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Comment by russ allen on June 29, 2010 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Yesterday we talked about speaking with incorrect motives and speaking hurt. Speaking when we should be shuttin up. Today lets explore why one would do such a thing. There are many reasons but lets start with one; selfishness. Being more concerned with how we feel and how we are perceived in our own minds. Being quick to point out flaws so we feel better about ourselves. This may be conscience or not. We've all met people that were "a chip off the ol block". This behavior may be instilled at a young age thus, the chip thing. Learned from parents or guardians and then perpetuated. We've also heard, " I was raised that way", well that don't make it right. Our words can become like a dagger in ones heart. Our words can help or not. Asking yourself this question,"would this help or hurt" before you open our mouth. When the Word tells us that the tongue is sharper than any two edged sword, it isn't speaking lightly. Words can burn or they can cool. Listen and watch today and you will see reactions.



Psalms 140:1-3
Rescue me, O LORD, from evil men;
Preserve me from violent men,
Who devise evil things in their hearts;
They continually stir up wars.
They sharpen their tongues as a serpent;
Poison of a viper is under their lips.
NAS

Psalms 57:4
My soul is among lions;
I must lie among those who breathe forth fire,
Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
And their tongue a sharp sword.
NAS

Proverbs 25:23
The north wind brings forth rain,
And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance.
NAS

Proverbs 26:28
A lying tongue hates those it crushes,
And a flattering mouth works ruin.
NAS

Psalms 39:1
I said, "I will guard my ways,
That I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth as with a muzzle,
While the wicked are in my presence."
NAS

Proverbs 12:18
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
NAS

Psalms 34:13
Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
NAS

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and his tongue,
Guards his soul from troubles.
NAS

Matthew 12:33-37
"Either make the tree good, and its fruit good; or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. "You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. "The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil. "And I say to you, that every careless word that men shall speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment. "For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned."
NAS

Remember Paul Griffin...remember Jessica Riddle...remember Alan Beres...remember Jonna...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for teaching us to control our tongues. Lord we ask for healings, wisdom so we do not harm with our mouths. Guide us and in all we do, help us do them honorably and justly. Let us not speak falsely or in a hurtful manner. Lord we lift those up who are sick. Heal and reveal yourself in a way they can rejoice ! Thank you in Jesus name, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 28, 2010 at 7:33am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you have a problem with negativity? Do you always see the bad in everything? Do you whine and complain about stuff and people and always have an opinion that is a fault finding opinion? Being aware of reality and not sugar coating is fine but do you really think it is important to voice every thought because you deem it as "it's the truth" ? Do you think help is provided by crabbing and complaining about something rather than plucking the good points and running with those or searching for a solution? Hey man, it is to easy to get caught up in negativity. With events in the world it's understandable but that doesn't make it prudent or even useful. My Mom used to say," if you can't say anything nice, shut up", she is blunt like that! Her point was that whining and complaining served no one nor did it help you or anybody else fix anything. Do you have an attitude of help or do you enjoy wallowing in degradation and finger pointing? Want to isolate yourself from people? Be negative. Want people to avoid you? Toss your opinion out without any regard for their feeling or situation. Here's some thoughts to chew on; I'm from the north east and alot of the things I run into down here are simply foreign to me but that does not make them necessarily right or wrong. Not knowing cultural or even agricultural things from this area doesn't make me stupid but uninformed. Why would a guy from Sacramento learn about tobacco farming? Why would a gal from Minnesota learn how to light orange grove burners in Orlando? Point is to be aware of others walks and help and not hinder with finger pointing and flip comments about mental status because that does not pave inroads for us to share the love Jesus has for ALL people. In the final analysis we are here to prop up each other and not tear down. We are not here to kill but to heal. We are ambassadors for the grace and love of Jesus the Christ and if we drive someone away from Jesus because we are negative and judgemental, we have failed our mission.

