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Comment by russ allen on October 27, 2008 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It seems that whenever I run into a brick wall so to speak or I start to wonder,"what's it all for?" Things happen that make it quite apparent what God is up to. Do I see it at the time? Typically nay. Maybe I'm dense, wrapped up in my own deal or maybe when we get to that point where we feel like we're walking in a soup like thick fog, God is working. For me alot of times it's later before I pick up on it hence I say "duh" alot. Sound familiar? So if this takes place, what are we to do? This is where the Word study and following the principles of God regardless of the circumstances is pertinent. We know that God's ways are always right so when we can't seem to get it together so to speak, remember the principles we have learned in our studies and trust them to lead us out of the fog. Picture driving in thick fog and all you have is a set of lights and that yellow stripe on the road to follow. God lights the way and that word is the line we follow. Slow down when you get lost in the fog and concentrate on God and his principles.

Philippians 4:12-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
NIV

Ephesians 6:10-112
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
NIV

Zechariah 10:12
I will strengthen them in the LORD and in his name they will walk," declares the LORD.
NIV

Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you;I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
NIV

Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
NIV

Hebrews 13:20-21
May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV

Remember Craig Charloux, back in Iraq...Remember all the troops...remember each other the needs we all have...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for always being there for us. Help us see the work you have for us and help us understand our roles. Lord we lift those who flounder and struggle with life. Protect their minds from the junk that would ruin them. Lord we lift Craig and all the troops to you. Protect them and help them show mercy. Lord we all have needs and fail to drop them at your feet. Forgive our selfishness and our neglect of your Word. We wish to honor and serve you but the world gets in the way. Help us focus where we need to focus. Help us see needs and act accordingly. Lord be with our neighbors and help us help them find you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:44 AM

Comment by l1tilr on October 24, 2008 at 9:59am

My prayers are with you as well, Gordy. I am at the same place basically. Keep praying, reading and listening to the word and it will fill your heart and soon enough, push the bad things out.

Comment by russ allen on October 24, 2008 at 7:29am

Gordy, you have our prayers and get in the Word. Find a chrch body, a group that is biblically based and go! No man is an island and you ain't less of a man to ask for help!

Comment by russ allen on October 24, 2008 at 7:28am

Great morning! How are we faithing? What we learn from the Word of God sometimes is contrary to what the world thinks is right. I see alot of political things going on this year that blow my mind. Issues that just make me stand silent with my mouth agape because I cannot believe that they believe what they're saying. What is worse is that people who don't know the Word and the love of God buy into the drivel the world offers. Without the Word we can be deceived by "sounds good" and "feels right" things and end up worse off than before. Interviews on TV lately have become telling in some areas and worthless in others. Politics I suppose. As Christians, what are we to know and believe?

Romans 16:17-19
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
NIV

Philippians 2:14-17
Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
NIV

Being wise and aware of thing is important. We do not live in a shell or do we live where we are not persecuted. Flaming arrows will fly at us but we have a shield, the Word of God, to protect us and open our eyes. There are some who say all is good and that if we stay positive all the time everything will be groovy. Well I like that sentiment too but unfortunately it is not reality. We can not bury our head in the sand therefore we must be wise and leery of any doctrine or sentiment that is opposed to the Word. Like the Word says," Test everything", if it holds up to the scrutiny of the Word, cool! If it does not, discard it. We have to be on guard at all times. I don't mean suspicious of everything per say but with our minds full of the principles of God we can discern good from evil.

