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Comment by russ allen on July 18, 2011 at 8:03am

far out Judy

Comment by russ allen on July 18, 2011 at 8:01am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The confusion I hear in conversations about what faith is and is not can be the source of discussions and arguments. Faith as a verb is a trust that something will happen even when it is possible it may not. The word faith is also used as a noun such as the Catholics refer to their religion as "The Faith", at least it has been presented to me in that manner. Getting all worked up over whether faith is real or faith is a cop out to hedge bets is fruitless. I cannot argue other than the faith I have in the Lord has born fruit. That fruit is steadfastness in my salvation through Jesus the Christ. I can only tell you what has happened in my life. I can remain steadfast because I know what what has gone down in me. Others may explain it away but I know that God has used many different ways to meet my needs. I pray, they are met. Not always the way I want at first but later the wisdom appears. Others may argue that a logical explanation is thus and so and they may be right but God uses all things he has created. I've also heard some ridiculous statements about faith being for the feeble minded and that is a generalization based on foolish rhetoric. Were it not for faith, one would never leave ones house for fear the sky would fall on them. One would be suspicious of every movement by everybody. One would die of fear the one lone asteroid would fall on them and them alone.

Ephesians 1:17-19

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
NAS

Galatians 3:23-24
But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.
NAS

Galatians 3:24
Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith.
NAS

2 Corinthians 5:7-8
for we walk by faith, not by sight--
NAS

Romans 4:20-21
with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief, but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what He had promised, He was able also to perform.
NAS

Hebrews 10:23-25
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

Ponder these today...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for faith and assurance that you love and care for us. Thank you for the faith that you will do as your Word says. Lord we ask our minds be clear and ready to receive wisdom from the only source worth hearing, yours. Lord we ask for revelation in your Word and we ask for illumination of truths and awareness of lies formed by us. We ask blessings on our day to day activities in your sons name Jesus, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:57 AM
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Comment by russ allen on July 15, 2011 at 7:44am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's the end of the work week for most and a weekend full of relaxation and celebration of life are in many plans. Time to mow the lawn, time to weed the garden, time to paint the house etc....How do you approach these tasks? Do you complain and resent having to do these things? You have to change your mind set for these tasks. Do you not look at the up side? Don't look at them as drudgery but be thankful you have a lawn, the garden is growing and that house you live in and the maintenance involved says you have a house. I know you've heard this in many greeting cards but be thankful for what you have. Really, complaining about a sore foot while some have no legs is a self centered attitude and it opens a door for the enemy to come in and sit down on you. Anything that happens to you is only new to you. Many many others have been where you are. Our light as redeemed people ought to shine even the most mundane tasks. Smile as big mowing as you do fishing. Praise God with paint brush as much as your guitar. Smile mopping the floor as big as you do waxing the hot rod. Every second of every day is a testament to your faith in a creator that abides in you and me. We are dwelling in the light of our Lord and savior so why would we ever want to complain about what he has set before us? Trust HE knows what is ahead and what is best. Plant these in your heart of hearts;

1 Samuel 12:22
For the LORD will not abandon His people on account of His great name, because the LORD has been pleased to make you a people for Himself.
NAS

Psalms 94:14
For the LORD will not abandon His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.
NAS

John 10:27-30
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. "I and the Father are one."
NAS

Ephesians 1:18-19
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
NAS

Remember the Charles Bowman family...remember the Nicole Diaz family...remember Shiela Clay...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and guidance. Lord we ask for a renewing of our minds so we can be appreciate of what you have provided. Help us be content. Help us realize the little blessings all around us. Lord we ask forgiveness when we hide your light with selfish motivations. Lord, you are a loving and great God and we really want to please you but sometimes we get off the path. Guide us and call us back to you. Touch those mentioned that they may heal from earthly wounds. Bless our weekend so all see you in our attitudes and our demeanor...in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:38 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 14, 2011 at 7:22am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Don't give up! Do not let the stuff around you make you despair! Everything you see and endure is temporary. Condition yourself to the words of Jesus so when all seems lost you can remind yourself who you are and who your Lord is and that he has already whooped everything in this world. I'm telling you, regardless of how bad things get, Jesus already won. Jesus is already with you. You are already secure with your eternity you just are on the path to that destination so in the meantime, we must share this faith, gather the lost so they can have this same eternal destination. I know you are in the midst of turmoil and maybe your heart is breaking but you've been there before. Maybe not the exact circumstances but pain and despair never the less. You survived before. Sure there are some scars but tell me you are not wiser and stronger because of it. Did you screw something up? Make amends if you can. Repent. Forgive yourself and seek God's way instead of yours. Yours got you where you are so it's time to get back on God's road and let the turns lead off where ever they may...

