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Comment by russ allen on June 19, 2009 at 6:55am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Do you have a joy inside knowing your father in heaven is with you? Do you realize that whatever transpires is indeed something that we can grow in our spiritual being? Man it's hard to take some of the things that fly at us. Some of the stories I have heard this week in school from other students amaze and intrigue me. How they can endure and handle situations without blowing a gasket is sure encouraging. Some are very gruff on the outside but quite normal inside when you weed out all the defenses and the defenses are understandable. We as christians have a defense mechanism that is learned. We have protection. We still endure hardship and pain just like anyone else but we do have blockers if you will that protect our being.

Eph 6:10-19
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,
NAS

this is cool imagery. Remember to picture a soldier of the past for what they wore to battle;

1.girded loins-truth, set deep the truth, never waver. Question details in normal but the truth is still the truth.
2.breastplate of righteousness-faith and love
3.shod feet-with the gospel, a firm foundation or you will be knocked down
4.shield of faith- to protect from what satan and his henchmen throw at you, anything they can throw that might chip away at you
5.hemet of salvation-it's interesting the imagery puts this at the top around our head. we must know we are saved. we must be bold and brave because we know this and protection is our ours
6.sword of the spirit-the Word of God, as we've talked before, daily input of the Word. Because any twisting of thought and ideology can be cut off immediately with the Word of God. The Holy Spirit will let you know when something is wrong.

Our whole being is indeed wrapped around where we stand and how we stand. These things we don every day are important so are able to resist, control, learn, help, love and build on that inner joy that keeps us from falling into traps we can't seem to climb out of. This is so huge a study but you have enough to seek yourself. Have a great weekend and remember you are love.
Remember Randy Thompson and Diane Redd..health issues...
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and grace that saves even a mess like me. Lord we ask for protection and all these things we talked about for us so we can be who you envisioned us to be. Lord thank you for healings and blessings that come our way and help us recognise they are from you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:24 AM

Comment by Tammy on June 18, 2009 at 10:35pm

Thank you so much for the prayers! My surgery went well and I am home now resting. God bless you all and my his light shine brightly on you. ~Tammy~

p.s.
I will try to find some pics of Wild and Wonderful West "By God"Virginia and post them on my profile soon. Be careful and stay safe!

Comment by Mark A. Duell on June 18, 2009 at 5:21pm

Tammy,

I pray that you've made it through the surgery okay! Let us know how your doing. Any outdoor pictures of WV. Would like to see what the country looks like out your way. Hey, take care and keep looking up!

Comment by russ allen on June 18, 2009 at 7:13am

Tammy, prayers sent and you ask anytime!

Comment by russ allen on June 18, 2009 at 7:12am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I'm in school this week so there is alot to sift through. Our minds can be loaded with things that are a help and with things that are a hindrance. Deciphering through all of this is a chore. Keeping the mind of God in everything is very important. We're not talking judging or criticizing but perspective. For me lately, focus seems to be the issue. Being able to hone in on the real issue is difficult especially when you are loaded with info or are led off issue and on to something that is off subject. We get led off subject by issues elsewhere, daydreaming, worry etc. Keeping our focus on God and the things of God plus applying them to every situation gets lost when we allow errant thoughts to take hold. Healthy daydreaming that relaxes us is necessary sometimes. For me it's analytical thoughts like how to build things, what's yours? Stress can overwhelm us if we don't stay vigilant to the signs of it. Ask for guidance every day. Seek the face of God with his Word and prayer. Look at this and see how it applies to your thinking;

1Cor 2:10-16
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"
But we have the mind of Christ.
NIV

Do you get the connection? The spirit of God guides our thinking and discerns things that we sometimes miss. The mind of Christ is one that recognises truth and sees root causes. The mind of Christ is our barometer for thoughts and actions. Wrong actions and thoughts that are contrary to this spirit of truth is what causes undue stress. Taking captive and removing from sight that daydream that is contrary to God is important. How? Pray quickly when we recognise it. Fill your head before hand with the Word. Will we never have bad thoughts and feelings? Of course not! Just when you recognise them, take those steps necessary to rid yourself of them. This is more of that Godly training we choose for our minds.

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for your grace and love. Lord we need stress relievers. Lord, fill our minds with clarity and faith. Help us see truth and act accordingly. Lord we want to be servants and examples for you. We ask for protection from the enemy in our minds and bodies. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:32 AM

Comment by Tammy on June 17, 2009 at 11:11pm

I am sorry, I am still kinda new to FFN and this group but I was wondering if it would out of line to request a prayer or two...

I am scheduled to have surgery Thursday (6/18) @ 1600hrs. I have been worried about it all day and just felt the urge to seek prayers. If you choose to pray for me, THANK YOU so very much and if you don't then that's ok too!

