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Comment by Jeff Barnhart on December 19, 2008 at 5:44pm

May God bless and keep each one of you during this Christmas Season. Have a blessed New Year also.

Comment by russ allen on December 19, 2008 at 7:00am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Alot going on this time of year and I don't know about you, I get brain clutter. So much happening that my head feels like its full. Keeping all the input in its place is hard sometimes. Maybe I nee to defrag. Ha Ha!
I want so much for everyone who reads this to come to the saving love and knowledge of Jesus the Christ. I pray that everyone within the outreach of these messages sees the truth. There are so many ways that seem right but have just that little bit of untruth that the whole truth gets muddled thus the gift of salvation through him gets missed. And conversely some ways of believing carry only the truth of Jesus and miss lead others because of all the baggage they tack on. Man it is a balancing thing isn't it. We indeed have freedom in Christ as Paul taught but we should not use that freedom for self indulgence. Deprive ourselves? Only when praying or fasting as a tool to concentrate. We are indeed allowed to have fun, laugh but also weep with others. We can enjoy this life but we must not loose sight of the savior, Jesus. If we do something that could cause someone else to miss Jesus, we probably shouldn't do it. Total freedom we have and also responsibility. Jesus gave himself selflessly and that is an example for us to follow. These next verses are so profound to me, think about what this is saying;

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

Now that my friends is the crux of it all. The messiah,Jesus, came for those in need of a savior. Man, every day I shake my head at the goof ups I do and THAT convinces me I am still a man in need of a savior. My savior Jesus forgives me. My savior Jesus guides me. My savior Jesus allows laughter, fun, joy, as well as drama, mourning, anguish but with a peace that passes all understanding. I can be crying at a friends passing but leaping for joy knowing he accepted the gift Jesus gave and Jesus said I would see that friend in heaven again.

1 Peter 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
NIV

Wow man! Thank you for allowing me to gather these thoughts and share them with you. I hope they help and encourage you. Remember Richard Jones as he heals...remember our fire and police...remember our troops...remember each other and those who need our hand of brotherhood to give hope to them...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your Holy Word that reveals your love. Lord open our eyes to your majesty and love for us. Lord help us see truth and wisdom contain in your Word. Lord we want to enjoy this freedom from sin you offer. Lord help us see the needs around us and help us bear good witness to where they may find peace inside. As beggars showing other beggars where to find food Lord, teach us compassion and to ignore the outward appearance. We lift Chico up to you, heal him Lord. Lord protect our troops and the civilians in harms way, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:14 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 16, 2008 at 7:31am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A friend of mine was talking about laughter and how some people think a solemn face and seriousness all the time brings them closer to God. Although this does happen, those people have missed the joy that our savior brought to us. We are free to worship, free to love unconditionally our God, free to rest assured that he cares and is with us. We are free to ask questions and expect answers from God. We are also free to submit to God and his ways, or not. There are consequences to all our actions. God told us some things that bring some clarity to our walk here. Read these closely as I am sure y'all have heard these before. Read them close and think;

Romans 8:28-29
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
NIV

Notice that doesn't say, "all things work for good." It says to those who love him and called to his purpose, all things work for good.

2 Chronicles 7:13-14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
NIV

Does that mean enter a monastery? No it does not.

Matthew 18:18-20
"Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. "Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. "For where two or three have gathered together in My name, there I am in their midst."
NAS

Think about that; 3 points and an assurance.

Hebrews 10:25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
NIV

That is a reference to church. That tells of one purpose of church.

