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Comment by russ allen on December 15, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Long weekend! Good one though! The complexities of the mind and of the male ego,( I can only speak from what I know), life and how we deal with things is directly related to our relationship with Jesus. Last night I was asked about this daily and whether or not I really wrote it and for a second, I got butt hurt. Then that small still voice said,"I thought this was for me". It's a constant battle we all face. What battle? "Look at me" that's what. It starts when we are little kids and is still present. Some things we can be pleased with but we must remember who gave the talent to accomplish things, who gave us the smarts to figure out things and who allows us to breathe another breath.

Matthew 6:26-30
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span? "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these.
NAS

That is so revealing and humbling too! We tend to get our focus off God and onto ourselves sometimes. Being pleased with results is one thing, feeling boastful of abilities is another. Pleased that things did as we planned is fine but a thankful heart for a God that enabled us to achieve these feats is paramount. Did we cause our lungs to work? Did we make brain cells gather thoughts and decipher problems? Nope, not even the greatest of men can do that. We do well to walk across the street without calamity befallen us. We do well to not hurt ourselves shaving. Gee whiz without God we would be but dust.

1 Peter 1:3-6
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
NIV

Think about this and humble our selves before a God who loves us enough to allow us to choose how to enjoy this time on earth. Choose wisely.

Remember Steph and Ken...remember those who are alone, especially this time of year...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for having the patience and love to allow us to exist. Lord we ask for forgiveness for when we fall short of your path for us. Lord help us see truth and wisdom and let our tongues speak only of the love you have shown us. Lord we want to do well and we flounder alot. Lord lift our spirits and our eyes to you! Lord we lift those who are hurting and ask you heal them. Lord hold the lonely ones who need your comfort this time of year. Lord for those times when we don't really know what to pray, forgive us and speak to us. Lord help us through this week and open the eyes of our hearts so we do your work for your glory, not ours. in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:14 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 12, 2008 at 7:20am

Good morning! How are we faithing? This week we have talked about alot of things. Faith, distress, desires and forgiveness. The walk we are on in this world is indeed difficult to say the least. By ourselves we are destined to fail. Now the world may see some things as success but are they really? Tons of money, prestige, notoriety may seem successful. Those things by themselves are fleeting and don't do you any good once we are in the grave. That is not to say those things cant be put to good use but living for those things is not good because they become the god of that life. It is much better to be content with our lot in life and seek the good we can do with what we have. Coveting what we don't have can become consuming to the point that it destroys our minds. Now don't misconstrue goals and achievement with this thought because we all have those and besides God's love, that motivates us to get up in the morning but the priority of those goals effects our mindset. Look at this;

1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
NIV

Do you see that? Do you recognise the importance of seeking God and his wisdom first? Not that ALL our desires are evil or every thought is bad but be wise and analise everything and set it next to Godly wisdom so we don't step off the cliff in the fog. All the stuff here is cool when our minds are focused correctly. The capability to see things as they are and making choices accordingly is not only wise but makes for a life that is honorable and pleasing to God. And here is what pleases God;

Philippians 3:8-9
What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
NIV

That is why we serve God. That is the only thing that lasts. The grace Jesus has for us is the only thing that carries us on after this stint on this old orb. Think on this and pray for a revelation from the Lord because it is quite liberating!
Remember Diane...remember Nikki...remember our troops...remember our kids...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom of the cross. Thank you for showing the folly of the world. Lord help us know that peace that only your love and forgiveness can give. Help us recognise that forever joy and not the temporal things that entice us. Lord we lift each other up to you so we all can share in your grace. Lord heal those who are suffering and we ask a blessing on those who are hurting. Open the eyes of our hearts Lord, we want to see you and your truth, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:17 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 11, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Tis a tough row to hoe when we get crapped on. It is very easy to respond negatively and with wrath at people who hurt us. Forgiveness is difficult and retaliation is what we want to do when these things occur. Is that profitable? Does it fix anything? Retaliation, not self defense, does nothing but perpetuate the problem. We need to take a breath and pray quickly when being pummeled. Sometimes walking away is our only recourse and sometimes forgiveness and Godly wisdom shows us the root of what is going on. Lots of times the attacks on us are manifestations of things happening in that life and don't really have anything to do with us. The wisdom and grace to see that comes from God. The Word is where we grow in that wisdom. Look at these and see how actions and reactions effect us;

