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Comment by russ allen on April 5, 2010 at 7:51am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Organized religion ticks me off. Organized religion makes me shake my head. Organized religion has killed many and subdued many. Organized religion is also a source for spreading the Gospel, helping the poor, providing a family outside of blood and making a place for us to gather to worship our Lord. There are many more benefits to church such as, like minds exchanging thoughts, encouragement, help physically and mentally to name a few. The Word encourages us to meet regularly because we are prone to drifting without that encouragement. Anything we do or are involved in can eventually take over our thoughts and our life so be wise in what you pick. Nor forsaking the gathering together keeps us grounded. Of course we must hold what that particular church we go to teaches up to the Word, for the enemy is sly and a deceiver. We must hold onto the truth that Jesus is the only way to heaven, any other path to God is contrary to the Word. The point to this is you will be ticked off sometimes at church. You will sometimes feel like "what's the point". You will have times of wondering what it's all for but be confident that these feelings are normal human feelings and just because you feel them doesn't necessarily mean all is bunk. It could be a vitamin deficiency or it could be you got your feelings stepped on. It could be you have taken something in a way that was not meant. I've heard things and I'm sure you have, that were not even heard in context. So what to do? Pray, confront with love, ask questions and if that other person is being a butt head, what's that got to do with YOU going to church? Your walk and your relationship is your concern, not mine. Them having a struggle doesn't mean we do, it means it's time for us to reach out, we expect it when we are in that place don't we?

Prov 18:2
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.
NIV


Prov 18:17
The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.
NIV


Prov 18:19
An offended brother is more unyielding than a fortified city, and disputes are like the barred gates of a citadel.
NIV


Prov 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
NIV

1 Cor 15:58
Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
NIV

Remember Draven Beasley...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your sacrifice for us. Thank you for the grace that saves even someone so unworthy as me. Forgive us when we fail for we do desire your way and your presence but we just keep stumbling. Lord, bless those who need you and your love today. Comfort the injured whether it's physical or spiritual. Heal are wounds so we can forgive and serve others so you are glorified. Lead our paths, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:05 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 2, 2010 at 7:07am

Great morning! How are we faithing? A comment and thought process I have heard makes no sense. These things contradict and cannot be but people are saying them. "I will think about salvation and Jesus when I get older,(or do this or that)." These same people also say they "want to die in their sleep or go quickly". Think about that. You want to do what you want to do so facing the salvation issue can wait but yet you may meet with an unfortunate accident and find yourself immediately on the other side of this life. Does this line of thinking make sense? Do you see the folly of this selfishness? Do you see the danger? All I pray you do is think about this and ask yourself if you dare risk forever. Maybe it's time you stop worrying about how you need to "change" and what you'll give up here and think about how "here" weighs against forever.

John 3:16-21
"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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
NIV

Luke 24:1-8
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: "The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" Then they remembered his words.
NIV

Remember Tony Beers and family...remember our leaders and troops...remember the lost

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for salvation and the gift thereof. Lord we ask for wisdom and enlightenment so we realize you do indeed care and love us personally. We pray for the lost and ask the scales be removed so they see truth. Lord don't let us be deceived by the enemy. Lord we lift our leaders in every role that they seek your wisdom and not their own. We lift those in pain to you, comfort and heal them. We ask you reassure those serving away from loved ones. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:37 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 31, 2010 at 7:33am

Good morning! How are we faithing this beautiful spring day? Life is funny. Life is interesting. Life is hard. Life is joyous. Life is sad. Life is a trip that has all those things present along the way. I hear people whine and complain over trivial things. I also hear people say they are great but are being ate away inside. What is this discontent? Why do we brood over trivial things? Why do we not see beyond the circumstances before us? Selfishness. "Woe is me". "Why me?" "Boo hoo, it always happens to me". Inside is where the truth is and our actions and reactions show our true hearts. Think about this very simple thing today and ask yourself some questions. Am I selfish? Do I pity myself over everything? Do I always complain and wonder why these things are happening to me? Do I or have I planted a seed way back and now I'm reaping what was sown?

Gal 6:7-10
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
NAS

2 Cor 9:6
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.
NAS

Hos 10:12
Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORDUntil He comes to rain righteousness on you.
NAS

Remember Brian Riddle...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we praise your holy name and ask for the wisdom to see truth in all our paths. Lord, help us to rise above this world and not be influenced and brought down to its standards but help us see you in all the things we say and do. Lord, be with those healing today physically and spiritually. Forgive us when we fail, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:02 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 30, 2010 at 7:19am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine Tuesday? We get wrapped up in things that take our focus away from the things we need to be focusing on. Our job, our kids, our hobbies etc. Those things in and of themselves are great but don't let them become God. We can do our jobs well and still worship God. We can have hobbies and pray while doing them. We can enjoy our kids and thank God for them. We can be aware of all that is around us, even the bad stuff and still be children of God who shine for our savior. This ol world gets tough and people put things that are burdensome on us and sometimes our sunshine dims. When that starts to happen, praise God and thank him that you are able to do, to have, to be in a place where you can experience these things. Know that God loves you and this isn't the first or last time these things will happen. I talk to lots of people in my job and none of us are exempt from life's woes and pleasures. Jesus went through them too and was killed for being sinless while he lived. He is the only perfect man that ever lived, died and rose again therefore we have a God that sympathises with us and makes it possible for us to live. Gee whiz, it just doesn't get any better than that...

