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Comment by russ allen on November 10, 2008 at 6:52am

Good morning! Man o man has it cooled off! It was an interesting weekend full of friendship, meditation and eye opening events. Gathering our focus to what is important is sometimes difficult. We fail to recognise things in our lives that are positive and sometimes dwell on the negative. By no means am I saying to bury your head in the sand but what benefit is negative thoughts and actions? None. Sure we must face things in order to fix em or to move past them but worrying on fixing our attitudes to "woe is me" serves no one. In fact it could hurt our witness. Do we put on a happy face all the time? Well that would be fake wouldn't it! No we must seek Jesus and his spirit that overcomes everything. We must reach out and not let ourselves dwell in sadness and despair so much the sharks circle and compound the grief. We are saved from the destiny of the world through the blood of Jesus the Christ. We we see problem free living? Well no but we will see solace and comfort from the ones God uses in our lives. I have a very good friend that I see infrequently but when I do I am uplifted and aware that God has used this friendship for mutual growth in him. I see Gods movement in my friends life and it assures me that he loves and cares for us.

Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
NIV

Colossians 1:10-14
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
NIV

Cool! Don't let this life weigh you down. Seek God's wisdom in the scriptures. Rely on his grace for all your woes. Recognise a friendship that God uses. Remember Hallie Tracy...remember Damion and his ministry...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the friends that prop us up. Thank you for relationships that help us grow. Lord we lift all those that are hurting around us. Help us be good friends that you can use for others. Help us see needs and have the ways and means to help. Physical and spiritual. Lord help us speak truth without condemnation. Lord bless those who are seeking you and are preaching your ways. Lord we lift our leaders to you, thank you Lord, Bless our endeavours, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:18 AM 0 comments

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

Good morning! How are we faithing? Politically charged is an understatement this time in history. We have seen note worthy history made in this country. Is it good or bad? Only time will tell. With all these things going on around us we need to be careful of our fellow humans and what our mission is for God. It is easy to get wrapped up in world events and miss the innocent small deals around us. We need to be aware of that still small voice from God. We need to see the small minute needs of our neighbors. We need to make sure we don't miss an opportunity to share Jesus because we are distracted with the world. Perspective man. I have to confess that I have been distracted with recent events and I pray I have not missed an opportunity for God. How about you? Some fundamental truths to remember;

1 Corinthians 10:23-24
"Everything is permissible"-but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"-but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
NIV

1 Corinthians 8:9
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
NIV

Romans 15:1-4
We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. NIV

The mind God gave us is to be used for his glory. Examine everything and test everything with the Word of God. Be aware of the needs, regardless of the size because small to us may be huge to someone else.

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we get distracted from your grace. Lord forgive us when we miss things you send. Lord help us see and act according to your will and not ours. Lord we lift this great nation to you. We ask for revival and ask it starts at home in us! Lord open the scriptures to us so we are so full of your wisdom we cannot stay quiet! Lord we lift those in harms way and ask for your shield of protection around them and us, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 A

Comment by Terry Ingram, Sr. on November 5, 2008 at 9:18am

AMEN My Brother. You Have Hit It On The Head With The Hammer And Nail. We Must Always Remember Who's In Charge Of All. Everything Is Ordered Out By GOD And He's Fully In Control And Charge, Although Sometimes It May Not Appear So. If We Knew Everything, We Would No Longer Need GODs Grace And Wisdom. The Grace Of The HOLY SPIRIT Be With You All. Terry, Sr.

Comment by russ allen on November 5, 2008 at 6:36am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Elections over and now we need to pray for these leaders that they make Godly choices. We need to remember all the people God put in power and those he allows to gain power because it all is for his glory ultimately. I don't see it alot of times but I don't get a vote in Gods will. God's will is sovereign and infallible, we are not. Here's some thoughts that should keep our perspective and keep us humble but sure.

