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Comment by russ allen on July 6, 2012 at 7:32am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? Wisdom is really hard to discern sometimes. We all have many people we encounter every day that we think are wise but then something weird happens and all of a sudden they seem rather, well, unwise. It is prudent to ask a gunsmith rather than a plumber how to best modify a trigger. Not that the plumber isn't wise but most likely he learned his trigger modification from, you guessed it, the gun smith. Likewise if we as believers are dealing with issues in life it is wise to seek counsel from the experts in whatever field we are dealing with and not feel inferior because we don't know what they know. We also have to realize up front if there is an honor or a faith based element in what we are trying to decipher.  I would not want to rely on a person who denies God for those things. When we seek wisdom from God we have the best source and that is his Word. If we are not quite getting what the Word says then it becomes prudent to ask someone whom we trust as a Godly living individual. This is not judging but wise. Some things are what they are. Who do you receive counsel from?   




Pro 13:20-21
  He who walks with the wise shall be wise, but one associating with fools shall be broken.  Evil pursues sinners, but the righteous shall be rewarded with good.

Pro 15:31-33 

 The ear that hears the reproof of life shall remain among the wise.   He casting off correction despises his own soul, but he who hears reproof gets understanding.   The fear of Jehovah is instruction in wisdom, and before honor is humility. 

Psa_53:1  

To the Chief musician on Mahalath. A Contemplation; A Psalm of David. The fool has said in his heart, There is no God! They have done corruptly; they have committed abominable wickedness; there is none doing good! 

Pro_14:3 

 A rod of pride is in the mouth of a fool, but the lips of the wise shall keep them.

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your wisdom in your Word that nourishes us. Lord, help us not be a respecter of persons but of wisdom so we can accept wisdom from the right source and not from men we admire alone. Lord, help us discern your wisdom over mans. We lift the lost to you and ask your Word be on our minds and lips so they will come to you. Protect those working in this heat, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 5, 2012 at 7:16am

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  A lot of things going on around us in this country and in the world. Many many influences and distractions designed to take our eyes off Jesus. We can get so involved in every thing but what matters. Sports, hobbies, the yard, vacations, the hot rod, the bike and on it goes.  By no means are we saying we shouldn't enjoy or have distractions to relax with but has that distraction become the main thing you live and breath for?  Would you rather golf or race or go to Fenway than help spread the Word?  That is problematic.  We need to have those distractions if for no other reason than to expand our thinking and keep us from stressing out but the distraction after it has done it's job should be put up so we can get back to our mission.  I don't have all the answers and the balancing act is not always easy but I do know the Word does contain all we need for life.  What ever your vocation, whatever your interests, whatever your desires, be sure to check them to the principles contained in the Word. We're not picking on anything in particular but trying to remind you where all this is from and where all this is going because in the final outcome when we are lying in the coffin it won't much matter whether you shot a 60 or a 90 but how you lived in between. Just give it some thought...




Rom 12:2 
And be not conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is the good and pleasing and perfect will of God.



Eph 4:22-24
  For you have put off the old man, as regards the former behavior, having been corrupted according to the deceitful lusts,   and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind,  and to put on the new man, which according to God was created in righteousness and true holiness.


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for our manual for living. Help us see what you are teaching and not get wrapped up in "how" so much we forget "why". Lord we love and worship you and want to see with your eyes, love with your heart and live according to your example. We lift up those who are searching for you and don't know it yet. Holy Spirit indwell us so much we hear your prompting quickly and accurately. Help us understand issues and not be fooled by the enemies ploys. Thank you for your love in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 3, 2012 at 7:28am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing?  There's always been some controversy about our behavior and how it relates to salvation. I've heard long standing Christians state that one must obey this law or that law in order to be saved.  That is so far from truth. You can't earn salvation.  Good behavior is a result of salvation through the Holy Spirit that dwells in us when we receive Jesus as savior. The verses that tell us to "work out your salvation in fear and trembling" does not say "earn" it. It is an admonition to live like someone who has salvation and now is working for God who dwells in us. It is us being aware that our job is now to tell by deed and by mouth of the glory of God. The fear isn't "afraid" the trembling isn't "scared he might drop you" but it is emphasizing how hard and how serious this life now is. We are aware now that all those we meet who don't know Jesus as savior are hell bound. Man, how can we not tell? There was some problems when the church was new way back and it was tradition. Some of the leaders thought they still had to obey the laws of Moses or one would lose their salvation. Bull. This salvation is by grace and if it's by grace, we can't do or not do anything to make it not by grace. Look at this admonition to the Galatians that struggled with the same thing;



