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Comment by russ allen on October 16, 2008 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing in this world full of, well what it's full of? Man, so much hits us and comes our way that sometimes we can't seem to concentrate on one thing at a time. We run here and there and are consumed with so much stuff we feel like we have not got anything accomplished. Sometimes even when we think about our savior we can't even figure out why he bothered. Sometimes we are confused at what we struggle for. Then there are those times when we look at our mate or our children and such a feeling of peace and love flows over us we get it. We get a glimpse of what God feels for us. Even in turmoil or peace, confusion or clarity, sadness and jubilance, God is the same and is right where he has always been. There are times when our body betrays our faith, our minds wander to things not real nice that we must seek the Lord and the wisdom he owns. Doctors are smart because God gave them the brain power. Plumbers and electricians are good with their hands because God enabled them with that gift. Now plumbers are not doctors and doctors can't put up transformers up but the gift given to each is just as important. If the mechanic says my ball joints are bad, I fix them. If the doctor says my medicine is needed, I take it. If God says I need to read his word, I'm a gonna read. Point is that when you are sitting with your mind racing, grab it, subdue it and seek God. Pray for that clarity and peace. Learn when you are out of your expertise arena and listen to God.

Isaiah 64:5-9
You welcome those who cheerfully do good, who follow godly ways.
But we are not godly. We are constant sinners, so your anger is heavy on us. How can people like us be saved? We are all infected and impure with sin. When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away. Yet no one calls on your name or pleads with you for mercy. Therefore, you have turned away from us and turned us over to our sins.
And yet, LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand. Oh, don't be so angry with us, LORD. Please don't remember our sins forever. Look at us, we pray, and see that we are all your people.
NLT

Romans 8:5-11
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.
You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
NIV

Trusting God in all things is hard sometimes but we need to remember the designer and maker of all this is the ultimate expert. I don't argue with a plumber because he is an expert in his field so why would I argue with God who is the creator of everything? Think about this line of thought...remember the sick that they get the right help...remember our kids who seek wisdom and that they get sound wisdom...remember each other so we don't feel isolated...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your wisdom in your Word. Lord help us keep our minds focused on what we have to do. Lord help us trust you are in control and we need not worry. Lord we lift those up who need your hand in their lives. Lord we lift our leaders up. Lord protect your Pastors and keep them aware of your movement in their lives. Lord we lift the spouses of all our leaders. Let them not feel neglected when the job takes their loved one away. Lord let the kids know you are with them. Lord help us see the needs we are able to help with. Lord clear our thoughts from stuff that is contrary to you and your principles. Lord we praise your holy name and it's in that name of Jesus we pray, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 15, 2008 at 7:19am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We tend to take things for granted. We tend to think things will go along as they are and get frustrated and angry when they don't. We slip into the appearance of apathy towards each other even though that may not be the case. Relaxing and letting our guard down can kick us in the butt if we're not careful. What is this about? From marriage to our kids to our Lord we can lose the enthusiasm we once had when we drift into apathy. This is a slow deadly path that we can fall into. We see marriages fail all the time. We see kids running rampant. We see behavior from people we never would have in the past. What is the root? Selfishness. We can fall into that state when we feel we have been pooped on unjustly. We can feel indignant when we are wronged and turn our backs on others. We walk past that person because they "look" a way we think is wrong. We need to get over ourselves and not be afraid to get dirty with people. We once were and Jesus held his hand out to us.

