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Comment by russ allen on December 22, 2010 at 7:41am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Tis a joyous season and it really saddens me to see glum faces all around because people are stressing over gifts. This subject has been talked to death but I wonder if anyone listens. The same person who says "Jesus is the reason for the season" gets depressed when they can't give a perceived notion of Christmas gifts. Stop it! Enough with this! Those kids will enjoy no matter what they get and if they complain about it, you had better nip that attitude now. For the adults, we ain't kids anymore and gifts are gifts. If we give from the heart and not out of obligation we have discovered the secret to gift giving. Don't let cost or size make you feel guilty or not. Give because you want to give. Yes I know gift opening under a tree Christmas morning is cool and I have a ton of memories but the gift just isn't that important now. It can't be because if it were, we'd never be satisfied. Sound familiar? I just want you all to think and if you are depressed because finances suck this year, get over it and remember to make the season about what it should be. Your love for your family and friends and
God's love for you. These things are not dependant on bought stuff.

Matthew 6:2-4
"When therefore you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. "But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you.
NAS

1 Timothy 5:25
Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed.
NAS

Proverbs 21:14
A gift in secret subdues anger,
And a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
NAS

1 Corinthians 2:12
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
KJV




Remember Megan McGrath...remember Caleb Richards...Remember Mitchel Roberts

Heavenly Father,
We ask for peace and wisdom this day Lord. Teach us the true meaning of charity. Help us not get caught up in this gift mode that condemns based on size and worth. Help us see truth so we can show it to those we meet. Let us shine with the love of your son. Bless those traveling today, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 21, 2010 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Here's something to think about;


Colossians 3:5-11
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is on account of these things that the wrath of God will come, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him --a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.
NAS

Romans 6:6-7
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

What does this mean? Do we now never sin since we found Jesus? No, we still goof up but when we seek his face and walk according to the Word, we recognise sin. We no longer are under the spell of sin. Sure some things we do or did that have become habits take conscience effort to change. Some things were so much a part of our lives we never even considered them to be wrong. Now when you do you have a battle with it but here's another thing to remember, Jesus defeated sin on the cross. You no longer are subject to it. You are saved by grace. So can you just continue because you won't be judged by it? Not at all! You now are freed from the slavery of that wrongdoing. Now the battle of the flesh begins and we can enter that battle knowing Jesus already whooped it, it just hasn't died in us yet. Our flesh will do all sorts of weird wild things and if we just let it do whatever, we are in for a long struggle. When you recognise a sin in you life, pray immediately. Run to Jesus. I know people that if their lips are moving, it's a lie. I know people who if a female is near, they become lustful. I know people who bad mouth everything and everybody. It goes on and on and I do not want to judge those people because, that's right, that becomes a sin. I can call a sin a sin but the person may be in a battle and the Word tells us what? Pray for them and when I goof up I hope you pray for me...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, we were slaves to sin for so long we need your spirit in and all over us to defeat the fleshly desire for that sin. Lord we ask for wisdom and courage to stand for truth. Lord we lift the people we meet today to you. heal them, open their eyes and do the same for us. Help us be strong witnesses for your glory and not for ours. Help us not judge but be a beacon of your grace and love. Shut our mouths when necessary and open them with kind words that lift and not trample. It is in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:06 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 20, 2010 at 7:39am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The times that we all have when we feel despair deep within ourselves can make good times unpleasant and can make even the rudimentary things seem like drudgery. I can remember peaceful mornings as a child from 3-4 yrs old all the way till high school when the sun came cracking over the horizon, the dew on the grass, the smell of a new day, the bird songs and the furry critters scurrying all over. It was peaceful tranquility that made me realize just how great and loving God is. It is probably why I am such a morning person now. When I feel peaceful my mind goes to the "ropes" at the foot of Hermon mountain. Places that God spoke with his wonder and love still appear in my minds eye. Many different things speak of God's love and his creation is indeed a source for wisdom and peace. Do you remember solice and warmth at different places? When we seek God in all things we find that he truly is there and when we have a relationship with him, his creation comes so alive in so many ways. Walk this week with your eyes wide open to his grace and beauty that long lasting memories of that peace stays with you. Just think about this today and this week...

