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Comment by russ allen on May 27, 2010 at 7:28am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Religious activity can lead to salvation. Traditional methods of worship can lead to salvation. Religious activity and traditional methods of service are not salvation. I asked a fellow if he was saved and knew Jesus as Lord and he replied, "I go to church, I do good deeds and my Papaw is a preacher." So what. He didn't answer the question. He didn't understand this question about the relationship salvation affords with the Messiah Jesus. His answer is like asking someone if they are a good driver and they reply, "I own a car and my brother races."
I've seen religious activity get in the way of salvation. I've seen religious activity remove the focus off Jesus and on to good works that led to the "earned salvation" doctrine. I've seen tradition hog tie people in methodology to the point they think, "if I don't do thus and so, God isn't gonna hear or see me and or I wont make it to heaven." Anything that gets in the way or hides the truth of the gift of salvation has become an idol. There is a long history of religious activity and tradition and they can be traced to certain reasons they were implemented. Most were designed for a reminder to point to Jesus. Unfortunately those things became idolized as necessary for salvation. So where do you stand on the salvation issue? Are you just "doing church"? Are you trying to earn points to enter heaven? Think about that and try to put your activities in perspective because Jesus died for everyone. He rose from the dead and is now at the right hand of God and THAT is where our salvation comes from, not the seat occupied Sunday morning...

Ephesians 1:18-23
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, 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 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 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. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
NAS

1 Peter 5:1-4
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
NAS

Now look at these and see the place for these things discussed and take note as to why we do them;

Hebrews 10:19-25
Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.
NAS

Well I'll be. Jesus the Christ is the way. We encourage activity and traditional things to encourage others, not judge or compel.

Remember Phyllis Scaggs...remember Larry House...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your mercy and love that saves us. Help us see truth and help us do for your glory, not ours. Lord we beg for your wisdom and enlightenment to see you in your Word. Help us throw off the shackles that bind us to performance salvation and to grace salvation. Only then can the works be holy as you said. Lord forgive us when we goof up. Protect the troops, emergency workers and the kids! In Jesus name, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:35 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 26, 2010 at 7:02am

Good morning!!! How are we faithing? During turmoil alot of us want to see a sign that God is still with us. This is a searching type of mental position and sometimes it is fine and others it can be distracting to the point of missing subtlety's used by God. Signs like an ark floating by or lightning strikes or even the Hallelujah chorus heard when a revelation is seen are Hollywood type of images. Signs such as exuberance in the midst of calamity and or a sense of contentment even when we would thing one would be in despair are tangible things we see and often fail to recognise. The peace that passes all understanding is so indescribable and so uplifting that explaining it is pretty much impossible but we can see it and can feel it when we take the second to see it. The Psalms are so full of truths as well as very poetic. Psalms disclose the heart of the writer in despair and in happiness. Look at these and look beyond the surface elegance into the heart of the writer;

Psalms 25:14
The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
NAS

Remember our discussion on the word fear? This one is used as "reverence".

Psalms 27:13-14
I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD
In the land of the living.
Wait for the LORD;
Be strong, and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the LORD.
NAS

Psalms 86:17
Show me a sign for good,
That those who hate me may see it, and be ashamed,
Because Thou, O LORD, hast helped me and comforted me.
NAS

Man...

remember Marvin McKinney...remember Jonna Roberts...remember Linda Handzel...remember Kathy Allen...remember Ben...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the things we see that show your love and grace for us. Help us see Jesus and recognise that the way to you is through him, your son. Open our eyes and show us the signs no matter how insignificant they may seem. Lord we ask for healing for the readers of this daily. We stand on your promises and ask for vision and wisdom in all things. Heal the sick ones we encounter and show your wonderful peace and love for us. Help us be beacons to your love. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 25, 2010 at 8:20am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have come upon some people who are really struggling with life. They are discouraged, beat down, mired in circumstances that they think they cannot rise above. They feel like they are being bombarded with the world and are asking what is it all for? These struggles are real because I can see the anguish on their faces. These struggles also have some practical, emotional and spiritual things to them. I do not have the any words that will fix all this and I may not even help but I do know the God of my Savior and the God of my life does. I am going to give you some practical, emotional and spiritual things today for those of you who are in this boat floating in a sea of junk.
You are loved! You are adored! Listen to me when I say God loves you enough to overcome whatever you are in. Our peace does not come from events or things of earth. Those things are what we all pass through while we are here. Events mold us and we have to be careful how. We must be aware when events that creep into our sense of love and peace are from the enemy. Just because things suck does not mean everything does. It does not mean all is futile. Remind yourself when you are down that God loves you and the people in your life that tell you that, really do!
Do you understand that whatever space you occupy, Jesus said he is right there with you? Do you realize that whatever in front of you is temporary? Please take to heart these things that the Word teaches and don't allow thoughts or actions from the destroyer even come close to you! The Word said we can stand on this principle and cast those thoughts aside. I encourage you to see the real truth and that truth is that these physical things mean nothing.
For some practical butt kicking I would like to speak frankly and confidently. What is wrong with you thinking like that?! You are a child of God! He has already whooped whatever is before you! You are in this current situation for one of two reasons, to learn from it or it is a fiery dart thrown to take your eyes off Jesus! So which is winning? Why are you allowing an influence take control? Get in the Word of God and off worldly influences or you are going to just continue where you are!

