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Comment by Park Ranger on August 19, 2008 at 4:36pm

I'm new to the CFA, just wanted to say Grace & Greetings to all.
May the Lord Jesus Christ guide & bless you all on your journey.

Comment by russ allen on August 19, 2008 at 7:18am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Our Christian brothers and sisters are so important in our lives. Not only for strength to be about God's work but to lean on, to share with, to impart wisdom from God that they got from the Word. We are to support each other, love each other so we can show the world that Jesus is real. What do we do when a brother or sister strays? What do we do when WE stray? When a fellow Christian strays we are to approach them with love and understanding because like we've discussed before, sin is sin and the issue is the breaking off of our relationship with God not necessarily what has been done. Look at this;

Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
NIV

Matthew 18:15-17
"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
NIV

This may not be easy when you love that person and know that their heart has met God but whatever is happening has a hold on them. I hurt, fear for these brothers and sisters that fall away from truth. I pray they see the folly of the backslide and repent. I want to cry for them because I can see the pain they will go through if they don't. What to do? What to say? The Holy Spirit convicts us and we rest on these truths that he will give us utterance. We have to give it to the Lord and let him sort it out. He may use us and he may not. We must pray and not loose heart if they choose not to come home. Man, that sucks for them and it hurts to see.

Jude 17-23
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
NIV

Remember those who need God's touch...remember the kids...remember the troops...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you loving grace that saves a wretch like me. Lord we lift those who are straying and ask you convict their heart to wake up. Lord we ask a blessing on the kids that have endured things that crush their hearts. Lord bless the troops and help them show your mercy. Thank you Father for the strength you give when we are down and hurting. Grant the peace that passes all understanding and grant us wisdom for our tongues, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

Comment by AFD on August 18, 2008 at 11:22pm

Thank You : )
i am very thankful : )
i attend Shadow Mtn Church
which church do you Attend ?

Comment by Mike on August 18, 2008 at 11:34am

Hello everyone.

Comment by Doug Eiche on August 18, 2008 at 8:30am

good moring everyone?

Comment by russ allen on August 18, 2008 at 7:31am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We caught up on some of our favorite TV shows last night and although for entertainment value they were captivating, the whole time I found myself looking at what lessons they were teaching. The life lessons and the things they show as ok or normal are so deluded and self serving I sometimes wanted to throw things at the screen. Alot of the things they deem acceptable are so not cool with God that the writers must be ignorant hacks who never seem to grow up. I also see the tool satan uses that is very effective. Sex. That's right, besides the meat of the stories, doctors, cops or whatever, the stories seem to revolve around who's doing who or wants to do who regardless of consequences. Times have changed but people have not. All through out history it's the same ol' story. Self indulgence and the drifting away from God's rules has destroyed whole civilizations. The grace of God is the only thing that can save us. There is no religion, civic leader, law or Utopian lines of thinking that is going to save us or keep us as a viable civilization. Only Jesus can do that. Jesus knows your heart,mind and soul. Jesus knows how you think, what you think and why you think what you think. The pain in your past is an open book to him. We cannot do anything that he doesn't see.

Hebrews 4:13
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

Ecclesiastes 12:14
For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
NIV

Is this meant to scare you? Heavens no! This is meant to show you that everything you think and do is accountable. God knows all of it. We can go to God about everything with the confidence that he gets us, loves us and can help us get through anything. So is that sex on those TV shows wrong? Some yes, some no. You read the Word and figure out what it says about the subject. E-mail me for specific verses if you can't find them. I don't think details are necessary in this forum. The point is that what we encounter should be checked with the Word. Just because it "feels" right or is portrayed as right on the silver screen doesn't make it so. The principle at play is selfishness which leads to self indulgence which leads to sin when we act without guidance from the principles of God. This is true about everything we do, not just the sex thing. There is right and there is wrong. There are things that destroy and things that build up. There are ways that seem right to man but are a path to destruction and the only answer we can use effectively 100% of the time come from the Word of God. Think about that.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and kindness towards us. Lord keep us aware when we need to speak to you. Help us repent as soon as we realize we goofed up. Help us recognise principles we read about in your Word. Lord keep us safe from the snares of the enemy. Lord help us understand what you teach in your Word. Lord grant us wisdom to go through our days with our eyes on you. Lord help us not have our feelings hurt when we are confronted by the truth. Help us remain open to your ways. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:21 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 16, 2008 at 7:47am

Good morning! Great morning! Terrific morning! Rise and shine for the Lord has come! He is with you and in you! You are his and he loves you! All the things that are bothering you are already fixed if you but trust and rest in the Lord! Worry about your heart with God and the others will fall into place. By example will the others find the path to God. By keeping your faith in God alive with the Word and seeking his will for you will all the other stuff fall into place. May not be what you thought it would be but it will be best!