1 Timothy 2:8
Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
NAS

Matthew 20:24-28
But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. "It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. "
NAS

2 Corinthians 5:14-19
For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf. Therefore from now on we recognize no man according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
NAS


remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we beseech you for strength and presence of mind so we can hear you and see beyond the immediate circumstances in those we meet. Grant us wisdom to help where and how is necessary. Lord, control out tongues so we help and not hinder others. Thank you for your love and peace you give. Lord we lift our leaders up to you, let them see your heart and let them act without fear with honor and wisdom from you. In Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 25, 2010 at 7:26am

Great morning! How have we faithed this week? Where do you stand on issues? What is your basis for your stand? How do you arrive at your choices? Do you rely on human judgement or God's? What principles are used to determine what behavior you deem correct? I will not comment on issues based on opinion unless asked, for only the Word is absolute. The Word does address the issues we face today and when we violate the principles put forth in God's Word, the outcome is already happened. I am as guilty as anyone else of infractional behavior that leaves a mess to be cleaned up but I sure do hope I see the folly of those choices and don't repeat them. To many times I witness the same behavior over and over and wonder why they don't see the futility of the behavior. Many just keep on operating contrary to the Word only to see failure over and over again but because they desire whatever, they keep repeating and wonder why they are where they are. Maybe we should look to the source for wisdom rather than relying on carnal lusts and wants. So if you feel like you are getting dumped on over and over on the same issue, I think it wise to analyze and find out what is askew in our behavoral patterns...just some food for thought...

1 Peter 5:7-10
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
NAS

Psalms 119:160
The sum of Thy word is truth,
And every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting.
NAS

Romans 8:6-8
For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
NAS

remember Barbara Fitch family...remember Ben Bowley family...remember Anna Benton and family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your righteousness and love. Teach us to have a mind on you and not ourselves. Help us temper our desires with your Word. Help us see beyond the fleshly needs. Lord you have shown things over time to us, help us be patient and wise in whatever the future is for us. Help us be confident and sure of our salvation and your love for us. Lord we ask for healing and a touch from you on the people hurting today. Thank you for all you give, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 24, 2010 at 7:23am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Life tosses us things that can bring on so many different emotions and thoughts that we can get wrapped up in a mindset that destroys our joy. Getting used, stepped on, lied to and like things can really ruin a disposition or make a day suck. Does it have to? Can we control those emotions? After the initial shock or flare from our emotions we need to grab hold of those thoughts that manifest into attitudes and demeanor that are detrimental to us inside. We have not endured anything different from anyone else in this life but how we deal is different. We are believers in Messiah Jesus. He promises peace inside and by us taking that path that raw emotions present we no longer follow Jesus. Those emotions are real and in of themselves they are normal but chewing on them and letting them lead instead of letting Jesus' teaching command we can fall into despair. Where's the peace in that? Can we control others actions? Nope, so why allow their actions make us act or feel adversely? Something to chew on today when someone steps on you...

Proverbs 14:30
A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.
KJV

Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
NAS

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
NAS

Proverbs 16:1-3
The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight,
But the LORD weighs the motives.
Commit your works to the LORD,
And your plans will be established.
NAS

Remember Carl Moore...remember Ryan Shouse's grandma...

Heavenly Father,
We ask for wisdom and understanding of your Word. We ask for a sharp mind that recognises reproof and folly. Let us be lights of yours even in adverse situations. We ask for healing and comfort for our loved ones today and your will be done. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:51

Comment by russ allen on June 22, 2010 at 6:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's too easy to compare ourselves to others and to define our goodness from others lack. That is a very dangerous and unwise thing to do. We all have at one time or another rationalized things because "so and so does it and they are good people". Here's the thing; we do not or should not set our standard on someone elses walk. We ain't them and we have not walked any distance in their shoes and they have not in ours. With that being said, how could we hold anything up to those standards? We can't so what standard do we try to emulate? Jesus' is the only one. Sure we cannot even begin to be as good or do everything exactly as he did or does because we are not him but the example and the wisdom of his life sure is a better example to follow than a sports star or a Pastor or even our parents. You know the things you lack and where you fall down. The only way we are going to improve is by following Jesus. Look around. Look at the news and we see failure all around us. Why is that? Because we are incapable of living righteously on our own. Our own flesh is our enemy and we cannot escape that. So we read the Word, learn from mistakes and press on without self condemnation. You ain't the first or the last to fail or succeed therefore be quick to admit your ball dropping and learn from it.