Here are some confidence building scriptures that we all can cling to;

Romans 5:1-11
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
NAS

Remember Michael Riddle....remember our spouses and children...

Heavenly Father,
We rebuke in your name the enemy and his henchmen. We stand on your promises for peace and reconciliation with you. We ask for that peace and understanding in our daily challenges and ask for clarity as to why and how things are to be done. Lord we lift those in turmoil and ask for healing and a comforting touch and bring to remembrance that you love them regardless of everything else we encounter. We lift up our leaders to you. Lord we ask for spiritual, practical and emotional healing this day and stand firm on your promises for such. We love you Lord and seek wisdom every moment, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:34 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 24, 2010 at 7:37am

Great Monday morning! How are we faithing? My Pastor is awesome! He loves us and deals with us. He preaches and makes us think without self condemnation. He challenges us. He also is our friend. How about you? Do you nap in church? Do you even go and if you don't why? Is it because it causes comas? Is it because you think everyone is a hypocrite and are judging you? Do you think you are important enough for them to even notice? I say not. I say all those people who are in church are there because they are not perfect or have it together just like you. Sure some put on a good front but that is what it is. It's about time we all realize that we go to church to minister and to be ministered to. We go to church to learn and to teach. What is cool is alot of the time these things happen and we are not even aware they are. Think about this, if those people were as good as you think they think they are, they wouldn't have need of church. I don't know what your experiences with church are or even if you have any but it's time to toss off the baggage and find one. You are gonna feel pain, anguish, offense but you also will feel joy, love, comedy and camaraderie. Boy, that sounds like a family to me. Church is for the equipping of the saints, what the Bible calls believers, for help when we need it and it's a place where one can find family friendship. This is church;

Ephesians 4:11-14
And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.
NAS

1 Corinthians 1:4-9
I thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, that in everything you were enriched in Him, in all speech and all knowledge, even as the testimony concerning Christ was confirmed in you, so that you are not lacking in any gift, awaiting eagerly the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall also confirm you to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
NAS

These are comforting and reassuring verses and I just wanted to share. You are not alone and you are loved unconditionally by Jesus. So is everyone else at that church.

Remember Regina Robinson...remember the Shaw family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for our Pastors and our leaders. Lord equip them with courage and strength physically, spiritually and mentally so they can do your work. Lord we love and honor you and ask for wisdom and guidance for those seeking. Draw them to you and to one of your houses where you reside. Teach us humility and charity so we can not be a judgemental Christian that hinders and doesn't help lead to you. Bless our days in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 21, 2010 at 7:41am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Fear is used in a variety of ways in the Word and it needs to be explained so when you read the Word you understand the different meanings brought forth or at least search for the usage. We've all heard, "fear the Lord" and at least for me, I always thought that meant to be scared of God which I did not understand because I love God and I know he loves me so why would I be scared of him? I could be scared of retribution or rather punishment for wrong deeds like a parent disciplines their child but it is more respect than being scared. More knowing a whoopin is a comin! The respect we have for our Lord is built on love and recognising the authority he has over us. I don't want to get into Greek and Hebrew translation definitions but just show how the word fear and it's derivatives are used. Lets touch on these;

Here we see that the fear these people used to have was a fear of dread and now have come to know God on an intimate level. No longer do they operate under the "fear" of retribution from God.

Romans 8:15
15 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!"
NAS

This way is used like cowardice. "Don't be afraid" or "don't be timid".

John 14:27
27 "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
NAS

This one is used as reverence. Our reverence for God must always be present simply because of who he is.

