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Comment by russ allen on January 15, 2013 at 7:58am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? There is no evidence or scripture to support the notion that anyone could be good enough to enter into heaven.  The notion is a lie from the pit of hell and reeks of sulfur and smoke.  If this notion were factual at all there would be no need for a Messiah. That is why the new age philosophy is so dangerous. The lies and emotional allure to a self worth that shuns Jesus is idolatry that glorifies self. It's real easy to allow pride in a job well done to turn into a feeling that one is superior to others.  How deluded is this?  Look at some rock stars or race car drivers who have allowed fame and their expertise in one area go to their head.  I am good at what I do, my friends are good at what they do but neither is any better than the other.  Jesus came for all. I know some people who are good at tons of things and I know others who couldn't find their way out of a paper bag yet in God's eyes both are on the same footing. Without the savior all fall. Being pleased with ones self is fine as long as haughtiness and boasting doesn't ensue. That is where pride begins and pride leads to destruction.  Praise God in all things.  Thank the Lord for the gifts and talents he gave you because you or I didn't have a thing to do with what was imparted on us.  I know great musicians and yes they put tons of work into being great at their craft but I have also heard people who can do the technical side but have no musical ability at all. That is the gift. The desire, the natural ability if you will. So as you enjoy, succeed, improve, remember to thank the one who created you because had it not been for that...


Php 2:1-4
  If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions,  make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;  doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;  not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for your grace and mercy.  Teach us to appreciate your gifts to us. Help us enjoy our talents with honor. Show us how you imparted our talents and how to use them for you.  We ask wisdom to remain humble and worthy of you trust in all we do. Show us the way to righteousness and not vainity.  Thank you for your blessing in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on January 14, 2013 at 7:50am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing? Twenty seven things rolling around in my ol noggin and there are only twenty six brain cells.  Makes for the computer brain to buffer all the time.  Ever been like that?  Time for a reboot. Think I'll just listen for the Lord today.



Rom 10:16-17
  But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
 So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

remember Roger Barklay...remember our leaders...remember our Pastors...remember our kids...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your Word that sustains us.  Grant us the wisdom to see clearly what we are to do. Pour out your Holy Spirit on us this week so we may be a blessing to others, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on January 11, 2013 at 8:04am

Good morning! How are we faithing? What moral compass do you use? Have you ever stopped to see if some things you do are based more on the way you were raised than on biblical principals?  I know I have in the past believed and acted on notions instilled in my youth only to find out they were wrong. Not necessarily from parents but all the influences of our youth, perceived righteous sources.  I still to this day notice ideas from my childhood crop up in situations. As grown ups we have to take notice of everything and hold them up to the only gauge that is infallible, the Word of God.  Innocently we act according to those childhood things and when we find out they are not correct a battle ensues especially if it is a parental or family principle. It's hard man to change an adult mind that has always believed a principle is fact even in the face of overwhelming evidence.  The trust that God is always right will help us overcome this exact thing. I know of someone who will not wear a seat belt even with overwhelming evidence it can save her life because her deceased Dad didn't believe in them. Know our source and learn that any human source could be wrong. If what we learned is found to be in disagreement with the Word, the Word has to trump it every time. Those people we respect and love now and in our past are just as messed up as we are therefore we ought not be surprised or think any less of them when we discover a truth they may not have.




2Ti 3:2-7
  For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good,  traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God;  holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away.  For of these are they that creep into houses, and take captive silly women laden with sins, led away by divers lusts,  ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.


2Ti 4:3-4
  For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine; but, having itching ears, will heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts;   and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables.

remember Jerry Wheeler...  Jerry, carol and Mike...Kathy...our leaders and our parents

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for truth to live by. Lord, we ask for wisdom this day to see need in others and meet them.  Help us live upright so you are seen in our lives.  Thank you for everything.  We love you Lord, in Jesus name amen

Comment by russ allen on January 10, 2013 at 7:49am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? My mind is all over the place lately.  When Bible study questions arise and are discussed, that night before and in my slumber I relive and ponder the things of God and how he has been in my life since the beginning. The questions posed cause reflective thinking and set me to asking questions.  Searching them out in the Word and listening to other pastors sermons enlighten as well as teach. The more I learn the more I want to learn. How about you? Are you content to just do church on Sunday and Wednesday? Do you think because you sat in a pew you did God a favor or you have done all you need to do?  Religion is not serving God.  Relationship is where it's at. A relationship means love and desire to nurture, to know more. Just think on these thoughts and figure out what you are doing...adjust accordingly.



