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Comment by russ allen on January 13, 2012 at 7:54am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? A church body can't have one man making all decisions but it also cannot be led by committee. The whole mission of the church is to spread the gospel, to draw the lost to Jesus. The church spreads the good news all the while teaching the flock how to go out to the world and show the gospel message. The church also is a respite for the workers of the gospel. A club it is not. A regulated organization that gleans for itself it also is not. If we treat our church as exclusive and "ours" we have undermined the purpose for it's existence. The positions held within a church are designed to make it function in a manner honorable to God  and none are more important than another. We are a flock of believers and within that flock are individual personalities and each ones role is important for reaching out to the lost. Organization is important but the organization is not in itself the church. Organization just makes things run smooth and keeps order so we are not running around like chickens with our heads cut off. The book of acts is full of the events that shaped the church or rather the organized faith. Things came about to help in support of spreading the gospel. Never do you see the church becoming it's own exclusive religion but a method for preaching Jesus to the lost and providing resources to do the same. We people since that time are the ones who have distorted what the church's mission truly is. If all we ever do is go to church and never share the grace we have, we've missed the church mission entirely.


Act 20:28
 Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.


Mat 10:16 
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.


Rom 16:16-18
  Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.
  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.
 For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.

2Co 11:3  

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.

 

Psa 5:7 

 But as for me, in the abundance of thy lovingkindness will I come into thy house: In thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

Remember Brian's job search...remember Terry Morgan...remember Archie Denton

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for a place we call church where we can go and enter with the peace that passes all understanding so we may worship you. Help our unbelief. Help us see you and not the organization as the church. We rebuke satan and his minion from the walls of our sanctuary. Turn them away before we enter to praise and petition you. Bless the teaching and preaching in these buildings so we can live for you and like you while being courageous to go out into this world to gather for your flock. Lord we desire to be your children and ask for wisdom so we attract and not repel. In Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:50 A

Comment by russ allen on January 12, 2012 at 7:41am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? Looky here, why do we look at the problem, get distressed over it instead of looking to God? Why do we whine and cry when things go awry and at the same time say "God is good"? We say we believe God can do anything but yet in the midst of turmoil we focus on the problem at hand and never go to Jesus first.  We get depressed, overwhelmed, despair and then, only then do we cry out for God to fix it. Doesn't it make a whole lot more sense to go to God first? Before Jesus ascended to heaven he gave us marching orders and they were quite plain and at the same time told us what the evidence of those orders would be.


Mar 16:15-19
  And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.
  And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues;
  they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

So with those marching orders it stands to reason that he would equip us with whatever we need to comply, don't you think? So that being the case, why would we not believe Jesus will do what he said and be right there with us more than just to endure but to overcome anything? When we focus on Jesus and not the dismal crap before us we see his power and his promises and we can believe the junk attacking us is nothing to fear or to anguish over because Jesus already squashed it. We learn from them and if we look to Jesus through them our faith is strengthened.



Joh 14:12
 Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.

We are called to a higher form of life than the world offers. The world offers destruction and pain. Jesus offers rest and comfort in our hearts so we are able to cross over or through events that destroy men that believe not.

Eph 1:17-23

  that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 

 having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 

 and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, 

  far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 

  and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, 

 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. 

As things that bug or attack you today, if you have accepted Christs gift of salvation, you can call on him when these things start and before you know it, you will be on the other side of the despair wondering why it seemed like such a big deal. Think on this and do some searching of your own. YOU have to be convinced in your own heart. I can't do it. I can only present the Word that teaches.

Remember Marilyn and company...remember Morgan Bond...remember Carrie L.

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your Word that strengthens us. Lord we life those who are searching that they find you and find the answers they seek. Lord forgive us when we get wrapped up in the world. Our spirits are willing but the flesh side is oh so weak. Bless the children and the soldiers. in Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:39 AM

Comment by Titus D Carter on January 11, 2012 at 8:38am

Pastor Allen, Good word this morning.

Comment by russ allen on January 11, 2012 at 7:50am

   Good morning! How are faithing?  Lots going on. Stress and distractions. The enemy is looking for weaknesses and when he finds them, no mercy. The enemy prowls around looking for a meal and we are the enemies favorite delicacy. Should we be scared? Nope but we need to evaluate the enemy. Know how he works. Recognize the sneak attacks he makes. Prepare for war with the arming of ourselves with the whole armor of God. Simple things like getting ticked over a parking space or harsh word can fester into a huge ordeal that could have been squashed with a praise to God for standing beside us. That parking space taken may have been innocent or not but how does that effect your day? That harsh word from that man may have been a result of him being up 2 days by his sick wife or simple as defense before he thinks you'll attack so he hides behind that wall of gruffness. All of this is to remind you that everything is most times not what it seems and we need to be sober and ready to act appropriately. Honor God. Speak well of others and if they deserve less, pray for them. Pray without ceasing. Devour the Word. Seek those things that are good and don't "git them before they git you".  Chew on this today....