Psalms 42:5-8
Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him
For the help of His presence.
O my God, my soul is in despair within me;
Therefore I remember Thee from the land of the Jordan,
And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.
Deep calls to deep at the sound of Thy waterfalls;
All Thy breakers and Thy waves have rolled over me.
The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life.
NAS

Psalms 133:3
It is like the dew of Hermon,
Coming down upon the mountains of Zion;
For there the LORD commanded the blessing-- life forever.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your comfort in the good times and the bad. Show us how to seek you out in everything. Lord we bless you and honor you. You are our rock and we seek you and ask you forgive us when we allow bad things to permeate our thinking. Teach us to put all those things in perspective and to remember your love for us all the time. We lift those in despair to you. Show yourself in your creation so we cannot deny your grace and love. Thank you for your son who loved us enough to lay his life down so you could look upon us and not see sin but him. We reach out to you knowing we lack but want to please you. Guide us this week and open our eyes to your splendor and create memories that provide peace and understanding all our days. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:36 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 15, 2010 at 7:36am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The Word is so cool. It speaks to us all in ways that apply to our lives. Our minds and spirits must be tuned in to what it has to say. It is referred to a "living word" for good reason. You or I may read something today and get a message and the next time we read it we see other principles. Does that mean it is contradictory or convoluted? Not at all. It is so wise in structure that when we read with a situation or question in mind it causes us to sometimes think in ways we never thought to think. Like todays Psalm continuation. You may glean something different than I do today and that is fine. God speaks to us all and we are able to hear through his Word when we diligently look. Pray before you read for understanding and read. Try this; pick a chapter from, for example psalm 91 and reread it every week for a month. You will get something that is applicable to your situation each time. You will see truths that are within the Word that each time is fresh. Give it a try. Here's todays verses and following are what was spoken to me by other scripture...fascinating!

Psalms 91:12-14
They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
KJV

James 1:12-18
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.
But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.
Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.
In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures.
NAS

Isaiah 33:15-16
He who walks righteously, and speaks with sincerity,
He who rejects unjust gain,
And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe;
He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;
He will dwell on the heights;
His refuge will be the impregnable rock;
His bread will be given him;
His water will be sure.
NAS

Isn't that great? What did you get from the psalm today?
Remember Al Godley and family...remember Bob West family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that sustains us. Reveal you will and your wisdom every day when we seek your face in your Word. Lord we lift those who are in sorrow and in anxiety today. Calm nerves and comfort hearts. Reveal yourself and your presence in a way that is so real and recognisable that you cannot be denied. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 14, 2010 at 7:13am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The subject that the verses today open up is huge. These verses give direct promises of the angel of the Lord being protection when we seek God. Does that mean we can walk on lava or walk in front of a moving bus? Get real. Tempting God is not a good idea. I'm not even sure one can even do that. We have angels charge over each of us for many things and protection is indeed one of em. I have been in situations before where there was no explanation for me surviving and I truly believe an angel protected me. These verses confirm it for me. Now I understand that things happen all around us and it causes one to ask why they were not "protected". Can't answer simply in this venue but suffice to say the bigger picture that is going on is way above my pay grade and if God sees fit to allow things, who are we to find fault? If I knew that in 90 days I would meet with death, I may not do alot of things that would benefit a bunch of people because I would be trying to do my thing till I left or second guess something I normally would not...just a thought. Sometimes things are allowed to happen that really hurt only to save bigger hurt down the road. Again, no one has sought God more than Jesus. No one has walked the walk while talking the talk more than Jesus...and they killed him. So seek God, believe these verses and stand on God's promises and accept what comes because we know he knows way more than we ever will. To me this is encouragement to face each day!

