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Comment by russ allen on July 9, 2009 at 8:13am

Good morning! How are we faithing on this beautiful day? As I go through days that seem to be full of junk that knocks me down I remember that God has sustained me before and there is no reason to think he will not again. In fact, he promises that he will. Are you in a pile of crap thinking you're sinking? Are you in so much anguish you can't see beyond the here and now? Welcome to the club. We all have times when all seems futile and insurmountable but we have the Word to remind us that nothing is to big, nothing is to overloading that God will not reach down and give us a hand up. All those rules and laws in the old testament days are still good rules to follow, we are not judged by them since grace by Jesus came. If you were a non believer and chose to follow those rules, you would have a better life simply because they work. You would work honestly, eat healthy, rest when you needed to, give to help others and live an honorable lifetime. The only draw back would be that you still would miss eternity in heaven. We can't earn it by doing good. We can't hope the good outweighs the bad. Only by a free bee like the gift of salvation can we ever hope to attain that freedom from sin. Hum...something so simple made so complicated by the world. So when we get in a place where we are so overloaded or so much pain inside lives we must seek the wisdom of God in the word. The world doesn't have the answers, look around. Something to ponder, if some one was told you were a christian, would they be surprised or not. Not that we do things or seek God for appearance sake but that our life reveals Jesus and his teachings and his goodness shines through. Think about that as you read theses;

Rom 11:33-36
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?" "Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
NIV

I love these;
Isa 40:28-31
Do you not know?Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth.He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
NIV


Isa 60:1-5
"Arise, shine, for your light has come,and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
"Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm. Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.
NIV

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

remember Donna S....remember our kids...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being so bright in this world of darkness. Lord we lift holy hands to you in praise and reverence. Lord we ask for traveling mercies for all on the road this week, grant them safe passage with no equipment failures. Lord, bless our kids of all ages, grant them the peace that only you can give. Reveal to us your will and path for our lives, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:15 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 8, 2009 at 6:54am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Life is full of wonderment and woes. Life is adventurous and boring sometimes. Life is wrought with pain and pleasure just like like birth. Child birth is an example of all of these. The wonderment of God's creation in those little hands, those little feet, that beautiful first smile. The pain of childbirth, of course I don't know what it's like but I've seen it. The adventures we see kids as they take that first step, learn to ride a bike, play with a puppy and the woes of a scraped knee, a dieing dog, the loss of a friend. These are the things we grow in our faith with that at the time seem like just new things to experience. Have you ever thought about how the lessons learned from kids are important to forming our trust in God? Think about it. We may have forgotten the absolute trust we had or have in our parents, the childlike assurance that Mom and Dad love us no matter what, care for us and teach us things we need to survive. These lessons are the same in our relationship with Jesus. We grow from milk to solid food to live like Jesus did. Of course we stumble, fall, fail, but we also have wins, able to stand when facing horrific things and find total rest in our savior. Our daily walk on this ol orb can be daunting and racked with turmoil but we can find rest in any situation with a relationship with Jesus. Relationship, two way communication, as we read, listen and wait on God we can be assured that in his time he will make known answers. We have to be diligent to hear and see them. We have to recognise that voice and not be deceived by all the other voices out there. The only way to cultivate this is with heart felt sincerity, honesty and inquisitiveness when in the Word. Look at these as encouragement for you to keep seeking and learning;

2Cor 4:16-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
NIV

1 John 4:13-16
We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
NIV

Rom 8:18-21
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
NIV

Ps 130:5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,and in his word I put my hope.
NIV

Ps 62:1-2
My soul finds rest in God alone;my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation;he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
NIV

Gen 49:18
"I look for your deliverance, O LORD.
NIV

Remember Jonna as she travels home...remember Alan...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for being steadfast in your love and patience when we are not. Lord, help us see lessons quickly so our anguish is short lived. Lord we ask for wisdom and discernment in all situations that you may be glorified. We praise you for all you have done for us. Lord we pray for safe passage for Jonna and wisdom for Alan, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:15 AM

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

Great morning! How are we faithing? Elementary teachings of Christ are like milk and we mature with solid food, the meat of the Word, to walking Christlike. The Word uses this reference many times. So as we talk about fundamentals so we can gather more to the revelation of Jesus' grace we also grow in our need for more knowledge of Christ so we can mature. Fundamental teachings must be set in our hearts as absolute truths or we never will mature any farther. An example of this is a person I talked to lately who has some decisions to make, feels like more is in store but wont act on it until Godly prompting. This is wise, frustrating at times but never the less wise. Moving in God's timing is always correct and jumping the gun is not. And how does one wait for God to move? With prayer and honesty. When you pray, be honest. He knows already and has a plan in store. The Word says he knew you before the earth was formed. I don't begin to fathom that but since he said it, it is fact. So where and how do we accomplish things and how do we learn to glean meanings and wisdom from this walk? Look at these and think:

Heb 6:1-3
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
NIV

Those things are important and are relayed to nonbelievers so they can come to faith in God. We that have already found this truth must press on to see more of the character of Jesus so we can grow.

