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Comment by russ allen on December 31, 2009 at 8:49am

Good morning! New Years eve! Man did this year fly or what? Oh well. Alot of you speak of trouble praying and sometimes even believing that God will answer definitively. I know, sometimes we don't hear anything. Is it that he isn't speaking or we are not listening? How do we listen? How do we build the trust so we totally leave things at his feet with the confidence he will take care of it? I am no expert but I can tell you how it works for me. The Word tells us he hears us. The Word says all things work for the good for those who love him. The Word tells us how to speak and how to listen. The Holy Spirit speaks when we read the Word and for me it's sometimes so loud in my head it surprises me others around don't hear it. Sometimes a verse slaps me right in the face! Look, I know when you are in anguish it is difficult to concentrate and to hear the Lord. Normal...people listen up....honor God, recognise who he is. He is omnipresent, omnipotent, loving, ever present and knowing all our needs. He's been here. His understanding is so far beyond our own take on things because he sees and knows all. Think about that...if you had all the information and all the power you would make the correct choices every time but since we don't, why would we not rely and follow the one who does? On your knees and in the Word you will find the answer to whatever you are facing. Everything we face has a principle and sometimes we miss what principle is at play because we only see through physical earthly human eyes. What socks to wear verses should I get married are two different principles at work. I can't think of one for sock attire but there sure are lots on marriage. The only way you'll find out the principle at play in your life is get in the Word. If you don't know where to go, ask a trustworthy person. Don't ask a used car salesman about shoes. Don't ask a plumber about roofing. This new year before us can look bleak to some and exciting for others but the one thing that is present and available to all is God's wisdom and love which is never failing nor questionable. Stand on that, praise God in ALL circumstances and don't be afraid to ask him.

1 John 1:1-4
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched-this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.
NIV


Heb 1:10-12
He also says,
"In the beginning, O Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end." NIV


John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.
NIV


Matt 6:5-8
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
NIV

Remember Bill and Vicki's family...remember each other and each others concerns...

Heavenly Father,
Teach us to pray and teach us to hear. Teach us to trust in you and rest knowing you will always be here for us. Lord in this new year we desire to know you more and learn to rely on you for everything. Show us your love and wisdom. We ask like you told us. Please answer our worries so we can praise you. Grant that peace in all things. We lift our children of all ages up to you. Heal our bodies and minds so we can function honorably. Keep us safe in Jesus name, amen.
Posted by russ allen at 8:05 A

Comment by russ allen on December 30, 2009 at 7:15am

Good morning! How are we faithing? His love endures forever. Our Lord is over all and his love endures forever. Everything we are dealing with, everything that comes against us, God's love endures forever. Good stuff and bad, pleasurable and painful he is the same. He will be beside you with his arm around you speaking truth. He whispers, "I know, I've been here too". Whatever you are facing is not uncommon to man. Whatever you see coming at you is not foreign to God. He is completely aware of your circumstance and wants you to find rest in him. We will go through things that really bite but if we remember he told us he is with us therefore if all seems bleak there must be a lesson in it. We need to remember to seek that rather than focus on the malady. Of course things need dealing with but I'm talking about our attitude and disposition because of whatever is happening. I drop my head lots of times and say"bummer" but I know that if my view of the situation is on God, I will be better, stronger for it. I may even get to the point where stuff that in the past would do me in will become like a snowflake, brushed off with not a mark left.

Ps 89:1-2
I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever,that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.
NIV

Ps 100:5
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations.
NIV

Ps 118:4-7
Let those who fear the LORD say: "His love endures forever."
In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies.
NIV

Ps 136
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights--
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the desert,
His love endures forever.
who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings--
His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan--
His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel;
His love endures forever.
to the One who remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies,
His love endures forever.
and who gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
NIV

