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Comment by russ allen on July 16, 2010 at 7:25am

Good morning! How are we faithing? This week we have discussed alot about where our heads are directed. Knowing where and how to think appropriately is a tough sell sometimes. Not what to think but how to think. Learning to recognise truth and not appearances of truth. You know what is in your head, so does God. You can be sheepishly non candid but that doesn't change the fact that God is aware of your most intimate thoughts, good and or bad. It is easy to rationalize and to lie to one's self but what or who does that benefit? Absolutely no one. Be honest with yourself and if you are struggling with erroneous or inappropriate thoughts, confess them immediately and ask for help! I know where my mind strays occasionally and reeling it in isn't always easy. Basic things we need to remember do indeed help us keep focus, control our actions and reveal true self motives and desires. Once these things are revealed or recognised we are able to take captive those thoughts, sort them and sweep out or store appropriately.

Colossians 3:1-11
If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 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

Remember Anna Benton...Nita Gilbert...Harold Markey...Summer's interview...Sandy Hall's MRI...Katie Fulfer...

Heavenly Father,
Help us be wise and truthful with ourselves. Help us act and show only truth. Help us not harbor any malice. Lord we ask for so much wisdom and discerning grace so we can actually shine with your light. Heal these children of yours and let them know you are with them, In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:59 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 15, 2010 at 7:18am

Good morning! How are we faithing? There is a mode of thinking that we as humans have trouble with. Obeying. We just get plain butt hurt when we are told what to do. We all want to do what we want to do. We all tend to think our mode or method is right. Well, sometimes it is and some times it isn't. Knowing which is where Godly wisdom comes in.

1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.
NAS

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
NAS

That second one is the key to being able to do the first. We have to be convinced that God's truths are held in the Word and they are absolute. The world these days says there is no absolute right or wrongs. That is such bunk. Gods truths are the only truth there is therefore we must stand on this premise regardless of what may come. Sinking that trust and confidence deep in our hearts and minds is how we persevere when all seems futile. Place your confidence today and speak your love and honor for our savior and let whatever fall out be his deal, not yours.

Remember Paul Griffin...remember Elanor Gearheart...remember Megan Terrell...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and love found in your Word. Help us be cemented in your truth and grant us the courage to stand regardless of outside storms that come. Lord we do thank you even when we are in the eye of those storms and forgive us if we waver. Lord grant your mercy on us today and teach us to rely on you for all, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:56 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 14, 2010 at 7:29am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I want you to think about something;

Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
NAS

We all see ourselves a certain way. We all think we are this or that type of person. We all act according to what we think we are all about. Conscious and subconscious we act out how we see ourselves. Well fine but what do you base your view on? What others think or what what God says? I know, we all are influenced by others actions towards us but we must understand that perception is not based on all the information. Someone being a total tool may be acting up because their dog died and they don't know how to act or they are acting how they saw their folks act in similar situations. That doesn't dismiss bad or inappropriate behavior but it does open our eyes to the place that person may be. We need to be careful not to react in like kind. We also need to be fully aware of our view of our self, you know, that down deep view we all have of our self we reveal to no one. Do you remember the story of the tower of Babel? This sentence is very revealing;

Genesis 11:5-7
And the LORD said, "Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.
NAS

Isn't that interesting...even God said that we can do anything. So that stands to reason if we think we are a certain way, that's the path we walk. Do you think you are stupid? Ugly? Useless? Or do you see yourself as blessed by God with intelligence? Beautiful even with the scars? Worthy of your tasks before you? Our own perception of ourselves is revealed in our demeanor. We need to cultivate a healthy perception based on one simple fact; God loved you and me enough to send his son to sacrifice himself for us therefore we must be worthwhile and loved. Stop berating yourself. Recognise your shortcomings, work on whatever area that needs work without a mindset of self loathing. You are a work of art and just like art, each has it's own place. You think about this...

Remember Paul Griffin...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the cross. Thank you for loving each of us. Thank you for telling us we all are worth it to you. Lord we ask for wisdom and assurance we are yours and bind the enemies snares from influencing us. Help us be content and confident that we are important to you. Be with the Griffin family and the doctors. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 13, 2010 at 7:23am

Great morning! How are we faithing? How do you get through every day? Do you whine and moan or do you praise and worship? Do you wish for what isn't or thank for what is? Do you just "get through" or do you savor every moment? Rhetorical questions designed to inspect yourself and find out where your joy lies. Our joy has to be in Jesus because if it is placed anywhere else, it's fleeting. Yes there are tons of things that are joyful but I'm talking about how you are when you are left to just yourself, when nothing else is around but God and the silence. Like we talked about yesterday we all need that rest but are you one who hates solitude? Better ask yourself why. Some people are just plain social and it drives them nuts to be alone and some people are the opposite but if the reason you hate to be alone is you can't stand to look in that mirror well, lets talk. There are so many lies out there that steal our joy. There are so many things that flat mislead us from Jesus and what he taught. His peace and love flies in the face of the world view. Being joyful right in the midst of turmoil is a discipline and more so a state of heart. If you are not content or secure in you state with the savior and what the hereafter is you most likely spin with the wind in the joy department. This by no means is a finger pointing speech but a wake up call to heart condition. There's only one way to true joy and that is Jesus. When you get fed daily, decide to pursue truth and to walk the walk out of love, then the joy comes. Sure we walk many days out of duty but if you think about it, that duty walk is based on truth and on love. A walk based on necessity and survival will lead to drudgery and a sense of "what for?". A walk with the focus on the event will manifest with the events outcome. Gee whiz, if we let our joy ebb and flow with how things twist and turn we will become as neurotic as the world. This is a sin filled world and thus things take on a path that is contrary to Godly principles. Listen today to that still small voice that assures you of your salvation through Jesus and start living in this eternity with confidence and joy. Man, we are children of God and even though this flesh will decay and go away, we are with him forever. If that doesn't instill some joy and confidence then we need to talk....

