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Comment by russ allen on April 4, 2013 at 7:54am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? I watched and listened to people yesterday to see happiness.  I also saw real joy and yet happiness was so-so.  The realization that joy is inside and happiness is event based made real joy visible. Because of what Jesus did for us and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when we accept the gift of pardon we have an inner joy that is not movable. That joy is present all the time even when events make us unhappy.  I hear so many people say,"if it makes you happy, it's right."  Mule muffins. If event based things were joy, we would have a roller coaster of emotions and we would eat, drink and be merry all the time. We would ignore and avoid anything other than fun happy things. Lawns would be scraggly looking, there would be no garbage pick up and probably sewer repair wouldn't take place.  Do you see this point? As believers we are joyful and are being joy filled all the time, even when we aren't necessarily happy. Think about it...


1Pe 1:7-9
  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:  Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:  Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

remember Kathy and Megan as they travel...

Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for a joy inside that cannot be quenched. Thank you for teaching us your ways in your Word. Protect those on the road Lord and guide all we do and say. Help us recognize that wonderful joy inside as because of you. Thank you for wisdom and courage to stand upright in the face of all foes. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on April 3, 2013 at 7:34am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? As you walk through this life there are many ups and downs and even some sideways things that throw us for a loop. Think about that the next time you enter into something of your doing or others. What does a loop do? It goes somewhere and comes back. It can become disheartening and a little scary sometimes but we do or rather can come right back to ground zero. Ground zero being our salvation and our set eternity. The Word here today tells us what we can expect when the Holy Spirit indwells us and even when our life flips we always can loop right back to the truth.


Gal 5:22-26
  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.   Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.


remember Shelly S...remember our troops over there and the ones home struggling...

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for the truth in your Word that encourages us to press on. Lord we have things to repent of and we ask for healing of our bodies minds and spirits so we can press on with wisdom and courage from you. Open wide the Word today and gather us closer to you so we can be keenly aware of all you do. In Jesus name amen

Comment by russ allen on April 2, 2013 at 7:30am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? People do things that get under my skin and I'm sure I do the same to others. We as believers having been filled with the Holy Spirit have to pay attention to how we behave and speak by reading the Word daily, by praying without ceasing and by remembering that the love Jesus has for all of us. You know, I've talked to a bunch of people over time and even though there are many different types of personalities there are constants too. All seek love. All seek acceptance. All are seeking God and many don't know it. They look for physical means of peace, love and acceptance.  The things mankind need to survive are not just the physical nor just intellectual. Without Godly guidance the physical needs become simply animalistic and the intellectual become prideful and selfish. Think this week about your physical and intellectual needs and wants. What motivates them? Ask, "Do I apply Godly wisdom in all I do?"  "Do I love like God loves even when I may not like something or someone?" "Is my spiritual connection with God permeating everything I say and do?" If you have accepted God's gift of pardon through his son Jesus the Christ, you are indwelt with the Holy Spirit so why would you expose that light to darkness?


Joh 13:31-35
  Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Rom 6:12-14

 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 

remember Tenya's Dad...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your Holy Spirit that dwells in me. Make me aware of you in all I do. Let me know if it is hurting your witness  Lord help us love the unlovable, listen to the unheard and speak your words, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on April 1, 2013 at 7:34am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Not real sure what to write you all about today because of the past weekend with everything that went on. We had terrific services for Resurrection day, hung out with the bride undisturbed most of the weekend which hasn't happened in a long time. When we get too busy to take the time to enjoy simpler things, and I know ya'll have heard this before, we cause our own fatigue. Our own weariness. Our own sense of detachment.  We must pay attention to the blessings in our lives.  You know, it is so easy to get so focused on everything but the really important things. We watch a show called Duck Dynasty and the main thing I see is those people love each other and they make sure that love is nurtured. Through all their adventures and misadventures that remains constant. Starting today, take a look at your life and ask a few questions. Do I concern myself with my needs over everyone else? Do I complain if I don't get my way? Do I think everything revolves around me?  Ha! Just pause and see beyond yourself because much more comes into view with the self blinders off...

