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Comment by russ allen on August 12, 2008 at 6:59am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is amazing how we can get so wrapped up in our daily tasks and miss God. How so? When we permeate our minds with clutter from TV, magazines or whatever fluff we take in we can miss subtle things that God sets in our path. Now by now means am I condemning those things because they all have their place but it is also important to introduce Godly material also. What do you daydream about? What are those private, silent conversations you have with yourself about? You know the ones, when someone ticks you off or when a comment is made or that babe or hunk walks by. Ever stand back after a daydream and examine what direction you let your thoughts go? You may find it extremely interesting to do that. Look, this is for us to examine ourselves and catch problem areas before they become problem actions or sin. Our savior came and endured the same crap we do. He just didn't sin about any of it. Can we expect to do the same? Well of course not but we sure can be aware and repent and as we learn to control those things satan loses more and more influence. We must remember and not lose site of;

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, let us reason together,"says the LORD."Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow;though they are red as crimson,they shall be like wool.
NIV

Colossians 2:13-15
And when you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us and which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
NAS

These thoughts and daydreams sometimes are innocent and sometimes they are not. Only with the Word's wisdom are we able to tell the difference. The world would have us believe thoughts don't hurt anyone. Wrong, they can hurt you if they are contrary to the Word.

Ephesians 6:12-13
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

Do we not think about things other than God? Of course not! Things have to be done in our jobs, with our kids and just walking around but we need to protect our thought process and mindset so we don't sink into the mire that we see all around us. Look at this next one from this theme discussed today and it takes on a different hue.

Colossians 1:16-18
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.
NIV

Remember Kim's new grand nephew and family,adopted, who just came home! Remember Kathy...remember Nicki and the boys...remember Samuel...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom you give in your Word. Lord help us nurture thoughts that are in line with your principles. Protect us from evil. Lord we want to do what is right but we get caught up sometimes in junk of the world. Forgive us and help us recognise when we turn off the path you have set for us. Lord we need your love around us and thank you for it even when we feel alone. Lord we praise you and thank you for the grace you have shown and ask for revelation so we can show it to others. Lord bless our troops and all our children. We lift those with praises for you and those who need your touch. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:22 A

Comment by russ allen on August 11, 2008 at 7:14am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I am excited about this week! After being sick for a week, I am stoked about going to work! I want to do everything I couldn't last week, now! Of course my bride is wise and slapped me and said," don't do it all today, you'll get sick again." Thank God for beautiful smart brides.....(mutter,mutter) look at this;

Ephesians 2:8-10
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

Notice that last line and think about that...hmmm, created for good works that God got ready for us to do before we were born and we should do them. Wow, that opens up a subject about being about God's work. Do we get saved, thank God and then sit on our hands waiting till it's our turn to die and go to heaven? No! We are to be about the Fathers tasks he laid before us! Does that mean we are all to be preachers? Not at all. Our lives are to be about evangelizing. Our lives are open books for the unsaved to see so therefore take a good look at how you may be seen. Are you a holy example of God's grace? Do people know you are a servant of God or do you act like a lost person? Now don't get this wrong, appearances are not the goal but by the following of God's Word we become that radiant light of God! People see the truth when we are genuine and not showy. Just because you grace the local church building with your presence doesn't mean you've done God's work. God has specific work for you. However small or menial the task may be, it is never insignificant. That kind word, that hug, that true listening without comment to the person who is grieving, that record keeping, that ushering, that smile and eye contact are all ways of showing the light. YOU read the Word and pray. YOU seek God's guidance for your purpose with prayer. It is amazing what we miss when we get wrapped up in our own little world. Every thing has it's purpose. YOU have a purpose. Look at this;

