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Comment by Jack Jr. on January 5, 2009 at 10:48am

God is good ,all the time, And all the time ,God is good, It's great to find this sight cause we all needs Christ as we do what we do. And than there is nothing better than saving a life and leading others to Christ.
Brother in Christ
Jack Hill Jr.

Comment by russ allen on January 5, 2009 at 7:11am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A friend of mine said she was sitting around the fire one night this weekend. Boy that sounded relaxing. Can one relax in their faith? Complacent and unguarded no, relaxed because we are firm in our belief? Yes. Alot of us keep repenting over and over for the same wrongs we committed. I'm not talking about the junk we seem to keep doing but stuff from way back that we already confessed. Cut it out! They are forgotten. If you feel you need to make amends here on earth, by all means feel free to do so but it is done! Past, present, future, the debt is paid so focus on God and push on to the prize. Remember;

Ephesians 2:8-10
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

Ephesians 2:11-13
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)- remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
NIV

Whooping yourself over former deeds serves no one except the enemies cause. If we are so buried in our goof ups, how are we to shine for God? Stand firm on the Word of God that says we are forgiven and move on. Of course we try not to repeat it but if we trip over the same thing again, repent and keep going.

Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." NIV

Remember Doug and Diane...remember Jerry...remember our troops...remember Amber as she comes home on leave...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for saving us. Help us remember we are forgiven and we need not beat ourselves up over the past. Lord we yearn to follow you and lights of the world. Lord we stumble and have trouble forgiving ourselves sometimes. Help us know the peace that confirms our forgiveness. Lord help us see needs that you would have us meet. Lord thank you for loving us, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 2, 2009 at 7:52am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A new year and we are optimistic that it will be better than the last! Calamity, problems, despair may come and go but we are that much closer to the promise of heaven. No more tears, no more anguish, no more suffering. How that will be done, what heaven will actually be like is any ones guess but being without those things mentioned will be awesome. We are privy to this promise due to Jesus' sacrifice for us. He made us holy and redeemed. He made us, the mutts of the world so to speak, sons and daughters of the living God.

1 Peter 2:4-10
To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
KJV

Romans 9:22-26
What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath-prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory- even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles? As he says in Hosea:
"I will call them 'my people' who are not my people; and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one,"
and,
"It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'sons of the living God.'"
NIV

This is so cool! Debating why it had to be this way is way beyond any ones comprehension but knowing it is so because God lives in us like he said and the joy that came is so inexpressible that we are sure of the promise he gave; "we are his and no one can snatch us away" makes things that happen, even when they suck, surmountable. Read those verses over again and realize the place you have in the kingdom of God. Rest knowing that defeat has already come to the spiritual death that was before we knew Jesus. Don't know him yet? No better time than now, a new year and a new beginning.
Remember Kathie M.-operation today...remember Bob...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the joy you give us every day. Lord we ask for healing on your servants and the saving grace be set upon all who read this. Lord we want to know you better and we do want to follow your commandments because we understand you are wiser and see things clear. Lord help us see likewise. Lord bless your children this year with healing of marriages, health, minds. Lord we offer honor and praises to you for we love and adore you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:12 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 31, 2008 at 7:01am

Great morning! How are we faithing? It has been brought to me many times and we all at one time or another think we are being punished by God for things we have done. Remember one thing, sin has consequences so junk may befall you simply because of a reaction of your screw up, or a natural occurrence, nothing more. Just because you said a bad word or stole a piece of bazooka at seven isn't why you have cancer or had that car wreck today. We as believers who become his children can expect discipline but it is pure correct discipline. God doesn't beat the tar out of us in anger when we sin. God isn't bound by the type of emotional things we are. We try not to discipline our kids when we are mad but we all know that we do lash out. Do you follow this? God isn't sitting on high zapping us when we sin.

Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
NAS

If Jesus knew temptation but resisted and did not sin, he is able to understand when we end up giving in. Is he gonna wail on us? No, because he gets us. He knows we are weak and are susceptible to the things of the flesh. He was tempted but didn't give in. We are tempted and, well, give in. As we grow in the Lord through the Word and our relationship with the savior grows we give in less and less but we still fall. Jesus understands this. Consequences of our actions sometimes feel like punishment but it is only a result of that choice we made.

Hebrews 2:17-18
For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
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

Do you see that? That my friends is assurance! Sometimes the way out is not palatable or very enticing but it is right. Doing what is right and letting the chips fall where they may is not always easy but it is always profitable.

