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Comment by russ allen on July 16, 2008 at 7:46am

Good morning! Man oh man, I had something explained to me that I have known but haven't quite known how to formulate it in speech. The battle in our minds is so huge we sometimes miss God. Satan uses condemnation, God uses conviction. "Keep an open mind" is the mantra of today. When someone says that, be ready for a sack of crap to be hurled at you. Test what ever then is told to you with scripture. If it is contrary, dismiss it. If it's interpretation of a scripture, read it, consider, pray about it because God will reveal the truth. There is so much "feel good" and utopian ideals floating around that are bunk therefore we must examine these ideas thoroughly. It feels good to stand in a hot shower, what happens when you stay an hour? It feels good to drive fast, what happens when that kid rides his bike into the street and you can't stop? Thoughts run by our minds all the time and some of them are not uplifting or holy at all. Lust, retribution etc. God says,"that's not good man, you need to apologize", satan says,"look at you and you claim to be a christian, you suck". Big difference! Just because a thought passes by doesn't mean you are guilty. What you did with it, well...heard something to the effect of,"a bird can fly by you but don't let it nest in your hair". That is an old saying but it says it right! Thoughts come, what's the source? If it condemns, defies scripture or distorts it, rebuke it from your mind. God will never contradict scripture with a "new idea". Look at these verses and reflect and think about how you deal with your thoughts;

1 Peter 5:8-10
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
NAS

Romans 12:22
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.
NIV

Isaiah 41:100
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

Joshua 1:99
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
NIV

2 Corinthians 11:13-15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve. NIV

2 Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
NIV

Ephesians 6:10-18
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. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 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

Today's is long but I really beseech you to read this again and take to heart the teaching. We need to stand guard from the wiles of the enemy. We need to protect our minds from darkness. The world is very persuasive and we need to fortify our minds with truth and not worldly views. Enough for today and keep the questions coming! Remember Amber Richards in her job search...remember Kaleb...remember each other that we overcome ...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you show us in your Word. Lord help us decipher your voice from the enemies. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask you provide the wisdom and needs. Thank you for your saving grace that spares us from eternity without you. Lord we worship and praise your holy name. Grant us wisdom and discernment over the junk we face, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 15, 2008 at 7:23am

Good morning! Perseverance and firm belief that God walks with us and sees us through everything is sometimes hard to keep. Yep, I said it. This life we seek with God ain't easy. There are so many distractions, maladies, questions that we sometimes shrug our shoulders and ask "huh?". Hey, you are not alone! Even the most devout follower of Christ you know has the same things go on in their life that you do.

Romans 15:4
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

Change your view from self condemning to learning. We teach our children what and how out of love and to warn them so they don't goof like we did. God does the same with the Word and admonitions from fellow believers. We of course take offense sometimes but we need to examine what is told to us. If it is bogus, toss it aside. If it is correct, thank them and fix it. The following is very encouraging;

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
NIV

Pretty cool huh? "Common to man", to me that is so encouraging because the things that we deal with daily aren't unique to us. Everyone deals with the same basic issues that thwart our walk with God. Some succumb to them and some do not. Ever feel like you are the only one facing things? Yep, we all do sometimes but train yourself not to fall into that trap cause it'll grab hold and bind you so tight you'll think the end is near. We are not alone. Jesus is right here, right now. remember Katie Fitch...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your loving grace that saves us. Thank you for always being with us even when we feel alone. Lord we lift those up today who need a touch from you. Lord show them what they need in their lives. Lord we ask for wisdom and a quick remembrance of the scriptures in times of woe and in times of joy. Lord teach us to be your servants. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:14 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 14, 2008 at 7:23am

thanks Wendy! And thank God cause I ain't that smart!