John 12:47-48
"And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.
NAS

John 3:17
"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.
NAS

Romans 10:3-4
For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
We seek truth and love and know you are our source Lord. Help us rest in that knowledge and know in our hearts that you are messiah and only through you are we saved to eternal life with the Father. Lord we get so burdened with the world, we ask for peace and an understanding of what is really important. Lord we praise your name and ask for the wisdom and courage to be sound witness' for you love and compassion. When we sin we ask for immediate recognition and we repentance. Thank you Lord for you Word that sustains our days, in Jesus name we pray
Posted by russ allen at 6:32 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 12, 2010 at 7:42am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is really important for us to make time for God. It is really important to withdraw for a time to listen. It is also important to analyze what you hear. Does it go along with scripture? Something you hear that is perceived to be from God will not contradict scripture. Are you under duress when those thoughts come? Remember, fight or flight mechanism can trigger in times of duress and wrong or inappropriate choices can be made. Do you read or listen to scripture every day? Do you take the time to listen to God's leadership? Lets be practical here, if you are not getting scripture, how do you know what you hear or see is God's? What gauge would you be using if not the Word of God? Your feelings? Please...how many of us have acted on feelings in the past and realize now what a mistake it was...We must take the time to shut down everything and point our focus on God, if we do not we run the risk of bad choices based on erroneous information, however gleaned. You think about this...

Mark 6:30-32
And the apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while." (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) And they went away in the boat to a lonely place by themselves.
NAS

Exodus 23:12
Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor in order that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves.
NAS

Exodus 34:21-22
"You shall work six days, but on the seventh day you shall rest; even during plowing time and harvest you shall rest.
NAS

2 Timothy 3:15-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
NAS

A day of rest was instituted by God. All over the bible we are instructed to learn and know it's contents. If we do not hear scripture we can't expect to make wise choices based on sound principles. Think on this...

Remember Maggie Bell...remember Sam and Kellynn...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your lessons. Lord we ask for wisdom to act according to your word. Teach us to discern truth from lies. Lord we lift our minds and hearts to you and ask for healing in our nation and our individual lives. Lord we need to hear from you today. Grant that rest we all need. Lord we lift this nation up to you...in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:59 AM

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

Good hot hot hot morning! How are we faithing? There are some things that God abhors. Some things we do that most times we don't even realize we do or have done. These things do not condemn us to hell if we are in Christ but nether the less they are commands we ought to follow. We have grace and sanctification when we accept Jesus and our sins never ever remove that salvation but we still should, out of love for Jesus and out of plain desire to do good, obey his commandments. Our tongues and our attitudes will work on us how we work them. If you are judgemental, it'll come back. If you talk smack on people you kill your witness and if your witness is dead you won't be leading the lost to Jesus and I don't know about you but I don't want that on my head. So we witness out of fear? No, we witness out of love but realizing the reality of no witness sure is a motivator. Look at these;

Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things which the LORD hates,
Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
Haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
And hands that shed innocent blood,
A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that run rapidly to evil,
A false witness who utters lies,
And one who spreads strife among brothers.
NAS

Romans 2:1-16
Therefore you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. And do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment upon those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to every man according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God. For all who have sinned without the Law will also perish without the Law; and all who have sinned under the Law will be judged by the Law; for not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the doers of the Law will be justified. For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Teach us to pray. Teach us to seek wisdom. Lord help us not seek our own glory but yours. We ask for wisdom and consciousness of our tongue before it flaps. Lord we ask that our senses of your will and presence be ever visible to us. We lift this country and it's leaders to you. We do ask for wisdom and courage in the gulf.We ask these things in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:00 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 6, 2010 at 7:00am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have a dilemma as of late. What to do about an infuriating person and how to handle without judging. We are not to judge people but lead them to Jesus and let him straighten out the problems in those lives. If someone asks me, "what does the Bible say about this or that", I'll tell them but it is not mine or yours to judge them for an infraction. It is very clear that some sins will be dealt with in certain ways but it is God that deals with them, not us. It doesn't matter what we think but only what God's way does. I get sick of the pointing fingers around especially when it is fellow Christians doing it. Our perceived righteousness does so much harm for our faith and causes so many people to be repelled from Jesus. We need to be careful what and how we chastise, if at all. If we are coming off as judging and sentencing someone we are not doing what the Word tells us to do. Speaking truth with love is a whole lot different than speaking truth and not caring if we step all over someone. I don't want to diminish the importance of righteous behavior but no one does it right all the time. No one is to the point where they have it all figured out. We learn and grow until death on this planet. Look at this and just think about the mind of Jesus.

