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Comment by russ allen on November 23, 2011 at 7:54am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Have you seen the news lately? Do you wonder if the world has gone nuts? I tend to think the media thinks we're all stupid and I'll tell you with some of the things going on, it's understandable why. Do you find it hard to just function today? A lot of others do too. Do you wonder if your kids have a chance with things the way they are? They do only if they have a firm foundation in the Word and if we don't, they ain't gonna. By watching the goings on around me and diving into the Word I have found that nothing has changed in the 5700 years the Bible covers. We still act the same, do the same things we just do it with different stuff. The actions and attitudes plus the human nature of us keep repeating. I had a conversation with my son and he sounded like I did at that age. I would be willing to bet I sounded the same to my Dad and he to his and so forth. How do we encourage people when they are surrounded with bad reports all the time? How can we stand on the Word with optimism when all around us is tumbling down? The Word of God, the salvation we hold and the promise that no matter the circumstance we endure we will come out the other side whether this side or the other of physical life and the presence of the Holy Spirit is how. To be joyful inside because we know the truths of our Messiah can only be achieved when we know that we know he is ever present even when we're falling off a cliff. Scared sometimes? Of course. Doubting sometimes? We'd be remiss if we didn't admit that but being able to seek God out with a simple plea or prayer at times of distress as well as times of joy makes all this doable. Not once has a promise of God in the Word been undone. Not once have I seen God not use all things for good for those who love him. There may be times when I don't have a clue why or what but I do know that eventually it will be evident and all I must do is trust. He doesn't do things the way I think they ought to be done at times but gee whiz man, if he made the molecules by speaking them into existence, how can we think our situations are beyond his touch? So this Thanksgiving eve I am giving thanks to my Lord for always being exactly where I needed him to be even if at the time I was blinded, you humble yourself and pray and give thanks to a master that loves you. This blog is for your encouragement this day for our encouragement comes from a savior of grace and love and not one of dictatorship and punishment.

1THES 5:8-23
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 COR 1:3-7
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

Heavenly Father,
We praise your holy name. Lord we ask for wisdom that we cause no harm but help those in need. Help us counsel in a Christ like manner that brings honor to you. Grant us traveling blessing that those on the roads arrive safely. Keep us alert to the enemies snares. Lord guide us in everything we do and it in your name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:40 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 22, 2011 at 7:33am

Great morning! How are we faithing? The encouragement we give is directly proportional to the encouragement we receive. We can only love as much as we have been loved. If we take in junk, out of our mouths flies junk. These are very interesting and deep thoughts that have direct effect on us as children of God. I run into people all the time who wrestle with these things. They love God and have problems in one or all of these areas and as they try to figure out why they are struggling. The enemy of our souls and his minion step through a door and insert things we can't seem to shake. This why I push so hard on daily scripture reading. Our education is the only way we learn to recognise those attacks from the enemy. Our input of truth from the Word is the only way we can go into battle. Our assurance of our place in God's kingdom has to come from prayer, reading scripture and acting on what we read. We all struggle with aspects of the truth we find in the Word because it flies in the face of worldly logic. If we are honest we can see worldly methods fail all around us but I've yet to see a Godly principle fail. "Greed works" was a line in an old movie and greed does work in the worldly system but at what cost? Scruples and moral fiber is non existent when we use methods devised by the enemy. Greed for example is bad because it is self serving, selfish in nature and causes one to "get" without regard of others and oneself. Stepping on and over others along the way can be as simple as lies perpetrated or outright killing. How can that ever be righteous? Look at this;

Covetousness

A strong desire after the possession of worldly things. It assumes sometimes the more aggravated form of avarice, which is the mark of cold-hearted worldliness.

1Ti 6:9-10
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Ro 8:13
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Heb 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Going after more is fine but why are you? How are you? Is the more of greater importance than your morals?

