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Comment by russ allen on October 9, 2009 at 7:27am

Good morning! End of this week, how are you faithing? Serving two masters. Jesus spoke of this and it has confused some folks I've met. An example is the business man who is ruthless and does whatever it takes, honest or dishonest, to succeed and then goes home as if none of the things done really effect his faith, "it's just business". What a trap that is. Everything we do is a witness of our faith, whether it is giving to the needy or stepping on someone to get ahead, it all shows where our faith lies. One is after God's heart and the other is after man's approval. When it was asked of Jesus what the greatest command was he said,"Love the Lord God with everything you are and have" and secondly, "do unto others like you want others to do to you", that being the golden rule. We should be applying these two principles to absolutely everything we do and if we are not, work needs to be done on our part. Boy, sometimes it is so hard. We are involved in conversations at work that we know is wrong but to keep from looking "pious" we say nothing and even join in. This is so hard to overcome out of fear and our naturalness. Our own basic nature is corrupt. Boy that statement may elicit some responses! By no means is that a judgemental statement, it is just fact. If it were not so, a savior would have never been needed because we could be sinless on our own. So what is your choice? Do you want to serve the world or the Lord? Look at the world. I saw a program yesterday on animal planet that made me so mad and frustrated and also left me in disbelief at how someone could treat a dog the way they did. That is an animal, look at what has been done to people. History is full of it. Point is that those 2 rules mentioned are our guide and without Jesus we have no hope of ever coming close to applying them consistently. So you say what? Think about this.

Luke 16:13
"No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."
NIV

Gal 5:19-26
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
NIV

1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.
NIV

remember Thomas Allan...remember Diane...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that speaks truth. Help us accept and believe. Lord, we want to act right but we have a tough time with this life. Reveal to us when we need to stand foe righteousness and turn from evil. Lord, help us be wise to the snares of the world. Help us be steadfast in our beliefs and the confidence without fear to do what you teach. We ask for wisdom and a spirit of holiness so we can minister when we are needed. We ask for a clear mind and the energy needed to serve. in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:48 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 7, 2009 at 7:13am

Good morning! How are we faithing this hump day? Distracted this morning. Check this out;

Ps 40:1-5
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
NIV

Sometimes there just isn't anything in particular rolling around in our heads so praises and acknowledging God's greatness is all we do. Have a wonderful day and remember who is in charge and who our strength lies with.

Remember Linda and Ben.... remember Matt as he goes under the knife tomorrow...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you and bless you for always being here even when we stray. Lord, keep us aware of your presence in all things. Lord, thank you for you gift of salvation for without it, we are completely lost, in Jesus name we pray, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:44 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 5, 2009 at 7:24am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have a lot of thoughts today and to be honest, I'm not sure which way this will go. Ever have those times where your noggin gets so abuzz with things you start to hear only noise? This is one of those days. Seeking the Lord when all this is happening can be daunting to say the least. I keep thinking of my friend Kevin and I don't know why. I have dreams that are weird and disturbing. I sigh at what I see ahead for some people and know they must go through those things for the lesson and for growth. I feel anguish for people on the news. Observing people and wondering why, how and when something caused them to react the way they do. I am so curious about the thought process' of others or the lack of it in some cases. Throughout scripture we see different takes on events and reactions to them. Some are wise and some ain't. Some are prudent and some are out in left field. Some are so obscure that I don't understand how that person even came up with that but it turns out to be right. All I know is that if I ever think I have it all figured out I hope someone pops me up side the head because nobody does. Confusion runs rampant in our society thus the media, whatever form, plugs ideals in our head that are contrary to God's Word and are based on "feel good" dogma. Ticks me off because they don't tell the whole truth. It's like the bar scene, it looks fun and is fun for a season but then all the truth comes out, hangovers, inhibitions dropped thus regrets, money gone, time lost on and on. Sin is enticing if it were not we wouldn't do it. All this to say to you all this morning is that I am one who cares for you and I know God cares so much more than I ever could imagine so if you are in a situation that you need help, for whatever the reason, go to the source of all good and pure help.