Psalms 51:10

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

1 Corinthians 15:56-58
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
NAS

Remember Christopher...remember our kids...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for opening your heart to us. Lord, forgive our trespasses. We praise you and lift those mentioned to you. Create in us a spirit longing for your presence in everything we do. Thank you for never dropping us once we have found you. Teach us to forgive others and ourselves. Lord I ask you lift the readers of this today and grant peace and illumination of your Word so they may carry on and it's in your holy name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:18 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 13, 2011 at 7:46am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We are a people that like to be accepted. We are a species that seeks approval from others. Our egos need a scratch now and then or we feel hopeless and that our life doesn't matter. So where do you get your approval? Parents? Friends? Spouse? Yep, all of those but that approval should not define you. That approval is for teaching, for confirmation, for respect but the only approval that lasts forever is from God. Without Jesus your deeds find no approval from God. He said it, I didn't. Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit and the Word telling us who we are and where we stand only then can contentment come. I don't mean content without ever pursuing anything else in life but content that your eternity is set and while you are here your works only help others find that peace from God that is not available in anything else on earth. This path we are on while occupying this vessel is meant to glorify God and to be in relationship with the creator. That relationship begets behavior that draws lost people to the light. Check these out;


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

Ephesians 2:1-2
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.
NAS

1 Peter 1:14-16
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

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches us how to seek your face and to live in your light. We lift our spouses up to you and ask healings and blessing so they may walk according to your Word. Lord we ask for such a touch from you that we see folly and desire to seek wisdom. Lord, be with all those lonely people. Let them know you are there and use us wherever we are needed. Bring to mind your Word so we may be speak peace and love . in Your holy name we pray Jesus, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 12, 2011 at 7:21am

Good morning! How are we faithing? You who have accepted Jesus as Messiah, Yeshua, are indeed reborn. Your spirit is alive through Jesus! Your old self is gone as far as east is from west. You no longer are judged by past, present or future mistakes. You are already set in Heaven with God, you just at this juncture are occupying this fleshly vessel. Jesus told us this. The prophets of old told us this. This temporary state we live in has duties and behaviors that are cultivated by the Holy Spirit and the renewing of our minds. Scripture is available to us in this generation. We can have illumination when we read these scriptures because since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit abides with us. Rather than whine about what we don't have we ought to focus on what we do. We have salvation. We have the blessings and promises of God. We have the privilege to step out into areas that before Christ were impossible to step into. Jesus said we would do great things, even greater than he did. Today as you approach events, tasks, duties, focus on your attributes and not your shortcomings. Look at what you have accomplished not what you think you lack. God has indeed been with you and it's high times you recognise it and think him...
Psalms 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
NAS

Ezekiel 18:31-32
"Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel? "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live."
NAS

Ezekiel 36:26
"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
NAS

John 3:3
Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
NAS

Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
NAS

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
KJV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for what you have done in us. Open our eyes to your ways and your truths. Lord we lift the troops and their leaders to you today. Open those leaders eyes wide so they see what needs to be done. Thank you for seeing me through your son so I can have these privileges your Word tells us of. In Jesus name we praise you, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:09 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 11, 2011 at 7:45am

Good morning! How are we faithing? When I was a younger man and even a child as it were, I used to love to walk or ride my bike down dirt roads and the ones with grass growing in the middle were the best! The tranquility of those summer days gazing at the wildlife, the old rock walls, the hedges lining the old road, were especially peaceful to me. I pondered why this road ceased to be used. I also wondered what it was like to travel this path long long ago. At a very young age I was aware of the past lives that traversed the same paths that my friends and I traversed. If I see these paths today I still wax nostalgic to a simpler time where the biggest worry was a flat on my bike in the middle of nowhere. God spoke to me in many ways back then. A bird on a branch who didn't appear afraid of me and I imagined he was pondering me as much as I was pondering him. Stopping to look closely at how the underbrush grew and picturing a kid like me walking this same path wondering the same things I did only a hundred or more years before me. God is kinda like that. The Word says he is the same today, tomorrow and yesterday and with that I can be assured that I am not the first or the last to hold such ponderings. It is amazing that God chooses to reveal things specific to each of us. I am in awe of my Pastor when he preaches. How Jesus has filled his being and opened his soul to that grace and wisdom. As a former teacher I also recognise that look when young folk talk to me and I realize Jesus is at work right here in this old man. How about you? Do you struggle with inadequate feelings? Do you stumble and think you missed the boat somewhere and God is sliding you aside for bigger or greater people? Well my friends, that ain't true. You are just as important as Charles Stanley or Billy Graham or the clerk at Wall Mart. We all have a place in his kingdom and we all have our ministry to the lost. We already have a Billy Graham so it is wise to seek out God's plan for you. It may surprise you how important we all really are to him. He loves us all an equal amount. It's like my kids, I love them the same amount but each one holds a different place in my heart because they are different souls. How much more can the God who created the molecules that created you love you? Don't let the enemy tell you any different.

