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

Good morning! I hope you had a great holiday weekend! Here's something to think about; when our faith is tested, is it because God wants to see how you'll do? Is it because God punishes us for failures? No sir! It's for us. God already knows. God has already forgiven us. Trials and testing is for us to see where we fall down and for us to see where we need God. These things help us grow in the Lord. Isn't that cool? God is not an ogre sitting on high tossing land mines in our way and laughing at our fall. God wants you to know where he is and wants you to go to him for everything.

1 Timothy 6:6-16
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time-God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
NIV

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
NIV

Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
NIV

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
NIV

The realization that God loves you, has the best for you, walks with you is such an awakening that I don't know how to explain it. When you see he does not test or allow things because he is mean but wants you to grow so you can improve and help others who help others who help others who...you see? Rest in him. Go to him in prayer when you feel like your plate is overflowing. Go to him before your plate overflows. Go to him immediately and often. He is right there waiting.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your Word. Thank you for caring for us. Lord we want to improve and we need help. Lord help us recognise the lesson we are to learn when we are tested. Lord don't let the dark one come and steal our joy when we see the lesson. Lord help us be lights to this dingy world. Lord thank you for your son and what he gave so we could come to you. Lord we don't understand it all but we thank you and ask for faith and wisdom to overcome, in Jesus name we pray, Amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 26, 2008 at 10:37am

Good morning! Late today as it is a holiday and I slept in for an hour! How are we faithing? It is Memorial Day and we should all thank God for the country we live in. It has it's problems but what other country are you free to worship, speak, print, pursue your dreams unabated? The sacrifice made by our fore fathers should never be forgotten. Memorial Day is a day to remember people who have passed on. Memorial Day is a day to reflect on those times with those people and remember the blessing they gave us. We may not understand why they may have left to soon but it is important to remember the good times and what they gave our hearts. Everything has a season. Everything will work for good if we will allow it to. Looking on the bright side is different than looking through rose colored glasses. Do you recognise the difference? Rose colored glasses vision is unrealistic. Looking for the bright side in everything is healthy. Of course not all things are cheery at the time and seeing the brighter side may be difficult if not down right impossible at the time, but time has a way of healing and time has a way of opening our eyes to bright side, we have to but see. Optimistic vision is good. Wisdom is better.

Psalms 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.
NIV

1 Corinthians 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
NIV

On this memorial Day, remember fondly the people who have passed through your life and smile at what they gave you. Reflect on the good times. Remember the smiles, the laughter, the love and the hugs.
Remember Jessica...remember the Corbin family...remember each other that we are able to remember the good and forget the bad...

Heavenly Father,
We lift your holy name and praise you for all you have done. Lord we ask for wisdom to see the good things in any despair we endure. Lord help us realize the growth because of it. Lord thank you for seeing us through all we face. Lord we ask for your wisdom. Lord we lift each other to you. keep us safe, in Jesus name, amen

Posted by russ allen at 7:14

Comment by russ allen on May 23, 2008 at 7:08am

Good morning! The birds are singing, a stray cat that left a year ago came home to visit, We fixed my nephews car, I have the coolest job ever and I have a heavy heart today. Ever feel that way? You know God is good, you know he loves us and will see us through but we still say,"crap" or "oh boy, here we go". It is normal, human if you will, to feel burdened from time to time. We are only burdened about things because we care. If we didn't, it wouldn't lay heavy on us. Because God loves us so much and cares about every little thing about us, he sent his son to fix it so he wouldn't have to deal anymore with the sin we produce. Its taken care of. Paid for. Justly been dealt with with the blood of his son. That is assurance we can take refuge in. When we are heavy laden with the stuff here on earth we can rest knowing Jesus is right here with us. We still have the things that started the load present in our lives but we are able to give them to Jesus and he will comfort us. The things that are laying on me today are not insurmountable or even devastating to me personally but because I love the people involved, they are biggies. I know you all have the same things in your life so as I pray for you, please pray for me.