2 Cor 4:1-12
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. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.
NIV

remember Christy Fulfer...remember the Harts...remember David Allen...remember Lori Phillips and family...remember Hallie Tracey

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for you wisdom found in your inspired Word. Lord, help us maintain our perspective and to seek you in all we do. Open our eyes to the ways you set up for us and let us not be clouded with the dark forces. Lord we seek peace and wisdom for living for you. We seek to do what is right and honorable in your eyes and not the worlds, thank you for the saving grace Jesus brought to us, it is in your holy name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:50 AM
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Comment by russ allen on October 2, 2009 at 8:04am

Good Friday morning! How are we faithing? I see people wandering around aimlessly trying to be good so they go to heaven, trying to outweigh the bad with good stuff. Hogwash. We can't achieve that. The grace of Jesus is the only way to the Lord. If we look at the bible and most people will say,"I follow the ten commandments", they are deceiving themselves because the Bible also says if we fail on one, we are guilty of all. It also tells us, "no one is good, no not one", remember that? If we do not follow all the rabbinical laws, we have failed. If we miss one little iota of commandments given, done. It's either all or none so if that is our gauge, we're doomed. Ah but here's the rub, Jesus came because of the fact we can't do it. Only grace saves. Where does the bible say ,"if you obey this and try to be good your reward is heaven". Where does it say anything about performance based salvation? No where. So stop and think a second on this premise that we in this culture seem to think. You are not going to do enough good to outweigh the bad. The Word says that if a man thinks on a woman lustfully that he has committed adultery. Oh crap. All us guys are in deep trouble right there. So that being the case, we men are all doomed if performance base is the measuring stick used. See the folly of this thinking mode? Think about this let the scriptures show you grace and it's path to heaven.

Matt 9:12-13
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
NIV


Jer 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
NIV

Remember Marvin as he undergoes the knife....remember Shannon as she heals from a successful operation...

Heavenly Father,
Open our eyes and minds to the truths found in your Word. Let us understand your grace and love. Lord, we lift your name above all others and ask for strength for our days. Be with Marvin and thank you for Shannon's outcome. Be with her husband and family, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:22 AM

Comment by russ allen on October 1, 2009 at 7:43am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Honesty with ones self is hard. We make excuses for our actions, justify sin with arguments that sound like we are making meritorious choices. Any time we pick a sinful behavior instead of not we are rationalizing it so we don't feel guilt. The human pursuit of pleasure and happiness over rides sound judgement because we are selfish by nature. Be honest with your self. "I want that new car", "I like drinking", I enjoy a good cigar". If that is the truth, why do we say thinks to make those desires palatable? Because we know some things may not be the right thing to do but our pursuit, our desires are more important than anything else. True? Some choices are indeed made out of necessity or perceived necessity at the time, your car blows up so you go get one. Which one is where that rationalizing comes in. I understand a passion for certain things but do you rule the thing or the other way around? My weakness happens to be cars and that is why this example is used. It's what I know. Being completely honest with ones self is an exercise that is contrary to what our brain tries to do. We see something we want and our mind looks for ways to justify it. Take that thought process captive and ask yourself the hard questions before you act contrary to what God's way says.

James 4:1-3
What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
NIV

Jer 17:9-10
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind,to reward a man according to his conduct,according to what his deeds deserve."
NIV

Remember Jim McPherson...remember Shannon Sansare...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your wisdom found in your Word. Help us keep your ways in the forefront of our minds. Help us make choices that honor and please you. Help us control our desires and not talk ourselves into stuff that is bad for us. Grant us wisdom in our problem solving. Lord, bless those in pain and suffering today. Let them see you, in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:20 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 30, 2009 at 7:13am

