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Comment by russ allen on August 15, 2012 at 7:23am

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  It is interesting when I see on the news or on the street a shunning of someone by Christians because of a sin. So have we believers gotten better than the non believers? Are you mental? Of course we haven't! We are redeemed.  God loves you and I and all those out there the same. In John the third chapter Jesus said "whosoever" believes.  That means everyone you see regardless of the sin they are in. The Bible tells us what is sin and what is not sin and at the same time tells us to love like he does therefore, we ought to be loving those sinners we meet in fact, we ought to be out in the masses loving and showing Jesus because HE will convict them of their sin. HE will deal with them spiritually. It is not up to us to use the "you'll go to hell for that sin" but rather to present forgiveness in Messiah. We have forgiveness and so can they therefore jump down off that high horse and meet those people where they are.



1Pe 3:15-16
  but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear;  having a good conscience, that while they speak against you as evildoers they may be shamed, those falsely accusing your good behavior in Christ.

Psa 147:10-11

  He delights not in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man.  Jehovah takes pleasure in those who fear Him, who hope in His mercy. 

2Co 6:2 

 (For He says, "In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation, I helped you;" Behold, now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.) 

Heavenly Father,

  Forgive us Lord when we think more of ourselves than we are. Lord we ask for wisdom to deal with the things we face and the people we meet.  Help us shine with your love and your forgiveness. Let others see you in us and let us work without fatigue so you are glorified.  Meet the needs of those who are seeking you and let them find your forgiveness and courage to step on the narrow path to righteousness.  Help us curb our tongues, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 14, 2012 at 7:20am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? You know, there are times when it seems we can't win no matter what we do.  Whether we do good to others because we know them and love them or do good to strangers.  People say,"he's showing off" or "he thinks he's better than us". I have found that the scripture is right when it tells us not to let the left know what the right is doing when it comes to charity and I'm not just talking money.  If you do things for recognition, you've got your reward.  I want a clean heart that does righteous things because they are righteous.  I want to do the things my savior did. I do not need accolades because my savior already gave me the best prize already, eternal life, therefore I must pay attention to the narrow path and ignore the peripheral things that can distract me from the task at hand. Does that make sense? If you find it necessary to be recognized for Godly deeds, there are internal issues to deal with. I'm not pointing fingers or chastising but am exposing lies from the enemy.  He will beat you down so you need that confirmation from men and fail to see the confirmation and encouragement in the Word. An example of what we are discussing is;


Mat 11:18-19
  For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He has a demon.
 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man who is a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax-collectors and sinners. But wisdom was justified by her children.

 

See that? It didn't matter which way things were done, both got chastised. The world is so messed up it can't even see a genuine good deed that wasn't looking for any personal return but only is able to see evil motives in all things. That is why we ought to do what is right because it's right.

1Co 1:25-29

  Because the foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and the weak thing of God is stronger than men.  For you see your calling, brothers, that not many wise men according to the flesh are called, not many mighty, not many noble. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;  and God has chosen the base things of the world, and things which are despised, and things which are not, in order to bring to nothing things that are; 

so that no flesh should glory in His presence.

remember Jimmy Smith...remember Jim Odom...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for wisdom that is so far above mans. Lord we do ask for courage and wisdom to recognize and act according to your ways.  We lift those who are sick to you. Heal bodies and minds. Grant trust for the souls and let them see you.  Keep us safe and aware of the enemies snares, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 13, 2012 at 7:32am

   Great morning!  How are we faithing? Are you alone? Are you overwhelmed with your current circumstances? Do you want to just throw your hands up and run to the Northwest Territories and live in a cave with the bears? Understand.  We all need a break and we all need to feel worthy and appreciated.  I understand there comes a point when we are being battered by a storm so badly that we just feel like we can't go on.  Let me encourage you.  You can and you must. Why? For the others that love you.  For people who depend and count on you. Because God said you can and should.  I know it hurts and I know you are beat to a pulp but know what? God knows all about this and anything else in your lap right now. Remember past victories to remind yourself that victory is already won and this too will pass.  Look to what you are being taught even if it's as simple as patients.  You are being sifted and pruned for greater things so embrace the pruning, yell ow but talk to your savior constantly and do not let any room for the enemy to enter.


Lev 26:5 
And your threshing shall reach to the vintage, and the vintage shall reach to the sowing time. And you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

Luk 22:31-32

  And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has desired you, that he may sift you as wheat.   But I have prayed for you, that your faith fail not. And when you are converted, strengthen your brothers. 