Proverbs 3:25-26
Do not be afraid of sudden fear, Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes; For the LORD will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.
NAS

1 Peter 3:13-17
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. NIV

The fear that keeps us from opening ourselves to others is rooted in that selfishness. We must be wise of course but we have to work on trusting our Lord so we lose that fear so we will step out in faith and offer our hand to the person in need. Every one has a story and sometimes it blows you away! You'll never know until you trust God and leave whatever happens, to him. Remember;

Habakkuk 3:19
The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving us and lifting us out of the mire we were once in. Lord help us lose the selfishness that binds us to ourselves. Lord we wish to do what is right but sometimes we are scared. Help us overcome the fear and the selfishness so we rely on you. Lord lift those hurting and remove the scales on their eyes that blind them of your grace and love, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 14, 2008 at 7:22am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Dreams and odd things run through our heads. Heck I day dream and get lots of ideas working things out in my head, how about you? I know, I've gone off the deep end again! I can't swim but the deep end is very enticing! Diving head first is ok but being prepared is important. Wear your life vest if you can't swim! Praying for the sake of duty and guilt is not praying like Jesus taught. "I must pray 15 minutes or I'm not close to God" is a lie. Praying because we want to speak with our savior, our confidant, our friend and also our God, now that's what praying is all about. Reading the Word to become more holy is not the reason to read. Getting to know Jesus better, that's why. Having the mindset he has, that's why. Seeing others as he does, that's why. Desiring to gain the wisdom of God, that's why. Procedures and rules are not there for us to be obedient for obedience's sake but for us to learn our masters ways. Do you follow this logic? We as Christians should not be concerned so much with how but why. The how leads us to God, if you are not discovering God your "how" may be suspect. Many people have said to me,"that's how it's done" or "we've always done it that way" and that's fine until it gets in the way of Jesus. If the "how" impedes your relationship with Jesus, it is suspect. Now don't misunderstand, there is a place for "how" but getting closer to him is the goal. Learning God's ways and what he sees is more important than how you got there. Diving in without the life vest earlier mentioned, when you can't swim, is stupid. Reaching for God without the Word and prayer is, well, you understand.

2 Peter 1:5-9
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
NIV

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
NIV

2 Corinthians 4:66
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
NIV

John 6:45
It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word and the wisdom you give. Lord teach us to pray and help us seek you. Help us see what what you do. Help us recognise things that benefit our relationship with you and help those things that don't not hinder us. Lord we want to be more like you but we need to understand your ways. Open the eyes of our hearts so we see what you see. Lord help us not be afraid of doing your will. Lord we love and praise you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:47 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 13, 2008 at 8:47am

Good morning! Long day yesterday, remember my niece, sickly. So how are we faithing? How was your weekend? We need to remember to lift up the people we meet. We were able to observe lots of people in lots of pain last night. A steady stream of misery. Engaging them in conversation seemed to lift a few spirits. It is amazing that most people just want to feel cared about. Jesus was one of those who was able to do that for people. Of course being God he could see the heart plainly but he also attended the needs here. He was also human therefore understood us. Jesus showed compassion in so many ways that we can learn from. We don't always like or agree with things that happen or the people who commit the acts but;

Isaiah 40:11
He tends his flock like a shepherd:He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;he gently leads those that have young.
NIV

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
NIV

Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
NIV

2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
NIV

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
NIV

When we see pain, suffering, despair we ought to reach out even if it is just a smile and a hello. We don't know how or why they are where they are. Pray you see the heart and not the surface! Remember Bob Quarles...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the opportunity and the courage to spread you love and your Word. Lord help us develop the compassion for your people . Lord help us reflect on our own selves so we don't forget where we came from. Lord we praise and thank you for your blessings and your Word. Help us understand and use your Word for helping others. Lord keep our kids safe and protect the troops in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 8:13 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on October 10, 2008 at 5:02am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Have you watched the Dow Jones lately? Have you paid attention to crude oil prices? Are you aware of all the junk going on in this country right now? Are you earnestly praying for our leaders and country? Yeah, I haven't nearly enough either. God told us way back when that we should lift up our leaders even when we think they are doing an awful job. We pray things go correctly at our jobs so why do we criticize without praying for the people who actually run everything? This starts with parents, to our boss to his boss and so forth. Not to get political but I think this next election could define this country for the next 50 years. So much is happening that we may have to send Sodom and Gomorrah and apology letter. Gee whiz, when did it happen that a murderer gets less time than a bootlegger? When did it happen that a major company that goes belly up gives the CEO many millions? These are questions that make us go,"huh? this has got to be a bad dream." The scary thing is it is not. What to do? Well first we must pray earnestly for our leaders that they develop a Godly conscience. We must pray for them that they seek God's wisdom and not another wisdom from someone just as baffled as they are. Look at these;

