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Comment by russ allen on August 3, 2011 at 7:48am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Lots of people think we have to perform a certain way, do certain things, behave certain ways, speak with a particular way to be Christians. Boy is this loading a huge pile of junk on people and it is far from the truth. Organization is important of course but heaping rules and regulations without the love of Jesus as the guide will never make people holier. Now of course there are some things we must do out of shear obligation such as a preacher showing up on Sunday. Wouldn't be a very effective preacher if he isn't present to deliver. Kidding aside, just like putting gas in the car, if we don't, we'll be walking. Some things just have to be done. Expectations sometimes are a hindrance to our witness if we let that obligation cloud our desire and love for Jesus. There have been lots of times I felt more like sitting in my lazy-boy and watch drag racing than shower and go to Sunday school but that obligation gets me up. Obeying that obligation always pays dividends when I see those kids. Anyways, Jesus never said to do this or that so you can be Pius. Jesus' commands were directions for living that we would not stray and endure unnecessary hardship. Our perspective on obligation verse Christian living have to be separate or we end up trying to earn salvation and that cannot be accomplished by any membership to a church or any attendance to services. Do those things benefit us? Of course they do! We need to gather together for spiritual well being as well as equipping us to reach the lost but don't let that ever make you think that you were present therefore you've done your duty and you have earned points with God.

Luke 17:9-10
"He does not thank the slave because he did the things which were commanded, does he? "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'"
NAS

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."
NAS

Galatians 2:21
"I do not nullify the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."
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Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
NAS

Titus 3:5-7
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.
NAS

John 1:16-17
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.
NAS

So to paraphrase; do what you have to do because it is required but do it not as earning the grace Jesus provides, we already have that. Remember, the Word says that "no one can snatch away anyone from the Fathers hand."

Remember Bill Salvatore and family...remember Christy...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your grace that saves us and teaches us. Lord we ask for strength to do what is necessary but to recognise it's proper place. Forgive us when we fail in our duties. Lord, we ask for wisdom in all we do and the courage to act accordingly. Help us see truth in everything, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:41 AM
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Comment by Michael Brittain on August 2, 2011 at 9:59am

Are you familiar with the "100 to 1" principle? I'll bet you are. Here is how it works: If 100 people tell you that you are wonderful, and one person tells you that you're a jerk, you give weight not to the 100 but to the one critic. I'll bet a lot of you have fallen prey to the "100 to 1" principle.
Then it gets worse. We collect the criticisms of these "ones" in our hearts. We look for evidence that our accusers are right. We add our own negative self-talk to the pile. It becomes a self-mutilation.
Why can't we take seriously the words of the 100 persons who give us positive affirmations? When people give you a compliment, don't throw it off. Receive it any say "thank you." And cut out the negative self-talk.

Keep Your Faith Strong, Your Spirit Lifted High and Your Self Worth Valued as a Child of God...

Comment by russ allen on August 1, 2011 at 7:28am

Good morning. How are we faithing? We sometimes have rough times. We sometimes say or do things that we look back on and wish we hadn't. Many a good intention has gone awry with the delivery. I'm guilty of this lately and I don't understand how it happened. Something that seemed so obvious turned into a behind the scenes dilemma. Forgetting to ask questions first rather than state the obvious made good intentions appeared quite self righteous. Ever done that? Said something and then find out it was way more than what it appeared to be? Thinking that our own opinion or observation is relevant to others situation is quite haughty if we don't pause and ask some questions first. I ask forgiveness for my short sightedness and I hope you are willing too as soon as you realize. Humble pie is not very tasty but it sure keeps us honest...


