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Comment by russ allen on April 16, 2010 at 7:43am

Good morning! How are we faithing? What were you taught when you came to Jesus? Were you taught to just be good, don't steal, lie, cheat, murder and stuff like that? Were you told how or methods of being a Christian? Were you pretty much told,"You're a Christian now so shape up"? It's a wonder most of us even continued in this faith and the sad thing is, many didn't. Our salvation, keeping with the subject this week, isn't performance based but our performance improves as a result of salvation and learning Gods principles. The only way we are to find truth is by the Word and applying it to our lives. We learn just like we did as kids, from our parents actions much more than their words and we do the same at church. We see people act holy on Sundays and like the world the rest of the week. We temper our behavior by what others do. Well how many of you have discovered things our folks did that were wrong? How many times have we seen talk but no walk? You must recognise truth and the only way you can is to compare it to the Word and not with "it feels right". Ask the pertinent questions by a concordance, a commentary, a reference book, anything that leads you to scripture. Opinions are useful for research and you may find many correct but you may also find many that are not. Everyone you meet is just as fallible as you. Everyone else has had the same learning curve you have. Granted some seem to get it quicker but that's just how it is. You say you are not interested in furthering your knowledge of God? Why? Is it because you want to continue doing what ever you want and now you have a safety net? Come on guys, we need to learn and be solid in our belief cores or we are susceptible to worldly concepts that can cheat us of life. An interest in growing in the Lord must be cultivated and we have so many outlets in this country. Radio, TV, books, magazines etc. so ask the hard questions, seek answers and explore this salvation that has been granted. Look at this chapter and think and pray;

Eph 44:1-32
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
NIV

remember those in need, what ever the need...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches us how to live. Lord we ask for truth be revealed in every aspect of our lives. We want to be your children who live honorably and upright in your sight. Help us recognise areas of improvement. Lord we lift our leaders to you that they make right choices and base their choices on truth and wisdom and not their own gain. Teach us to be holy as you are holy, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:10 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 16, 2010 at 7:43am

Good morning! How are we faithing? What were you taught when you came to Jesus? Were you taught to just be good, don't steal, lie, cheat, murder and stuff like that? Were you told how or methods of being a Christian? Were you pretty much told,"You're a Christian now so shape up"? It's a wonder most of us even continued in this faith and the sad thing is, many didn't. Our salvation, keeping with the subject this week, isn't performance based but our performance improves as a result of salvation and learning Gods principles. The only way we are to find truth is by the Word and applying it to our lives. We learn just like we did as kids, from our parents actions much more than their words and we do the same at church. We see people act holy on Sundays and like the world the rest of the week. We temper our behavior by what others do. Well how many of you have discovered things our folks did that were wrong? How many times have we seen talk but no walk? You must recognise truth and the only way you can is to compare it to the Word and not with "it feels right". Ask the pertinent questions by a concordance, a commentary, a reference book, anything that leads you to scripture. Opinions are useful for research and you may find many correct but you may also find many that are not. Everyone you meet is just as fallible as you. Everyone else has had the same learning curve you have. Granted some seem to get it quicker but that's just how it is. You say you are not interested in furthering your knowledge of God? Why? Is it because you want to continue doing what ever you want and now you have a safety net? Come on guys, we need to learn and be solid in our belief cores or we are susceptible to worldly concepts that can cheat us of life. An interest in growing in the Lord must be cultivated and we have so many outlets in this country. Radio, TV, books, magazines etc. so ask the hard questions, seek answers and explore this salvation that has been granted. Look at this chapter and think and pray;

Eph 44:1-32
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men."
(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more. You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
NIV

remember those in need, what ever the need...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches us how to live. Lord we ask for truth be revealed in every aspect of our lives. We want to be your children who live honorably and upright in your sight. Help us recognise areas of improvement. Lord we lift our leaders to you that they make right choices and base their choices on truth and wisdom and not their own gain. Teach us to be holy as you are holy, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:10 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 15, 2010 at 7:48am

Good morning! How are we faithing? This faith in Christ has freed us from sin. We still sin because we are here but when God looks at us he sees Jesus when we accept Jesus as messiah. If we do not accept Jesus as messiah our sins are visible and we will be judged by them. I don't know about y'all but I don't want to be judged by my works. I don't want to hope the good offsets the bad. What assurance is there in that? Are you keeping count? How do you know it will lean to your favor? Praying every day? Giving to the poor? Helping little old ladies across the street? Will those things offset lusting after that girl you saw or cussing out someone or any number of things we do in passing? That is performance based salvation we talked about yesterday. That will be a miserable failure because, well, we can't keep track let alone expect to. When you take in the Word and the whole council of God you will find that we cannot earn it, that is why we have messiah.