1 Corinthians 3:8-9
The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building.
NIV

See that? Without planting, corn wont grow. Without water it wont either. Are either more important than the other? Nope, both have to happen or we don't get sweet corn to eat! Do you see the point to all this?
YOU matter. You are a child of God and have a purpose in this life. Don't ever think you can't do anything. Increase your knowledge with the Word. Increase your well being through prayer and worship because God loves you, cares for you and is right there for you! What you may be experiencing right now may be preparing you for planting, watering, sunshine, weeding or harvesting. Remember Mark and Kelley...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your wisdom you impart. Lord prepare our hearts to do your will. Make us notice when something is for us to see. Help us recognise your presence. Help us see you do things for us. Lord we worship you and thank you for the joy that is you. Bless us with the Holy Spirit and keep us from the enemies' snares. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:36 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 8, 2008 at 7:43am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Boy, kinda in a fog this morning, tired, head cold, lots to be done but the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. Oh well.
Our past holds lots of memories and we often dream about them when we slumber. Revelations sometimes come in our sleep also, along with bizarre things too. The revelations can be of a nature that we didn't notice before and they also can be a jumbled mess. What's the point? When a revelation is realized we should check it with scripture to see if it real or not. Our imaginations are very powerful and the proof is all around us. God even mentioned it in the story of the tower of Babel;

Genesis 11:6
The LORD said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.
NIV

Read Genesis 6, real interesting chapter. Now with this said, we must take note that God knows all about us, cause he made us, he is bigger than anything we can dream up and he loves us. Look at this below and see the wisdom and revelation given.

Acts 17:29-31
"Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone-an image made by man's design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."
NIV

Wow! We see these things all around us and it can't help but permeate our minds but we must protect our minds with filling it with the Word. Jesus went through all he did for us to be enlightened and to come to the reality of salvation. A little different from dreams and statues no? We see these folks running around like little ants every day with no clear direction with futile attempts at happiness as defined by the world. Sad really because they are missing out on true peace and love with Jesus. Look here;

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


Man! Did you see that? Do you comprehend the vastness of those verses? Do you see that our salvation is so pertinent to our mental health and our overall well being that we can't help but reveal God by our actions? We don't need to send up a flare when we are burdened because our savior has lit up the whole area with his Word so we can function without the hindrance of darkness! He is already standing beside you!
Remember Turleys daughter Amber and her family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom that we receive from your Word! Lord thank you for teaching us your ways. We lift Amber and her family to you, bless them and open the doors they need and give them the wisdom to recognise which door to enter. Lord we lift those searching today. Help them find you and make that step of acceptance of your mercy and grace. Help them be saved and know they have had a real encounter with you! In Jesus name,AMEN!
Posted by russ allen at 7:05

Comment by russ allen on August 7, 2008 at 6:57am

Good morning! Man, feel yucky but hey, could be worse! Do you realize that the prayers we send up asking God for things do not fall on deaf ears for those who are saved? That is so cool to know that we can talk directly to God. Jesus will answer. A prayer I have alot is that I don't teach incorrect things or I don't say things that make people run from God. The desire to show people what I have found is strong. I discovered this prayer today and saw how pertinent it is;

Ephesians 6:19-20
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
NIV

Isn't that so true! By no means do we wish to cram the gospel down anyones throat, if that would work we probably would, but we want to say the things that the lost need to hear. We want to council productively. We desire for people to find Christ and start their eternity with him now. Look at these;

Hebrews 13:18
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
NIV

Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
NIV

It is cool to see that even the apostles struggled with some of the same issues we do. Boldness without being overbearing, courage in the face of danger and ridicule, love shown even when we are treated poorly, compassion in the face of threats both physical and mental; these are the things we seek. We pray we are holy examples of all to see that Jesus is real and walks with us not for our honor but for his. Think about this...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom held in the scriptures. Lord we ask for all these things because we love you and desire to have a clean heart for you. Lord we lift up all those we meet and those who look to us for examples. Lord let them see you in us and not the flaws that hinder. Lord help us see and fix where we fall down. Lord guide us so we reach those with word and deed, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:28 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 6, 2008 at 7:05am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Pray for me, I'm sickly...lets look at this verse below;

Matthew 9:13
But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
NIV

Man that is simple yet deep. God desires mercy, not sacrifice. What does that mean? Giving up stuff, self abasement and or acting so "Godly" with holier than thou attitudes is not the way to God. Mercy shown to others like God has shown you is what we are to do. You and I are sinners and screw up continuously therefore we need a merciful God who understands and forgives. We should not be as concerned with the appearance of Godliness as with actual Godliness. Going to church in a tie and shiny shoes is for not if you don't know Jesus. It's for show. Not cussing and speaking with Biblical sounding platitudes is not holy if you don't know about salvation. Realizing that you don't deserve the gift God gives and accepting it because you find that God loves you as you are is a huge step to redemption. If we deserved it, we wouldn't need it! Mercy is shown because of who Jesus is, not because of what we do.

