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Comment by russ allen on June 14, 2010 at 6:47am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A friend of mine got me to thinking about alot of things. Another person I know has been on my mind off and on for years. Things that come to mind can be beneficial to us or they can corrupt and distract us from seeking God's path for us. Sorting those things out is where our struggle in this area is. Day dreaming about a vacation or that sort of thing is fine but letting thoughts about pay back for someone who done you wrong or daydreaming lustfully are not good thought process and should be grabbed and rebuked at the onset. I know this isn't always easy but as soon as you realize those errant thoughts have arrived, that's when you need to rebuke and move your mind. A good exercise my Pastor taught me was to pray immediately when you realize what has happened...it works. You know, I am the worst at daydreaming and most times it's fixing stuff or new ways to do something but those errant thoughts do come and before I realize I've gone off on a tangent that I ought not go to, can you relate? We will reap what we sow. If you stay thinking about the things we shouldn't, you will eventually do them. You will eventually get tangled up in something you never intended. Remembering to pray, remembering to take control of errant thoughts no matter how enticing they may be is part of growth in walking in the spirit.

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

Galatians 5:16-18
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.
NAS

Galatians 5:25-26
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.
NAS


Remember Dr. Rebecca Luking...remember Kellynn...remember Josh's Mom who is recovering from by-pass surgery...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace that you show to us. Lord we ask for help with this battle of the mind. Protect us and help us recognise when errant thoughts invade to draw us away from you. Help us be the people you designed us to be. Keep the children safe from harm and influence that is harmful. Guide our days this week so we can have no regrets and we inflict no harm. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:16 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 11, 2010 at 7:27am

Great morning! How are we faithing this beautiful day? As this week winds down, lets look at something we all go through. When in a situation where we see what we think is the right thing to happen, we pray and plead and even try to make deals with God for a certain outcome. What? Deals? "If you do or give or grant this, I will..." . What? Where in the world did we ever learn that method? The prayers of a righteous man avail much the Word says, it doesn't encourage us to barter. It doesn't say perfect man but righteous. That means a man seeking God and God's heart. A person who desires what God desires. A person who walks as best he can according to scripture. Perfect? No way man, that's not doable but following scripture and the model set forth by Jesus as our guide. Walking according to scripture is not easy either. We're suppose to love as he did. Love the unlovable. Forgive quickly and without reservation. Give till it hurts but still take care of your family. Lay hands on the sick, pray without ceasing, let no filth leave your lips, battle the spirits and powers of satan and his minion and the list goes on and on. Gee whiz! I am incapable of that! That's right, you aren't but Jesus is. So here's what we do; we repent as soon as we realize, we love even when we don't like them, we give what is needed when ever we can, we read the Word daily and keep putting God's Word in our brains just like we do the TV, we pray without ceasing, we seek out God's will and if it don't match ours, we accept because we trust. Get all that? Ya, tough, I know but the alternative produces bad fruit and we know that because of our past mistakes, right? Look, do not fret, do not worry about these things in the world, at least if you find yourself worrying, tell God! He wants to hear you! He is the great comforter and everything has a lesson in it so rather than cry constantly, look at the big picture...


Ephesians 1:18-23
18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fulness of Him who fills all in all.
NAS

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
NAS

James 5:12-16
But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but let your yes be yes, and your no, no; so that you may not fall under judgment.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
NAS

