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Comment by russ allen on May 13, 2009 at 7:43am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Our awakening to God and his spirit doesn't come by watching TV. It doesn't come by typically in telegraph form. What am I talking about? Your study in the Word, your prayer, your time spent with him alone is where the still small voice speaks. I know in my life that the silence while reading the Word is deafening. Scripture that popped in my head in times of turmoil couldn't have been any plainer if God had stood in front of me yelling. When scripture speaks it is so apparent you can't deny its validity and appropriateness but if you aren't in the scripture often and better in it daily, the "at a loss" you feel sometimes is your fault. Don't misunderstand here, God speaks in so many ways but we have access to inspired word that people way back did not so why not use it? There are places in the world where some are killed for owning a bible. That is so foreign to us in America but it's real therefore we should take advantage of that privilege. Point is that sometimes our spiritual dryness is because we haven't spent time with God in silence. I heard a preacher talking about setting a time each day for this and actually putting in your calender/schedule a time for this and he has a point. You can't grow if you don't learn. Look at these and see what God says to you;

Tim 2:11-16
Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;
if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Keep reminding them of these things.
Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.
NIV


James 1:16-18
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
NIV

Phil 2:14-16
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
NIV

Col 3:15-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
NIV


Heb 4:1212 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
NIV

I'd bet that God showed you some things and showed me other things and that is why this is the living Word.

remember Katy Fulfer and her family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your Word to us. Thank you for being consistent and approachable and steadfast when we feel spiritually dry. Lord we desire to be holy and we desire to follow your precepts but we stumble and fall alot. Please forgive our moves that are contrary to your will. Forgive us when we don't seek your wisdom first. Lord we need a touch from you every second we are alive for without you we are but dust. Lord, we lift Katy and her family to you. Place wisdom on those involved directly, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:58 AM

Comment by Padre Pete on May 12, 2009 at 10:22am

Got it. Thanks.

Comment by russ allen on May 12, 2009 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Things that we observe in this world can effect us in ways that if not checked, lead to disaster. Deeds on earth do have consequences. Our path not only effects ourselves but others also. It is a good practice to be mindful of our actions and comments. Flipping a comment may seem innocent but may be devastation to someone else. Perpetuating a story that is damaging to someone else, regardless of its validity, is not only unwise but mean spirited. Truth stated without regard to collateral fallout is unwise. Yes, sometimes it cannot be helped but most times when we toss something out under the guise of, "well it's true", the motives become suspect and our witness can be damaged.

Heb 12:13
"Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
NIV

Gal 6:1-2
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
NIV

James 3:13-14
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.
NIV

Jude 22-23
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
NIV

1 Cor 4:21
What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
NIV

Rom 15:1-2
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
NIV

Prov 29:77
The righteous care about justice for the poor,but the wicked have no such concern.
NIV

Now where do you see to blast someone just because you are right? Where do you see any leadings to disregard tact and be bold ignoring others Psyche? Jesus said the Holy Spirit gives utterance. Do you see where this is going? Be merciful in your words. Be aware of as many circumstances as you can so when rebuking is in order, that person is blessed and fixed or headed in that path, not just condemned and left to wallow in hurt.

Remember Rhonda Cushings Dad...remember Jill Cutler...remember Kelli Rawlings family and friends...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for revealing yourself to us. Thank you for showing your grace and love. Thank you for holding us when we hurt. Lord we ask for healings of the heart and ask you keep us wise and humble so we can make a path for others to follow to you. Lord thank you for friends,old and new that bless me and you. Lord protect our minds from the enemy. Lord you are so good and awesome I don't even know what to say some times so we just smile! in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 11, 2009 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Good weekend with the Moms! How was yours? Watching the joy on the faces of the mothers at church, at lunch and even at the Wally world was cool. Observing all of these things sure makes you think and reminisce. That thought and exercise yesterday made me think about alot of things. Recognising the things Mom taught, putting ones self in the shoes she was in makes you understand some of the things she did. This line of thinking makes you think about how we are passing on the truths in the Word of God. We are responsible to learn, meditate on and share the truths gleaned from our study. Just saying to ones self that "I made it in" and then not sharing with those you love is, well, selfish. Look at these and look at your walk with God. Try to step outside and see yourself in truth and modify your behavior accordingly. This is a crucial exercise in your faith.

James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
NIV

1 Tim 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
NIV

2 Tim 4:2-5
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. NIV

Titus 2:7-8
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.
NIV

Don't just have the appearance of holiness, be holy. When you goof up, admit it and repent of it. Talk to God. This is a relationship and not a religion. The study of it may be a religion but the practice is a faithful relationship.

