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Comment by russ allen on September 15, 2011 at 7:37am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Encouragement during rough times is sometimes really hard to accept. We do have a tendency to wallow and a tendency to get indignant when things transpire that we dislike. Blaming others, even if accurate, solves nothing. The event or action towards us still happened and we still felt or feel the injury but pointing the finger even retaliation only serves the pain or injury. Logically, why would we want to inflict pain when we abhor it so? Why would we want to give back what we got? Does that make anything better? Using inflicted pain as an excuse to act in kind is simple reprehensible. It just entrenches the pain we already have. When we stop and pray to our savior even when we would like to smash something or someone we set up a spirit of forgiveness and love rather than bitterness and hate. Which do you suppose is better for you?
John 14:1-7
"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.
NAS

Romans 5:1-5
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
NAS

Romans 15:33
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
NAS

Remember Hallie Tracy...remember Chris as he embarks on his journey ahead...remember Kat and I

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love you show every day. Lord we ask for courage and calmness to see your truths and act on them regardless of what flies at us. In Jesus name we rebuke satan and his henchmen from our lives. We speak your Word as absolute truth and with sincere belief we praise your holy name, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:33 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 14, 2011 at 7:28am

Good morning! How are we faithing? There are a whole lot of "walking wounded" everywhere we go. Sometimes we are them. Words hurt. Actions hurt. Do you harbor resentment? Do you listen to the worlds wisdom on how to deal with those hurts? It is important to remember that other people, no matter how bogus what they just said or did, may be a result of walking wounded. We don't know their walk. We don't know what they are carrying. We do know of our own stuff so why would they be any different? As I grow older,the wisdom from experience stays with me but if I don't hold my experiences up to the light of God, what would prevent me from repeating them? We have been raised a certain way, we have learned responses, we have natural and learned habits and we can be right and we can be wrong with words and deeds so by holding all of ourselves up to the scrutiny of God we can progress and not stay mired in the same ditch.
1 Corinthians 1:20-25
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
NAS

1 Corinthians 2:6-11
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written,
"Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him."
For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.
NAS

Remember Alan and Tanya...remember Zach Morgans family...

Heavenly Father,
Help us stand with you and be willing to make the changes wherever they need to be. Open your Word to us so we can see the truth that sets us free. Lord we screw up on many fronts but our desire is to trust and follow your principles. Help us be quick to recognise those principles. Lord, we lift those who are hurting today. Help us be sensitive to your promptings and bless our tongues with healing words and not critical or hurtful words. Lord we bless and honor you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:23 AM
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Comment by russ allen on September 13, 2011 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Even when turmoil is all around us we have an advocate for us, Jesus. There are many names for the son of God but the one that explains what he is for believers is Messiah. He is the only way to the Father and the only strength in this fallen world. Yeah we all have strength and inner fortitude but where you think that comes from? You think YOU made that? You think YOU are so awesome YOU can overcome anything? Reality check here, YOU can't. Oh you may for a time but eventually a crash happens and when reality sets in and you feel like a noose is around your neck or an elephant is sitting on your chest I pray you turn to Jesus because he has already done all that is necessary for redemption. The cost has been paid and it's offered to you for free, no strings. You don't have to earn a thing, just accept. You will be transformed. Will the pain be gone immediately? Well no because flesh is flesh and all we have done may have physical consequences so be prepared but know what? You no longer dwell alone on this earth and hereafter. Be of good cheer because we have a wonderful advocate that died for us. He paid the penalty so we could enjoy the fruits of the Father. Man that is good news...

Colossians 1:9-14
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
NAS

Remember Nicole Major...remember Debbie Major...remember Chris, Kat and I...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your unconditional love for us that you made a path for us to redemption. Lord we ask you come in our hearts and dwell there. Show us your heavenly peace and wisdom. Lord, wrap your arms around those hurting today. Help us walk the walk and increase our belief, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:05 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 12, 2011 at 6:57am