James 1:4-5
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
NIV

That is the patience and the steadfastness we need to learn. Who knows the mind of God? What he has planned is bigger than what we do.

Prov 4:18-19
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;they do not know what makes them stumble.
NIV

And what a path!

Phil 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Now there is wisdom and an example for us. Pressing on looking forward to the day when we are perfected in heaven. We seek God's will and wisdom all the time for obvious benefits. No way is this always easy but to stand firm on basic principles and trust that when the time is right seeking solid food for growth in our faith, we will understand and see God's will and plan for us. This is a remarkable journey and so full of wonderful things, also some anguish at times, but we know God is perfect in all he does. You think on these things and open the Word and seek his will for your life, every day!

Remember Alan B....remember Cayman Ivey and his family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for growing us so we can see you more clearly. Lord, we ask for healings to those who read this. Heal minds, bodies and souls. Take the grief of the wounds away. Show your love and grace in a way we cannot deny it's power and presence in our lives. We ask for such revelation we become awed by your presence every day. Lay your hands on Linda, In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:38 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 6, 2009 at 7:52am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine Monday morning? Long weekend that flew by! Not really sure where this will go this morning because alot is on this old mind. I've been watching and paying close attention to how people around and involved in my life act and react to things. I've discovered that things that bother me, even to the point of getting upset when people close to me are talked about, can be misguided anger. I watched closely at interactions between some and discovered that they don't really have a problem with each other, I do. I am the one who hurts. I am the one offended. Sure it may be noble or just protectionism but is it misguided? Is it necessary? Do I need to be in protection mode that leads to anger and resentment? No I do not. Just because I am offended does not mean the other party is. We need to be careful when we get up in arms over something that isn't even our concern. The wisdom and discernment is the prayer we need to make to our Lord and savior. Parental protectionism is a different matter. I get very uptight and am ready to box sometimes over what I perceive as an assault on a loved ones character or well being. Guess what? Sometimes they don't care about that assault or don't even take it that way. So what do we do? Seek wisdom from the Word. Pray without ceasing. Look at these and relate them to this discussion;

1 Tim 1:3-11
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work-which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers-and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.
NIV

1 Tim 1:12-14
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
NIV

Some things in this life deserve action and some a reaction. We must be careful to separate the two because an action at the wrong time can prove wrong and a reaction to something can be counterproductive. You think about this...

Remember Jennifer...remember the lost...remember our kids...remember those on the road...


Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for humbling us so we can see you and your work. We do not wish to act inappropriately when things go down. Lord, grant us the wisdom to know when to act and how. Lord let are reactions to things be of the correct quickness and type so you are honored. Lord we thank you for all we have and ask for your blessings on all we do. Keep our mind uncluttered from the enemy and his snares,protect our kids! in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:01 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 2, 2009 at 7:05am

Good morning! How are we faithing? We've touched on attitude this week. Another thing that goes along with this is motivation. We are motivated to a certain attitude by many things. We do things for self gain. We do things for our kids. We do things our boss asks of us. We obey the Word God gives us. We pray out of duty. We pray because we are hurting. We pray because we have a relationship with Jesus. What motivates us directly effects that attitude we have. May be good and may be not. There is an example given us in James;

James 2:14-17
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
NIV

Besides a lesson on faith there is also a lesson on motivation. The one who says "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," is more concerned with appearing religious than the well being of that person being told those things. The person saying those things is not seeing the need nor even cares. His motivation isn't the person but himself. He wants to feel good and to look good to others. If the motivation was the person in need, food and a blanket would be provided without a second thought. Ever met someone who tells you about all the good they've done? Wears it like a badge of honor? What's the motivation? Sure good intentions may be there but why would they care who knows of the deed? God knows, that person receiving knows. The motivation is, "look at me". So when you do things, what are you thinking? Where are your motivation origins? Read these next verses and think how they relate to you and what you do every day. Do you do them because it is the right thing to do or do you do them for the accolades they bring? Think about this;

Matt 6:1-18
"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 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.
"This, then, is how you should pray:
"'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
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.
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
NIV

Remember our troops and their leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all your blessings. Lord we honor you and thank you for the wisdom in your Word. Help us be motivated by grace and faith and not by greed and fame. Lord, open our eyes to truth that only you have. Lord, blind us to the things that impede our relationship to you. Help them not interfere with your voice. Lord, protect our troops and impart mercy and wisdom to them and there commanders. Lord come quickly, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:33 AM

Comment by russ allen on July 1, 2009 at 7:21am

Great morning! How are we faithing this fine morning? Yesterday we talked about our thinking and our attitude. Lets continue with some more wisdom from the Word. How our attitude and demeanor is directly shows how we believe.