Remember Josh Duvall's Mom today...remember Sarah Rhoades...remember Kat

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your scriptures that comfort me. Thank you for caring enough to say no sometimes. Lord we ask for healings and peace this day and the coming weekend. Guide our eyes to the things that we need to see. Open our hearts to your spirit that we may see you in everything. Lord, protect us all from the evil that is around us. thank you for your love for us and we praise your name. and it's in Jesus' name we do pray, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:56 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 10, 2010 at 8:00am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The freedom we have with God is solely based on Jesus. That is somewhat abstract when we ponder the implications but it also is as simple as the words written. Jesus fulfilled the law and by him people are not judged by it when they accept him as messiah. The freedom from "don't eat this" or "don't do that" are no longer what we are judged by. In that freedom we are now children of God and our father forgives and teaches us. Just like children though we sometimes don't like the discipline or admonishment of our Father but without that salvation we are judged by acceptance of that salvation or not. If one does not accept that salvation they are judged by the law ultimately which we cannot keep so the choice of Jesus or not is the choice that sets the path and the direction we go. Now in this freedom from judgement of the law we are truly free. Do we do whatever out heart desires? Technically yes but why would you want to do what a sinful heart wants? I'm talking Known sinfulness. We know the 10 commandments still are worthy of following and we know certain things in life are dangerous therefore we using Godly wisdom shouldn't do them, we just are no longer judged on that behavior. That behavior is just a better way to live.

1 Corinthians 6:12
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.
NAS

1 Corinthians 10:23-24
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.
NAS

Do you see that? It may be ok to do this or that but at what expense? What purpose does it serve? Does it serve God or man? Those rules are wisdom for us to live. Those rules, if adhered to, would save us a pile of grief. That's why we do everything we can that is holy and righteous for our Father because we love him, not because we are scared of the retribution. Kids don't do things at first because they are afraid of a spanking, we do it because it is right and God will honor that. Do these things because they are wise and not for accolades...that is another subject...

Remember Kat...remember Carl's stress test today...remember Berta...remember Chris...remember Greg and Sheppy's road trip...remember Bill Birkle and family

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom. Lord we lift these mentioned today. Your will be done. Forgive us when we fail and help us recognise when we do. We thank you for all your blessing, even the ones we don't know about. Help us find rest in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:25 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 9, 2010 at 7:10am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Summer cold...yuk...Do you have things biting at you? Things that just get under your skin? Worries and concerns that just eat at you? Tough sometimes to have something so "in your face" every day and you struggle to deal. Things like health, our own and others, financial, world events the list is long and dignified but the human response is typically the same, worry. We use prayer as a last resort. How dumb. We should always do that first! I don't mean formal on your knees prayer, although that should be done too, but communing with Jesus so often that it becomes natural to pray immediately. We have that right to talk to our savior about everything.

1 Timothy 2:1-6
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time.
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

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the LORD is a strong tower;
The righteous runs into it and is safe.
NAS

Start today, right now, keep the Lord ever present in our minds and deeds. Prayer immediately over everything. Doesn't have to be long or eloquent because he already know and just wants to hear his children's voice...

Remember Kathy a...remember Racheal Doughty...remember Josh Duvall and family...remember each other...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for providing a place to lay our burdens down. Keep us safe and wise so we can do your work. Lord we ask for healing this day physically and spiritually. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask for your touch and for a clear mind in spite of all the circumstances. Teach us your ways and open the eyes of our hearts so we can see you in all things. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 8, 2010 at 7:08am

Great morning! How are we faithing? What motivates you to do acts of charity? Why do you do things for others? I'm not talking about stuff we all do for family but those things you may or may not do simply because they are right. Do you offer a few bucks to the homeless guy for a meal or a cot and a hand up? Is it compassion or is it wanting to be seen as a "nice guy"? Compassion comes from the heart. Showmanship is doing those things for self gain. Charity for the wrong reasons can still be helpful to the receiver but where is the givers heart? Do you care about that soul? The Word talks about seeing needs and doing what we can to fill those needs because someone who is cold doesn't benefit from being told "be ye warm" but needs warmth. Point is, where is your heart? Do you care about that person in need? Do you see why they are where they are and not help because "it's their own fault" or do you step out on faith, unseen but by the receiver, or do you ignore them or worse make sure your charity is seen? Check yourself today and find out where your heart is and why it is where it is. Open your heart to needs and try to get a glimpse of what Jesus sees...


