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Comment by russ allen on September 6, 2012 at 6:43am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing? We had a bible study recently about thoughts and how we ought to deal with the ones that could be damaging to us. Lots of things enter our heads sometimes that cause us to wonder how or where did that come from and many times those thoughts are so out there we laugh at the absurdity of them. The thing that came out of the study besides our right and our duty to get rid of the ones that are harmful is to recognize when we fondle erroneous things that can morph into sin. Thoughts when fondled turn into action right? You think on something long enough, go over and over it and usually we will act on them. It's not always sinful   but with the principles learned in the Word we do have to be careful. Lust is the most obvious thought pattern and it isn't always easy to control.  Lust for things can make one spend unnecessarily or foolishly. Lust for promotion can lead to manipulation or back biting. Lust for the opposite sex can lead to adultery.  We must be careful to take captive thoughts before they take us captive, capisce?  




2Co 10:3-6
  For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,  being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.



Mat 15:19
 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.



Heb 4:12
 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Rom 7:22-23

  For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being,  but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 

Heavenly Father,

  We ask for strength and wisdom to take captive thoughts that can lead to ruin.  Lord our flesh is weak even when our spirit is willing.  Teach us your ways so we may be better servants of yours. We bind the enemy and put up a hedge around our minds in the name of Jesus.  Bless those who struggle and encourage them to seek you in all things. In Jesus name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on September 4, 2012 at 7:51am

    Good morning!  How are we faithing? What is our attitude in suffering? We suffer in many things. We suffer with procedures at the doctors office. We endure teasing at school or at work. We go without a meal or bills not paid but is this the kind of suffering that whoops us? Do the temporal things sap our will and testimony? Sure we all get to the point we need a rest but our endurance throughout it all is not dependent on the circumstances and if it is, an attitude change and a refocus is needed. The things we face daily for the most part isn't even suffering by definition, it's more of an inconvenience. If you really pause and look you will agree.  I didn't say it was easy or painless but it isn't suffering as described in the Word that our savior endured. Look, our suffering for doing the will of God is not about us but about progressing the Gospel.  When we get criticized or abused because we stand up for our savior or we do good because it is good and not for accolades and still get criticized, that kind of suffering is what is described in the Word. The Lord does not require sacrifice but mercy and love so any of these temporary sufferings can be viewed as such because in the long run, our place is with Jesus forever and earthly sufferings stay here when we move on to eternity with God.







1Pe 3:17 
For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.


1Pe 4:19
 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Rom 2:6-8

  He will render to each one according to his works:  to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;  but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 

Mat 9:12-13

  But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your encouragement in your Word. Lord, help us endure with your grace ever present in our hearts and minds,  Remind us to behave and be as you would have us to be ,  We ask for wisdom to see beyond the temporary and see your ways, In Jesus name, amen 

Comment by russ allen on August 31, 2012 at 8:02am

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  It's been an interesting week albeit not all that out of the ordinary. I am finding out with every new thing discovered that Solomon was right, there isn't anything new under the sun just undiscovered for me.  Can you relate?  Do you discover things only to find out they're old hat?  Jesus taught principles 2000 yrs ago that as our understanding and maturity in Christ grows we come to some realizations that we are some what surprised we didn't see before.  Some things we ponder still seem elusive but because of this growth in the Lord I know they will become clear at some point. As we all live out our days it is so important to be ever diligent on seeking God's face.  The Word tells us to seek and we will find and that principle is always dead on target and if it seems we are not finding what we are seeking it always turns out to be a deficiency on our part and not the Lord's.  Having a faith that is unshakable starts by us remembering past victories and lessons, "a ha moments", that help us press on with an assurance that we will come to an understanding when the time is right. Do not be discouraged.  Embrace the journey.  Look at the goal while learning on the ride. Bearing fitment takes time and attention and the end result is a crank that works as designed. I see us as that bearing being fitted to God's, (the crankshaft), design.  I'm weird that way...


2Co 4:2 
But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.




Php 2:14-16
  Do all things without grumbling or disputing,  that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,  holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.


Remember Kate's Mom...