2 Corinthians 2:14-15
But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.
NAS

Remember Wayne Conatser...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your comfort and wisdom you give to us. Lord we want to be aware yet innocent of evil. We want to be able to discern between good and evil and at the core be wise. Lord we lift Wayne to you. Comfort and reveal yourself to him. Lord we lift Mark and Kelly and the girls to you. Lord we ask a special blessing on the readers of this daily that you grab a hold of them and let them know you love them. Lord grant that unexplainable peace that only you can give. Lord we lift our loved ones to you, protect and surround them with your protection and grace. Lord help us control our tongues so we only praise and not tear down others. Keep us all safe, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 23, 2008 at 6:58am

Good morning! Restless morning and a zillion thoughts. The Beatles said it in a song way back, "I'm fixing a hole where the rain came in, to stop my mind from wandering". Do you have that problem of your mind wandering when you pray? When you read the Bible? Yep, me too. So how do we fix that hole so all that "rain", a metaphor for junk and stuff that invades our minds, doesn't get in? I've discovered for me that mornings work best for me. If I pray formally at night, read the Word at night, off to la la land I go. My wife is the opposite. Pick when you can fill your mind with the things of God. Lunch time, break time, after work, after supper, whatever works for your body and mind. Now like anything else, we must make it a point to do this until it becomes a habit, then it becomes normal. Arm yourself with an attitude that you can and will make time for these things and the enemy isn't going to thwart you endeavour.

Colossians 2:13-15
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
NIV

Ephesians 2:1-10
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus, in order that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
NAS

Do you see that? Don't make excuses because we have the power of God in us and through him we can overcome obstacles that get in the way of our learning and getting closer to God. "The devil made me do it" as Flip Wilson so eloquently said years ago doesn't wash. That is a cop out. Give in and satan has power, resist and he has to flee. Jesus said so. Even 1 verse a day with a, "lord help" prayer is a start. What better time than today! Remember Debbie Major, pulled a ham string...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the power of your Word. Thank you for the power to rebuke evil in your name! Thank you for showing us wisdom that is wiser than anything in the world. Lord we ask for strength and perseverance to commit to study and prayer daily. Open our eyes to how and when is best for us. Lord we know you walk with us all and we ask that we be so aware of that fact that we skip and whistle with joy. Lord we lift Debbie up, heal her. Lord we ask protection for our troops and for our children. Thank you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:19 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 22, 2008 at 6:51am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I saw a life change come to it's inevitable direction last night. I got to enjoy praising God with the person who's life took a new direction. He resisted God's direction and sought his own for awhile but praise be to God that he realized what God had for him. Have you realized yours? I know I know, huge question and sort of loaded too because what we thought God wanted may not be so. How do we find out? Seeking the truth with the Word, prayer and the wisdom of Godly people. Advice that starts with,"I would do this or that" is suspect. Now of course if it's advice about changing your oil from a mechanic, it is probably good advice. Advice that shows you the path to God's will via questions that make you search and pray is good advice. The path God plans for each of us may be away from what we thought it was but if we seek his will, it will become evident. We all have the great commission for evangelism and how we live shows how we believe. Your lot in life may be to live according to the Word and in the faith of Jesus so others see that and seek out Jesus because of it. Your lot may also be the next Billy Grahm, neither is more important than the other.

Colossians 2:6-8
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.
NIV

John 14:12-14
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
NAS

2 Timothy 3:12-17
And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. NAS

Open your eyes today and ask Jesus to reveal where you are to go and what to do. Be of good cheer and fear not because Jesus is with us always. Stepping out on faith is sometimes harrowing but know that God will equip you to do what he asks.


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing us you will in your Word. Open our eyes to what is around us and give us the courage to speak or not and the wisdom to recognise which. Lord we thank you for Jerry and praise you for the journey he just entered. Grant him the wisdom he needs bless his endeavors. Lord we want to serve you and to know what to do because we love and trust you and want others to know that same peace. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:18 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 21, 2008 at 7:23am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine fall day? What comfort we have in this faith of Jesus. Even when calamity befalls us we have assurance of his love. Even when everything seems bleak and insurmountable, Jesus is with us. The promises the Word tells us of are our rock and our shield from the things that destroy the vessel we occupy. Do we fear death? Sure we fear the cause and the way we die but we need not fear death itself because; absent from the body, present with the Lord.
Having hard times are part of life here. We are attacked in the natural and in the spiritual. Look at this and think about what is said;