Matthew 6:1-4
"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.
"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

Psalms 139:1-4
O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known me.
Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up;
Thou dost understand my thought from afar.
Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all.
NAS

Jeremiah 17:10
"I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give to each man according to his ways,
According to the results of his deeds.
NAS

Ephesians 6:7-9
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 Linda and Ben...remember our emergency workers...Remember Aiden...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you do for us. Grant a compassionate heart so we feel for others and see through to the heart as you do. Lord we ask for healings and miracles from your glory so no one can deny your greatness. Heal sicknesses where ever we speak of you. Let your words on our lips carry the power in such a way that there is no way to deny your greatness. Grant us wisdom in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 7, 2010 at 7:02am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Sometimes we just don't know how to pray and or what for. I know people who pray constantly for everybody but not for themselves or at least hardly ever ask for prayer for themselves. I know people who don't pray at all because they think prayer is a formal thing only said at an altar. I've seen people only say prewritten prayers. Prayer can be such a daunting thing if we don't pay attention to what the Word says about it. Prayer is communing with our savior. Prayer is bringing things to our Lord. Prayer is a conversation so don't forget to listen. Our savior has paved a road to the Father that was not available prior. Before Jesus, our only way to the Father was through priests at the altar. The old testament describes approaching the throne of grace and who could. With Messiah, Jesus, we ALL now can approach the throne. This is such a comfort and such assurance I can't even express how much this means to us. Whatever transpires, we have an advocate and a resting place that cannot be defeated. Today as things unfold, remember this and be quick to pray, quick to seek Jesus and quick to repent when the world causes you to act or think like we really don't want to but do.

Matthew 6:7-8
"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. "Therefore do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him.
NAS

James 5:15-16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
NAS

1 John 5:14-16
And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.
NAS

John 14:12-17
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. "And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you.
NAS

Remember Ben Handzel...Remember Jonna Roberts...take the time to embrace and to engage our veterans whenever you can for they gave so we could have...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you made a way for us to come to you directly. Lord we lift those up who are hurting physically, emotionally and spiritually. Guide our paths, protect our minds and teach us to be fully aware of your path for us. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask for healing in whatever way needed. We stand on your Word that teaches us we can petition you and you hear us. We praise you and honor you this day. Grant wisdom in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 4, 2010 at 7:08am

Good morning! How are we faithing? How are we, who are not Jews, the children of God? If the Bible talks about the Jewish race being the chosen race, how can we be part of those promises? Heck, I'm Scottish-Irish therefore a "Gentile", (non-Jewish),so how is that even possible? Read this;

Ephesians 2:11-3:1
Therefore remember, that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "Uncircumcision" by the so-called "Circumcision," which is performed in the flesh by human hands-- remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.
NAS

Well I'll be! Jesus came and broke down that wall of division between the races! Jesus' blood was spilled for all of mankind! So when we accept this we become a part of that family. Why were and are things that way? I don't know but I am sure glad he did what he did for you and for me. Your logic and mine will never "figure it out" but we can rest knowing it is true. That love you have for your child defies logical explanation but it is real.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love that you would give your son to us so we can be part of your family. I don't understand why but I do thank you. Lord, we wrestle with human logic and get all churned up over things we cannot figure out so we ask for wisdom and peace to see and hear and to believe. Guide our paths and protect us from all the evil and the lies told by the enemy. Bless our endeavors in your son Jesus' name, amen.
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 3, 2010 at 6:58am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you have trouble staying on course? Do you find yourself repeating things and just at the end realize? Do you do it knowingly and just can't seem to stop? Whatever the things you do that are contrary to the Word is between you and God, not my concern, my concern is you hear the Word and are encouraged. Your concern is your salvation. Your path taken daily is based on your conviction. Too many speak it but don't live it. I'm as guilty as anyone else when it comes to this matter. We all get wrapped up in things around us and wander from time to time but I want to encourage you that redemption is here and it's in the Jesus. Merely reading the Word isn't enough but doing it is. Daily reading is necessary for food for our spirits and minds. If all we read was pornography, guess what would permeate our minds? This is true with anything we ingest. Think about what you ingest and analyze it. Is it all I am about? Has it become my focus? My God? I read car magazines and surf car sites but also read the Word and listen to the Word on radio. If I did not listen and read the Word, cars would be my idol. We all will fall into this if we do not watch what we eat...