remember Mary Ellen Thibodeaux's family...remember Kristian Brazier...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that teaches me to rely on you and to know you love me as I am. Thank you for the lessons this life brings and we ask you to bring to mind quickly your precepts and ways. Help us recognise truth. Lord we lift the lost to you because we want them to come to you like we did, broken and scared and all alone. Help them see you as the only way true peace beyond comprehension is attainable. Help the families suffering today. Bless this country and open the eyes of the leaders, in Jesus name we pray, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 29, 2009 at 7:15am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A friend of mine was talking about how the fitness club she uses will be over run for about a month with new years resolute people. Interesting that over half give up in a month, and the majority give up the next month. About 10% stick to their resolution. I don't do New Year Resolutions because the motivation isn't worth a hoot. If you need or want to accomplish something, start right now. The only resolution I ever made that I stuck with was reading the Bible in a year. I ended up doing it 2 years in a row because it was so cool. Not bragging because the other ones I made before and since...failed miserably. Starting this week, analyze your life and write down the good and the bad. If you need to loose weight, be realistic and strive for a goal. If you need to quit smoking, get help. If you want to read the Bible in a year, make your self by picking a time every day. If you plan to get out of debt, don't let frustration get you down so you toss the plans out the window.
This year I want to hear God's voice. This year I want to live like I have a savior and I know it. This year I want to be more compassionate and loving. This year I want it to be a year that I can refer back to as the year God solidified the path for the rest of this life. Sure there are house maintenance goals and stuff like that but that stuff will happen anyways out of necessity. I want others to see God in my life and be encouraged to press on with theirs. When I am asked for guidance, I want the Word of God on my lips. Does this strike a chord with anyone else? On our knees as it were is where we need to be. God bless each and every one of you and know you are on this man's heart every day.

James 1:22-27
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
NIV

Matt 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."
NIV

remember Linda Handzel...remember Billy who lost his bride recently...remember our troops...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your saving grace and love. Lord help us be the men and women we should be. Help us see truth and seek wisdom from you. Lord we lift those hurting and ask for your touch on their lives. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice for a lot like us, in this we know you have to love us. Protect our troops and help them be merciful where they are suppose to be. Protect their minds and hearts from evil, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:44 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 28, 2009 at 7:26am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Survive the Christmas weekend? I hear people saying,"glad it's over" and "aw darn, it's over". I guess it's from what vantage point one views through determines which statement applies. The advent season is alot of things to alot of different people. I saw in Jerusalem a Rabi was condemning Christmas trees and he had a point from a legalistic view. I see churches putting up those same trees out of tradition. What the Rabi missed although technically correct, was the representation and mindset the people who celebrate and use that icon. Christmas trees have nothing to do with the birth of the savior but in the eyes of believers in messiah they bring to remembrance the birth of that said savior. Crosses hung around necks or the star of David on a necklace in of themselves are nothing but what they represent....ah now that's another thing altogether. Idolatry in the sense that that Rabi was referring to is not good and is very dangerous but icons used to remind us of our convictions and beliefs are fine as long as we do realize that is what their purpose is and indeed there is no power in them. That goes along with,"don't say that! You're in church!" What? It's ok out of the building? Hogwash. If it isn't acceptable in church, why would it be outside the walls? We as Christians really need to think about what we do and say and compare it with the Word. So when the question comes about the icons we use, be sure you know why we use them. Be sure to point to Jesus and explain the grace and love we now enjoy. If you find out you are doing something unacceptable, repent and maybe even wear an elastic band to remind you of that behavior...just food for thought.

Jer 10:12-16
But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding. When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
Everyone is senseless and without knowledge; every goldsmith is shamed by his idols. His images are a fraud; they have no breath in them. They are worthless, the objects of mockery; when their judgment comes, they will perish. He who is the Portion of Jacob is not like these, for he is the Maker of all things, including Israel, the tribe of his inheritance--the LORD Almighty is his name.
NIV

Remember Jill Cutler as she heals...Michael Riddle...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your son's birth that led to our redemption. Help us realize the things we idolize and help us put into perspective those things. Lord we ask for healing in Jill and Michael today. We also ask for your touch on our lives and help us be the people we need to be to lead others to you. Forgive our sins cause we know we have a bunch. Grant us wisdom and peace in our days and it's in the precious name of Jesus we ask, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:43 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 24, 2009 at 8:41am

Luke 2

2:1 Now it came about in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all were proceeding to register for the census, everyone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. 6 And it came about that while they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And in the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields, and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 "And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths, and lying in a manger." 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
15 And it came about when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." 16 And they came in haste and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. 17 And when they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.
21 And when eight days were completed before His circumcision, His name was then called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
22 And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every first-born male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." 25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, 28 then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 "Now Lord, Thou dost let Thy bond-servant depart In peace, according to Thy word; 30 For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, 31 Which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 A light of revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Thy people Israel. "
33 And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed-- 35 and a sword will pierce even your own soul-- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed. " 36 And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with a husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. And she never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. 38 And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39 And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth. 40 And the Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
41 And His parents used to go to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; 43 and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. And His parents were unaware of it, 44 but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day's journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for Him. 46 And it came about that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48 And when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." 49 And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" 50 And they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. 51 And He went down with them, and came to Nazareth; and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
NAS

