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Comment by russ allen on June 28, 2011 at 7:34am

Great morning! How are we faithing? So many distractions that move our eyes off God. Being able to recognise that ones focus is shifting is crucial to walking this christian walk and not just talking it. I have, as I'm sure you have, known Sunday believers. Man that is so dangerous. Have you ever thought about how your actions, attitude, speech, habits influence your witness? Someone who talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk is sort of hedging his bets. That person is hoping his "service" saves him. That person thinks that by doing church, being a member of said church guarantees a place on the ride to heaven. That person misses or fails to see that by living one way and professing another proves them to be hypocrites. No one will believe or follow a hypocrite. Why is this an issue? Here's something to ponder; my actions could cause another person to not find Jesus thus end up in hell. Does this mean we earn or perform for others? Not at all. What it means is we have a tendency to walk the walk when we truly believe rather than "cover all bases...just in case". I understand that the world is indeed difficult to live in sometimes and we as people want to be comfortable without suffering. This really points to what we've talked about before , selfishness. My comfort, my life, my peace, my savior is mine. Sorry charlie, that is not at all what scripture teaches. We must seek God in everything we do. We must try to see the heart of matters and not be concerned with what others think. We need to follow what we believe and I pray you believe Biblical truths and not mans, or your own...

1 John 2:15-17

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

Matthew 24:35
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words shall not pass away.
NAS

James 4:14
Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.
NAS

think on this...
Psalms 39:6
"Surely every man walks about as a phantom;
Surely they make an uproar for nothing;
He amasses riches, and does not know who will gather them.
NAS

Remember Megan and Heidi...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that holds all truth. Thank you for being ever present. Lord, we ask forgiveness for not always walking in your way and fearing man. Help us be courageous in the face of the world. Help us be beacons of your light. We lift the unmentioned prayers to you and the ones that are on your peoples minds. Heal, comfort and guide us, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by Pastor Russ Allen at 7:27 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 27, 2011 at 7:37am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's been an interesting few days. Sometimes I wonder about things and after awhile wonder why I am wondering. It strikes me when I see people lash out with selfish motives. Some for gain and some just because of the condition of selfishness. I see people abusing their critters and really gets me ticked but even more so is the selfishness that would cause someone to treat their children in a manner not suitable for even critters. Selfishness will cause people to act and to say things that are cruel and self serving. Who benefits from a cussing out? Who gains from abuse? Who makes things better by yelling names? It's all selfish motivation. I am one that catches myself talking to the seemedly bad driver in front of me. Then I am ashamed because I don't know why or what is happening in their life that may cause what I just saw or perceived as a bone head move. Praying for them is much more advisable and benefitial than getting mad at them. Why would I yell? Selfishness. Their action impeded mine. Sure the actual turn on red may have been ill advised but what if they are trying to get to the hospital? What if they are distracted because they just got rotten news? Consider they may be in more anguish than you because you are late. Ponder this whenever your hair raises up on your neck. Ask pertinent questions before you speak out of turn or out of selfishness...

Proverbs 12:10

A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
KJV

Genesis 33:13-14
But he said to him, "My lord knows that the children are frail and that the flocks and herds which are nursing are a care to me. And if they are driven hard one day, all the flocks will die. Please let my lord pass on before his servant; and I will proceed at my leisure, according to the pace of the cattle that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my lord at Seir."
NAS