Romans 12:3-21
For through the grace given to me I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let each exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NAS

That's alot to grab a hold of but it is necessary for us to persevere as Christians. Pray for the strength to maintain that vision with deeds that follow those principles. Lida Van-Dyke is doing well! Thanks be to God!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and wisdom. Lord help us see exactly what is going on around us and help us help those in need. Lord we lift our new leaders to you as you commanded. Let them see your vision in all they do. Lord thank you for this country that allows us to talk openly about your grace and love, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:12 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 4, 2008 at 7:47am

Good morning! Election day! This is gonna be interesting...I've been having dreams of my children's friends. You know, the ones that were always around your house as your kids grew. It occurred to me that alot of the stuff they did thinking we didn't see them or thinking they got away with them were completely visible to me. Many times they felt guilty and came and apologized and many times they shut up thinking they got away with it. I knew they had to make mistakes and that was the only way they would believe that they were wrong. Lots of times I told them what would happen and they thought I was all wet and did it anyways. You know that is really similar to what the Bible says. It warns us and teaches us compassion and honor and such for our own good, not to be a thumb on our lives. What does sleeping with everyone get you? What does getting hammered get you? What does mean comments do to others? What does lack of compassion do? Ultimately those things harm us and unfortunately harm us severely till we become bitter or mean or drunks or dissatisfied with life, some have even left us over this crap. Are any of those things profitable?

Colossians 3:12-17
And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. NAS

Colossians 3:12-14
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.
NIV

Psalms 139:23-24
Search me, O God, and know my heart;test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.
NIV

These attributes don't just happen. We must seek them out with our hearts first, a real desire to follow this wisdom and then and only then are we able to fulfill these teachings. We will stumble but with a sincere heart for our Lord we can overcome so much more and enjoy the peace and the freedom from these trappings in this world. We become able to face them with courage and understanding and yes, compassion.

Remember Linda Van-Dyke...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your Word to us. Create in us a heart of compassion so we may actually see the wisdom of your ways and the folly of the world. Lord we lift each other up and ask for your forgiveness where we fail. Lord we believe you are the way, the truth and the life and we know we can only come to you by your son, Jesus. Help us rest on these words and experience the compassion you have shown and continue to show on us. Lord we praise you and thank you for the wisdom of your Word, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:09 A

Comment by russ allen on November 3, 2008 at 7:12am

Good morning! How did we faith this weekend? I sure don't like this daylight savings time stuff! Messes me up for a few days. I have been noticing alot of things lately that have bearing on lives around us and how we impact those lives. What we do may be insignificant to us but may be huge to someone else. A kind word, a smile and a hello, an inquisitive response to a complaint. Really listening and offering compassion really goes far. Jesus was the best listener and responder. Our Lord was able to see the heart and see the pain. Can we not only show but actually have that compassion for others? I've caught myself shaking my head and wondering why that person could miss something so obvious but then realize that they are not where they can spiritually or mature enough or they would. Is that a slam? Not all! That's reality and the start of true compassion. The desire to show as well as speak compassion will help others grow. We were all created the same way but are different. We were all made in God's image and have a purpose. Finding that purpose can be hard when you are wrapped up in this world and self. We need to pray and study and open our eyes to the truth and not the appearances around and then we can help others do the same. Is it our job to point out efficiencies? Sometimes yes but most times a hug and a kind word does more.

Psalms 139:13-14
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
KJV

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

Sometimes the reflection of God in us is the only time another soul may see God's works. Sometimes when others are destitute we bring a ray of hope for them and by the grace of Jesus do we do that. Remember where you came from and what you have been forgiven for and then compassion for someone who is where you were comes out.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being so graceful towards us. Help us pass on the same so we don't create doubt in others. Lord we ask for your blessing on our leaders and our Pastors. Guide them so they have the rock of your grace as their foundation. Lord help our eyes see truth and not be misled by lofty thoughts and words. Help us see truth that you make. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:47 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 31, 2008 at 7:08am

Good morning! Brrr! Brisk this morning! The things we do are a reflection of the condition of our heart. Think about this for a second and look at yourself and your actions; not to condemn but to see if our reflection is Gods. We are taught to love our neighbors as ourselves but do we practice that? Do we do things that endanger our neighbors both physically and spiritually? Do they see God in our lives or just another dogmatic hypocrite who "puts on airs" sunday and wednesday? Look, modifying our behavior is very important but first our heart condition must be set. Without heart modification our pius behavior will be short lived and transparent. Look at these and think;

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God- even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
NIV

Leviticus 19:18
"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
NIV

Matthew 7:9-12
"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
NIV

Romans 13:9-10
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
NIV

Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
KJV

Can you see that without a heart transformation that these principles would be impossible to follow? We are not talking appearance here but true heart modification. You don't have to like the neighbor but we must love them. We must show the compassion that Jesus showed you. When we see them in need we must help because we would like help when we are in that position. We must pray for that person because they deserve the consideration you were shown that led you to salvation, no? Things that would endanger people around us should not be done either,draw your own conclusions on that statement. Examine your ways of acting, your behavior in everything and ask the questions about that behavior and see if it corresponds to the scripture you just read. We will be better off for the honest answers and the actions we change because of it. Remember Gary and Cindy Hogman...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your wisdom to us through your Word. Lord help us live by these principles and have the courage to make changes in our lives wherever it is needed. Lord we thank you for all your blessings and ask we be able to show the same to others. Lord keep us all safe from harm and snares of the enemy. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 30, 2008 at 7:54am

