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Comment by russ allen on March 24, 2010 at 7:16am

Good morning! How are we faithing? My mind is racing and lots of stuff happening this week. From world affairs to our country to personal stuff. Ever feel like you just want to go sit in the quiet, warm sun on your back, a pole and some worms or maybe soft music and a hammock? Gee whiz man, I need a break...We are not suppose to worry about the day and yet I worry about my bride, my kids, the lost, on and on. We are suppose to forgive and yet I get angry, control the urge to slap and battle not to be judgemental. So many times I fall down in my walk on this ol orb but thank the Lord he has promised rest and a peace that passes all understanding. I have to admit that in the midst of all this I am truly joyous inside. Where does that come from? Like the thankfulness statement, Jesus. Jesus has provided joy even when thinks are hard. He has settled a peace over my heart even when physical things confront me. I may not like these events or even handle them right but I rest knowing my God loves and has provided sanctuary and eternity with him. How about you?

Rom 5:1-5
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.
NAS

Eph 4:29-32
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
NIV

Ezek 36:25-29
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. You will live in the land I gave your forefathers; you will be my people, and I will be your God.
NIV

Remember Megan McGrath...remember Irene Sharpe...remember Cory Brazier...rememeber Moms Millsap today...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the joy you have given me. Thank you for the wisdom and enlightenment you impart. We ask for healing for those mentioned and for those not. Help them know you. Help us be joyous inside even when the outside is facing turmoil. Lord we love and honor your greatness , in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:48 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 23, 2010 at 7:16am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's really hard to forgive someone who dumps junk all over you. It's difficult to deal with perceived jerks who hurt us with words and deeds. The Word tells us we are to forgive and dog gone it, sometimes I don't want to forgive! I want to wallow in my anger and hurt. Sound ridiculous? Of course it does because it is. Why would we want to remain angry and plot revenge? Dumb but we all do it because we are sinful creatures and that thought process provides temporary retribution for hurt. Here's the rob, it doesn't last, it doesn't help and it perpetuates the whole mess. Be honest with yourself on this and you will see the folly of retribution. Are there things that require justice? Well of course and that is what courts are for so we can live safely in a society but that is not what we are talking about. Peter asked Jesus how many times to forgive and Jesus replied,"seventy times seven" Think about that, the same sin forgiven over and over. That's the point of it. It's hard sometimes because some people just deserve a slap but alas, who does that benefit? Of course self defense to violence requires actions but if you think about that, retribution isn't what that is. Look at these and just think about revenge and forgiveness. Also remember our own mistakes and what we deserve, rather humbling...

Matt 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
NKJV

Luke 17:3-4
Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him."
NKJV


2 Cor 2:10-11
Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
NKJV

Col 3:12-14
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
NKJV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you for your grace that saves us. Lord, our sins are many and we make the effort not to sin but we do anyways. Forgive us and help us recognise the sin before we commit it. Lord change our hearts to a just forgiving one. Grant us wisdom and bring to remembrance your Word. Lord we lift our leaders up to you. Bless our endeavors, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 22, 2010 at 7:54am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you not tell of the grace of God who send his son for you and me because you feel like you ain't good enough? Do you feel like ,"who am I to speak out about that because I have (this or that) problem"? Guess what? We ain't good enough and we all have our own things that attack or haunt us. We all need the same grace that we tell others about. Don't be afraid to admit it when it's tossed in your face. Don't back away with feelings of guilt because Jesus paid for all of our sins and we have the courage available to step out loudly knowing he has covered them all, including mine. I don't want someone telling me how to do or how to survive something when they have never gone through the same thing. I want someone who has endured and worked hard through things just like I am. Someone who quotes platitudes without ever really going through the things they are speaking of is hollow. I don't know what it's like to loose a spouse or a child but others do. I don't know what it's like to live under a bridge but others do. I don't know what it's like to be hooked on crack but others do. I do know who can help in all those situations because he has helped me in mine. Jesus paid, you don't have to. Platitudes don't help, Jesus does. The Word does. Be ambassadors for Jesus and point others to him, not your opinion. Think on this.

