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Comment by russ allen on January 30, 2009 at 7:02am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Listen up and think about what I'm telling you today. Stop being obsessed with being good! Our sins are covered by the blood of Jesus! Done, over, not our concern anymore! We do not have to focus on being "good christians" but focus on Jesus. Grace is sufficient so lets revel in that grace! Do we stop doing good things? Well of course not but looking at how a Christian "ought to act" is foolishness. Being concerned about all the good deeds we do verses someone else is prideful and useless. When we focus on Jesus and his great love for us we end up doing good things out of our heart without a second thought. We have to stop finger pointing and worrying about stereotypical appearances and as is said these days,"be real". Culture, generations, up bringing, all influence our behavior and our thought process right? So we need to stop worrying about that and move our eyes to the heart of the matter, Jesus love. Do we know others hearts? Do we know others inner secrets? Do we understand and think others react as we do to things? "Be real" and honest with yourself and stop looking at others and concern yourself with you for Jesus can handle them better than we can.

2 Corinthians 10:7
You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he.
NIV

1 Corinthians 7:21-24
Were you a slave when you were called? Don't let it trouble you-although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord's freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.
NIV

Romans 14:8
If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
NIV

1 Corinthians 3:18-23
Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become foolish that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, "He is the one who catches the wise in their craftiness"; and again, "The Lord knows the reasonings of the wise, that they are useless." So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word. Lord help us look to you and ignore all the things of the earth that distract our eyes from you. Lord forgive us when we point fingers and help us look to the heart and not the outward appearances. Lord we love and want to serve you. We need help with judging others. Lord teach us to truly see what you see. Help us be concerned with what you have for us and not the world. Lord we praise your holy name and thank you for being with us. Lord protect those in need, Lord protect the emergency workers who are stressed this week, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:22 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 29, 2009 at 8:29am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I pray all are warm and safe! My schedule is all askew due to everything going on around here. It's been interesting. The ice is so pretty but causes such harm. Kinda like some temptations, pretty at first but the reality sets in and we see the results of giving in. Think about it, if sin weren't appealing, we wouldn't have any difficulty staying away from it. The sun hitting those ice covered trees yesterday was beautiful but the ice was breaking those trees to sticks left and right. Being aware of temptation and its consequences is a daunting task because we have to remain focused and alert. I'm tempted to chocolate and in moderation it's ok but give in to it's passions too much and zits and hail damage to the thighs result. Follow this line of thinking? All is not bad but all is not good either. Pay attention and be prepared to say no.

James 1:13-15
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
NIV

1 Corinthians 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

James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
NIV

Hebrews 2:18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace that teaches us how to stand for righteousness. Lord help us look to you for our strength. Lord we lift Cliff and Alisha and all those who's jobs are in jeopardy. Lord help our leaders seek your wisdom to keep this country on track. Lord be with us this day so we can impact others for your glory, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:58 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 28, 2009 at 7:00am

Good morning! Man o man! Ice everywhere! Trees are coming down all over the place. New England is fixin to get clobbered with major snow! Looks like it is this same system. We all need to remember each other and lift each other up in prayer! Safety for the workers and safety for ourselves! These are the times when people come together to help each other. These are the times we should remember so we are always willing to do the same.

Colossians 3:12-17
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
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

Heavenly Father,
Lord we lift each other up to you and ask for safety and endurance in this storm. Lord protect us all from harm. Lord we rest on your Word for peace and an attitude of servant hood so we may see needs and address them accordingly. Lord thank you for all your blessings. Lord we lift Ken Pflug to you and all emergency workers. Lord, we praise you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:43 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 27, 2009 at 7:20am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Getting back into the swing of things is sometimes difficult after vacation or a break from the norm. A break is good for us but reality is still right where we left it. Prayer is so important. The listening as well as the talking. When we hear, "meditate on the Word", we must take that to heart. Meditating and applying what we read/hear makes for a closeness with God that is unexplainable. Do I mean we chase zen? No, we seek God and the peace that transforms will indeed change us.

1 John 2:1-5
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
KJV

Do we sin not? Do we become perfect acting? Nope, but we have someone standing up for us, Jesus. We endeavour to not sin but when we drop the ball we can not whoop our selves and pray asking for forgiveness. We all have weaknesses, we all have that one thing that gets us every time, we all also can repent and seek Jesus as soon as we realize the sin. No we don't compare ourselves to others, we compare our lives to the Word and aspire to live accordingly. Tough sometimes I know. Remember these next verses so that when you stumble you don't kick your own butt but instead repent and push on to a better way.