Gal 2:15-21
  We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,  yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.   But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid.   For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor.  For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God.   I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.  I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought.


Heavenly Father,
  Forgive our unbelief. Forgive when we get wrapped up in things we ought not. Help us realize every moment that our salvation is set in Jesus and we do because of Jesus and not to get to Jesus. Lord, we lift those up who struggle with things that drag them down. We ask for healings and clarity. Grant us wisdom and let us not be fooled by the enemy, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 2, 2012 at 8:02am

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  It is interesting and fun to discuss various views on biblical history.  How Jonah actually got in the whale and what kind of whale was it? Consider Noah's ark, how did all species get on board in time? Was shoveling out the ark an all day thing? What did Jesus look like?  How did people who met Jesus or the apostles first react?  Man, just the calendar, time and festivals - feasts alone can make one's head spin when trying to understand from a modern perspective.  The cool thing is that while all those kinds of things are interesting, they have no bearing on God's love for us that he sent his son so he could commune with us.  The love he has for all is spelled out in that while we were all dead, Jesus made us alive in him. I can't imagine anyone living in denial of this and be optimistic.  Life would look quite futile when viewed from the perspective of no God. The Word spells out life and love for us.  We are in a constant state of learning about life and love also. Remember as this day unfolds, God loves you and gives a hoot about you. Search for his grace to guide your mouth and to guide your actions. Any other way can turn sucky in a hurry...



Rom 12:1-5
  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the compassions of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your intelligent service.   And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.   For I say, through the grace which has been given to me, to every one that is among you, not to have high thoughts above what he should think; but to think so as to be wise, as God has dealt to each a measure of faith.  For, as in one body we have many members, but all the members have not the same office;  thus we, being many, are one body in Christ, and each one members one of the other.


remember Bob Burnsmier and Anna Benton...Deanna Keuhl...remember Carla and Keith Phillips...remember Janet Weary...


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for your grace that saves a lot like us. Lord we ask for blessings and wisdom that we act according to your ways. Teach us to be clean and trustworthy. Break our addictions and desires that harm us  and others. Lord we want to see you in a new way this day. Make us see truth no matter the circumstances. Help us control our minds to not fall for the accuser. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 29, 2012 at 7:47am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Please please be aware of the heat! Hydrate and rest often.  Pray for all the emergency workers in Colorado.  They are dealing with weather and high heat...in a fire fight.
     Job talked in his affliction about many things but he always remembered who he was and who God was. If we read Job in it's entirety remembering why these things happened to him and his thought process through it all we can gain some real wisdom for when we are afflicted. Picture yourself in his shoes and read Job. Here's a sample;


 Job 4:12-21
  Now to me a word was secretly brought, and mine ear received a whisper thereof.   In thoughts from visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men: --   Fear came on me, and trembling, and made all my bones to shake;   And a spirit passed before my face--the hair of my flesh stood up--   It stood still; I could not discern the appearance thereof: a form was before mine eyes; I heard a slight murmur and a voice:   Shall mortal man be more just than +God? Shall a man be purer than his Maker?   Lo, he trusteth not his servants, and his angels he chargeth with folly:   How much more them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed as the moth!   From morning to evening are they smitten: without any heeding it, they perish for ever.   Is not their tent-cord torn away in them? they die, and without wisdom.


