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Comment by russ allen on October 2, 2008 at 7:55am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Check this out, Paul speaking to the Galatians in Christ;

Galatians 2:15-16
"We who are Jews by birth and not 'Gentile sinners' know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.
NIV

Interesting no? It is so amazing that so many people think they must "perform" to gain or even maintain their salvation and righteousness. That is so far from the truth. You cannot earn any of it. The law is pertinent but it doesn't save, in fact it condemns. How you say? By revealing all the things that are wrong thus with this knowledge and the realization that we are incapable of doing right all the time, we could never be justified by the law. Only by the redemptive work of Jesus are we justified in the sight of God. By keeping our sights on the love and the grace of Jesus can we be redeemed. If it were not for grace, we would be wallowing in a sea of despair. Look around you, we see people all over the place in that state. I watch the news and see supposed smart people trying to fix complex problems in the world with bigger complexities and actually make things worse. Man's wisdom by itself is futile. Look at any history book and see the smug selfish acts that led to destruction. Point to this is we as believers need to avert our attention from our problems to our Lord who promises to fix em. He may not fix em the way we think they should be but he will always fix them the best way. I always look at Abraham Lincoln as a much revered president who in his time was considered evil and was hated. His decisions spat in the face of lots of people but with hindsight we see they were good choices. Point of that reference is that even though we go through pain and suffering it will be for good in the long run when we seek God's will. Remember Cheryl Smith and family...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask you help us keep sight of your goodness and grace. Help us see your will in our lives. Lord help us accept the things we can't control and use the wisdom you grant to do the things we can. Lord we lift up those who are struggling with worldly woes and ask you show the correct path that needs to be taken. Lord we know we goof up and we do repent and ask strength to stand on your principle regardless of the consequences. Lord we pray for our children of all ages that they seek you and know you as Lord and savior and as loving Father. in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:49 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 1, 2008 at 7:36am

Good morning! Continuing with the "path we walk" discussion yesterday, there a some things we need to remember while walking this life path with God. The path we walk to that narrow gate to heaven is wrought with perils that we must face. Ever increasing danger comes and goes and how we face them is important. Along that path there are enticements that seem logical, even righteous but are certainly wrong, evil and not of God. How do we pick the correct path? How do we gather stones so we have some sort of defense? The Word is our compass, our shield, our defense. Ways that look good from the flesh may be benign and they may also get you off the path and lead you to a cliff where you fall off to destruction. "What" you say? How do I recognise danger? How do we know if this side road leads to disaster? By equipping ourselves with the only source that is always spot on. The Word. How can we understand it? By praying. By the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us he had more to say before he left us but he knew we couldn't grasp it until the Holy Spirit arrived to open our eyes. The enemy seeks to destroy our walk. He and his minion are on the side lines waving us towards them. They make all the things that avert our eyes seem so innocent and pleasing but we must be prepared so we can recognise what's behind them waiting to pounce once we are near. Do we walk around in fear? Absolutely not! We can focus forward and resist all those things because we have the truth and only the truth is completely liberating.

Philippians 3:18-19
For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.
NIV

Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. NIV

Galatians 5:22-26
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
NIV

John 10:9-10
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
NIV

This way of looking at the path is meant to help us see and relate the walk of life. Wonderful it would be if the sun always shined, birds sang and the path was clear but alas, it is not. Since we know that utopia and those type of things are not reality we must build our defenses based on sound judgement, sound biblical principles and sound guidance. Without these we will stray from the path, miss blessings from God and possibly end up miserable because we loose sight of Jesus and the friendship, comfort and wisdom he gives. Fight the good fight and worry not what man thinks as long as you follow the path that God sets before you. Seek him today and listen...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you and ask for guidance on the path of life so we make wise choices. We ask your Holy Spirit come and show us and reveal things that are true. Lord help us be concerned for the things that are necessary for a walk with you. Help us discern things that are lies and will destroy our witness. Lord help us bridle our tongues so we don't hurt others. Lord help us hear your still small voice. Lord we lift praises to your name and thank you for your justice. Lord be with the children and show yourself to them. Be with Katie, heal her wounds, show her your face, calm her and let her know what true love is in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on September 30, 2008 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing this beautiful day? Thunder woke me last night! Then the rain came and it was music to my ears.
Lots of thoughts this fine morning so bear with me as I chase a rabbit or two. God has set before us a path that has many exits and entrances. Hopefully we stay on course and don't deviate from following God and his ways. Sometimes due to being misled or ignorance or even willful choices we step off the right path and take a side excursion. How we return to the straight path can be very daunting if we focus on some idol over God. Idol is the right word because anything that steers us away from God becomes one. Work, hobby, whatever it is needs to stay in its place in our lives. The path of righteousness in the flesh is being battered with storms that we carnally cannot resist without the guidance of God. I can see myself walking a path in the woods and stuff coming out at me and some of it looks pleasing and tempting. I even chase some of them for a second but realize it is leading me further and further away from the path and if I keep going I'll not see the path and will get lost. Ever feel that way? You feel like you are standing in the middle of the woods with out a clue which way to find the path...you're lost with no compass. You said to yourself that this minor turn wont hurt and now here you are, out there alone.

Ephesians 5:15-21
Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
NAS

Psalms 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
NIV

When we walk the path we need a map that shows us that the side roads and little paths along the way are not wise to take because it leads to another destination. We need to carry a compass. We need to be awake to obstacles that will trip us. We need to know which fruit is not poisonous to eat. I don't know if I am conveying this vision of our walk well but I do pray you catch this message because we all need help walking this path. These verses below are not telling us to be destitute but to seek God and don't fret over all this worldly stuff but prepare ourselves for that journey on the path. Walk knowing you are saved by Jesus. Walk knowing your father is at the end destination and everything around you is his and is his to do with as he pleases therefore you have the power to overcome anything that approaches you.

Luke 12:32-34
"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
NIV

Remember;

Romans 8:28-30
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your vision of the path we walk. Lord help us stay on course and not deviate to areas where we fall away and miss your blessings. Lord help us shine like your son so we don't need help on the way because of the shine he brings. Lord increase our vision so we see ahead and see the path laid before us. Lord help us help others along the way back onto the path. Lord we praise you and sing praises to your name for we know only you are worthy and all this other stuff is but filler for our final destination. Lord keep us healthy and wise to the schemes of the enemy, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM 0 comments

Comment by russ allen on September 27, 2008 at 7:58am

Good morning! How are we faithing? When our prayers don't seem to be answered the way we think they ought to be answered, does that mean we are out of step with the will of God? Does that mean we are not under the good graces of our savior? Well, could be but more often than not is that God has a better way than what we think is best for us and our lives. Learning to pray effectively is not getting what you want but learning the will of God in our lives. Sometimes it's a hard pill to swallow but if we trust and believe in our hearts that what God wants in our lives as believers is much better than what we want, we are more able to accept his will. God being omnipotent would therefore know the final outcome of any circumstance that we encounter so why would we doubt? Sure as humans with our finite minds, we have periods of questioning but this would be normal because of our carnal nature. Learning God's will and ways isn't going to just happen. We need to get in the Word, get in our prayer closet and get in focus with what God is trying teach us. Different things at different times in different ways for each of us is shown for we are all, well, different.

James 5:7-11
Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
NIV

Being able to see God's will through our prayers is something that takes patience and time. As we grow and see God's ways we develop that patience and assurance that he will answer the right way and with what is best. We have heard the Lord's prayer and the part,"your will be done". Think about that. If we want his will we must sometimes wait and watch and grow that confidence so we don't doubt that he will do what is best. Our prayer life is important and this week we've touched on a few parts of prayer and how it applies to each of us. Remember to be quick to seek the Lord and then be keen to his voice and be patient to let him work out all the details.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for teaching us how to pray. Lord help us understand and accept your will. Help us trust you have our best interest in mind. Lord we lift Kevin and his family to you. Lord grant safe traveling mercies to my daughter and her family and to all the families on the road. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:32