Jas 1:22 
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.



Php 4:4-8  Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
 Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
 In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.



Eph 6:12
  For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

read Ephesians chapter 6

remember Gina's sister....

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your presence in our lives. Teach us to be humble yet strong in the faith. Show your compassion to us and make us remember it when it is time for us to show compassion. Lord we lift the children who are enduring grief and sorrow. Heal wounded spirits and hearts. Lord we ask for wisdom to approach this day with honor to you and forbearance in all things. In Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:47 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 10, 2012 at 7:38am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? The will of God for our lives can get twisted and turned in this world. How do we know what the will of God is? How do we know what to do? How do we rest in salvation, do what's right and not let it progress to "I have to do thus and so or God will be mad at me?" You know, it's real easy to get depressed when we goof up and then that opens the door to spirits of failure, mistrust or simple unworthiness. We even cop out in our prayers by playing it safe when we ask things of God with the phrase, " if it be your will".  The Word tells us his will. The old and new testament  tell us what he wants but we sometimes forget.

1Th 5:18
  in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.

 

Joh 6:40  

For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 

1Pe 2:15  

For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 

  as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God. 

Php 2:12-13  

So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 

 for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 

Pro 21:2  

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts. 

Seek God's will. Look at the many examples of the apostles and Patriarchs to se examples of what God wants our will to be...

Remember Hallie Tracy, Mary Hutcherson, Cathy and Norman Dickerson and Barb Adams...

 Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for Godly friends. Thank you for teaching us and guiding us to your will. Lord, we lift the ones who are working today. Heal bodies and marrow. Heal sight and eyes. Heal ligaments, cartalege and muscle. Let there be miracles in lives that hearts are healed to. Grant wisdom in all our endeavors, in Jesus name, amen 

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:35

Comment by russ allen on January 9, 2012 at 6:57am

 Great morning! How are we faithing?  It has been an exciting time in the Lord. I have watched people come to gather in the Lord. It was so cool to see people give of themselves and enjoy the work.  To see people hear of a need and do what they can to meet that need or help others meet that need. It's like when we do things for our children. We do things because we love them, it sometimes is necessary and we also know the outcome will be beneficial to them down the road. Getting something back doesn't even enter into the equation. Out of simple love those things are done and that is what I saw this weekend. Jesus did the same for us. He gave of himself not for gratification or for recognition or for what he could get but simply because he loved us. Man, we don't always do things with that attitude. He gave because he loved. There were times his flesh side wasn't enjoying the current situation but he looked beyond the immediate and unto the benefit.  When we give, obey and follow Jesus, it's not for our glory but his. We ought to do things that are right and honorable because they are right and honorable and not for "look at me". Take the time today to self examine. See if you are doing for recognition or not. Find out your motivation and make adjustments accordingly if necessary.



Rom 8:28 
And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.



Rom 8:35 
 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
  Even as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.



Psa 103:17
 But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children's children;
  To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them.

Remember Paul Griffin...remember Triple Crown Cowboy Church...remember Bill Umberger...


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you Lord for revealing yourself to so many friends. Thank you for your love that we can praise you in our storms. Lord we lift up those hurting today, comfort and show yourself to them. I ask for a touch on my family Lord. Heal Chris Kat and I of all encumbrances that hinder a better relationship with you. In Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 6:54

Comment by russ allen on January 6, 2012 at 7:19am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? Taking the whole council of God in the Bible is a very important principle to grasp. Many a verse has been used for the benefit of the user and not for the glory of God. We've seen people fall from grace many times. Are they lost for those infractions? If I or you do not adhere 100% of the time do we loose our salvation? These are questions I hear a lot. People walk around on egg shells afraid that if they goof up God will turn his back on us. Nothing is furthest from the truth. We are under grace and that grace is based on genuine love. Genuine love shows its self off by being genuine. We don't hesitate to do for our loved ones and God does the same for us and ever bigger. His love doesn't wane just because we goofed up. You and I are gonna make mistakes. We are gonna sin from time to time. Genuine love looks to the person and not the mistake and realizes and allows the benefit of a doubt. We need to help and not hinder fellow believers who may not be at a level of maturity in Christ that standing strong is difficult. Never are we to be holier than thou or even consider such a position and if you realize at some point you are comparing yourself to others, time to repent and take stock of your walk....



Gal 6:1-2
  Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
  Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.


Rom 6:12-17

  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof:
  neither present your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.
 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid.
  Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
  But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
  and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.

Remember the children...remember our emergency workers...