Proverbs 16:11-12
A just balance and scales belong to the LORD; All the weights of the bag are His concern. It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established on righteousness.
NAS

Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor. NAS

Job 35:12
"There they cry out, but He does not answer Because of the pride of evil men.
NAS

2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
NIV

Deuteronomy 4:7
What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him?
NIV

We have an opportunity here and now to pray for our nation as well as ourselves. If we do not pray earnestly starting right now, this country is going to fold. All one needs to do is check history and the events that led to devastation. I am not spewing doom and gloom but stating facts as I read and see them. This is encouragement to do what God has told us to do for centuries, pray. We as Christians have sat on our hands long enough. Lets lift them to God and let our petitions be known. Our leaders need us to hold them up to God even if they don't know it. Our compassion as Christians needs to be seen by all. Our strength and belief nust also be seen by our deeds as well as our mouths. Think about this...

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us our lack of concern for our leaders. Lord we lift them to you and ask that the truth be seen so vividly that it is undeniable. Lord we ask you shower them with your wisdom and grace. Lord we ask a healing on this country. We want your will to be done so we ask you reveal it to us. Make the Word be so alive and in our minds that your wisdom teaches us. Lord we praise and honor you. We ask you keep the children safe. Lord, guide us in all we do, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 4:05 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 9, 2008 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you feel like, as Don Henley put it, " the more I know, the less I understand"? Follow me on this. As we learn more and more about Jesus we find out just how finite and insignificant we are. When the Word speaks of us being "but a vapor", we find this is so true. Now don't be thinking you don't matter here because you do! We are speaking of the puzzle of life and we are the pieces. Some are on the edge and some are the center but no piece is more important than any other. That Henley song mentioned earlier also speaks of "if you keep carrying all that anger , it will eat you up inside". He also comes to the realization that it's all about "forgiveness". Jesus' forgiveness, our forgiveness. Where is this all going? The time we have here on this orb should not be spent ticked off over the lot we've been given but more about spreading the love and forgiveness shown on us by our savior. The turmoil in the middle east can be traced back to Abraham and Sarah. They didn't trust God to provide a son so he had one with Hagar, Sarah's maid servant. This act had obvious long lasting effect. Read Genesis starting in chapter 15. A perspective you may not have seen is there. With this in mind we realize we are here such a short time but we do impact lives. How are you impacting lives? How are you trusting God in even the little things? Gee whiz, we all stumble, we all fail from time to time. We all have things happen that we can't figure out but we have to remember the Word and trust that it will "work for good for those who love the Lord". We are able to ask the Lord to comfort us and assure us he is in charge.

Romans 10:9-13
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
NIV

Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. NIV

James 4:13-17
Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow, we shall go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit." Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that." But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin.
NAS

