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Comment by russ allen on June 23, 2009 at 7:15am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Man, things happen in this life that kick our butts. Sometimes things take place that we wonder how they happened and why. Some are our own doing, some are not. Some are heinous, some are just pains in the...well you get it. We have to remember that our worth is not dependant on these things. Our happiness and self view should not be based on events and especially on what others think of us. Disagreements happen. Paths for you are not mine and visa versa. Does that make either any more or less important? Of course not. I know some who feel so inadequate to even talk about Jesus because they are not religious enough or can't quote scripture like a scholar, does that matter? Nope and here is why; God loved YOU enough to send his son for you. You worth is based on God's view of you. He loves you. The bible is full of these ideas and statements. If we were dependant on our actions, none of us would make it. When things happen to you or the ones we love, don't think it is punishment or retribution from God. God did tell us that if certain things were done that certain reactions would take place. Heck man, science proves this too. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. The only time that doesn't apply is when God loves us. Why should he? Do we deserve it? No man! No one is perfect. No one can keep the law totally. If we boast that we do we just didn't. Don't be consumed be things in this world. Give it to Jesus. You having difficulty dealing? Seek comfort in Gods hands. Go to that Godly friend and spill. If it is a physical thing, go see a doctor. Look at these

James 1:16-18
Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
NIV

Eph 2:7-10
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
NAS

Rom 3:21-26
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished- he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. NIV

John 6:37-40
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
NIV

Did you see anywhere in those verses that we must earn anything? Do you see anywhere in those verses about worthiness before you can come to him? Nope because it ain't about being good enough, it's about loving God who loved us first. I know some of you are hurting and so does God so don't withdraw and suffer alone. Don't let guilt or despair drive you away from God because now is the time to run fast to him.
Remember Jonna...remember Kathy...remember Sammy...remember Kellynn...remember Chris

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me. Thank you for never wavering in that love. Thank you for understanding us because you have been where we are now. Lord we ask for healing physically and emotionally. We ask for supernatural touches on our situations that awe us because we know it's you. Lord we love and honor you,grant us the wisdom and the courage we need to come through anything in an honorable way so we grow in our love for you so we are beacons to the lost, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:22 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 22, 2009 at 6:54am

Great morning! How are we faithing? This was one of those weekends that was full of things that will end up with long lasting effect. This was one of those weekends that as things transpired we could see what lay ahead and we were not at all pleased. Ever have those times when you see things unfold and you know tough times are coming? I'm sure you all do. I am so thankful for a strong support system and wisdom from the Word. Any situation, any praise or problem can be dealt with when we seek wisdom from the right source. It becomes so clear when we seek out Godly council and not just someone to complain with. Hanging on to presence of mind so we don't look for ear ticklers isn't always easy. People like to wallow in despair and have someone to do it with. Why? Aw, who knows, but praise God we have access to him through Jesus our savior. Look at these to assure and to encourage you as you face the day and the week;

Ps 32:8-11
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule,which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked,but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
NIV

Phil 4:19
And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
ASV

Ps 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
NIV

Ps 34:11-14
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good;seek peace and pursue it.
NIV

Matt 11:28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." NIV

Prov 8:10-11
Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
NIV

Prov 4:1-2
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
NIV

Whatever you may face, keep these in mind and turn to the source that is the only truth.

Remember Colton and Chloe...Donna Haggard...Thomas Allan...Chris Hall...Nicole Major...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for us that stays. Lord we sometimes don't know why things happen but we know you are in control and as long as we seek you, it will turn out for your glory. Help us keep our minds sound and our perspective true. Lord we praise you for all you do and know good is there for those who love you. Give us the strength when we are in those times and help us see the lessons quickly! Lord we lift those mentioned to you, heal them physically and emotionally and we thank you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:16 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 19, 2009 at 6:54am

Good morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Do you have a joy inside knowing your father in heaven is with you? Do you realize that whatever transpires is indeed something that we can grow in our spiritual being? Man it's hard to take some of the things that fly at us. Some of the stories I have heard this week in school from other students amaze and intrigue me. How they can endure and handle situations without blowing a gasket is sure encouraging. Some are very gruff on the outside but quite normal inside when you weed out all the defenses and the defenses are understandable. We as christians have a defense mechanism that is learned. We have protection. We still endure hardship and pain just like anyone else but we do have blockers if you will that protect our being.

