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Comment by russ allen on September 1, 2011 at 7:38am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is truly amazing to listen to people of faith that speak about doing this or that and that doing those things determine heaven entrance. What? Did I miss something? Heaven or hell is solely based on recognising Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah. A gift. Free. No performance. No ritual or obeying any action earns admittance. Our behavior and adherence to those Biblical laws and principles is out of a heart of love for God. We don't obey in fear we wont make it if we don't, we obey because we have that heart for God when we believe. How do we get that reversed? How do we twist stuff like that? It is our nature to "earn" so just accepting a free thing, a no strings free thing, is just illogical to the natural man. Our behavior should be based on 2 principles. Love the neighbor as ones self and we reap what we sow. We had an interesting discussion on loving ones neighbor as ones self at church last night, thought provoking and self analizating as it was, it was quite evident that it is hard and darn near impossible to love a neighbor we may not like, but we are admonished to do so. That leads to the sowing and reaping principle inso much as if we retaliate and bring evil on our neighbor, no matter how justified it may seem, it'll come back on us bigger and more abundantly. An apple tree comes from one seed and it produces fruit thousands of times over. Think about that and move that principle over to your thoughts and actions. Scary ain't it. We have to behave, act, think in a manner that is honorable to the God we claim we love or we reap the whirlwind after a wind seed is planted. I don't know about you but when I get stepped on I have to work hard at not responding in kind. Standing up for ones self is sometimes necessary but how you do it does indeed have ramifications...think I'll try to respond wisely and not fleshly...
Hosea 8:7
For they sow the wind,
And they reap the whirlwind.
NAS

Hosea 10:12
Sow with a view to righteousness,
Reap in accordance with kindness;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the LORD
Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
NAS

Galatians 6:6-9
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap . For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
NAS

2 Corinthians 9:6
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.
NAS

Leviticus 19:18
'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.
NAS

Romans 13:9-10
For this, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
NAS


Remember Jerry Wheeler...remember Steve McQueen

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for you Word that sustains us. Lord we ask for wisdom so we can be sure of your principles and the courage to act accordingly. Lord we lift those who struggle with retaliation and grief from wrongs committed to them. Grant your peace. Reveal yourself in a manner that cannot be denied. We lift the lost to you. Open their minds and hearts to Messiah. Lord, guide our tongues, tie them and loose them with honor and truth, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:28 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 31, 2011 at 7:48am

Good morning! How are we faithing? As we grow older and hopefully wiser we start to see things in this world repeat. Leaders bring solutions that have been tried before, some work, some don't. It causes pause by myself and others to reflect and to search scripture for answers. Over in the mid-east there are things unfolding that could be precursors to Armageddon or they could just be skirmishes like the ones that have gone on since sin entered this world. I believe all scripture is God inspired therefore conclusions can be surmised. Right now Syria is hot hot hot! Troop movements, arms relocated in a posture reminiscent of wars before, rhetoric from surrounding countries that are ominous. So what does this mean? Need we be afraid? Afraid for those people? We better be and we better be praying cooler heads prevail. Compassion for those people is our motivation to pray to the Lord that they see the light before they leave this earth. God doesn't want to see anyone perish but the reality is, some will. God gave us a choice when he sent his son to the cross. What's yours? God will honor your choice so I pray you make the right one. Time gets shorter every day my friends and there is no assurance you will survive the day so use that wisdom between your ears and seek the Lord.
Hebrews 12:1-3
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

Luke 21:34-36
"Be on guard, that your hearts may not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. "But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
NAS

James 5:7-9
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for knowledge and wisdom in your Word. Lord we lift the people and the leaders in the mid-east. Open their eyes to your salvation. Lord we lift our leaders here at home to you. We lift them to you that they may see truth and your light. We lift them up to that your Word enters them and they make choices honoring you. We lift them up for their safety. Lord protect our troops from the horrors of war. Heavenly Father, we praise your holy name and lay all our burdens at your feet and ask wisdom to act and be your servants with our eyes focused on you, reveal your Word, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:43 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 30, 2011 at 7:18am