Remember Elizabeth...remember Jerry and Sarah...remember our church leaders...remember our President...remember the emergency workers...remember the downtrodden and the oppressed...remember Mark and Kelly

 Heavenly Father,

       We lift up all who are hurting and in relational turmoil.  Clear their minds and hearts. Bring them home to you. Lord, grant wisdom and peace. Lord we ask for courage in the face of obstacles that are whoopin up on us. We praise you and we worship you and we know you are with us but sometimes it's just seems impossible. Re-instill your awareness of the truth. Help us look beyond our selves. Help us not be selfish but be searching for your way, not ours. Gather your people to you and protect us from the enemy and his minion. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 10, 2012 at 8:03am

   Good morning! How are we faithing?  So many battles fly our way. We deal with things unprepared.  With an enemy prowling around looking for anyone and anything to devour because of his veracious appetite for anything to come against our savior we have to be prepared.  The Word is our food and our defensive walls. The Holy Spirit gives us courage to stand. Our Savior is the rock our fort is built on. If we neglect any of these we are vulnerable. I'm watching odd wild things go on around and to be truthful, sometimes I get a little scared and I know you do too but when we get or are approaching that state remember we have a relationship with the creator and he already told us how to prepare and to defend. Lets get to that training and be ever vigilant.  These temporary things we face will pass we just have to keep our training up and our eyes on Jesus.



2Co 10:3-6
  For though walking about in flesh, we do not war according to flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,  pulling down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ;  and having readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.


Heavenly Father,
  Open our eyes to your truth. Grant us strength and courage to stand on what you have taught us and to know when we are under attack. Make our paths straight even when we need an alignment. Thank you for you love for a messed up lot like us. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 9, 2012 at 8:35am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Wow! The study of the Word never ceases to amaze me! Things that seem so real now didn't used to be. As we grow in wisdom and mature in the Word things that used to cause turmoil now don't. There are sins committed that are specifically stated in the Word along with the consequences but not necessarily from God's wrath but as a result of the mere action that we come face to face with as we steadily grow in the Lord.  Never are we to judge with a comdemnative judgemental attitude but with a recognition of  truth.  It may or may not be our place to bring to attention another's sin but to love them regardless because we know we are as forgiven for our sins and they can be too. I'm watching the left and the right bash each other and dismissing anything either has to say because the other side said it and from what the Word teaches, we're missing it and so are they.  Stop following the crowd based "sound good" or "feels right" because unless you look into something deeper than just the rhetoric you may be running off the cliff with all the other Lemmings. Just give it some thought....



1Pe 1:24-25
  For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of men as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls out, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. And this is the Word preached as gospel to you.


Ecc 1:14  I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

2Ti 4:1-4
  Therefore I solemnly witness before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who is going to judge the living and the dead according to His appearance and His kingdom,  preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.  For a time will be when they will not endure sound doctrine, but they will heap up teachers to themselves according to their own lusts, tickling the ear.  And they will turn away their ears from the truth and will be turned to myths.

remember...Faith...Sandra Settles...Thomas...Brother Bill...Ed, Jerry, Pappy on their trip...James Hackney family...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your Word that teaches us truth. Lord we lift those mentioned this morning. Guide, touch and heal. Lord we want to know you more. We want to serve honorably. Lord we do lift up our leaders to you even when we disagree. Guide their steps .  Lord, thank you for the cross, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 8, 2012 at 9:11am

  Good morning! How are we faithing?  This issue has come up many times. "What other people are speaking of me."  "So and so said thus and so".  So what? Is it true? Did you or do you do what is said? If the answer is yes, fix what you can by behavior changes, apologies and repentance or ignore those words spoken in vain. Check this out;

 Ecc 7:21-22
  Also do not listen to all words that are spoken; lest you hear your servant curse you.
For also your own heart knows that you yourself have also cursed others many times.

Ah, there in lies truth.  We cannot be so thin skinned to react to every idle word spoken against us. Battling constantly to save an image or a reputation base on what people say is silly.  How you live, how you behave and what comes out of OUR mouths will bear true witness. Firing back on every comment makes us look just as ridiculous as the person firing on and about us. We claim salvation and forgiveness and we wont forgive others? We act like they do? Remember the parable Jesus taught? Read and remember the outcome;


Mat 18:32-35
  Then his lord, after he had called him, said to him, O wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.  Should you not also have pitied your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you?  And his lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him. So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also to you, unless each one of you from your hearts forgive his brother their trespasses.

I don't know how else to say this. Who do you serve? Man or God?  If you serve man, good lick. If you serve God, serve and leave the fallout to him.


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for the security of your salvation. Lord as we learn things and as we explore new to us things, grant us wisdom to see truth and distinguish lies from the enemy. We lift those who are hurting to today and ask a healing of mind and spirit, in Jesus name, amen

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

 Good morning!  How are we faithing? I find science very interesting. It amazes me how everything we have was made from everything the earth is made of. Recently some scientists discovered the Higson particle which the theory is that this is the "God particle".  The particle that gives mass out of nothing. Way more complicated than that and as I read about it I realized the article was way above my pay grade...but it just seems that with every new discovery that science keeps proving the existence of God.  I don't presume to understand why or how but it sure convinces me more and more when discoveries are made. What I find interesting too is the verbage use thousands of years before the scientific discoveries end up accurate.



