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Comment by russ allen on July 7, 2010 at 7:22am

Good hot hot hot morning! How are we faithing? There are some things that God abhors. Some things we do that most times we don't even realize we do or have done. These things do not condemn us to hell if we are in Christ but nether the less they are commands we ought to follow. We have grace and sanctification when we accept Jesus and our sins never ever remove that salvation but we still should, out of love for Jesus and out of plain desire to do good, obey his commandments. Our tongues and our attitudes will work on us how we work them. If you are judgemental, it'll come back. If you talk smack on people you kill your witness and if your witness is dead you won't be leading the lost to Jesus and I don't know about you but I don't want that on my head. So we witness out of fear? No, we witness out of love but realizing the reality of no witness sure is a motivator. Look at these;

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
Haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.
NAS

Romans 2:1-16
Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. And do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment upon those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law; and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Teach us to pray. Teach us to seek wisdom. Lord help us not seek our own glory but yours. We ask for wisdom and consciousness of our tongue before it flaps. Lord we ask that our senses of your will and presence be ever visible to us. We lift this country and it's leaders to you. We do ask for wisdom and courage in the gulf.We ask these things in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:00 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 6, 2010 at 7:00am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have a dilemma as of late. What to do about an infuriating person and how to handle without judging. We are not to judge people but lead them to Jesus and let him straighten out the problems in those lives. If someone asks me, "what does the Bible say about this or that", I'll tell them but it is not mine or yours to judge them for an infraction. It is very clear that some sins will be dealt with in certain ways but it is God that deals with them, not us. It doesn't matter what we think but only what God's way does. I get sick of the pointing fingers around especially when it is fellow Christians doing it. Our perceived righteousness does so much harm for our faith and causes so many people to be repelled from Jesus. We need to be careful what and how we chastise, if at all. If we are coming off as judging and sentencing someone we are not doing what the Word tells us to do. Speaking truth with love is a whole lot different than speaking truth and not caring if we step all over someone. I don't want to diminish the importance of righteous behavior but no one does it right all the time. No one is to the point where they have it all figured out. We learn and grow until death on this planet. Look at this and just think about the mind of Jesus.

John 8:1-11
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. And the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And when they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. And straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" And she said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more."]
NAS

Remember Linda Hanzel...remember the Donna Roberts family...remember Virginia Binger...remember Racheal Doughty...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word. Open it up so we see truth and love. Lord, bless those mentioned today. Heal broken hearts and minds. Lord I ask for wisdom for everything we all are facing. Grant us the courage to act according to your will. Teach us to act justly with compassion and love. Help us see truth. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 A

Comment by russ allen on July 2, 2010 at 7:28am

thoughts for this weekend
Good morning! How are we faithing? It's an odd thing to watch the political landscape these days. I don't remember ever seeing such extremes in this nation. This nation was founded on Christian principles and as such, is a Christian nation. Those Christian principles are plastered all over buildings and writings of our forefathers. Interesting that some want to deny those principles. We saw it show up in my generation with the court cases that started in 1947. Those cases and the outcome of them have grabbed the phrase "separation of church and state" and run with it ever since. Our constitution says that the government will not recognise or make any certain religion or denomination the defacto religion of the state. We fled that kind of oppression. The constitution does not say a menorah or a cross can't be displayed out front of a state subsidized organization. The point is to not discriminate on this basis. Whatever your political views it is important for you to be true to God and not to an ideolog dogmatic feel good sentiment. The 4th of July is important to remember because of the Independence we found here. Yes our ancestors made mistakes and we are still making them, ignoring the past is a perilous thing to do. Whatever denomination or religion you choose remember that this country was founded and designed so you could do that.

Colossians 2:6-7
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
NAS

1 Corinthians 15:58
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 Pastor Ken Collins...remember Debbie Reynolds...remember Katie Shannon...remember JR Reynolds

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for this country. Thank you for blessing us . Lord we lift up all our leaders and ask you show your truth and grace to them. Grant them courage to stand for that truth. Lord we lift up those mentioned and ask for healing. Lord we know you have complete control so when we don't get why things are, lay that peace that passes all understanding on us. Lord, thank you for these things and be with the kids, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 1, 2010 at 6:49am

Great morning! How are we faithing? With everything we have talked about the last few days, here is some scripture to tie it all together;

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

Hmmm, pretty much sums up our attitude and the thinking mode that we should focus on. If God sees our heart and forgives our deeds, why or what would ever make us think we can't or shouldn't do the same? We all know where and how we have failed therefore what we see in others isn't any different. Lets try to see the heart of others and adjust our mindset when correction is needed. If you are one of those who needs to belittle others or must have others approval, it's time to get to the root of that attitude and ask the Lord to create a clean new heart in you. He accepts you as you are so why don't you? Think about that...