Eph 6:10-19
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
NAS

this is cool imagery. Remember to picture a soldier of the past for what they wore to battle;

1.girded loins-truth, set deep the truth, never waver. Question details in normal but the truth is still the truth.
2.breastplate of righteousness-faith and love
3.shod feet-with the gospel, a firm foundation or you will be knocked down
4.shield of faith- to protect from what satan and his henchmen throw at you, anything they can throw that might chip away at you
5.hemet of salvation-it's interesting the imagery puts this at the top around our head. we must know we are saved. we must be bold and brave because we know this and protection is our ours
6.sword of the spirit-the Word of God, as we've talked before, daily input of the Word. Because any twisting of thought and ideology can be cut off immediately with the Word of God. The Holy Spirit will let you know when something is wrong.

Our whole being is indeed wrapped around where we stand and how we stand. These things we don every day are important so are able to resist, control, learn, help, love and build on that inner joy that keeps us from falling into traps we can't seem to climb out of. This is so huge a study but you have enough to seek yourself. Have a great weekend and remember you are love.
Remember Randy Thompson and Diane Redd..health issues...
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and grace that saves even a mess like me. Lord we ask for protection and all these things we talked about for us so we can be who you envisioned us to be. Lord thank you for healings and blessings that come our way and help us recognise they are from you in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:24 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 18, 2009 at 7:12am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I'm in school this week so there is alot to sift through. Our minds can be loaded with things that are a help and with things that are a hindrance. Deciphering through all of this is a chore. Keeping the mind of God in everything is very important. We're not talking judging or criticizing but perspective. For me lately, focus seems to be the issue. Being able to hone in on the real issue is difficult especially when you are loaded with info or are led off issue and on to something that is off subject. We get led off subject by issues elsewhere, daydreaming, worry etc. Keeping our focus on God and the things of God plus applying them to every situation gets lost when we allow errant thoughts to take hold. Healthy daydreaming that relaxes us is necessary sometimes. For me it's analytical thoughts like how to build things, what's yours? Stress can overwhelm us if we don't stay vigilant to the signs of it. Ask for guidance every day. Seek the face of God with his Word and prayer. Look at this and see how it applies to your thinking;

1Cor 2:10-16
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:
"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?"
But we have the mind of Christ.
NIV

Do you get the connection? The spirit of God guides our thinking and discerns things that we sometimes miss. The mind of Christ is one that recognises truth and sees root causes. The mind of Christ is our barometer for thoughts and actions. Wrong actions and thoughts that are contrary to this spirit of truth is what causes undue stress. Taking captive and removing from sight that daydream that is contrary to God is important. How? Pray quickly when we recognise it. Fill your head before hand with the Word. Will we never have bad thoughts and feelings? Of course not! Just when you recognise them, take those steps necessary to rid yourself of them. This is more of that Godly training we choose for our minds.

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your wisdom. Thank you for your grace and love. Lord we need stress relievers. Lord, fill our minds with clarity and faith. Help us see truth and act accordingly. Lord we want to be servants and examples for you. We ask for protection from the enemy in our minds and bodies. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:32 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 17, 2009 at 7:00am

Good morning sports fans! How's your head this day? We've talked so many times about daily bible reading. We don't do it just because our Pastor tells us to or because we think we are more spiritual if we do, we do it to see and hear God. We read, believe, apply the principles contained because without them we would miss out on a full life that is honorable. Jesus has saved those who believe so there is no more earning acceptance or admission to heaven. The the presence of the Lord is what bible reading does. Peace and understanding is gleaned from reading the Word. Even if when you read you close when finished and kinda say,"what", do it anyways because the truth will be revealed when it is time. What does that mean? Sometimes we are not ready to see or hear the truth and sometimes we haven't made the connection to the application of the text we read in our lives. That's ok because by reading and thinking about God's Word daily we have the truth in us and it will manifest itself when the time is right. Gee whiz man, we all goof up, we all have things that kick our butts but the more of the Word we get the more we can learn to overcome. Look at these and think;

Gal 2:19-20
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.
NIV


Rom 6:3-4
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
NIV


Eph 2:4-10
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
NIV

Rev 3:19-20
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
NIV

2 Cor 10:2-6
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
NIV

I know that is alot of scripture to pour over and the lessons and thoughts are numerous but they all lead to the importance of getting God's wisdom and assurance in us. We have to settle the issue of God's love for us even when it seems so contrary to human nature and the world. Whatever you put in the most, that is what will come out so think about that and the implications that could bring...