May God bless you all and watch over you to keep you safe! ~Tammy~

Comment by russ allen on June 17, 2009 at 7:00am

Good morning sports fans! How's your head this day? We've talked so many times about daily bible reading. We don't do it just because our Pastor tells us to or because we think we are more spiritual if we do, we do it to see and hear God. We read, believe, apply the principles contained because without them we would miss out on a full life that is honorable. Jesus has saved those who believe so there is no more earning acceptance or admission to heaven. The the presence of the Lord is what bible reading does. Peace and understanding is gleaned from reading the Word. Even if when you read you close when finished and kinda say,"what", do it anyways because the truth will be revealed when it is time. What does that mean? Sometimes we are not ready to see or hear the truth and sometimes we haven't made the connection to the application of the text we read in our lives. That's ok because by reading and thinking about God's Word daily we have the truth in us and it will manifest itself when the time is right. Gee whiz man, we all goof up, we all have things that kick our butts but the more of the Word we get the more we can learn to overcome. Look at these and think;

Gal 2:19-20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
NIV


Rom 6:3-4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
NIV


Eph 2:4-10
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
NIV

Rev 3:19-20
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
NIV

2 Cor 10:2-6
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
NIV

I know that is alot of scripture to pour over and the lessons and thoughts are numerous but they all lead to the importance of getting God's wisdom and assurance in us. We have to settle the issue of God's love for us even when it seems so contrary to human nature and the world. Whatever you put in the most, that is what will come out so think about that and the implications that could bring...

Remember Ben Handzel...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and grace full hand upon us every day. Lord we lift you up even when we are perplexed. We praise you even in anguish. We thank you even though we get angry. Lord we need strength to muster when we feel weak. We ask for wisdom when we feel lost for answers. We ask you protect our minds from thoughts that destroy. Lord we ask you keep our children safe and give them the security to stand firm in your love. Thank you for revealing yourself in your word. We honor you and desire to walk holy without pride but with compassion as you have for us, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 16, 2009 at 6:52am

Great morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Man, I love when God's Word comes to mind! Situations bring about thoughts that without us putting in the Word daily it would be hard to recall it. I was reminded of Jesus' betrayal and how he understands our emotions. He endured the same ones we do. How ever you may have been betrayed, Jesus knows.

Matt 26:47-49
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
NIV

Imagine the hurt, the betrayal. Jesus knew he would do this but it still had to hurt him deeply. Likewise, we endure pain and suffering at the hands of others and sometimes they are loved ones. When this happens we need to be quick to pray, quick to forgive, quick to focus on God for strength so we don't dwell on ourselves. It isn't always easy but it is doable. Some of our buttons are pushed by others so we must be wise and recognise those buttons so we can respond correctly and not on pure emotion. I find this interesting;

Ps 55:20-21
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.
NIV

We do this, they do this. Is this wise for us? That is the question for us because we cannot control them. Our walk is what we are concerned with. Our behavior. Theirs is theirs so when we are being betrayed or spat on, remember to pray on the spot for protection and wisdom.
Remember William Browns Grandpa...

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that teaches us lessons that are applicable to our lives. Lord, we need help and assurance when we are stepped on. We desire to act wisely and not in a retaliatory way. Thank you for all you do for us. Lord we lift those who are sick to you. Comfort them an d let them know you care. Lord, any lessons you are teaching us, grant the wisdom so we recognise them quickly. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:32 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 15, 2009 at 7:03am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I've always retorted when someone says churches are full of hypocrites that of course churches are, where else would they go? Well, I was remiss and only partially right in that comment. Yes only sick people need doctors but we ain't hypocrites. Hypocrites pretend they are something that they are not. Speaking for me and my brothers and sisters in the Lord, we are fully aware that we are not good enough, holy enough nor capable of entrance into heaven outside of Jesus. We are in church to recharge our spirits so we are capable of sharing and showing the love of Christ for in the natural we would say to most,"screw you guys, I'm going home." When we go to church we go to get healed. We go to be with others who are doing the same. Are all present in church of the same mind? Unfortunately no. There are some hypocrites I'm sure but that is none of our concern other than showing Jesus' love and grace. The point to this is what the others do or not do is not the issue. The person that stays away from assemblies of God's people should be looking for the healing from God not who is pretending to be who or what they are not. Look at these and see what is said and what our reason for church is;

Luke 5:29-32
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
NIV


Rom 14:1-4
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
NIV

1 Thess 5:14-15
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
NIV

This is bigger than one day can cover. So if you are pointing fingers at church goers, stop. Believers are redeemed, not perfect. Believers struggle just like you. If you figure out you indeed are a hypocrite, repent, ask God to heal and reveal.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your mercy and grace that saves a sinner like me. Lord I do not want to be a hypocrite but one who stands with your strength against the forces that are against you. Lord we need your love and grace to live. Lord, take our plea and assure us of your love so we can get that recharge when we go to church. Lord, bring to mind your words and wisdom constantly, in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

Comment by Bulldozer on June 14, 2009 at 2:59pm

Thankyou all for your prayers. I will keep you all informed on it all.

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