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Comment by russ allen on February 19, 2010 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? How does sin interfere with sound judgement? Let me give an example;

Matt 14:1-14
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him."
Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for John had been saying to him: "It is not lawful for you to have her." Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet.
On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
NIV

Here's this king who is fooling around with his brother's wife, John the Baptist chastises him for it, Herod is ticked, tosses him in jail. Now at a fest of some kind this brother's wife has her daughter dance for the king and he is so "pleased" he says he'll give em anything and the result was the brother's wife asking for the head of the guy who was telling them they were wrong for their actions. Man, I see lust as the biggest sin here. Lust for someone elses wife and her daughter! So much so that he would do anything for that sin and did. I also wonder after seeing that bloody head on a platter handed to that woman if she and her daughter was still appealing. His sin and those women's sin got in the way of sound judgement. Their eyes were clouded with hate, retribution and then murder of the innocent. They didn't just look at that cliff, they swan dove right off it...

remember Donna's Dad...Tonya Fulfer...Megan McGrath...

Heavenly Father, Open our eyes before we fall. Help us listen when your Holy Spirit screams no! Bless and keep us this day.

Also people, look at this;

This weekend there is a prayer vigil for all Christians to humble themselves and pray for God to bring revival to us and to our world. Pray David's Song of Thanks as recorded in I Chronicles 16:8-36 and Solomon's in II Chronicles 6:12-21 in accordance with II Chronicles 7:14 - we know there is prayer established for us as His people who are called by His name, and we know we are called to "stand in the gap" - we need unity, to be of one accord in His word, and to be faithful as He is faithful to us. We are indeed but dust, but our God has given us a glorious future and we live now to see that His will "that none should perish, but have everlasting life" is done on earth - as it is in heaven.

sent to me and I agree with this Lord, let us have a heart for the lost and for revival and courage to stand for your principles, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 18, 2010 at 7:30am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Interesting day yesterday and alot of things were learned. I always enjoy conversation with my friends. It brings out my thought process and also allows me to get things off my mind and to hear someone elses take on things. I have discovered which of my friends have the mind of God and those who are friends who share common interests. Some are one and the same, some are not. That revelation is as simple as this; I don't go to the engine builder for biblical advise any more than asking cam questions from my Pastor. Sometimes they are one and the same and some times not. Realizing which is which goes a long way to staying on the path ahead. We need to be available to speak the gospel anytime an opportunity presents itself and we need to make sure we are an example of Christ regardless of the company we are in. Our consistency in our faith no matter the obstacles in front of us is an unspoken witness for those who are lost and a confirmation to those who believe and are struggling. Think on this as you go through today...

Jude 17-23
But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires." These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
NIV

Remember Katie Ester....remember Tim Shannon...remember Ty Bates...remember Stacy Hopkins Travis in labor!!!!

Heavenly Father, We come before you today humbly asking for wisdom and your grace to pass on to others we meet. Lord we stand on your Word and ask for a veil of protection from the enemy. Lord guide our minds and hearts and help us recognise needs we encounter, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:03 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 17, 2010 at 7:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Acting in love towards others we meet is not always easy. We sometimes have habits or sayings that we don't give much thought to. Most times these things are unconscious manifestations of upbringing, culture, geological region etc. I live in the south but was raised in the north and spent considerable time in the mid west thus, I have sayings and isms that are just present due to geographical exposure. We need to think about these things. Here in the south people say things and follow it up with,"bless their heart" and think that makes anything they say ok. The northern people are gruff and say,"well it's true" and because it is true they can speak it however they choose. The point is that colloquialism's and certain words may offend or harm unintentionally. Of course we don't want to do this but sometimes we end up turning off those ears that are ready for hearing the Word of God. So the next time you are butt hurt over someones words, analyze a little and try to hear the meaning of the words and the intent. We need to remember as ambassadors of Jesus to be aware of our words so we don't become a wall that hides the truth of God's love and grace. Look here;

Rom 14:13-18
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. As one who is in the Lord Jesus, I am fully convinced that no food is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean. If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.
NAS

Be aware of your actions and speech today, you may be surprised of what you say and how it effects others...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace. Lord we ask for our minds to be clear and to notice when we speak and how we speak. Lord we want to praise and honor you with our lips. Help us sweep away the garbage and be salt and not bitter with our tongues. Bless the kids and impart safe travel for those who are on the road, In Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 16, 2010 at 7:55am

Great cold morning! How are we faithing? Do you ever have trouble dealing with angry people? Mean people? Unhappy people? Sure, we all do. Do you lash out back when attacked? Do you spit and cuss at them or do you recognise the pain? Compassion for our fellow humans is sometimes difficult when we feel threatened or abused. We all have had people on the attack, sometimes we are at a loss as to why and sometimes we encounter jerks but they are just as redeemable as we are. They are just as loved by Jesus as we are. They need the wisdom and peace Jesus gives just like we do. Being constantly aware of Jesus' presence and the Holy Spirit's guidance is of utmost importance for showing God's love. Look, we of course need to decide if this attack is a physical threat and needs defensive posture or is a lashing out from pain and emotional upheaval that is uncontrollable on their part. Jesus calmed even rough seas, so it stands to reason, that peace can also calm that person in your face. Remember these verses today and every time you confront people.