Psalms 91:11

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
KJV

Psalms 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.
NAS

Psalms 71:3
Be Thou to me a rock of habitation, to which I may continually come;
Thou hast given commandment to save me,
For Thou art my rock and my fortress.
NAS

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
NAS

Remember Christian Lance...Lauren McDaniel...the Brumfield family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the promises in your Word. Help us to be confident and fearless with your direction and promptings. Grant us wisdom and courage to speak of you and to shut up when necessary. Lord we ask for blessings on those mentioned and on those who are hurting today. Bless those who are sick, grant a comfort they don't understand but know it is from you. Teach us to be your servants and your ambassadors for the lost, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:09 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 13, 2010 at 7:27am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We continue with our look at Psalm 91. This by no means is THE definitive study on this Psalm but a lesson on promises and to teach you to read and hear from God. To make you ask questions and to inspire you to dive deeper into the Word. This is such encouragement for our lives! We've already established that while in this body, our flesh, that we are subject to a sinful world. We may or may not endure fleshly pain and whether we do or do not has alot to do with physical, spiritual and mental factors. Some seem to never endure physical maladies, some endure every bug that comes along. Some have mental breakdowns, some retain their light till they die. Some have spiritual battles of monumental proportions and some seem to get it and that's all they need. Right, wrong or indifferent, we all need Jesus. Whatever we deal with, it is impossible without Jesus. If you look at the verses today you see some promises for God's people. Read these, think and do not pull words out to suit what you want. Seek first the kingdom of God.

Psalms 91:7-10

A thousand may fall at your side,
And ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not approach you.
You will only look on with your eyes,
And see the recompense of the wicked.
For you have made the LORD, my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place.
No evil will befall you,
Nor will any plague come near your tent.
NAS

Psalms 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them.
NAS

Psalms 71:3
Be Thou to me a rock of habitation, to which I may continually come;
Thou hast given commandment to save me,
For Thou art my rock and my fortress.
NAS

Proverbs 3:6
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
NAS

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
And rely on horses,
And trust in chariots because they are many,
And in horsemen because they are very strong,
But they do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the LORD!
NAS

Remember Matt Lawson...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that reveals and comforts. Help us seek you in everything. Help us understand your protection on our souls. Lord we lift those who suffer at the hands of evil. Help them focus on you and on truth. Grant them wisdom and courage to face anything knowing you love them and are ever present. Lord, keep our troops safe and merciful, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:23 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 9, 2010 at 9:28am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have run into alot of things this year and much as of late. It is so interesting that when one is removed from a situation it becomes clearer as to what is happening. While in the midst of struggles and jubilation we can lose sight of the bigger picture that Jesus is messiah and he loves us enough to have endured all we have and will endure so we can come out the other side of all this. Not to to wax to philosophical but when we are able to pause and reflect we need to realize nothing is new under the sun, it's just new to us. With this knowledge we can approach the things we face, good or bad, with a new found peace from the master and an assurance inside that we are not alone and withdrawing inward only hurts and not helps ourselves and others. Think about that...

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
To everything there is a season,A time for every purpose under heaven:
A time to be born,And a time to die;
A time to plant,And a time to pluck what is planted;
A time to kill,And a time to heal;
A time to break down,And a time to build up;
A time to weep,And a time to laugh;
A time to mourn,And a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones,And a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace,And a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to gain,And a time to lose;A time to keep,And a time to throw away;
A time to tear,And a time to sew;A time to keep silence,And a time to speak;
A time to love,And a time to hate;A time of war,And a time of peace.
What profit has the worker from that in which he labors? I have seen the God-given task with which the sons of men are to be occupied. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor — it is the gift of God.
I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.
That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past.
NKJV