Remember Hallie,Irene,Karen and Scott...remember Lori's Dad

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask for wisdom to recognise when we step out of your way and into the worlds. Help us understand gain is for your glory and not for our comfort. Help us not idolize gain. Lord we lift those hurting to you. Heal, comfort and open eyes so we can see you. Help us control our tongues and our actions so your glory is seen in Jesus name, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 21, 2011 at 8:08am

Good morning! How are we faithing? What a week! What a weekend! Things fly at us and most times they are just non dramatic things that life brings and sometimes...sometimes we get blindsided with events, comments, actions we see that blow our minds. Nothing is new though. Anything that happens to you and me isn't unusual or has not happened before to some one else or even repeats of our own. I watch and listen to people of all walks of life and try to see the root of what they are enduring. Lots of manifestation of anger or depression or gaiety are the product of how we deal with situations and thought processes we use. Which do you use? Do you pity party when things go awry? Do you complain when you are not receiving what you think you should? Are you being selfish? Do you look for the root cause or go off on a symptom? Do you "see" when someone is hurting and address that while ignoring their delivery of that emotion? It's hard to do that sometimes and sometimes we must calm a situation before healing can start but the fabulous thing here is with the wisdom of the Word and prayer, we can indeed get past the show of emotion and help with the cause. This also is true when we are in that state. I've caught myself whining inside and then recognise it. After a chuckle over falling into the same junk again I can repent, ask for wisdom and move on. This takes practice and it takes setting that ego aside and admitting the flaw.

JOHN 8:1-11
¶ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
KJV

Did you see that? Jesus dealt with the people and the woman accused with the root cause. The people were guilty of sin but hadn't been caught, the woman was guilty but was forgiven and told to not do that anymore then sent on her way. Good lesson for us when we deal with people in our lives...

Remember Kellynn...remember Marie's family...remember Israel and the region in turmoil...remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us. Thank you for saving us. Lord, we repent of our sinful ways and ask a forgiving spirit rest upon us and the wisdom to see root causes and address them in a manner glorious to you. Lord we do lift those mentioned today. We ask for clarity and a Godly mindset for them that they see what really matters. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:47 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 18, 2011 at 8:17am

Good morning! How are we faithing? This is an old song by the 2nd Chapter of Acts. I can't get it out of my head;

Here the bells ringing

They're singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the word,
He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah

Mark 16:1-7
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away — for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen ! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you."
NKJV

remember Carl Ford's family...remember Paul and Mary's family...remember Shannon and Jordan...remember Mike and Natalie...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your risen son that saves us! Thank you that he loves us that much! Lord we ask for healings in relationships and healing for broken hearts today. Grant strength and courage to those who are struggling with life and death. Lord we praise your holy name! in Jesus name we pray, amen

Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 8:11 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 17, 2011 at 7:15am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We all battle our own desires. Some are proper and justified, some not. Some things that get in the way of holiness living are just flesh junk and some are not. The enemy uses our flesh desires as a weapon against us. We can overcome our desires with the Spirits guidance. Lots of times we don't even realize things are bad for us until we are bound by them. Anything we desire can become an idol in our lives. Anything can consume our every waking thought. I've been there. You've been there. Some are still there. Here's a litmus test for all our desires,"What place does this desire hold inside me." Be honest with yourself and take the appropriate action or get the appropriate help.

Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.
NAS

Romans 13:12-14
Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
NAS

1 Peter 4:6
For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
NAS

1 Peter 1:22-25
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. For,
"All flesh is like grass,
And all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
And the flower falls off,
But the word of the Lord abides forever. "
And this is the word which was preached to you.
NAS

