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Comment by russ allen on April 18, 2011 at 6:52am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Man, there's so much I want to share with you. There is so much truth in the Word that if we would but only study, listen and apply it. I do care and I do want you all to come to the saving grace of Jesus because without it, you will live a miserable existence. Ya, you may seem happy and content for a season but without Jesus, it will fade. Temporary pleasures will not sustain you and living chasing the next pleasure will leave you wandering and completely unfulfilled. The world may say "you've arrived" but what destination? I know you all hear different things on the news and there are a whole lot of teachings out there that sound good but are contrary to scripture. Therein lies the danger. The Word tells us to test the spirits. The Word tells us to take the whole council of God and pulling one scripture verse out to make your belief sound palatable is dangerous. All I'm saying the time is now and not to put off God's call any longer. Don't let the junk of this world pull you away. Recognise God's ways for your life. Get in the Word by any means that you are able to comprehend. Trust but verify teachings with the Word.

Romans 8:31-39
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,

"For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered."

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NAS

Remember Jennifer...remember Ray...remember Alex McKinney

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word that fills our needs. Open the eyes of our hearts Lord, we want to see Jesus. Open the scriptures to us. Let them speak and be so evident of the truth we cannot disregard it. Protect us from heresy, teach us to be servants of righteousness, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:49 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 15, 2011 at 7:20am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Constantly battling what our body yearns for is a life long endeavor. Our flesh does desire to control our actions. Hunger, desires, thrill seeking, pleasure, sex, food, getting high etc. Taking control of these desires is very difficult. I know for me, I am task oriented, obsessive with anything I try. One has to weigh the cost verses the benefit before one enters into anything. One also has to be honest with ones self as to when a compulsion enters idol worship. I'm as guilty as anyone. Passions can grip us so hard we cannot escape. Passions can become addictions and addictions can be deadly. This verse that follows is an explanation of how vigilant we must be about idol worship taking over our lives.

Matthew 5:29

"And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
NAS

Did you see the message? Do you understand what is being said? Let me ask you some questions; who is in control, you or your passion? Do you control your passions or does it control you? Look at this;

Romans 6:5-7
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.
NAS

As we seek our savior in all things our addictions come into focus. Our passions are still present but we learn to take control so they are not compulsions that run away with themselves. We are no longer bound by them but our flesh can still be. That's where coming to the master in prayer, getting into the Word can lead us to control and the snapping of those addictions. It isn't easy all the time but it is doable and that my friends is where victory starts.

Remember Bob Davis...remember Brenda Underwood...

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us for we are so encumbered by this body we occupy. Help us hold to that higher calling and defeat our flesh and bring it under submission. Lord we praise and honor you and ask for wisdom. Lord, we know we are vulnerable to our own desires so open our eyes when we stray from a passion to idol worship. We thank you for your salvation in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:17 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 14, 2011 at 7:31am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We have to be wary of talk without action. We see it all the time. Someone says one thing but lives another. We need not be judgemental but just aware. We have enough trouble walking upright so judging someone elses gait is not fruitful or even our job but we can see what is and act accordingly. We also have to be very aware of our talk and walk because if we don't walk the talk, the words are useless. My focus is on Godly principles applied to my life and it isn't always easy to walk that talk. Can you relate? We've all seen the people who live for God on Sunday and live for hell the rest of the week. They really think a few amens and showing up at church is all that needs to be done. We have all engaged in conversations that we ought not be involved in. I've heard the coarse jokes and talk while participating knowing it wasn't right and if you are honest...Why? Acceptance by those people at that point is more important than acceptance of God. Man, that is just plain dumb. We end up destroying our witness for a chuckle. So is joking bad? Of course not but being aware of the line to cross or not is important to that witness. Going to church is good but not for man's approval but for God's. We are out here in this world being bombarded by the enemy. We hear things that sound good but are in actuality contrary to Godly principles. We hear rationalizations for behavior unbecoming of God. False teachings are rampant these days and we must be diligent in our walk that it follows the talk.