Isaiah 33:2
O LORD, be gracious to us;we long for you.Be our strength every morning,our salvation in time of distress.
NIV

Psalms 119:27-28
Let me understand the teaching of your precepts;then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow;strengthen me according to your word.
NIV

Fear not, worry not, only with prayer and requests left at the feet of Jesus are we able to concentrate on God and not get bogged down with life's troubles. God has already defeated whatever is up in your life, you just haven't realized it yet. Be patient and do what the Word advises and leave all the fallout to him.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the peace you give. Lord show us your will in our life. We want to see Jesus and learn his statues. We know what is best is your desire so show us and comfort us when we cant see. Lord thank you for your Word that sustains us. Lord protect the innocent and grant us strength to do the same! In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:20 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on August 15, 2008 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is so refreshing to be assured that our faith is not futile. It is so assuring that we can go to the Father with requests that are heard. Assurance and trust that an answer will come in due time is as much a thing of faith as it is a thing that grows patience. We must realize that God will use every circumstance for good. We may not see it now but it is so. We may not see how that is possible but it is so. Remembering past victories is a very good way for us to endure when we are in the middle of junk. Remembering those past things God did builds confidence that he will continue to do so. When the timing of the request answer isn't in line with our idea of timing, remembering the outcome of past victories helps us wait assured that an answer is coming and will be the best thing.

Luke 12:32-34
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
NIV

See that? Don't fear because our Father cares enough to give us the kingdom in salvation! Hey man, he says to sell possessions and give to the poor in that verse, does that mean to peddle everything and become destitute? Not at all! He's saying to put your trust in him and know your treasure is in heaven and that this stuff here is meaningless. Our possessions are fine if our heart and mind about them is right. Be willing to dump them all if asked! Our heart shouldn't be on worldly treasure but heavenly treasure. Look are your heart, explore your mind and your focus. Do this with the Word, prayer and an honest desire to find out the truth. You might not like it at the time of discovery but trust the Lord will hold your hand while saying"it's ok, we can beat this" and will walk with you through the journey.

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

Trust, rest, expect results, keep your eyes wide open for God WILL bring you through to the other side and you will look back and say,"ah, that's why, sucked in the middle but I now see the lesson".

Proverbs 30:5
"Every word of God is flawless;he is a shield to those who take refuge in him."
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your blessings and thank you for your Word. Lord help us be sure of your hand being on us. Help us rest during crisis because we know you are in control and we will see the reason when the time is right. Lord grant us peace in the midst of trials. We know it builds character but it's hard sometimes to endure. Let us know you are there. Bless the kids Lord for they are met with lots of junk every day. Lord keep them safe. Lord we lift our troops and their leaders. Guide and keep them safe, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:59 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 14, 2008 at 7:42am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Fantastic weather this week! It's hard to get down when it's so pretty outside. What? You are down? How can that be? Because the weather doesn't really effect our well being that's why. It goes deeper than that. Yes when it's 75 degrees with 50% humidity we are tickled and skip when we walk but disaster can strike. Point to that? Where are you spiritually? Where does your peace come from? Where does your spirit get rest? It better be with Jesus because anything else will let you down.

1 Peter 1:13-21
Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man's work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.
NAS

Man that is full of wisdom. When we as believers realize that God loves us and gave Jesus for us and that our joy is complete in him, the days get so much better. Does calamity befall us? Yep, occasionally it does. Does it take away our joy in God? It should not because his promises are eternal and our woe on earth is what, 80ish years? Whoopie, 80 years verses eternity. That is such an insignificant number when you think about it. So if this life is short comparatively speaking, what are we to do? Be joyous that the living God loves us enough to desire a personal relationship with you! Any of that calamity that befalls us will indeed have a purpose . We may not see it now but we can be sure it does so armed with that knowledge we can start looking for the message and the lesson we are to glean from the disaster. Is it easy to keep that perspective? Not always for we are flesh right now so seek God in prayer and study and know when we have learned a lesson and grown the lesson will be revealed. Believe it.

Ephesians 6:14-18
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word. Lord we lift you up and ask for your guidance in our days. Lord help us see the wisdom you teach and help us remember that our joy comes from you and not our circumstances. Lord help us all do your will. Lord bless the kids and bless those who teach them. Lord grant strength to all your workers in ministry. Give them guidance. Lord we lift each other up and ask for your protection, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:48 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on August 13, 2008 at 7:26am

Good morning! Ah...brisk clear dawn...love this kind of weather! A lot of lines of thought this morning but lets try to concentrate on these;

Colossians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
NIV

1 Corinthians 5:12-13
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."
NIV

Interesting principles spoken of in those verses. The first tells us to be wise in how we present ourselves to outsiders because the goal is to show God's grace and to lead them to the salvation knowledge we enjoy. We are to equip ourselves so we can answer those things that come our way. Do we always have the answers on the tip of our tongue? Gee whiz no. Heck, I can't remember my name some days but living and showing the principles to others speaks louder than words sometimes.
The next verse tells us to pay attention to our own walk and not be concerned with failings of others. God will judge but if someone is wicked and does not repent and listen to reason, turn around and walk. Do we stop praying for them? Never! We may not be the vehicle used for them to get their stuff together. So how does this tie together? We as Christians must pay attention to our actions and our speech so we are true ambassadors of the Holy Scriptures and of our savior Jesus of Nazareth. We must prepare ourselves and search the Word so we can answer when these things crop up and they will. Seeking the Spirit to guide our tongues is so important. Filling our minds with wisdom from the Word is paramount. These ideas connect with yesterdays daily that dealt with what we put in our minds and what will come out. Think about these.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for teachings that show us how we are to behave. Lord we want to show your love and seem to fall down when confronted with some people. Give us strength and courage to stand for you and to say or not say the right words. Lord we never want to fail in this. Help us stand firm. Lord thank you for blessing us and we continue to ask for protection for our kids. in Jesus name,Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:35 AM 0 comments

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