Remember Ben Handzel...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and grace full hand upon us every day. Lord we lift you up even when we are perplexed. We praise you even in anguish. We thank you even though we get angry. Lord we need strength to muster when we feel weak. We ask for wisdom when we feel lost for answers. We ask you protect our minds from thoughts that destroy. Lord we ask you keep our children safe and give them the security to stand firm in your love. Thank you for revealing yourself in your word. We honor you and desire to walk holy without pride but with compassion as you have for us, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:29 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 16, 2009 at 6:52am

Great morning! How are we faithing this fine day? Man, I love when God's Word comes to mind! Situations bring about thoughts that without us putting in the Word daily it would be hard to recall it. I was reminded of Jesus' betrayal and how he understands our emotions. He endured the same ones we do. How ever you may have been betrayed, Jesus knows.

Matt 26:47-49
While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him." Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Greetings, Rabbi!" and kissed him.
NIV

Imagine the hurt, the betrayal. Jesus knew he would do this but it still had to hurt him deeply. Likewise, we endure pain and suffering at the hands of others and sometimes they are loved ones. When this happens we need to be quick to pray, quick to forgive, quick to focus on God for strength so we don't dwell on ourselves. It isn't always easy but it is doable. Some of our buttons are pushed by others so we must be wise and recognise those buttons so we can respond correctly and not on pure emotion. I find this interesting;

Ps 55:20-21
My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. His speech is smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart; his words are more soothing than oil, yet they are drawn swords.
NIV

We do this, they do this. Is this wise for us? That is the question for us because we cannot control them. Our walk is what we are concerned with. Our behavior. Theirs is theirs so when we are being betrayed or spat on, remember to pray on the spot for protection and wisdom.
Remember William Browns Grandpa...

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that teaches us lessons that are applicable to our lives. Lord, we need help and assurance when we are stepped on. We desire to act wisely and not in a retaliatory way. Thank you for all you do for us. Lord we lift those who are sick to you. Comfort them an d let them know you care. Lord, any lessons you are teaching us, grant the wisdom so we recognise them quickly. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:32 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 15, 2009 at 7:03am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I've always retorted when someone says churches are full of hypocrites that of course churches are, where else would they go? Well, I was remiss and only partially right in that comment. Yes only sick people need doctors but we ain't hypocrites. Hypocrites pretend they are something that they are not. Speaking for me and my brothers and sisters in the Lord, we are fully aware that we are not good enough, holy enough nor capable of entrance into heaven outside of Jesus. We are in church to recharge our spirits so we are capable of sharing and showing the love of Christ for in the natural we would say to most,"screw you guys, I'm going home." When we go to church we go to get healed. We go to be with others who are doing the same. Are all present in church of the same mind? Unfortunately no. There are some hypocrites I'm sure but that is none of our concern other than showing Jesus' love and grace. The point to this is what the others do or not do is not the issue. The person that stays away from assemblies of God's people should be looking for the healing from God not who is pretending to be who or what they are not. Look at these and see what is said and what our reason for church is;

Luke 5:29-32
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"
Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
NIV


Rom 14:1-4
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
NIV

1 Thess 5:14-15
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
NIV

This is bigger than one day can cover. So if you are pointing fingers at church goers, stop. Believers are redeemed, not perfect. Believers struggle just like you. If you figure out you indeed are a hypocrite, repent, ask God to heal and reveal.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your mercy and grace that saves a sinner like me. Lord I do not want to be a hypocrite but one who stands with your strength against the forces that are against you. Lord we need your love and grace to live. Lord, take our plea and assure us of your love so we can get that recharge when we go to church. Lord, bring to mind your words and wisdom constantly, in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:26 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 12, 2009 at 7:39am

Great morning! Slept wrong, shoulder stiff, neck hurts but whatever. Tis a great day to worship and walk in the Lord! Something that has come up lately that needs addressing. We gotta stop pointing fingers and chastising people for the sake of the chastisement! Who benefits when we point out sins with condescending attitudes and "holier than tho" demeanor? No one does. Does that make you feel better when you do that? That is another issue altogether. Do you have to cut down someone to make yourself feel better? More important? Less of a sinner? Those are miss guided attitudes. We all are sinners and we all need God. No where does it say stealing is worse than gossip. No where in the Word are told it's OK to tell a little lie but we better not drink a beer. There are consequences for some sins that are bigger than others but the sin is still a sin. We all do things unintentionally that we discover later were wrong and that is when we repent. Yes we are to tell fellow believers when we walk outside of the truth but we are commanded to do it in love. Nothing is gained but belittling or cutting someone off at the knees in front of others. Here's an example;

