Add a Comment

Comment by russ allen on May 27, 2009 at 7:23am

Good morning! How are we faithing? You know, sometimes when I counsel I find it difficult to understand why some people don't see what I see. Sometimes I wonder if I can even say anything that will sway them. Then I realize that swaying to my position isn't even the issue or the goal. Counseling, sharing or what ever moniker you attach to this function of listening and seeking God in conversations is all about revelation. Vast differences between people can cause gleaning different perspectives in conversation. As listeners we really need to hear people's position, think about where they are spiritually and emotionally and only then can we give good council. Sometimes shutting up is the best council. If your opinion or "what is your take" is asked, be sure that it is based on Godly wisdom from the Word. Anything other than that is merely opinion which we all get from the world from millions of sources. Who has trustworthy advice? What advice do you keep and what advice to you discard? That wisdom of knowing which is trustworthy and what is fodder is only learned from the Word. Nobody is automatically smart or wise or on top of everything and that's ok because we are all learning every day. Granted, old timers usually have immense insight into things we are just now discovering but even they are learning and growing. If they aren't, that advise is suspect.

Prov 9:9-12
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer."
NIV


Prov 11:12-14
A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
NIV

Prov 12:14-16
From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.
A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.
NIV


Prov 19:20
Listen to advice and accept instruction,and in the end you will be wise.
NIV


Prov 27:9
Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,and the pleasantness of one's friend springs from his earnest counsel.
NIV

Of course recognising the source of wise counsel is important. The guy who has had 17 car wrecks in a year is not the one to get driving lessons from. The man who cheats others in commerce is not the one to listen to about honesty. Also remember that unsolicited advice is called interfering.
Remember Damina Green, tumor...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for wisdom from your Word. Lord, forgive us when we open our mouths when we should shut up. Lord help those who are in turmoil from emotions and worldly things of torment. Lord we lift those up who need healing. Lord grant the revelations in our lives so we are able to accept you will even when it seems unpalatable. Lord we lift Steve M. to you. Grab him and shake his being with your presence. In Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:39 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 26, 2009 at 7:14am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Back to work after a long weekend. Have you heard the commercial about "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"? What a pile of crap that is. Just because no one around here saw or will ever know what we did in Vegas, or anywhere for that matter, doesn't make it ok. How ridiculous is that line of thinking. That is telling people it's ok to do what ever you desire without consequences as long as no one finds out. And some buy into that line of thinking. Oh boy...

Matt 23:25-26
"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
NIV

Titus 2:11-14
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
NIV

James 3:17-18
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
NIV

Do you see this? Character and true belief will not allow you to do whatever is in front of you when nobody sees. True belief and character will cause you to do what is right whether viewed by anyone or not because it is just that, right. Our love for our savior and his teachings will cause us to feel the guilt for inappropriate actions and the Holy Spirit will convict you before an action is taken. Look, lets be real here, we've all done stuff and knew we were wrong when we did them but for some selfish reason, did them anyways. Lets stop that crap and repent.

James 1:19-21
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
NIV

Remember John and Christy...remember Josh and Nikki...remember each other and be encouraging and not a complainer...

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your Holy Spirit that prompts us every day. Lord we lift up those we meet and their need s to you. Lord take away our sinful desires so we can live holy. Lord forgive us when we give in to the flesh. Help us discern desires that are ok from those that are harmful. Lord we desire your ways and your guidance so we can be more like the people you originally designed. Guide our walk this week in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 25, 2009 at 7:34am

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is interesting to watch while some are struggling with their own flesh. Sometimes we see the problem but can't tell them because they have to learn on their own and sometimes it just ain't any of our business. Thew answers to our own struggles can come from a variety of sources and sometimes from where we never expected. Our minds as sponges are constantly absorbing everything around us. What have you surrounded your self with? Do you ever feel like you are losing it? Do you feel so overwhelmed you retreat inward? We all feel these things and throwing up that wall of protection, even from the ones we trust and love, happens if we ain't aware and careful. That wall from the trusted and loved is dangerous to ones self. Isolation during dismay begats more dismay. Look here;

2 Tim 1:7
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
KJV

See that? Feel like you're going nuts? Seek council. Remember it may be medical. Don't be afraid to talk to a Doctor because when you feel alone or like you're the only one dealing with these things you may find that is not true and your malady happens with regularity. We've talked before about the flesh and it's inherent weaknesses and also about nurturing our spirit being. When we come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, it doesn't mean that the physical is done away with. Only in heaven does that happen so while we are here we need to feed the spirit and take care of the flesh. Look at this and think;

1 Cor 10:12-13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. NIV

Common to man...hummm...think that may apply to your situation?