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for your love.  Help us realize and see you clearly in all we do. Help us be a help honorably to those in need.  Do not let us forget you all our days.  Lord we lift those hurting today and ask a touch from your hand so they know you love them.  Teach us to be humble and encouraging to the lost and those less fortunate than us. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 30, 2012 at 7:36am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? Man, there are times when I don't understand why mankind would treat other mankind the way they do. Are they that vile? Are they that vindictive? The answer is yes and in spite of that demeanor, Jesus still loved mankind enough to sacrifice himself for us.  Sometimes it just baffles me but I sure am glad he did. As we read the Word we see a peace loving person in Jesus who was always respectful, honest, loving and willing to give all and wasn't even concerned with what came back to him. He did for those who could not return anything in this world to him.  He gave of his entire being.  There is quite the principle that we should follow.  Are we capable of that kind of devotion? Are we the Christ? Of course not but we sure can reach for that kind of love for our fellow mankind even when the flesh in us wants to slap the first 4 layers of skin off their face. Jesus even warned us that these things would happen to us because of our belief in Messiah so when things happen that just make no sense, remember the warning and don't be surprised.  Even during those things, salvation still is for those who believe.



Mat 10:16  Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves.
Mat 10:17  But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the sanhedrins, and they will scourge you in their synagogues.
Mat 10:18  And you shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the nations.

remember the lost...remember the emergency workers...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your long-suffering for our sake.  Lord, forgive us when we forget you and act on own desires that are contrary to the Word. We are sorry.  Father, teach us to be courageous.  Teach us to be wise in all things.  Grant us foresight so we don't walk headlong into sin. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 29, 2012 at 7:45am

   Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Rationalizing beliefs and behavior so you can sleep at night is dangerous.  I've heard some say,"as long as I get through the gates of heaven" is not a very wise statement. Oh I understand the premise that just being there will be totally awesome but to live as one chooses with the "get out of hell free" card of salvation is a very precarious way to live. If we accept the gift of salvation we have embarked on a life change that does not include continuation of known Biblical infractions.  The point of behaving holy is not to earn salvation, that's free, but Jesus said that if we love him we will keep his commandments. This is old information to most who read this daily but we all can get caught up in worldly things by choice and sometimes just out of ignorance or a simple mistake.  I'm as guilty as anyone for walking into stuff only to realize I sinned against my God but with repentance I am saved.  Sometimes I think back years even decades of stupid stuff I did and I shake my head and pray others around me then were not influenced wrongly and or my actions caused them to miss Jesus. We all grow and learn if we seek out wisdom in the scriptures and as a result old sin comes to mind too. Admitting and repenting is the start to healing and we know once we repent and ask forgiveness our sins are removed as far as east is from west so when the enemy throws it back in our face we can rebuke him and press on. Today when things crop up in your life remember who Jesus is and who you are in Jesus and that with honest facing of these things we can grow and become better people than we were. Just think about it...



Joh 8:12 
Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.



Joh 14:6-7
  Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but by Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. And from now on you know Him and have seen Him.

Heb 7:25  

Therefore He is able also to save to the uttermost those who come unto God by Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them. 

remember Jim Odom...remember Tenya and Cody Slaton...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for being a just and faithful God.  Lord forgive us our sins and help us recognize them and repent. Thank you for this salvation that is available to anyone who asks. Grant us wisdom throughout our days so we can be representatives of yours.  Father, we lift up those mentioned. Reassure them of your presence and encourage them with that peace that only you can provide. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 28, 2012 at 7:14am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Wow man...there is so much to learn from the Word.  So much wisdom that transcends time.  I have met so many people that have medical issues in their family that all of a sudden the clothes on their back or the car they drive or the house they live in have lost their luster. A trap we all are capable of falling into is the cool things human hands make. Those things are not necessarily evil but they have their place. If where you live, what you drive, how you apparel yourself is of utmost importance, woe is you. There's nothing wrong with a nice car or house or looking as good as you are able to but do you put more importance on those things than what Jesus taught us to do?  Do you find you judge others by those things? If you do, repent now! If it means giving up those things, don't be afraid, do it. Not to invoke fear but the reality is all of it could be gone in a brief moment by natural catastrophe, by an accident, by thieves or by job loss and then where are you?  Is your being made up of things? No man, it ain't, but if you act and live as they are, the fall will be mighty and that fall will hurt really really bad. Examine yourself today. Look at how you think and behave so you can adjust where necessary.  I like stuff as much as the next guy but their importance has dropped way way down on the life list...