Good morning! How are we faithing this beautiful day? Like everyone else, I struggle sometimes over money. Sometimes I'm lacking, sometimes I'm good and sometimes there's abundance. Man, I've spent stupidly over the years on seemingly foolish things and I've invested wisely too. Most people who have a reasonable attitude towards money do ok in so much as they ain't living under a bridge but they ain't a Rockerfella either. The Word tells us money is a root of all kinds of evil. Like what you ask? It's kind of like car shows. I knew guys that rubbed in your face how much they spent on their wheels and others who just enjoyed the hobby and the friendships. In music I've known guys who showed off their chops with a huge ego and then there are the guys who just played for the love of it. I don't know how many times I've heard,"If I hit the lotto I'd give to this charity or that charity". Buffalo bagels. If you are so stingy now, what makes you think it'll change with much? Our attitude has to come in line with the Word and the Word tells us to give from the heart, cheerfully and not out of obligation or show. A willingness to give, to help, to lift up cause we love and have Christ's compassion goes much further than just check writing thinking you've done something God can't do without. Ponder these;


3 John 2
Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.
NAS

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang.
NAS

Luke 12:15-21
And He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a certain rich man was very productive. "And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "And he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
NAS

Remember the Lawson family...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your wisdom in your Word so we may live upright. Help us not be fooled by the worlds view of material things. Help us be willing and able to meet needs of our own as well as others. Lord, forgive our selfishness. Lord, help us recognise it when it happens and we ask for courage to stand honorably. Lord we praise and honor you, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:13 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 29, 2011 at 7:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Obeying the laws in the Bible isn't a bad thing to do at all. Thinking you have earned favors from God because you obey is wrong and those things are thusly done with improper motivation. We are under grace so we don't have to earn a thing. When we get ahold of that truth we see that by HIS stripes and not ours we are healed. Then we end up doing and desiring to follow the rules in the Word. If I love God would I want to cause harm for gain? Of course not. Would I want to get one over on my neighbor? Of course not. So if you are still scheming and conniving gain, you had best step back and take a gander at the grace you claim to have received. Not that our sins convict us but we ought not be motivated by them either. Just like new asphalt on the highway that covers the old imperfections, Jesus blood has covered our past. Seek him in all you do and act out of love and compassion rather than the old ways that led us to Jesus to begin with.


Galatians 5:6-8


For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.
NAS

Galatians 6:14-15
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
NAS
Ezekiel 11:19-20
"And I shall give them one heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances, and do them. Then they will be My people, and I shall be their God.
NAS

Remember Bob Quarles...remember Dustin,Carol and Jerry...remember Hallie Tracey...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your truth in your Word that helps us. Lord we lift those who are hurting today. Heal minds and bodies. Lord, we want to see you in all we do today, reveal your love and truth to our minds and souls today. Help us act according to the grace we have and help us not worry because YOU have things in your hands. Help us realize fret helps nothing...In Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:45 AM
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Comment by russ allen on August 26, 2011 at 7:27am

right on Judy!

Comment by russ allen on August 26, 2011 at 7:26am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Wonderful day yesterday and God moved mightily! Do you realize that any temptation can be resisted? We've all heard people say they can't resist...mule muffins! Is it easy? Lots of times it is not. A temptation to gorge myself on beets is real easy for me to resist but temptation to eat the whole box of girl scout cookies in one sitting is not. This goes for any sin we are tempted with. The Bible tells us what some sins are specifically. If we are tempted and give in, which is the sin? Being tempted or doing it? If I see a pretty girl and lust,was the seeing the girl the sin or was the lust? We are all tempted by one thing or another constantly and I believe most times we don't give in but when we know it is a stated sin in the Word and do it anyways, it's sin no matter how you cut it. Heck man, there some times when you may not even be aware something is a sin because society accepts it or whatever but as soon as you find out what you are doing is a sin to God, your choice of action is obvious. Can't stop? Get help where and from ones who deal with whatever sin you are dealing with. Get in the Word, ask pertinent questions, when the answer is found, stand and do what is sinless and let the chips fall where they may. Our enemy will try to convince you or rationalize in your mind that it's ok to do whatever it is. Resist it. The Bible says don't lie. So don't. Shut up if you have to but don't lie. This woks with any known sin. You become aware, stop. Still struggling with whatever it is? Join the club. How about an accountability partner? One who's job is to tell you when you sin and visa versa? Believe me, it works. Remember that the choice to believe in Jesus as messiah is what decides heaven or hell so press on to that prize and defeat sin every day but not to earn a ticket to heaven, that's already bought, but because it is right.