Remember Fred Knipper...remember Micah Rayborn...remember Layla Fulfer...Remember Tonya Fulfer...Remember Donna Fulfer...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love. Lord help us keep our tongue. Help us see the heart of the person who steps on us. Lord we lift those mentioned today, heal them and let them know you did. Help us be the people you designed and not selfish self serving cretans. We bless your holy name and it is in that name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 24, 2011 at 8:25am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I heard a preacher talking about being bold about our faith. Do we force our beliefs? Do we criticize other beliefs? Do we keep silent when we know a wrong is being taught or perpetrated? Wow, loaded questions and yet simple actually. Forcing beliefs is a touchy comment because in this day and age even mentioning Jesus as saviour is deemed as forcing. How wrong that view is. This faith that believes a man is God and rose up out of the grave for you and me, who's blood covers all sin, who stripes by we are healed, how could we possibly be silent if we are convinced we are saved and that salvation is available to everyone? The fact is, we can't. Of course while our boss is giving instructions for the day it probably isn't appropriate to interject Jesus at that moment but at break, at lunch, in the ride to the job site is appropriate. You know what? If we live as we believe, they will see Jesus and will ask what you are about anyways. On criticizing other beliefs, I believe the bible is the infallible word of God and when others twist it for their own gain I should be ready to answer with scripture to refute. Now do I do it in a condemning, threatening manner? All that would do is cause a fight and then we both look like ideological zealots and nobody sees truth. Rebutting with kindness and scripture is how we should respond. If we believe the Word is Gods words, WE do not have to "win". The Word teaches us to plant seeds, water them, harvest them and we as believers must learn to recognise what our role is when we speak the Word. We've discussed this before. As for keeping silent when sin is taught or being done, we can't. However, we surly can be wise in our methods. Pointing fingers and scolding most times just reaps ire. Of course we are not talking about child rearing here but our lives and the life around us. Justice and safety aside, we must present the Word, the Gospel as messengers and not as judges. God is the judge. The Holy Spirit convicts. We must not get in the way by being indignant and looking down on people...Jesus' blood covers ALL sin remember. These are things to ponder this weekend and I encourage you to look at your attitude to the lost and to prepare yourself for battle but remember, wisdom goes further than brute force. The wise can flank while the headstrong bull past the opportunity to lead others to salvation.


1 Chronicles 22:13

Then you shall prosper, if you are careful to observe the statutes and the ordinances which the LORD commanded Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be dismayed.
NAS

Acts 5:27-32
And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, "We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "We must obey God rather than men. "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. "And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him."
NAS

remember Gary..

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word and for your encouragement that we may be bold in our faith. Teach us wisdom along with boldness that we may live and speak as disciples of yours. Lord we fear sometimes and ask for healing and boldness that honors you. Show us when it is appropriate and when it will plant in good soil so others find your peace and love. Lord help us be keenly aware of the lost ones and their needs, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 8:22 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 23, 2011 at 7:14am

Great morning! How are we faithing? What a relaxing time for the past week! Taking time off from everything is good for the body and soul. Do you ever have time to slow down and really see all that is around us? I meet people all the time who can't see anything but what is right in front of them, as if they wear blinders as a work horse does. They don't enjoy their work. They are not thankful for what they have but rather pursue bigger and better all the time. This can be problematic because as time passes that life can become about the pursuit without enjoyment or peace daily. Working towards a goal is fine but missing the scenery on the way is sad. My bride and myself always take time to notice flowers and vegetation amongst our travels because the divine nature and the beauty of a simple plant can make one pause to realize just how grand God is. Look at the Lupine; tall and strong in times of bad weather, beautiful colors and exquisite formations of growth and yet in certain areas...a weed. If you do not recharge with the Word every day, speak to your heavenly Father and not just for requests, notice things other than yourself , those blinders get bigger and bigger and before you know it you are so focused on you you fail to see the savior walking with you. Just pause today and take notice of all that has been given rather than what is not.

Judges 5:31

"Thus let all Thine enemies perish, O LORD;
But let those who love Him be like the rising of the sun in its might."
NAS

Daniel 12:3
"And those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
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Matthew 5:14
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
NAS

1 Peter 2:1-4
Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.
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

Psalms 103:5
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
NAS

Remember who God is today...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing rest. Thank you for safe travel. Lord we lift those up who are so heavy laden with worldly woes, let them see those woes for what they are and help them seek you over man. Lord lift up those who are suffering. I ask for a blessing and healing for Kathy, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 14, 2011 at 6:35am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Are you struggling with temptation? Do things that you know are taboo attract you? Of course they do. Sin is made attractive. Sin is tempting. Knowing sin is different than being in sin. Recognising a temptation you have and standing against it is a struggle some times. Anything that takes all your attention away from God is sin. There are times and events that do require our total attention for a season but fixating on the thing or event past due time eventually becomes sin. What sin? Idol worship. Anything that takes your attention away from God is idol worship. No way am I pointing fingers or would I ever point and accuse but we must be aware when we are taken over by something. I have heard people say the "God is tempting me". Hogwash. Do you think God is an ogre trying to trip us up? Do you think he derives pleasure from our despair? Get real. We bring it on when we are selfish or self serving or self centered. It is a good exercise to step back from your wants and look at why you want something and if it will edify you or control you. I have my own things that left to run would take control therefore with this in mind I must approach those things with appreciation for what they are or avoid them altogether. Only you and God know what has your hearts focus and if you don't, it's time to pray and take an introspective look.
James 1:13-15
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
KJV

