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Comment by russ allen on January 16, 2009 at 7:10am

Good morning! -2 here! Gee whiz, my furnace hasn't shut off. How are we faithing? Reading the Word daily will show us things we may already know, things we don't and things we thought we knew. This is so cool to read and to realize what Jesus did for you.

Isaiah 53:5-6
But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray,each of us has turned to his own way;and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
NIV

That is so cool! That states facts of how we have all behaved and tells us that Jesus bore all of our mistakes and now with them not on our slate, we are now redeemed. This next one is an example of his presence and of an attitude we need to reach for.

Matthew 9:10-13
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
NIV

No one is beneath or above us. We are to reach out to anybody in need. Earthly stature has not a thing to do with redemption and the saviors grace. All that is required is a heart for God's ways which will lead us to this mode of thinking. Poor or rich, famous or not, we share with all who seek and are brought to our attention. Now that is cool!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for heat. Thank you we are well today. Lord we lift those in need and ask our eyes be open to those needs so we respond wisely and appropriately. Lord help us keep an attitude of grace and love regardless of the circumstances. Lord, keep those who work outside safe and warm, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 15, 2009 at 7:31am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine, cold winter day? I thoroughly enjoyed a radio station the last couple days that played oldies from my youth and it has made me ponder past things. Oh I don't wish for the "good ol days" because where ever you are, you are in the "good ol days". Don't believe it? Think about where you are and remember the things you went through that sucked and how you don't have to endure them anymore. Why? Because you are older and wiser. Now this doesn't mean we still don't have things crop up because we do. Life is growth all the time. Our memories by design forget some of the rotten stuff in the past and cling only to the good which results in only pleasurable memories. Like the fun my kids were as toddlers, I forget messy diapers, anguish over fear they would get hurt, up all night with sick ones, etc. Memories of being so broke because we were young and on the beginnings of careers etc. We all learned from these things and now we move on to other things to deal with and in 20 years, these become the "good ol days". Just like our memories of past pleasures is much more vibrant than those we dislike, our focus on Jesus builds our faith and we grow and learn and keep rising above problems to the point they are not even issues anymore, we forget the pain we endured to get there and remember only the good. Look at these and see the point to all this;

2 Corinthians 4:17-5:1
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

Philippians 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

Romans 8:18-21
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
NIV

Revelation 3:19-20
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
NIV

Remember your past and enjoy those memories but be realistic and count today's memories as good ones too. We can't live in the past, we can't change the past but we sure can learn from it! Jesus is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow and that is assurance we can stand on.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace that saves us. Thank you Lord for our minds that form many memories that we can enjoy all over again. Lord we want to glean all we can from our days so we can share your love with others. Lord we want the lost to find the peace we have. Help us be aware of those who need your peace and love. Lord we praise you and thank you for all you do for us. Lord we lift up the troops. Protect them and guide their leaders. Teach us to be mindful and full of prayer all the time, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 14, 2009 at 7:24am

Good morning! How are we faithing on this winter morn? Man it's cold...judging and discernment, now that's a tough, huge subject. Are we to judge others? I'm not talking about a court of law but judging things we see. First, does it matter if we judge? Do we have the right to do so? Who really cares if we throw our judgement in the mix? Do we judge with a holier than thou attitude? Comparing ourselves to others is just plain wrong. "I'm better than them because I don't do thus and so" is pretty prideful, don't you think? Who are we to act that way? Is our self image dependant on comparing ourselves to others? Do we need to run someone else down to prove how much better we are? Discernment is recognising wrong things with the attitude that we desire not to do that. We don't need to belittle or look down on someone, we need to learn. Hate the sin, not the sinner applies here. Lets look at some scripture to better explain this;

John 7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
KJV

James 2:1-4
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
NIV

2 Corinthians 10:7
You are looking only on the surface of things. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he.
NIV

Proverbs 31:8-9
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;defend the rights of the poor and needy."
NIV

Matthew 7:1-7
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
NIV

Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.
NIV

Acts 10:34-35
Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.
NIV

Did you pick up on all that? We are to judge OUR actions. We do need to recognise bad things but it ain't our job to pass judgement on some other person. We discern and see how WE are to walk. Do we steer clear of bad people? Do we not let our kids play with them? Do we choose paths according to the Word? Well of course to all of those but we do not sit in judgement of those people who do not, God does. That's where the difference in judging and discernment comes into play. Discern with Godly wisdom things that we face every day but don't judge the others and their walk. Explain and show them with mercy and discrete words the error of their ways but also with timing and love so as to not step on them. Sometimes it is prudent YOU tell them and some times not. Pray all the time and especially before you open your mouth. Remember Chris Bell...a praise, Maddie, Flo's great grand daughter, is doing well, thank you for your prayers...