Hebrews 3:4-11

For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end. Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says,

"Today if you hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts as when they provoked Me,
As in the day of trial in the wilderness,
Where your fathers tried Me by testing Me,
And saw My works for forty years.
"Therefore I was angry with this generation,
And said, 'They always go astray in their heart;
And they did not know My ways';
As I swore in My wrath,
'They shall not enter My rest.' "
NAS

Remember Hallie Tracey...remember Sparky's family...remember Trent...remember Dale Rhoades family...remember Christy's job interview...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we lift these concerns stated and the ones the readers of this daily have. Help us live upright and help us not waiver in our faith. Show each of us where our lot in this life is. Help us look around at your creation in awe. Help us be who we are to be. Lord, soften hearts and open minds to YOUR truth. Don't let us be fooled by things other than you. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:37 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 8, 2011 at 7:11am

Good Morning! How are we faithing? I had a good conversation about right and wrong things and behavior as Christians. It is very interesting how convoluted our thinking can become and how we can miss points made in the Word. We all do it and we all realize things as we grow in the Lord. The point to alot of the conversation is summed up in the statement, "If my behavior in this or that causes someone to miss Jesus or to weaken that persons faith, I ought not do it". Are we beholden to what others think of us? No we are not but if I know my brother or sister is weak in a certain area, why would I continue? Why would I parade it and possibly cause a fall? Is that real Christian love? That is rather selfish don't you think? Look at this message spoken of in the Word;

1 Corinthians 8
Now concerning things sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love edifies. If anyone supposes that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him. Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods whether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we exist through Him. However not all men have this knowledge; but some, being accustomed to the idol until now, eat food as if it were sacrificed to an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled. But food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And thus, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble , I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble .
NAS

This is a line of thinking that if we sit back and think of our behavior and ask questions of that behavior, "should I or shouldn't I" gets answered...


remember Susan Peterson...
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and your Word that guides our behavior. Thank you for teaching us to love honestly and completely. Lord we do need your presence in our lives and we do thank you for it. Help those in need today. Calm fears, heal bodies, help rest come, do miracles that cannot be denied as from you. We lift Susan and Shari as they deliver their babies! We continue to lift Sparky up to you, in your gracious name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:06 AM

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

Great morning! How are we faithing? Many people I know are struggling with grief, despair and sadness. Man, it is hard sometimes but we need to reassure ourselves with scripture that can cause us to see beyond current circumstances. It's down right hard to see past when we feel so over whelmed but only the Word can sustain us. When we are in these states of mind and soul we must be prepared before hand with scripture so the enemies that want to destroy us doesn't get a foothold. We know grief passes. We know the sense of loss passes. We know this because we have endured before. What did we learn? Recollect those victories. Remember that God is where he always is, even closer when we hurt. Remember that whatever we face it is not uncommon just new to us. With our faith resting on Jesus and scripture we are able to overcome anything. Think on these;
Philippians 4:11
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
KJV

Hebrews 13:5-6
Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," so that we confidently say,
"The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid.
What shall man do to me?"
NAS

Deuteronomy 33:26
"There is none like the God of Jeshurun,
Who rides the heavens to your help,
And through the skies in His majesty.
NAS

Psalms 27:1
he LORD is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the defense of my life;
Whom shall I dread?
NAS

Remember those traveling...remember Sparky...remember Mike and Mary-Beth and family...remember all our children

Heavenly Father,
We come before you today with confidence in your Word. We remain steadfast in your promises. Lord we are struggling with life from time to time and we want to remain confident and sure of what you have said. Protect our minds and bodies from the evil one and his minion. Guard our hearts from things that lead to ruin. Lord we lift those who are in states of hurt and want, let them see your presence quickly and without doubt. Help us be the people you desire us to be. Help us learn lessons thoroughly and immediately. Protect our troops and we lift our Leaders up to you, in Jesus name, amen

H
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:08 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 6, 2011 at 7:35am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Things are topsy turvy these days. Things that would never have been stood for are now being accepted as ok. Things that are obviously wrong are distorted for selfish motives. By no means am I the judge but just like you, we see what we see. We also have to be careful that what we see may not be what it seems. In politics we see talking out of both sides of the faces. Me personally, I watch actions and give minimal heed to the words spoken. We must watch ourselves that we don't get caught up in these types of things also. Rationalization can be good reasoning and it can also be harmful if certain assertions are made out of an agenda for ones own gain. We are in the birth pains of the end times per what the Word tells us. I have no idea and neither does anyone else as to when Christ will return but we do have scripture that tells us to keep vigilant watch. Check these out and just ponder a little. I find these times compared to history very intriguing...
Matthew 24:3-14

And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. "For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many. "And you will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. "For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. "But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs. "Then they will deliver you to tribulation, and will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. "And at that time many will fall away and will deliver up one another and hate one another. "And many false prophets will arise, and will mislead many. "And because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold. "But the one who endures to the end, he shall be saved. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.
NAS

Micah 3:5
Thus says the LORD concerning the prophets
Who lead my people astray;
When they have something to bite with their teeth,
They cry, "Peace,"
But against him who puts nothing in their mouths,
They declare holy war.
NAS

Remember Sparky and his family...remember Kat...remember Christy...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your blessings. Lord, help us see truth and not be distracted by worldly desires. Help us keep things in perspective. Help us enjoy with honor what you give us. Lord, we ask for blessings on the fearful today. We ask you grab the people that are struggling with current situations in their lives. We stand on the name of Jesus the Christ, Yeshua, for our life and in that name we pray, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:32 AM
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