Matt 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
NIV

Luke 6:36
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
NIV

Rom 10:12-13
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile-the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
NIV

2 Cor 1:3-4
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
NIV

Remember Chris Bell....remember Megan...remember the troops and the leaders...remember this country...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your compassion and grace. Lord we ask for help when we are confronted with these things that threaten us. Grant the wisdom to act appropriately. Lord we lift those mentioned, heal and comfort them. Lord we praise you for your grace and love and it is in that name of Jesus we pray. amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:20 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 15, 2010 at 7:51am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Another weekend with another rhino virus...drat...here's a question, how should we live?

Eph 5:1-2
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
NIV

I know, not always easy but it is a direction that cannot fail. How do we do this? It starts with some truths. God made everything. God is in control even if I don't see it or understand. God loves us. God's Word is infallible. God's Word is for you. Prayer works, I may not like the answer but it always works. We have an advantage in that we have instruction from a messiah that has endured everything you and I have and that relationship is solid we we receive it. Even when we feel like everything is caving in, Jesus is a rock in the storm. I want you all to understand the love and the confidence we can enjoy when we seek his will and his face and his love. Talk to him today-all day because this is a relationship. Compare everything to Biblical principles. Anything contrary is not of God and the only way we can know is getting in the Word ever day. I am not an alarmist but we never know when our number is up, ask the luge rider this weekend...

Remember Katie bird...remember each other

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that envelopes us. Thank you for your Word that teaches and comforts us. Lord we ask that your leading is so strong that we cannot ignore or disregard it. Protect the kids, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:34 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 12, 2010 at 7:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine Friday morning? Our wisdom, if from the world, will become useless. What am I talking about? Wisdom that is deemed wise in the worlds eyes isn't wisdom at all. Sure the knowledge of how to make things or maintain things is useful but true wisdom such as is present when we make choices of truth over lies or selfless help verses attention grabbing help are choices that without the Holy Spirits discernment, become self serving. This is an area we need to pray and we need to seek God's wisdom in his Word. Why you think I ask for wisdom all the time? I'll tell you why, because as a man I would seek glory and honor from men in the natural. I would seek accolades and ways to promote myself for selfish gains. I would be prone to acting in a manner becoming to me and not God. We see these actions all around us. In the news, at our jobs, everywhere we go. Getting those accolades or getting praise in of itself may not be bad but how do we take them? How to we honor those praises? Do we realize that without God we would not achieve or do we pat our own back. Attitude man, attitude.

James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
NIV

remember Kathy and Megan McGrath...remember Brian Jett's Dad...remember Chris Bell...remember Emily...remember Josh

Heavenly Father,
We ask for your intervention in the things concerning each of us today. Lord, we ask for wisdom and your spirit to grab hold of the minds of us and reveal truths. Lord we praise and honor you and pray for courage and a clear mind to make the choices we need to make and it's in Jesus' name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 11, 2010 at 8:17am

Good morning! How are we faithing! Where do you see yourself in the body of Christ? What is your place? When and where and why do we need to be out there sharing this faith we have in Jesus? When is now, where is wherever the opportunity presents itself and why is because we want all to see and have what we have and that is the grace of Jesus the Christ has paid already and we must reach out and grasp that gift. All the woes of the world are fleeting and temporary and as soon as we get a hold of that truth we are able to face whatever comes.

2 Cor 4:1-3
Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
NIV

remember Chris...remember Kat...remember Diane...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your forgiveness for a bunch who are not worthy. Thank you for loving us so much you gave your son so we all could be one with you. Lord we lift those up with depression and things that snatch our joy. Lord we do pray for our leaders that they find your wisdom, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:58 AM
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Comment by russ allen on February 10, 2010 at 7:24am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Look at this and think about all your woes, all your tasks, all your days events, all the things that come your way;

Ps 139:13-16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
NIV

If this is true, nothing we face does not have a purpose. Nothing that happens just happens for no effect or for no reason what so ever. How do we look at things? Where do we put our trust and where do we rest? Think about this today and see how you react and how you are effected by everything that transpires.