Proverbs 3:5-12
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your bones. Honor the LORD from your wealth, And from the first of all your produce; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, Or loathe His reproof, For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father, the son in whom he delights.
NAS

Jeremiah 17:7-8
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
NIV

James 1:5-7
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
NIV

Psalms 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you.Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
NIV

Remember Kristen Brazier, her Grandpa passed...remember Missy for a good report from the doc...remember Kathy...remember Carl and Berta...remember Kleb...remember Trudy...remember each other that we all seek and find God's wisdom in all we encounter...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you love and wisdom that surpasses all our understanding. Lord we lift these people and each other up to you, heal them, make us aware of wise choices, teach us your ways. Lord we ask you bring to mind your word as we make choices in our lives. Lord thank you for your love for us. Lord remember those healing. Lord help us see the truth and not be clouded with anything else, in Jesus name amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 22, 2008 at 7:20am

Good morning! Alot of stuff has come about and I want to encourage everyone today. It is important that we remember God's Word and take to heart all it says to us.

Matthew 5:3-12
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
NIV

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
NAS

Overwhelming things do come about and it is difficult to remember sometimes that there is a reason for them. We need to bring to mind scripture that states where our strength is. We need to remember that our savior is right here and will get us through. If we falter we are able to reach for God and he will pick us up and straighten the path, we need only to ask. Recognising when that happens can be tricky sometimes because we tend to keep pushing on saying,"I got this Lord". Precarious place to put our self in don't you think? Look at these;

Colossians 3:5-11
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him --a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
NAS

All the junk, all the things that we once did are forgiven and we press on to a better way remembering the sacrifice our savior gave for us! Christ is everything and Christ is in everything and when we think about that and get a hold of that, then we can see the futility of our worry and our fret over the temporal things of this life. Seek God's wisdom, probably the safer way.
Remember Kathy...remember your Pastors and their families...remember our troops here and abroad...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word and your wisdom. Thank you for helping us see your ways. Lord help us choose correctly when things come our way. Help us choose to follow your ways. Lord we ask a healing touch to those in need. Lord I ask a touch for my bride. Lord bless the troops and their leaders. Help them act in a way that is conducive to your principles. Lord touch our leaders and show them your face. Thank you for grace that saves us from ourselves in Jesus name, Amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:23 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 21, 2008 at 7:11am

Good morning! Wow! Another day on this side if forever! Have you ever thought about how others see you? Do they see gentle love and Jesus in us? Are we seen as followers of Jesus or do they see a bitter angry person who talks the talk but the walk, well, not so visible. Where do you stand in this thing called Christianity? Do you really believe? Does it show? If it doesn't, why doesn't it? We endure so much in this world. Tragedy abounds and rain falls on the just and the unjust. So does sunshine. Look at these and see the attitude, the mindset and the way we should strive to be;

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NIV

Job 22:21-22
"Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart.
NIV

Psalms 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people;the LORD blesses his people with peace.
NIV

It is hard when we are in the midst of things to keep our chin up but with God we can. I know times can be so tough that you start to wonder if God cares but remember past victories in those times. Nothing is forever but God. Pray you are filled with the peace that you can't even understand so you may be able to not get wound up about things that really have no bearing on the life God has given us. Change the mind set to what are we to grasp from this malady from pity on ourselves. Remember;

Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
NIV

Colossians 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. NIV

Remember Doug Herold...Jeff Kaufmann...Ed Corbin as he heads for home with the Lord...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that encourages us to seek your will and to be satisfied with your peace. Lord we lift those mentioned to you, lay your hands on them. Let them know you are in control and they need not fear. Lord, help us be the people you designed us to be. Lord help us walk the walk. Father we ask for special blessings on all those who read this that they see you and know you love them, in Jesus name, Amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:27 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 20, 2008 at 7:15am

Good morning! How are we faithing this beautiful day? Yesterday we talked about getting saved. Today lets explore what that means to you as a new believer and to those of us who have believed for awhile.

Romans 3:23-27
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
NAS

That's interesting! Everyone has fallen, we are justified by God's grace, not by what we do. Stuff we did before has been forgotten.