Good morning! Wednesday already! You know, it's a little difficult to get across what I am learning and the freedom in Christ that I have been shown in the scriptures. This venue is meant to be encouraging and short enough to not make people say,"ain't got time" but inspire you to search the Word on your own to find that same freedom. This is not a performance based belief system. You cannot earn the gift of salvation. Paul explained it thinly in that sin revealed the need for a savior and wisdom and joy came about because of this. He posed the question of whether we should continue to sin so grace could be more manifest and of course that is not what we should do. Freedom does include that idea but when we believe in Jesus, the Messiah, our desires to continue in those sins starts to change. Sure there art habits and things we do we have a struggle stopping and this is not unusual. The cool thing is we have a savior, a personal savior that is present in the good and bad and our attitude is where the changes start. We need not let those thoughts of self condemnation stay in our heads when we drop the ball because all sin has been paid for. When we drop that ball we are free to pick it back up, carry it knowing that we are free from the bondage of that sin. The bondage of sin is what keeps us down, depressed, overloaded with guilt, thoughts of unworthiness and that "no way could a perfect God love me". Bad junk that happens also clouds our sight of the savior because we are human and tend to think and desire perfection in everything we do,say and see. Of course that is not true but in the midst of turmoil we tend to lose sight of that. Please, if you get nothing from this message, remember you are redeemed and free from the bondage that has captured us so tightly before Jesus came in to free you. Strive for perfection but do not get so focused on perfection you miss the grace afforded by God for our imperfection.

Remember Lois Hazelwood...remember our fallen heroes...

read Romans. Start your daily self lookup with that book...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love that saves even me. Thank you for guiding us every day. We ask for wisdom and sight of your presence even when we fail. Lord we ask for healing of physical maladies and hearts that are sore from all the anguish we face. Lord, bless those who serve for others and keep them mindful of the task and and not the self glory. Thank you for your patience. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:45 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 29, 2009 at 7:37am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have been reading a book a good friend wrote about his life. I can picture him back in the 30's and 40's doing just what he describes. Playing at the river, fishing, chasing critters, etc. The imagery is so compelling and I wax nostalgic about my own youth when the cares of the day were innocent and simple. Complicated times arose as we all grew and the things we need to deal with as adults covers the cares we once had. Hanging on to the "good ol days" is fine for reflection but not for dismay. You know, God's Word equips us with wisdom so we can approach each day anew and fresh to meet the battles and the pleasures of the day. Knowing when to act and how to act makes a whole lot of difference on the memories we we look back on later. I don't know about you but i would like to look back fondly and with assurance I did the best and that God would be pleased. Of course there are things that I did that now being older I see was, well, stupid. Of course self condemnation is not taught in the Word so all I can do is learn from those things and laugh at the blind stumbling that took place. look, some of you are hurting and some of you are regretting past choices and I understand but don't get so focused and blinded by those errors. They are done, you can't change them and God will and has forgiven you. Just ask then get on with life. Past is done, future has enough worries by itself so concentrate on today and how you can serve God and how your life reflects our savior. Think about that....

Ps 37:12-19
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked,for he knows their day is coming.
The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy,to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts,and their bows will be broken.
Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; for the power of the wicked will be broken,but the LORD upholds the righteous.
The days of the blameless are known to the LORD,and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither;in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
NIV

Remember Hallie Tracy...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for forgiveness and peace within when we are hurting. Thank you for allowing us to fail so we can learn. Lord, keep us aware of your presence in everything we do. Keep us in tune to your ways and sensitive to the needs around us. Help us apply your principles in every thing we do in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:10 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 28, 2009 at 7:57am

Good morning! How are we faithing? When I look at my self and all the mistakes I make it makes me shake my head and I have to laugh at my own failings. Being honest with ones self without condemning and not allowing depression or self loathing to enter in is a balancing act. It's real easy to get caught up in downing one's self to the point of becoming ineffective in any of our endeavors or fearing to step out. Realizing failings, adjusting behavior when we find out is not only wise but necessary so we don't keep repeating that behavior. This applies to every walk in our lives. You know yours, I know mine. Sometimes I see yours and you see mine but we miss our own or at least don't want to see them. Offense taken in these situations must be looked at as soon as notice being offended. Only then can we start to figure out why we are offended. Is it true? Do we fear that it's true? Do we just not want to fail or are we more concerned with how we appear to others-a pride thing? Rhetorical for a reason. Analyze your actions and reactions today and ask some questions; "I'm offended!", why?, "I don't like that tone", why? "I am instantly mad!", why? "I feel stupid.", why? These questions will help you focus in on real truth. All this is so we can learn to be more like our savior and see things through his eyes and not the eyes of the world. Ask the big question," what do I need to learn/see?", if you ask, God will reveal it to you and you will be wiser next time.