Eph 5:1-2
Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children;
and walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for an odor of a sweet smell.
ASV

Imitators of God. Walk in love. Love as Jesus loves us. Hard sometimes ain't it. Why is it hard? Well first off, we're human and not God but notice it says "imitators of God". What does that mean? First is the "golden rule", do unto others as you would have them do to you", that covers alot of ground. We've discussed this theme before. If you wouldn't like it done to you, you probably ought not do it. Think on that awhile. Explore how and what you do today to see if it imitates this principle of God. Showing love to others doesn't have a thing to do with liking them but has to do with showing compassion and genuine concern for them and their soul. How they live their life is none of my concern but showing Jesus so they can find the peace and love I have will lead them to the savior who will deal with them and their life. Now as a believer we must be ready in season and out to share the Word. For me personally, I have not been prompted to point out where people are failing. If they ask, I'll tell them but tempered with God's Word and not mine. Sure we give advice on which socks to wear or which car to purchase but pointing out failings in a spirit of finger pointing serves no one.

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

Rom 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
NIV

Those are important for how we are to be. Those are examples of imitating God and his ways. We reach out to our savior in every thing every day. We must be more concerned about others souls than whether they are "doing church" properly. That idea of "doing church" right hasn't a thing to do with ours or their relationship to Jesus. As imitators of God our attitude must be one of love and compassion. Anything else is not in line with the Word and will not lead others to Jesus. Think about that...
Remember the DeBusk family as they travel...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for your faithfulness to love and stand with a seriously handicapped lot like us. Lord we lift you up with all praise and honor because we know that without your grace we are lost. Lord, protect our minds from interference from the enemy. Lord we lift those up who are handicapped mentally and physically. Reveal yourself to all of us so we cannot deny your love, in Jesus name we pray, amen!
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 30, 2009 at 6:50am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is interesting what the motivation for what we do actually is. Why do we go to work? To eat and provide a roof over our head of course. Why do we meet with friends or family for a meal or a night of games? Because we love them and enjoy time spent with them. Why do we talk about the Lord with others? Because of the relationship we have with Jesus. Because our inner joy is Jesus and we want to share it! How do these things become burdensome? Why would we not do these things? Let's look at some behavior that is motivated for the wrong reasons. Going to work with an attitude of loathing can sink you into such a deep resentful depression that you are mean to every one around. Work with some like that? Me too. There are physical and mental needs that are met with work. The TV show "Dirty Jobs" is entertaining but could you imagine doing some of those jobs day in and day out? The motivation is what that is about. I'm sure you've heard and maybe even said, gotta go to the in-laws tonight, boy I'm dreading that. Why is that a dread? This might be a good time to look through the eyes of God, approach that visit with the compassion Jesus showed you. What if the people you are visiting are saying the same thing...makes you approach that visit a little differently doesn't it. I've heard people brag about how many people they have led to Christ and then want to know how many you led. Why would someone do that? This isn't a numbers game. This doesn't make you a better Christian. This makes one pitiful because they missed the reason why we share Jesus. We share because of what he has done for us. We share because he loves the person you are talking to as much as he loves us. He will lead and grow that person just like he did you. If you don't see this, you need to seek Jesus out more and leave the religion alone. Look at these and use yourself for some perspective. Never is the Word meant to criticize or tear down our glee with God's love but to teach us how to be more like Jesus. It's not always easy or painless but we must believe that in the long run, God knows best. Everything we do must be done with the assurance God is with you and that relationship you are afforded with him is available to anyone who asks. Don't force feed or judge, love as Jesus loves.