James 1:2-4


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


Matthew 5:12
"Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for guidance in your Word so we can recognise the things that will cause harm to us. Forgive our sins and forgive us when we are weak in temptation. Lord we ask for wisdom so we may act according to your Word, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:24 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 25, 2011 at 7:46am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Do you know that all of our heroes struggled just like us? Did you know they were just as confused as we were? All of the people you look up to have passed through trials and turmoil just like we do. Time tends to remove these things and concentrates on the accomplishments and not the path to get there. All the things that kick your butt were kicking theirs as they grew too but they persevered. They didn't give up. Did they want to? I'm sure they did some times because they were human and encumbered by the same stuff we are. The same mental and physical fights we all face from time to time were just as normal then as they are now. I know it gets hard and we get discouraged and angry at things but take a step away from it for a few minutes. Make yourself go get quiet somewhere. It doesn't matter where. Put the computer down. Put the book down. Turn off the TV or the radio and listen to that still small voice. Now of course if the voice tells you to jump off a bridge it is suspect...We all need rest. We all need to reflect and relax. We all need time in the quiet with the Word. Think wisdom just happens? Every patriarch, every person you read about in the old and new testament got alone time with God. Some talking and a whole lot of listening. We have the luxury of checking what we hear with scripture to ensure the right voice is heard and we ought to thank God for that. The Patriarchs didn't. Now that's trust and faith. As you face the things you think you can't do, remember you are not alone and you actually can come out the other side. Just remember YOU can't but with God all things are possible.

John 10:3-18

"To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out. "When he puts forth all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. "And a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them.
Jesus therefore said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. "All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly. "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. "He who is a hireling, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, beholds the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and flees, and the wolf snatches them, and scatters them. "He flees because he is a hireling, and is not concerned about the sheep. "I am the good shepherd; and I know My own, and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. "And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and they shall become one flock with one shepherd. "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. "No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father."
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word. Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for ears to hear your still small voice. Lord we ask for mercy when we whine about things that bother us. Help us see beyond circumstance to the goal. Help us be peaceful inside when all comes against up. Teach us to get quiet and to rest. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:43 AM
0 comments:

Comment by russ allen on August 24, 2011 at 7:55am

Great morning! How are y'all faithing? Gather around for a second, I want to encourage you. What you are enduring is not new and we are praying for you. Ask and what ever we are capable to help with, we will. If today feels like the worse day of your life, it probably isn't but we'll hug you and pray for you anyways. That thing that always seems to whoop your tail...has whooped somebody elses too so well pick you up, give you a hug and pray with you. Our savior loves us so much he made the supreme sacrifice for even scoundrels like you and me. His blood is enough for any of us. It just doesn't matter what you've done, come to Jesus grieving your mistakes and he forgives you. He said, "as far as the east is from the west" are your deeds forgotten. There are no exceptions. You ain't worse than anybody else. You also ain't better. The stuff that makes you hang your head in shame is forgotten by the creator when you ask sincerely and humbly and you know what? We forgive you to and will lift you up, hug you and pray for you. Makes no difference what you did, we've done it to. What did Jesus refer to as sin? Are any worse than any others? He said sin. That means running over the man in your car or telling a white lie or stealing an apple. I compare my drudgery of days with Auschwitz and realize I'm not having a bad day and the stuff that happens to me is nothing. Balance and perception. Jesus is our balance and his view is the perception. Paul got it and tries to expound on that view here...