John 8:1-11
But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them. And the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?" And they were saying this, testing Him, in order that they might have grounds for accusing Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with His finger wrote on the ground. But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." And again He stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And when they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the midst. And straightening up, Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" And she said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go your way. From now on sin no more."]
NAS

I love that because IN love, Jesus forgave. With grace she became forgiven. Then men that walked away were convicted and realized their own failings and compassion permeated their souls. Look at this and think about in love we are to help and not hinder someone from coming to Jesus;

James 5:19-20
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
NIV

1 Tim 4:16
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
NIV

Prov 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,and he who wins souls is wise.
NIV

Gal 6:1-5
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
NIV

Man, convicting are those verses. Think on these and pray the wisdom sets in your heart permanently.

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for thew conviction to tell others of your love. Lord, help us not be condescending or judgemental when we do these things. Lord give us a heart that want to help you heal others. Lord we praise you and thank you for the love you have for us even though we don't deserve it, guide us this day, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:04 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 11, 2009 at 7:58am

Good morning! How are we faithing today? I don't know about you but I sometimes get butt hurt when people say rotten things. Sometimes they are innocent and sometimes they are purposeful. I have discovered that if I care about that person it really cuts to the marrow. If I don't care for them, and please follow this thinking as it is not an indication of no concern but not part of the inner circle of friends and family, it rolls off as I shake my head. The ones closest to us hurt us the hardest. We all do things to others and they do things to us. When they hurt we all pout a little but we must not dwell on that sentiment. The quicker we forgive, the quicker we lift them up to God, the quicker we seek wisdom is all the quicker we understand the source. Sometimes people are just mean and sometimes they are fed up with things and you catch the brunt of their frustration. Doesn't make it right but it makes it understandable. Sometimes that "I hear you" compassion breaks that pit they are in and snaps them back to where they ought to be. Not that we agree with them but that we look past that flagrant action to root cause. We ought not be quick to label others as jerks because they lash out. If after all these thing you find they are indeed jerks, well, pray, be wise around them and don't let them interfere with your walk or cause you to sin.

Eccl 7:20-22
There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you- for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
NIV

James 3:22
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
NIV

James 3:13-16
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
NIV

Gal 6:1-5
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
NIV

Remember Christopher Bell...remember Bob Burnsmier...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your righteousness and wisdom that teaches us how to live. Lord we lift those up who are hurting inside and lash out at us. Lord forgive them when they harm us and help us see truth in all that we face. Lord, protect the children from evil. Lord we praise you for your saving grace that is given freely to us all. Help us realize it is available and never changing, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:01 AM

Comment by russ allen on June 10, 2009 at 7:25am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is interesting how we can be enticed to do things we typically wouldn't choose to do. If you think about it, sin is appealing, if it were not, we most likely would find it easy to resist. We all goof up. We all sin. It is a given that no one is perfect and we can't even attain that but does that mean we throw caution to the wind and give in to sin? Of course not. Being pious and looking holy isn't even the goal because if we are honest, that is a front that appears holy thus it is a lie which is....sinning. Come on, stop trying to look good. Stop telling others how good you are. Stop worrying about how we look and do what is right because it is right. No praises, no admiration, no atta boys. Yes we do get those praises and pats on the back from our close friends but that is encouragement to continue and not the reward for the deed. Look at these and really explore with an introspective mindset;

Rom 12:3-8
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
NIV

Wow! Interesting that we all have a role and none are more important than the other for we all need each...

Rom 7:21-25
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!
NIV

Boy ain't this the truth...Remember to pray for protection because even Jesus told the Apostles to do the same!

Luke 11:4
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
NIV

Luke 22:39-41
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."
NIV

Remember Thomas Allan...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the love and grace you give us. Lord help us see truth and not be uppity. Lord we ask for wisdom to see truth and to discern the spirits of truth. Lord help us know your will and grant us alertness and strength to perform your will. Lord we ask for healing for Thomas. Let this be nothing. Lord protect us from evil, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:03 AM

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