These are all things to think about. These are things to observe going on around us. We may not agree with methods some use but their walk is not your walk or mine. Pray and seek God in all you do. Sometimes we ape other actions and sometimes we do not. That doesn't mean either is better or worse. Seek Jesus with prayer. Seek the love and wisdom God brings. Let the rest fall into place in your life.
Remember Kat...remember Carl and Berta...remember our churches that they stay on track...remember our leaders and our troops...remember those traveling this holiday season...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, we seek the right paths and we seek wisdom from you so we don't veer off track. Lord show truth in all we see and do. Lord we want to be like you and understand the big picture. Lord help those who are depressed, sick, hurting, wondering, seeking. Lord we lift our troops and their leaders to you. Guide their every thought. Lord we thank you for your son and the salvation only he brings. Teach us to be humble and see where we need to improve. Lord we lift those who are feeling low. Help them out of their circumstances, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 15, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Long weekend! Good one though! The complexities of the mind and of the male ego,( I can only speak from what I know), life and how we deal with things is directly related to our relationship with Jesus. Last night I was asked about this daily and whether or not I really wrote it and for a second, I got butt hurt. Then that small still voice said,"I thought this was for me". It's a constant battle we all face. What battle? "Look at me" that's what. It starts when we are little kids and is still present. Some things we can be pleased with but we must remember who gave the talent to accomplish things, who gave us the smarts to figure out things and who allows us to breathe another breath.

Matthew 6:26-30
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span? "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.
NAS

That is so revealing and humbling too! We tend to get our focus off God and onto ourselves sometimes. Being pleased with results is one thing, feeling boastful of abilities is another. Pleased that things did as we planned is fine but a thankful heart for a God that enabled us to achieve these feats is paramount. Did we cause our lungs to work? Did we make brain cells gather thoughts and decipher problems? Nope, not even the greatest of men can do that. We do well to walk across the street without calamity befallen us. We do well to not hurt ourselves shaving. Gee whiz without God we would be but dust.

1 Peter 1:3-6
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
NIV

Think about this and humble our selves before a God who loves us enough to allow us to choose how to enjoy this time on earth. Choose wisely.

Remember Steph and Ken...remember those who are alone, especially this time of year...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for having the patience and love to allow us to exist. Lord we ask for forgiveness for when we fall short of your path for us. Lord help us see truth and wisdom and let our tongues speak only of the love you have shown us. Lord we want to do well and we flounder alot. Lord lift our spirits and our eyes to you! Lord we lift those who are hurting and ask you heal them. Lord hold the lonely ones who need your comfort this time of year. Lord for those times when we don't really know what to pray, forgive us and speak to us. Lord help us through this week and open the eyes of our hearts so we do your work for your glory, not ours. in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:14 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 12, 2008 at 7:20am

Good morning! How are we faithing? This week we have talked about alot of things. Faith, distress, desires and forgiveness. The walk we are on in this world is indeed difficult to say the least. By ourselves we are destined to fail. Now the world may see some things as success but are they really? Tons of money, prestige, notoriety may seem successful. Those things by themselves are fleeting and don't do you any good once we are in the grave. That is not to say those things cant be put to good use but living for those things is not good because they become the god of that life. It is much better to be content with our lot in life and seek the good we can do with what we have. Coveting what we don't have can become consuming to the point that it destroys our minds. Now don't misconstrue goals and achievement with this thought because we all have those and besides God's love, that motivates us to get up in the morning but the priority of those goals effects our mindset. Look at this;

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
NIV

Do you see that? Do you recognise the importance of seeking God and his wisdom first? Not that ALL our desires are evil or every thought is bad but be wise and analise everything and set it next to Godly wisdom so we don't step off the cliff in the fog. All the stuff here is cool when our minds are focused correctly. The capability to see things as they are and making choices accordingly is not only wise but makes for a life that is honorable and pleasing to God. And here is what pleases God;