Gal 3:23-25
Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
NIV

Now remember that the law is a good thing, we just are not judged by it if we accept Jesus.

Rom 6:14
For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
NIV


Gal 4:3-7
So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world. But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
NIV

Think about those.

Remember Jose Perez...remember Lil Robbie Frechette...remember Cristian Cossey's little sister...remember Sheppy Cler

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace for us. Lord we lift these people mentioned and those not to you. Heal wounds and let them know you are present and aware of the suffering they are enduring. Lord we ask for wisdom and peace that we hear you and see your marvelous work in our lives. Teach us to be kind and loving. Sow us your love and peace so we may show it to the lost. Thank you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:15 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 14, 2010 at 7:21am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Performance based salvation, what is this about? How can a faith based on grace and freedom command deeds to enter heaven? It can't. If salvation were earned, the old covenant would have been sufficient and we would have followed all the rules without fail and thus earned our way to God but that wasn't the case. If earned salvation was possible, the sacrifice Jesus made would have been unnecessary. If you read the ten commandments, all the rules handed down in the wilderness, traditional ways of doing things, yet we did not do all those things, we all would be lost. Paul went to the gentiles, who be us, and preached the gospel of salvation as a free gift. We tend to have trouble thinking anything is totally free thus we try to achieve so we can deserve the free gift. Well if we deserve the gift, it isn't free but earned. This is not always easy to accept but that is what humbling one's self before God with blessings and thanksgiving is because this is the only totally free thing we'll ever get. The behavior and the desire to do good works is an effect of that gift of God. Read this and see what Paul is telling the Galatians who got wrapped up in doing things, mainly circumcision,think about just how great a gift we are offered and have accepted;

Gal 5:1-26
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be. Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished. As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves! You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
NIV

Do you see that? Jesus laid everything on the cross, whooped it, defeated death thus our sins are already paid for so why would we ever have to pay again? I don't know about you but when I buy a pop, I don't keep paying for it again and again...

Remember Jennae...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the free gift of salvation. Thank you for releasing me from a performance base path to you because I can't ever do it. We thank you for your love that covers all our sins through your son, Help use live in a manner befitting that grace. We rebuke the dark forces who try to burden us with lies and deception about this truth. Lord we lift those who struggle with this entire idea of freedom in your grace and ask they see that you loved us all so much that we can be at your throne clean. Lord, thank you for your splendor and awesomeness that holds our lives in your hands. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:40 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 13, 2010 at 7:41am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We have a tough time accepting criticism especially when that criticism strikes an area we are not real confident in. I have a friend who's feelings were hurt by someone who's opinion didn't even matter let alone have any bearing on her life. That area is an area that her confidence is not the greatest therefore the comment went right to the heart. Where is our confidence? Where do we rest our weakness and strength? That is a question YOU must ask yourself...no fair being dishonest either. Think about the things that you struggle with and seek God in that thing. A flip comment is just that...flip...not a comment that deserves any consideration and here's why. Do they understand your situation? Do they know of your struggles? Do they have constructive motives by those comments? These are things to assure yourself of before those comments come. How you ask? Pray for wisdom. Pray for clarity of mind. Pray for discernment. Read the Word somehow every day so you have true wisdom stored within the confines of that mind. Consider the source and the motive of the comment bearer. I've had things thrown at me that were out of context of what was happening and it was obvious they were thrown like a hail Mary football toss, just hoping it would land and take the heat off their end. We also must remember that God prunes us. If it is harmful, off it comes and our resistance to that pruning creates deeper scars. No one likes to be shown their error but the wise person learns from it rather than resist and retaliate therefore we must be concerned with our deal and not theirs. God is dealing with them too.