 Psa 63:1-7
 O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;  To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.  Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.   Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.  My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:  When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.  Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

Heavenly Father,

   Help us remember the things that are important. Help us see with your eyes and not selfishly. Grant us wisdom to recognize quickly when we fail so we can repent and improve. Lord we ask for safety in travel and our work. Bless those around us and use us if you choose. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on March 29, 2013 at 7:20am

  Good Friday morning! How are we faithing? Don't get disheartened when things are hard. Don't think what you are facing is unusual. Know that our savior has already carried all our sins and woes.  Know that the love of our creator was above all. Be encouraged that whatever is before you isn't forever.  Only our place in heaven or hell is forever and I encourage you to pick heaven.



1Co 15:51-58
  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.  O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.


Woo Hoo for Ryan and Katrina on the arrival of their baby boy!   remember Travis' baby and his family...

Heavenly Father,
  As we ponder your love and sacrifice for us this weekend, help us get a sense of how much you love us. Lord we bless your holy name and ask you strengthen and guide us. Teach us all the attributes you originaly designed for us. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on March 27, 2013 at 7:30am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Why Jesus did for us what he did comes down to love. We serve a just God and if sin kills our spirit, we are dead. If we are dead because of sin, how could we ever be with God in heaven? How could a just God allow sin in his home? For my simple mind it would be like me letting a liar/thief hide here.  Not even reasonable. How could I allow him to stay with me? Only if he paid for his crimes and repented from them. And even then he or she would have to be family for me to even entertain the idea of  them abiding with me. If a family member did a crime, would I pay his debt if he truly repented? Probably not because I am selfish, he sinned, he pays. Wow, what a realization.With that line of thinking it made me realize what Jesus did for us when he came. He paid our debt of sin and adopted us into his family. Because he was sinless, only he could pay for our sin. He gave our life back and now protects us. He willingly paid our debt because he loved us so much and selfishness never even entered his head. Man o man  I am so glad my savior loves me that much!


2Co 5:21
 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.


1Pe 2:24 
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.



Rom 3:23-26
  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;   To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.


Col 2:13-15
  And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

remember Brother Bill...remember Sam Gardner...remember Chris

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your love. As we remember your sacrifice this week we thank you for revealing your love for us even though we wouldn't do the same.  You truly are our savior. Lord we ask you touch lives this week and grant wisdom and strength to see the heart and to respond in a way that they would find you. Thank you for life, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on March 26, 2013 at 7:10am

    Good morning!  How are we faithing? This week is holy week. This week causes us to pause and think about our savior. The actual sacrifice he made and what he went through for you and me is mind boggling. What is more important as born again believers is that after all that gore and death, he rose from the grave. Had he not this belief system would be futile and downright stupid. The fact that he got up, walked out of the tomb and was seen by so many witnesses proves all his teaching. I often wonder why he bothered with a lot like us. With the human flaws and the way people treat each other it amazes me that God didn't wipe us out and start over. I am glad he didn't. Through our savior we are afforded the opportunity to be pardoned for all our failings. Think about that for a second. Because he paid our bill, we can hang out in a place of no more tears or torment. Because of his love, we get to live without fear and with a sound mind. We get to praise a God that is above us yet has experienced everything we have. There is no other God but ours. The other "religions" seek the same thing we have by doing good rather than being pardoned. In gratitude we end up doing good. Cause and effect right there. We end up doing good stuff because we love not doing good stuff to be loved.  Wow man, awesome...



Joh 14:1-4
  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.   And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.


remember Grandma Watkins...


