you are saved. You may screw up pretty badly but Jesus still loves you. I know some of you think that just doesn't seem enough to just believe, but it is. The Word doesn't say "earn" your salvation, it says to "work out" your salvation. The difference? Your eternity is set upon the believing. How you live with the rest of your life is how you work it out. Look, we all have our battles and none are new. The battles we rage against are the same ones the patriarchs battled against. The forces against God are the same ones around today that have been here since the garden of eden. The advantage we have is our savior's presence in our lives. In a family when you have ups and downs, at least in my family, we always seem to move on. Love doesn't falter. We may not like them for awhile but the love remains. That to me is a good example of "hate the sin and not the sinner". With family we do this without hesitation at times and yet with outsiders we hold that grudge. Doesn't seem logical does it. That person you hold that grudge against is in someones family and is experiencing exactly what you are. Think about that for awhile...

Prov 15:17-18
Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred.
A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension,but a patient man calms a quarrel.
NIV

Prov 17:1
Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. NIV

Rom 1:18-25
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator-who is forever praised. Amen.
NIV

Remember Diane and family...remember Darrel, MRI today...remember Marvin McKinney, stress test...remember Josh...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the family we have Blood or not we thank you for our families that enrich our lives. Lord we ask for wisdom when we are at odds with them. We ask for peace and understanding when they struggle. Thank you for watching over us and being available when we but ask. Lord, keep us ever mindful of your principles and help us learn quickly to be an example of your love. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:46 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 22, 2009 at 7:01am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Alot of lessons while we are on this orb come from the oddest places from time to time. Some of our greatest lessons come from the littlest ones. I watch kids and how they deal with life and you know what? They have it figured out before we come along and twist their views with our hangups. Follow me here. They hurt, they cry. They want, they ask. They don't understand, they explore. In essence they are doing what we need to do as believers in Jesus. We can come to our savior with the most rudimentary as well as the most complex things and yet ask, cry, laugh, and hop in his lap to be held when we need to. This is a messed up world and no one gets out alive. But I'm not telling anything we all don't already know. The Word tells us to come to him as children and this is what that means. We need to be so confident in our savior that even when we think it isn't fair or right we can deal with 4 cards of different suits and a joker when we are trying to play chess. God knows. God has experienced all just as we have. Gee whiz man, he made us out of nothing. Our ancestors fell and we now reap those seeds. Fair? Does it matter? I don't think so. We all see in ourselves where our parents had trouble and we could follow that all the way back to that first sin. They were in the garden of Eden for pete's sake and screwed that up so put on that helmet, press on, petition your savior and roll where he leads.

1 Cor 1:8-9
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
NIV


Heb 10:23-24
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
NIV


1 Cor 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. NIV


Deut 32:4
He is the Rock, his works are perfect,and all his ways are just.A faithful God who does no wrong,upright and just is he.
NIV

Remember Kim W....remember Kat...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and steadfastness even when we goof up. Lord we ask for wisdom in the midst of all this we are enduring. We ask to be able to trust us with a childlike faith that is unswayable. Lord we do life those who are in physical pain and those who are searching for you. Reveal to them yourself in such a way that they are settled in the faith. Lord, thank you for all you do even when we forget to tell you we are thankful, in Jesus name , amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 21, 2009 at 7:17am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? While observing lots of people this weekend during our honoring of a fallen fellow firefighter I saw many reactions to events and listened in on conversations about fire trucks and kids, emergency runs and hobbies, wives and driveways. Listening and watching people deal with events like these is very revealing. One of the things I noticed about all of the conversations was that nobody asked why. They all knew the risks involved and accepted this as part of the job. No one liked it but they also didn't ask or doubt God just because they didn't like why we all were there. I'm not criticizing or praising this action, just noticing it. Scripture is full of passages about calamity while we are here. Scripture explains that because we live in a fallen world, things will happen. This is not a utopian world therefore things happen to the good and the bad. "So why bother?" you ask. Because all this is bigger than you and me. All this has more to do with eternity than yours and my short life here. Choices about our faith have long term effect that is so beyond current circumstances that we must remember that when we are eye lid deep in turmoil. Our strength comes from our savior. Our diligence and stamina comes from his Word and his Holy Spirit. People suffer. People die. I don't like it as I'm sure you don't either. So now what are you going to do with that? Rather than kick and scream "unfair!" why not stop and gather strength from thew only place it is born, in the arms of our Lord, Jesus the Christ. Start with a conversation with him and inquire of him these thoughts and questions you are dealing with. Open the Word because truth is what you will find.

Ps 143:10
Teach me to do your will,for you are my God;may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
NIV


Eph 5:15-20
Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV

Read Romans chapter 8 this week. Read it often.