1 John 5:15
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
KJV

James 1:5-6
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
KJV

John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
KJV

John 15:7
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
KJV

Just be confident that God will assist and show you truth. Remember the people in the Philippines...remember Hallie Tracy...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you with questions and burdens that only you can carry. We ask for truth and wisdom in all situations so we can truly be blessed by your way. Lord, we lift those up in pain both physical and spiritually today. Lord we ask for blessings on those who work so hard for others in times of despair. Lord thank you for all you provide, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 25, 2009 at 8:05am

Good Friday morning! How are we faithing this day? A couple things I want you to think about. The freedom we have to worship and discuss God and how we compare our lives to whatever measuring stick we use. I was listening to a letter a preacher got about a person who in his country is in peril of death by discussing salvation and Messiah Jesus. Think about that. Here we are free to say and think and share our beliefs freely and at the most we may get ridiculed and there are places that people are killed by even saying Jesus' name. Holy mackerel! I can't even fathom that. I have no fear like that when I write this every day. I don't even ponder whether I'll have a job or not when I push the send button. I have no fear I will be drug to the street and shot and yet sometimes speaking about Jesus in certain circles causes apprehension.

The second thing to think about this weekend is when we do talk about Jesus we hear arguments like, "I'm a good person, I haven't killed anyone", or "I'm sure my good outweighs my bad". Hogwash. Think for a minute on what we measure against. Maybe we are better or more Godly than the guys in prison but that comparison is like like comparing a VW Beetle to a 427 Camaro. One is fast and one is not but they both are cars. That guy in prison is a sinner and so are we. Look at this;

James 2:10-11
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. .
NAS

That is a peek at everyones sinful nature. Do you follow this? By comparing ourselves to others and their sins, we are looking at the same nature in them that we have. So when the law was set up and we were not able to keep the law we were actually proving that we are sinful by nature. Since sin entered the world, we all became sinners. You know what thoughts you have had that you entertained and you know deep down whether they are right or wrong. I sure do and I am guilty of the law. Look up Romans the 3rd chapter and think on this.

remember Donna A...remember Nicki and Josh...remember Sammy and Kellynn...remember those fire, ems,police personnel...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask for courage under fire. We ask for wisdom to stand for truth and not be concerned with the fallout. We ask to be mentally alert to the wiles of the devil. We ask to remain free to worship and believe. Lord, please hold your hand and do not lift it from those mentioned. Hear our prayers o Lord and let us know you are under control. Place a song in our hearts and let our hearts sing out loud of your greatness! in Jesus' name, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 7:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on September 24, 2009 at 7:46am

Good morning! How are we faithing today? Sometimes we have trouble loving each other. We get ticked off, we get butt hurt, we just flat don't like someone. Something to keep in mind when we are around these people is that God sent his son for everybody and we didn't get a vote on that principle. EVERYBODY. It's up to them to accept this principle and it's up to us to show it so they can discover it for themselves. I don't know how many times I made that mistake of saying "screw them" when I got stepped on. Wrong, so wrong. Quick to forgive and pray for them and pray for ourselves to get our heart softened so we can show Jesus' love is paramount. It's ok to get mad when wrongs are committed but don't wish or speak things like," I hope they die" or take on apathy for that person. We may not be capable of hanging out with them but with true love and asking for Gods help we can be charitable and not condescending but compassionate towards them. Think about those who bug you and pray for them today...

1 John 3:11-15
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. NIV

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we fail to show compassion. Teach us to look to you for the strength to face these people. Soften our hearts and show us them like you see them. Thank you for your wisdom. Lord, bless our troops, our emergency workers, our leaders of all stature, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:23 AM

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