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for the wisdom contained in your Word. Lord we ask for guidance and wisdom to act accordingly to things we face. Lord help us trust when we are in that fog of dismay. Lord help our troops show mercy. Lord protect our kids, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:07 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 22, 2009 at 7:43am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Another week over and we approach Memorial day weekend. Remember to lift up all the families who are remembering lost love ones. Remember our military members, past and present for their sacrifice for us being able to read this.
I am concerned for people I meet. I am in anguish when I see others in anguish. My heart leaps for joy when others are joyful and cries when others cry. Do you feel this way? Do you have pity to the point you act and not just think when you see these things? Granted, sometimes there are no actions other than sympathy and a hug but it still is compassion and that is what we are called to. Jesus taught us to be compassionate to fellow humans. Their hurt is not any more or less than yours. To them hurt hurts regardless of what it is. Compassion for others is cultivated because in the natural we are about ourselves. The differences in male and female are significant emotionally and physically. Men are visual. We see everything. We watch everything. We see and analyze how to fix things. Images stay in our heads. That last one is why pornography is so dangerous . Women are heart feelers. Woman have natural compassion and nurturing instincts. Women are able to notice tone of voice and see things deeper immediately that guys miss. Women seem to sense things we don't. The danger for women with this is if the "feeling" is wrong. So how do we people of both sexes avoid the pitfalls of their gender? First is prayer of course and second is realizing these differences. Thirdly we need to seek truth in the Word. Trust and belief is another for us because without those, the trappings of the world can suck us in to all kinds of things. I knew a man who was very matter of fact and "manly", he missed out on the pleasures of giving his heart totally to his family. He died lonely yet his entire family was around him. I knew a woman who moved with every whim of her heart and yet was never satisfied with herself or her situation. She drove everyone she loved away and passed away, alone. These situations were sad and hopefully we can see their mistakes and live a Godly, loving, trusting, fulfilling life and go on to paradise whole. That compassion we speak of is all over the Bible and God showed it larger than we could ever hope to by giving his son for us. We then are in a position to share that compassion. We also have an obligation to show the same compassion God showed us because, that would be compassionate wouldn't it. Think about these things and how we all are effected and how we respond. Look at these and see the compassion;

1 Peter 3:10-12
"Let him who means to love life and see good days Refrain his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking guile.
"And let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.
"For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,
And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
NAS

Rom 5:1-11
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
NAS

James 1:13-15
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
NIV

Remember Stephanie and Ken...remember Michelle Barns...remember Chuck...

Heavenly Father,
We have struggles Lord that we can't control and we ask you to renew our minds. We rebuke satan and his minion from our minds in your name. Lord we ask for a healing of our minds. Clear away all the garbage and start us fresh. Lord we struggle with physical and medical things and ask you keep us free from disease that clouds our thinking and your presence. Lord snatch us up out of the dismay and fears we have. Lord thank you for caring enough to provide a way to you through your son, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 21, 2009 at 7:22am

Great morning! Man it is cool to be faithing! Even amidst turmoil and worries it is good to be in the presence of the Lord! How you say? Praise him in anguish and in joy. Praise him in hunger and plenty. Read your Bible daily and recognise the truth inside. Pray when you read that it be revealed. Know that God is inside and cares for YOU. Ups and downs, rest and weariness, take refuge in the Word and the love God has for us. Encouraging statements for the day!
In times of trouble it is easy to fall into the trap of self pity. It is easy to lash out. It is easy to say, "why me?". How do we avoid this position? Recognition first is the start. You can't correct direction if you can't see the road. Self pity destroys our witness. Self pity has a spiraling effect when we stay in it. Down you go. By being aware of things that toss you into these situations you are better able to equip yourself to respond appropriately when it happens, and it will. Medical issues withstanding, if you are down wallowing in self pity, the problem is not being corrected. "Well you don't know what so and so has done". Matters not. It's over, go yell in the field, get it out of your system and start praying for them. Pray for yourself immediately when you are stepped on that you don't get butt hurt and fall into this trap. It's ok to get mad. It's ok to feel that hurt but don't dwell on either of these emotions because they lead to misery and ultimately, sin. I know man, I struggle the same with getting my feelings hurt ans suffering at the hands of others but know what? My Lord is the same always. He understands and is standing tapping his foot just waiting for you to ask him to step in and heal. These following verses spell out for me what we need to focus on.

Rom 13:8-14
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
NIV

So if we concentrate on those, who has time or space for self pity? Let it be short lived and move on.

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your grace that saved a wretch like me. Reveal to us our mistakes so we won't repeat them. Make us aware when we are self pitying and just want to wallow and share these feelings with someone who is doing the same. Open our eyes so we see the folly of this kind of thinking. Teach us to rely on you when we are hurt from others actions. Lord, we lift those who are hurting to you. Remove whatever is hindering their health and touch them to such clarity them cannot deny it. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:48 AM

Comment by Mikaël on May 20, 2009 at 7:21pm

Hello everybody, I am a french fireman, and more over I am a born again christian. I have just discovered your group so first of all, I'll try to read what you have writen and then...we'll see.
God bless You all in the precious name of Jesus.