Proverbs 17:27-28

He who restrains his words has knowledge,
And he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.
Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise;
When he closes his lips, he is counted prudent.
NAS

Proverbs 21:23-24
He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.
"Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names,
Who acts with insolent pride.
NAS

Ecclesiastes 3:7
A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
NAS

James 1:26-27
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.
NAS

James 1:19-20
This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom. Forgive us for our sins. Help us see truth and wisdom. Lord we seek to know you better and strive to follow your precepts but sometimes we fail. Help us learn in our failure and not cause pain to others. Thank you for your Word that is the only truth we need, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:21 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 28, 2011 at 7:11am

daily prayer
Good morning! How are we faithing? It's interesting to me when I listen to music made since WWII. The advent of different genres and how music evolved. The themes sung about and written about were no longer innocent it seems. Prior music was pretty tame in comparison. Was it because of recording? Was it exposure to the entire world? Probably both and others factors too. Public innocence kind of went away during that war due to visual media more so than any other time in history. The glamor of war and the not spoken of things all of a sudden were seen and heard. One of the greats, Beethoven I think, said that music made without God in mind was a collection of noise. Does that mean all music should be written like a hymn? No man, he was refering to glamorizing secular junk. Love, life, experiences are all fine to sing about through a filter of God. Things happen in this life and singing is a release but is glamorizing sex, drugs etc. wise? When one hears a song, the genre isn't important as much as the message. All genres have their place in the world and all genres can honor God but when that line is crossed, they become noise. Here is where these conclusions are drawn from and there are many many more;


Habakkuk 3:19

The Lord GOD is my strength,
And He has made my feet like hinds' feet,
And makes me walk on my high places.
For the choir director, on my stringed instruments.
NAS

1 Chronicles 23:5
and 4,000 were gatekeepers, and 4,000 were praising the LORD with the instruments which David made for giving praise.
NAS

2 Chronicles 7:6
And the priests stood at their posts and the Levites, with the instruments of music to the LORD, which King David had made for giving praise to the LORD-- "for His lovingkindness is everlasting"-- whenever he gave praise by their means, while the priests on the other side blew trumpets; and all Israel was standing.
NAS

2 Chronicles 29:26
And the Levites stood with the musical instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets.
NAS

Amos 6:5
Who improvise to the sound of the harp,
And like David have composed songs for themselves,
NAS

1 Kings 10:12
And the king made of the almug trees supports for the house of the LORD and for the king's house, also lyres and harps for the singers; such almug trees have not come in again, nor have they been seen to this day.
NAS

2 Chronicles 5:12
and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and kinsmen, clothed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps, and lyres, standing east of the altar, and with them one hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets
NAS

Psalms 81:1-3
Sing for joy to God our strength;
Shout joyfully to the God of Jacob.
Raise a song, strike the timbrel,
The sweet sounding lyre with the harp.
Blow the trumpet at the new moon,
At the full moon, on our feast day.
NAS

Isaiah 38:20
"The LORD will surely save me;
So we will play my songs on stringed instruments
All the days of our life at the house of the LORD."
NAS

Genesis 4:21-22
And his brother's name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.
NAS

Psalms 150:4-6
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.
Praise Him with loud cymbals;

Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD!
NAS

Think music in Jesus' time sounded like todays country music? Think the temple music was classical? Think John the Baptist whistled opera? Did David dance to disco? Does it matter as long as God is praised? Think and explore the Word because this subject has divided people for over half a century...

Remember Larry, Nancy, Mona,Gina, April and Jody...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of music. Thank you that we can hear talented people singing praises. Lord help us not get into the ridiculous arguements over style but consentrate on substance. We adore and want to praise you with singing and instruments. Help us discern. Lord, thank you for being ever present with us. We lift your name on high..in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:05 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 27, 2011 at 7:33am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Sometimes, I don't know about you guys, I get real quiet, listen for God and as clear as if someone spoke I hear the Word. Other times I hear static. I wonder why. Is God off the air or am I tuned to the wrong channel? I'll bet the later is the answer. As we apply Godly principles from the Word we start to feel that tap on the shoulder and hear those promptings from the Holy Spirit. It's not a reward or a do gooder thing but a change of our mind, a renewing. As we renew and change old thought patterns we twist that tuning knob towards Jesus' channel. We hear the sweet music and find that contentment in our lot, even when times are tough. I don't know where you are tuned to today but I know what channel I'm seeking. Let me tell you, that channel is way better than anything else on the dial. The funny thing is I've found the more I tune to that channel, the better it comes in and the less the other channels bleed through. What channel are you listening to? Is it the same one that led you to your current circumstances? Why continue to listen? It won't change and the results wont either. Get that Bible out. Start tuning in every day. As the static starts to fade and the right channel gets louder, those rough days become less and less insurmountable...