Remember Liz Byrd...remember Barb Adams...remember Jennifer Rucker...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom we get from the Word. Lord we ask for vision and courage to face life. Lord we understand in our heads sometimes but battle the matter. Lord we praise and worship you. Lord be with those mentioned and those who need you unbeknownst to us. in Your holy name Jesus, amen
Posted by russ allen at 9:24 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 8, 2010 at 10:26am

Hey all, we have some fire service guys in need of prayer right now! Larry House, Chief of Monterey Ky...Butch McCutchen family...Kevin Cleveland...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you this day with hearts for those mentioned. Lord we are lifting the families to you. Bless and comfort them in their hour of need. Lord we stand on your Word daily to sustain us, thank you for you grace and love in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 7, 2010 at 7:59am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I want to apologise for my absence the last few days. Work and this bug I have has got in the way of sound study that is worthy of passing on. I do enjoy and look forward to doing this and it bothers me when I can't. I ask for prayers this day for Michelle Barns...Carolann Glass and family...Emmy Bell...Garrett and Michelle Cler and family...and for me, 2nd sickness in one month and this one bites.

Psalms 146:5-9

How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
Whose hope is in the LORD his God;
Who made heaven and earth,
The sea and all that is in them;
Who keeps faith forever;
Who executes justice for the oppressed;
Who gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets the prisoners free.
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind;
The LORD raises up those who are bowed down;
The LORD loves the righteous;
The LORD protects the strangers;
He supports the fatherless and the widow;
But He thwarts the way of the wicked.
NAS

I wish to encourage you who are struggling with the things in this world. Our bodies betray us. Other people step on us. We see things we wish we hadn't and say things we wish we could take back. You are not alone my friends so go to our savior and rest in his grace. He has already forgiven you and loves you so lift your head and press on.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for comfort in times of stress. We ask you to guide and touch those who seek your face. We also lift those mentioned to you because of the pain they are enduring. Lord, grant peace and wisdom to us who seek you. Bless those less fortunate than us and help us realize you are with us through these trials. Help us maintain objectivity when all seems bleak. We honor and praise your holy name and it is in Jesus name we beseech you this day, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 2, 2010 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? An encouraging study this Psalm 91 is. We are seeing references and words used to show vast things in life that in the flesh are overwhelming but in reality are but dust to be blown away by our Lord. "Ten thousand" is used to represent a huge number or rather more than is even imagined. In the Greek myriad may be a better translation but the feeling of the message is clear. We need not be afraid of what happens because we know from the Word that our salvation has already come. Yes stuff happens in the flesh but our souls have already entered eternity because of the salvation of Jesus. We actually see the reward of the wicked...just look around at what certain behavior begats. It's so strange that the human race continues to make the same mistakes over and over and yet never wants to admit the temporary pleasant behaviors can bring destruction to ones self. Not being judgemental just watching for cause and effect. How can we ignore the truth? Twist it as they may, like the media on political stuff as of late, but the truth will always be the truth. Reality doesn't change just because we wish. We can cloud or refuse to face issues but they still are. Here's the thing today, be confident in your salvation. Expect miracles. Stand on God's promises as if they are already done, because they are. When you don't see things "your way", step back and check cause and effect because hey, we all stumble but the one who keeps the same path even when shown error is whooping there own tail and that is selfishness personify.

Psalms 91:7-8
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
KJV

Proverbs 3:25-26
Do not be afraid of sudden fear,
Nor of the onslaught of the wicked when it comes;
For the LORD will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
NAS

Hebrews 2:1-3
For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?
NAS

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

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and patience with us. Lord we ask for wisdom so we do not cause pain but show your love to a dying world. Lord we ask that you remove the scales that blind us. Reveal your love in such a way we cannot deny or miss it. We ask for comfort for those who are homeless and destitute. Open doors to shelter and jobs. Lord we try to walk your path but the potholes trip us up and we are sorry. Fill those holes with your grace so we don't fall in them. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:07 AM

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