Matthew 7:22
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

James 2:12-13
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
NIV

James 5:9
Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
NIV

The golden rule applies to everything we do. Controlling our reactions so a difference between the person attacking us and us is distinguishable comes by looking through the outward mess flying at us and seeing the heart as God does. We of course not being God can't always see it so that is why we seek wisdom from the Word. We need to be quick to admit when we react wrongly so animosities are not perpetuated. Lets look at this;

Romans 12:17-21
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NIV

Think about that...remember Andy Allan, home sick...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace and thank you for your son who gave all for all of us. Lord we want to act holy and honorable and we need your help to do so. Lord we ask for wisdom so we can do the things we ought. Lord thank you for wisdom in your Word. Lord open up our eyes so we see what you see in people. Help us grow in your ways. Lord forgive us when we drop the ball and give us courage to admit and to repent. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:25 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 10, 2008 at 6:45am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Being in turmoil or those things happening that we talked about yesterday can be daunting. We must remember what the Word tells us and that we must stand in faith that it is so. Looky here;

Psalms 34:15-16
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry; the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
NIV

Psalms 34:17-18
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
NIV

We must be wise enough to realize that what and how he does these things may not be how we would do it but then if we could fix them, we wouldn't be asking God now would we? Do you find yourself arguing with God about how to do things when you asked for help? Ya, I have too. It's a human flaw that shows up. We don't like to be wrong and we want control. We really must remember that his ways are not always clear at the moment and that we must trust. Remember;

Luke 12:27-31
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
NIV

Think on these things and train your mind to trust in the Lord and to trust that even when we don't agree, he knows best. It is wise to ask our Father for things with the mindset that our desires change if they are not his will. That sometimes is hard to ask but it works.

Heavenly Father,
We know you are aware of our NEEDS. You also said you would give us the desires of our hearts. We want those desires to be in line with your will so if we are off base, change our desires. Lord we lift your holy name and rest that you will be with us in all our distress and in our happiness. Lord comfort us in all our afflictions and help us remember that your glory will come through with a right heart. Lord guide us this day in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:01 A

Comment by russ allen on December 9, 2008 at 7:27am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Devastating events in our lives can drive us away or to God. A death, a divorce, an accident, loss of job, being disowned by a parent, the list is long of things that crush us. How do you react? How should we react? These are questions that have haunted and have caused fear in us since time began. Initial shock is normal. Lashing out is normal, but when you get quiet and alone, what do you do? Do you curse God or do you reach for him? Do you seek comfort from the bottle or do you seek it on your knees? Being one who has experienced some of these things I can only remember how I reacted and it was not good alot of times. So what we should we do once we come to our senses? Seek the great comforter. God is the great comforter and all we need do is call on him. Searing that into our heart makes us quick to run to him in times of woe.

Psalms 31:9
Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;my eyes grow weak with sorrow,my soul and my body with grief
NIV

Jesus speaking;

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." NIV

How we call on God;

Psalms 55:16-19
16 But I call to God,and the LORD saves me. 17 Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress,and he hears my voice. 18 He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me,even though many oppose me. 19 God, who is enthroned forever,will hear them and afflict them--NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Even Jesus in distress called on the father;

Matthew 26:39
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
NIV

Go to the Word and look these verses up and study what and how these things came about. How we deal with devastating things in this life are all over the Bible and THAT is where we are directed to the comforter. Pray for each other!
Remember Andy Allan, pneumonia...remember our fellow peoples who are facing calamity and anguish daily...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your words of encouragement in the Bible. Lord help us be quick to run to you! Lord we ask for wisdom and peace so we can do your will. Lord we lift you up and praise your holy name. Lord we know we are in peril and we ask for protection and peace from you. Lord thank you in advance in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:35 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 8, 2008 at 7:07am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Faith is something that is elusive sometimes. Faith is hard to hold onto when it gets rough in life. So how do we hang onto the faith when all is falling apart? We are intelligent beings and can look back at past things and see lessons learned right? Faith is held onto in a similar way. Look at this;