Luke 6:40-42
"A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. "And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.
NAS

Proverbs 18:17
The first to plead his case seems just,
Until another comes and examines him.
NAS

Romans 2:1
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.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Help us to not get wrapped up in what others do but help us concentrate on you will for us individually. Lord, forgive us for the things we fail on and open our eyes to that failure so we learn and do not repeat. Thank you Lord for all your blessings and grant us the peace to totally trust you even when we can't let go. Bless our troops, help them show mercy when ever possible, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:11 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 21, 2010 at 6:58am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I find it very interesting that the wisdom of today is antiquated tomorrow. We get to a point where we think we have it all figured out and then don't know how to react to changes that come along. Some get depressed, some get indignant and some dismiss it as foolishness. I don't like how things sometimes progresses but it ain't up to me. My bride can take short hand at like a bazillion words a minute but it is useless in today's world. I can set points without thinking but whens the last time you saw those? So the things that replace those, are they better? Does it matter? Sure we improve and in some ways we seem to step back but improving is good and some times it is necessary to step back and reflect. Nostalgia is really big right now from the new crop of muscle cars to the dress we see the kids doing. Were those things better back in the day? Are the new things wrong simply because they are not like it used to be? Ponder these things but remember who is the same yesterday, today and forever and in there is where we should hang our hat. Jesus is our messiah and all these worldly things that keep moving really don't matter cause this was happening before you got here and it will continue after you are gone, unless the Lord comes back and ends it.

Proverbs 23:12
Apply your heart to discipline,
And your ears to words of knowledge.
NAS

Ecclesiastes 1:13-15
And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind.
NAS

Luke 8:16-18
"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, in order that those who come in may see the light. "For nothing is hidden that shall not become evident, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come to light. "Therefore take care how you listen; for whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has shall be taken away from him."
NAS


Remember out leaders and this country...

Heavenly Father,
Grant us the wisdom to discern truth from lies. Let us see things as they are and not as we perceive. Lord we ask to be concerned of the things you are concerned with and ask for revelation be before our eyes. Bless those who diligently seek your wisdom today, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:28 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 18, 2010 at 7:45am

Good Friday morning! How are we faithing this week? It has been an interesting week. I am sort of in a quandary over some issues and I do covet your prayers. Pray for wisdom for me.
Look at these verses coming up and think about how you are inside. Ask the questions that are important. Analyze motivation, focus, how you act and react to things. Not to make yourself feel rotten about what you've done but how to improve. Pray and ask for wisdom and guidance. Pray and ask for revelation. We all do and have done things good and bad. We have all been on the receiving end too. Are we harboring resentment? Are we crying over situations or doing what is necessary whether we like it or not? Are our actions founded on Biblical principles or just reactions to stimulus and in kind? I see so many things happen and the root is selfishness. It's easy to get caught up in this and I am no exception. Lets make some changes people and grow more like Jesus and what we ought to be; children of God.

1 John 3:18
Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.
NAS

Galatians 5:13-15
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, " You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.
NAS

Romans 12:9-13
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.
NAS

1 Peter 3:10-12
For,"Let him who means to love life and see good days
Refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.
"And let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
"For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Bless us and show us your will. Make us act and react as holy men and women of yours. Lord we ask for healing of our minds so we can do as we ought to. Lord, grant that wisdom and open those windows of opportunity so we may show your glory to a dieing world. Protect our children of all ages and guide our leaders in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:08 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 17, 2010 at 7:35am

Good morning! How are we faithing? What is in store for you? What has God planned for your life? Am I to old to start living for God? These are common questions and I know where to look for the answers. God has things planned for you that you can't imagine but things can and will get in the way if we don't recognise and rebuke them. We are in warfare with forces of the enemy and he does not want us to do anything that might reflect well on Jesus. He doesn't give a crap about you but he doesn't want you to make his Nemesis have any success therefore our battle is with things that get in the way of God's plan for you. All the fleshly things we face every day are used to break us down. It's a smokescreen. It diverts our attention from the creator to things that are over and done so rapidly but beats us down. Focus on God and his Word, seeking out the Holy Spirits guidance is how we begin to break down these barriers that hinder our walk. We are already in eternity once we accept the gift of salvation so lets start living like we are redeemed. Lets start with some assurance verses and some wisdom from the Word!

1 Corinthians 2:9
but just as it is written,
"Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him."
NAS

2 Corinthians 10:3-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
NAS

Remember Lewis Henry, cancer...