Romans 3:27-30
Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one.
NAS

See that? The working of the law is not how we are justified but by faith in our savior. Whew! Good thing too because we have all fallen short of following the law. If that statement were not true, Jesus wouldn't have needed to come. Now how are we to live? Look at Paul telling the Ephesian Christians how;

Ephesians 4:1-3
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
NAS

Pius in robes with hands clasped and never uttering a word? Heck no! We are to walk in love. We are to walk like we are redeemed and have the creator standing beside us because he is. We are to love each other and share this great mystery with those who aren't aware or even have a clue. We are to stand with each other even when they tick you off. We are to love and show compassion and when we don't, be quick to say "I'm sorry". We must think about and understand the love God has for us that he gave his son so we could live. Which one of you would give their own life for your kid? There lies the answer to the mystery. Think about that.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word and the wisdom it shows us. Lord we thank you for loving us. Lord help us to live lovingly. Lord we know we drop the ball alot and do ask you help us be quick to recognise so we can continue to improve. Lord we ask for wisdom in all we do so we are great witness to your grace and love. Lord, guide us today that we take opportunities to show your love! Father we praise your name! Lord we lift our kids to you, in Jesus name, Amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:20 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 19, 2008 at 7:03am

Daily Prayer
Good morning! How are we faithing? Choices. Man I've heard people say that they have been good and God will let them abide in heaven. Guess what? Nope. You can't be good enough or offset your bad stuff with good. God told us how to get to heaven. God didn't pull punches, he left the choice to us. God being just, honors your choice because he gave us free will. He doesn't force anyone to worship or follow him. It's our own choice. So here is what the choice is;

John 3:18-19
Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
NIV

John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
NIV

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
NIV

Acts 4:12
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."
NIV

1 John 5:11
And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
NIV

Pretty to the point. One way. One choice. Yes or no to Jesus. If you pick yes;

John 3:16-19
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
NIV

If you say no;

Revelation 20:11-15
And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. And death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
NAS

This by no means is meant to be a scare tactic but an abject lesson on the choice we must make. Making no choice is still making a choice. The problem lies in the consequences of not picking Jesus. It really makes God's heart cry when anyone dismisses all this as made up junk or religious mumbo jumbo. The denomination isn't important at all. Jesus is. Think about it...remember all the people in the Asian theater who are mourning today...remember all the workers and what they are enduring over there...remember each other that we see God and his mercy today...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you do for us and thank you for our free will that we are able to seek you and to accept the gift of salvation. Lord we ask you open the eyes of all the people who are searching so that they find the truth. Lord we lift your name up and praise you for all you do. Lord be with the people mentioned. Grant them strength and mercy. Lord we thank you and do accept your gift of "forever with you"
in Jesus name, amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 16, 2008 at 7:14am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I get to go to one of my favorite places today! I get to yak with a bunch of really genuine and focused people in a family atmosphere even though it is their job. I get to talk to a pile of kids and their folks. I may even get to blow my siren on my red truck for the kids! Cool or what! It's family day at Stewart Home and I'm stoked! The chance to witness and to share with people about God and what he does for us is such a blessing. When we look in their eyes and then realize that what God has done and will do is for them as well as for us, makes our hearts just praise God! Gee whiz! God is so big and nothing is impossible for him! Stop and smell the roses as it were today and look outside yourself and see what God has done. When we take the time to do that it is amazing the peace God sets on us. Life can be tough. Our bodies do betray us but it sure is good to know that God is right there with us and even if we can't see any reason for present circumstances we can be assured there is indeed reason. Look at these verses and just think;

James 1:12-18
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.
NAS

James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
NAS

James 3:13-18
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
NAS

James 5:7-11
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
NAS

James is rapidly becoming a favorite letter! So much wisdom, so much truth and so much love. Read these verses a few times and check yourself to it. Don't condemn just look with a heart seeking God's wisdom for you.
Remember our troops...remember the people in China and Burma...remember each other and be aware when someone reaches out...remember Jesus' example...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you do for us! Thank you for your Word that helps us see ourselves and where we need to go. Thank you for instruction from your preachers who reveal your ways to us. Lord we lift up those mention ed people to you. We ask grace and mercy be shown them. Lord help us walk the walk as well as talk the talk. We desire to serve you and to live holy lives that bear good witness to you grace and love. Lord be with Turley and help him decide the right course of action. in Jesus name, Amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:40 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 15, 2008 at 7:38am