Comment by russ allen on May 20, 2009 at 7:24am

Good morning! How are we faithing? You know, we all face certain things in this life that are dependant on the right choice to deal with them. Using your turn signal to warn others of your intent to turn is a choice. Choose not to use it and an accident can ensue. It's the same way with our faith. Speaking platitudes of belief and then spewing vile sure doesn't convey a belief in Jesus. Think about this line of thought today. We as believers are still walking through this life as a human animal and all the pitfalls that come with it. It's hard when your spouse leaves. It's hard when your child turns to drugs. It's hard when you get robbed. It even sucks when you're late for work because that slow driving, sight seeing loafer on "your" road chooses 7:30 in the morning to joy ride. These sound familiar? Yep, me too. 35 in a 55 ticks me off. What we do with that reveals how we are with this whole "grace" thing. Irritating as it is, cursing and throwing a fit doesn't serve anyone. That guy is still enjoying his ride while you fume. All you've succeeded in achieving is high blood pressure. You, I, also shift focus from grace to ire. I in no way am saying you never get mad or are justified in that anger but what do you do with it? Pray. Seek Jesus' grace. Whistle and enjoy the ride because chances are YOU can't change it anyways. Jesus told us we are a reflection of God and that we serve him in everything. Yes that stubbed toe hurts and as we jump and cuss, remember Jesus and calm down. As we learn to focus on him even in these irritants, the big things are more easily handled. When we train ourselves with the little things, the big things can remain what they are and not lead us down a path we don't want. As you grow you become quickened to the Word and to the Holy Spirits promptings so these big things don't destroy you. Make sense? Look at these;

John 14:12-14
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
NIV

John 15:5-8
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
NIV

John 8:31-32
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
NIV

2 Peter 1:5-9
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
NIV

Remember Evan Ray Vanover and his family...remember Jill as she seeks God's will ...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we lift you up and ask forgiveness when we show things we ought not. Lord we are a weak animal and fall down alot. Lord we want to see you always and ask for a calmness so we can hear you in times of stress. Lord keep our minds clear and focused on the real issues and not irritants. Lord we ask you help those in need and open our eyes so we can be used by you. Thank you for your grace and love, in Jesus name we pray, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:24 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 19, 2009 at 7:23am

Good morning!How are we faithing? We all have felt this way,"I want to whoop the tar out of so and so! They did thus and so to me!" (insert your situation) Man, is that the truth or what. We need to confess exactly how we feel to our savior. Yes he already knows but remember we talked about this being a relationship and not a religion? That being the case, speak to God and tell him how you feel. Tell him you are angry for being wronged and then pray for that person. "What?!" you scream. I know, it is not easy most times because you feel wronged but I'm telling you, do it anyways. I've been through a divorce. You may be going through one and it sucks but still you need to lift that ex partner up to the Lord because regardless of who did what, sin is still sin and we all have sinned and that person who you feel wronged you still deserves salvation and a touch from God just as much as you do. The Apostle Paul killed and had killed early Christians until on the road to Damascus, he met Jesus. Forgiven he became. One of my mentors went through a divorce. The details don't matter because he is forgiven. She is forgiven. It doesn't matter who's at fault. Yes during it is very hard to to pray for the other but do it anyways. The neighbor who ticks you off, prayer and kindness. That co-worker who ridicules you, prayer and kindness. "But you don't know what he or she has done", it doesn't matter, they deserve prayer as much as you. Man, tell God you don't want to pray and you hope they get hit by a bus but lift them up because he commanded us to and you will be better for it. Harboring resentment can lead to so many sins and we don't want that. Bitterness and rage never acts justly. Be honest with yourself and think about this. You know, how many times have you found out someone had a grudge against you and you didn't even know it! How many times have you been ticked and latter found out that flippant comment's intention was not malicious at all but meant to be informative but was delivered wrong? So look at the situations that hurt as opportunities to heal and to bond closer to God by being obedient to his word and pray for our enemies. Think about that.

