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Comment by russ allen on December 27, 2012 at 8:08am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Unsettled this week. So much going on and my mind is moving constantly, even the dreams are out there this week. Many are mourning the loss of loved ones and the world tells them all sorts of slogans. They don't help. Most times it's a lack of knowing what to say but they want to encourage and I think they really mean well. We must mourn in our own time. Sure dwelling to the point of incapacitation isn't healthy at all but time doesn't heal, God does. Time just removes it further from memory but the pain is still present. Getting alone for a short time to sort out our feelings may be necessary but staying alone can cause depression to settle in dangerously deep. We have to share and we have to learn to cry with the people experiencing loss. Not fake but a real emotional sharing. Way back when people had long periods of mourning and they rallied around each other to emphasize the love for each other.
I wish I knew how to take the pain away but I can't and yet it is so apparent that growth comes in these times. We need to remind ourselves that things do happen, suck as they may, but God's love for you and I doesn't wane, in fact, he leans in when we ask. Just think about it...

Mat 5:3-12
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.

Rev 21:3-4
And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God:
and he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away.

remember Jimmie Smith...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for salvation. Lord, we ask for wisdom and peace in our lives. We ask for your Words to be on our tongues. Lord bless the doctors. Guide their hands. Lord we lift those in mourning. Comfort them. Let them not feel guilty when they start feeling better. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 26, 2012 at 8:04am

Good morning! How are we faithing? After all the hubbub of the last few days it is hard to get back into the swing of things. I hope you had a celebratory, festive relaxing few days around family. We look forward to these holidays and at the same time we are glad when they are over. Is it because we put to much into making the holiday fantabulous? Do we stress for perfection? Why? Really, why? We are about to embark on a new year and I don't know about you but I see it as opportunity. I want to improve. I would like to spread the love of our savior and I might even talk sometimes. I want to be genuine and loving in a way that people are better off not put off. People meet with things unexpected and in an instant everything changes. Sometimes it even ends and it's to late to improve. I say, start today. Don't wait. because it all could be different tomorrow. Don't be afraid just recognize the world we live in and act accordingly. An old friend of mine was recently in a car wreck and "Tanker" will never look at certain things the same. Those families of the fallen firefighters in NY will never be the same. Those people in CT also. By no means is this doom and gloom but a reminder to hand that big tip today. Buy that meal for that homeless guy, smile and hug that friend, tell others how you feel and act like you mean it.

Luk 21:33-36
Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But take heed to yourselves, lest haply your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come on you suddenly as a snare: for so shall it come upon all them that dwell on the face of all the earth. But watch ye at every season, making supplication, that ye may prevail to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

1Pe 4:7-11
But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer: above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves; for love covereth a multitude of sins: using hospitality one to another without murmuring: according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering as of the strength which God supplieth: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, whose is the glory and the dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

remember Danny Pearson...Kandee Terrell...the families in NY...the families in CT

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your blessings. Lord we lift those mentioned to you. Heal wounds of all types. Surround the families that are grieving.Help us all recognize needs and equip us to meet them. Lord we thank you for your son and his sacrifice for us and we praise his name. Remind us of your grace daily in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 21, 2012 at 7:54am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Sometimes the things we do surprise even ourselves. Have you ever reacted to something and then asked yourself what that was about? Why did I react that way? In times of duress and even times of complete calm there are triggers that cause us to act, say or simply feel a certain way and we don't know why. I want to encourage you to explore why. Don't beat yourself up, be honest with yourself. Try to figure out why and only then are you able to modify that behavior. I know I react to certain things and it goes way back to childhood. I say things and hear my Dads voice. I also know that the enemy of our souls can sometimes toss a bone out there too and unaware we pick it up. Anything the enemy can do to trip us up, they will do. As mature believers we have to be ready to dump that self preservation attitude because often the things done to us are not personal attacks by that person but a slipping in of the enemy and as those buttons get pressed, fights ensue. Ever have an argument over nothing and you don't even know why? This is what we are looking at. This holiday season can be brutal in self imposed expectations and we end up on edge. Prime enemy territory so if you find yourself worked up or flying off the deep end for no apparent reason, pause and pray to our father in heaven because he is right there. Hey people, you are not alone so understand and pray for others that seem to attack you...just pay attention and be quick to admit you reacted instead of acted and things can return to normal. Don't forget your armor out there....

