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Comment by David Weakley on September 12, 2009 at 11:49pm

i am a baptist preacher and ive noticed theres few and far between in this industry but ive met some of the same people so i don't feel alone so God has put us in this situation for a reason its our place to find out what.

Comment by russ allen on September 11, 2009 at 8:08am

Good morning! Our faithing day to day is totally dependant on our relationship with messiah. What we do to learn and to ingest the Word of God is proportional to our growth. If we do not get any teaching from the Word except on Sunday for an hour we cannot expect to grow and be able to endure steadfastly. Our joy comes from the communion with Jesus on a daily basis. We watch TV, we read magazines, we play video games, we read plus many other things that take up our free time but do we take a few moments every day for God? There's nothing wrong with those previous things mentioned but our mission as believers is to share Jesus and in order to do that we must arm ourselves or we come off as idiots. The answer,"because I was raised that way" is not an answer to why we believe. Sure our upbringing may have led us to Jesus but only the real peace and love of Jesus keeps us believing. Only by learning and walking with Jesus are we able to share coherently. The only way we can renew our minds is by the input it receives. Where are you and your walk with Jesus?

Rom 12:1-3
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
NIV

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
NIV

Look at this;

1 Peter 4:17-19
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
NIV

Look at your walk with your belief. Don't pound yourself into the ground if you are lacking bur seek God a little more diligently today than you did yesterday...think about that...

Heavenly Father,
We praise your way. Lord forgive us when we fail. Forgive us and pick us up when we fall hard. Lord we do not wish to stumble but we do. We ask for wisdom to make choices that honor and bless you. Keep our nation safe from all foes foreign and domestic. Keep our minds sharp to the schemes of the enemy. Thank you Lord for all you do, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:22 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 10, 2009 at 8:13am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Fatigue takes over sometimes. Fatigue not only in bodily form but emotionally and spiritually. As my Pastor taught last night, God is constant, we are the ones who instead of abiding in him, drift off. The Word teaches us how to love and how to sacrifice for one another. Like we talked about yesterday, selflessness or rather selfless love teaches us to not belittle or correct with condescension, we build with respect that love rather than tearing it down. There's a humorous saying I hear about being right or being happy and it goes something like this; you can be right and sleep on the couch or you can be happy and dwell peacefully. We treat our spouses with admiration and respect and expect no less coming back our way but if we don't act in that fashion we can expect the same in return. We show true love by our sacrifice and by others interests being first. Now about the fatigue. Don't grow tired of treating others respectfully and nobly. Just because you don't get it back or receive it at all doesn't have any bearing on how you behave. It takes dedication, perseverance and steadfastness to behave like Jesus when others are slapping you in the face but that compassionate adherence to the way the Word teaches will over come everything. By believing and following those ways our fatigue diminishes.

Phil 2:14-18
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.
NIV

Phil 2:1-4
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. NIV

Remember Hallie Tracy...Janelle Clark...

Heavenly Father,
Help us never loose sight of your love for us. Help us abide in you and to persevere when others step on us. Lord, help us overcome fatigue when we feel we cannot continue. Lord we lift those mentioned and those who are hurting physically and other way. Touch them and let them know your love is so big we just can't fathom it. Lord, help us be better today and closer today than we were yesterday, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:46 AM 0 comments
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Comment by russ allen on September 9, 2009 at 7:47am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Selfless and selfish. I've known selfless people who don't care for themselves and miss the importance of taking care of themselves so they can help others. They think that is noble. I've known people that think of only their interests firsts and what's in it for them, it never crosses their minds how it effects others. They think it's self preservation. Both views are scewed from clear focus. The Scriptures lay out in many places how we are to be and how we are to treat each other. The Golden rule, "treat others as you would like to be treated", encompasses so many facets of life that when applied to everything it clarifies those first two examples. From marriage partnerships to business dealings, honesty, integrity and genuine concern, sacrifice for each other manifests itself in love that endures even in the tough times. Growing apart is selfish by nature. So what if you are not interested in what he or she is. They are interested therefore we should be. We may not share the passion but we need to be interested for no other reason than we love them. A subtle tool the enemy uses to pry apart relationships is twarting the unity by selfish interests. I'm as guilty as the rest. The subtlty is sometimes so minute that it passes right by us. Read these and think;

Phil 2:1-4
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
NIV

James 3:13-16
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.
NIV

Interests vary and we all have our niche but be very aware if they build barriers or gulfs between you and your relationships.

Remember Rhonda Cushings daughter....