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for the wisdom in your Word. Bring to mind your Word in all our grief and joy. Lord we ask for protection in Colorado. We ask for strength and courage for the people enduring all the fires.  Lord, we ask the leaders in the middle east wake up to your sovereignty. Guide us and protect us this weekend, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 28, 2012 at 7:44am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing this warm day? There is a lot going on in this country right now. Political, economic, natural things that directly effect our lives. Changes are hard for us to handle sometimes because of routine and our comfort zone.  Drives me nuts to oversleep. Infuriates me when people do the same thing over and over and cry about the results. Turn signal non usage. What winds you up? Do you do or say stupid things when those things happen? Guess what, they're gonna happen and the only one you have control over or can even hope to improve is you. We talked about what love requires and it is important that you act and not just react. Yes you can change how you react but it takes willingness, time and effort. The Word teaches us to love all the time and also teaches us understanding.  We have to react to emergencies but we must act to others who are struggling. Just because it isn't a struggle for you or me doesn't mean it isn't for them.  Our compassion in this arena can go very far or it can shut down someone irrevocably.  Just think before you speak today and notice what your first reaction was in your head.  You will find where you need to improve.



Joh 15:8-14
  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples.  Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.   This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.   Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.



remember Cathleen Adams...


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for teaching us and providing a manual of operation. Lord, look after the ones who are struggling with all issues in their lives. Touch them in a way they know it's you who is the great healer. Open our eyes to your ways, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 27, 2012 at 7:52am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? I saw a video this morning that was disturbing on many levels. It showed some Jesus believers at a festival that obviously was predominantly Muslim with provocative signs. Now in the USA we are allowed to peacefully protest, speak our minds etc. but what was the goal by this method this day?  The crowd became hostile and actually stoned the Jesus believers. They hurled insults, threw bottles and it was obvious that a mob mentality took over. As I watched the video I asked, " what was accomplished here?"  Walking into a situation antagonistically somehow just doesn't seem to promote or even present the message of messiah. Was love shown? Was Jesus presented in a fashion that made people be attracted to the message? Was wisdom even used when this was planned?  The actions of the mob were of course wrong but equally for the protesters, what did they think would happen when they went? Using finger pointing as leverage rarely brings people to Christ. Non believers see actions and if those actions are not performed with "what does love require in this situation?" it will repel. That doesn't mean we lay down when confronted nor does it mean we shouldn't stand and protest at our capitals but it does mean that if love is not shown and our hearts hurt for the lost, we have missed the whole message Jesus taught. We must evangelize. We must preach the gospel all over the world but at the same time walking into a hornets nest and feeling gratified because we got stung for Jesus doesn't really gain anything. Yes we will be persecuted and yes we will have trials but is it wise to do things for the persecution and not to show Jesus love?  Just makes one wonder when we see things like this. By no means am I trying to dissuade anyone from proselytizing but if it's finger pointing rather than loving and reaching out it is suspect. Just think about this and look at your own heart and see if you are just harboring a feeling glee that "those so and so's will get theirs". 



1Jn 4:12-19
  No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:   hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.   And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.   Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.   And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him.   Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world.   There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.   We love, because he first loved us.

Heavenly Father,

  Forgive our sins and our attitudes that seek retribution instead of love. Lord we really need wisdom to know when to walk into situations for your glory and when to back off. Help us have compassionate hearts for those who are lost. Holy Spirit come into us and let love so overflow we shine for you. Thank you Lord for all your love and thank you for your Word that is all that sustains us. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 26, 2012 at 7:25am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  So much on my mind today and it's all good.  Seeing God work in lives is always a blessing and encouragement. Seeing people respond to the love of God always amazes me. Most times I have no idea the background, the story behind a particular person and to see them respond to God's love is just fantastic.  Everyone has a story.  Everyone has walked through things and as we remember that tidbit it tends to makes us listen close, watch reactions and always show love from the heart because Jesus has shown us that same love. We can't but do one thing, give that love out. We cannot contain it. Holding it in or back is sinful and selfish.  We are not all preachers or whatever but our genuine love reaching out will indeed manifest itself in other lives.  I know this man that I continually pray for because he has a good heart, very smart, willing to do whatever he can for someone and yet denies Christ.  I see him as a huge asset to God's kingdom if he would just come. I also know him well enough to see past all the surface stuff to a heart that yearns for God's love but because of the junk, can't or wont see the truth. Man, we all know people like this and we need to pray and we also need to show love because all the preaching isn't gonna win them over, only love can.