Remember Kathy Allen...remember Floyd Griffin...remember Pam Perkins...remember Mike Burke and family...remember Mike and Mary-Beth

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for insight that your Word gives. Thank you for all the blessings you give. Lord, we ask for wisdom and understanding in all situations. Keep our minds sharp so we can see truth. Lord, we lift those mentioned. Grant freedom from pain, sound bodies and a knowing sense of your presence in their lives. Thank you for all you do, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:40 AM

Comment by brenda chelton on September 20, 2009 at 11:23pm

Hi to all my fellow EMS and Firefighters...I want to thankyou all for praying for me...I am the one that Doug had asked for prayer for that was on the vent....I had respitory distress....Dr's still not sure what cause it...So for the lack of not knowing they are calling it asthma.....But I know who healed me....I still have a long road ahead....for I get short of breath at times....But I am back to work....Thank you again....Brenda

Comment by russ allen on September 18, 2009 at 6:55am

Good morning! How are we faithing on this Friday morning? End of the work week and I don't know about you but I am pooped. Been an emotionally and long work week. We lost a firefighter last Sunday morning and the preparations and the things that have taken place this week are taxing on the members of the Department. For me, I've seen sides of people and compassion I hadn't seen before. I've seen gruff headstrong men show their hearts. I've seen outpouring of compassion for all involved. It truly is a family. Read these verses today and think on them. Realize the love God has for you, regardless of anything you've done, and take to heart the message Jesus the Christ has for you.

1 John 3:16-17
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
NIV

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
NIV

Rom 8:28-30
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
NIV

James 5:7-11
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
NIV

Remember Rex Miller,firefighter, as he heals from surgery...remember the community of Monterey this weekend as they mourn the loss of Terry Sharon...remember each other and be quick to prop up and not tear down...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for being with us all the time. We know we turn from you sometimes but we do not wish it were so. Help us be mindful of your presence so we can show compassion even when our flash wants to turn our backs. Lord, help us all see truth in everything and to seek your will. Help us look to you and flee temptation that would destroy us. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 17, 2009 at 7:17am

Good morning. How are we all faithing? How do you stand up under trials and your every day happenings? I see some who whine and complain no matter what happens to them. They drive me nuts. I see some who never get rattled and I am amazed. I also see those who put on the happy face but you can see right through the facade to the hurt in their eyes. It's time to get real folks and speak truth. Time to not fear what others think and keeping the image of great fortitude when you are in pain. Think about how no one gets any benefit from a fake persona. We need to of course be tactful and compassionate but we need to be above board and truthful. Jesus controlled his tongue at all times and his example is what we must model. Spit and cuss at someone does no one any good. You may feel good but only for a little bit. We as believers must stand up and be wise and the only way that happens is with study and supplication. Entering everything with the power of the Holy Spirit. For me as of late I am surrounded by hurting people and poise and stamina only comes from above. That fortitude that is present is only available by the grace of God. It was and is implanted way back when we first learned the stories of the Bible through week after week at church and our own study and prayer with the father. Recognise our shortcomings, speak truth, compassion and charitable love is how we must be. Boy the "do unto others as we would have em do to us" sure is pertinent, no?

2 Cor 4:16-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
NIV

James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
NIV

1 Cor 10:12-13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. NIV

Remember Mike H. and family...remember Diane...remember the ones who you encounter that they see Jesus

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for holding us up when we have no more strength. Thank you for loving us when we are not real lovable. Thank you for allowing us to see you in daily trials. Lord, we ask for wisdom. We ask for compassion like yours so we can be a blessing and not add to others load. Bless those mentioned and reveal your majesty and wisdom in their situations, in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:53 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 16, 2009 at 7:08am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Looking beyond ones self during the rough times is hard. Seeing past current pain and woes is darn near impossible sometimes. I hear people ask why and trying not to be pragmatic with the answers can either result in platitudes and not the real truth. Of course we have to be aware of the state people are in because sometimes they plain can't grasp the big picture. Sorrow and pain is an opening to growing in faith or despair. How you say? How can you keep focus under huge duress? It starts before those times. We must work out our salvation with diligence and committed faith building by getting in the Word so when those times come we can draw from the power of the words contained. People who don't believe the bible is the inspired word of God think we who do are idiots. I know that without it, I would be dead. The Word is life. How did God make everything? He spoke it. Ever say something and it happens? There is power in words. As a man speaks, so he is. Think about that and as you do, remember;

Heb 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
NIV

Ps 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
NIV

Ps 102:25-27
In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain;they will all wear out like a garment.Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded. But you remain the same,and your years will never end.
NIV