Proverbs 28:14
14 How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
NAS

This translation doesn't use our English word fear but the Greek word is the same one used for timidity.

Matthew 8:25-26
26 And He said to them, "Why are you timid, you men of little faith?" Then He arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and it became perfectly calm.
NAS

Now this is exactly what we perceive in the English, Moses was shaking in his boots as it were.

Acts 7:32
32'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.' And Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look.
NAS

All of this to open your eyes and to look a little deeper when you read the Word and dig in to find if what YOU perceive is actually what is implied. I've done it lots of times just to find out later I totally missed it. Don't be upset if this happens to you just be thankful when your eyes are opened. Misconceptions often lead to terrible fears and trepidation and very well could be unwarranted. Ponder this today...

Remember Linda Handzel's knees...remember Paul LaRose...remember Ann Manns...remember Luther Stivers...remember Edgel Ratliff

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for your Word that speaks to us. Help us understand and to have a mindset that seeks truth and not the lies that the enemy tosses. Lord we know the battleground is in the spirit and the mind. Teach us to seek your will and truth. Bless those mentioned today, heal their bodies, heal there spirits, heal their minds and take charge of their lives. We ask for protection for our leaders and wisdom to make sound choices. Bless the emergency workers who sacrifice for others and it's in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:46 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 20, 2010 at 7:50am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Frustration with events, people or stuff can really get a hold of us and drag us down. The coffee pot blew up or in my case the computer crashed. The car didn't start. Someone betrayed your confidence. What is our reactions? Sure at first we may get ticked, hurt or even befuddled but what good does it do to continue in those modes? Staying mad perpetuates that ill feeling and leads to depression and or harboring ill feelings which in turn leads to unforgiveness. Dwelling on hurt feelings can lead down the same path. Searching for peace from within the Word of God is what we ought to do. Praying immediately as soon as we recognise one of those modes is most definitely prudent. You know, it is quite telling that Jesus forgave everyone who came before him with a contrite heart, it didn't matter what the sin was but that repentance was present. With that piece of information, why would what you have done be any different? Why would he not forgive you? He will forgive you is the truth of the matter. Solomon said it way back,"nothing is new under the sun". Where you are isn't any more unique than where I am. The circumstances are different but the actions we take are not. You think about that today as things unfold...

read John 20:21-23...Mark 2:8-12... I'm having trouble pasting the references...

remember Jeff Reynolds...remember the Reynolds

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you do and show us in your Word. Bring to mind when we get in modes that hurt us. Help us see truth in every situation. Help us live according to your son's example. We lift those mentioned up to you. Heal hearts and minds. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:15 AM

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

Good morning! How are we faithing? Yesterday started so weird. Computer got sick and died. Had to start all over again. Oh well. I'm still in the process of getting my PC bible back so bear with me. Please pray for these below and keep our savior in mind today. Do everything as unto the Lord.
Remember Megan Terrell...Turley Richards...Amber and Zoey Badgett...Joyn Wyatt...Summer Harrod...

Heavenly Father,
We come to you with a heart of love and compassion as we lie these requests at your feet. We ask for healings and wisdom for each need. Show your love and compassion for a fallen world. Thank you for everything you do fo us, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:05 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 13, 2010 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? You're wondering if someone loves you and wondering if you love also. Sometimes it gets confusing. Sometimes you just aren't sure of where you are in this thing called love. Don't confuse physical passion for love in it's entirety. Being in love and loving are distinct forms of love. I'm in love with my wife passionately. I desire her and I desire to be around her. I love her spirit. I love her mind. I love her physically. So lets define the characteristics of love as described in the Word.

1 Cor 13:4-7
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
NIV

"Love is patient." Boy that can get taxing! There are times when we lose patience but does that mean we don't love anymore? Do we need to ask for forgiveness when we lose patience with people? Absolutely! Things can happen that just get you fired up but retaliatory actions serve no one and they also destroy love. People mature at different rates. Our attitude and actions is what we must be concerned with, not theirs.

"Love is kind". Does that mean we never say a cross word? Does that mean we wait on our spouses or kids hand and foot? Of course not! Loving with kindness is granting the benefit of a doubt. Kindness is seeing dismay in a terse word sent our way. Love heals not cuts down. So you got hurt, address that issue with honor and prayer because that benefit of a doubt used wisely may calm that other person so they are able to love back and not attack. Sometimes people are mean but our being unkind back serves absolutely no purpose but to perpetuate that unkindness. Are we footstools? No way man but defensive walls need to be temporary and movable.