Eph 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
NIV

Rom 11:6
But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. ASV

Remember Petra Phillips...remember Caleb Barnes...remember Ty Bates...remember Josh and Nikki's unborn baby(s)...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your grace that saves us even when we goof up. Lord we lift up the children of your people today. Heal them and comfort them. We ask for wisdom and eyes that see truth and fearless adherence to your Word, we ask in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:32 A

Comment by russ allen on March 19, 2010 at 7:07am

Good Friday morning! How are we faithing? It is still amazing that people still think they can earn salvation and that their good behavior will offset their bad. Guys, not so. You and I can never do enough to sway the good over the bad. Heck man, just out thoughts alone condemn us. I know it's contrary to conventional wisdom to think all we have to do is accept a gift of redemption but it's all there is to it. We've talked so much about this but we keep seeing displays of "earned" repentance. Look at these and get your Bible out and cross reference the verses and see it for yourself because unless the gift God offers is accepted, the outcome is bleak.

Eph 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.
NAS

Rom 4:4-8
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
NIV

John 3:36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him."
NIV


John 6:40
For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
NIV

Remember Morgan Cushing...remember Brandon Burton...

Heavenly Father,
Help us know your grace saves. Help us rest that when we fail we can ask forgiveness and we have it and it doesn't effect our salvation. Help us know we are saved when we believe and the good works are done out of love and not for gain. Lord we ask for healing for the kids mentioned. We praise and honor you in Jesus' holy name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:43 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 18, 2010 at 7:53am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Things go on all around us that cause us to pause and contemplate. Mistakes, purposeful things and oblivious things. Some things weigh heavy on us and when this happens, we must seek God and lay those things at his feet. Gee whiz, he's already whooped them so why do we hang on and fondle them?

Ps 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
KJV

Ps 27:14
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
NIV

1 Cor 16:13-14
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.
NIV

Phil 4:12-13
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
NIV

Remember Megan McGrath...remember Tonya...Remember Linda and Ben as they travel...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your messages in your Word. Lord, forgive us when we goof up, forgive us when we don't know or suspect we goof up. Grant wisdom in our day to day activities. Thank you for loving us even when we are unlovable. Protect those traveling, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:33 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 17, 2010 at 7:46am

Great morning! How are we faithing? Look at this;
1 Cor 2:9-10
However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
NIV

Think about that. We cannot even imagine what God has planned for each of us. I wonder what to do about events that take place and if I am doing the best thing. Those questions keep me mindful of God and his Word. Knowing God has plans for me and not wanting to miss an opportunity to share Jesus keeps me questioning everything I do. How about you? Do you seek God in everything? If you stop and think about this concept, see the truth in the Word about it, you will begin to search for the Spirit's prompting in everything and find it is ever present in our days. That is another promise from the Word.

remember Brandon Burton...remember Diane and Tony...remember Chris...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for guiding us with your Word and your Holy Spirit. We desire to act according to your ways and seek you in and on our life paths. Forgive us where we fall off the path. Lord we ask for wisdom. We ask for healings to wounds of all types. Touch Brandon and show your greatness! Lord hell us accept your plan for us so we can serve humbly and holy. Thank you for your love so big that you gave your son to overcome sin, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:12 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 15, 2010 at 7:55am

Good morning! How are we faithing? What a day to be alive! I hear from some who are not satisfied or are unhappy with their life. Whether it's money, stuff, relationships, job etc. Wow. How do you survive unhappy? How do you get out of bed if it's all that bad? We need to recognise why we feel this way. Is it true? Are these things that bad? What are we using as a gauge? Is it selfishness? I know when I am unhappy it ends up being me singing the blues. It's me boo hooing because things are not perfect in my estimation. Then, thankfully, I read the Word and get back on track, roll my eyes at my own selfishness and lack of trust that God will and is providing all my needs. Are you there? Do you complain or despise your days? Why? All the things you can find wrong have solutions. Our well being is not dependant on our circumstances and if it has become that way, we need to stop and seek God because otherwise we are gonna be miserable by our own volition.

Eph 2:1-5
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.
NIV

Ps 84:10-11
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the LORD God is a sun and shield;the LORD bestows favor and honor;no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
NIV


Mal 4:2-3
But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things," says the LORD Almighty.
NIV

Remember Virginia Weese family...Dan and Mary Koester...Tonya Fulfer...Diane Reed

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that is truth and strength for our days. Teach us to see you and only you in us and help us take the joy you give and see and use it in all our circumstances. Help us see needs in those that we meet and greet every day. Lord, we lift those mentioned today and ask for a blessing and a peace that only you can provide. Thank you for revealing yourself to Kelsey and welcome her into your kingdom! In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:21 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 12, 2010 at 7:25am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's Friday!! I see many a post and letter saying things like,"can't wait for Friday!" or "can't wait for the weekend". Gee whiz, I understand the sentiment but do you really despise your endeavors during the week that you just get through to the weekend? Man, that's a sad state to be in. Our work is necessary for survival. Our attitude and demeanor at work is a reflection on our hearts. This isn't to chastise but to examine ones self and see if our attitude is becoming our Lord or flies in the face of sound biblical wisdom. We endure the same things as the rest of the world but how we deal and how we come out the other side is a witness to our faith. I have things I am not to tickled to have to do but doing it as if I'm doing it for my savior will change the outlook. Our soundness of mind and us being able to go through our days without fear comes from the power Jesus gave when he came into our lives. We must remember that so when we feel beaten down or stressed severely we can remember his Words to urge us on. This first verse has saved my mind and heart from despair many times...