Good morning! So many things on my mind that it is hard to compose them. Lots of stuff happening lately and lots of people I run into every day who really need a touch from God. Lots of people who express the need for salvation and they don't even realize they are asking for it. Many people in pain physically and mentally that are searching for relief. We as professed Christians need to be very aware of these people and be very careful we are not steering them away by our actions or our words. Like we've discussed before, this is not said to point fingers or to apply guilt to us when we fail or trip. This is said as a plea to seek God's face and his wisdom so we can show his love and kindness to a world where self indulgence and outright evil behavior is condoned. Praise and adoration of our Savior is so important to our outlook on the things we see. Like yesterday's daily we need to praise God all the time. Praise him and seek him in everything. Temporal things are as defined therefore ask God to give you strength to endure and to use whatever malady or things you are enduring for his glory. Ask him to show you how to focus on the things he would have you focus on. Now listen, I don't presume to know what it's like to have cerebral palsy or terminal cancer and the like but I know God has seen me through some awful mental and physical things and praising him is the ONLY way the other side even looked doable. Look at these and think and then praise him;

Isaiah 40:26
Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
NIV

Isaiah 40:28-31
Do you not know? Have you not heard? 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

John 1:3-5
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
NIV

Nehemiah 9:5-6
"Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Grant us strength and fortitude to endure with grace and love all we encounter and all we see. Lord we lift up all those who are weak and ill and all those who hurt. Lord your children are in a need of miraculous healing. Lord we seek your love and wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit enter us and perform miracles. Father we ask for healing in our churches and ask we do what is honorable and pleasing to you. Lord move us out of the way of your plan and help us see it work. Thank you for all your love and grace. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:39 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 14, 2008 at 7:20am

Good morning and how are we surviving? Are you down in the dumps asking, why me? Are you giddy with happiness? Let me let you in on a little secret that has been told to me this week. I've been thinking and reading about this for awhile and today I heard a sermon that brought it all together. Here it is... get ready...praise God all the time. Yep you heard it, praise God ALL the time. When things suck, praise God. When things are great, praise God. When you feel blah, praise God. When you are so happy you can't stand it, praise God. Look to God and praise him whenever anything comes your way. Recognise the sovereignty of God constantly and know he is with you as a believer in Jesus. By praising God it prepares our heart for reliance upon him for all things. By praising him immediately it gets you in tune to him so you can hear him. How does this work? It fills our heart with the joy of the Lord. When that happens you relieve pressure so you are able to see solutions or accept things. We may not like what comes but we are able to see beyond them and know God is in control. The why may not be answered but that doesn't always matter. Look at this;

1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise , glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
NIV

These verses should help you remember what this salvation is all about. When we praise and thank God for salvation and remember victories past we are more able to rise above current circumstances. Tough sometimes but by praising God always our joy becomes bigger than our circumstances. Read the Psalms and notice all the praises to God, even when the praises come. There are stories all over the Bible telling of praise brought to God even in the direst of circumstances. There are praises given to a savior that gave all for us. Praises abound and it appears that praising God rather than crying about things leads to a joyous heart and a whole lot less anguish...think about it...remember Noah Lowry...Eric Woolsey family...Sarah Rhoades and family...

Heavenly Father,
We lift up holy hands and praise you! We praise you with all our hearts and want to serve and learn and know you as our savior and our God! Lord we lift these people to you so you can take care of them as we cannot carry the load. Lord help us remember your greatness! Lord we want to know and serve you. Lord forgive us when we wallow in despair. Lord help us see the greatness that is always present. Lord help us see you and to show your love to others. Thank you in Jesus name, Amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

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