Rom 5:8-9
  But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.   Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him.



Rom 5:20-21
  And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:  that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

remember the lost that we know....

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your love that trumps everything else.  Lord, we need to be wise and fearless when it comes to showing genuine compassion for people. Grant us those things so as ambassadors for you we attract and not repel. Lord, forgive us our sins and bring to mind when we stray. Thank you for all you do, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 25, 2012 at 7:37am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Our eye ball to eye ball exchanges are how others see us. They don't remember our words as much as our actions. We can say nice things but if we handle situations with disrespect or accusatory attitudes we can lose our influence. What love requires in situations and our adherence to that requirement makes a huge difference to whether someone is reached.  Love may require that you discipline that child. Love may require that we shut up and listen.  Love may require you get after someone for doing things incorrectly and love may require just a hug.  The wisdom to know what love requires is built on a foundation of the Word of God.  Jesus acted in all cases in love and those examples are what we as disciples of Jesus must follow.



Gal 5:13-16
  For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.   For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.   But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.   But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.



Mat 7:12 
All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.


remember Josh D's Mom...


Heavenly Father,
  We worship and adore you. Lord, help us be mindful of love and what it requires. Grant us wisdom in this area. Help us not hinder or hurt from failure to love. Lord we lift Josh's Mom up to you. Heal her body. Let her see you at work in her. Lord, bless our week with victories in our soul, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 21, 2012 at 7:44am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Living the life of a believer of Jesus can present some interesting problems. I listen, real good thing to be able to do, to people describe events that transpire in their lives. Sometimes one sees the root problem and sometimes one is thrown because the event seems unbelievable to them. I have found though that God still amazes but never surprises me. It just doesn't surprise me when miracles happen. It doesn't surprise me when the outcome turns out to be for the best even though at that particular moment that outcome seems crazy or perhaps even cruel. I have learned that all things do indeed work for good for those who love God. So the question presents itself, how do I keep focus when all around seems to be falling apart? Remembering past victories encourages us to press on seeking God's face in all we do and even if current circumstances look perilous and downright impossible, then we can rest in those storms knowing we will come out the other side leaner and wiser. We are the salt and the light of the earth and sometimes that means doing the right thing because it's right in spite of ourselves. You never know who is watching and who needs your salt and light. Being a disciple of Jesus does stop at believing nor is it suppose to remain only at church. That salt and light is something we must carry over to all we do. We never know how far our light shines or how much our salt preserves. Living the principles we learn from the Word is the only way we can truly survive. Any other way is the worlds way and we see and have seen what that gets us. Us following after Jesus and acting Godly while leaving the fall out to God is what discipleship is. How can anyone argue with doing what is right because it's right? Just think about this as you go about your days...

Php 2:14-16
Do all things without murmurings and questionings: that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.

Mat 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the world. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty again? It's good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled on by people. "You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. People don't light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good actions and glorify your Father in heaven."

remember Chris Breen...remember Megan M...remember Melissa Kern Hart and Missy Evans and their families as they travel...remember Will and Anna

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your light that leads the way for us. Thank you for always being with us all. Lord we lift those mentioned up to you. Heal and protect them. Help our unbelief when we are in the middle of turmoil in this world. Forgive us as we stumble, we want to be salt and light for the world. Thank you, in Jesus name we pray, amen

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