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Comment by russ allen on December 2, 2009 at 7:22am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The media in the last 40 or so years has had such a huge impact on us and our way of life in this country. Stars are revered, if it's on TV it is accepted, behavior that half a century ago would have not been tolerated is acceptable now. Is this good or evil? Yes is the answer. Think about that. Illicit affairs are portrayed as normal and ok but think of the fallout from that momentary pleasure, they don't show that. That's but one example of behavior that is watched week after week. We really need to wake up and be very careful how we are trained and if you think those shows are not training you, well take a look at society as a whole lately. This is not meant as a downer but as a wake up call for what we accept as good behavior. Our momentary pleasure is driving advertising. Our momentary pleasure causes us to act on things that are deemed acceptable. We need to step back from that smooth good looking face on TV and think about what is said. Good delivery can make crap seem palatable. What is your gauge for ideas and behavior patterns? "If it feels good, do it" was an old catch phrase way back when. It was innocent and said in fun but think about how much trouble that would cause if it were adhered to. Our gauge has to be a stable, trustworthy one or we will fall for anything that strikes our fancy which could lead down a road not intended but the "cause and effect" from those choices can be life lasting. This being said, our best guide to compare ideas to is the Bible. Read the book of Romans and notice the patterns that arose. Here's a little to think about;

Rom 1:18-25
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.
NIV

Rom 5:6-8
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
NIV

Rom 5:18-21
Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
NIV

Rom 6:19-23
I put this in human terms because you are weak in your natural selves. Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NIV

I know today's is long but don't miss the point. Read Romans on your own and start gauging things you hear and see with Godly wisdom.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom that surpasses any we can get from mortal man. Lord, help us recognise evil and seek only good. Help us hear truth and dismiss the lies perpetrated around us. Open our hearts to your Word. In Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:40 AM

Comment by Michael Brittain on December 1, 2009 at 12:14pm

You know, speaking of the children in this world today and the tantalizing sins gleaming from every direction to misguide them; I receive a bi-weekly email from Joe White - Men At The Cross, which is a fantastic event and organization that empowers Men to Face the struggles of being a Man, a Husband, a Father, a Son a Brother and a Child of God. Here is the web site www.menatthecross.org But he Just spoke about that EXACT thing.

He tells the story about walking with his daughter when she was only a little girl at about dusk when they were talking about a plane passing in the sky and how bright it's lights were and then she talked about moon and how bright it was yet was further, then they talked about the sun, comparably brighter, yet further away, and then stars in the sky and how bright they are yet MILLIONS of light years from them. Just then a fire fly illuminated directly in front of them which was brighter than ALL of the other things - but the key was; it was right in front of them.

Joe said, raising children, with all of the evils in the world ALL around them, from TV, to the music, to school, to friends, to strangers, toys and MUCH more, The evils are likened to ALL of those Bright Lights that glimmer to catch your child's attention, to misguide your child which could ultimately lead your most precious living thing in your life SO astray that they can become Lost Forever. With that in mind it is up to EACH OF US to be that Firefly! You have to keep close to your children, talk with your children (about God and ALSO about their life and goings on, keeping that door of open communication open. I personally have a 14 year old boy and a 10 year old girl. My son has a phone and is a texting maniac and every time we see him go into his flurry of texting we ask who is is texting and what they are talking about, in an open conversation kind of way. Not to say that it will always work but we keep reminding them that keeping that open communication with us will help EVERYONE in the house and so far it's worked out well.) and finally, guide your children with the Life that YOU Live.

Joe admits that especially the teen years are going to pay out a lot of struggles and trials but in the end it is about working to keep your light shining as brightly... and as closely as the firefly for your children to follow.

In Faith,

Michael

Comment by Michael Brittain on December 1, 2009 at 11:48am

Russ, as ALWAYS I Love the way you present your message... Like clearing away the clutter to see it as it should be, so that all can read it, understand it, apply it!