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
NIV

When we get in the midst of turmoil and or strife we must remember that we did survive previously therefore we must be confident that the same will happen again for if we do not, we go home to be with the Lord and if we do, well, hope has been fulfilled and faith is renewed. Look at this one;

2 Corinthians 4:18
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

True, no? History bears this out. Think about it, we work, we live all with the unseen in mind. We hope for peace, prosperity, happiness and search in the seen world when the peace that passes all understanding is in the unseen world, it is in hope and faith in our Lord. Physical needs necessary? Well of course, we are physically here but we came naked and will leave naked. We came from the unseen and we will go to the unseen. All we do here is is temporal. When we seek and accept Jesus, our sin isn't seen by God anymore, he sees the son.

Colossians 3:3
For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
NIV

A good explanation of hope.


Galatians 2:20-2120 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
NIV

Think today about the things that get your dander up and notice why and if it really is important or even matters. Do we become complacent? No way man! But a look at the place all things fall to sure makes enduring and overcoming doable.
Remember Jim Odom's family, his Dad passed...remember Andy Allan...remember Kellynn Bates...remember all our troops

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your Word to us. Thank you for showing your grace and love so we have confidence in our hope of salvation . Your love is steadfast and surrounds us and we need to be able to see that. Thank you for holding us up when we can't stand alone. Lord we lift the concerns to you this morning and ask you be so noticeable in our lives we just smile and revel in your warmth and love. Lord we ask a healing for those who are sick and hurting. Thank you for your love for us in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:20 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 5, 2008 at 7:33am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I went to a Fire Chief's funeral yesterday. Bagpipes, casket on the pumper, all of us standing at attention, saluting etc. such a cool send off for the family. I saw respect and courage, self denial because it was so cold outside! These men in their class A's stood for an hour plus to show their respect to the family. I saw strong men weep. I saw looks of anguish and brotherly love. I saw camaraderie everywhere. It makes you think about alot of things. Was this man saved? Did he know Jesus? Is he in paradise or just in the ground? Will his widow and family ever be the same? Questions that I don't necessarily need to know but they are questions that make us ask ourselves. First;

2 Corinthians 5:6-8
So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord .
NKJV

Luke 23:42-43
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
NIV

The thing to remember is that this man is not encumbered with all those fleshly problems anymore. He is in paradise with the Lord. Being a believer guarantees that. He doesn't have to watch all the junk that the body and presence on earth brings. Isn't that encouraging? No temptation, no pain, no anguish, just peace and freedom from this earthly vessel and the stuff of it. Yes the body is in the grave but we came from the ground and we are made up of the minerals of earth anyways so back our bodies go. We lift the family up to the Lord and ask for comfort because when a loved one departs, it sucks. Even when we know these things about paradise we will miss them. Spouses have it hard and you know why? You've heard it at a zillion weddings;

Mark 10:5-8
"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.' 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh .' So they are no longer two, but one.
NIV

The other half has departed so the remainder feels lost, like a piece is missing and this why we pray for them and visit and help where we can. And the kids, gee whiz, we need not explain that loss but we must keep telling ourselves that this life is but 70-100 years and then forever continues. I know this may not be to comforting today but remember it for later when you are in anguish.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your son that saves us. Thank you for your words that tell us how things are. Lord comfort those hearts that are breaking. Lord show us how to care for those people. Lord we lift the Adams family to you. Bless and hold them. Lord in all we do we want to remember you so lay your comforting hand on our shoulders. Lord thank you for your Word that we can read and learn from for we want to see you, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:35 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 4, 2008 at 7:24am

Good morning! How are we faithing? When we are in the midst of turmoil and bleakness is around us, load up your heart and mind with biblical truths that help sustain. It may or may not take the pain away but it will assure us that it wont last forever. Brush aside the curtain of problems for a moment, walk through to the other side and take a look at the good around and then you become more able to deal with those things back inside that curtain. The big picture is clouded when we are in pain and woes are mounting.