Pro 3:5-6
  Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, And he will direct thy paths.

Jas 1:5 

 But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

1Jn 5:14-15

  And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us:  and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him. 

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for the wisdom in your Word. Lord, we ask for eyes that see, ears that hear. Teach us your principles. Thank you for revelation.  Guide us today and forgive our sins for they are many...in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on January 9, 2013 at 7:19am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  So many distractions in this world that lead us away from the wisdom and love of God. The enemy sets traps for us with wisdom not of God but of flesh. The Word does warn us of the things that can get us if we play with them. Something as simple as the daily horoscope is a perfect example. Look at this;

 Gal 5:19-21
  Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,   Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

If you read and ponder each and every thing listed you will be able to see the things that can be dangerous to us.  God didn't set these rules up just to beat us down but to warn us of the dangers. If you believe Jesus is the Christ, if you have accepted his gift of salvation, if you know where you are headed and realize your eternity is set, why would you practice those things listed? Why would you dabble?  They're dangerous or God wouldn't have warned us.  Idolatry is such a biggie.  It comes about when something takes Gods place. Could be anything. A car. A grandkid. A job. It could also be lies said for gain. Lies so heanous that if believed one turns from God to small heresies that cause doubt and hesitation to act like Jesus taught. Check this out;

2Pe 2:1-2

  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.   And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 

These are some reasons why I write every day.  These are reasons I encourage you to read the Word daily. These are reasons to check things out for yourself. I have found that anything that takes my eyes off God or rather causes me to pick something over Godly things is detrimental to myself and those I meet. 

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your Word. Thank you for salvation.  Thank you for loving us.  Forgive us when we fail Lord.  Help us recognize and be courageous enough to repent immediately.  Help us see needs and how we are to deal.  In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on January 8, 2013 at 7:35am

  Good morning! n How are we faithing? Do we know what we should be doing? As believers in Messiah Jesus do we serve him or our own selfish desires? I hear lots of good feeling statements about doing the Christian thing and yet not very much action. The Word teaches us what to do and accolades from men matter not.  We do and act a certain way because we love Jesus and when we love someone we desire to please them, not ourselves.  It does amaze me how when we adhere to Biblical principles we start to see things from outside ourselves and stop asking what this can do for me, that is where earning salvation flies out the window because we realize it indeed is about love and the deeds become a natural extension of that love. I run into people who are "down on their luck"  and most times it is of their own doing.  Know what else?  They know it too. Behavior modification is prudent from that point on or the cycle repeats. Please remember the things discussed in this forum are my Biblical readings and the events I am around thus never am I to judge yours but rather share mine that you may find wisdom in the successes and the mistakes. My walk with God is nor necessarily like yours but I do encourage you to seek him out. Find the path he has for you.  Remember his teachings and don't let the world try to convince you otherwise.  Don't let your eyes deceive you. We do battle spirits and principalities of the air and those things directly affect everything around us. When one can finally look beyond what one sees one can truly have compassion for others and without real compassion all the best deeds in the world become like so much crushed metal at the scrap yard. Until it's melted down and remolded it is useless.



Jud 1:10 
But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.

2Pe 2:9-10

  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. 

remember the McCubbins family...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for all you do for us. Lord, we ask for the courage and the wisdom to walk in your statures without falling down in our own weakness. Lord we lift those who are struggling with ailments and worries. Let them know you can deal with them all if they just surrender to you.  Help us all reflect your compassion and see beyond ourselves.  In Jesus name, amen

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

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Our biggest hindrance to walking a holy life is self. Just put the words I or Me in front of anything and tell me the choice made continues in a holy manner.  I'm not talking about a healthy outlook and enjoyment of a hobby or your kids or stuff like that but behavior.  Selflessness is a difficult road most times because we battle what we want over God's.  Sure picking an orange soda over a cola is an "I want" type of choice, that isn't what we're talking about but more the kinds of "I want" that causes some one else to stumble or miss Gods grace. Keeping God's desires for us ahead of our own is not easy. Our biggest enemy?  Our flesh.  Second is thought patterns that we have learned from experiences and what we have lived thus far.  If you find yourself mired in the same old junk or find yourself repeating the same old traumas, a thought process change is way over due.  How do we do that? By what input we take in.  Listen to Christian talk radio for an hour a day lets say.  Turn on praise music,i.e. a Christian music station.  That input is good for your mind because  it is contrary to worldly stations.  Oh I am a fan of the blues and rock n roll but balancing my input has served well for a mindset that if it changes to a dangerous place it becomes recognizable and adjustments can be made. Music is a big part of who I am and certain songs invoke certain reactions therefore it would be wise to use that to my advantage an be keenly aware of songs that try to drive me in the wrong direction. How about you? What input do you take in? How does it effect your attitude? Points to ponder...