Joh 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness apprehended it not.

Eph 6:13-17
Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

remember Bill Salvatore

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your peace and love poured out on us. Help us recognize the snares of the enemy. Help us not lose perspective when we are rushed or stressed out. Help us remember you are our comfort. Bless this day, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 20, 2012 at 7:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A nation can make a covenant with God. If the nation breaks it, the nation will reap the consequences. An individual breaks a commandment, that individual pays the price. I can't pay for your sin against God and you can't mine. Now because of that we were to weak to not break commandments thus a redeemer was necessary. Jesus is that redeemer, the Messiah. You think God will weigh your good deeds against your bad and you think or hope the good outweighs the bad and you'll get in heaven or at the least stay out of torment in hell? Where did you get such a notion? We can be redeemed through Christ the Lord. This season is all about the birth of that Messiah. I know it isn't actually his birthday but that isn't the point at all. Without this redeemer we were all under judgement of what we do wrong. Now our eternity is not decided by that if we accept the free gift of salvation. We don't lose freedom, we gain it. Before salvation by the redeemer we were slave to sin and would reap the consequences. Now we have freedom to pursue righteousness without fear one little slip would cause it all to go away. That is true freedom.Think on this today....

Joh 8:31-36
Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered unto him, We are Abraham's seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Every one that committeth sin is the bondservant of sin. And the bondservant abideth not in the house for ever: the son abideth for ever. If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

remember Deb's surgery...remember Ed and Pauline

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your salvation that saves even someone like me. Lord we lift those searching up today. Show them the love and gift of salvation awaiting them. Let them know you are constant even when we are not. Open our eyes to your way, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 19, 2012 at 8:22am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I wonder about the details of things. The small details interest me immensely. Many times they don't have much impact perhaps but those details to a type of detail oriented mind, matter. The Bible details are very interesting to me. It helps me see in my minds eye where people were emotional, logically and even culturally/physically. Hiding a sword in western modern attire is hard but hiding one in the dress of the first century in the middle east, not so hard. These little details are very interesting and if we pay attention to them our interpretation of events came be truer to the truth. For example, Jesus told the disciples to not suffer the little ones to come to him. They came to Jesus with simple faith and I just imagine them all speaking as a crowd of kids do, and Jesus letting them sit on his lap or maybe he got down on the ground with them to talk to them. They were important and he paid attention to their words. How he showed the truth to those kids was in a way they got it. That emphasis on kids also taught the disciples to love innocently and to approach all people. Think for a second, a child that approaches us with a dirty face and tattered clothes doesn't keep us from playing or talking to them but if a man on the street approaches us looking that way we avoid them or think thoughts or even judge them, right? So why don't we approach men who are different than us with the Gospel without thought of appearance? Cool segue of thought eh? Think about it...

Mar 10:13-16
And they were bringing unto him little children, that he should touch them: and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was moved with indignation, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me; forbid them not: for to such belongeth the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall in no wise enter therein. And he took them in his arms, and blessed them, laying his hands upon them.

