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Comment by russ allen on July 30, 2012 at 8:04am

    Good morning!  How are we faithing? Paying attention to scripture and how prophecy compares to current events is interesting.  Not being a scholar or anything like that, a lot of times I can miss what scripture is telling me but sometimes it slaps me right up side the head. Do you do that? Do you peruse the scripture in amazement that the world just doesn't see the simple beauty of it? Salvation is so simple but people get all twisted up in works and miss it. People think they have to get better to get saved. No where in scripture is that ever said so where do they get that? Prophecy can be straight forward as well as cryptic. Could be cultural, could be the age written and could be purposely written so future people see what the former could not. For example;

  Zec 14:12 
And this shall be the plague wherewith Jehovah will smite all the peoples that have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their sockets, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

Back a hundred years it would be all but impossible to see how this could happen. Flesh gone while standing would be possible with nukes right? Just a possibility. How about;


Eze 1:24 
And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of a host: when they stood, they let down their wings.

A jet perhaps? Read all of Ezekiel 1, it sure sounds like a description of a fighter jet to me.  From their vantage point thousands of years ago this looks like a pretty good description of a jet fighter.  Then again in five hundred years from now, who knows.  Point is that we all ought to read books like Ezekiel and Daniel, Joel etc and just read with wonder and amazement of how alive scripture really is. Just some food for thought to begin your week.  

Remember Heather Bell...remember Jay and Mark...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for the cross. Thank you for your inspired Word that teaches us your truth and ways. Help us reflect your light to everyone we meet this week. Grant us wisdom to see that truth and the courage to follow it. In Jesus name, amen 

Comment by russ allen on July 26, 2012 at 7:24am

  Great morning! How are we faithing? Our liberty in Christ is vast. Loading us down with rules is not what the gospel is all about. To many times things get distorted over infractions and we loose our liberty trying to carry things that have already been delivered. Does it make sense to send a package via UPS but still feel the need to deliver it ourselves?  Jesus already paid the price and already offered forgiveness and when we accepted it we are declared innocent so why would we still have to pay the price?  Stop berating yourself about what Jesus beat and won already. Press on with renewed vigor seeking wisdom from God's Word so hopefully we don't repeat past mistakes but live refreshed and anew with a spirit of joy that we have been saved from payment of our sins. When we have to pay in the world because there are ramifications for our action here, we can do what's needed to be done with inner joy and a peace knowing the win is already marked down and we are getting from here to that win while gathering others who have fallen into the same pit. Realizing it's already won can make the journey, however difficult it may be, joyously doable. Reassure yourself with these words;



Gal 5:1
 For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.



Col 2:16-19
  Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a feast day or a new moon or a sabbath day: which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's.  Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he hath seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and bands, increasing with the increase of God.



Mat 11:28-29
  Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.


Heavenly Father,
   We praise your name. We thank you for all you do. We ask for wisdom to act, think and love as you would have us to. Lord we lift those around us to you and lay theirs and our burdens at your feet for we know you got this and we don't have to carry these burdens anymore. Help us see truth in everything. help us be better servants for your righteousness and not for our own glory. Protect the children and grant us courage to act and think honorable in this fallen world. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 25, 2012 at 7:47am

Good morning! How are we faithing? You know what is interesting? We tend to run back to our sinful ways when confronted with turmoil.  If we were the type that in our past we lashed out whenever confronted with things, we tend to still do that in times of stress. If we were brought up with a certain attitude, even though it may be contrary to God's Word and even though we are redeemed and have walked with Jesus for some years, we revert under duress. I've known people who were very promiscuous and when they got dumped on over and over they dove deeper into that promiscuous sin to the point that the perpetual results of the sin taught them nothing. They would get hurt and decide to go do the same exact thing over and over. Why? Sin does that. We can do certain sins for so long we forget everything else and even believe it is the only way and it becomes comfortable. The only way we are able to move from actions that are sinful and harmful to others and our selves is not get defensive or offended when confronted with that sin.  We must confess our sin and repent of it. Get in the Word over and over to make the truth our reality and not sin. Br real when you self examine. Ask the questions that reveal truth.  The world says promiscuity for example is normal and natural when in fact heartache comes over and over again and I meet people time and time again that keep on repeating the same things and belly ache over the same results. They blame everything and everyone for the hurt but miss the initial action they took that brought about the condition. You want to live better? You want this hurt to stop? Listen to the old fat guy that keeps pointing you to the answer, Jesus. Argue if you must but what you've been doing is what is making you feel the way you do so doesn't it make sense to question it? Think on this today....


Pro 26:11 
As a dog that returneth to his vomit, So is a fool that repeateth his folly.