Lamentations 3:22-24
The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him."
NAS

Psalms 36:5-7
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O LORD, you preserve both man and beast. How priceless is your unfailing love!
NIV

Psalms 56:3-4
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?
NIV

Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
NIV

Don't despair. Remember to take the time to look outside yourself and see the things God has done and promises to do and attack those ordeals with renewed fervor!

Heavenly Father,
Enable us to see the big picture. Lord teach us to remember your Word and promises when we are feeling overloaded. Lord help us see the good and deal with the bad appropriately. Lord we thank you for your grace and love that you sent your son to save us. Thank you for our kids and we ask you keep them safe, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:56 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 3, 2008 at 7:13am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Are you overwhelmed with guilt? Do you think God can't possibly accept me because of what I've done? Well guess what sports fans, wrong! He will and does offer the gift of salvation to you regardless of your infractions! You gotta remember Paul the apostle was a murderer, of believers! He was present for the stoning of Stephen. He rounded the members of "the way" and threw them in jail, he whipped them, he threw them out of the synagogues, he decimated entire families. Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus Rd. and Paul did a complete turn around. Think that didn't cause a stir? Think his credibility was suspect? Imagine people he approached with the Gospel and they thought it was a ploy to roust them out. Read all of Acts. Find a version that you can understand and devour its contents. You will see some truths that cannot be denied. Jesus loves all of us. Salvation is for all of us. Salvation ends the war and Jesus has already won. Focus on Jesus and you get better. Focus on getting better and you miss Jesus' love and grace.

Acts 7:57-60
Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice,"Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
NKJV

Acts 8:1-3
Now Saul was consenting to his death.
At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.
NKJV

Acts 9:1-9
Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"
And he said, "Who are You, Lord?"
Then the Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads."
So he, trembling and astonished, said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?"
Then the Lord said to him, "Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
NKJV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace. Thank you for enduring my failures. Thank you for lifting me up, brushing me off and showing me the way with your holy Word. Lord I repent and we want to serve you with a clear head. Teach us how to live honorably. Lord speak to us so we are sure it's you and not worldly wisdom. Protect our kids of all statures, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 2, 2008 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Cold and a touch of snow here. I think summer might just be over.
The whole thought that we must earn our salvation is bunk. The idea that we must be better before we accept the gift of salvation or that when we do accept we must be good and perfect is a lie from hell and smells of brimstone. We can't earn it, it is a gift. The definition of a gift is that it is given freely, no strings. Gee whiz if WE could be perfect or good enough, Jesus would not have needed to come. Name one person who ever was good enough, who didn't sin, who never stumbled. Yep, Jesus was the only one. Sure he was tempted but he overcame. Heck, be honest, we all sin in our minds daily. "That nitwit oughta learn to drive",or "boy I'd like to smack the snot out of him", or "I want his life" and on and on. We all are guilty of those types of things. So what to do? Repent when you realize. Ask God to help you cut it out. Look, you can't get better on your own. Getting better comes when we seek God through prayer and the Word. Will we keep falling? Yep but by concentrating on him our demeanor will change on it's own.

Romans 12:3-8
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
NIV

Paul speaking here;

1 Timothy 1:15-17
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV

Psalms 18:19
He brought me out into a spacious place;he rescued me because he delighted in me.
NIV

So calm down, seek the Lord's wisdom and let the collateral things fall into place by grace, not our deeds.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being so steadfast in your approach to us. Thank you for giving without strings your gift. Lord help us seek you and your will and let the rest be. Lord we lift Jerry G. and his ministry to you. Bless it for your glory. Lord help us see you at work all around us. We praise and honor you in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:02 AM

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