Remember Jerry Wheeler's brother...remember Ricky Van Dyke...remember Linda Griffin...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love for a messed up lot like us. Lord, help us live like you teach us. Lord, help us not be concerned with what the world thinks but what you do. Lord we ask for heart healing and your truths to be so real and relevant in all of our lives that we glow with your presence. We desire to be your people and people after your heart. Bless and stand us up straight and point us to the path we should be on, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:24 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on May 8, 2009 at 7:54am

Good morning! It's been a thought provoking week. A week filled with scriptures, filled with ponderings, filled with questions-my own and those asked of me, full days of work, all in all a great week! Today's will be short and I have an assignment for you. Read Luke chapter 1 and 2 and look at the kind of faith it took for the mothers involved to carry out what God told them. I am awed at that faith.. As time passed while they were raising their children and they realized the path before them, could you imagine how they were torn between the love of the child and the path the scriptures told those boys would take? Remember your Mothers this weekend and the job they had before them when we were born. I don't think there is a more important job out there than raising a child. How we do that effects generations.
Remember Bobby Sylvester...remember Mackie in Homer...

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us where we fail and keep us on the path that you set. Lord we want to serve and follow you and our desires sometimes fog that path. Lord open the eyes of our hearts. Lord we lift our troops and our leaders to you. Protect and guide them Lord help our troops show mercy where they need to show it. Thank you for the wisdom we see in the scriptures, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:26 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on May 7, 2009 at 8:02am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The roles we each take on in marriage have been touched upon this week and I pray you continue seeking and studying for yourself. God's plan is perfect, we are not so if we seek Godly wisdom in his Word we will gain ground. I must apologize if I tried to hard to not offend in those lessons. Pulling punches is not the intent but an explanation of scriptures was. Our culture flies in defiance of those precepts and in that rebellion it has missed the peace of those ways of God. To many men have lorded over their spouses the leadership role and to many women have rebelled to the submission role and consequently missed out on a genuinely loving Godly relationship. My heart aches over past mistakes as I'm sure yours does sometimes but Jesus has forgiven and all we can do is learn and move forward. Is your relationship in need of help? Do you need help? The only answer is God's Word. Don't believe me? Look around and honestly observe what selfish ambition has done to peoples relationships. Look at divorce rates. Look at domestic violence. Look at drug usage and child abandonment. Ask yourself what the root cause is and analyze where you stand. Has worldly wisdom fixed anything? I only see temporary relief and selfish gain which later turns to regret and no peace from that humanistic thinking. Take all these comments in context here and look at these;

Eph 6:10-18
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
KJV

Jesus referred to us believers as saints and we need to lift each other up to him. Remember your spouse in prayer. Ask questions. Think. Sort advice.
Remember Nena DeBusks family, her Dad passed...remember Ronnie McCords family...remember Jeff and Beth...remember Maria R

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your blessings on us. Lord protect the unions of marriage and grow each of us so we are able to give completely without any reservations. Lord forgive our sins and help us not repeat. Lord we lift those up who are hurting emotionally today with loss. Lord comfort and hold them. Lord thank you for your wisdom in your Word. Lord bless Pam so she knows you love her and want her. Lord, guide us today in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:14 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 6, 2009 at 8:18am

Good morning! Man! I have prayed and thought and read about this part of the lesson. Yesterday we talked about husbands and our duties and expected behavior towards our wives. I pray you take it to heart and peruse the scriptures to learn God's plan and directives for husbands. Today we will again scratch the surface of wives and their expected behavior. Now understand that I am aware of husbands failings and the pain some of you wives carry but I will show you scriptures that show God's plan for the rolls we have in this life. You've all heard the flippant comments made about being submissive to the husband and this premise being lorded over you. Remember as we delve into this and other things that by no means does submissiveness mean inferiority nor does it give license for tyranny. Your worth is not dependant on being submissive to a husband but only your roll in that marriage. Of course with yesterdays discussion we husbands have to be on top of the commands we have been given in order for these things to work and not create kaos and animosities that ruin unions. Ok with that being said, lets look at some scripture. It is interesting that I have only found one passage that tells wives to love their husbands, all the rest say respect them whereas husbands are always told to love their wives. Isn't that interesting! I can tell you from my perspective,(and the men I have asked), that the respect and honor a wife shows a husband is more important than any other attribute she could show. Funny how the scriptures knew this.

Eph 5:32-33
Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband.
NAS

Now the tough one, submissiveness. Look at these and think about a Godly union and with both partners doing as the Word teaches, never does it become a dictatorship but a unit that is operating with a Godly design. By all means if being submissive to your husband leads you away from God, you must say no. Of course be wise in your no and be ready to explain why.

1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
NIV

Eph 5:22-25
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
KJV

Again, read before and after these verses in your own study to get the whole council of God and to not pull these out of context. There is more to "submit" than blind obedience and guys, I'm admonishing you too. I am going to put a long set of verses from proverbs here for you wives to read and to think about. You have to remember too that in my eyes and I feel I have a Godly perspective, wives are one of the coolest things God designed. A Godly wife is a crown for a Godly husband.