Eph 4:29-32
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

Neh 9:31
But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.
NIV

Rom 13:9-10
The commandments, "Do not commit adultery," "Do not murder," "Do not steal," "Do not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
NIV

Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
NIV

Lev 19:18
"'Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
NIV

James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
NIV

Heavenly Father,
Lord, we lift to you our enemies and ask forgiveness for them. Lord we ask forgiveness for our thought of retribution to those who wrong us. We know it is yours to repay but we fail so often thinking wrongly. Lord, bless those who curse us. Bless those who harm us. Lord we ask for strength to show your love even when we want to kill someone. Grant rest and peace in our hearts. Lord we lift Jennifer and her endeavors to you. We lift Butch up, heal him. Lord help us see truth in our days and not fear what can be done to us, in Jesus name amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:31 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 18, 2009 at 7:21am

Good morning! How are we faithing? A couple of thoughts and points to think about this beautiful morning. Reading the Left Behind series of books again has brought out thoughts and scripture I either didn't remember or missed the first time. It got me to thinking about how we view our own worth and what things prevent our following God's teachings or even refusing to hear. You know, foresight is more beneficial than hindsight but insight trumps them both. Foresight can be cultivated by listening to sound doctrine, hindsight can teach lessons but insight from God's own Word teaches us that hindsight and living in regret is worthless. It also teaches us foresight that we don't blindly follow every whimsical teaching. Insight is reading, listening and applying the Word and it's precepts. Insight makes us see the root behind behavior. Insight helps us have compassion even when we are ticked at what has been done. Now don't forget that actions on earth do indeed have consequences and resultant suffering may come about. The beauty in the insight we gather from the Word of God is paramount to our being able to live with true love for others as our savior did. Are we able to love completely? I believe so but we are constantly battling our flesh that wants to reach out and touch someone when they sin against us." Yeah, touch that jerk is what I want to do" is normal when we are attacked but is that wise and profitable? Think about these insights as you go through this week.

Rom 10:3-4
Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
NIV

Acts 13:38-39
"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.
NAS

Matt 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
NIV

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

Remember Kathy's friend Sarah...John's bro in law Steve...and praise God, Mike's events went well Saturday...

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask for the insight that opens our eyes to truth and what is really going on around us. Lord, help us see things and act accordingly. Lord we lift those mentioned to you and give you the honor and the praise for all your healings and comfort when we are in need. Lord, help us be examples of you love and wisdom this week, i9n Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:43 AM

Comment by russ allen on May 16, 2009 at 9:17am

Good Saturday morning! How are we faithing? Today's is geared towards those people who are lost. Geared to someone who feels he or she is beyond saving and that God could not possibly love or forgive them. Those of you who do know and love the Lord, I ask you pray today's daily reaches out and leads to a saving relationship with our savior.
I hear all the time that some people will go to hell because they are worthless dregs of society. I hear false teaching about the grace and love of Jesus and to whom it is for. I listen to errant platitudes and misconceptions about finding ground in this life where anyone can come to Jesus and be forgiven. There is no place in the Word where it tells anyone that they can be saved unless or except thus and so.

John 3:16-18
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
NIV

Do you see exceptions? Do you see any reference to a particular sin omits you from Jesus? Nope, none. So someone told you that you are beyond saving...well if you are reading this, that says you are searching and that is step one. You cannot clean yourself up. You cannot get good enough to come to Jesus. You cannot put it off any longer. By coming to Jesus, only then will you get cleaned up. Will it be easy? Probably not. Will you still struggle with addiction, debauchery, sins of all kinds? Yep, you may but having Jesus on your side and a healed heart will point you and lift you up towards getting better. I do not want to paint a Rosy picture but I am telling you that your sins are not any less or more than anyone elses. Look at these next verses and pay attention to the 10th verse. Healing has taken place.

1 Cor 6:9-11
9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. NIV

Did you see that? Some of those followers were into every imaginable sin and were redeemed. Jesus released them from them all. Read these and take notice of the particular way they are said. These followers of God were just as big of sinners as anything you have done but they found forgiveness and life in the savior Jesus the Christ;

1 Peter 4:3-6
3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do-living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.
NIV

Titus 3:3-7
3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
NIV

See anything you can do to earn this grace and salvation? Nope..just belief and repentance.

Eph 2:1-6
2:1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved.
NIV

Well I'll be. Not one person is omitted from this gift of grace and salvation. It doesn't mention anything like, "you can have this but if you have done thus and so, you can't". I defy anyone to show me, in context, where that is stated. So anyone who is reading this and is down and depressed and considers themselves unworthy of any of this, well you are not worthy as none of us are but guess what? It's still yours for the asking. All you gotta do is ask...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your son who gave all so I don't have to. Thank you for loving me even though I have been so bad. Lord I ask you come into my heart and cleans me from all of my sins. Lord I want to get better and I want to be your child. Lord Jesus, help me get away from this sin that is holding me from you. Lord clear my mind from these drugs or thoughts that have me captive. Lord this idol I am bound by is kicking my butt and I want your love to come and save me..in your holy and gracious name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 8:44 AM

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 91
• 92
• 93
• 94
• 95
• …
• 109
• Next ›
• Page