1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation.
NAS

Titus 3:5-7
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.
NAS

Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Lord, we ask for your station come in loud and clear. We ask the static fade and your Word become all we hear. Thank you for the encouragement we get from your Word. We lift those people who are wandering in this wilderness. Help their path lead straight to you. Lord, forgive us when we fail. We pray we do not lead any away from you in our sins. Help us always wear you and honor you in our lives. Help us understand that contentment in you rather than seeking contentment elsewhere. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 26, 2011 at 7:28am

Good morning! How are we faithing? You know, I do it and you do it. Most people I see do it. What's that you ask? Forget in the beginning of adversity that our God isn't any further away from you than when you were saved. We pull away by reverting to past behavior, automatically clinging to the familiar which if we think about it, why would we do such a thing? We repented and asked forgiveness for pete's sake. Why in the world would we return to what we escaped? Habit. Fear. Lack of knowledge and understanding. Selfishness. Pick at least one cause it's there. When we allow the folly of past behavior to return simply because it's easy or familiar is dangerous, besides, what makes us think there is solace in what we already escaped? Most times I believe we return out of not really knowing what to do thus we only can do what we know. The Word is something we ought not just read because "God'll get us" if we don't but actually read and study to renew our minds like the Word says. Obviously our past behavior wasn't right and didn't work or we would have never accepted Jesus. We have got to learn to seek and cling to Jesus immediately when we are faced with anything or we will fail. This done just like anything else by studying and training then implementing the Word we read. The receiving by faith that the principles in the Word work is the only way we survive. Think about your reactions to things both physical and mental today. Ask yourself what thought patterns and responses to these things you do. Are they in line with the truth? Do you go back to the old mess. The Word does say,"a dog returns to it's own vomit". Disgusting as that is, there is alot of truth and inspiration in that statement...


Hebrews 10:22-25


Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.
NAS

Psalms 73:28
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
That I may tell of all Thy works.
NAS

James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
NAS

Remember Todd's Mom...remember the Burnsmier family...remember Marilyn Sutherland...remember Bill Umberger...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for not mincing words. Thank you for being truthful. Lord we ask for wisdom and illumination without pride getting in the way of your plan for our lives. Lord we lift those mentioned to you. Heal where healing is needed. Lord, touch us and let us know you are ever present in our lives...in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:23 A

Comment by russ allen on July 22, 2011 at 7:28am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Another hot one today. Man, tempers flare, odd things happen when it's hot, sorta like during a full moon. The physiological reasons are documented but it just seems that our thinking gets weak when it's oppressively hot or even frigidly cold. We function physically well within a range of temperature. Our minds have a range to function well also. Grief unabated can spiral us into depression. It is hard to deal with events and stuff that strikes ones heart thus logic can fly right out the window. Emotional standards that we live by, if not rooted in Biblical truth, will get us in trouble. I love my son. He blows a red light and gets killed or kills someone else, that action has nothing to do with me. I can be sad, grief stricken for a time or even angry but I have no control and I have no right to assume his burden. Can I help? Of course and that is what we ought to do but it is HIS burden to carry. As much as I would love to take it away, I can't. Only one person ever had the right and the power to carry burdens i.e. sin, Jesus the Christ....and we sure ain't him...


Romans 12:9-21

Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NAS

Romans 12:1-2
I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
NAS

Psalms 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
NAS

Remember Earl DeBusk...remember Todd's Mom and Todd's friend...

Heavenly Father,
Jesus we are struggling with things here and need you help so we do not fall away or become discouraged. Lord we lift those mentioned and those who are on each individual hearts. Thank you for being always present for us. Open the eyes of our hearts so we see truth and wisdom only yours to give. Thank you in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:23 AM
0 comments:

Comment by Tom Menees on July 21, 2011 at 10:13am

Thanks Russ, I needed todays "anger series", you are a blessing.