1Jn 1:9 

 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your wisdom in your Word. Lord, help us be honest. Help us truly examine our own actions and change our mind. Help us recognize folly in our lives. Help us recognize actions that perpetuate pain and suffering. Lord, truth is what we desire and our desires avoid truth sometimes, make us aware of those things in our lives, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 24, 2012 at 7:36am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing? Man, I've heard some ugly speech lately. Lies, slander, anger, innuendo, cussing, speaking curses on others, gossip, idle speculation for the previous reasons and on it goes. It does not always surprise me but when it's heard in the body of believers it tosses one heck of a curve. We all are guilty from time to time but man, we have to be in control of our tongue regardless of our emotional state. It flat doesn't matter what has happened we must not lash out like the world. I am guilty of calling someone an idiot who drive different than myself. Can you relate? I am attempting to turn that around to bless them instead of calling them names. I don't know where or what is happening in their life so how dare I call them an idiot? Likewise we all must remember who we are and that we are not people who should be captive of our tongues. You know, what is in our hearts is what comes out our mouths so with that said, I need a change of heart, how about you?




Mat 5:21-22
  Ye have heard that it was said to them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: but I say unto you, that every one who is angry with his brother shall be in danger of the judgment; and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council; and whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of the hell of fire.

Mat 12:36  

And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 

Heavenly Father,

  Forgive us our trespasses. Lord, our tongues need taming and we need strength and self control to achieve that goal. Help us with wisdom and your eyes to see the heart of others. Let our own desires and emotions lead but rather your wisdom and strength. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 23, 2012 at 8:09am

Good morning!  How are we faithing? My my there is so much stuff happening in the world today. Besides the news I have run into so many people struggling in marriages, jobs, relationships, their faith and the list goes on.  Aerosmith had a song back in the early 90's called "Living On The Edge" and compared to that time frame, things have escalated tremendously. People we have to pause for a second and curb our tongues. We have to reel in our tempers. We must be vigilant to the devil and his minions ways because those things can destroy us. Why would anyone lash out with hurtful cutting words? Why would anyone treat others the way they would not stand to be treated? The Word tells us not to sin in our anger and biting commentary with past things used to hurt is selfish and flat cruel besides being contrary to what Jesus told us. There's a couple I know of that have some legal issues due to past behavior and people, there are consequences for our behavior.  God forgives but the world may punish and if you are there, suck it up and learn from it. I do not mean to be harsh but the world is harsh and we are in it and if you were of it for a season or whatever, there can be penalties. Jesus already whooped whatever you are facing, or going through, or are fixin to go through, so it makes sense to recognize that fact and learn during the journey from here to that victory already won. Our peace is dependent on the love God has and us realizing our struggle and chasing after the wind only exacerbates the problem. Seek his face. Read the Word to learn so you wont keep repeating the same things over and over and remember, God loves you enough to offer his salvation through his son.



Col 3:8-10
  but now do ye also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, railing, shameful  lie not one to another; seeing that ye have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him:



Eph 4:26-27
  Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
 neither give place to the devil.



remember Cliffe Allan....remember Jason, Stephanie and Robert...

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for the cross. Lord, impart wisdom on us so we do not sin in our anger. Grant us restraint to not lash out when we are angry. We lift those hurt by words and ask a healing and a clearness of mind to see truth. Lord shut the lips of those who stir descent among your people.  Lord we lift those seeking to work to support their families, open doors and make those aware when you have opened that door. Protect the innocent and grant courage to us to protect the innocent. Guide our minds and vision, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 20, 2012 at 6:57am

This is a call to prayer this sad day.  The shooting at the movie theater in Colorado has raised issues but we need to lift up the families and victims of the shooting.  Also remember Phillip Keith...remember Dorothy Stockbridge...remember Marvin McKinney...remember Jerry Wheeler...

Heavenly Father,
   Lord, we come before you with heavy hearts this day. We lift the families and victims of the heinous event.  Lord, comfort these people and those mentioned. Help us deal with situations with wisdom and love. Help us act and react with courage and wisdom in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 19, 2012 at 8:10am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Pain is real. Ever notice if you tell your Mom or your spouse something hurts they want to rub it? What's that? Also if someone tells you they are hurting emotionally we want to rub it to make it better by speaking platitudes? Pain, other than a mechanism to let you know you stepped on a rusty nail, is for a purpose. We can choose to let it cause immense fear and trepidation or we can learn from it. Scars come from pain and those scars can be reminders of what we've learned or can be bitter reminders of how we have been wronged. Your choice. I choose to let them be used to warn me so next time I don't make the same mistake.  I choose to use them to show someone else I understand and want to stand with them as they develop a similar scar. The love of Jesus for us is so huge that he bears scars on his body to prove it. I suppose when he looks on those scars he doesn't see the indignation or the heinous acts committed on him but the love he feels for us all.  He may be reminded that we are worth it. The Apostle Paul even had a "thorn in his side"  that reminded him of just how big the love of Jesus is that even through that thorns pain he didn't puff up but remember what our savior did for us because of his love for us.  We need to look at pain through different glasses.  We need to see the lessons learned and apply them to our lives. Is your pain a wake up call to something bigger than your self? Is it to remind you to  forgive like you want to be forgiven or are you going to inflict pain in a like manner? I want you to think today when pain comes. Don't step on the nail again and don't lay that board down for someone else to step on it too.