Heavenly Father,
Help us to see and act to situations correctly and with honor for you and your Word. Don't let us get haughty with our selves. Lord we want to show you to others and yet our pride gets in the way sometimes. Help us recognise that and help us control our tongues so we help and not hinder those we meet. Lord we want to be wise in our discernment, quick to forgive and loving as you are. Lord we praise you for Maddie...We lift Chris to you, help him find peace and rest. Lord we lift Doug to you, reveal yourself and show him things he needs to realize, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:28 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 13, 2009 at 7:17am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Tis a tough road some days to retain our jubilence with life. What I mean is we can get burdened down with this world and the worries that come. Dealing with things and worrying about them are two separate things. A business owner is concerned with things in his shop but worrying if customers will come doesn't help the cash register, it only drives that owner nuts. The Word says to let tomorrow worry about itself. Gee whiz, we may take our last breath today so why would we spend it fretting about something we can't control anyways? We have assurance that our savior walks with us. We have assurance that as believers in Christ that our base is in the Word, not empty philosophies the world comes up with. It ain't always easy but we can focus on him when it does get hard. Look at these and sit back and think/pray about them;


Colossians 2:6-12
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
NIV

Remember this, deal with things knowing they are temporal and what lasts is our faith in Jesus therefore why let ourselves be consumed with worries on this orb? He has already overcome them thus our junk is defeated before it ever comes. Pretty cool!
Remember Chris Bell...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you do for us. Help us see we already have won and this life is for us to share your grace with others. Help us keep perspective and seek you in everything. Lord we lift those who are dealing with issues that seem so defeating. Grant us your peace and rest. Teach us to see truth and recognise heresy. Lord hold Chris , in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:28 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 12, 2009 at 7:21am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We all struggle with things in this world. Some of our own doings and some not. It's so easy to whoop our own tails when we realize the faux pa. Be careful when you chastise yourself because that can lead to self loathing and then a path of self demolition can unfold. Recognising our mistake and taking appropriate action is fine and probably the thing to do but don't get caught up in that self condemnation that cripples you. God doesn't condemn us because he wants us to learn and grow. God shows us where we drop the ball and gives us a hand back on our feet, blesses us and sends back to life. There are principles afoot in this world that have to do with cause and effect. You cuss people out, be mean to others and guess what? Yep, you will get the same back hence the "reap what you sow" statement. With that line of thinking you can look at how you do thinks and ponder how a reaction will come back. Don't let this paralyze you but be wise in what you say and do. Ask yourself some questions. Is this good for me or am I pleasing an urge? Where does this action lead? How would I feel if this were happening to me? Is this in line with Gods Word? Decisions made in life can be very hard and yet we have a recourse and a path for inner peace and that is with our savior, Jesus the Christ. Do everything in love like the Word teaches. Think on this and apply the principles to all you do;

1 Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I shall know fully just as I also have been fully known. But now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. NAS

Cool eh? When we look at things and approach things in this manner, we are able to overcome the grizzly tasks that await us with hope and peace. When we rely on God's love and God's wisdom, our choices in life become clear.

Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him,And He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body,And refreshment to your bones. NAS

Remember Jenny...remember Mike...remember Mark and Kelly...remember Kathy...remember Kellynn...remember the troops...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving a wretch like me. Thank you for you wisdom in your Word. Lord we lift those on our hearts today. Lord we thank you for a job for Diane. Lord we lift those who are hurting in their heart. Let them know your peace and understanding and see you path for them. Lord we lift up all those in combat all over the world, show mercy to them and have them do the same, end all these wars...come quickly Lord, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 9, 2009 at 7:27am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I found this very interesting and an explanation of what has taken place in our faith. Read and think about this entire set of verses and realize the truths contained;

Romans 3:20-26
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

Isn't that amazing? I wasn't worthy yet went unpunished because he wanted me to discover the messiah and what he did and sacrificed for me so I could be redeemed. Nothing I could do,(other than believe), could get me to the Lord, only his sons sacrifice saves. You all can say the same thing! So cool...
Remember Dan and his family as they travel...remember the salesman I met last night...remember the lost that they find Jesus...pray Diane gets the job that God wants her to have to prepare her for the rest of her life...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you this day with requests and intervention. There are many people we know that are in anguish and are wandering looking for truth. Lord we lift them to you and ask that you spare them from devastation and show them the path they need to take. Lord grant the courage to do that. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask blessings beyond comprehension rest on them. Lord thank you for your wisdom and grace and we lift your holy name. Lord thank you for your gift of salvation in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:55 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 8, 2009 at 7:03am

Good morning! Brrr! Cold and a touch of snow here! When calamity befalls us, how do we respond? Sure we all freak out for a bit, some a whole lot of bits but we have the joy of knowing our eternal destiny is set and this thing that's transpiring, wont last. How do we keep that in mind while we trudge through? By the Word. By prayer. By faith and hope and then we don't trudge, we go through knowing victory is already ours. What do I mean? Simple really. Our victory is in Jesus. He has already paid the price therefore we don't have to. While we approach pain, worry, despair, longing, fear, we can have confidence that our Lord has already overcome and we can with his help. This may sound out there to those who don't know Jesus but to those who do, it is truth. So take a look at this and take it to heart.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
NAS