Heavenly Father,
We ask for protection from fear. We ask for wisdom and comfort. Lord, we ask you let afraid people be aware of your presemce at all time. In the name of Jesus we rebuke the evil forces that enters our lives. We command in the name of Jesus that they stay away. Lord, help us see your presence and see your light in all we do and everwhere we go. Thank you for the releif that you give. in jesus name,amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:05 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 8, 2009 at 7:35am

Good morning! How are we faithing after the long weekend? You know, the impression vs the impact we have at work and in our lives is important. An impression can be deceiving but an impact is permanent. I have worked for people who gave a great impression with flattering words and accolades but in reality were only manipulating. I have been with friends that were using me for what they could get therefore weren't really friends at all. I have been guilty of doing as little as possible to get by. I have also put my whole self into what ever task was at hand. How should we act and behave? We should do things like it was for God because....it is. Some jobs suck but guess what? There are lessons to be learned and how we approach the job and how we do things is indeed a witness to our servant hood to our God. Remembering that everything is appointed by God and the place we are has lessons to learn that may not be obvious to us now but has ramifications later.
Sometimes we see the lessons immediately and some times not. We ought to do everything as if our life depends on it because how we are seen by nonbelievers may in fact be their only witness to their life being saved. My complaining and whining is not a good image of our savior and the joy he gives. You don't have that joy at work you say? Why don't you? That is a question worthy of research on your part. Whether washing dishes or ruling a nation, it's still servant hood so we ought to serve with our whole being as if it was life or death because it is. Are you alive or dead? I am alive because of Jesus. You think about that...

Phil 2:55
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
NIV

Col 3:22-25
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
NKJV

Heb 6:7-8
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
NIV

remember Ben and Amanda lost their 1 year old...remember Mike...remember Stacy-ultrasound...remember Megan T...remember Lauren W...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you love and compassion that stays with us even when we fail. Lord, help us keep our focus on you and to do the best we can in all we do. Thank you for the opportunities you give that we may show you in our lives. We rebuke the enemy and his minions from our presence. Lord, open eyes, clear minds and indwell so vividly in us we cannot ignore your presence. Lord, touch Ron and Art, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:56 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 4, 2009 at 7:17am

Good Friday morning! Three day weekend ahead! Labor day and picnic's all over. It's interesting when we think about the privileges we have in this country. Some country's picnic every meal because they have no shelter. Some people meet for every meal because they have to share what little they have. We are fortunate enough to live in the land of plenty. I had a conversation with someone this week that stated how great the Europeans are because they speak many languages and we think English is enough here. Well goody for them but our ancestors left over there to escape tyranny and the "old" ways to start a country and a new free way of life. Where has our sense of freedom and our thankfulness for a country where we can pursue prosperousness and free to worship as we choose gone? We need to thank our God in heaven this weekend and reflect on just what we have and not complain about what we don't. We need to be thankful we can speak, write, worship and pursue life any way we choose without fear. God has provided for us over here and we need not forget it. The sacrifices of great God fearing men and woman in the past has made a way for us to live as we do now. Not everything they did was right any more than all you or I do is right but never the less we need to be thankful for our lives and way of life. I have some good friends that disagree with me politically. I have friends that disagree spiritually but neither are going to kill me or start a war over these differences. That is not so in the rest of the world. As believers in Jesus as messiah we need to follow his commands and to be earnest in our commitment to his teachings. Churches come and go, countries come and go, heck, civilizations come and go but the Word of God is forever. So lets reflect on our blessings even if we are having problems because no matter what your situation, it could be worse. No matter what, God is with his children. Seek the lessons and seek the wisdom that only God provides.

1 John 3:1-24
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother. This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him. 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. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
NIV

remember Tony Beers in his job search...

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for your blessings even when we feel destitute. We know you care and we know you love us. Help us realize the good you give and help us see where we drop the ball and miss your blessings. Father, we praise you and thank you. Lord, grant the wisdom so we can act and speak wisely and honorably. Father, open your scriptures to us. We thank you for blessing this country and ask you open the eyes of our leaders so we can continue in your covering hand. Thank you Lord for your son who washes us clean, in his holy name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:39 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 3, 2009 at 6:48am

Good morning! Crisp mornings in the high 50's to 60's and I love it! Cup o joe, sun breaking over the horizon, birds singing, dog snoring, you know, the sounds of life.
It is so interesting when we find out our leaders are sinners or rather just like us. Why does it shock us? Why do we get so disillusioned by that? Like I heard this morning on Steve Brown's show, we have worshiped at the altar of that person. We tend to hold our leaders to a higher standard than our own. Why do we do that? Why would we think these people are any better or expect them to be better than anyone else? By no means am I dismissing the behavior but why are we shocked? Don't we do things? Are not we working out our own salvation? We are not earning it but just trying to walk as the Word teaches and we stumble all the time. What makes us think our ministers or our mayors or our parents aren't doing the same? Because we hold them in high esteem. That's ok but realize that they may be well versed in their area of expertise but they aren't in other areas so just like us, they stumble and fall. Temptation misses no one. Bad choices are made by everyone. Our job, no our duty as Christians and believers in the salvation only Jesus gives is to pray for each other, prop our brothers and sisters up and help them. Realistically think about this, a politician may be the greatest mediator around but may suck at personal relationships. A Pastor may be a devout man of God but can't seem to get a hold of his lust for hunting. Both may have women issues. I worshiped at the hot rod altar at one time. It took events and God waking me up to placement of that love behind him in order for it to come under control. Where do you worship?