Comment by russ allen on December 23, 2009 at 7:49am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Tis a hard time to deal with sometimes this world. We get handed a lot in life that makes us ask why. I'm not sure of the answers but I do know who is. I also have learned that the answers may not be forth coming when I think they should. With that knowledge it is prudent to rely on the Word for comfort when we are writhing in pain. I see so many people enduring things that seem so insurmountable but praise God for vision beyond immediate circumstances. Many times we've talked on this but as of late I have seen things compounded due to timing. Two families burnt out three days before Christmas. Is it any harder now instead of oh, May 26th? Or August 19th? No the problem is the same but it seems bigger due to timing. I want you all to realize that God is bigger than anything you are up against and driving yourself further down due to surroundings serves no one. Maintain your perspective by reading the Word and step out of your place for a second and look for lessons. Our sanity sometimes feels suspect but if the problems are broken down to the root cause we are able to see the lesson or at a minimum avoid it again. I would like for ya'll to take a second or two and bow your head and ask for wisdom and clarity. Seek that peace that God promised and know it is right there for you. You'll be thankful...

John 5:24-27
"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
NIV

Rom 5:1-8
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
KJV

Remember Kim and Dan traveling...Cory Brazier...Wayne Clark...Chris Bell...

Heavenly Father,
Wake us up Lord to your paths and ways. Grant us the wisdom to see things as they are. Give the strength and courage to act and live righteously and with honor. Teach us to hold our tongues and use them wisely. Lord we lift those listed and those on each of our hearts today. Make your presence known, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:28 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 21, 2009 at 6:27am

Great morning! How are we faithing? I don't know about you but I have been discovering some things lately that are growth inducing and some humbling. Both are good things. It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own gig that we miss others plights. Normal I suppose but when we recognise them we need to repent and not beat ourselves up. Self examination is healthy when we filter it through the Word. I see things when I read the Word and questions arise because God wants us to grow and to learn. As long as we don't use the Word for condemnation we are able to correct without depression. Feeling bad sometimes for transgressions of all types is ok but whoopin your own butt to the point of fetal position worthlessness is not God sent. Being corrected is useful for enlightenment and growth. I hear people who want people to"pay" for what they've done to them. In a society it is indeed necessary for laws and penalties so anarchy doesn't take over. Without laws and penalties it wouldn't be safe to walk anywhere at night, or in the day for that matter. What we are talking about in this today is "I'll get em back" type of self serving justice. Our God will take care of us and will also take care of that person that just sinned against you. Trust in that person will be lost but who does it serve to take retribution? You end up sinning in another area to justify "getting back" someone elses sin. That just isn't sound thinking. Look at these and try to remember them when you have been wronged.

Matt 5:3-12
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
NIV

1 Thess 5:16-24
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
NIV

Lots of requests this weekend. Remember to lift up those around you...remember Jeff Budge's Dad...Maryellen Warman...Dave Morano...Linda Handzel...Casey Drury's family...Wayne M. family...Bob and Sue...Bob B...Kat's job...Christopher's search...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wonderful council in your Word. Make it dance off the pages and be so relevant and real that it permeates our thoughts. Lord we thank you for the voices heard in church last night, protect the children in all they do. Lord we lift those kids with afflictions mental and physical and ask blessings on them all. Lord help us act in a manner befitting your name. We give these concerns to you and rest in your love and grace. In Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 5:48 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 17, 2009 at 7:16am

Good cold cold morning! I have a critter under the floor trying to get in! Don't know what it is but it is persistent. Interesting that we try to do the same. No not chew on the floor but seek warmth and will work hard for it. We seek that warm touch, that loving place where we rest warm and secure. The interesting thing about that thought process is where people look. Man it sure breaks my heart to see people look everywhere but where the world says it isn't. That is exactly where we find that loving warmth, in the arms of Jesus. Talked to a family that lost everything yesterday morning to fire. Then there is the couple who's baby is still in the hospital, the people suffering with all sorts of disease and illness, the family struggling with eeking out an existence, they all seek the same thing; love,a love that is stable and ever present, a love that assures when all seems lost, a love that protects and a love that inspires. The only place one finds that love is with Jesus. Do we love with word only? Do we despair and spit over our woes? Sure as humans we briefly ask why and kick the rocks but after the tantrum, do we thank God for what we do have rather than crab about what we don't? How can we do this? By remembering past victories. By remembering what good has come. Nothing stays the same so we might as well just get on with life and keep seeking God's love or we will end up bitter and mired in mud. This isn't easy most of the time but relying on HIS strength instead of ours we will come out the other side and what did we deposit on the way? Crabbing and deplorable behavior or did we leave encouragement for the others who are or will pass through the same place? Think about that as you face your troubles.