Rom 8:28
 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.



Joh 16:21
  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but when she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for the joy that a man is born into the world.

 Psa 37:7-8
  Rest in Jehovah, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.
 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil-doing.





Heavenly Father,
  The pain in this world is hard to deal with sometimes. Grant us the courage and wisdom to deal with our pain and see the lesson in it. Lord we want to see you and want to follow you and your ways. We do ask for forgiveness when we miss what we need to see. Help us always look for a lesson so we can help others as well as our selves. Let us reject and run from selfishness, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 18, 2012 at 7:54am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? Sometimes it's difficult to decipher events. Watching things happen can typically be read simply because we've been there or it is plainly obvious what is going on. Then there are those times when we flat cant figure out why anyone or any event  would take the course it does.  Like we've talked about before, selfishness always plays into people events.  When people retreat into themselves while swinging the sword of self preservation, others will be hurt. Reacting out of protecting oneself from physical danger is a result of training and or the "fight or flight" mechanism we all have. Putting up walls and then acting in vengeance such as "get them before they get me" is blatantly ungodly and is acting in a manner that is in no way scriptural or Christ like. Why would we do it? Afraid of what people might say, afraid one might look bad to others, afraid of more hurt.  Gee, that sure sounds like our trust in God has waned. It's not up to us but up to God. Follow God and leave all the fallout to him.  Don't worry about protecting your rep or worrying about what others think of you. Know that you are a child of God when you accepted his grace, he loves you and your future is already set.  This, whatever is happening, isn't yours to carry.



Col 3:23-24
  whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.

Php 2:12-13

  So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;  for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. 

1Co 15:58 

 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord. 

Rom 8:28 

 And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose. 

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for the cross. Thank you for salvation.  Help us be men and women of God not back biting or tearing down your children. Lord grant us peace and understanding of events so we may minister justly and wisely for your honor, in Jesus name, amen

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

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  Believers are held to a higher standing. The world criticizes believers as hypocrites because they goof up all the time. What the world misses is redemption.  Believers are not any better than the world they are just aware of sin and are redeemed from sin. By being aware of sin believers try to not sin and as a result they can be perceived as hypocrites when they fail to maintain that standard. Believers who let ego and pride in fall down in the area of seeing sin in others lives and condemning them. We must be diligent in watching our own behavior in this area or we can fall into actually thinking we are "holier than thou".  As a redeemed lot we do not fall under judgement of the law of God but that does not mean we can break them.  They still are laws to live by. The scriptures are still relevant to how to live today just like in the past. Jesus defined many of the laws and explained the intent of God when he set them up.  No one can argue against the laws of God with any compelling reason because any argument against ends up for selfish reasons. Rationalization of breaking laws of God will reap results that befit the infraction. You do not loose your salvation but there will be ramifications of any and all actions eventually. Remember we reap what we sow.



2Co 9:6
 But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.



Gal 6:7-8
  Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.


 Hos 10:12
 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek Jehovah, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.


remember Teresa Wheeler...

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your Word that teaches. Help us sow without pride. Help us see with you eyes the needs around us. Help us understand your scriptures. We ask you heal the sick on our minds.  Show up and show off. Lord we love and adore you even when we sin. Lord our flesh is weak. Heal our flesh. Open our eyes, we want to see Jesus, In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on July 16, 2012 at 7:20am

      Good morning!  How are we faithing? It has been a week wrought with emotional and spiritual things and wow man, exhausting. This world tosses so much at us and I'm telling you now, if you deal inappropriately, you will suffer.  Heck man when we deal correctly there is suffering so dealing wrongly just compounds the agony. I've watched some turn on each other over stuff and it is ugly. I've watched people get in the middle of stuff they ought not. I've watched people stir stuff for who knows why. I've had family bring stuff up and Godly scriptural wisdom was necessary regardless if it hurt or not. Man, the root of all of it was selfishness. People were just protecting themselves and rather than in love, prayer and wisdom they lashed out or played the protectionism card. The news flat makes me laugh at the stupid actions from intelligent  leaders and at the same time reflects how a world without Godly resources implodes. People it's time to step back and devour the Word because the prophecy is here and time is short. The worldly things that get in the way of our saviors love will wreak havoc unless we are quick to our knees and adhere to the sound teachings the Word has.


 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 Baily Ford and family ...remember Sebastion Major and family...remember Erin Lawson and family...

Heavenly Father,
  Open our eyes to truth and let not our own selfish desires cloud anything. Forgive us Lord when we get our nose out of joint and miss a chance to love and present you accordingly/  Lord, calm fears and worried and let us see them for what they are. Help seeking your truth be foremost in our minds, in Jesus name, amen

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