Philippians 4:10-20

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
NAS



Think your day is bad? Look at this and think...

http://www1.yadvashem.org/exhibitions/album_Auschwitz/mutimedia/ind...



Remember Armond DeBusk...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your people who help us through. Lord we ask blessings on those who are struggling with life. We ask a revelation of your love for them so they may press on unencumbered by situations . Lord we know you have forgiven us but it is hard sometimes to keep fresh the honor and contentment you have given us. Help us treat others with respect and compassion, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:52 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 23, 2011 at 7:04am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Who steers your life? Who or what guides your decision making? I watch people who run rampant with their own life road map and get lost in all sorts of things. Roads taken seeking the next cool thing. I see people dive into themselves so deep that others around them suffer for their choices and they fail to see the ruts in the road they are making. The next person that comes along has to navigate those ruts. Does that mean all the right roads ought to be smooth? No, but blazing a new trail without consideration of those that follow can be dangerous. Jesus already plotted the course for us and our compass is the Word. Our guide is the Holy Spirit. But just like we all like different modes of transportation, God guides us and we all reach the destination at different times. Some like bikes, some like cars, some like trucks, some like walking. The ones walking see more on the side of the road. The ones on bikes can take side excursions, the ones in cars take more with them and the trucks push on through the night to reach the final destination. You have to decide which direction God has set before you. You have to seek out which mode of conveyance is necessary for the goal before you. How you ask? The Word daily and prayer without ceasing. If your side excursions cause you to loose your way, stop, turn around and find your way back to the road. If you are going way to fast towards the goal to see the scenery, slow down, observe what God has created around you. If you stumble and fall while walking, get back up, use the Holy Spirit as your walking stick and don't give up. If you are in that truck driving all night and wearing your self out trying to reach the goal, take a break, pray, rest, replenish so you can meet the needs around. Think about where you are on this life road and who and how you effect others. This is the time, because time is short, to be sure you are on the road to Jesus and you don't have the wrong map....


2 Timothy 1:6-7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
NKJV



Philippians 2:3-4
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.
NAS

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
NAS

Psalms 119:40-42
Behold, I long for Thy precepts;
Revive me through Thy righteousness.
May Thy lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD,
Thy salvation according to Thy word;
So I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me,
For I trust in Thy word.
NAS





Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your guidance in our lives. Lord, we ask for clarity for each of us. Help us recognise needs. Help us not be quick to anger. Help us reach out in wisdom to the hurting. Lord, thank you for your son that saves wretches like us. Thank you that you gave us a map we can trust in this life. Lord we lift those to you who are seeking truth and wisdom. Let them not be lured or fooled by mans wisdom but let them only see you, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 6:59 AM

Comment by russ allen on August 22, 2011 at 7:50am

Good morning! How are we faithing? So many people telling us which way to go. So many people who think they know how everything is to be done. Ever have someone who drives you nuts tell you something that you know is true but you don't want to admit it? I've had bosses in the past that I just didn't care for and when they would say something that was right, it irritated the snot out of me. Getting to the point of hearing the message and not the messenger is what is important and is a huge lesson on learning truth. I've met people who at first impression were deemed not to bright who surprised me with some truth that caused me to rethink that first impression. I know I've missed stuff before because a considered bonehead delivered it only to realize I was the bonehead. We need to lay aside personalities, status, position and listen to what is said and use the Word as our gauge. It is truly amazing that famous people's opinion matter so much. So much stuff is disseminated and believed simply because of the messenger. Do yourself a favor and check everything you hear. Learn to see what truths are important to stick in your computer brain and which is to be sent to the recycle bin...


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

1 Samuel 12:24
Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
NAS

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
NKJV

Remember Shiela B...remember Jeff Ross...remember Sharon Hurley...remember Ben

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for truth. Thank you for your Word that reveals all we need. Lord, help us forgive as we want forgiveness. Help us be in tune to truth regardless of who speaks it. Give us a discerning spirit. Lord we lift those mentioned today, heal them. Lord thank you for all you do for us, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:44 AM

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