Hebrews 2:1-4
We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
NIV

Think about that, every violation deserves punishment but because of mercy and the salvation that's right before us, we don't pay, Jesus already did! Now I know I have done some major sinning in my life and now it is gone, wiped clean. I also know that future sin is covered and I can repent and sleep well because Jesus said so. How about you?
Remember Jennifer Redmon family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your mercy and grace. Lord we ask to be forgiven and desire to follow your examples in all we do. We want to see through your eyes. Lord help us see what is really going on and not just what's on the surface. Lord bless our lives so we may bless others. Lord we lift the Redmon family in this time, heal their emotions and comfort them. Thank you for your love that saves wretches like us, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:36 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 5, 2008 at 7:36am

Good morning! How are we faithing? How are you doing with the commands Jesus gave? Yep, me too. I fail alot but the cool thing is I am forgiven and as soon as I realize I goofed, I must repent. Obeying Jesus' commands does not earn our salvation, it is a joy for us to try to follow because we love him and the Father and we want to. Of course, we drop the proverbial ball alot...look at these verses and realize the freedom in them;

1 John 5:3-5
This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. NIV

1 John 5:3-53 This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. NIV

Galatians 5:13-15
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
NIV

Romans 13:8-10
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. 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

Think about these and know that following the rules as it were is not the goal but following Jesus leads to the rules being adhered to. Following the commands does not make us holier or more just. When we love Jesus and treat others as we want to be treated the rules set down fall into place. Do you see the beauty in this? Do you see the freedom? We were captives and now are set free! We are able to repent from known sin and unknown sin and be assured of forgiveness and love not being lost. Focus on Jesus and not towing the line of rules because you will fail trying to just "be good enough". If we could, Jesus wouldn't have needed to come. Hold your head up, praise God for loving you and have a day full of joy because your savior loves YOU! Remember Belinda Moore and her family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your son and his sacrifice for us who are not worthy of it. We praise and thank you that you think we are. Lord we lift up the Moore family...Lord thank you for the joy you set in our hearts when we found you, renew it daily and help us see all you do for us. Bless the kids so they know they're loved..in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:08 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on August 4, 2008 at 7:32am

Good morning! How are we faithing? How are we dealing with day to day stuff? The world would have us think that humanistic thoughts are righteous because they "feel good". Well bunk! Just because it sounds good and is utopian or should be this way doesn't make it so. We don't live in utopia mind you, we live in a fallen world where satan runs rampant. Look at this and apply it to your life;

1 John 4:1-6
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
NIV

Man, I run into odd, offbeat interpretations, distorted scripture for sorted gain alot and it's scary. What's even more scary is the person sporting it is convinced he is right. Old sayings taken as in the bible are quoted all the time. Like,"God helps those who help themselves", not in the bible, or "neither a borrower or lender be"' that's Shakespeare. We need to be wary of information that is new to us. We need to check it with the Word to see if it is a quote or a dogma. Of course miss quotes happen but if it causes the interpretation to lead in an ungodly direction, ignore it and if you can, correct it. Belittling or pointing fingers in judgement is not the way to correct but in love and genuine concern that they know the truth. Think about this.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that keeps us pointed to you. Lord help us see the truth and not be misguided by erroneous doctrine. Lord guide our paths as we seek you in all we do. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:52 AM 0 comments