1 John 5:11-12
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
NIV

Rom 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NIV

Remember Bob...remember our kids and grand kids...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us enough to send your son for us. Lord, help us maintain you in our vision when we see calamity. Help us find wisdom in your Word. Lord we question things and don't understand why some things are as they are. Open your Word and way to us. Reveal your grace to us and grant the peace that passes all understanding. Lord guide our hands and minds as we go through this day. Protect our hearts and minds, in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:37 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 15, 2009 at 8:11am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Boy, this week so far is wrought with calamity and well, problems. Solvable but nether the less, problems. People have asked me why some are sick and why some die. How could God allow this to happen. Well the optimistic guy in me believes everything has a season and a reason. I may not see or know why but I have confidence that God does. After whatever has happened and we have had time to simmer down and deal with grief we can look at what has taken place because of the calamity. I'm by no means am saying to be happy when your house caves in but we also shouldn't curse God or fly off in a tangent over it. Look at the other side of things. You are ok, it's stuff and there is more out there. Look at this and think a second;

Matt 5:44-45
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
NIV

He causes the sun to rise on good and bad. Which translated, it rains while you are standing outside next to a car thief, you both get wet. You both experience the same things. You both get cold and shiver. So because he's a thief and you are not you think you should stay dry or he should? Or wet and he shouldn't? (whichever you see as the better situation) This earth has sin in it and without getting into a huge discussion which we don't have room for, things will happen to us. We are sinners just like them. We are redeemed and our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus and that is the only difference. Sin is sin like we've talked before, heinous sins or simple sins are still sin therefore death is a part of life. Sickness has come too. We could talk long and hard about all the bad things we see as happening to perceived "good people" but when we get right down to it, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God so our only salvation is with the Messiah who bore all for us. As a result of that sin in the world, junk is gonna continue to happen. You speed, ticket. You don't wear your seat belt and get tossed out the window, shut up, you made that choice. Grandma smoked for 50 years and is dying of lung cancer, sucks but what do you expect? Take a reality check today and realize the consequences for your actions are a part of life. Pray for those you see in trouble that they find God so at a minimum they don't end up in a smoke filled place for eternity. My take is that there is ALWAYS a silver lining to every thing that happens, maybe not for me but maybe for that one kids that sees and learns. Think about this.

Remember Bob Burnsmier...remember Rex Miller,fire fighter who just had surgery...remember the community of Monterey...Remember Mike Burke's family, Dad passed yesterday...

Heavenly Father,
Help us realize your truths and how big your love is for us. Lord we realize you empowered us with free will and as a result we are reaping sown seeds from the past so open our eyes to things that the flesh does not see. Be with the families hurting from disaster. Comfort those who are in anguish. Lord we lift our G.I.'s and emergency workers to you. Protect and shield them from enemy attacks. Lord answer questions people have and lead them to your holy scriptures for answers. Thank you for all in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 14, 2009 at 7:58am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Events as of late have caused pause for reflection. Many things we take for granted are fleeting. Many times we assume that things continue as normal and out of the blue,wham! Why we ask. What benefit is this? Answers flee as quick as the events that took place but we must remember that God is indeed sovereign and his mercy and justice overcomes all in the end. As pain comes and we are stricken with grief we must remember that God is merciful and he is right beside us, he even carries us when we cannot stand. In these days we are seeing things in this world that baffles and amazes us. Terrorism, Godlessness, self serving actions that are abominable. Then we see sacrifice, love given without a thought of recompense. A Lord who loves us enough that he gave his son so we can live forever. Humm...I don't know why alot of times but I sure am glad he does. Be aware of our savior's presence and reach out with him for the days are wrought with danger. Look around. It is time we stand on the Word and act as we believe while speaking truth without fear of how others retort.

Isa 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good and good evil,who put darkness for light and light for darkness,who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.
NIV

2 Peter 2:18-22
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

Be sure of where you stand for the days are full of deceit.

Remember the men and women of Monterey F.D. who lost a comrade this weekend. Remember Renee Siria's family...remember M.M.'s friend...remember Mike Burke's Dad...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word and the ability to read it in this country. Lord, bless our leaders that they see truth and act accordingly. Open our eyes to truth and let us not be deceived by lies and flowery speech. Lord, be with those in pain and sorrow this week and guide our tongues and our actions, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:58 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 13, 2009 at 3:08am

we lost a brother tonite. Terry Shannon , Monterey Vol. Fire Department lost his life upon returning from a 1046. He was found slumped in the front seat of the mini-pumper. Brothers worked on him and then ALS, he was pronounced. Please pray for the family and his brothers who worked with and on him.

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