John 15:1-4
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
NIV

2 Cor 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
NIV

Phil 1:9-11
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ-to the glory and praise of God. NIV

Remember Ray and Joanne Millsap...remember Hallie Tracey...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wise words that sustain us. Thank you for your spirit that holds us and thank you for your son that saves us. Lord we ask for wisdom and discernment to weed out the thorns that wound us. Heal our hearts and minds so we can be a loving child of yours. Heal those who are hurting today, keep our leaders aware of your sovereignty, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:13 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 12, 2010 at 7:33am

Great Monday morning! How are we faithing after the weekend? I have gotten alot of prayer requests this weekend. We need to remember to lift up those we hear about as soon as we hear because guess what, we forget. It's not that we don't care or are unwilling to remember we just get going with life and well, forget. The love and concern is still there but because things happen constantly it is easy to forget. I have to make notes or ask people to E-mail me so I can be reminded. I do remember at weird times. In the middle of a fire investigation I remember my daughters knees hurt or while mowing the yard I remember so and so's grandma has to have a stint put in Tuesday. Do you do that? This relationship with the savior goes both ways. We need to bring our concerns to the feet of Jesus and we need to listen also. Reading the Word every day is important just like praying is. So the next time you tell someone you will pray for them, do it right then if possible. Write a note so before you set the sun on another day you speak with the Lord.

Col 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
NIV

Col 4:2-6
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
NIV

Eph 3:16-19
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
NIV

Remember Mr and Mrs. Millsap...remember Alicia Caple...remember the Smethhurst Ministries...remember Ty Bates

Heavenly Father,
We thank you for all your love and grace for us. We ask forgiveness for our shortcoming's and ask we recognise them without berating our selves. Help us fix what we can and to seek your wisdom constantly . Lord we lift those up that ask for prayer and those we meet that need it. Help us remember when we need to pray . Lord, thank you for the blessings you give, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:05 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 9, 2010 at 8:03am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I want to encourage you this day and assure you that even when you goof up, even when you stumble, even when you outright fail, Jesus still loves you, still imparts grace and still hears your pleas. Don't beat yourself up. Go to him with confidence and trust that he will stand by his Word of love and forgiveness. You who are feeling low and like you are nothing need to remember you are indeed loved by the creator. It just don't get any better than that.

John 3:34-36
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
NIV

2 Thess 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
NIV

Just like we spoke of yesterday, do not let negative speech emit from your mouth. Stop, pray and speak truth and not anguish into being. Look here;

Eph 4:29
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
NIV

You be confident in the grace of God. You are loved and you are forgiven so walk humbly but confidently. Enjoy Gods creations!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the grace and love you have for us that sustains and nourishes us daily. Lord, we ask for wisdom and peace that only you can provide. Teach us to not spout in angst. Keep us mindful of the power in words and let us only speak truth with compassion. Thank you for all your blessings and help us recognise long term blessings and not just the immediate, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:35 A

Comment by russ allen on April 8, 2010 at 7:34am

Good rainy morning here in central Kentucky! How is it in your neck of the woods? I heard a statement that was a huge revelation recently. "Take thoughts captive with words, not other thoughts." It occurred to me that we have thoughts come and go. Some are innocent and some are not. Entertaining or not entertaining those thoughts is a chore sometimes. Errant thoughts that are contrary to Biblical wisdom should be rebuked with a verbal prayer or quoting of scripture. A whisper is fine. The Word is more powerful than any two edged sword. Ever heard that? How did the world began? The Word. How did Jesus heal? He spoke in into being. How are we hurt, propped up, made to laugh? The spoken word. There is a theme here and when we have those rogue thoughts we need to take them captive and not entertain them. We've all had them. Thoughts about smacking the crap out of someone, lust, day dreams about improper things, you catch my drift here. When we entertain thoughts of a nature that is not conducive to our Godly well being we open the door to actions we may not even want or even considered before. This is a huge study but I want you all to be thinking about this and to be aware when those uninvited thoughts enter. Be ready to at least recognise them and speak them away. Look at these, search the scriptures deeper, it'll only help you cope with day to day events.