Titus 22:1
You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
NIV

remember Emma Guldi...remember Christy Fulfer...remember our leaders ...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your teachings in your Word. Lord help us to worship only you and help us forgive those who wrong us. Lord guide and prop up those in any leadership position. Teach them to rely on you and you only. Lord, we lift those with physical maladies and ask you heal them miraculously. we honor and praise your holy name and in that name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:20 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 2, 2009 at 7:16am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Peace and tranquility is fleeting sometimes. Anyone who thinks every second ought to be perfect is living in a fantasy world. That never happens and how we deal with these things is paramount to our well being. Nobody likes calamity. No one enjoys being ripped on. No one is happy when tragedy strikes so what does this "peace that passes all understanding" really mean? The Apostles endured things we never will. They were persecuted for their beliefs unto death yet they held onto their joy and peace right to the end. They probably were not to thrilled with the prospect of crucifixion or being hit with rocks till they died but but they knew that absent from the body, present with the Lord. We have to remember in those times where our strength truly lies. If you don't know, you need a touch from Jesus and all you have to do is ask. Everything will not instantly become blissful but that joy that now dwells inside will start to well up and before you know it, the Word will dance before your eyes, the rough spots will take on a different dimension and your spirit will be alive and secure thus that joy will flow out no matter the circumstance. I can't explain how God has overflowed joy in my heart but it does and I know my savior lives. I know his promises are real. Do you?

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
NIV

Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Hag 2:6-9
"This is what the LORD Almighty says: 'In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and the desired of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,' says the LORD Almighty. the silver is mine and the gold is mine,' declares the LORD Almighty. 'The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,' says the LORD Almighty. 'And in this place I will grant peace,' declares the LORD Almighty."
NIV

Isa 54:10
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,"says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
NIV

remember Sammy who lost her buddy Gizzy...remember Marie...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your blessings. Lord we ask you touch us and bring the well of joy to overflowing. Let us experience your love and truth in a way it cannot be ignored. Lord, we lift those with heavy hearts today and ask you heal them. Lord, we praise your holy name and pray you for wisdom to be on top of all situations, in Jesus name , amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 1, 2009 at 7:35am

Great morning! I find it difficult to pray for people who have ticked me off. How about you? The forgiveness we have from Jesus is just as available to that person we are at odds with. Everything we have done is no worse or better than what they have done. Our forgiveness is bestowed from God on everyone. With these truths we know, why do we have trouble forgiving and seeing beyond them? We're human for one and nobody likes getting stepped on. We are fallen yet redeemed, sinners yet saved, fallible yet perfected by the blood of the lamb. Also we are here and subject to physical effects on our bodies which includes our mind. I see calamity and abuses on kids, oh man, and my hair raises on my neck and I shake my head just not able to fathom why anything like this could happen. I see car wrecks, fires, sickness, really bad attitudes and general meanness. But Jesus is the same during all of it. His grace is sufficient regardless of the calamity therefore, I must be mindful to pray for every person and situation in my world and so do you. We don't carry these burdens, we give them to God quickly and truthfully so we don't build ill feelings that are contrary to God's teachings. Be mindful of this from now on. Deal with them with compassion, wisdom and love. We've scratched the surface of this but think about it and get into the Word for wisdom.

1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
NIV

James 5:14-16
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

1 Tim 2:1-6
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time.
NIV


Eph 6:17-18
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

remember Nena-traveling to the Philippines...Edith Mitchell...Tony, Chris, Corey-jobs...Doug Reed that he find truth...Carl and Berta Moore that they find peace and comfort...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we thank you for all your blessings today. Keep us wise and alert to your ways and where you are leading us. Help us be keenly aware of your path and help us stay on it. Lord, we lift those mentioned today, heal and show them your love. Lord we lift Josh and Tiff up to you, thank you for forgiving our sins. in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:02 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 31, 2009 at 7:18am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you observe people and how they act? Do you judge them or try to figure out the reason for the action? Some actions are plain wrong. Some actions are right. Condemning the action but looking at the person equally with the action is not proper. I am not talking justice but grace. A woman who gets beat by a guy is a deplorable situation but why does she stay? Fear? She knows no other way? Super low self esteem? Low self worth? Her Dad beat her Mom so she views it as normal? There are lots of reasons, not excuses, why some behavior takes place. A young person is flippant and defiant to authority, do they treat their parents the same way? Who needs to learn, the child or the parent? Obviously that young person does now but what can we learn from this observation? And if that person is under you at work, how do you deal? These are things as Christians we need to take in so our witness is proper. We be no means wish to perpetuate ill behavior. We do not want to be hypocritical about these things. Dealing with bad behavior in an improper way only perpetuates and reinforces that behavior. Look at this and think;

Matt 23:1-4
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
NIV

Gal 6:12-16
Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.
NIV

Rather than jumping down the throat of the sinner, although wrongs often need immediate correction, try the grace and love way that sees to the heart and recognises hurt or ignorance and uses wisdom to help them turn away from their folly.

remember Petra Phillips, at the doctor for tests...remember the lost...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for grace and wisdom that teaches us your ways. Lord we ask for a calm spirit that sees truth immediately. Lord, thank you for your blessings that help us remain in your will, grant us peace and discernment of all we face, in Jesus name , amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

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