Remember Marie's family...remember Chris...remember Thomas...remember Linda

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that does everything. Thank you for revealing your Word in everything we do. Lord we lift those mentioned and those not, to us this morning. Grant us wisdom and courage to act, think and be your servants. Help us recognise hurtful things in and around us. Lord we love you and do try to be honorable people for you but we stumble. We ask your touch on our life today, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:08 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 16, 2011 at 7:16am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We are closer today than we were yesterday to the end of days. A thousand years, a thousand days or before this day ends it may all end. Many I see act with the "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" attitude and that has caused many a person, family and culture to fail. Selfishness. That's what that comes down to. People, in no way am I ever gonna speak with doom and gloom. Never is the intention to scare the snot out of you but you ought to be scared if you don't know Jesus as savior. No choice is a choice and that will have ever lasting results and those results may not be what you were hoping for. Look around. Open your eyes. Look at the signs. Not just in your world but all around you. The other side of the big pond. The areas that have always had turmoil have more and more of it and when someone shows up and says,"I can fix this" and then seemingly does, watch out. We've seen it over and over and we still look for that guy that can fix it all. Look at history. Read the Bible. What do we as a species always do? After that exercise, take stock in your life. Where are you? Are you floundering? Do you flat not know? Do you ask questions of yourself and feel like you are swimming next to the boat and you are tiring? Well stop the utopian rhetoric. Open your eyes to the only true peace. Look upon the savior that has his hand outstretched and is giving you the gift of salvation and the grace that imparts a peace that words can't even describe. I believe Jesus is Messiah and all other paths lead to hell. I believe ALL people are offered this salvation offered. I pray that no one misses that gift. I want all people find Jesus and we all serve the Lord in heaven, what ever that may be like and we walk with the giraffes along a beautiful river that even the flowers can speak. Am I nuts? Am I delusional? Maybe but I know and I see what Jesus does for me every day. I see where I was and where I am and with that I can trust where I am going because he hasn't failed in any way yet. Make ready for the coming of the Lord and I pray we smile and nod with a knowing after this spin on this ol orb.

Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
KJV

2 Peter 3:7
But the present heavens and earth by His word are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
NAS

Joel 2:1-2
Blow a trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm on My holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
For the day of the LORD is coming;
Surely it is near,
A day of darkness and gloom,
A day of clouds and thick darkness.
As the dawn is spread over the mountains,
So there is a great and mighty people;
There has never been anything like it,
Nor will there be again after it
To the years of many generations.
NAS

Remember Eric...remember Ryan Stoner...remember Dana Trumble...remember the Smith family...remember Trulon...remember Nicole SpSh...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love and thank you for taking me on this journey of realizing who you are. We lift those in trouble today and ask you intervene in a way that is undeniable to those around and to those involved. Help our eyes see truth and wisdom found in your Word. Bless our troops and our leaders, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:07 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 14, 2011 at 6:57am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is so interesting that as "adopted" people through Jesus we have the right and the opportunity to approach God directly. When you are in a family you have rights that a stranger does not. I don't have a problem when at my Mom and Dad's house to peruse the refrigerator but i surely will not do that at my neighbors house. I can walk right in and ask Dad a question and fully expect an honest and truthful answer. I do trust but verify my neighbors answers. The point is we are adopted into the family of God therefore we can go directly to Jesus and ask with open honesty and expect an answer that a child expects from their father. Do you see the simplistic nature of this grace we are afforded? We have a father by adoption and are loved just like we were his own. How awsome is that?

Galatians 4:3-7
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
NAS

1 Corinthians 3:21-23
So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.
NAS

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
NAS

John 6:38-40
"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."
NAS

Isaiah 9:6
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
NAS

Hebrews 1:1-2
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
NAS

Remember Thomas Allen...remember Mika Lance...remember Sebastian and his family...remember Baily and her family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for adopting us. Thank you for loving us so much you sent your son to gathewr us to you. Lord we lift those who are hurting up to you. Touch them in ways they know you care. Lord we lift the lost and the unsure. Reassure them. Open the eyes of their hearts that they see you have come to remove us from the orphanage and we now reside with you forever and can raid your fridge....in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 6:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 11, 2011 at 7:27am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The lyrics to the song "My Will" by D.C.Talk are really hitting me today and rather than my words today I'll let you see theirs;

I'm setting the stage for the things I love
And I'm now the man I once couldn't be
Nothing on earth could now ever move me
I now have the will and the strength a man needs

It's my will, and I'm not moving
Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
It's my will, to bow and praise You
I now have the will to praise my God

Complexity haunts me for I am two men
Entrenched in a battle that I'll never win
My discipline fails me, my knowledge it fools me
But You are my shelter, all the strength that I need

I'm learning to give up the rights to myself
The bits and the pieces I've gathered as wealth
Could never compare to the joy that You bring me
The peace that You show me is the strength that I need

We've got to be children of peace

Some scripture to read with the song;

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together,"
Says the LORD,
"Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
they will be like wool.
NAS

John 7:15-18
The Jews therefore were marveling, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?" Jesus therefore answered them, and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
NAS

Remember Nicole and her family...remember Bobby and Jasmine...