Remember Kathy and John White...remember V harper... remember Kathy M. this friday as she undergoes a heart procedure...remember each other that we seek God so we can resist temptation...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your strength you offer when we are weak. Lord help us recognize the right moves every day. Lord we do not wish to goof up but always seem to. We know you understand and thank you for that assuring hand on our shoulder when we feel defeated. Lord protect the children and keep us mindful of your grace, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:13 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 30, 2008 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A question came up referring to the state we now hold with God. Are we changed? Where do we stand with God? Are we to be put aside and forgotten? Do we need to keep trying to "be good enough?" Look at this and think;

Ephesians 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 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

Cool huh? We are not or can be good enough. We are saved by grace and grace alone. As a result when we seek God's wisdom in the Word we end up getting better, it is an effect of following Jesus' teachings. The world says we are self righteous and we think we are better than every one else and if you think that, smarten up! We are not any better than anybody, we are redeemed. We have found truth and real soul food in the Word. We fall, we fail, we stumble, we goof up, we speak when we should shut up, we act before we should and we don't act when we should. But you know what? We are forgiven. We can approach the throne of God boldly and humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness and know we have it. We can lay our head down at night and rest knowing with Jesus, all this is already overcome.

Romans 8:5-8
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
NIV

Pnder these things and pray our eyes be open to the truth.
Remember Kellynn and all our troops...remember Tonya...remember Christy and Troy...remember William Christopher...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and wisdom that teaches us how to stand. Lord give us strength to do what is necessary. Shield our hearts from the darts that wound. Lord we lift those to you who are hurting and feel alone in their struggle. Lord let them see that they are not alone. Lord help us act wisely and help us overcome our own behavior. Thank you for your saving grace for we know that none of us deserve it. In Jesus name, Amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:24 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 29, 2008 at 7:11am

Good morning! I hope you had a restful weekend and a good Christmas celebration. Now that we are approaching the end of 2008 we can reflect upon our success and our oopses. I have been observing alot of things going on around and to be honest, I don't understand why some things happen. Granted, some are not even my business but nether the less I am privy to them and try to learn from them. How about you? Commenting on these events serves no purpose alot of the time so keeping quiet and watching the dynamics of situations is a good way to learn. Throwing our opinion in the mix serves no one most of the time. We must be wise and be careful what, when and to whom we speak.

2 Timothy 2:22-26
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
NIV

Hebrews 12:14-15
Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
NIV

It is tough to not get pulled into things. What things can happen that can destroy our faith? What things block our view of God? When these things pop up, do we look to God on fixate on the wrong? Looking around a problem to see the other side is a way of working through that problem. Seeing the different outcome from our actions is wisdom. Satisfaction for the moment may cause long term pain so temporary pain for long term peace is a wiser choice. You see the logic here? We don't like alot of things that are endured but later on we are glad we endured it. Smoking cessation is my personal example. That exercise of quiting, though painful and hard, has paid great dividends 6 years later. We are suppose to learn from mistakes. We are suppose to grow stronger from pain. Do we wish for more pain? In essence, yes but nobody wants to endure pain but knowing the strength and looking for that strength in lesson helps us grow.
Remember Zac and Brittany, pregnant with their first and Dales first grandchild! Remember Darren that God reveals himself...remember Dan Whitten as he heals from appendix surgery...remember Ed Trimble-broke ankle...remember Jerry's friend David, healing from a car wreck...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches us how we are to behave. Thank you for the wisdom of your Word. Lord, open our eyes to wisdom in all situations. Lord we lift those mentioned to you, heal them, hold them, love them in a way they have no doubt who it is from. Lord show yourself to these people. Lord we lift your name higher than anything. We praise and worship you. Lord help us see truth and react wisely to situations that are detrimental. Lord heal Chico, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:25 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 25, 2008 at 7:40am

Good morning! Merry Christmas! It is so important that we lift the lost and the people in anguish this day. Lift them to Jesus. This day is about the birth of our savior and not the tree and presents. Yes the kids are wonderful to enjoy this morning but my heart is heavy for those who don't know Jesus and his birth that leads to the salvation message and also families that are in trouble. A family near here just lost 4 kids to fire. Those kids are ok and out of here now but those left are in indescribable pain. Think about the pain Gad had when he allowed his son to die for us, I can't imagine. We want to share the peace and love that is beyond comprehension with all our dear friends and family. We want everyone to know the joy that comes with the saving knowledge of Jesus and it breaks our hearts when the message is refused. Conversion to a particular denomination is not the goal at all. I could care less which shingle is hung over the door of a church. If Jesus is preached as the only way to heaven as the Word says then the rest is filler. Pray for these things and enjoy this day that God has provided. Remember the families that are in pain...remember the lost...remember to be encouragers and not finger pointers...