John 8:1-11
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. And the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And when they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. And straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" And she said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more."]
NAS

Remember Linda Hanzel...remember the Donna Roberts family...remember Virginia Binger...remember Racheal Doughty...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word. Open it up so we see truth and love. Lord, bless those mentioned today. Heal broken hearts and minds. Lord I ask for wisdom for everything we all are facing. Grant us the courage to act according to your will. Teach us to act justly with compassion and love. Help us see truth. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 A

Comment by russ allen on July 2, 2010 at 7:29am

thoughts for this weekend
Good morning! How are we faithing? It's an odd thing to watch the political landscape these days. I don't remember ever seeing such extremes in this nation. This nation was founded on Christian principles and as such, is a Christian nation. Those Christian principles are plastered all over buildings and writings of our forefathers. Interesting that some want to deny those principles. We saw it show up in my generation with the court cases that started in 1947. Those cases and the outcome of them have grabbed the phrase "separation of church and state" and run with it ever since. Our constitution says that the government will not recognise or make any certain religion or denomination the defacto religion of the state. We fled that kind of oppression. The constitution does not say a menorah or a cross can't be displayed out front of a state subsidized organization. The point is to not discriminate on this basis. Whatever your political views it is important for you to be true to God and not to an ideolog dogmatic feel good sentiment. The 4th of July is important to remember because of the Independence we found here. Yes our ancestors made mistakes and we are still making them, ignoring the past is a perilous thing to do. Whatever denomination or religion you choose remember that this country was founded and designed so you could do that.

Colossians 2:6-7
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.
NAS

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
NAS

Remember Pastor Ken Collins...remember Debbie Reynolds...remember Katie Shannon...remember JR Reynolds

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for this country. Thank you for blessing us . Lord we lift up all our leaders and ask you show your truth and grace to them. Grant them courage to stand for that truth. Lord we lift up those mentioned and ask for healing. Lord we know you have complete control so when we don't get why things are, lay that peace that passes all understanding on us. Lord, thank you for these things and be with the kids, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 1, 2010 at 6:49am

Great morning! How are we faithing? With everything we have talked about the last few days, here is some scripture to tie it all together;

Romans 12:9-21
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NAS

Hmmm, pretty much sums up our attitude and the thinking mode that we should focus on. If God sees our heart and forgives our deeds, why or what would ever make us think we can't or shouldn't do the same? We all know where and how we have failed therefore what we see in others isn't any different. Lets try to see the heart of others and adjust our mindset when correction is needed. If you are one of those who needs to belittle others or must have others approval, it's time to get to the root of that attitude and ask the Lord to create a clean new heart in you. He accepts you as you are so why don't you? Think about that...

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

Heavenly Father,
We ask for healing in our hearts from wrongs done to us. We pray you bestow the grace and courage to forgive and to see truth even when our feelings are hurt. Help us not lash out and point fingers in a perfectionist attitude. Help us curb our tongue so we can not cause pain. Lord we ask for revelation for our leaders. Help them make the choices that are your choices. Protect our military, help them show mercy, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 30, 2010 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Perfection. Perfectionists. Pain in the neck to be one. What is worse is expecting everyone else to be one. This goes along with what we have been talking about this week in so much as the tongue wreaking havoc by pointing out stuff in others. When we strive for perfection we must be careful that our focus does not move from God to self then to others. How's this you say? Perfectionists sometimes get so wrapped up in everything being correct that they start to miss focusing on God and the effect of that focus that begets perfection. Think for a second, if you get better and then start to pat yourself on the back forgetting whence you came, you then are no longer perfecting but are starting down another path...one that leads to pride and self glorification. Sure we see things take place and wonder how anyone could do those things but if we realize biblical truths about mankind you will remember that we ALL are susceptible to anything if we move our focus off God. An interesting point made in the scriptures is that the effect of keeping ones heart and soul focused on God is we do start to perfect. That is cool so don't think more of yourself because God has improved your ways, thank him that because of his grace and love you are gaining ground.

Psalms 18:30

30 As for God,
His way is blameless;
The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
NAS

Psalms 19:12-14
Who can discern his errors?
Acquit me of hidden faults.
Also keep back Thy servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I shall be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Thy sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
NAS

Matthew 6:1
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
NAS

James 3:7-12
For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh.
NAS

Philippians 3:12-16
Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.
NAS

Do you see that? Pay attention to you and your walk. Comment and lift up others and not whip em down. If they ask, speak truth from the Word and do not chastise just because you are appalled. The goal is to present Jesus and others find what we have. Let the consequences take care of themselves.

Remember the Richard Jones family, his Mom passed...remember Madline and Harold Markeys grandson...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that saves a wretch like me. Help me see you in everything and help me shine for you and not for me. Lord we lift those lost up to you and cry out for their souls. Help them see what we have found and help them understand that they can't earn the gift you give. Touch those who are grieving in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:59 AM

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