Philippians 3:8-9
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
NIV

That is why we serve God. That is the only thing that lasts. The grace Jesus has for us is the only thing that carries us on after this stint on this old orb. Think on this and pray for a revelation from the Lord because it is quite liberating!
Remember Diane...remember Nikki...remember our troops...remember our kids...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom of the cross. Thank you for showing the folly of the world. Lord help us know that peace that only your love and forgiveness can give. Help us recognise that forever joy and not the temporal things that entice us. Lord we lift each other up to you so we all can share in your grace. Lord heal those who are suffering and we ask a blessing on those who are hurting. Open the eyes of our hearts Lord, we want to see you and your truth, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:17 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 11, 2008 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Tis a tough row to hoe when we get crapped on. It is very easy to respond negatively and with wrath at people who hurt us. Forgiveness is difficult and retaliation is what we want to do when these things occur. Is that profitable? Does it fix anything? Retaliation, not self defense, does nothing but perpetuate the problem. We need to take a breath and pray quickly when being pummeled. Sometimes walking away is our only recourse and sometimes forgiveness and Godly wisdom shows us the root of what is going on. Lots of times the attacks on us are manifestations of things happening in that life and don't really have anything to do with us. The wisdom and grace to see that comes from God. The Word is where we grow in that wisdom. Look at these and see how actions and reactions effect us;

Matthew 7:22
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
NIV

James 2:12-13
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
NIV

James 5:9
Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
NIV

The golden rule applies to everything we do. Controlling our reactions so a difference between the person attacking us and us is distinguishable comes by looking through the outward mess flying at us and seeing the heart as God does. We of course not being God can't always see it so that is why we seek wisdom from the Word. We need to be quick to admit when we react wrongly so animosities are not perpetuated. Lets look at this;

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NIV

Think about that...remember Andy Allan, home sick...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace and thank you for your son who gave all for all of us. Lord we want to act holy and honorable and we need your help to do so. Lord we ask for wisdom so we can do the things we ought. Lord thank you for wisdom in your Word. Lord open up our eyes so we see what you see in people. Help us grow in your ways. Lord forgive us when we drop the ball and give us courage to admit and to repent. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:25 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 10, 2008 at 6:44am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Being in turmoil or those things happening that we talked about yesterday can be daunting. We must remember what the Word tells us and that we must stand in faith that it is so. Looky here;

Psalms 34:15-16
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
NIV

Psalms 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
NIV

We must be wise enough to realize that what and how he does these things may not be how we would do it but then if we could fix them, we wouldn't be asking God now would we? Do you find yourself arguing with God about how to do things when you asked for help? Ya, I have too. It's a human flaw that shows up. We don't like to be wrong and we want control. We really must remember that his ways are not always clear at the moment and that we must trust. Remember;

Luke 12:27-31
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
NIV

Think on these things and train your mind to trust in the Lord and to trust that even when we don't agree, he knows best. It is wise to ask our Father for things with the mindset that our desires change if they are not his will. That sometimes is hard to ask but it works.

Heavenly Father,
We know you are aware of our NEEDS. You also said you would give us the desires of our hearts. We want those desires to be in line with your will so if we are off base, change our desires. Lord we lift your holy name and rest that you will be with us in all our distress and in our happiness. Lord comfort us in all our afflictions and help us remember that your glory will come through with a right heart. Lord guide us this day in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:01 A

Comment by russ allen on December 9, 2008 at 7:28am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Devastating events in our lives can drive us away or to God. A death, a divorce, an accident, loss of job, being disowned by a parent, the list is long of things that crush us. How do you react? How should we react? These are questions that have haunted and have caused fear in us since time began. Initial shock is normal. Lashing out is normal, but when you get quiet and alone, what do you do? Do you curse God or do you reach for him? Do you seek comfort from the bottle or do you seek it on your knees? Being one who has experienced some of these things I can only remember how I reacted and it was not good alot of times. So what we should we do once we come to our senses? Seek the great comforter. God is the great comforter and all we need do is call on him. Searing that into our heart makes us quick to run to him in times of woe.

Psalms 31:9
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;my eyes grow weak with sorrow,my soul and my body with grief
NIV

Jesus speaking;

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

How we call on God;

Psalms 55:16-19
16 But I call to God,and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,and he hears my voice. 18 He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me,even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned forever,will hear them and afflict them--NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Even Jesus in distress called on the father;