John 10:1-10
"I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.
Therefore Jesus said again, "I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
NIV

John 3:16-17 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for our joy and well being. We ask for help for those who are in anguish. We pray you comfort and hold all those people who are calling out. Lord we lift the lost to you and weep for them. Lord we ask you open their minds to your wisdom and truth. Lord we thank you for the real joy you have given us. Lord help us be where you need us to be. Lord grant safety to the families on the roads. Lord we cry to you this day that your love is revealed to those who seek you. Lord thank you for your blessing on us even when we don't recognise they are from you, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:02 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 24, 2008 at 7:11am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Christmas eve and all the kids are wired for sound! I have fond memories of Christmas eve and Christmas days. Guitars and Johnny Yuma rifles, cap pistols and model cars, G.I. Joe's that kicked Barbie's butt, Hot wheels and Matchbox cars, Nana's knitted mittens, candy canes and the big bowl of nuts on the coffee table. I remember the lights on main street in Bangor, a light snow falling, going to Freeses to see Santa, the smells, oh man it was magical! You know, those feelings and memories are sometimes lost in all the hub-bub. What happened? Is it the commercialism? Is it the drudgery of being in the stores with frantic people? Is it the rudeness that has come because of the idea that gifts are what's the most important? Ya that probably contributes to cynicism but we need to step back and think of why this celebration is important to believers and be sure to pass that on. Jesus' birth is why this day is celebrated. Was he born in December? Probably not but that isn't the issue. The fact that he was born so we could find redemption from the law that we were not able to keep. We were not able to keep the law therefore we were lost. Without his birth there would be no sacrifice for sins. His going to the cross as a sinless sacrifice for all of us is why him ever being born is so important. Look at this and think;

1 John 4:7-12
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your unconditional love that accepts a sinner like me. Forgive our wrong doings and help us be that light to those who are in the dark. Lord we want all to know you and to find truth and peace. Lord grant us the wisdom and the fire in our heart that reaches out to everyone we meet. Thank you for all you do for we love and honor you, in Jesus name,amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:24 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 23, 2008 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Are we stressed out this week? A healthy stress sometimes sharpens the senses and teaches us how to cope under pressure. Alot of the stress has to do with our attitude about what is going on. Want to know how to calm your stress? Take the blinders off and look outside your stress and see how others are suffering. I saw it last night while shopping. We see it in our workplace. We see it at the hospital. Heck man, we see it on the highways and I'm guilty of getting fired up at the blue hair doing 6 mph! Taking the time to recognise when we stress and asking ourselves a few questions helps to focus and calm those frazzled nerves. Questions like;
1. Will it matter in 6 months?
2. Will screaming at someone change anything other than blood pressure?
3. Would I want someone to be this rude to me and how would I react?
4. Do I trust my Lord to be with me?
5. Am I asking for help from God or just wallowing in self pity?
6. Does my reaction show Jesus' love or something else?
7. Am I gaining ground or retreating in?

1 Timothy 2:1-6
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time.
NAS

See that? Does that sound like a stressful existence? This is how we behave.

Hebrews 3:12-13
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.
NIV

Hebrews 10:22-24
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
NIV

Thought provoking, no?

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your message this week. Help us encourage each other and help us remove the blinders and reach out to others. Lord we want to live so we don't sin in stress. Help us see how to deal when we are in a stressful time. Lord help those we meet to see you. Lord we want to help others but sometimes we fail to recognise or don't know what to do. Lord, grant us your wisdom. Lord bless us this day. Lord protect the kids, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 22, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine cold morning? I pray you all are warm and cozy in your homes. We need to remember those who aren't!
With all the traditions and commercial stuff this time of year we need to reflect on what this holiday really means. A day with family is always cool, sometimes adventurous but cool. I don't know about y'all but when we get together I look around and remember all the things that my family has gone through and when I have had the chance, did I support and help or blow them off? I know, odd thing but being kind and considerate begins at home. If I can't do it there, I probably can't do it outside of home. Helping at home sometimes includes tough love as well as sympathetic love. It's like our kids, we teach and admonish for the reasons that will make them better human beings and creatures of God. Do we enjoy getting after our kids? Not usually because we love them so much we just want them to be without pain. We know that isn't going to happen so we try to impart all the knowledge and correct principles we can on them so they cope better than we did. Look at this and see the apostle's teachings:

Romans 10:8-13
"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
NIV

That is the gospel message. That is why Christmas is important. Jesus the Messiah was born and died for us. Simple truth. For all. The Lord is Jesus and we must but call on him and believe he dies for all of us. I am one who is bringing this good news to you, that's all. Check this out;

Romans 10:14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
NIV

Good news brought is music to our ears, food for our souls, gleeful joy at finding truth! Does anybody have all the answers? Nope. Can it be proven by modern methods? Well actually, yes. Historical documents and witness accounts of Jesus, his life, his death and his resurrection are all over the place. But that is another subject for another time. Christmas became a holiday way back for many reasons and it is interesting when you research it but the point for us is to celebrate the birth of our savior for with out his birth, the rest wouldn't have happened. So take on a new outlook on this week and don't be burdened with all the tasks needed to be done, remember why we do this and the message that has been given to us. Remember our kids....remember our leaders...remember our families...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you do for us and thank you for the message of Christmas. Lord we ask for help to focus on what matters and help us not get overcome with all the other stuff. Lord we desire to know you better and to serve you. Lord open the eyes of our hearts so we see you. Lord we lift those who are suffering this season. Help depression people endure and cover them with so much peace and love the can't remain in that state. Lord protect our kids wherever they may be, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:25 AM

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