Remember our troops...remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
We ask for healing in our hearts from wrongs done to us. We pray you bestow the grace and courage to forgive and to see truth even when our feelings are hurt. Help us not lash out and point fingers in a perfectionist attitude. Help us curb our tongue so we can not cause pain. Lord we ask for revelation for our leaders. Help them make the choices that are your choices. Protect our military, help them show mercy, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 30, 2010 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Perfection. Perfectionists. Pain in the neck to be one. What is worse is expecting everyone else to be one. This goes along with what we have been talking about this week in so much as the tongue wreaking havoc by pointing out stuff in others. When we strive for perfection we must be careful that our focus does not move from God to self then to others. How's this you say? Perfectionists sometimes get so wrapped up in everything being correct that they start to miss focusing on God and the effect of that focus that begets perfection. Think for a second, if you get better and then start to pat yourself on the back forgetting whence you came, you then are no longer perfecting but are starting down another path...one that leads to pride and self glorification. Sure we see things take place and wonder how anyone could do those things but if we realize biblical truths about mankind you will remember that we ALL are susceptible to anything if we move our focus off God. An interesting point made in the scriptures is that the effect of keeping ones heart and soul focused on God is we do start to perfect. That is cool so don't think more of yourself because God has improved your ways, thank him that because of his grace and love you are gaining ground.

Psalms 18:30

30 As for God,
His way is blameless;
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
NAS

Psalms 19:12-14
Who can discern his errors?
Acquit me of hidden faults.
Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Thy sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
NAS

Matthew 6:1
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
NAS

James 3:7-12
For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh.
NAS

Philippians 3:12-16
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
NAS

Do you see that? Pay attention to you and your walk. Comment and lift up others and not whip em down. If they ask, speak truth from the Word and do not chastise just because you are appalled. The goal is to present Jesus and others find what we have. Let the consequences take care of themselves.

Remember the Richard Jones family, his Mom passed...remember Madline and Harold Markeys grandson...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that saves a wretch like me. Help me see you in everything and help me shine for you and not for me. Lord we lift those lost up to you and cry out for their souls. Help them see what we have found and help them understand that they can't earn the gift you give. Touch those who are grieving in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:59 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 29, 2010 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Yesterday we talked about speaking with incorrect motives and speaking hurt. Speaking when we should be shuttin up. Today lets explore why one would do such a thing. There are many reasons but lets start with one; selfishness. Being more concerned with how we feel and how we are perceived in our own minds. Being quick to point out flaws so we feel better about ourselves. This may be conscience or not. We've all met people that were "a chip off the ol block". This behavior may be instilled at a young age thus, the chip thing. Learned from parents or guardians and then perpetuated. We've also heard, " I was raised that way", well that don't make it right. Our words can become like a dagger in ones heart. Our words can help or not. Asking yourself this question,"would this help or hurt" before you open our mouth. When the Word tells us that the tongue is sharper than any two edged sword, it isn't speaking lightly. Words can burn or they can cool. Listen and watch today and you will see reactions.



Psalms 140:1-3
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men;
Preserve me from violent men,
Who devise evil things in their hearts;
They continually stir up wars.
They sharpen their tongues as a serpent;
Poison of a viper is under their lips.
NAS

Psalms 57:4
My soul is among lions;
I must lie among those who breathe forth fire,
Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.
NAS

Proverbs 25:23
The north wind brings forth rain,
And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
NAS

Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.
NAS

Psalms 39:1
I said, "I will guard my ways,
That I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle,
While the wicked are in my presence."
NAS

Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
NAS

Psalms 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
NAS

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.
NAS

Matthew 12:33-37
"Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. "The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned."
NAS

Remember Paul Griffin...remember Jessica Riddle...remember Alan Beres...remember Jonna...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for teaching us to control our tongues. Lord we ask for healings, wisdom so we do not harm with our mouths. Guide us and in all we do, help us do them honorably and justly. Let us not speak falsely or in a hurtful manner. Lord we lift those up who are sick. Heal and reveal yourself in a way they can rejoice ! Thank you in Jesus name, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 28, 2010 at 7:32am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you have a problem with negativity? Do you always see the bad in everything? Do you whine and complain about stuff and people and always have an opinion that is a fault finding opinion? Being aware of reality and not sugar coating is fine but do you really think it is important to voice every thought because you deem it as "it's the truth" ? Do you think help is provided by crabbing and complaining about something rather than plucking the good points and running with those or searching for a solution? Hey man, it is to easy to get caught up in negativity. With events in the world it's understandable but that doesn't make it prudent or even useful. My Mom used to say," if you can't say anything nice, shut up", she is blunt like that! Her point was that whining and complaining served no one nor did it help you or anybody else fix anything. Do you have an attitude of help or do you enjoy wallowing in degradation and finger pointing? Want to isolate yourself from people? Be negative. Want people to avoid you? Toss your opinion out without any regard for their feeling or situation. Here's some thoughts to chew on; I'm from the north east and alot of the things I run into down here are simply foreign to me but that does not make them necessarily right or wrong. Not knowing cultural or even agricultural things from this area doesn't make me stupid but uninformed. Why would a guy from Sacramento learn about tobacco farming? Why would a gal from Minnesota learn how to light orange grove burners in Orlando? Point is to be aware of others walks and help and not hinder with finger pointing and flip comments about mental status because that does not pave inroads for us to share the love Jesus has for ALL people. In the final analysis we are here to prop up each other and not tear down. We are not here to kill but to heal. We are ambassadors for the grace and love of Jesus the Christ and if we drive someone away from Jesus because we are negative and judgemental, we have failed our mission.