Psalms 143:8-12
Let me hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning;
For I trust in Thee;
Teach me the way in which I should walk;
For to Thee I lift up my soul.
Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies;
I take refuge in Thee.
Teach me to do Thy will,
For Thou art my God;
Let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground.
For the sake of Thy name, O LORD, revive me.
In Thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble.
And in Thy lovingkindness cut off my enemies,
And destroy all those who afflict my soul;
For I am Thy servant.
NAS

Hosea 6:3
"So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD.
His going forth is as certain as the dawn;
And He will come to us like the rain,
Like the spring rain watering the earth."
NAS

Psalms 42:8
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

Remember Carl Moore...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that cleanses us. Save us from ourselves and our desires. Lord we ask for wisdom and truth to be so evident in our lives we cannot deny it regardless of what the world says. Lord we lift up Carl to you. Lord speak to us today in a way that is so loud we cannot miss you. in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:32 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 2, 2010 at 7:00am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? You know, our daily events can be taxing. If we allow the things that happen interfere with our joy we can become beat down, perplexed, sad, left wanting more or at least change and then when change comes we complain. The things we all deal with in our days, whatever they may be, can fester if we don't take the thoughts and ideas captive. We must remember that we will face things. We will go through good and bad and if we allow our joy to be snatched away over junk we tend to revert to prior behavior that most times entrenches us in the muck and mire a little further till we get stuck and need a tractor to pull us out. Jesus is our peace and source of strength. We must remember to pray quickly and to recognise reversion to old thought process that we had before. We must be very aware of the thoughts that enter whether they are ours or outside because as a man thinks he will act eventually, if not sooner...

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 85:8
I will hear what God the LORD will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
But let them not turn back to folly.
NAS

Colossians 2:8-9
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
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 Brandon Burton...remember Kristen Brazier...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and encouragement when we face life. Lord we desire to live according to your ways but we just struggle daily. Let us recognise errant thoughts and behaviors that hurt us. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask for a touch that heals minds and bodies and spirits. Take our lives and use us the way you have planned all along. Lord we worship and adore you and in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:43 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 1, 2010 at 7:24am

Good morning! How are we faithing after a long weekend? Whew! Worked all weekend but you know what? I enjoyed it and accomplished much. Here's what is real interesting. Even though there was tons to do and it seemed like I never got time to loaf, that time working on things around the house enabled time spent outside to be time spent with God. Time in the garage and on the mower was time to think and to listen to that still small voice of God. Solitude can be a good thing when used wisely. I did discover that attitude makes a huge difference in the work we do and how we get things done. An attitude of dread makes for loathing and bitter thoughts. An attitude of doing what needs to be done and praising God for the ability to do them, the creation that allowed us to do these things and contentment because we can do them makes all the difference in the world. Shifting our focus from just enduring to seeking the best from every situation moves one from depressing thoughts. We can lull ourselves right into a bad day when we react to the situation instead of taking command of our thoughts so we look for solutions. Man, there are things every day we all don't particularly enjoy but they must be done anyways so why fret and fume and drive yourself into a foul mood? Why let whatever the situation is take control of you? You take control and stand because our God has already defeated whatever is before you, you just have to go through to reap the lesson contained. Your positive or negative mindset is what makes situations go in the direction they go. Don't think so? Next time you start thinking how crappy something is, step back and look at your mood and see if it hasn't gone from bad to worse because of whining and complaining. So the next time you are mowing grass, fixing the car, washing windows, whistle a tune of praise and wonderment that the grass still grows, people are smart enough to make cars and sand can be turned into windows. It's all on how you view things...

Romans 8:14-17
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.
NAS

James 3:13-18

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
NAS

Remember Paul Griffin...remember our troops...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your world that we enjoy. Lord, help us keep an attitude of encouragement even when we are struggling with daily activities. Lord we ask for wisdom to see truth in the things that bug us. Help our hearts remain pure and protect us from the enemy. We ask for healings on your people. Bless us in our endeavors and help us recognise your majesty in everything, in Jesus name we pray, amen.
Posted by russ allen at 6:39 AM

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