Romans 8:34
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. NIV

1 Timothy 2:5-6
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

Hebrews 7:24-25
but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace that saves even someone so imperfect as me. Lord we thank you for all your wisdom and love that keeps us focused on the path that leads to you. Lord help us withstand the mistreatment and abuse we take in this world and to remember what really matters. Father some of us reading this are hurting inside and really need your touch, help us find peace and loving warmth only you can give. Lord we lift the emergency workers and all the others dealing with this winter storm, keep all safe. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 26, 2009 at 7:21am

Good morning! Back from the beach! We lost internet thursday so I apologise for the lack of contact last week. Man! Awesome time! The ocean is simply amazing! The sea gulls were a blast! The one legged one, the crippled footed one, the talkative one and the shy ones. Gods creatures are simply amazing! God's handy work is so evident in things like tides, sand, sea shells which carry life and then beauty for our eyes. The relaxing sounds of surf, the birds voices, the yap of a dog frolicking on the shore, the giggles and whoops of swimmers in the cold water.(yep, saw some and it was hilarious!) With the new view that a relationship with Jesus brings, our perspective on all things move from scientific to wonderment. Of course science has its place but we us as lay people can enjoy all of God's creation with wonderment and thanksgiving. Not only nature but engaging people in discussions with loving respect for them as creatures of God and deserving of the salvation we enjoy is not a burden but a pleasure to see as the faces light up with the prospect of a renewed spirit and life. In the natural we tend to keep to ourselves and avoid to much personal contact with strangers but let me tell you, true contact with genuine compassion not only lifts our spirits but touches anothers life.

Romans 12:22
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
NAS

Stepping out on faith, putting fear aside pays dividends we cannot count. Who knows what seed was planted and how it will grow. People we meet are impacted by us so why not show them God?

Titus 3:3-8
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.
NIV

Enjoy the start of this new week with enthusiasm and confidence we have Jesus with us!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your blessings on us and thank you for the things that keep us in awe of your greatness. Thank you for nature and the enjoyment we get from it. Lord we lift those we meet and ask you bless them and bring to their mind seeds planted. Lord thank you for your wisdom we glean from your Word, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by l1tilr on January 22, 2009 at 10:14am

Russ, allow me to encourage you by adding that I enjoy reading your posts each morning

Comment by russ allen on January 22, 2009 at 9:51am

Good morning, late as it is. Yesterday we drove with the in-laws to Myrtle Beach S.C. 10 hrs, started at 0630, got here, set up our rooms, ate and then crashed. I don't have all my study stuff with me so the dailies will most likely be abreviated. I love doing these and it bothers me when I can't. How are we faithing? Time without interuptions,like a road trip, are good for the soul. Calm, relaxing,(except for bad drivers), conversation or not, sure is head rest. Sometimes we need to remove as much clutter from our minds and listen to Gods teachings. Sometimes concerns of life need to be put aside and the promises of God remembered.

hebrews 10:22-25
"Let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him...Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. "
NLT

With that branded on our hearts we can face things with courage and peace inside. I know some of us are in the midst of some real crap storms but you are loved, you are his. You will come out the other side well. Tell your self that and stand on it.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and comfort when we are hurting. Help us remember your promises of strength and guidance when we are baffled and at a loss of what to do. Open our eyes and ears to you teachings and block those that are wrong. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 9:25 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 20, 2009 at 7:45am

Good morning! What a day today is! Our inauguration of the 44th president! What ever your political affiliation or views we as Christians must pray for our new president and congress. Why you ask? Look here;

Daniel 2:20-22
"Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he alone has all wisdom and power. He determines the course of world events;he removes kings and sets others on the throne. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he himself is surrounded by light.
NLT

God puts things into play. Why does he do some things? Heck, I don't know, president Lincoln was hated in his day but we can see now how his actions were the best for the time and ultimately our times. We have to trust, pay attention and vote,(our duty and privilege) and pray God's will be done and that the sitting people seek Godly wisdom. These people in power can't please all. Impossible to do so, we must pray they make the best choices for all. Our churches, our clubs, any organization out there does the same. Some will be unhappy and some wont. We also have to be careful whose voice we listen to. Naysayers will always be around and can drag us with them. Look at the news, look at the printed word. There is alot of criticizing and finger pointing going on. Rather than doing that, wouldn't it be wiser to seek Godly wisdom over mans? An agenda sure can sway an opinion so we have to look outside the words of man and seek Gods way which is in the Word.