Prov 31:10-31
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
NIV

Wow! I'm telling you from a guys perspective and from someone who has made tons of mistakes that these attributes in a woman makes a man love and honor that woman beyond any comprehension. That woman will make a husband seek out Godly wisdom so he can be even more loving and honorable to his bride. I am out of space and time so we will stop here. Please ask any questions and if you are in a situation that is kaotic or just plain bad, seek the Lord with all your might.
Remember the Ronnie McCord family, Ronnie my friend went home to be with the Lord...remember September Bunn...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, open our eyes to youe Word and show us your messages. Lord we ask for healings in any and all marriages. Help us be men and women of God that seek your blessings. Lord help us see your wisdom and dismiss the filly of this world. Lord help us stand firm on your teachings and be aware of where we drop the ball. Give us the courage to act as you teach. Lord we want to be better and we desire a relationship with you, not a dogmatic religion. Lord be with those mentioned in their anguish, comfort and abide with them, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:59 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 4, 2009 at 7:29am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I am tired but feel great! 11:30 yesterday it was like a switch turned on and my flu/head cold or whatever it was vanished. I didn't go to church due to that stuff and 11:30 is about prayer time. Hum...I got a whole lot of requests for prayer this weekend, some local and some from this daily so we need to pray for ourselves that read this every day. Ever have someone on your mind and don't know why? Well I've found that praying for them is the first thing to do, you can make contact with them when you can but for now, lift them up.

Ps 43:3-5
Send forth your light and your truth,let them guide me;let them bring me to your holy mountain,to the place where you dwell. Then will I go to the altar of God,to God, my joy and my delight.I will praise you with the harp,O God, my God.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him,my Savior and my God.
NIV

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
KJV

Ps 44:4-8
You are my King and my God,who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies;through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies,you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long,and we will praise your name forever.
NIV

John 14:1-4
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."
NIV

Here's a list of requests; Turley's friend Debi, Racheal Parrish, Jeff Reynolds friend Mark, Stephanie and Ken Pflug, Darrell and Anna Millsap, Jill Cutler, Matt Madsen and family, Annie and Chuck, Diane Reed, Chris Bell, Josh and Nikki and all current and future newlyweds, John and Christy Hart, Pastor Ken Collins, Mike, Mary Beth and Maddie, Woodie Ball, of course all the troops and all the children, our leaders, John and Deanna

This is a partial list. Some have health issues, some have emotional issues, some I don't know why they just are on my mind. Do you have people you know need to be lifted up? Lift your own list as we lift up these here;

Heavenly Father,
We bring our concerns to you today and some we do not know what to pray for so we place them in your hands. Those that need physical healing we ask you touch them and let them know you are with them. Those who are hurting emotionally we ask a calmness and a comfort that they can't explain. We lift up our leaders to you and ask you guide them, make your presence so obvious they can't refute it. Lord bless and protect our children and heal there hearts and minds as well as anything physical. Lord, thank you for touching us and letting us have no doubt when it is you. Thank you Lord for your grace that sustains us every day, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:00 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 1, 2009 at 7:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you do things that upright when nobody is watching? Do you do things that are right because they are right? Those are questions to ask yourself so be honest with yourself. Sure there are times I would like to smack the crap out of someone but it isn't right. We're not talking protection but just slapping because they, well, need to be slapped. Sometimes I'd like to give someone a piece of my mind but what or who would it serve? Will that piece of my mind fix anything or lead that person to the truth? Most of the time no, it only leads to strife and that helps no one. We must in good conscience then be willing to take abuse with honor and grace. Again we are not talking protection or standing up to a bully. How we stand up to other ideas and how we react will tell volumes about our character and that character is a reflection of our hearts which reflect God. So if you retaliate with reckless abandon, you need to check yourself and your mental, spiritual state with the Word and Jesus' precepts.

Ps 19:13-14
Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
NAS

Job 27:6
I will maintain my righteousness and never let go of it; my conscience will not reproach me as long as I live.
NIV

1 Cor 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
NIV

Ps 34:1-3
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together.
NAS

Seek out the grace the Lord gives. Depend on the Holy Spirit to give utterance like the Word promises. Let God have the revenge.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom you give. Lord we want to be like you and think and see like you. Lord grant us eyes that see truth and abhor folly that leads to unrighteousness. Lord we struggle and try to be a reflection of you but our flesh gets in the way, forgive us. Lord we ask for the wisdom and the calm your grace affords us, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:49 AM

Comment by Padre Pete on April 30, 2009 at 7:29pm

Hallelujah indeed !

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