Matthew 10:16-18
"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves. "But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the courts, and scourge you in their synagogues; and you shall even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.
NAS


Matthew 7:15-23
"Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they?
"Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit.
"A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.
"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
"So then, you will know them by their fruits.
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'
"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'
NAS

remember Eric...remember Judy Wiley...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom Lord, help us see truth in our actions and help us see when we are straying. Lord, we don't ever mean to do things that reflect a poor light on you but sometimes we find ourselves there. Forgive and show us. Grant the courage to walk the talk, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:28 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 13, 2011 at 7:40am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Boy have I pulled some good ones in my life! Man, have some people pulled some junk on me! When you think about those statements honestly you can't help but be a little ashamed and at the same time somewhat indignant...that is until you take the council of God into consideration. Infractions by us and to us stirs up emotional responses that can prove to be unhealthy and unwise. Jesus died for everyone. Jesus' blood covers all sin. Think about that. You are forgiven and saved when you come to Jesus and so is that knucklehead that hurt you comes to Jesus. It's really hard to let go of hurts and regrets when we stay focused on circumstances and not the Word of God. The Word of God gives us assurance that we are saved, assurance where we are going and assurance that we can get through whatever we face. Do I like what has happened to me? Sometimes not but does that matter? If we dwell in that place, the bitterness and unforgiveness seed is planted and before we know it, we are a bitter judgemental person and you can bet unhappy with life. Is that what God planned for us? Is that where you want to be when you lay your head down at night? Read these below and ponder. See the truth and the principle at work here.
Ephesians 6:5-9
Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. And, masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
NAS

Remember Tonya...remember the troops...remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your patience with us. Lord we ask for courage and wisdom to see truth in all circumstances. Help us be your servants and help us be better ambassadors for you. We lift those mentioned to you because we do care and we want them to see your face so they may have peace and understanding in all things. In Jesus' name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:35 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 12, 2011 at 6:32am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Distractions. Man, they come at us from all angles and speeds. I think I need to do this or that but I do the opposite. I intend to do this or that and others things get in the way. I know what I should be doing but my attention is grabbed by something else. Can you relate to this? It's like in the cartoon movie "UP" where the dogs are intent on a task but are distracted by,"squirrel!". Maybe it's a mental deficiency or maybe just human nature but it does get in the way of our mission as it were. Maintaining focus on the things of God is crucial in our well being. I don't mean religious things but Godly things. Not to earn anything but to represent and be the reflection, the lighthouse, the person of God. Robes and collars not withstanding but genuine Godly focus that seeks truth and Gods love in every situation. The homeless person and the thug. The orphan and the well to do kid. Whether you intend to or not, your actions as a person of God are noticed. Your reaction to stimuli will be observed and dissected. Don't think so? Have you heard"church is full of hypocrites" or "I'll never go to that church cause the pastor did this or that"? Sure you have and so have I, in fact, I'm guilty as anyone for engaging in conversations or letting my actions not be as they should be. Who controls your body? Who controls your actions? Who controls your mouth? You do and you will be a representative of worldly ways without Godly input.

Romans 14:1-12

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One man has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. Let not him who eats regard with contempt him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall give praise to God."
So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.
NAS

Remember Gary Hileman...remember Mark and Kelly's family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for wisdom that is way above mans. Lord we ask for strength and courage in times of weakness and fear. Take these anxieties and help us see them for what they are. Help us glean your wisdom so we don't cause pain or look at others in an ungodly fashion. We lift those listed and those not who read this. Teach them. Hold them. Gather them to your wisdom and love, in your sons name Jesus we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 8, 2011 at 7:02am

Great morning! How are we faithing on this beautiful Friday? We who believe in Jesus as savior do indeed have a duty to speak truth. Whatever we say and do is scrutinized by the lost. We will be mocked, slandered, teased and in some countries, not here thank God, killed. I hear fellow believers slamming personally our government, our bosses, our leaders in church. This ought not be. We've discussed numerous times about hating the sin and not the sinner and this principle applies to this subject. I can disagree or agree. I can abhor the things I see happening and even wonder about motives but I have no right to call names or speak evil onto the people. Right is right and justice will be served but do you really want that person to go to hell? Do you want the image of our savior to be one of revenge? Justice like I said will prevail but the person involved has the same opportunity to be forgiven upon repentance as we do. Jesus died for all the sins of the world, roll that statement around today...