Remember Lori Phillips...remember Dougs wife Judy...remember Kellynn and Ty...remember Sarah Rhoades

Heavenly Father,
Bless us o Lord for we need comfort and wisdom. Thankfully we come before you. Lord we ask for understanding and vision of the days events. Help us look for you and not at our plights. Lord we feel overwhelmed sometimes and we need rest and peace. Lord, we rebuke the powers of darkness and stand on your Word that those forces flee from us. Lord guide our eyes to the things that are yours and not to be led astray by the things that are not. Bless those mentioned and those not in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:02 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 9, 2010 at 7:06am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Lots of info and lots of thinking as of late. We have relationships in life that include people that we battle with. Some are fights,some are disagreements and some are simple misunderstandings. What to do, what to do. What does the Word tell us? Oh man, there is tons of wisdom on how to handle situations but lets break it down to the most important. Love one another. That's right, love one another. Simple yet the most difficult to do. There are people at church I just don't get. There are people at work that make me shake my head. There are people I meet that need a good slapping but you know what? All those groups at some point look at me the same way. I want people to love me. Not that unhealthy delusional type of utopian ideal but simply love me for who I am with all my faults. Sure I want to rid myself of those faults but until I do, truth is that lots of those faults probably wont ever go away, I want to be loved anyways. Since this is what I desire, is it reasonable for me to return the same attitude? "Oh man!" we say,"but you don't know what they've done!". True, I don't but God does and God loves them as much as he loves you and me therefore we need to love them anyways and leave the fixing to Jesus. Heck, I don't want that fixing job anyway because I have enough to do just keeping myself true to Gods Word. It is time we start living this love and stop talking about it. Platitudes are fine but they don't help someone who is at the end of their rope. Only true love like Jesus showed will help that person cut the line before they start swinging.

John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
NAS

1 John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
NIV

1 Peter 2:16-17
Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.
NIV

1 Cor 16:14
Do everything in love.
NIV


Rom 12:9-10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
NIV

Everything in love. Pretty simple to understand,pretty hard to do sometimes. Seek the Lords grace and face in all you do because without him you could not accomplish what you do every day. Without Jesus your skills and smarts wouldn't even exist. Curb that ego because that leads to pride and looking down on people and that my friends is not brotherly love.

Remember Kat...remember Ben Bowley, cancer...remember Willie Payton, heart cath today...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being an example for us to follow. Help us truly love like we should. Bring to mind when ego, hatred or anything clouds our minds from doing your will. Lord forgive us where we drop the ball and help us pick it back up knowing you have our back. Lord we love and praise your holy name and hold your Word dear to our hearts, and in Jesus' name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on February 5, 2010 at 7:38am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Deep thought and pondering alot of things this morning. Felt like I'd been run over by a truck yesterday and took a mental health day. Ever had to do that? Sometimes you just have to stop and think and listen.
Too many of us are concerned with our appearance of holiness. Way to many times I've observed the right pose, the right words, the right show but then see through the outside and see discontent, meanness and general dissatisfaction with everything. Is this the grace and joy that Jesus promised? No way man! Talking the talk without walking the walk is burdensome and fake. I am not saying you are not saved but I am anguished that somewhere you have missed the joy promised by Jesus. Yes you can be saved and still be miserable but that ought not be. Why are you so miserable? Why do you still find fault with everything? What makes you so sad? Has the past caused a foothold for the enemy to set up house in you? I met a woman who's husband woke with stroke symptoms and come to find out it was advanced MS. The journey they were and are on was told with such care and encouragement. I was awe struck and blown away that they were so upbeat and joyous...and it was genuine. They had their times but they knew Jesus and they knew they would get through this. It showed me an example of the love and the companionship Jesus has with us even when we may think he has left the building. Even when things come our way or we goof up miserably we must remember where we came from and our final destination and with that gift of salvation, how can we not be joyous and tell everyone? Seek that joy today first on your knees and then turn your focus and try to see where you will be after this, whatever is up, and the lesson that will make you that much better because if you allow the thing happening to rule, it will eventually rule you completely....think about that...

Rom 10:1-15
Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. But the righteousness based on faith speaks thus, "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down), or' Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). " But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart"-- that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call upon Him; for "Whoever will call upon the name of the Lord will be saved." How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things!"
NAS

Remember Mark and Kellynn and the decisions they have to make...remember Megan's friend Jerry on his job search...remember Emily-chest pains...remember Caleb Matthew...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for a day of deep thought and searching. Open our eyes to things around us. Help us see truth and not superficial things. Help us recognise the enemy when they try to take over our joy. Help us live as you originally designed us to. Bless those in need and help us hear your voice in Jesus' name,amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:03 AM

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