Col 3:15-17
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
NIV

Gal 2:19-21
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
NIV

Ps 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you and watch over you.
NIV

Matt 7:1-6
"Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
"Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
"Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye?
"You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
"Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
NASU

Attitude. Big word that has implications in every facet of life. Motivation. What and why do we do anything? Purpose. The reason we do anything in life. Remembering these things so we can adjust our demeanor so that demeanor is one of love and grace, not one of regret and loathing.
Remember Roseanna...Shelly...Edith Mitchel...Donna Haggard...Rob Hart...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, we thank and praise you for the things that you provide. Help us remain mindful of your blessings and love. Lord, we need to adjust out attitudes. Lord bring revelation to our minds and souls so we can focus on what is important and not be consumed with drudgery. Lord thank you for another day to live in your splendor, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:15 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 26, 2009 at 7:44am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Did you try the reflection thing we talked about yesterday? Did it reveal things you missed while in the moment? Wisdom from God's Word is for us so we can approach situations with a sound mind and clear thinking. Proverbs is full of the kind of wisdom that is useful every day, every event. The letters Paul wrote apply to every day situations. Look at these;

Prov 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
NIV

Prov 11:22
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
NIV

Prov 27:1-2
Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.
NIV

Prov 28:14
Blessed is the man who always fears the LORD, but he who hardens his heart falls into trouble.
NIV

Here's an assignment for us, read some proverbs this weekend and reflect how each you read may applied to your life. No self condemnation, just reflection so adjustments can be made and you become better equipped next time things crop up.
Remember Jennifer-job...remember Kellynn and her new baby boy!!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of life! Thank you for babies that make grown men cry and talk weird. Thank you for your wisdom in your Word. Thank you that you love us enough to care about all we face. Lord I ask for a healing in Rex's heart. Let the doctors find nothing and let it be known that a miracle is present in front of everybody! Lord, we ask these things and ask your will be done and your purpose be known, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:51 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 25, 2009 at 7:01am

Good morning! How are we faithing today? Maybe one should ask, how did you faith yesterday? Reflections on the days events is a good thing to do so we can take notice of the lessons we have learned that at the time we may have been to involved to notice. Example, I got wound tight over an event and after calming down, realized I had pushed down long ago the feeling of being used by that person. Didn't even know it. I thought I had dealt with it back then. Oh I forgave the sin but the hurt never got dealt with. It is interesting when one reflects that they can see like they are outside the events. If our attitude is to see the lessons upon reflection and not sinking bad feelings and animosities further or the continuation of complaining, we become aware of the steps we need to take to remedy any ill will or sick emotions. Lets face it, ill will and sickly emotions are OUR problem, not the one who caused them to begin with. Getting in those states has caused us to be controlled by them, never a good thing. Granted, it ain't always easy to deal with things but the longer we put it off, the more rooted they become and later they may manifest themselves when we least expect it and in behavior we typically don't condone. Forgiveness is good but don't refuse to deal with it. We tend to say,"it's ok " when we are hurt, angry or bemused. Be honest yet graceful, be courageous yet control your tongue, be patient yet deal quickly so festering doesn't occur. Look at these and think;

2 Cor 5:16-21
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
NIV

Isa 53:55
But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities;the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,and by his wounds we are healed.
NIV

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

1 Peter 2:23
When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.
NIV

Remember Kellynn Bates, she's in labor!...remember Alan Beres that he sees the doors to open for him...PRAISE REPORT: Roseanna is home from ICU!...remember Jimmy P....

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom found in your Word. Lord, help us see your truth in every situation. Lord, help us deal with things regardless of the pain. Lord we bless you and honor you with our praises and requests because we know you have control. Help us make choices that honor and please you, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:25 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 24, 2009 at 7:03am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Got lots of things on this pea brain and it is taxing, 8 brain cells and all....haha....when I feel like I have it all together I get reminded by events that I don't and in fact, no one does. I find that things that weren't even on the radar show up. I see other walks and see things they are on top of and realize where I lack. How about you? No wishing to be where they are just an awareness of what may be to come. The story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 tells so many things that apply to us. Not just the walking away part but the realizing of mistakes and the compassion of the sons Dad. When the brother gets butt hurt because of celebrations made when his brother repents in his coming home is telling in that he missed the point of the celebration. The fact that the brother came home wiser and in repentance is cause for a big "whew" and a hearty "welcome home". The brothers willingness to work wherever was an indication of his mindset after realizing he goofed up but good. Our Father in heaven just waits for us to do the same. Jesus already fulfilled the law by taking on sin in its essence, at its root for us. He paid so we could come home. What we did isn't even the issue. The fact that we come to Jesus is. When we realize we are holding animosities or ill feelings to others we need to be quick to forgive like that Dad did. I am aware of an event that I thought I had forgiven but to my dismay had not. I was down right mad and didn't even know it. Squashing things is not a good idea and that is a subject for another day...

Luke 15:11-32
Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' "'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'"
NIV

Remember Roseanna in ICU...remember Jimmy Praria...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you forgive us for. We don't understand most times why you love us but we're glad you do. Lord forgive us when we goof up and when we do things we don't mean to. Lord grant us the wisdom to see truth and to be bold to act justly. Lord, don't let us get haughty or prideful over things that are temporal. Lord, open Jimmy's heart and mind to your ways. Lord, heal Rose in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:22 AM

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