Comment by AFD on August 1, 2008 at 1:52pm

Hey Brothers and Sisters
hows it going : )
well i am doing alot better then the last few years
they ALL have now past and i do not have that human killing
pain so much upon my Exwife and her Lover
whom made a child last year.... as we were still married
so i am working on forgiveness alot each day i have some type of contact with her ...(the exwife )
my aka our kids live with her so it is not that great. but, the worlds courts say they must be with there mother : (
I still find myself not wanting too make up my mind on Trust.
this matter is the hardest to do.
i believe i will not be able to trust the exwife anymore.
Adulrty is hard enough too fogive
and too give that person back some Trust.
as they say All in Gods aka Jesus Christ Time ?
i believe i am better off with a Good Womman that can Support and Respect with Love me as i am , beside the Bible say husband Love your wife and Wifes RESPECT your Hunbands which too us men is Love.
which means your behavior talking and showing each other true Gods Love. not that worldly Sex crap the Stupid ones always think of
Sex is for the Married.... One Man and One Woman period.
and We ALl must honor God Laws which are the Ten Commandments.

Comment by russ allen on August 1, 2008 at 7:15am

Good morning! How are you dealing with forgiveness and pain? This is a reoccurring theme that we all battle. When someone wrongs us we can get indignant and angry which leads to bitterness, unforgiveness and before you know it, YOU are in bondage to that person who got you all riled up to begin with. When we allow these feelings of anger and indignation towards someone who "did you dirty" to fester, the control is given to the person who wronged you! Does that make sense to dwell on the pain and keep angry so that all you think about is that wrong and the guy who did it?

Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
NIV

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

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. NIV

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

Colossians 3:13-14
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
NIV

Do you see the reoccurring theme here? Forgive as you want to be forgiven. Is it easy? Heck no it ain't easy! Sometimes it's downright impossible; in the flesh. These are the times we need to seek God with prayer! We need to ask for the strength to show mercy. We need to ask for wisdom to see why we have been wronged. Zillions of reasons why we get wronged, a mistake, on purpose, an accident, stupidity etc. but does the reason matter? Only in so much as we can be quick to forgive when we see their plight. Yeah they may just be butt heads but that ain't up to us to change or point out. We need to just concentrate on how WE react and not the offender. Pour over the scriptures and think outside your pain and I believe you will find that forgiving heart that we need to cultivate. Remember Kathy, sore throat...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom in the scriptures that make it possible for us to learn the right, holy way to live. Lord we ask you make it clear your ways and give us the strength stand on them. Lord we lift up all those who are hurting physically and mentally. Lord we lift Kleb to you, fix him. We ask for safety for our kids in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:40 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on July 31, 2008 at 8:12am

Good morning! Man, computer troubles...I had one written but...so how are we faithing? I had a boss years ago who said to me,"Christians are sheep". What he was getting at was they are mindless robots that do anything the church says. He is partially correct. Some people adhere to the church over the Word. This is dangerous because this can lead to false doctrine and slavery to a man or a religion. I by no means am condemning the church or any specific denomination, I am speaking of our freedom or lack of freedom in Jesus and the difference between the two. Doing all things for or by the church to determine if you are a "Christian"is wrong. Our model and our focus is to be on Jesus who is the son of God and his grace and spirit is how we follow Christianity.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
NIV

2 Corinthians 3:4-6
Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant-not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
NIV

Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
NIV

John 8:36
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
NIV

The yoke of slavery to God is quite different from the yoke of slavery to the church. Now a correct church seeks the spirit, seeks God's wisdom, seeks to know the ways of God, seeks holiness by grace and not by deeds. Good deeds are by products of faith and Godly wisdom learned from the Word not the other way around. Do we not like and strive for good deeds? Well of course not! But those good deeds don't save you. Our attitude to service is that the advancement of the Gospel and having a personal relationship with Jesus and sharing it with others, that is the goal.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word and your grace. Lord teach us to focus on you and not the legalism that can bind us. Show us the freedom in you that you offer and don't let us get bound by dogma. Lord we lift our spiritual leaders to you. Keep them wise, wary of satan and his snares. Guide us this day in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:42 AM

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