Col 1:16 
For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him.

Heb 11:3
 By faith we understand that time was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are invisible.



Rom 4:17 
As it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations." Abraham acted in faith when he stood in the presence of God, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that don't yet exist.

Joh 1:3 

 Through him all things were made, and apart from him nothing was made that has been made. 

Remember Connie...remember Mark...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for the cross. Thank you for your Word that opens up the world to us and teaches us the truth. Lord we lift those who are suffering with ailments and stress. Heal hearts and minds, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 6, 2012 at 7:12am

Good morning! How are we faithing? No sleep to speak of last night because my mind running flat out.  Discussions with old dear friends, events of the day as well as  world events.  Contemplating life and all the peripheral stuff we deal with. You know how it goes when thought  provoking things are running full tilt. Solomon said, "there is nothing new under the sun". Man still tries to justify behavior while and by denying God's very existence. Our own minds bent on self will allows us to do inexpressible things and the evidence is all around us. I really don't care much about anyone coming around to my view on things but I do want them to know God and the salvation offered.  I have good dear friends that we flat disagree on some issues but that does not diminish the love. Praying and contemplating all this stuff can be daunting when one tries to seek truth without trying to justify ones self. "Nothing new under the sun" and being turned over to a reprobate mind because of willful sin is visible everywhere and gee whiz, I do not want to be counted in that lot....



Ecc 1:9 
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.



2Pe 2:1 
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.

remember Joe Puckett...

Heavenly Father,

   Open our eyes to truth. Open our eyes to our own ways and give us the courage to correct where we need to. Lord we ask forgiveness when we are weak and give in to the flesh.  Help us walk upright with dignity and honor so you are glorified. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 2, 2012 at 7:26am

Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Had a long meeting with 5 other men that are seeking God in their life.  The fellowship, the Word study and the picking on each other was plain great!  Up way to late but...whatever. We discussed things in our town and how we could be men of God, follow Biblical principles and do what Jesus told us to do.  We are recognizing needs and are stepping out on faith to try to help those needs and man, God is great and it'll work for his glory but as usual, I'm a little apprehensive because I don't want "me" and "my logic" to get the way of Gods. By following scriptural principles this endeavor will succeed. A couple verses here are applicable to our living in this world;




1Jn 2:15 
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.



1Jn 3:17-18
  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

We have to address the needs we see and only with the guidance of Godly men second and God's Word first will we see truth and build courage and faith to walk through all the pitfalls tossed out by the enemy.  Pray for the down trodden and ask what need you are able to meet.  Seek God's face in all you do.


Remember Ethel and Ryan....


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for the cross and what it means to me.  Help us all see needs and do what you would have us to do.  Open eyes and minds.  Reveal your ways to our hearts and let us see with your eyes the hearts of others.  Bless our days in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 31, 2012 at 7:40am

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  What is your attitude as a believer? Do you still get all twisted up over things going in a way contrary to what you think they ought to? Are you able to look at the up side even when you want to whine and cry? Why not? Where is your security and you faith? Do you rely on events and smoothness of day to effect your joy and demeanor? Our joy comes from knowing the creator loves us no matter what we are facing and that we know where we are headed ultimately. Our demeanor has a direct correlation to the love of God and our perception of it.  Look, things happen that tick us off, make us sad and even sometimes ask God why but reacting to an emotion in a bad or even worldly way can be harmful to you and to others.  Our outlook on the big picture totally has a bearing on the small one we face every day.  With assurance of salvation, the love God has for us, we are able to approach each hurdle one at a time so we can keep moving forward instead of back.  When you catch yourself reacting in a "woe is me" manner, remember Jesus acted in a loving sacrificial manner even when things sucked. Wow, and my inconvenience is worthy of blasting someone? Please...


  1Jn 5:11-15
  And the witness is this, that God gave unto us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He that hath the Son hath the life; he that hath not the Son of God hath not the life.  These things have I written unto you, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, even unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.  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.


 Gal 4:6
 Now because you are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts to cry out, "Abba! Father!"



remember Pappy...remember Christina C and Megan B...


Heavenly Father,
    We lift you up and praise your name! Holy is your Word Father! Help us recognize things for what they are and keep our emotions under control so we act rather than react. Lord we ask for focus on you rather than the world and it's events we encounter. Grant us wisdom to act correctly from your view. Lord we lift those mentioned. Heal, comfort and m

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