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
NIV

Go to the Word and look these verses up and study what and how these things came about. How we deal with devastating things in this life are all over the Bible and THAT is where we are directed to the comforter. Pray for each other!
Remember Andy Allan, pneumonia...remember our fellow peoples who are facing calamity and anguish daily...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your words of encouragement in the Bible. Lord help us be quick to run to you! Lord we ask for wisdom and peace so we can do your will. Lord we lift you up and praise your holy name. Lord we know we are in peril and we ask for protection and peace from you. Lord thank you in advance in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:35 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 8, 2008 at 7:08am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Faith is something that is elusive sometimes. Faith is hard to hold onto when it gets rough in life. So how do we hang onto the faith when all is falling apart? We are intelligent beings and can look back at past things and see lessons learned right? Faith is held onto in a similar way. Look at this;

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
NIV

When we get in the midst of turmoil and or strife we must remember that we did survive previously therefore we must be confident that the same will happen again for if we do not, we go home to be with the Lord and if we do, well, hope has been fulfilled and faith is renewed. Look at this one;

2 Corinthians 4:18
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

True, no? History bears this out. Think about it, we work, we live all with the unseen in mind. We hope for peace, prosperity, happiness and search in the seen world when the peace that passes all understanding is in the unseen world, it is in hope and faith in our Lord. Physical needs necessary? Well of course, we are physically here but we came naked and will leave naked. We came from the unseen and we will go to the unseen. All we do here is is temporal. When we seek and accept Jesus, our sin isn't seen by God anymore, he sees the son.

Colossians 3:3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
NIV

A good explanation of hope.


Galatians 2:20-2120 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

Think today about the things that get your dander up and notice why and if it really is important or even matters. Do we become complacent? No way man! But a look at the place all things fall to sure makes enduring and overcoming doable.
Remember Jim Odom's family, his Dad passed...remember Andy Allan...remember Kellynn Bates...remember all our troops

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your Word to us. Thank you for showing your grace and love so we have confidence in our hope of salvation . Your love is steadfast and surrounds us and we need to be able to see that. Thank you for holding us up when we can't stand alone. Lord we lift the concerns to you this morning and ask you be so noticeable in our lives we just smile and revel in your warmth and love. Lord we ask a healing for those who are sick and hurting. Thank you for your love for us in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:20 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 5, 2008 at 7:33am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I went to a Fire Chief's funeral yesterday. Bagpipes, casket on the pumper, all of us standing at attention, saluting etc. such a cool send off for the family. I saw respect and courage, self denial because it was so cold outside! These men in their class A's stood for an hour plus to show their respect to the family. I saw strong men weep. I saw looks of anguish and brotherly love. I saw camaraderie everywhere. It makes you think about alot of things. Was this man saved? Did he know Jesus? Is he in paradise or just in the ground? Will his widow and family ever be the same? Questions that I don't necessarily need to know but they are questions that make us ask ourselves. First;

2 Corinthians 5:6-8
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord .
NKJV

Luke 23:42-43
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
NIV

The thing to remember is that this man is not encumbered with all those fleshly problems anymore. He is in paradise with the Lord. Being a believer guarantees that. He doesn't have to watch all the junk that the body and presence on earth brings. Isn't that encouraging? No temptation, no pain, no anguish, just peace and freedom from this earthly vessel and the stuff of it. Yes the body is in the grave but we came from the ground and we are made up of the minerals of earth anyways so back our bodies go. We lift the family up to the Lord and ask for comfort because when a loved one departs, it sucks. Even when we know these things about paradise we will miss them. Spouses have it hard and you know why? You've heard it at a zillion weddings;

Mark 10:5-8
"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh .' So they are no longer two, but one.
NIV

The other half has departed so the remainder feels lost, like a piece is missing and this why we pray for them and visit and help where we can. And the kids, gee whiz, we need not explain that loss but we must keep telling ourselves that this life is but 70-100 years and then forever continues. I know this may not be to comforting today but remember it for later when you are in anguish.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your son that saves us. Thank you for your words that tell us how things are. Lord comfort those hearts that are breaking. Lord show us how to care for those people. Lord we lift the Adams family to you. Bless and hold them. Lord in all we do we want to remember you so lay your comforting hand on our shoulders. Lord thank you for your Word that we can read and learn from for we want to see you, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:35 AM

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