Comment by russ allen on July 14, 2008 at 7:23am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Weird events this past week and the weekend was full of varying emotions. Anger, disgust, sorrow, why, also elation, love, laughter and good counseling from friends. We live in a fallen world therefore, like the bumper sticker says, "stuff happens". Ya, I know, not a perfect quote but...The why "stuff happens" can be overwhelming sometimes. Here's an often quoted verse;

Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
NAS

Notice that it does not say that God causes all things to happen but that what happens is used for good and to those who love God who are called for his purpose. Important distinction right there. Why was that little boy killed in the car wreck? Why was that little girl raped? Why are we so consumed with fighting over things so they go our way? Why are there kids going hungry, are neglected, are beaten and why do we have to face such cruel, disheartening things? Because we live in a fallen world and we are selfish. Think about that. Me me me, listen to the gripes and complaints, listen to the excuses for bad behavior. So what are we to do? Love one another, seek God in all we do, PRAY! Read the Word so you can grow and become one of "those who love God, those who have been called according to his purpose." Will we find all the answers to everything that happens? Nope but you will find direction and peace that passes all understanding. Will you still face calamity? Yep and you will face it with assurance that it will be used for good even if you can't see how or why right now.

Revelation 3:19-20
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
NIV

1 Peter 5:10-11
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV

I don't profess to know the whys for all the awful crap that happens here on earth and I surely don't like it but I know my God is in charge. I know later on that the current experience I face and overcome will be of benefit to someone else and will increase my faith by showing me that I can rely on God to see me through anything. These are statements and truths we must stand on! We wont like the process most times because it hurts but knowing God cares and teaches us gives us hope to press on. You think about all this and talk to God today and check anything you hear with scriptures cause the enemy prowls looking for fresh meat to eat...remember Katie Fulfer and family...remember Natalies cousin Melissa and her family...remember your leaders in church and your community...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that comforts us. Thank you for the wisdom you give. Lord help us persevere when things are awful. Lord we ask for your loving arms around us so we know you care and will help us. Lord show us when you are at work in us. We ask for healing in the lives of those mentioned. Lord we lift our leaders in our churches as well as the leaders in our communities. Grant them a vision that is yours and give them the courage to stand for you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM 0 comments

Comment by Wendy Norris on July 12, 2008 at 11:52pm

Love your posts Russ Allen!

Comment by russ allen on July 11, 2008 at 7:08am

Good morning! Man! What a beautiful day yesterday was! 38% humidity, slight breeze, low 80's, what perfect garage day! So guess what I did.Yep, took the afternoon off and painted my bike. The best part of garage time for me is the time I spend with the Lord. I can listen to the radio, think on scripture, relax and reflect. Getting quiet with God is so important! Studying every morning is fantastic also but that time alone with God in an environment that relaxes you is just as important. It may be fishing for some or working out or whatever but you need that time. If your schedule is so busy you never get that time, change it. You will be amazed at the results.

Jeremiah 31:25
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint."
NIV

Psalms 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me. NIV

Isaiah 40:28-31
The LORD is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
NIV

Renewing your spirit, resting so you can continue is vital to your well being. Being so busy you don't have time for renewing and refreshing your spirit is bad for you even to the point of physical maladies. Learn to say no and learn to take that time to hear God's voice. Me, I fish because I would sleep on the bank if my hands were not busy! I tinker in the garage because it settles my spirit so I can hear. You find what your quiet time is.

Exodus 14:14
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still ."
NIV

Psalms 46:10
"Be still , and know that I am God;I will be exalted among the nations,I will be exalted in the earth."
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that refreshes us! Thank you for the assurance that you are with us always. Lord teach us to be still and hear your voice. Lord bring to our mind your scriptures. Lord help us find that way to relax and renew our spirits and our flesh. Lord we ask for miracles of healing in our lives. Lord touch us in such as way as there is no doubt that it was you. Lord protect the kids and spouses that are enduring physical and mental abuse. Relieve the pressure and fix the situations. Lord we lift all those we meet and I ask you touch all who read this daily. Lord show them to you and thank you for enabling me to do this. Lord the kids are on my heart and I ask you surround them with your shield of protection. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 10, 2008 at 7:20am