Galatians 6:6-10
And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
NAS

Colossians 4:4-6
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.
NAS

1 Thessalonians 5:14-18
See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all men. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
NAS

remember Ron Rigg...remember Ryan Stoner...

Heavenly Father,
We want to thank you for your grace. We want to see you and your wisdom. Lord, bring to mind your words when we want to attack anothers soul. Lord, make us aware of a mean spirit if we have one. Show us the right way to respond to things. Help us be your servants and sons and daughters and let us not cause pain but be lights of your love, in Jesus name, amen

Posted by russ allen at 6:56 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 7, 2011 at 8:03am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Thoughts and study are on Israel. Prophecy points to that area in the world. As we watch things unfold over there we also see God at work here. People are hurt, angry, self centered, sick, blind and deaf to the what the Spirit of God is saying. The land speaks. The wind speaks. The rushing waters tell tales. No I have not stepped off the deep end today. As long as we keep the blinders on and not gather those searching while we walk the straight and narrow we are not fulfilling the great commission. We must pay attention as we walk that narrow path because not sharing this gift is just as selfish as those off that path plundering the world are. It's tough to reach out alot of times. I'm as guilty as the next. To not stop and help someone cause "I gotta be at church", well, think about that. Church of course is important but maybe church that particular time is with that lost person. Take the blinders off! Be disciplined and go to church to renew and to refresh but don't make church your God, we go to church to gather together with God. Just something to chew on today...


Luke 6:35-38
"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. "And do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
NAS

remember Jessie Benton...remember Jeff Cumming and his endeavours....

Heavenly Father,
Give us clear minds to see truth and he courage to act accordingly. Lord we lift our troops up to you. Grant them mercy and wisdom to act as they should. Lord we pray for our enemies that they find your grace and love. We praise you and ask for strength in these times. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 8:00 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 6, 2011 at 6:53am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Sometimes we veer off track. Sometimes stuff around us pulls our attention away from God and the things of God. People seem to think unless we are singing the Hallelujah chorus with our hands clasped we are not being Godly. Nothing is further from the truth. The Word tells us to pray without ceasing and that does not mean a continual formal liturgy of words. Praying without ceasing is a tuning in to the things of God and constantly aware of him and his works. "Huh?" you say? Lets say you walk in a store and you notice a grimaced face on someone. Are they in pain? Did their Mother just die? Do they need a kind word? Should I smile and say hello even though I feel like stink? These are questions that come from our attention coming from the Word of God and us communing with him constantly. This relationship with the Savior Jesus teaches us to be in prayer in all things. What is this life about? People is what it is all about. God made us to worship and enjoy him. Our relationship garners prayerful attention all the time. We grow in the Word when we read it daily. Input of the Word is so crucial for our being in tune to the people who need Jesus. We need to be aware when we are being selfish with this salvation and be ready in season and out to share love. That person in the store you saw earlier may be waiting for another human being to acknowledge them. That person may be at the end of their rope and your reaching out in prayerful love may be what reassures them that God is indeed real. The Holy Spirits prompting is silently deafening when we tune in. Pray without ceasing...wow...on our knees and off is what that means...
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing ; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
NAS

1 Samuel 12:23-24
Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way. Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.
NAS

Colossians 4:2-4
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
NAS

Ephesians 6:18
With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
NAS

Luke 21:36
"But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."
NAS

remember David Smethurst...remember Jay and Willa Newsome...