Good morning! How are we faithing? There are so many things to discover in the Word. Anything we face day to day, a principle of God to deal with that situation is contained within. Using a concordance to find out answers to questions is a big help. I was thinking about magic and witchcraft and if it is real. Well, the Bible warns against it and tells us it is not to be messed with. If God tells us that, it must exist. Remember the verse about "battling spirits and principalities of the air"? Gee, explains that further doesn't it. I wonder if demons are those ugly hideous creatures depicted in movies and drawings. They may be but they either they are invisible to us normally or they are able to take on a more pleasant form or we would run from them, right? These types of thoughts provoke interest and a desire to read the Word to find answers.
Along these lines of questioning we see conflict and bad things happening. Because sin entered this earth, we are going to endure things. If you are able to contemplate time you can realize that even though whatever is happening sucks, it is inconsequential compared to eternity. So to my thought process, we came with nothing, we leave with nothing so just how relevant to eternity is our present afflictions? They are relevant because they teach us compassion, patience, kindness, the ability to support and help someone else who endures similar things later on. Pain is real whether physical, spiritual or mental, we can deal with those things if we prepare ourselves before hand. I didn't say it would be easy nor does the Word say it is a rose garden but we can overcome and we can pass on through, coming out the other side whole. If we do not prepare our minds and spirits for the battles of principalities of the air before hand but instead take a selfish boo hoo approach to this life, we are in for unbearable types of pain and suffering.
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, " I believed, therefore I spoke, "we also believe, therefore also we speak; knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
NAS

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches and purifies us. Lord we ask for forgiveness when we whine and complain about things. We lack understanding and ask for wisdom and knowledge so we can be more like you. Lord we praise you for all you do and forgive us when our feeble minds fail to recognise that. Lord we are trying and like your son said,"the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak". Forgive us. Lord as we go through this week, help us seek you in everything and see needs and meet them on your terms, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 6:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 9, 2011 at 7:08am

Good morning! How are we faithing? You are hurt. You feel crapped on. You think you have been done wrong. Seems like whatever you do, it's wrong. The pity party begins and it begats a "why me" attitude. Then you feel righteous indignation because these things have happened. Then you decide,"screw you guys, I'm getting mine". Before you know it you are looking and fondling your stuff so much you run slam into more because that mirror you hold in front of you blocks your view. This is vanity. This is selfishness. This is the devils playground. Those things probably did happen but so what? Put your big boy pants on and press on looking at God and for God. As long as your view is blocked by you, you will lather, rinse, repeat. I'm sorry you are hurt. I'll even pray for and with you, cry with you, grieve with you but I will not let hurt overcome or define you....or me. This is sometimes very hard to hear but it is truth and while you are not in that place, cement this in your heart so when those things happen you are an overcomer and not a victim of your own vanity.

Psalms 119:37
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
KJV

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look directly ahead,
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
Watch the path of your feet,
And all your ways will be established.
Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.
NAS

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
NAS

Isaiah 33:15-16
He who walks righteously, and speaks with sincerity,
He who rejects unjust gain,
And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe;
He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;
He will dwell on the heights;
His refuge will be the impregnable rock;
His bread will be given him;
His water will be sure.
NAS

Remember Aaron Watts...remember Abby's Grandma...remember Kellynn and Ty as they travel...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom you show us in your Word. Lord we ask for healing physically, mentally and spiritually this day. This being the ten year anniversary of 911, alot of emotions will be raw. We ask you show yourself to this nation and our leaders. Please grant wisdom in all we face and put your words on our tongues so others may find your peace, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:03 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 8, 2011 at 7:07am

Good morning! How are we faithing? How do you deal with every day drudgery? How do you deal with pain? Do you complain? Do you curse things? Do you lash out or do you take the time to seek out benefits and wisdom? Do you try to look beyond whatever current pain to see where you will be when it's over? It is very important that we seek God in absolutely everything. Today you and or I may be healthy, warm, fed, content but tomorrow when the car stalls and you're late for work, the dog dies, the furnace blows up and your favorite shirt gets mustard spilled on it, how are you gonna react? How are you going to cope? Does "woe is me" settle in for a time or do you snatch your britches and press on? We all have those days or seasons but why would we compound them by heaping more negative on top of pain you don't like anyways? Man, it is easy to succumb to a pity party but really, does that help at all? Do you enjoy the dark side that much? I'm not about to tell you to dance when your Mom dies but prepare yourself with the Word so you can grieve in a healthy manner and not be down in the basement digging holes because you need to get lower. Bad feeds on itself. Depression if not caught spirals down. Look at these with application to your life;

Romans 8:10-11

And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.
NAS

1 Corinthians 2:12-13
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
NAS

1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
KJV

remember Chris Hall...remember Diane Harrod...remember Jimmy Brown...remember our service men and women...remember Josh and Nik