Jas 2:2-4
For if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, and there come in also a poor man in vile clothing; and ye have regard to him that weareth the fine clothing, and say, Sit thou here in a good place; and ye say to the poor man, Stand thou there, or sit under my footstool; Do ye not make distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for all your blessings. Help us see past outward appearances as though they are kids. Help the physical senses not hinder the sharing of the gospel. Lord comfort those who are in distress and be on our tongue and lips. Protect the innocent, In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 18, 2012 at 8:04am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Weird last few days. The tragedy in Connecticut is on everyone's lips. I am hearing politicized comments and it kind of infuriates me. Gee whiz man, those parents and that community is hurting and will never be the same and others use their pain as a jumping off point for their own agenda? Real compassion doesn't look any place else than to the people who need compassion. Our savior showed and exhibited real compassion in all he did. No agenda other than giving peace and compassion. Jesus shared and showed grace at every turn and he also stood up to the people doing wrong but with dignity and truth. We ought to follow that example by showing genuine compassion and not twisting these recent events to bumper sticker slogans. We ought to address the things people are concerned with and the pain they are feeling without looking for blame or redirecting ire to someone or something because when we are face to face with pain and anguish, compassion is what we must exhibit and what we need. If we sound off about everything but the pain, we are are not doing anything useful to help those in pain to cope.

Joh 11:33-35
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They say unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.

Heb 4:15
For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Rom 12:14-16
Bless them that persecute you; bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

remember Kathy M...remember Ernie Burge...remember the Ramsey and Watson families...

Heavenly Father,
As we continue to process all the pain, please help us to remember your compassion. Let us show that same compassion and not be overcome with grief and anger. Lord we pray for justice and compassion in our leaders. Lord we lift those families hurting today. Surround them with your presence. Let them know without a doubt that your love is always present. We lift those unmentioned to you. Heal hearts and minds. Comfort souls..in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 17, 2012 at 7:37am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I know we are all trying to absorb the events of Friday morning. We can't wrap our heads around the killing of innocent children. The other mass shooting these past few years, horrible as they were, didn't strike the same nerve this one did. There are many Parents and Children afraid to go to school today. How do we cope? How do we encourage our children when we are afraid too? I suspect there will be a lot of absentees today and that just isn't surprising. I have grandchildren in school. I have nieces and nephews in school too and I am apprehensive for their safety. There are no words that I can give to ease that apprehensive feeling you all have but I do know prayer to our savior with our children can calm our fears. I do know the peace that passes all understanding is available to us all. I am really struggling to convey an encouraging message because of my own weakness. Evil exists in this world and I don't like it. Whatever was wrong with that young man is up to God to deal with and not us. We must pay attention to our children and take steps if we see anything amiss. We must train them how to cope. We can no longer rely on the TV or video games as a babysitter. I am not placing the blame there I am encouraging all parents to stop what they are doing and take notice. I know this life is rough and we work hard just to survive but at what cost? Our job is to raise these children to be God fearing, upstanding adults. We are preparing them for their life on planet earth. So today as you comfort and teach your children about life, hug them tight and pray with them so they know where to go when they stress.

Php 4:6-7
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

remember all those effected in Connecticut...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you with heavy hearts. We are afraid Lord of this evil. We are worried about our children and want to be not afraid and be able to love and comfort our kids . Lord we ask a pouring out of your Holy Spirit on us all so we may rejoice knowing we are yours even in this tragedy. Protect the children. Gaurd our hearts from hate and dread. Keep us ever aware of your love, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 14, 2012 at 7:39am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is interesting when we read the accounts of the apostles and for that matter the Prophets of God how they were spit at and treated badly when they spoke the truth. If we look closer and take into account the positions of the leaders of the synagogs of Biblical times we see the same arrogance and self serving attitudes we can find in the churches today. We see the same things taking place all over and much starts with the premise, "we've always done it that way". We also see many traditions and things taking place in the churches that have no basis on Biblical truth. I don't have space in this forum to discuss them all but I would urge you to pay attention to things and decide from scripture what is proper and what is fluff or just plain wrong. Religion can be a deluding force against Jesus the Christ and what he taught, lived and died for. This line of thinking goes hand and hand with yesterdays daily. Careful attention to scripture, not for salvation by the details but keeping us from leading astray from Jesus because of the details. I have heard many discussions from non believers about these things and it did cause pause and questions, not about my faith but about how we believers can loose opportunity of spreading the Gospel over things that really don't matter. It is a downright shame to lose a soul over a detail that could be wrong. Just make sure you know what you know and if you don't, find out. Steven ran into this as well as many others and he was killed for it. Remember when he said;

Act 7:51-53
Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? and they killed them that showed before of the coming of the Righteous One; of whom ye have now become betrayers and murderers; ye who received the law as it was ordained by angels, and kept it not.