1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
NAS

Matthew 20:24-28
But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. "It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. "
NAS

2 Corinthians 5:14-19
For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
NAS


remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we beseech you for strength and presence of mind so we can hear you and see beyond the immediate circumstances in those we meet. Grant us wisdom to help where and how is necessary. Lord, control out tongues so we help and not hinder others. Thank you for your love and peace you give. Lord we lift our leaders up to you, let them see your heart and let them act without fear with honor and wisdom from you. In Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 25, 2010 at 7:26am

Great morning! How have we faithed this week? Where do you stand on issues? What is your basis for your stand? How do you arrive at your choices? Do you rely on human judgement or God's? What principles are used to determine what behavior you deem correct? I will not comment on issues based on opinion unless asked, for only the Word is absolute. The Word does address the issues we face today and when we violate the principles put forth in God's Word, the outcome is already happened. I am as guilty as anyone else of infractional behavior that leaves a mess to be cleaned up but I sure do hope I see the folly of those choices and don't repeat them. To many times I witness the same behavior over and over and wonder why they don't see the futility of the behavior. Many just keep on operating contrary to the Word only to see failure over and over again but because they desire whatever, they keep repeating and wonder why they are where they are. Maybe we should look to the source for wisdom rather than relying on carnal lusts and wants. So if you feel like you are getting dumped on over and over on the same issue, I think it wise to analyze and find out what is askew in our behavoral patterns...just some food for thought...

1 Peter 5:7-10
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
NAS

Psalms 119:160
The sum of Thy word is truth,
And every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting.
NAS

Romans 8:6-8
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
NAS

remember Barbara Fitch family...remember Ben Bowley family...remember Anna Benton and family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your righteousness and love. Teach us to have a mind on you and not ourselves. Help us temper our desires with your Word. Help us see beyond the fleshly needs. Lord you have shown things over time to us, help us be patient and wise in whatever the future is for us. Help us be confident and sure of our salvation and your love for us. Lord we ask for healing and a touch from you on the people hurting today. Thank you for all you give, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 24, 2010 at 7:22am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Life tosses us things that can bring on so many different emotions and thoughts that we can get wrapped up in a mindset that destroys our joy. Getting used, stepped on, lied to and like things can really ruin a disposition or make a day suck. Does it have to? Can we control those emotions? After the initial shock or flare from our emotions we need to grab hold of those thoughts that manifest into attitudes and demeanor that are detrimental to us inside. We have not endured anything different from anyone else in this life but how we deal is different. We are believers in Messiah Jesus. He promises peace inside and by us taking that path that raw emotions present we no longer follow Jesus. Those emotions are real and in of themselves they are normal but chewing on them and letting them lead instead of letting Jesus' teaching command we can fall into despair. Where's the peace in that? Can we control others actions? Nope, so why allow their actions make us act or feel adversely? Something to chew on today when someone steps on you...

Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
KJV

Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
NAS

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
NAS

Proverbs 16:1-3
The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
But the LORD weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the LORD,
And your plans will be established.
NAS

Remember Carl Moore...remember Ryan Shouse's grandma...

Heavenly Father,
We ask for wisdom and understanding of your Word. We ask for a sharp mind that recognises reproof and folly. Let us be lights of yours even in adverse situations. We ask for healing and comfort for our loved ones today and your will be done. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:51

Comment by russ allen on June 22, 2010 at 6:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's too easy to compare ourselves to others and to define our goodness from others lack. That is a very dangerous and unwise thing to do. We all have at one time or another rationalized things because "so and so does it and they are good people". Here's the thing; we do not or should not set our standard on someone elses walk. We ain't them and we have not walked any distance in their shoes and they have not in ours. With that being said, how could we hold anything up to those standards? We can't so what standard do we try to emulate? Jesus' is the only one. Sure we cannot even begin to be as good or do everything exactly as he did or does because we are not him but the example and the wisdom of his life sure is a better example to follow than a sports star or a Pastor or even our parents. You know the things you lack and where you fall down. The only way we are going to improve is by following Jesus. Look around. Look at the news and we see failure all around us. Why is that? Because we are incapable of living righteously on our own. Our own flesh is our enemy and we cannot escape that. So we read the Word, learn from mistakes and press on without self condemnation. You ain't the first or the last to fail or succeed therefore be quick to admit your ball dropping and learn from it.

Luke 6:40-42
"A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. "And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
NAS

Proverbs 18:17
The first to plead his case seems just,
Until another comes and examines him.
NAS

Romans 2:1
Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Help us to not get wrapped up in what others do but help us concentrate on you will for us individually. Lord, forgive us for the things we fail on and open our eyes to that failure so we learn and do not repeat. Thank you Lord for all your blessings and grant us the peace to totally trust you even when we can't let go. Bless our troops, help them show mercy when ever possible, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:11 AM

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