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we do our will over yours. Lord our flesh whoops us and we're sorry when the spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. Lord we lift those up who are hurting today, heal the wounds that bind them. Lord we ask for healing in your church from tongues wagging and from sins committed. Help us be your lights in a dark world. Grant the peace on the job that your servants need...in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:19 AM

thank you to all you veterans that allow me to do this every day

Comment by russ allen on November 10, 2011 at 7:45am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Why are some believers walking around with their faces long when the spirit of God is in them? Why do believers look around with ire when they have been forgiven for the exact same stuff? You didn't do anything as heinous as that guy? Oh really? Didn't God say sin was sin and you sinned? So why would we think we are above the lost? Why would we toss them aside as vermin or cast a disparaging look or vile comment on someone who doesn't know Jesus yet? Shouldn't we love them as Jesus loved us? As believers we are privy to the secrets of God and as they are revealed we grow in the Lord and we take on a more Godly appearance but when we start getting self righteous we step right back into the sin that enslaved us before. It's time we realize the wonder of the grace we are under and stop lording it over the lost. Check yourself today. Recognise how you react to things and query yourself if it is appropriate for a saved soul. Be concerned with your behavior and not others.

Proverbs 3:32

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
KJV

Psalms 25:14
The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
NAS

John 15:15-16
"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
NAS

John 14:21
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him.
NAS

Matthew 13:11-12
And He answered and said to them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.
NAS

Gee whiz! We are redeemed! That redemption is for that jerk who just dissed you! Get over it quickly with prayer and lift up those who are where you once was!

Remember Bills Honey Bee...remember Brad Hanners...remember Earl...

Heavenly Father,
Bless us Lord so we can be a blessing for you! Help us see truth and not let the enemy use hurt in his favor. Lord we lift your name higher than any other and we ask for courage and wisdom to stand as you designed us to. Take away our hurts and grant that peace only you can. We lift those lost to you. Help us be a seed planter,waterer and harvester. Help us shine from your light. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:37 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 9, 2011 at 7:52am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Have had a lot of interesting conversations as of late and it is amazing to see so many searching and they don't even realize they are. Many are so mired in the mud of this world they feel like they are in quick sand and are sinking fast. I don't have the answers to all their woes but I do know where one can have joy that is beyond understanding even in the midst of horrific circumstances. My Lord tells me that my destination is set and this vapor of a time on this blue orb is finite in comparison to forever. My Lord also tells my that I am and will be in his presence forever. In this flesh right now I sometimes "feel" I am not but a quick prayer and I am convinced all over again. I may still be enduring circumstances I don't particularly desire but knowing he walks with me, talks with me I am able to pass through gleaning wisdom from the fallout. We as believers should remember whence we came and that all those we meet have the same available to them. Let us not wince at the thought of stepping out and presenting Jesus because he loves us all and all sin is covered and forgotten if we only believe and accept the gift of his salvation.

Psalms 69:14
Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
KJV

Psalms 40:2
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay;
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
NAS

Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall."
NAS

Remember Kathy Mcpherson and Richard Picken...remember Dawna King...

Heavenly Father,
Help us see you in all we do. Help us hear your voice in the choices we make. help us not speak ill of your children and teach us your ways. Grant us sight into others so we act and speak in a manner that glorifies you and not our own self. We ask for blessings and comfort for those grieving for lost loved ones. Help them seek your aid and peace. Grant the serenity that is beyond this world. Help us stand strong to temptation and it is in your holy name we pray, amen!
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:46 AM

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