1 John 2:16-17
For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
NIV

We can all look back at our lives and see the truth in those verses. Everything that seemed so awful eventually passed. Of course we still remember hurts but how we carry those hurts makes a difference in our lives. I know some people have deep scars and I don't understand how they got through on a human level but I know that if I ever face those things, my God will see me through. Do you? Do you have the confidence in Jesus? Do you trust that he will be with you if and when those things happen? That confidence can only be found in prayer and the Word so it is wise to be prepared now. Think about this, reflect on Jesus and his love for you that he endured the cross for you. Wow...far out...
Remember Carl and Berta...remember Jessie Ruth...remember Diane and Doug...remember those in the Mid East...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love that saved us. Lord we want to know you better and to rely on you. Teach us how. Lord we lift those who have concerns today, show yourself so they know you love them. Lord we lift the Mid East and all the things happening...Lord guide us through this day that we can be shinning examples for you. Let us see truth and act accordingly, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 7, 2009 at 7:26am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Thoughts and concerns about alot of things that go on day to day are never to large or to small for our God. I am just as guilty as anyone of thinking," I don't want to bother God with this, he has bigger fish to fry". What a load of crap. That is putting God in a little box and opening it up only when disaster strikes. God wants a relationship with us and that means everything we bring is a concern of his too. I'm not saying that he doesn't giggle sometimes, I can remember doing that when my kids were little and brought concerns that were nothing in the scheme of things but were big deals to them. Look at these and see the wisdom and the promises of Jesus;

Colossians 3:17
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

1 Thessalonians 5:18
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Hebrews 11:66
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
NIV

James 4:33
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
NIV

John 14:12-14
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
NIV

1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.
NIV

Isn't that encouraging and fascinating? That is wisdom to approach each day and circumstance. Lift your eyes up from the malady and focus on God.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom of your Word. Help us see that we have a father that cares about all we encounter. Lord we ask for your blessing on our days that they be fulfilling and not drudgery. Lord we lift the troops and their leaders to you. Lord we lift the kids that are in need of your touch. Lord, thank you for another day on this earth, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:23 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 6, 2009 at 7:18am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Heard and read alot of things lately and I noticed some things. Of particular sins talked about in the Word, greed comes up often. Greed is idolatry. Falling into the trap the world has for us can destroy us. Chasing the golden calf leads to ruin by moving our focus off Godly things onto pleasures that greed makes us think will come. Look here and think;

Ecclesiastes 5:10
Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
NIV

Luke 16:13
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
NIV

Do you see that? That doesn't say be poor nor does it say you can't have things but where do they lie in your life? Are they all you care about? Is everything you do striving for that thing or pleasure? That is where it becomes idolatry. That is where the problem begins. Jesus spoke of it here;

Luke 12:15
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." NIV

Point is that whether rich or poor we must maintain our focus on Godly things. Yes it's cool to enjoy things and to have things but are we living for those things or enjoying things while we live? Think about that.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you provide. Thank you for talents and prosperity you give. Lord we want to rely on you and not things for our joy inside. Help us see truths that transform our thinking so we live haw you would have us live. Lord we know we drop the ball and we ask forgiveness and wisdom to keep these things in check. Lord protect our minds from evil. Lord, bless us and our walk while we are here. Be with the troops and their leaders, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on January 5, 2009 at 7:12am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A friend of mine said she was sitting around the fire one night this weekend. Boy that sounded relaxing. Can one relax in their faith? Complacent and unguarded no, relaxed because we are firm in our belief? Yes. Alot of us keep repenting over and over for the same wrongs we committed. I'm not talking about the junk we seem to keep doing but stuff from way back that we already confessed. Cut it out! They are forgotten. If you feel you need to make amends here on earth, by all means feel free to do so but it is done! Past, present, future, the debt is paid so focus on God and push on to the prize. Remember;

Ephesians 2:8-10
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
NIV

Ephesians 2:11-13
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)- remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
NIV

Whooping yourself over former deeds serves no one except the enemies cause. If we are so buried in our goof ups, how are we to shine for God? Stand firm on the Word of God that says we are forgiven and move on. Of course we try not to repeat it but if we trip over the same thing again, repent and keep going.

Ephesians 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." NIV

Remember Doug and Diane...remember Jerry...remember our troops...remember Amber as she comes home on leave...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for saving us. Help us remember we are forgiven and we need not beat ourselves up over the past. Lord we yearn to follow you and lights of the world. Lord we stumble and have trouble forgiving ourselves sometimes. Help us know the peace that confirms our forgiveness. Lord help us see needs that you would have us meet. Lord thank you for loving us, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

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