Hebrews 4:12-13
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. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
NIV

Who among us is wise? Who knows best? Who treats everything with Godly vision? No one can without the spirit. No one does on their own. Falling for ideas and wisdom that is not biblical is a dangerous thing regardless who these things come from. I have heard people say they believe thus and such because their Dad did and they can't be reasoned with. Blind following of any man is dangerous and that is why we seek God in everything and the Word of God is higher than any man or womans words. We all can make mistakes in judgement and being willing to look at choices made and repenting when they are wrong or misguided is prudent. Heck, I seem to say "I'm sorry" alot because my wisdom fails and God's does not. Step back and take a look at where your advise comes from. Is it Godly or worldly? Think about this and pray for each other, we all need it!
Hey check out our St.John's website, we pray it reaches lost people and helps lead every reader to Jesus!http://www.sjbc40601.org/

Heavenly Father,
We lift those in power that they seek your face and will in all they do. Lord we ask blessings on our new leaders that you protect and guide them. Lord help us see you will in our life and help us see godly council and not the worldly council. Lord thank you for the wisdom of your Word and all the comfort and love it reveals. Lord, help us rest and also stand on your principles you show us regardless of the flak we catch for doing just that. Lord bless the web site that it leads the lost to you! in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:06 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 19, 2009 at 8:42am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's been a good weekend for us. Work, church, hanging out a little, looking at the snow. I've been thinking about alot of things as of late. My boss, my wife, my kids, my history, my friends etc. Formulation cognitive thoughts on all those things sometimes is bewildering. Why memories get triggered and how lessons learned are used for good is really cool when we can see things and react accordingly. When God teaches us things in the Word it works the same way. He is aware of everything, knows everything, can see all sides of every situation so why do we have trouble listening sometimes? For me I think my focus is so concentrated on what's in front of me I can miss whats coming in from the flanks. It's like when I work on something in the garage I forget to eat, loose track of time, don't like interruptions, don't like to stop till the task is done but I've learned that that is dangerous. So is focusing so tightly on the mission at hand we don't hear God. Of course their are some tasks that require that type of concentration but that's not what we're talking about. Day to day things can captivate our attention so strongly we miss the nuances that God sends so we can focus and enjoy God's presence in our lives. Seeing the big picture and not getting down over an immediate problem is a learned behavior that with the Word we can cultivate.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 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

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.
NIV

Psalms 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
NIV

Psalms 42:5-6
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

When it all seems to be caving in, look up. When all is going well, look up. Our father with us in all things and that my friends is real love and comfort.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that stabilizes us. Lord help us see you in all we do. Help us not despair because we know all things do lead to some purpose. Lord thank you for healing baby Maddie. Thank you for leading us so we have the joy of your presence every day in our lives. Lord speak loudly to us so we hear you. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 8:00 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 16, 2009 at 7:11am

Good morning! -2 here! Gee whiz, my furnace hasn't shut off. How are we faithing? Reading the Word daily will show us things we may already know, things we don't and things we thought we knew. This is so cool to read and to realize what Jesus did for you.

Isaiah 53:5-6
But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,each of us has turned to his own way;and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
NIV

That is so cool! That states facts of how we have all behaved and tells us that Jesus bore all of our mistakes and now with them not on our slate, we are now redeemed. This next one is an example of his presence and of an attitude we need to reach for.

Matthew 9:10-13
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
NIV

No one is beneath or above us. We are to reach out to anybody in need. Earthly stature has not a thing to do with redemption and the saviors grace. All that is required is a heart for God's ways which will lead us to this mode of thinking. Poor or rich, famous or not, we share with all who seek and are brought to our attention. Now that is cool!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for heat. Thank you we are well today. Lord we lift those in need and ask our eyes be open to those needs so we respond wisely and appropriately. Lord help us keep an attitude of grace and love regardless of the circumstances. Lord, keep those who work outside safe and warm, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

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