Psalms 101:3
I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;
I hate the work of those who fall away;
It shall not fasten its grip on me.
NAS

Remember Earl DeBusk...remember Hallie Tracy...remember Tanya Jet...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you love for us that you provide a way for us to find peace. Lord forgive us when we put things before you. Teach us to enjoy and to improve without allowing those things to become idols. Lord we ask for wisdom and courage to act graciously and with honor. We ask a touch on our soldiers. Heal minds and bodies, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 10, 2011 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We hear good news of salvation. We hear the promises of God and yet we still fight the same ole battles. Our pride prevents us from admitting certain things and we don't want to be embarrassed. Man, we all have and will screw stuff up but we have promises of peace and rest. That doesn't mean junk doesn't happen in this fallen world but means whatever comes at us and happens to us, even in despair we still can be at peace. Like the proverbs say, a time to mourn and a time to celebrate. Paraphrasing the proverb we see Solomon was telling us that we will enter and exit the things of the world but since Jesus came, we can rest in him even when we are bombarded with the world. This peace and joy inside works on us especially when we reach to Jesus and as that relationship grows, the junk effects us differently. Sure we cry and laugh. Of course we hurt and heal but inside, there is a peace even in the midst of turmoil. We become receptive to other needs. We start to see through the Fathers eyes. Even when justice is served on earth the perpetrator has the same access to the Father through the Son that we do. Pray all these hearts we meet do not harden to the truth. Pray that pride does not block wisdom from on high. Pray we remain humble because none of us are ever "good enough".

Hebrews 4:1-7

Therefore, let us fear lest, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,
"As I swore in My wrath,
They shall not enter My rest,"
although His works were finished from the foundation of the world. For He has thus said somewhere concerning the seventh day, "And God rested on the seventh day from all His works"; and again in this passage, "They shall not enter My rest." Since therefore it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, He again fixes a certain day, "Today," saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before,
"Today if you hear His voice,
Do not harden your hearts."
NAS
Proverbs 14:16
A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil,
But a fool is arrogant and careless.
NAS

Proverbs 28:14
How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for a heart that came to you. Lord we ask for a hedge of protection from the enemy and his minion . Bring your Word to our minds when confronting calamity and evil. Lord we praise and honor you. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 9, 2011 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We have a tendency to serve ourselves platitudes when we succeed. We think we are something and forget who made us with the abilities and talents to achieve. If not for our God who actually made all things we would not even be. We work hard to get where we are and sometimes that hard work does deserve a pat and or an accolade but never ever forget that without divine presence you would not even begin to achieve. We are born with talents endowed from on high. Our genes provide certain tendencies that WE had nothing to do with. Be pleased with results but do not think yourself more than what you are. This story brings into focus who and where we can be. It shows a people who thought they had "arrived" and were mightier than they really were. We are made in God's image so we are a very capable species but we are not God. Ask some questions of yourself so you don't become puffed up because you succeed, it could just as easily go the other way.

Genesis 11:1-9
Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words. And it came about as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. And they said to one another, "Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly." And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. And they said, "Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name; lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth." And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them. Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." So the LORD scattered them abroad from there over the face of the whole earth; and they stopped building the city. Therefore its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of the whole earth; and from there the LORD scattered them abroad over the face of the whole earth.
NAS