Heavenly Father,
Break us down and build us up so we are capable to see things for what they are and not be caught up in the enemies traps of here and now. Lord we seek wisdom for you way we are to go in this life. We don't understand alot of the time why things are but we do trust that the outcome is for your glory so help us recognise quickly and not cause any pain or stumbling blocks to others but to be light unto this world. Lord we lift those up who are afraid due to illness. Reassure them that you have them in your hand and that there is a reason and an outcome that even if it's not known now, it will be.Lord, protect the children and we rebuke all the heresy and evil that confronts us in Jesus name. We command walls of protection around us so we can see the stuff coming. Help us pray quick with confidence. Clear our minds from the things that hinder the peace you give. Thank you for your love and grace for a lot like us. In Jesus name we lift these things up and lay them at your feet, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:02 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 16, 2010 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We have a tendency to point fingers when we see someone do wrong. I'm not talking about the guy who mounted the tire wrong but us pointing out flaws of character and or mistakes in living. Number 1, who gave us the right to call them out on it? Number 2, speaking it with the attitude of "well it's the truth" is not necessarily helpful in fact it usually ostracises one from you. That unsolicited advice will come as arrogant and self serving and not as helpful. What was the motivation to do it anyways? Righteous indignation or could it be you feel better knowing someone else is worse? Number 3 is we are flat told not to do it. We are much better served to pose questions for that person to think and correct on their own rather than jump all over them. Yes it is irritating sometimes when people do things we think they should know better than to do but maybe they don't know any better and besides, wouldn't a kind peaceful spirit that tries to show the love Jesus showed us much more productive than getting in one's face? Have you always done perfection? Do you really thing you have arrived? We all are at different places in our walk with Jesus so back off and start assisting with love and not chastising.

James 4:11-12
Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?
NAS

James 1:19-22
This you know, my beloved brethren. But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
NAS

Luke 6:36-38
"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

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
NAS

Remember Ed Bassmaster's brother and sister...remember Debbie Lam...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that has been shown me. Help us to show that same love and respect that gathers others and doesn't repel them. Help us grow thicker skin so we are not offended but see deep into others and see what the needs are. We ask the Holy Spirit enlighten us quickly when attacked so we respond with glory and wisdom so those others may see God. We lift those with physical maladies to you. Heal them and show your compassion for them. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 15, 2010 at 7:37am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I feel great! Do you have mornings where you feel great? Do you have mornings where you feel yucky? What do you allow your day to be like in each circumstance? I'm trying to get you to analyze your outlook on the days you have because if we let "how we feel" dictate the rest of the day it could mar that said day and you could miss what God has for you. I am not saying you always must be "happy go lucky" but that we must always be ready for God's guidance regardless of our physical well being. I know it's tough to focus away from yourself when you have a headache or something but what good does it do to concentrate on physical or mental ailments? It is a hard lesson to learn to be able to see beyond present situations but logically think about it, everything has a beginning and an end, everything will eventually change and the direction it takes could be dependant upon our disposition. I see people struggle with pain and sickness and it ain't easy to get past that but we must otherwise we live a miserable existence. What purpose does it serve to be so focused on your own junk that nothing else matters? We have to encourage ourselves with the Word of God and that is why it is important to get that Word in you every day. When you wake up feeling like dirt, open your Word. When wake up chipper and refreshed, open the Word.

Psalms 71:14-15
But as for me, I will hope continually,
And will praise Thee yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Thy righteousness,
And of Thy salvation all day long;
For I do not know the sum of them.
NAS

Psalms 31:7-8
I will rejoice and be glad in Thy lovingkindness,
Because Thou hast seen my affliction;
Thou hast known the troubles of my soul,
And Thou hast not given me over into the hand of the enemy;
Thou hast set my feet in a large place.
NAS

Psalms 148:5
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
For He commanded and they were created.
NAS

Psalms 119:162
I rejoice at Thy word,
As one who finds great spoil.
NAS

Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
NAS

John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
NAS

Psalms 30:5
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning.
NAS

Remember Jordan Lewis...remember Kristen Brazier...remember Sarah and Madison Grant...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your comfort and care for us. We ask for your hand of healing on all of us, help us see beyond our circumstances and grant the wisdom to respond correctly. Lord we lift each other up today and ask for guidance and peace in all our situations. Keep us close to you so the fiery darts of the enemy bounce right off and have no effect on our lives and it is in Jesus' name we pray, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:08 AM

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