2 Tim 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
KJV

Rom 8:15-16
For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
NIV

Ps 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
NIV

Ps 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
NIV

Level ground. Cool man! The mountains and obstacles we face are leveled by our Lord and Master. Our savior has already beaten what ever you face. That fact when fully realized causes us to move forward regardless of the fallout. That fallout is Gods to deal with when we obey and he will teach and show you that level path. Ain't that cool?

Remember Amanda Hammond...remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for everything you show us in your Word. Lord, help us take on the attitude of peace and love and of contentment. Help us see the root cause of the things perpetrated against us. Lord we know others we meet need you! Lord, bless those who seek your face, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:01 AM
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Comment by russ allen on March 11, 2010 at 7:23am

Great Morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Do you feel like you are spinning your wheels going nowhere? Chasing down the dream and never seeming to get there, always striving for more? It is very easy to go there. This society demands success and it recognises that success by wealth and tangible things. Let us ponder that and really look at that type of achievement. Does it really satisfy? Does it provide contentment? Is there a point when we can sigh and say "whew! I've finally arrived!" The answer is no to all three. Solomon said it best when he said, "all is futile and chasing after the wind". All you achieve and all you acquire will be left to someone else and we don't even know if it will be used right or even at all. An example is all the estate auctions I see around. A lifetime of work and acquisitions sold to the highest bidder. That just seems like a waste of time from this end of that life time. I'm sure that person who built that estate was reaching and doing what he or she believed to be proper but it begs the question as to what was it all worth? This by no means is meant to depress you but for you to explore your reasons for striving and to think about the direction your life is going.

James 4:14-15
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that."
NIV

Eccl 1:14
I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
NIV

Eccl 2:17-23
So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
NIV

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
NIV

Matt 6:19-21
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
NIV

Remember Marilyn's friend...remember the people who educate our kids...the schools need wisdom...remember Ken and G-man...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for what you have given each of us. Teach us to be content and to see truth in all we do. We lift those up who need a touch of peace and contentment in their topsy turvy world. Lord we pray for healings in this land and lift your people up in this tumultuous political time. We stand for your principles and your children that they find you. We ask for a touch on Leroy and his family and it is in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:49 AM

Comment by russ allen on March 10, 2010 at 7:37am

Good morning! How are we faithing? The Lords eyes are upon us. Nothing gets past him. You may fool someone but God saw. You may get away with something and actually get accolades from men but God saw the truth. God saw the heart. God's eyes are on us all the time, not as a wicked master waiting to pounce and punish but as a loving God who sees the big picture and sees what is sown and knows what will grow. He therefore chastises and admonishes us to save us from ourselves. Our savior bore all our mistakes, took them to the grave and left them there when he arose. As we go through our days we must remember Jesus, we must remember he is risen and we must rest knowing all the sins are gone when we accept his gift of life. When we do this it becomes a good thing to realize God sees all in our lives, including thoughts, motivation and actions. With that realization we can work, play, laugh, cry and anything else knowing the complete honesty with God is necessary on our part because he already knows anyways. That is true freedom because we are not encumbered with "I hope nobody saw that" but with "sorry God, forgive me".


2 Chron 16:9
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.
NIV

Job 34:21
His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.
NIV

Prov 5:21
For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. NIV

Prov 15:33
The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
NIV

Jer 16:17
My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes.
NIV


Heb 4:13
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
NIV


1 Peter 3:12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
NIV

remember Megan McGrath...remember Sheree Sims...remember Ashley Dezarn...

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we goof up Lord. We really don't want to offend or do wrong we just are what we are and we really are trying to improve. Lord, take these thoughts and pressure to a place where we can see the big picture and accept it even when it hurts. Lord we ask for healing for those mentioned and ask a special touch for those in Nigeria that are been slain for dumb reason. Forgive them. Lord, help us see needs and be a light for those who need you, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:05 AM

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