Heavenly Father,
Help us be aware of you and your movement. Help us stay in tune and recognise when we are not in tune to your Holy Spirit. Help us be ambassadors for you. Open our eyes to the needs we see and equip us to meet those needs. Lord we ask for wisdom so we don't chase things that will pull us from you. Teach us to be your servants with a loving heart and a sound mind. Bless those mentioned, wherever they go or whatever they do, In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 5, 2011 at 7:43am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Had a conversation recently and it was said that church numbers ebb and flow. I started wondering why. Is it the human condition? Do people just search the next cool thing? Is this an emotional high and when it subsides the desire leaves? We in the churches are dropping the ball. We surround them when they make a confession of faith, hug them when they get baptised and then leave em alone. Wrong wrong wrong! There they are, saved, washed clean and not a clue where to go from there. They don't even know what to ask. We fellow believers must be in the Word and help these new believers on the path the principles of God make. It's just to darn easy to revert. Gee whiz man, I'm old and I catch myself doing that. We need to prop each other up. We need to stop the bumper sticker platitudes and speak truth in love and help each other. Remove your opinions and speak truth from the Word. We need not care how so much as what. Each of us see things from a different angle so show Jesus by living truth. Our reflection is much more of an indication of truth than our finger pointing. Rather than barking,"you need to be at church when the doors are open" we need to show God's love and encourage those lives so they want to come to church to see God. To learn who this savior is. I have a Mom and Dad and so do you therefore orders rarely work unless asked for. We have this wonderful gift that has been bought and paid for so why would we think we have to keep earning and paying for it? Burdening new believers with do's and don'ts does not work hence the ebb and flow of the churches. We need to surround people with truth in love not just the truth. Without love it's just another set of rules and that doesn't work by itself or we wouldn't even need this savior. Think about this...


2 Peter 2:20-22
For if after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment delivered to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, "A dog returns to its own vomit ," and, "A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire."
NAS

Matthew 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. "Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
NAS

Galatians 4:9
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?
NAS

remember Betty Graham's brother...remember Summer Harrod...remember Jerry and Carol,,,remember Morgan Wood

Heavenly Father,
Lord we worry about things here. We lose sight of your grace and we ask forgiveness. Help us be wise and seek wisdom that we act and love in a manner worthy of your grace. Lord, keep us mindful of the enemy so we don't stray off the path you set for us. Lord, open Megan's eyes, show her your path. Prepare her for your work. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:40 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 4, 2011 at 8:11am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Batten down the hatches! Prepare for the storm! The waves will be huge! The wind will be fierce! The noise will be deafening! Doom and gloom! Ever hear these reports? It's like the reporters want all these things so they can scoop the story. There was a song years ago called "Dirty Laundry" and it described how all the ills around are what everybody wants. It's like what has happened to Japan and New Guinea the last month or so. The human tragedy is awful and we do pray for them but I must admit, the tsunami and resultant devastation is fascinating to watch. Amazing the power a wave has. We build and sweat over things, make them strong and something as simple as a wave wipes it out. Do you think those people over there are lamenting about their stuff? I'll bet eating is a little more important. Survival becomes paramount and stuff becomes irrelevant. How do you deal with day to day things? Are you fretting because your car had a flat? They don't have roads. Are you complaining because your sandwich isn't fixed right at the diner? They don't have a place to sit inside and eat. Do you get depressed because you can't afford that new TV? I need not go on. We need to wake up people and see what is important. There's nothing wrong with stuff but is it your idol? Anything that you love more than God is an idol. Do your thing but keep it in perspective. If you lost everything tangible today, what would you do? How would you react? What would your outlook be? Would you lie down and whine about it or would you pick yourself and press on? Would you expect someone else to fix it or do what you need to do? Take the time to picture yourself in that situation today and take notice of your gut reaction. Check your reaction to the Word and our Savior and ask those pertinent questions to prepare yourself for eventual tragedy because those times come to a sin filled fallen world but we are saved by the grace of God and the love of his son who gave all so we don't have to. Kinda makes the house and car insignificant don't it....

Hebrews 1:1-4

God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high; having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
NAS

Colossian1:18
He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything.
NAS

Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
NAS

remember Kellynns friend Chris who has cancer...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your blessings and thank you for your Word. Lord we pray for our leaders that they make sound choices and hear your voice. Lord we lift our military to you. Help them apply mercy and courage to all they do. Shield them from evil. Lord we ask for revelation of your Word today. Reveal your truths and grant us wisdom that we may not cause pain in others or cause them to stumble, we ask these things in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 8:08 AM

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