2 Corinthians 1:8-11
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
NIV

Isn't that interesting! They were in such peril and God brought them through and they realized it was God because they knew they were not strong enough to pull it off. That is an example of faith. They did what was needed even though they probably were very scared in the flesh but realized that the battle was God's and victory was already won! Guess what? That applied to you today too! Notice that the confidence they had in prayer. Very important that we trust and that we pray. Look at these;

Proverbs 14:32
When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down,but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
NIV

2 Timothy 4:18
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV

Thought provoking no? Our peace and our confidence is Jesus. Will we get apprehensive about the attacks and even death that comes at us? Probably, but we can reassure ourselves that Jesus is standing right there the whole way. We will come out the other side better off whether it be in heaven with the Lord as he promises to those who believe or that we learn a lesson and are stronger to stand up to other things and able to help others who are not as strong in the faith. Just some things to think about and to pray about. Remember Turley's friends family who's Mom passed and a sibling passed also...


Heavenly Father,
Lord, we ask a touch from your hand on Turley's friends. Let them know you are with them through this rough time. Lord our hearts reach out to them. Lord also we lift the family of recent fire victims. Lord, hold them tight and reassure them. Lord sometimes we don't even know what to ask and in those times we cherish the comforter. Lord let your Holy Spirit rest on us all. Thank you Lord and we praise your holy name an we pray in that name today, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:47 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 20, 2008 at 7:05am

Good morning! Man we keep relearning truths. We keep holding on to animosities and grudges. We love people and despise people. It's a struggle to keep the forgiveness perspective even when we know what Jesus did for us. It's not that we forget, it's that we get our dander up when we get stepped on. Self defense is fine but we must, MUST never forget to hate the sin and not the sinner. A good friend of mine brought this to light this weekend and it made me examine myself to see if I was doing this and sure enough, I was. Are you? Have you been so wronged you despise that person? Pray for them because Jesus would want us to. Lift them up to the master so they can be healed just like you were. You don't have to like them like a camping buddy that shares a tent with you but you do have to forgive them. What we believe we must put into practice or it is useless rhetoric and it will be seen for what it is. We must be ready put into practice and even sometimes defend what we believe but if we practice hypocrisy we will be ineffective for our savior and that is just not acceptable. Now that that is said, trouble doing all this forgiving? You bet! We struggle all the time but you are not alone and God knows it's hard. Pray, read the Word, again, pray, read the Word. Get the nourishment we all need daily or we can get so overwhelmed by this world we teeter on the edge of a pit that is a pain to climb out of if we fall in.

1 Peter 3:15-18
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
NAS

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
NIV

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
NIV

1 John 1:9-10
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.
NIV

Romans 4:24
He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
NIV

The kind of forgiveness Jesus has for us is so huge we can't even fathom how big it is,therefore, who are we to not forgive? Tough lesson and it will most likely take a confession before our savior and a repentant heart before we can get past hate and loathing of some people who have wronged us. Pray you can achieve that level of forgiveness. You will so amazed at the freedom it brings! Remember the Lee Tracy family on his passing...remember Tony Tracy family...remember Rex Miller family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing the truths we need to survive on this planet. Lord teach us to forgive like you have forgiven us. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask a healing in there souls. Help them see you in this cycle of life. Lord we lift all the families involved that they see you. Lord help us understand the scriptures and let them leap off the pages with knowledge and spirit filling joy! in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:27 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 17, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! When we see a need and ignore it, have we sinned? Well lets clarify that question a bit. When I drive by an accident and the fire department is there, I may see a need but it's already handled but if I see the accident before rescue people and all I know how to do is be with the victim and talk to them, I should. If I see a homeless person who asks for spare change,(does that still happen?),if I have some I should give because it is an opportunity to talk about life and where to get it, Jesus. The reason that person is where they are could be from so many circumstances beyond his control or it may be their fault. Does that matter? Not really because Jesus called all to know and love him . Knowing the circumstances surrounding the state people are in only serves for us to know a little background so we may relate properly. And listening to people with compassion lets them know you care and also helps us see what Jesus sees, the heart. It is true that some of us have trouble talking to people about their woes but not listening to them because you think they are an idiot for getting themselves in the position they are in is prideful and sinful because you are judging and comparing yourself to another. Bad move homey. Are your past sins any less sinful? Of course not. Jesus forgave us and he will forgive that person you are talking to. The wisdom of the cross is foolishness to the unsaved but genuine compassion is noticeable by anyone. When an opportunity arises we are wise to take it because our heart is softened unto God and so is theirs.