" Love does not envy". Look, other people get more and others get less. You see that couple or that parent in what seems like the perfect relationship. Wake up man! That is not at all the truth! Sure they may have it together in areas you don't but that goes both ways. Look upon that relationship you think is great with an attitude of learning, not envying.

"Love does not boast, is not proud". Me,me,me. "Looky what I do for you" . Don't count the things done. Don't be so self protective that you don't let others in. Don't brag on your love deeds, just do them because you love.

"Love is not rude, or self seeking, or easily angered or remembers wrongs". This is a biggy right here! Treat people the way you want to be treated regardless of how they treat you. Love is not for self gain. You don't love for what you can get, you get because you love. Are you ticked at the drop of a hat? You need work there man! You need to pray and humble yourself before God and that person who is the butt of your anger. Do not retain infractions! Good lord man, we all goof up and we all fail from time to time so don't throw it up in the face of the person who dissed you every time they tick you off! What purpose does that serve?

The last part those verses tells what love does do; it does not delight in evil, it always trusts, it always hopes, it always perseveres. True loving attitude does not wish anything befall others. Calamity happens on its own and wishing it on others is a futile exercise that only reaps more malice and what good is that? True love always hopes for what is best for others and rejoices at their success, not mutter and sputter at them. True love stays the course and realizes when they are hurting or are feeling down that an upswing is inevitable therefore they continue to love because love is way way stronger than the alternative.

Remember these things and when problems or situations crop up you will be better equipped to with stand the storm...and there will be storms...

Remember Linda Handzell...remember Joe Bailey...remember Jennifer Redmon...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and your teachings on it. Open our hearts without reservation so we can truly love as we should. Soften our hearts so we see into events and things that hit us to the root. We ask for forgiveness and strength to stand honorably in you ways. Bless the bodies and minds of those mentioned and the rest of us too! Thank you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:44 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 12, 2010 at 7:59am

Good morning! How are we faithing? On the discussion of rule adherence and the like I have come upon many stories in the Old Testament about following rules and the penalty for those infractions. It is true that before Messiah the penalties were harsh for sins committed. The reasons were for life to be led holy and to rid the people of evil. In the days prior to Messiah there were rigid rules and if you disobeyed, the punishment was already laid down. Since Messiah has come we have forgiveness. We have a choice, believe and accept Messiah thus all sins are forgiven, past, present and future or not accept Messiah and fall under the previous covenant rules. Our free choice is right there. Sins in the world still have consequences but our forgiveness by God is complete. We are still vulnerable to consequences in this world for our actions but they do not effect our salvation. Love the sinner, hate the sin is not a cliche' but the way Jesus taught us to live. So straighten out your own walk and don't be judgemental about someone elses...

Rom 2:1-4
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?
NIV


Rom 3:19-26
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. NIV

Remember Chelsea Bailey...remember Matt Praria...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for giving me a choice of salvation or not. You are a just God and give of yourself freely. Take our lives and use them in the wisest way possible and teach us to be in tune to what you want for us. Lord we lift those mentioned and those not. Heal minds and spirits and touch the bodies so they may find that peace and serve you in a Holy way. In Jesus name ,amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:24 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 11, 2010 at 7:23am

Good morning! How are we faithing? With what we were talking about yesterday, rules and following them, we need to be aware of the rules from the love standpoint. If I love my fellow humans as I say I do and yet I still do something that makes that other person not see Jesus' light, I ought not do it. We are examples of that light. Oh man, I fall down all the time but I am aware of that light and when realization hits, I try to keep that light on by repenting from a behavior. I don't repent for fear of punishment but out of love for Jesus and how that behavior effects that other guy. Now if I focus on that good behavior and start pointing fingers at other brothers or sisters that fall down, my righteousness just became unrighteousness. How so? Pride. Pride in doing things . Pride in adherence to the rules. When that happens, the light is extinguished because the rule becomes the focus and not the light. Who are we?

Matt 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
NIV


Eph 5:8-14
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
NIV

remember Natalie Moore...remember Nikki Rayborn...remember the parents that are raising the next generation...

Heavenly Father,
Forgive our sins. Help us be lights unto this world. Help us recognise where we stumble and where we make mistakes. Lord we need to be able to hear your voice. Heal our hearts and minds. Guide our paths this day and help us see when we crush others and to rectify immediately when we do so. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:04 AM

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