Great morning! How are we faithing? There's alot of things that get in the way of our walking with God. There are lots of things that cloud our thinking and our judgement in the choices we make. Man, life throws us curve balls all the time. Nothing ever seems to go exactly as we plan. When that happens, do you get ticked and fly off the handle or do you adapt to overcome? Jesus teaches us to rely on him and to trust it will work out. We may not see how or even suspect how but we must rest knowing it will. Remember your past victories when you sought God and in the end, the right outcome took place, for your good or for whoever elses good. I hated spanking my kids when they were growing up but I knew that it was best for them so they would remember the next time they were up against that choice, they would make the right one. God does that with us. He disciplines us and teaches us so we don't fall for the same things over and over again. (how many of us do that...) Look at these;

Romans 7:18-23
I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. NIV

Isn't that true! The struggle is with the flesh, our physical presence verses our spiritual mind and heart. We that live without Jesus are going to fall. The world may see some as successful but what gauge do they use? Money? Fame? A nice house and rings on the fingers? Physical stuff appears worldly successful but what is in your heart is the true measure. Are you bitter? Angry? Frustrated? Maniacal and judgemental? Get released from all that fury with a touch from the masters hand. Without the grace of God, you are lost. Without the faith in Jesus, all is futile. Look around, people who have what the world deems as successful are falling in droves. Remember;

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

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and wisdom. We ask you forgive and teach us. Lord we lift the folks who read this daily. Lord bless them and show them the way. Lord we praise and worship you and thank you for loving us so much you sent your son to us. Lord thank you for our skills that without your guidance we are chasing the wind. Lord you lead and show us the way to go. Lord we surrender our lives to you. We trust your will. Lord we lift those in pain. Heal and comfort them in Jesus name, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 8, 2008 at 7:33am

Good morning! Restless night for me man, too much tater salad I guess. How are we faithing? Do you take the time to see God in your life? Do you notice him in other peoples life? We do tend to get wrapped up in the drudgery of tasks that need to be done every day and sometimes miss God. Or do you seem to never see him? Does that mean he is not there? NO!! He is always there. He said he would be and he said we could rely on him. We are the ones who get distracted and put our minds on stuff that takes away from his presence. We are the ones who complain and see junk rather than good things. We are the ones who forget to thank and see God walking right there beside us, sometimes he is carrying us and we don't even notice. The freedom and peace that God gives us is sometimes missed or overlooked by us because we are to wrapped up in ourselves.

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
NIV

When we seek God's face we focus on spiritual things which shows us how to handle things in the flesh. Our battle is with attitudes and hearts which direct physical actions. Think this isn't so? Watch things transpire around you and see the root motivation. Many times you can see where their spirit is clouded by things of the flesh or where their spirit is ill. Our only hope of overcoming this is in Jesus and his Word. Seek the wisdom he teaches in his Word so we can act in his way rather than ours.

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

Pray for each other that we all see his ways. Don't be concerned if they don't see things your way, be more concerned they find Jesus and he moves their life to him. Remember Mike Wileys mom...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for showing us your Word. Lord we want to see your ways, know you better and to be representatives of yours. Lord curb our tongues! Put the scriptures in it! Lord help our witness be yours! Lord we ask for safety for our children, mind, body and soul. Lord we lift the people reading this that it prods them to continue in faith and hope and lift them out of despair! in Jesus name, Amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:53 AM

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

Good morning! How was your weekend? How are we faithing? I've had to admit that I am angry with some people. I didn't even know it! It manifested itself in ways I didn't see. A friend pointed it out to me. Ever do that? Ever have that happen to you? I am guilty of letting those little thoughts stop me from doing things God's way because I didn't want to face the anger. I thought it was something else. I thought it was somebody elses fault. Nope, they may have done something but I got ticked and held on to it. Rationalization and letting things stew or fester are so convenient. Takes the blame off yourself and puts it on others. This ploy works and satan knows it. Is he to blame? Could be, but we need to seek God in everything! We need to be quick to shut up, forgive truly and to let it go. People are never going to do things like I think they should. People and events are not going to go my way all the time. Gee whiz, what makes us think we have everything figured out? So what must we do? Seek God , that's what. Read his Word. Pray constantly. Do things his way and not ours.