Remember Dulce...remember Stacy and Mya...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you today humbled by your presence. Lord we seek your wisdom. We want to know you more. Lord forgive us when we fail. Forgive us when we look down our noses at others. Lord, help us see with eyes of compassion. Help us discern between what is necessary. Guide our mouths so we do not hurt but bless. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 8, 2011 at 7:54am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Lots of things rattling around in this old head today. As I meet different people amonst my travels I wonder how these people got to be how they are. Every type imaginable are encountered and it is fascinating to watch and listen to them. It absolutely astounds me that the principles I've learned so far from the Bible apply to every situation and type of personnality I meet. Sure they may not know it but it is evident to me what principles I've discovered in the Word would be helpful to them if they could just get ahold of them. I don't have the key, the Word does. So what to do? Live as an example for these people, be ready with the Word, love them as Jesus loves me. Let me tell you, this is not always easy. Some people I want to slap, some hug, some take under my wing but all of them I want to show them my savior and friend, Jesus. Now if I respond in kind to the negative things that come my way I defeat the purpose instilled in me by Jesus. You may think this guy writing is a little nuts but I'm telling you; what you are facing, what you are enduring and what you are feeling is not unique or new. What all those things prove is the Word and it's principles apply to you and me and it will until the end. Take this to heart; Jesus paid for all sin. You are not beyond redemption. You can have the same peace I have discovered and not a fake utopian peace where we sit around singing kumbiya but real peace that transcends everything this world throws at you. Will it be a bed of roses? Get real. Anyone who promises that is worthy of seeing our backsides as we sprint away from them.
Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."
NAS

John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
NAS

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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.
NAS

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
NAS

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
NAS

Remember the Christians throughout the world who are working FOR those in need...remember the unspoken needs...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you today with thanks and praise for your Word. We thank you that you know are needs and meet them. Lord, forgive us when we miss opportunities to share you. Lord, help us stand strong no matter what we face. Remind us of your presence when we feel isolated and lost. Thank you for saving us when we didn't deserve it. Lord we bless you and honor you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 6, 2011 at 7:21am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Just when I think I am wandering, the path home lights up. Just when I'm not sure of what I am to do, it stops right in front of me. We all seek wisdom and a path that is righteous and of value. We all wonder what all this is for and why bother... then God steps out, puts out his hand and says,"over here". I suppose you all walk the path and start seeing the same things over and over and wonder if you got turned around but God will reveal himself in ways that can't be denied when we look. The Word isn't just a bunch of cute sayings or "feel good" stuff for when we want placation but it is wisdom to our bones. Just reading the Word isn't enough. We must believe, trust it is infallible and true. Only then can we even begin to live that truth.

Luke 11:27-28

And it came about while He said these things, one of the women in the crowd raised her voice, and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts at which You nursed." But He said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it."
NAS

John 14:23-24
Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our abode with him. "He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father's who sent Me.
NAS

Remember Shirley Royer...remember Richard Peddicord...remember Jordan Lewis...remember Larry Denny

Heavenly Father,
Help us see your truth and apply it to our lives. Lord we desire to live upright but we seem to stumble...alot...forgive us and help us maintain focus on the things you would have us do. Teach us your principles and the courage to follow your precepts. Lord we lift those mentioned in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:18 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 3, 2011 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Lets talk. I pray you have read or go back and read the last post because that brings up some questions and these verses answer them. You and me. We individually with help from others work to live according to scripture not to earn favor or to earn passage to eternal glory but because it is righteous and sound living. The passage ticket has already been given with acceptance of Jesus of Nazareth's sacrifice for you and me. That cannot be snatched away as the Word says. With that assurance we move forward with our eyes on him working out our salvation because before salvation we were working out our own selfishness. We move forward not earning God's favor but striving to live as originally designed and that is sinless and in the presence of God. Of course being humans we cannot achieve sinlessness but we don't really want to sin against God so we try not to. If and when we do, as soon as we recognise it, we ought to repent and try not to do it again. What we ought to do according to scripture is how we work out our salvation. There are lots of principles in the Word so you and I reading it is the way we learn how God is and how we should behave. Like we've learned, hate the sin and not the sinner is the way we learn to love as God did. I will not point fingers at someone for his or her faults but I sure will tell them what the Word says if they ask. Sure, I see someone in the midst of a sin I will speak but it is not my place to judge but to show Jesus and he will convict that person of that sin. There are many sins acceptable in culture today that fly in the face of scripture. Lies called diplomacy, taking a pen isn't stealing, cheating ones wife or husband is expected, anything that is accepted because "everyone else is doing it". Just think today before you act and reflect after you do. Make adjustments accordingly.



2 Peter 3:14-18
Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
NAS

Remember Haley Tracey...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we apologise for doing cultural things when we know or find out they are contrary to scripture. Help us see the folly of selfishness. Lord grant us understanding of your Word and a desire to dive into it daily! In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:08 AM

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