1 Peter 4:10-11
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.
NIV

Some of us have trouble engaging strangers and that's ok but remember;

1 John 3:18-20
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
NIV

Our lives speak. Truth is evident. Genuine compassion and love of God comes through and people see it. They see Jesus unbeknownst to them. Step out and overcome the fear because we should rather be seen as a fool to man than a fool to the eyes of God. Trust that strength God grants and step out.

Philemon 66
I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
NIV

Remember Turleys friends family...they need a touch from the Masters hand...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom of the cross and how we learn to serve others. Lord we ask for the courage to step out and the peace and understanding to see to the core. Lord we want to show your love to all who need it. Lord guide our actions and hearts so we know when to speak and when to shut up. Help us hear and see the needs. Lord we long for your embrace and desire to see you in every facet of our lives. Help us live Godly and sincere in the faith. Father we thank you for your blessing regardless of the size. Teach us compassion and set it on our hearts so our eyes see what you see. Lord we lift up Turleys friends and ask a heart healing and comfort to them Lord tragedy is a hard pill to swallow and we need your help. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:18 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 16, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing in this world full of, well what it's full of? Man, so much hits us and comes our way that sometimes we can't seem to concentrate on one thing at a time. We run here and there and are consumed with so much stuff we feel like we have not got anything accomplished. Sometimes even when we think about our savior we can't even figure out why he bothered. Sometimes we are confused at what we struggle for. Then there are those times when we look at our mate or our children and such a feeling of peace and love flows over us we get it. We get a glimpse of what God feels for us. Even in turmoil or peace, confusion or clarity, sadness and jubilance, God is the same and is right where he has always been. There are times when our body betrays our faith, our minds wander to things not real nice that we must seek the Lord and the wisdom he owns. Doctors are smart because God gave them the brain power. Plumbers and electricians are good with their hands because God enabled them with that gift. Now plumbers are not doctors and doctors can't put up transformers up but the gift given to each is just as important. If the mechanic says my ball joints are bad, I fix them. If the doctor says my medicine is needed, I take it. If God says I need to read his word, I'm a gonna read. Point is that when you are sitting with your mind racing, grab it, subdue it and seek God. Pray for that clarity and peace. Learn when you are out of your expertise arena and listen to God.

Isaiah 64:5-9
You welcome those who cheerfully do good, who follow godly ways.
But we are not godly. We are constant sinners, so your anger is heavy on us. How can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.
And yet, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand. Oh, don't be so angry with us, LORD. Please don't remember our sins forever. Look at us, we pray, and see that we are all your people.
NLT

Romans 8:5-11
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.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
NIV

Trusting God in all things is hard sometimes but we need to remember the designer and maker of all this is the ultimate expert. I don't argue with a plumber because he is an expert in his field so why would I argue with God who is the creator of everything? Think about this line of thought...remember the sick that they get the right help...remember our kids who seek wisdom and that they get sound wisdom...remember each other so we don't feel isolated...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your wisdom in your Word. Lord help us keep our minds focused on what we have to do. Lord help us trust you are in control and we need not worry. Lord we lift those up who need your hand in their lives. Lord we lift our leaders up. Lord protect your Pastors and keep them aware of your movement in their lives. Lord we lift the spouses of all our leaders. Let them not feel neglected when the job takes their loved one away. Lord let the kids know you are with them. Lord help us see the needs we are able to help with. Lord clear our thoughts from stuff that is contrary to you and your principles. Lord we praise your holy name and it's in that name of Jesus we pray, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

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