1 Peter 3:13-22
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand-with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being for us and ever present so we can lean on you. Forgive us where we drop the bucket we carry and help us keep that bucket full so we can share you with others. Lord, help us keep focus on you in everything we do, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:06 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 29, 2010 at 7:19am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Getting knocked down and knocking someone down who knocked you first are both terrible things when they happen. I get smacked on and it sucks but retaliation serves no one and only perpetuates things. We are not to become whipping posts but tit for tat isn't wise either. Jesus spoke of turning the other cheek and though literally that can seem quite non palatable, the principle of it is sound. Who benefits in a shouting match? Who benefits from a mutual smack down? Who benefits from a held grudge? This below expounds on how our behavior should be. Read and think on these things and the next time forces come against you, think and above all...pray quick!

1 Thess 5:4-11
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
NIV

remember the Edith Mitchel family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word and the strength contained. Help us be ever mindful of who we are and who we serve. Grant the wisdom to learn and to walk in your light. Lord we ask for forgiveness when we fail. Thank you for your sacrifice for the likes of us, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:59 AM
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Comment by russ allen on March 25, 2010 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We tend to worry about speaking of our faith in certain circles. Granted if you are at the drag strip on the starting line, opening a conversation about Jesus is probably not prudent. Nobody would hear you anyways but how you carry yourself throughout the day, the conversations you participate in do matter and do convey that spirit of Jesus. The urgency of sharing Christ is so important that when the Word says to be ready to share this gift it is not just a flip notion. We put it off for various reasons but what if you guys get in a wreck leaving the strip and your friend is gone? What if...We need to really be ready and to make a point to tell our family and friends about this gift of salvation. I don't want them to miss out on the coolest gift we could ever have and I'll bet you don't either. Put the magazine down and read the Word more. Flip the radio to a Christian station and learn or at least spark that interest to search for yourself by listening. We don't have to all be pulpit standing preachers but our lives and our love and our witness will do the same as any sermon. Think about that...

John 3:1-21
Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Him by night, and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?" Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not understand these things? "Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak that which we know, and bear witness of that which we have seen; and you do not receive our witness. "If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you heavenly things? "And no one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven, even the Son of Man. "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; that whoever believes may in Him have eternal life.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. "And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. "For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. "But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." NAS

remember our leaders whether you agree with them or not...remember our children...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wonderful council in your Word. Help us reflect your love and light and grant us wisdom from your Word so we can share. Lord, we are not worthy or feel capable sometimes to be your ambassador. Please reassure us, open and or close our mouths at the appropriate times and help us be mindful that you are the goal and no self serving actions or words preclude our witness. Thank you for all your blessings and surround your people with Divine protection from the enemy, In Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:47 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 24, 2010 at 7:17am

Good morning! How are we faithing? My mind is racing and lots of stuff happening this week. From world affairs to our country to personal stuff. Ever feel like you just want to go sit in the quiet, warm sun on your back, a pole and some worms or maybe soft music and a hammock? Gee whiz man, I need a break...We are not suppose to worry about the day and yet I worry about my bride, my kids, the lost, on and on. We are suppose to forgive and yet I get angry, control the urge to slap and battle not to be judgemental. So many times I fall down in my walk on this ol orb but thank the Lord he has promised rest and a peace that passes all understanding. I have to admit that in the midst of all this I am truly joyous inside. Where does that come from? Like the thankfulness statement, Jesus. Jesus has provided joy even when thinks are hard. He has settled a peace over my heart even when physical things confront me. I may not like these events or even handle them right but I rest knowing my God loves and has provided sanctuary and eternity with him. How about you?

Rom 5:1-5
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
NAS

Eph 4:29-32
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

Ezek 36:25-29
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
NIV

Remember Megan McGrath...remember Irene Sharpe...remember Cory Brazier...rememeber Moms Millsap today...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the joy you have given me. Thank you for the wisdom and enlightenment you impart. We ask for healing for those mentioned and for those not. Help them know you. Help us be joyous inside even when the outside is facing turmoil. Lord we love and honor your greatness , in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:48 AM

Comment by Lloyd Losinger on March 23, 2010 at 10:33am

Well put. I guess I need to step back and revisit this whole issue. Thanks

Comment by russ allen on March 23, 2010 at 7:15am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's really hard to forgive someone who dumps junk all over you. It's difficult to deal with perceived jerks who hurt us with words and deeds. The Word tells us we are to forgive and dog gone it, sometimes I don't want to forgive! I want to wallow in my anger and hurt. Sound ridiculous? Of course it does because it is. Why would we want to remain angry and plot revenge? Dumb but we all do it because we are sinful creatures and that thought process provides temporary retribution for hurt. Here's the rob, it doesn't last, it doesn't help and it perpetuates the whole mess. Be honest with yourself on this and you will see the folly of retribution. Are there things that require justice? Well of course and that is what courts are for so we can live safely in a society but that is not what we are talking about. Peter asked Jesus how many times to forgive and Jesus replied,"seventy times seven" Think about that, the same sin forgiven over and over. That's the point of it. It's hard sometimes because some people just deserve a slap but alas, who does that benefit? Of course self defense to violence requires actions but if you think about that, retribution isn't what that is. Look at these and just think about revenge and forgiveness. Also remember our own mistakes and what we deserve, rather humbling...

Matt 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
NKJV

Luke 17:3-4
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
NKJV


2 Cor 2:10-11
Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
NKJV

Col 3:12-14
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
NKJV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for your grace that saves us. Lord, our sins are many and we make the effort not to sin but we do anyways. Forgive us and help us recognise the sin before we commit it. Lord change our hearts to a just forgiving one. Grant us wisdom and bring to remembrance your Word. Lord we lift our leaders up to you. Bless our endeavors, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 22, 2010 at 7:55am

amen Anita!

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