Comment by russ allen on July 21, 2011 at 7:20am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I've been listening to an "anger" series of study in the Word and it is amazing to me the wisdom found in simple statements the Word provides. I see some people I know who are wallowing in anger. I am not criticizing, just observing. How we deal with angry people is an art form. Physical self defense aside, it's tough to see past the anger and see the person behind it when that anger permeates their persona. Some are so beat down they are lashing out while others are so self centered they'll never release the anger as long as they keep looking inward. While some one is raving and carrying on we need to learn to listen to the words and read the cause rather than the spewage of obscenities and uncharitable rhetoric. Of course there are also times that we stand up and stop the flow of anger. Temper tantrums, though we may want to smack the snot out of people who throw them, it may be wiser to let them vent and then address the issue. Then again, we can walk away till they cool off. Justifiable anger need not be wrought with obscenities and name calling for that begets ire in return and soon both parties are angry over a seemly solvable issue that gets lost because tempers have taken over and from the casual observer, both are wrong. Alot of anger is self protectionism. Some justifiable, some not. Jesus was angry but reacted sanely and with forthought. Flying off the handle because your feelings are hurt or you dissagree with someone or something serves no one. Someone is getting beat up or robbed, you see it and your anger flares resulting in an intervention is justified but anger flaring over someone doing right but it interferes with your agenda is not justified. Anger that causes you to lash out with disregard for anyone but you is not justified. Look at these verses and do a little self analyzing. Are you an angry person? Why? Are you always apologizing for impropper comments or behavior? Why? Do you hurt others with that anger? Have you been ticked for so long you don't know if you are an angry person or not? ATime to find out don't you think?


Proverbs 17:1

Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
Than a house full of feasting with strife.
NAS

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
NAS

Proverbs 18:19
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city,
And contentions are like the bars of a castle.
NAS

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
NAS

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strife,
But love covers all transgressions.
NAS

Proverbs 15:18
A hot-tempered man stirs up strife,
But the slow to anger pacifies contention.
NAS

Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression.
NAS

James 3:5-6
And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
NAS

Hebrews 12:14-17
Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom in your Word that sustains our being. Lord forgive us when we sin in anger. We beseech you to teach us to act according to your Word in every situation. Teach us to to see into those who are angry so we may minister to them. We ask for your touch on all situations we encounter so we act Godly and not cause ire or pain, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:15 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 20, 2011 at 7:35am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Are you perfect? Are you almost perfect? Do you keep the ten commandments? Do you keep all the law? Ok, you say we are not under the law. Alright, do you do all Jesus commanded? Do you know what Jesus commanded? Here it is sports fans, we are saved by grace, no one can snatch us away from God regardless of what we do or don't do. There is a reward system for performance once we leave this orb but first, the Word says we will lay them at Jesus' feet anyways so the reward is not what saves us. The focus is flat wrong if we think we must pay attention to performance. Now this is not to say we can run buck wild but what it does say is since we are saved by grace and we have a Lord who understands our lot, we can focus on him and his Word and the result will be an improved performance that glorifies God out of love and peace provided. A well known Pastor says it well, "Follow Jesus and leave the consequences to him". You want more in this world? You desire to excel? You want bigger and better? That's all fine and good but do not lose site of a couple of things. None of it goes with you when you are gone and a focus on that stuff instead of Jesus will leave you empty inside, no contentment. I want to improve. I want to "move up" so to speak but that is drive and not a feeling of "not good enough". We all strive but at what cost? We have accepted Jesus? Our eternity has begun so the attitude of "us being here a short time so grab what you can" is ridiculous and so distorted from the truth that satisfaction becomes elusive. Step back, look at Jesus then look at your life. You'll be surprised at what important things are right there in front of you.

1 John 2:1-17

My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.
Beloved, I am not writing a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word which you have heard. On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining. The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But the one who hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father. I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one. Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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. And the world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God abides forever.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for wisdom and peace. Lord we lift those hurting today. We lift the blind to you. We ask you remove the scales from eyes that are looking away from you. Lord I lift Earl to you. Show yourself to him. Lord, grant illumination to us so we can learn the contentment you give. Lord forgive us when we fail to act in your ways. We try but these old bodies hinder. Thank you Lord for caring and saving us, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:31 AM

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