Think on these, pray for wisdom and guidance. Ask your spirit leap when you hear the Word from God!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for always being the same. Help us hear you when you speak. Help us seek your face in all we do. Help us realize that you love us and want us to feel secure in your presence. Lord we feel insignificant but know you have plans for all of us. Help us recognise and act accordingly. Lord we lift ourselves and the others we meet to you. Keep us aware of your Word and will. Lord be with the troops and their leaders so they make wise Godly choices. Lord protect the minds of the troops. Lord bless our children and let them know you are real and care. Thank you for everything, even the stuff we whine about. Help us learn from everything so we can be ambassadors for your kingdom, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:53 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 8, 2008 at 7:16am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Some of the best laid plans sometimes go awry. Sometimes we can't seem to get things done in a proper manner. We end up just making it work or saying,"that's good enough".. This is good for race cars and bad for nuclear fuel handling. I know, odd comparison but the point is made. Compromises are necessary in this world but prudence on where to compromise and where not to is important. The Word is very specific on some actions and specific concepts are taught in others. Some of the wise men on earth today think it's ok to have an abortion but prosecute someone for murder if they kill a baby of a pregnant woman. The difference being she wanted the baby. Come on, that is not even sound logic. They didn't want the kid so it's ok to kill the kid but since they wanted the kid, it's murder. Either it is or it isn't, one by accident, one on purpose, the result is the same. Following that logic we must read the Word and find the principles to make sound decisions and not let worldly compromises rule.

Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
NIV

Isaiah 40:28-29
Do you not know?Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
NIV

Isaiah 30:18
Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!
NIV

There's that justice word. Justice applies to everyone. Saved or not. Good or evil. Big or small. Granted how we are dealt justice has tons of variables but there are certain things that require certain actions and that is another huge subject. As believers of messiah being Jesus the Christ, we are under grace and not the law. Will justice still be served? For us it already has been with the cross. We are now able to approach the throne of God unencumbered with the guilt of sin. We are able to ask forgiveness and promised to receive it. Dig in to the Word and find the liberating ways of God for the Bible is not a book of restrictions but of freedom.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for reassuring us in your Word that by grace we are saved and our humanness is no longer a determiner of our fate. Thank you for the grace you have shown but the sacrifice of your son. Lord we lift those who are confused and weary of lifestyles and sin in their lives. Free them of addictions and of guilt so they may come to you and the knowledge of your love and grace. Lord we cry out to you and ask you touch those who are hurting. Lord bless those who are floundering and are seeking something and pray they realize it is you alone they need. Lord help people forgive past wrongs done to them and help them find peace in your arms. Lord we love and worship your greatness. Help us remember you when we start to judge others, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:25 AM

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

Good morning! How are we faithing? The childlike belief we had when we came to know the savior should not be forgotten. Children laugh easily. Children trust completely. Children love without reserve. These attributes are not always easy to hold onto when life happens. We therefore must guard these attributes so they don't disappear. Maintaining childlike faith is not mindless innocents but we can learn by kids laughter and kids joy over simple things. I get teased because of my awe of nature. Giraffes tickle me! Should I not enjoy these things because of ridicule or teasing? Of course not! That childlike exuberance I feel when I see deer or the funny walk of a raccoon should never be ignored. This is all being said for us to understand that our prayers and our faith is not just a serious faith, it is that but so much more!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
NIV

Ephesians 3:14-19
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
NIV

Reading the Word this morning on this subject led to so many directions and so many thoughts so I'll stop for today with this last thought;

Luke 18:15-17
15 People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."
NIV

and;

1 John 5:1-5
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace that saves us. Lord help us keep that child like awe of you. Lord help us see how simple this complex life can be. Help us see your will and your ways so we too can carry child like faith. Lord we thank you for all your blessings. Lord we lift Harold to you, heal him and make your presence known to him. Lord we lift those who are making bad choices and don't recognise them as so. Lord pour your love on them and let them come to you like a child who needs their fathers love. Lord guide our actions and keep us humble in your love. Lord help us hear you when you show us things. Lord guide our actions so we do not cause pain, in Jesus name, Amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 6, 2008 at 7:29am