Heb 13:5-6
  Let your way of life be without the love of money, and be content with such things as you have, for He has said, "Not at all will I leave you, not at all will I forsake you, never!" so that we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me."



1Ti 6:6-8  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and it is clear that we can carry nothing out. But having food and clothing, we will be content.

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for what we have and who we are.  Help us to grow to who you made us to be. Help us not put so much importance on things that they take your place.  Lord we ask for courage and wisdom to live  holy and honorably with your eyes and a heart for your people.  Help us recognize the needs and cover our tongues with your words. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 27, 2012 at 7:59am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing? Some things happen that cause us to pause and observe with eyes opened up to things we never imagined or refused to believe were happening. I know, sounds naive doesn't it? Well sometimes we are and sometimes we fail to see things as they are and how we think they ought to be.  I am very guilty of "rose colored glasses" myself. The start of wisdom begins in the Word. If we do not take it in we will be filled instead with worldly wisdom and if that happens, look around at the despair based on selfishness and greed.  Me Me Me is the mantra. It is time politics and the pulpit return. Not a Dem or an Rep in front of a name or a candidate promotion but an adherence to sound Biblical principles. Right has to be right and wrong wrong.  Party affiliation matters not when it comes to that right or wrong. We as Christians need to be ready to sound it from the roof tops if policies are steering away from sound Biblical doctrine. How can we expect to function as a Godly nation interested in true freedom if we wont speak for and or against good and bad principles? Smashing the people serves no purpose. Jesus gave his all for all therefore we must adhere to the great commission and go out and show God's love through Jesus the Christ. That is our job, not pointing out other's sins. Speaking truth about an action or sin is fine but speak just that and not a judgmental condemnation of a particular person. Love requires we speak truth but love also requires we consider others also. If we are lambasting someone over an infraction do you think they will hear  Jesus' voice or will they become defensive and only hear the judgement?  There are times to speak out about a certain sin and there are times to draw people to Jesus because believe me, Jesus will convict them of sin that is present. We believers have a job to do because Jesus told us to and because time is very short. Read your scripture.  Find out what you ought to do as a child of God. Pray for the lost.  Look for ways in every situation that you may promote salvation because;



Rom 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Isa 41:10 
Do not fear; for I am with you; be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will make you strong; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.

remember Suzanne Galbreath....the Joe Carter family...Cody Slaton...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your love that saved someone like me. Lord, we ask for courage and wisdom.  Faith and your spirit to act and to think in an honorable Christlike manner. Lord we lift the lost to you.  Open our eyes to opportunities to share your grace.  Protect those traveling this week. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 23, 2012 at 7:17am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Even when our minds wander into territory we ought not go we have not lost the grace of God.  As soon as we recognize our folly, that is when we pray. That is when we ask for forgiveness and direction.  I don't know how many times I have fallen down in this area.  We who know of the grace of Jesus must remind our selves when we are in the midst of trials and circumstances that are not comfortable or downright painful. We as men  are subject to thought patterns that can destroy even our own lives. Feelings of abandonment, betrayal, or plain depression can begat thought patterns that spin us into a bevy of self loathing and or the feeling of worthlessness.  The enemy of the brethren is well versed in condemning us when were down. He is a loathsome creature who kicks us when we are down. But we have redemption! We have an assured destiny and it ticks the enemy off. Prepare yourself for these assaults by filling your head with scripture that is always healing even our marrow.



Isa 55:7
 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.