He saw the leaders of the church at that time missing God and concerned about themselves and their status. It still goes on today. Be careful you don't become a scribe or pharisee.

remember Billie J....remember our leaders...remember the lost...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the scriptures that teach us how to live. Lord we ask for clarity of your Word so we are not misled. We lift those hurting today and ask a blessing pour down on them. We lift our leaders to you. Show your love. Clear the scales from our eyes. Help us love as you love and let us be unmovable in faith in you. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 13, 2012 at 8:02am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Doing a lot of studying lately and I am seeing so many details I didn't pick up on before. It is very important to me all the whys and wherefores I suppose because of a detail type of mind but I find that details matter because a small mistake can grow into a dogma that isn't even taught in the Word. There have been ministries in the past that started right but strayed into heresy because of lack of good study. Agenda also plays into this whole heresy subject too. Anytime there is personal agenda, pride mainly, the danger of falling into heresy is present. I find that when I discover a detail and start looking into it deeper it becomes prudent to check with other trusted scholars just to be sure I don't wander off on a tangent. Wisdom is in the Word and I believe without the Word there is no wisdom. I urge you to not just take the Minsters words but study yourself. If you are one of those who say "I don't understand the Bible" listen up; Pray before you read for an opening of your eyes, mind and heart. Ask questions. Get some study helps from trusted sources. Discuss what you are pondering with others if for no other reason, perspective. The Word is so full of wonderful things that will make your life so full it will come gushing out and you will witness naturally. Food for thought for today...

Isa 34:16
Seek ye out of the book of Jehovah, and read: no one of these shall be missing, none shall want her mate; for my mouth, it hath commanded, and his Spirit, it hath gathered them.

Heb 4:12
For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

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 Marsha E and family...remember Nans family...

Heavenly Father,
Grant us sight so we may see you clearly in our days. Open the scriptures to us. Holy Spirit, envelop us with wisdom and courage to ask questions even though the answers be not to our liking. Lord, bless us all who seek your face. Show us your wonderful love. In Jesus name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 12, 2012 at 7:44am

Great morning! How are we faithing! Our attitudes toward other people has to to be based on the Word of God. Crabbing and complaining about what others do to you only serves to make you miserable. When Jesus told us to pray for our enemies it was for our good as much as for them. I hear it all the time,"he did thus and so to me, what a_____!" Haven't you heard that? Haven't you said that? Yeah, pretty much all of us are guilty of that. Look at this;

Rom 12:17-18
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men.

Hard to do sometimes when we are angry or our feelings get trampled on but in the end we are better off adhering to this. When have you ever felt good when you lashed out at someone? Oh I know it feels good for a moment but after we wish they didn't do whatever they did so you wouldn't have had to respond that way. Even that thinking is flawed. Just because they did what they did does not require you to respond in kind. Look here;

1Pe 3:8-9
Finally, be ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving as brethren, tenderhearted, humbleminded: not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but contrariwise blessing; for hereunto were ye called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Do you see the wisdom in that? Who lives in peace when that is practiced? You do. If you look at the Rom verses above, that second sentence, "if it be possible" is key. If it isn't, walk away. Leave whatever may be against you where it is because if you pick that up, you suffer. Is this telling you to be nice and smile all the time even when you hurt? No it isn't but responding in kind simply adds to the anguish. Look, physical defense aside we need to be as Jesus was and keep our yes yes and our no, no. Ponder this today as you are faced with events...

remember Bills Brother...remember Nan and her family...remember Baily....

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and love we find every day. Grant us the wisdom and courage to see truth and to respond accordingly. Lord we lift those families that are hurting today. Wrap your arms around them and let them know you are here with them. Pour your Holy Spirit on us and let us see love that only you can give, in Jesus name, amen

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