1 John 3:11-24
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.
NIV

remember Andrew and Stephanie and little Manny...remember Rex and Kitty...Rebacca's family at the passing of her Dad...Billy Allen...The Grace family

Heavenly Father,
We come before you to ask for comfort for the ones who need it. We ask for your intervention in lives that seem so enveloped in despair. We do praise and honor you and thank you for knowing our plight and redeeming us from the plague of evil rampant on earth. Lord we hurt for our friends and neighbors. Help us be the sons and daughters of a loving God that you are. Help us see needs and act as we should. Grant us the means to help physically and grant us the wisdom to help spiritually and mentally. We praise you in all thing, and in Jesus' name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:41 AM

Comment by russ allen on December 16, 2009 at 6:45am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I don't know how you picture things when you read but I'm sure we all have a vivid place that shows up whenever we read the Word. Mine is probably based on things like the movie "Ben Hur" and the "10 commandments". I also try to put myself back in time where there is no phone, no cars, entertainment that isn't live. I picture the homes the people lived in and how they spent their off time. I also picture church and how information is disseminated. Could you imagine the scene at church where this carpenter rolls out a scroll, reads the prophecy, and then says that "today this is fulfilled"? Could you imagine how people reacted? It is so fascinating to think that those people had the messiah standing before them. The scriptures were fulfilled right before their eyes. I wonder if I would have bought it at that time. Would I have been sceptic? I'd bet that a whole lot of observation would have started that day. These were people who were awaiting messiah but also deep in the religious things of the synagogue. Were they so wrapped up in doing right that they had forgot why or for what reason they did right. Were they so wrapped up in getting accolades from fellow men they forgot what the religion was for? Did they even fathom that God was fixin to be approachable and that the whole way they worshipped was about to be revolutionized? Wow man, most were illiterate as we know literacy and relied on just what the Rabi's said and did. Now this man claiming to be God shows up and does things never seen before. The blind see, the mute speak, the deaf hear, the dead walk, healings abound and the leaders of the church are ticked. This man speaks of peace instead of retribution. He speaks of love in a way that has never been spoken of before. He offers payment for MY sins and YOURS too! Wow man, to be a fly on the wall at the watering holes and listen to the conversations....

Isa 61:1-2
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor
NIV

Luke 4:16-21
He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, "Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."
NIV

remember Janet,Jessica...remember Sheree...remember our firefighters and police...remember the troops and their families...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the minds eye you gave us all. Thank you for enabling us to think and to see things in your Word. Lord we ask for wisdom and courage to face each day with resolve to stand tall regardless of the circumstances. We ask for your protection on all those mentioned and those not. We ask for your touch on our bodies so we may be strong to do your will. Lord, teach us to be an example of your grace and love in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:13 A

Comment by russ allen on December 15, 2009 at 7:14am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's getting real close to Christmas and the buzzing around at the stores really strikes me as odd. People running and fretting over gifts that normally they wouldn't even consider. I know, you've heard a million people say Christmas has lost it's meaning and has become so commercialized, and it pretty much has but we as believers really should pray and make that effort to see truth and reach out to those who are so wrapped up as it were and show Jesus' compassion and love and only then may the masses actually see what this season is really about. "Jesus is the reason for the season" stickers while you cuss and cut people off really doesn't show much belief in that sign. It's easy to do. I really do encourage you to shift the focus from a perfect Norman Rockwell painting of a Christmas to a love filled honoring of a savior who was born so we could be born into a relationship with the creator. When you think on those terms, missing the sale or not getting something you want kind of diminishes in importance.

Ps 119:105-112
Thy word is a lamp to my feet,And a light to my path.
I have sworn, and I will confirm it,That I will keep Thy righteous ordinances.
I am exceedingly afflicted;Revive me, O LORD, according to Thy word.
O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD,And teach me Thine ordinances.
My life is continually in my hand,Yet I do not forget Thy law.
The wicked have laid a snare for me,Yet I have not gone astray from Thy precepts.
I have inherited Thy testimonies forever,For they are the joy of my heart.
I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes Forever, even to the end.
NAS

Remember Chris...remember Jeff Reynolds...remember Jessica Riddle

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that restores us when we stray or fail. Lord we ask for wisdom and open eyes to truth around us. Lord we lift the concerns on our hearts to you and know you will deal with them. I ask for a blessing Donna. Lord reveal yourself in a way that cannot be denied this Christmas season. Lord we ask for courage and strength to stand and tell of your life and love and forgiveness. Grant the courage and wisdom to act and react in a manner pleasing to you. Heal those who are sick. Ease the pain people are enduring and let them know without a doubt that it is you who heals all, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

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