In Faith,

Michael

Comment by russ allen on December 1, 2009 at 6:59am

Good morning! How are we faithing? There's alot to be said about the salvation of our souls and so many denominations teach different ways of getting there. What does the Word say? The Word says through Jesus and no other way. For those of you who know Jesus as messiah, woohoo! For those who don't, lets talk. Do you have to get better to come to Jesus? If you could do that you wouldn't need him. Do you have to do it a certain way? If that were the case there would be a bunch of people in trouble. On your knees, in the car preferably with the eyes open, at the dinner table, walking along your favorite spot, confess you are a sinner and you can't save yourself. Acknowledge you fallen state and ask for the free gift given , Jesus. Jesus already paid for the gift, you just have to go to the counter and pick it up. Simple as that. Will all your troubles disappear? Get real, of course not. We are in the flesh so things done have consequences. This is old news to some but still great news. To those that it is new news, accept and step into eternity where our loving Father awaits with arms wide open.

Rom 3:19-26
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. NIV

So take the plunge, ask questions, read the Word, live knowing all this is indeed mortal and with the gift of salvation you have donned immortality. How cool is that?

Remember the lost...remember the new Christians and offer that hand of love...remember the kids who deal with society that is lost...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for having your love available to us all. Lord we lift the children up to you, protect and hold them and keep them from falling for the devil's schemes. Lord teach us of you love and the peace that passes all understanding. Let that joy knowing you have redeemed us well up and flow out. Lord we lift your name up and offer praises to you. Help us be beacons to the lost and fill our mouths with your wisdom and your words. In Jesus name we pray, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 30, 2009 at 7:32am

Good morning! How are we faithing after the Thanksgiving weekend? I had a glorious time with my grand kids and family! God has truly blessed us!
Here are some interesting verses;

Col 4:5-6
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

What does that mean to act wise to outsiders? Grace filled conversation seasoned with salt? Being wise how you act to outsiders i.e. nonbelievers, is a testimony to what your belief system is. Speaking graciously and with prudence is what that means. We must not lord our beliefs over or condemn those who don't believe as we do. We must present Jesus with how we live and with scripture. Us speaking scripture while living as unbelievers do is useless. Telling those course jokes benefits no one and in fact hurts our witness. Full of salt doesn't mean speaking salty like a sailor, no offense to any sailors out there, but the prudence that Godly wisdom inputs on us when we read the Word regularly.

Col 3:16-17
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

If we cannot be distinguished apart from the world, what is our faith worth? Does that mean we are better or above others? Not all all but without the grace showing through and our firm belief and conviction our faith stagnates and helps no one. From what I've read in the Word and what Jesus has done for me I know that life from this moment on is in his hands and nothing here, although at the time it may suck, amounts to nothing compared to what lies ahead. Lift those eyes up off all the junk and live like you know Jesus has saved you. Think about that...

Remember Linda Hanzel...remember Jeff Reynolds...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for us that you would even consider giving you son instead of us for payment for sins. Help us live as redeemed people that we are. Lord we lift those in pain physically as well as mentally and emotionally. Heal and comfort them. We praise and worship you for who you are and all you have done and will do ahead. Our confidence is steadfast even when we don't quite get what is happening. We know your Word tells us it all has a purpose or at least you will use it for good for those who love you. Guide our mouths and protect us from the enemy, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:05 AM

Comment by Cassie on November 26, 2009 at 3:27pm

Happy Thanksgiving to my Brothers and Sisters in Christ and Fire! I hope you all have a wonderful blessed day!

Comment by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on November 26, 2009 at 11:23am

Happy Thanksgiving Bro's and Sis's.

Comment by russ allen on November 25, 2009 at 7:11am

Good morning! I've always wondered about what this meant;

Luke 14:25-27
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life-he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
NIV