Comment by russ allen on September 25, 2008 at 7:32am

Good morning! Ah, the mornings are starting to get crisp and a little chilly and I love it! The deer are wandering all over the place, the birds are singing, the squirrels are scurrying around. Unfortunately, to much road kill but alas, tis still wonderful to be on Gods earth. Praising God for all the little things is a part of prayer. Yes we all have our battles in life but are they thrust upon us or of our own doing? That only matters so we can be realists and confess our sins and failures to the Father when we pray. Heck man, be honest, he knows already anyways. I have my failings and confessing and admitting them to the only one that can forgive is part of humbling ones self before God and the path to freedom from that sin. Trying to hide only serves to set in something we don't want to be present inside. Freedom comes when we can be completely open and honest with the Father. He loves us regardless. He forgives completely. So with that in mind, do you have someone you can't forgive? Part of prayer is to ask for a heart healing so we are capable of true forgiveness. Tell God you can't seem to forgive that person and that your heart needs healing. This may be a long process or it may get fixed in a way you didn't imagine. Someone may have wronged you so bad you can't stand to see there face but prayer and healing can and will take place. Point to this is to trust that our Father said he forgives those who confess therefore we might as well admit and ask for help to forgive, only he can provide that healing inside. Part of the Lord's prayer is,"forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" or another translation,"forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Like we've said before, we can loath the sin but we need to forgive the sinner. Part of our relationship with Jesus provides this honesty with him and our prayers provide this healing. Here are some promises;

Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. "
NAS

John 14:16-21
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
NIV

Do you see that? He is with you. He will keep his promises. He is with you till the end of you. We can trust the Holy Spirit resides in us and will reveal all things we need to live for God. Our healing inside starts with the confession of faith and we are able to speak to Jesus and open ourselves up totally. How cool is that?

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the doctors that heal the body but thank you more for the spirit that lives in us that heals our minds and souls. Lord we lift your name on high and praise you for you Word that teaches us how to live. Increase our prayer life so we yearn for that time every day. Lord thank you for forgiveness and teach us to do the same. Lord we lift the troops to you. Protect and guide them. Keep safe their minds from the tragedies they see so they are not harmed emotionally. Lord lead our commanders. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:53 A

Comment by russ allen on September 24, 2008 at 7:08am

Good morning! Continuing with our personal prayer discussion I want to make some things clear. There are accepted traditional things that include posture, actual words used, who says them, that has to do with leadership and structure within the physical church. Do not miss understand this discussion. We are talking about your personal relationship with the savior and the power of the prayer you have alone with him. Whatever denomination you may assign yourself to have their own traditions and ways to do things. We could argue ways things are done in these churches forever and accomplish nothing other than pointing fingers and creating animosities. As we explore the scriptures and as we have our own personal time with Jesus, lets discover what he has planned for us because he gave all for you, for us. Look at these and think about why we pray;

1 Timothy 2:1-7
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men-the testimony given in its proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle-I am telling the truth, I am not lying-and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.
NIV

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Here are examples of when Jesus prayed, notice the alone time;

Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
NIV

Luke 6:12
One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
NIV

And here is a command that opens up a huge subject;

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing .
KJV

This is to convey how important it is for us to develop a prayer time so we may grow in our relationship with God. That personal time in the scriptures and communing with God is a privilege we enjoy as children of God! What ever way gets you to intimacy with the savior, do it. Ask for help from the Lord. Pray for wisdom and ask him to lead you , then earnestly pursue that time, you will not be disappointed.

Heavenly Father,
We come before you today to lift up holy hands in adoration of your mighty grace. Lord show us how to spend our alone time with you. Help us have that time available. Lord we want that one on one relationship with you. Lord we love and praise you. Lord help us forgive others and we ask forgiveness for our goof ups. Lord keep us from the enemy. Lord help us do your will every day. Open the eyes of our hearts and help us see what you see in others. Lord thank you for all you bless us with. Help us see the lessons in all we encounter. Lord bless those in pain. Bless us physically so we can go and make disciples as you said. Lord help us see you and not the sin that clouds our eyes. Thank you for everything, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM 0 comments

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