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your love for us. I really don't know why you love us like you do but I am thrilled you do.  Lead us. Teach us. Help us stand strong in your love. Help us see the needs in others and say and do the things that lead them to you and also honor you. Thank you Jesus for your willingness to do what you did for us. In the saviors name Jesus we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on March 25, 2013 at 7:31am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? Thought provoking last few days. Many things transpire in our lives that set us back on our heels. It takes a second to get ones balance back from our heels. My bride and I have discovered that hardly do we have problems from within but from outside influences. I can lean on her and she me. Our savior is our only relationship that we are always the one leaning and he is the one propping up, healing, comforting etc.  Like a parent eh? But even more so. There are songs and hymns about leaning on God. There are examples all over history and the Bible of leaning and trusting God.  I see friends that are troubled and I want to help but it is obvious they need to lean on their savior.  How do we remember to trust God when we feel overcome with doubt or worry or grief? That habit of reading scripture daily is so important for a ground point. That time in prayer and not just asking to bless so and so and heal this and the other, that is important but this is a relationship. Honesty and openness is essential  to open communication with our Lord for without it, we are just out there. We will have that tendency to flounder. We will forget to lean on our savior and we end up suffering longer and harder unnecessarily. Why would we want that? Truth is, most don't. Truth is many people think peace comes from financial security, gated homes and isolation from the woes "out there". That is temporary. You will enjoy peaceful times but never peace without God.



Psa_85:8
 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Pro_16:7  

When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him. 

Luk_2:14 

 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Joh 14:27  

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

Remember Jerry...remember the Tucker family...remember Andrew and Steph and Johnny...remember the Jackson family...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for peace that passes all understanding. Lord, grant us courage and wisdom to deal with things as they ought to be . Grant us vision to see needs . Help us view events with eyes as yours so we do not judge the people but deal with the events and show you to the ones involved. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice for us, In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on March 20, 2013 at 7:30am

    Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Distractions. Some from within and some from without.  I don't ever want to lose compassion for my fellow humans due to distractions. Never do I want to be that guy that walked over or around someone to achieve.  Never do I want to be that man that doesn't see pain because my own distractions take priority. I also don't want to neglect myself with a haughty view of sacrifice. Many things can grab our attention that lead us down bad paths. Weariness, hunger, comfort level, soberness all can feed inappropriate thoughts that lead to actions we wouldn't normally engage. We see the results of those conditions all around us. Keep up with those conditions and prepare yourself for the battles that can ensue.  Prepare so those conditions are recognizable beforehand. Train yourself to seek God no matter your condition. Proper study in the Word. Exposing ourselves to righteous things and avoid those that cause us to stumble.



Heb 5:12-6:2
  For when by reason of the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need again that some one teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. For every one that partaketh of milk is without experience of the word of righteousness; for he is a babe.  But solid food is for fullgrown men, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil. Wherefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on unto perfection; not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,  of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.


remember the Mike Jenkins family...remember Carol and Jerry...


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your instruction. Thank you for showing us a better way to live. Lord we lift those hurting to you. We lay these things at your feet because we trust your wisdom and love. Show your face today, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on March 19, 2013 at 7:26am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? This is one of those days where a million things are going through my head yet I would have trouble defining one.  So many things being considered all at once and still it is hard to tell sort.  My bride tells me sometimes when I defrag and get everything sorted I don't shut up for hours! Ha! She's probably right.  We all need that quiet time in study, in prayer, in communion with our savior. We all need to decompress. We need to sort so we don't get so overwhelmed we wear out. I have a friend who keeps everything in and if that person isn't careful they will back themselves in a corner with a fence in front of them. I usually can pry stuff out but not always. Take the time to maintain your focus, to keep the load manageable and to always...always speak to our savior. Take the time to be alone, study and to pray. God designed a Sabbath day for a reason.



2Ti 2:1
 Thou therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

Php 4:13 

 I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me. 

Isa 41:10  

fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

 remember Bill and Cassandra...remember Jonna...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for rest. Thank you for knowing our needs.  Lord we ask for wisdom to think and act according to your will. Help us learn what Sabbath is all about. Help us recognize when we need help and not be afraid to ask. Bless our children, in Jesus name, amen

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