The word hate. Hate your parents? Hate your brother and sister? We gotta do that to follow Jesus? Nope, listen up! The word hate used in this context doesn't mean "despise" or "deplore" like we know the word in english. Yes there is a context where that is true but in this context it means to "put one before the other". The Greek word, "miseo" holds different meanings when used in certain ways. That word is used as a verb in this context. There are other Greek words that we translate to English as "hate" or "hateful" or to "hate". There is "stugetos" or "stugeo" which means hateful. The nouns are "echthra" which means hatred, then there is "theostuges" which means haters of God. That word is a combo of "Theos"- God, and "stugeo" translates, "hater of God". All this to show that when you question how something reads, search and look up the translation. The verses we are talking about today have to do with us following God and putting him before everything else and the comparison to what is usually the most important thing in our lives, parents and siblings and even kids is driven home by verbiage used. Do we cast off concerns for our kids or other relatives? No, of course not. We have responsibilities in this world but this is to put into perspective what is indeed of more importance than anything else in our lives. God before self or anything else and we are not talking ritual or church, we are talking about the relationship with God. Our responsibilities such as raising our kids, our jobs, our households are given for us to live here and to learn. We must learn to cultivate that God relationship so all this other stuff we do on earth glorifies him. You think about that..

Remember those traveling this Thanksgiving weekend, my self included...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and love that reveals who you are and how you love us. Thank you for the sacrifice of your son for us. We praise you and honor your name. Thank you for literacy and the opportunity to study and learn in this nation. Lord you are worthy of our praise and you have it. Keep those traveling safe, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:43 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 24, 2009 at 7:18am

Good morning! How are we faithing? When things take place that just plain throw you for a loop, praise God. When you are hurting emotionally or physically, praise God. When you feel like you are like pond scum, praise God and of course when you are happy and all is well, Praise God. Our peace that is unexplainable even when things are scary comes from God. If you have those thoughts that lead away from the truth of God or the peaceful rest that surrounds us, recognising that comes from the pit and brimstone permeates it. I had the opportunity to witness recently and the questions were age old but the emotion and the longing search for the truth was age old too. The joy that comes with the truth being revealed is only available to believers in messiah, Jesus the Christ. Being confused and overwhelmed with notions of performance over grace causes joy to escape because those who think that way can never achieve what that notion requires. It's a constant battle to earn rather than rest in his loving arms. It's in our nature to perform and we have trouble wrapping our heads around a simple choice of faith. "It can't be that easy" or "there's gotta be more I have to do" are the mantras of people. Nope, grace is free for the asking and the joy that comes along with the freedom causes us to do more. I know this is fundamental and probably rehashing the same ol stuff but when I run into this day after day it has to be reiterated again and again so we can be that beacon for God and his truth which will cause others to see God's reflection in us and make those people approach us. We must be secure and certain in our faith. With this comes that joy that people don't get or even understand.

Ps 141:1-2
O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
NIV

Prov 15:8
The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.
NIV

Ps 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
NIV


1 Tim 2:5-6
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time.
NIV

1 Peter 2:4-5
As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
NIV

Remember Diane and Chris Bell...remember Tony Beers...Remember Josh and Nikki...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the joy we have in you. Help us to pass on all you give. Lord we do lift those mentioned today. Heal broken hearts, mend hurt bodies and bring joy back where the world has removed it. Lord, we praise you in all things even when we don't understand why they are happening, we love and trust you. Lord, we have heavy hearts for the lost and confused. Grant a clarity and a peace that those people recognise as yours and find your gift of grace. Thank you for the life you give and take away, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:40 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 23, 2009 at 6:47am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We have to be careful we don't put on the appearance of one thing, to please who ever, and do another. We have to remember to think before we react so we can wisely act. an example in the Word is describing just this;

Gal 2:11-16
When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.
When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? "We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
NIV

Wow! Even the ones who walked with Jesus got caught in that trap. Take note of yourself and how you behave and act. Of course were not talking about being on our "best behavior" in public like Mom used to say, but not changing our faith and being led astray by every whim or new thing out of fear of rejection. This is what we believe;

Acts 13:38-39
"Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.
NIV

Remember Sam, Kellynn and Ty Bates...remember Dad Budge...Remember Terra Rumer and Ben's hand...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for my life. Thank you for the grace you have shown. Thank you for forgiving a sinner like me. Thank you for always being where we need you. Lord, help us have a thankful heart. Touch those hurting today and calm those who are apprehensive about life in general. Let us know you are walking with us every step of the day and help us be in tune to the spiritual realm, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

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