 1Pe 3:15-16
  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your Word that teaches us all truth. Lord we ask for wisdom to recognize the enemy and his ploys.  Teach us to walk holy and show us things that can damage ourselves. Help us not be a finger pointing lot but one who is ready to serve and to help. Lord grant us peace and courage to act and speak lovingly, honorably and with your words on our tongues, in Jesus name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on January 4, 2013 at 7:28am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing?  We search for answers to lifes questions and then when we find an answer that we don't particularly care for we whine or try to find another answer that is more palatable. Part of seeking truth is accepting it even if it is hard. Of course not all is difficult and more often than not when truth is found it makes going through hardship and trials easier in our heads because we now know the truth.  We may not like it and in fact many times it can be brutal but we must remember that we have an advocate to the Father and our peace can only come with a full realization of our savior. That being said it is time to pull our big people pants up and stop worrying about what others think or what they say. It's time to live like we are saved by Jesus. It's time we share this truth. It's time truth is more important than convenience. This world is turning upside down to the point where good is bad and bad is good. Me, my, I are the operatus morandi and it will destroy you if you live by it. The root to most of the worlds woes is selfishness.




Heb 12:1-8
  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.  For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.   If ye endure  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.


remember Billie Johnsons Dad....


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for real truth.  Thank you for loving us enough to reveal truth daily.  Open our eyes to it and grant us wisdom to act accordingly.  Lord we lift up those in need today.  Heal hearts, minds and souls. Comfort those in pain.  Lord, open our eyes and grant mercy on us so we can pass it on. In Jesus name, amen

 

Comment by russ allen on January 3, 2013 at 7:45am

Good morning!  How are we faithing? I am pondering many things I read in the scriptures and sometimes I am in thought and not ready to share. I have discovered we must be convinced in our own minds before we can move forward.  There are so many things I flat don't get but I take them on faith because of the things that have proved true in the past thus I can confidently state that the Word of God,the Bible, is true. Questions like,"how's that work" and "why" are most common.  Many things for me have to have events that shed light onto the principle in order for me to get them. Slow I guess but it is what it is.  I have conversations  with people I've know for decades and I can see from knowing so much why and where they are where they are. In a like manner, God does the same for you and for me. The things I discover in the Word help me to do whatever is necessary at that point in my life and it will do the same for you, all we must do is pay attention. Pay attention to how you respond, react, feel today when certain things take place then ask yourself some questions.  Why do I react, feel or respond with that stimuli? Is it Godly?  Is it holy? Is it honorable when held up to Biblical principles? Make adjustments accordingly.



1Co 12:27-31
  Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.   And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.  Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.


remember Bryan R...remember Amanda

Heavenly Father,
  We come to you this morning asking for wisdom and clarity of the things in our day.  Grant us courage to act and speak truthfully.  Open our eyes to truth. Let us meet needs in a way that honors you.  Lord we ask for release from bondage from the things in this world that captivate us. Set us free in the name of Jesus! and it is in that name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on January 2, 2013 at 7:17am

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  Happy new year! Wow, we survived another year. When I ponder all the events that happened in 2012 I am very thankful. So many things to thank God for and some things were hard.  Friends that went on ahead of me to be with the Lord, new ministries and new friends made,  growth in the Lord and so many things learned about people in general.  Guess what?  The more I learn the more I realize how little I know.  God keeps teaching day by day in his Word and I thank him for that.  You know, the plight of mankind can be summed up in this; without God leading we will crash and burn. It's so simple really and folks just try to complicate the gift of grace. 



Eph 4:7-8
  But unto each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, And gave gifts unto men.



2Ti 1:7 
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

remember Huey Jackson...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your love for us that you gave your son so we could be worthy to approach you.  Lord forgive us when we fail.  Help us seek your face in all we do and forget the selfish motivations that come naturally.  Lord we want to serve honorably without showy stuff but rather humbly because we understand just how vile we can be.  Help us recognize needs and act appropriately, in Jesus name, amen.

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