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that sustains us. Lord we ask a healing of spirits and minds today. We ask for clarity in things we encounter. Let us not be dismayed or fall for satan and his henchman's traps. Help us hold onto your grace and love with an understanding that carnal things are of this world and we are in it but not of it. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask your touch be so obvious. Let them have a vision of you that cannot be denied. It is in your holy and precious name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:00 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 7, 2011 at 6:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I am so tired. Emotionally and physically. Spiritually I am weak but Jesus is strong. The things that are present around me could whoop me but my strength isn't mine but Gods. Ever felt those ways? Do you forget that last line is absolute truth? When and what ever goes on in our life we must remind ourselves that because of our savior we do indeed have an advocate to the father. Because of Jesus we are able to bring our petitions right straight to God and lay them down and when we step back we actually see them be picked up by a Father that loves us regardless. I don't know about you but there is peace and rest in that knowledge. All the good things we do don't earn any favor. All the bad things we do doesn't cause him to back off. Our savior is consistently ever present. It is in fact we who back away. We are the ones who hide when we sin. We are the ones who hold grudges, fail to forgive sin against us and stray from the path of righteousness. When we come to our senses, and I hope we all do eventually, it is not to late. I am watching a struggle of the flesh and of the mind in a loved one and although it breaks my heart I know the hard road ahead for them will be rough but my confidence is not shaken. If our confidence is in anything other than Jesus we will fail. If our reliance is on anybody but Jesus we will be let down at some point.


Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
KJV

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
NAS

Remember Linda Griffin family...remember Braydon Tindle...remember Earl and Flo DeBusk

Heavenly Father,
Lord we bless your holy name. We lift our burdens to you knowing you have already whooped them. We also ask the wisdom that is to be gleaned from our trials comes quickly and doesn't cause us to inflict pain on others. Lord we ask for courage and a presence of mind that we recognise the spirits we are battling. Lord, comfort those hurting physically, mentally and spiritually. Let them see your face and gain confidence in your presence. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 6:39 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 6, 2011 at 5:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing after the holiday weekend? Golly, what a time we have sometimes when things go completely awry. I don't mean when the toaster sticks but when serious events just upset our world. I have caught myself lamenting over trivial stuff and when real stuff transpires, I forget the previous things and realize they meant nothing. Do you or have you had that happen? Whine to yourself or out loud because the trash wasn't taken out but then the person who is suppose to take out the trash breaks a leg, our perspective changes for awhile. When they heal we still expect the trash to be taken out but in the meantime we pick up the slack. Jesus does the same. We are forgiven. Nothing you do is unforgivable. He will carry you while you heal. Our job becomes learning and developing a relationship with him and the result is the desire to not sin. Do we still sin? Of course but I have noticed less and less sin in those who seek Jesus' face in all they do. Are they better than you or me? No, but it's not about being "gooder". That's called vanity when we think in terms of "gooder" and here's why. In order to be "gooder". someone else must be "badder" right? If your concern is if you are "gooder" than someone, that means you are looking at you. Sure we must look inward to keep ourselves in check with God's plan but what anybody else does is not our concern from the judgemental perspective. When we see sin in others our only concern, barring danger, ought to be leading them to a salvation knowledge of Jesus the Christ then HE will lead them down the "gooder" path. If someone asks, tell them what the Word says. If someone is looking for a way to condemn someone else, have no part of that because we all fall short in one form or another. Keep perspective in everything. Advance the study of the Word and be ready to pray for anybody and be ready with a word that edifies rather than tears down.

Titus 3:1-11

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
NAS

Remember Nan Gilpin...remember Nicole Major...remember Steve Travis...remember Chris Hall...remember Kat and I

Heavenly Father,
We ask for forgiveness when the things of this world cloud the real issues. Lord we ask forgiveness when we judge intentionally and inadvertently. Lord we lift those mentioned to you. Heal, hold and halt any intrusions by the enemies on those lives. Grant wisdom that is flat beyond them but from you. In the name of Jesus we rebuke the devil and his henchmen from harassing and hindering your path. Make it so obvious as to where and what you want in our lives. Lord we tremble in your presence and are in awe of your majesty. Teach us to have courage to act and speak truth with love for your honor and glory and it is in your holy name Jesus that we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 5:05 AM

Comment by Lloyd Losinger on September 2, 2011 at 10:49am

Thanks Pastor Allen. I needed to read that today.

 

Comment by russ allen on September 2, 2011 at 7:38am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Took an allergy pill about an hour ago. Ye gads...I may need a nap! We've heard a gazillion sermons on pruning but have you really took it to heart? When you cut back your rose bush it makes more flowers right? When God prunes us we show more God. People see and respond to that fruit we bear. Don't think so? Know any braggarts? Liars? Egomaniacs? How do they react to things and what is their life like? What do they attract and what do they expel? Pay attention and learn because if we refuse to be pruned and learn, we will end up stagnant and pretty much useless.


John 15:1-4
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Help us accept your pruning. Help us believe you are in control and even when complain help us realize that is what's going on. We desire to have your heart and to share that heart with others. Bless those on pain and turmoil, let your light shine in their hearts. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:35 AM

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