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for your Word that sustains us. Thank you for your grace. Lord we praise and honor you. Help us to be wise and fearless of the world. We lift those in despair today. heal hearts, minds and spirits. In Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:16

Comment by russ allen on January 5, 2012 at 7:17am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? This past fall and especially this past month has been so unsettling and in upheaval I struggle just to keep looking forward and not live in the peripheral. Ever done that? Not necessarily neglecting a relationship with God or even a desire waning but so much stuff that I can't defuse, I just want to go in the woods and pet the deer. In silence. Alone. Kat can come. Our Father totally gets this place we can get to and is right where he has always been but we as humans turn to address things we get confronted with , we have to be very very aware so we don't drift to far off shore. I can't swim so getting to far off shore can be deadly and if get to cocky and use something to float me to far out I can still drown from fatigue. We have to make the time to get alone with God and refresh ourselves. Not just study, not just church but time one on one with our savior. In the car, on the throne, a walk, sitting on the porch in silence so we can hear that still small voice. I've said it to people before when they are stressed, "you ain't no good to them if yer sick" so it's time for me to get well, how about you?


Luk 21:8-9
  And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.
  And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.


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

Remember Matt Sloan...remember Jon Galbreath...

Heavenly Father,
    Thank you Lord for your Word that nourishes me. Lord we ask for peace to come under and over our roofs. Let the peace that passes understanding dwell here. Lord we seek you in all we do but stumble. Forgive us when distractions turn us. Lord, thank you so much for being a sovereign God who is always present. Lord we lift those mentioned and those not to you today. Heal wounds physical, spiritual and mental. Thank you for your mercy, in Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:11 A

Comment by russ allen on January 3, 2012 at 7:14am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Distractions distractions...always something to detract or attract, however you state it, are constantly pulling on us. Life as a human in this society tosses grenades of distractions constantly.  Setting ones faith in the proper place and recognizing where our strength comes from is the only way we do not become drug down and mired in the worlds woes. I wax philosophical not with haughty wisdom but with a sense of reality in my own walk.  I get caught up in drama before I even realize. Sure typically it's out of concern and as I grow in this faith I recognize junk and steer clear but of course there's always that one that sneaks in. Our common enemy has been at this for many many years and knows what usually works on humans. We are fortunate to have scripture handy to teach, reproof and to guide us whereas people a few thousand years ago didn't. They relied completely on that still small voice of God to guide them. Since we do have the opportunity to glean from others errors and literacy with the Word in front of us, let us not dismay or loose sight of our savior. Let us rejoice that we are in these times where we can see the Holy Spirit work. Times where we can see prophecy unfold. Man as scary as these times can be it's also rather exciting. Remember a promise Jesus made and think about it today...

 John 14:12-18
  Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
  If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do.
  If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.
  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever,
  even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.
  I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.
ASV


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your Word that encourages us. Lord we ask for the insight from the words written so we can be what you designed us to be. Help our eyes see truth and repeal lies from the enemy. Teach us to stand tall in the face of the turmoil in this world. We ask for sound minds and words put on our tongues that honor and help those who don't know you. Help us see your light and not be distracted by the great impostor, in Jesus name we pray, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:11 AM 

Comment by russ allen on January 2, 2012 at 5:42am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Happy new year. It's a new start or at least an opportunity for a new start. As believers we need to settle once and for all where and who we are. That is a good place to start this new year with a focus and a mindset for God. Are you having trouble dealing with where you are spiritually? Is it like you need daily assurance that you are saved and secure in that salvation? Yeah, we all have times when we goof up and start to wonder if God is mad enough at us to turn away with his head shaking. Let me assure you with some scripture that he is not, in fact, taking that position no matter how you goof up. Our father in heaven has already ended the battle for you and me by his son, Jesus. We know this and we have heard this but still we have those times when we find it tough to accept. Here's  where the scripture can solidify you stance and mindset. You are secure in your salvation and God is not mad at you. He is not up above doling out retribution because you cussed at that thumb you just hit with a hammer or that lie you just told. Our common enemy and his minion have a good time speaking those condemning things in our ear. Don't listen. If Jesus is convicting you to change or set right a misstep, that is a good thing but the previous will only depress and lead you down the wrong path. Be very quick to speak to God as soon as you realize a wrong and believe me, as you do that and recognize more and more you will begin to stop doing those things and that is what the Word is teaching. We do not instantly become better because we get saved but that is indeed the first step. As we listen for that still small voice that convicts and does not condemn, we are communicating with God and as a result, we improve. Try that exercise this year. With joy in our hearts we can learn where we drop the ball and fashion a relationship with the Master knowing he desires that and loves us. Isn't that cool? The creator loves the created and wants to help and not hinder, that's how we recognize who's speaking to us...


Luk 12:11-12
 And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
 for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.


Heb 10:19-25
 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
 by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
  and having a great priest over the house of God;
  let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,
  let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised:
  and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works;
  not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.



Heb 6:17-20 
Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath;
  that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:
  which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
  whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.


Rom 8:16-17
  The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God:
 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

Remember Jerry and Shelly...


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for a new outlook for a new year. Lord, we ask for wisdom and strength to see and act according to your will and your Word. Lord, forgive our shortcomings. Lord we lift the spoken and unspoken concerns to you today. Help the less fortunate and the weak in faith to see you and to be settled in their place with you. Convict those who don't know you. Lead us to be the creations you desire us to be. We praise and honor you, in Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 5:39 AM

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