Heb_4:12 
For the Word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Heavenly Father,

 Thank you for loving us. Thank you for teaching us . Thank you for your Word that keeps us on the path to holiness. Lord, protect the innocent.  Grant peace and clarity of mind for us so we may shine for you. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 22, 2012 at 7:19am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Been a good mini vacation.  Saw my kids and grand kids and man, miss em so much! Ran into some people who are searching and asking questions about the Messiah and it was interesting to hear all the misconceived notions about salvation and what Jesus' role is. Many think that repentance is fixing ones self before they can be saved. If we could do that we wouldn't need saving. Repentance is a change of mind. Repentance carried further leads to life change but only if one chooses.  Repentance is not just remorse for infractions but an enlightenment that our previous action was flawed and we need to act and think differently. I used to smoke and when I had a repentant mind over that habit it took several years actually to cease the habit.  My mind had already repented but my flesh still craved the nicotine. Do not delay coming to Jesus just because you can't dump an action. Repent  and seek Jesus' face and HE will lead and teach you to change behavior. Salvation starts with the mind change from current life and behavior and leads to better not the other way around. Admit you are a sinner and accept salvation from the only source. No one comes to the Father but by Jesus. Gee whiz, better men than me have tried and couldn't and they put their trust in Jesus so why would I think I could do it without him? When we repent it is a change of mind and that is the beginning of a walk to God and the start of holiness.  Think about it...



2Ti 2:24-26
  But the servant of the Lord must not strive, but to be gentle to all, apt to teach, patient,  in meekness instructing those who oppose, if perhaps God will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth,  and that they awake out of the snare of the Devil, having been taken captive by him, so as to do the will of that one.


remember our emergency workers,,,remember our leaders,,,


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for salvation. Thank you for the love you give.  Help us to change behavior to coincide with our repentive mind.  Help us recognize folly and walk away from it. We lift those walking through hard times that they see you and not the despair. Teach us to be holy for your sake 

Comment by russ allen on August 16, 2012 at 7:06am

  Good morning! How are we faithing?  You're out of breath. You're freaking out a bit.  You're wondering what the heck is going on! You're  at your wits end. You my friend are facing stress in a way that looks like it will overtake your very self.  I'm here to tell you today that you must not isolate yourself. Get in the Word. Seek out fellow believers. Seek out at least one sound voice.  When you isolate yourself because of circumstances you are fodder for the enemy.  Our strength is from our savior and not from our self or the world.  I heard Dr. Charles Stanley speak on just this thing. The best way to overtake an enemy is isolate them and attack with superior force.  We children of God are satan's enemy and if sees us vulnerable, he will use it to his advantage.  Reach out to fellow believers even if you don't want to because it will be good for your soul and that support will help and encourage you through what ever you are facing.  Your training in the Word has brought you thus far so don't forget it. Be wise. Know who will be wise with you and not just someone to agree with your grief. Be encouraged this day because let me remind you, you are loved, you are redeemed and this thing that seems to be overtaking you has already been whooped by our savior Jesus the Christ.  Who can really harm us but ourselves when we wallow and forget that truth.  You are loved and we brothers and sisters in the Lord love you too!


Mat_9:2 
And behold, they brought to Him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, Child, be of good cheer. Your sins are forgiven you.

Mat_14:27  

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, Be of good cheer, I AM! Do not fear.

 Joh_16:33 

 I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world. 

Act_27:22  

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there will be no casting away of life among you, only of the ship. 

Isa 51:12-15

  I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou art afraid of man that shall die, and of the son of man that shall be made as grass;   and hast forgotten Jehovah thy Maker, that stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fearest continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when he maketh ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?   The captive exile shall speedily be loosed; and he shall not die and go down into the pit, neither shall his bread fail.  For I am Jehovah thy God, who stirreth up the sea, so that the waves thereof roar: Jehovah of hosts is his name. 

remember Jerry Wheeler...Byrons Dad...our Pastors...Summer Harrod who is giving birth to twins today!!

Heavenly Father,

    Thank you for your steadfast love for us. Forgive us when we let things in this world twist us all up in a knot. We ask for clarity in vision, wisdom in actions and love even for the unlovely.  Help us forgive those who are persecuting us. Be with those mentioned and those not in Jesus name, amen

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