Good morning! How was your weekend? I had the privilege of a great sermon at church. Our youth minister is a man after God's heart. Youthful exuberance is infectious! We've heard it told that we are to come to the Lord as children. As we age it is much harder to accept the reality of Jesus the Christ because of being jaded by life in general. Doubtfulness, suspicion, haughty of mind, worldly wisdom, etc. contribute to non acceptance. Guess what? You ain't alone. Coming to God with the trust and innocence of a child is actually a blessing because our own thoughts and preconceived notions are very hard to overcome. Seeing the light amidst darkness can be a daunting task. Simple things become difficult. As a child ideas that are illogical by the world are plausible. Believing in a God that you can't see makes no sense to some but remember, I've never seen Antarctica but I believe it's there. Follow that line of thinking for a second. We know Antarctica is there because of huge amounts of first hand witness' accounts. We know the dark ages happened due to ,yep, first hand accounts. The Bible and lots of other literature are full of first hand accounts of Jesus, his life, his death and his resurrection. So why is it so difficult to believe? Well, we could talk for ever on that one! Look at these with the childlike faith line of thinking;

Matthew 11:25-30
Then Jesus prayed this prayer: "O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves so wise and clever, and for revealing it to the childlike . Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!
"My Father has given me authority over everything. No one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light."
NLT

Matthew 18:2-4
He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
NIV

Childlike faith is like the faith we had in our parents when we were little. Childlike faith is the optimistic outlook we had when we defied gravity playing on the monkey bars. Childlike faith is like the kids that approach you with a smile an offer a lick from their lolly pop. Innocent, unjaded trusting attitudes that are necessary for us see God as he is. Our Father.
Now to the first few thoughts and with the innocent believing in miracles thinking, Jesus was either who he said he is or a liar. Can't be any other choice but those two. There are eye witness accounts of healing's, raising dead people, walking on water, appearing and disappearing, wisdom that defied conventional wisdom but came true, predictions that indeed happened so how can we dismiss a faith so anchored in truth? A subject for another day. Remember Dan Juett...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your truths in your Word. Lord help us accept the things we see and the things we can't. Lord protect us from heresy and teach us to come to you like a child comes to their parents. Help us see you know us and want to show us your face. Lord thank you for showing us people who trust you and give examples of a great faith. Lord open the eyes of the hearts and show nonbelievers. Help us not deter by our own failings any ones acceptance of you. Lord we lift your name on high because we love you and thank you for your presence in our lives, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 3, 2008 at 7:01am

Good morning! How are you surviving the calamities of this world? How are you focusing on Jesus? Questions that are so pertinent to our lives. I talk to lots of people who are in the midst of junk that has all their attention and when you are on the outside looking in the solutions look relatively simple. When you are on the trouble side, not so simple. What does the Word say?

1 Peter 4:12-19
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And,
"If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?"
So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
NIV

Now that is not so easy to accept while we are in the midst of calamity so those of us who aren't in it, stick this in your craw and digest it. Those who are in trouble, hear this;

Hebrews 13:5-6
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
KJV

Things that transpire in our lives are always a way for us to praise God. Things will be humbling, things will be trying, things will be downright miserable sometimes but our focus and mindset must be on Jesus and his promises. We've touched on this line of thinking many times and it bears repeating. There is always a lesson in any trial. It may not even directly relate to that problem facing you and then again it may be spot on. In order to maintain our focus we must seek out God's wisdom in all things. I know I have made tons of blunders but the Word has and continues to teach me principles that, well, you may already know. We all are at different places in our learning curve so wisdom should be sought anytime possible. When we truly seek God's wisdom in everything it becomes so amazing where it may come from. I've had mentally challenged kids teach me things that were so simple because I over thought the thought or got smug trying to be intellectual. I've also had extremely smart people show me things in a manner that made me say"duh". So don't be afraid to listen and check any wisdom with the Word. Discard the junk and keep the good.
Remember Brent as he continues to heal from his bike accident...remember our troops and the candidates that will be managing our troops...remember those on the road every day...remember this author...remember the kids that are bombarded with all the stuff the world wants them to accept...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom that sustains us. Lord we want to see you in everything. Lord help us be the people you designed us to be. Help us remember your Word in every situation. Lord we know you are a just and loving God so help us accept and use for good anything we encounter, keep our minds fresh. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:28 AM

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