2 Cor 10:5-7
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
NAS


John 1:1-2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
NIV

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
NIV

Ps 33:6
By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,their starry host by the breath of his mouth.
NIV


Heb 4:12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
NKJV

Interesting that we treat thoughts with other thoughts and give no thought to the thoughts remaining in our head.

Remember Marsha Duvall family...remember Marvin McKinney...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that strengthens us. Help us be mindful of errant thoughts that can harm us. Help us take captive those thoughts and pass them to you to remove from out hearts. Lord we want to live upright and we want to live according to your Word but it is hard sometimes. Forgive us when we drop the ball and help us pick it back up and continue on. Lord we ask for wisdom every day and your Spirit to reveal folly and harmful ways. We lift those who are scared about their life. Assure them you are in control, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:44 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 7, 2010 at 7:20am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Let me pose a question; "What is a heart for the lost?" This is something that is weighing on myself alot lately. A heart for the lost is not a heart that wants membership in the church to raise, even though that is good. A heart for the lost doesn't concern itself with stature or status. A heart for the lost sees the person and remembers they too were once in that same place. A heart for the lost doesn't condemn but wants to help others find Jesus. A heart for the lost wants to help not hinder others paths. A heart for the lost is not self serving. A heart for the lost hurts and shares pain. A heart for the lost does not want ill to befall someone, even when they have been really stepped on. A heart for the lost sees the other side of the sin and even if they can't stand that person, still prays they come to know the savior. A heart for the lost is unselfish, kind, real, honest and steadfast. People do amazingly stupid and mean things but a heart for the lost still prays they come home. We all have people we just simply don't like. We are the object of that same feeling by someone else therefore, pray for the lost. Be an example for the lost. Help physical needs whenever you can. Honestly desire Jesus for them because you know what he has done for you. When we develop that heart for the lost we start to see past sin to the sinner. When we apply the Word and the love we enjoy from God, a heart for the lost grows. God even said he did not want any to perish but by golly he made us with free will and one choice is yes or no to the gift of salvation. If God doesn't want any to perish it stands to reason we have no right to wish that on anyone or deny giving knowledge of that choice. A heart for the lost, enormous thing to have and also a loving thing to have. Look at these and ask; "Are there any exceptions? Is anybody exempt or not offered this gift of salvation?"

Rom 5:8-11
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
NIV

1 John 4:10-12
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
NIV

Here's a classic one;

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
NIV

Whoever....that's everyone we meet, everyone we know, everyone we don't like and everyone else for that matter. Do you have a heart for the lost?

Remember Hallie Tracey.....

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving me and for saving anyone who seeks you out. Lord we want a heart for the lost. We want to see what you see in others. We want to be wise examples of your love. Lord create in us clean hearts so we can live accordingly and our lives speak for you so others come to you. Lord, we lift your daughter Hallie up to you. Comfort all her family and show your mercy. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:40 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 6, 2010 at 7:13am

Great morning! How are we faithing this fine day? So many things crop up day to day and sometimes they are obvious as to our role and sometimes we ponder and wonder "what the?" It seems we try to fight the good fight only to be beat down or for things to simply blow up in our faces. Trying to hold onto our faith with unwavering courage does not always seem possible. Questions arise that make us pause and view things from a different perspective even when we thought we already had that issue settled. The Word is the only thing that can keep us on the narrow path otherwise we would be pulled off in many directions. I have Christian friends that view things and see things from the worldly point of view only because they are bombarded through media and hype. They are not even aware they are being influenced but those things. Things that have been accepted for a hand full of decades are considered righteous. Man, as Christians we need to test and question everything from media to the pulpit. Error can be intentional and or unintentional. Our job for our faith is to search out these premises on our own as well as by listening to wise people of faith. Checking scripture when we hear is to solidify truth and to refute lies. Where are you on issues and why? How do you test and verify concepts? What gauge do you use?

1 Cor 16:13-14
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
NIV


Matt 26:41
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
NIV


Luke 12:35-37
"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.
NIV


Luke 21:35-36
Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man." NIV

Eph 6:17-18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
NIV

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
NIV

Remember Tony Beers....

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that guides all we do. Lord, keep us fully aware of the pitfalls we face. Help us recognise deceit and dismiss folly that leads us away from truth. Lord we lift those who need your touch today. Heal and comfort those in need, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:31 AM

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