Psalms 119:103-105
How sweet are your words to my taste,sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts;therefore I hate every wrong path.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
NIV

Psalms 1:1-2
How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.
NAS

Psalms 32:55
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"--and you forgave the guilt of my sin.
NIV

1 John 1:8-2:1
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 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

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
NIV

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

Remembering these things can get foggy when we let anger grow. Let it go. Be angry but do not sin the Word says. Another lesson relearned...man, the more I learn, the more I'm still in need of a savior. Remember all the summer cold recipients...remember out troops and the leaders...remember our clergy as deal with and balance life...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom your Word shows us. Thank you for Godly friends who hold us accountable. Lord grant mercy and wisdom on us all and especially the troops. Help them be merciful and just in their actions. Protect their spirits and minds from all they encounter. Lord protect our kids from the worldly bombardment of sin. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 4, 2008 at 8:51am

Good morning! Rainy day and I slept in an hour! Some things have come up and asked of me so lets talk church history. The first church was held in homes mainly due to persecution. The first believers were referred to as the Way. They were Jews and believed Messiah had come. Notice the first Christians were referred to as " The Way".

Acts 19:9
But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way .
NIV

Acts 19:23
About that time there arose a great disturbance about the Way
NIV

Acts 24:14
However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way , which they call a sect.
NIV

Acts 24:22
Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way , adjourned the proceedings. "When Lysias the commander comes," he said, "I will decide your case."
NIV

Acts 9:1-2
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way , whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
NIV

Interesting no? Now of course as the first church grew it became organized as the Catholic church. I have not been able to find reference to exactly where or when it took on that name. If you know, enlighten me please. Some of the traditions and way things are done in the Catholic church are quite interesting. They also pose tons of questions that have to do with literacy, culture etc. For example;
786 A.D. worshiping images and relics became accepted
850 holy water begun
998 fasting on fridays
1079 priests must be celibate....boy that must have sucked for the married ones!
1184 the inquisition.....lots of writings on this one
1190 sale of indulgences....what the?
1229 bible forbidden for people other than church officials! that's scary!
1439 purgatory taught
1545 tradition accepted as equal authority with the bible....man...
1546 apocryphal books added to bible....this a huge subject with lots
of debate, very interesting though!
1611 council of Trent-King James version of Bible written
1854 immaculate conception of Mary....
1950 assumption of Mary
1965 Mary declared mother of church

Also remember around the 1600's the reformation was taking place. Luther and others questioned the validity of some of the things taught by the Vatican. Modern Christianity was born so to speak. That is a huge study and as I learn more I will share it with you. Suffice to say that today we have scratched the surface of how our faith came about.(dogma and church wise.) By no means am I pushing any denomination because I feel the only thing that truly matters is Jesus is messiah and he is the only ticket to the Father and heaven. No performance or ritual does this for us. The Bible is quite clear on this.

John 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way , the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
KJV

Now this is true or he is a liar and all of the denominations are futile. Anyone or thing that teaches otherwise is suspect and we need to beware. You think about that.


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your teachings in the Word. Lord open our eyes and show us your truth. Lord let us be open to your love. Lord protect those traveling this week end. Lord we lift Flo and Earl and the family up to you. Lord we lift C. Tom Bennett to you...heal him! Lord grant us wisdom so we see only you and not get mired in tradition and dogma. Help us have a healthy understanding and proper prospective of all things. Lord we love and adore you, in Jesus name, Amen!
Posted by russ allen at 7:41 AM

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