Daily Prayer
Good morning! How are we faithing? Fear and anger can sometimes grab us. Ever have something happen that you fear and you get mad and lash out? It's almost like you watch yourself get ticked and react all the while thinking,"this is not good". The Word tells us not to sin in our anger. Sometimes with reactions we find ourselves doing just that. We gotta repent as soon as we realize. Sometimes that is a prayer and sometimes it's a prayer and an apology. As soon as we realize we need to humble ourselves and correct it.

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

Luke 12:4-8
"And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will warn you whom to fear : fear the One who after He has killed has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him! "Are not five sparrows sold for two cents? And yet not one of them is forgotten before God. "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear ; you are of more value than many sparrows.
NAS


Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
NIV

All this to say we need to be aware of our behavior and how it effects others. Our mouths, our actions all either glorify the Lord or they do not. Stop and think and if you see trouble in an area in your life, pray that the Lord helps you overcome and you learn these principles of God. Remember Bessie Whitaker,my friend Gail's Mom...Remember those who are sick so they don't get discouraged...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being there when we need you. Thank you for allowing us to humbly repent. Lord help us see when we are hurt by others the reason why so we are quick to pray for them. Lord we lift those who are in pain. Lord be with all those who seek peace. Lord thank you for all you do, in Jesus name,Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:37 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 29, 2008 at 6:54am

Daily Prayer
Good morning! How are we faithing? Who is Jesus? Who do the people who walked with him say he was?

Colossians 1:15-20
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
NIV

Hebrews 1:1-4
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
NIV

Wow! Quite a depiction no? With these descriptions and first hand accounts recorded in the Bible as well as other historical documents, it would be logical to say that the savior of the world is Jesus. That premise being said, it also would be logical to conclude his statements are true or he is the greatest fraud ever. Who did he say he was?

John 14:6-7
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth , and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
KJV

John 8:58
Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.
NAS

Matthew 16:13-18
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" And they said, "Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
NAS

This is enough to chew on for now. Reflect and believe. Trust him when all seems like the end. Trust him when you are under those rocks of life. Seek him all the time and reflect on his grace and love. Realize he loves you more than you love your children, a love that can't be described.

Heavenly Father,
Lord we thank you for your grace and love. We wrestle with doubts and fears and we want to know you love us and walk with us always. We know you are present when 2 or more are gathered and we know you hear our pleas. Lord thank you for hearing and reveal your ways so we can be patient with a bigger picture of your direction. Lord we praise and worship you even if we don't understand why things are the way they are. Our trust is in you. Keep us safe mentally and physically. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 5:59 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 28, 2008 at 7:02am

Daily Prayer
Great morning! How are we faithing? Lets talk a little about true love and how we love and are loved. This is not a sex talk but a talk about real love. The love you have for your child, the love you have for your parent or grandparent. The love that you cannot describe. The love that is so deep and absolute words are useless in describing it. The love God has to let his son die for you! Look and these and think;

1 Corinthians 16:14
Do everything in love.
NIV

1 John 3:11
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
NIV

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

Having trouble loving others? Do you find it hard to separate the sin from the sinner? It is hard sometimes but we must do this because the personal attack is not in line with true love. You spank your child for doing something wrong. You haven't stopped loving the child or dislike them, you are correcting the wrong done. See that? That is how God loves us. That is how we are to love others. True love hates the sin, not the sinner. Those times when you don't feel love for someone due to what they have done, remember this principle. Read 1 John 4. You will see a theme and instruction that is so useful to us. Love is indescribable most of the time but our actions show true love.

Galatians 5:22-6:1
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
We ask you help us truly understand this great love you have. Help us see what you see and love as you love. Lord we lift those who persecute us to you. Soften their hearts. Lord help us live the way we should and make us aware without condemnation where we need to improve. Help us resist the dark forces and love regardless of the sin. Lord we ask for the wisdom to see the truth. Lord we ask a blessing on our enemies and a blessing on our loved ones. Lord we bless and honor you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:29 AM

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