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Comment by russ allen on April 30, 2009 at 7:23am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Tis a tough road sometimes we travel. We get burdened with things that we don't even know how to express. We feel guilty or ashamed to even talk about those things. What we need to remember is that God is already aware of these things and just like a father that knew when we were growing up, he is is waiting for us to come and ask for forgiveness. Of course he already has but we need that lesson on being humble and facing it. Jesus loves us so much that rather than making us do something just because, he allows us to fail, repent, learn from it and grow. There are lessons in these following passages;

1 John 3:16-20
This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
NIV

The love lesson, the humbling lesson, the truth lesson, the deeds lesson. What more does this say to you? How does the Word speak to you daily? Do you apply what is taught? Rhetorical questions but nether the less important ones that you think about. Look up Phillipians chapter 2....

Remember Diane's friend Heather, miscarriage...remember me please, head cold or something...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love. Thank you for your wisdom that permeates your scriptures. Lord , teach us how to be holy and not smug about it. Lord we lift up the lost who don't know you. Lord we ask for healing in your body of believers. Touch us with mercy and wisdom, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:57 AM

Comment by Brent A. Ellis on April 29, 2009 at 12:25pm

Thanks for the welcome be safe out there & God bless!

Comment by russ allen on April 29, 2009 at 7:34am

Good morning! God, create in me a clean heart. What are the implications of that prayer? That my friends is a request to live according to the way of truth outlined in the Word of God. That prayer is an admittance to our unworthiness and the lack of justice in ourselves. We want retribution. We want people who disagree with us to shut up and come to our view because, well, it is the only right one. That is not always the case. When we ask for a clean heart, Jesus is the only way that happens because he already bore our injustices on the cross. Now lets look at some ways a clean heart grows. Those morons we disagree with are traveling the same road we are so are they or are we the moron? Background, life experiences, culture all effect perceptions. What you see may not be visible by me and visa versa. Interesting that the sin committed by all of us is forgiven by God through Jesus so if that is the case, why are there such disagreements? I can disagree with you and you with me but does that make us any less forgiven by God? Do I think less of you because you don't agree with me? Those questions are asked in the context of saved by grace believers disagreeing with each other. People in the world are going to be at odds with people under grace. When the realization comes and grace is accepted, clean heart growth starts. The slate is wiped clean but baggage can interfere with growth and we all have an enemy that interferes. The Bible speaks of those pitfalls and also warns us of the dark things. This so large a subject but I ask you read these verses below with the line of thinking we are discussing here. Take the time to ask God to reveal his wisdom and to convict you where you need to grow and clean that heart...

Rom 12:9-21
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. "But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
NAS

1 John 1:5-10
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
NAS

Rom 14:1-21
Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions.
NAS

When we concentrate on the cleansing of our hearts, we wont have time to clean someone elses but our cleansing will show through and encourage others. Think about that...

Remember Chief William Sharpe's wife...Brent Ellis family, house stuff...Mike Athna's family...cousin Wendy...Beth and Cami...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that keeps us grounded. Lord, forgive us when we point fingers and judge. Help us be aware of the needs of others and help us discern where they are in their path. Lord we ask healing and guidance for all off these requests, touch them and show your face. Lord we want to be your children and be honorable to and for you. thank you for being a loving God that cares, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:53 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 28, 2009 at 7:45am

Good morning! How are we faithing? What motivates you? What makes you get up in the morning and go to work? What makes you endure every day? Or do you endure or do you persevere daily? It is interesting what moves us. Of course bills, rearing kids, roof over our heads are motivators but what do we draw on to make it through each day? Taking the time to look about and appreciate what the Lord has provided is a motivator in itself. I am fortunate enough to see the sun rise every day and as the light breaks across the eastern sky and all of God's creation becomes visible I am amazed and thankful that I am afforded that privilege. How about you? Do you regret each day? Do you complain about your lot in life and that you have to see the sun come up? Take a step back and look around at what God has in store for you. Talk to him, thank him, worship him, acknowledge his sovereignty and that you were made for him and he wants you to enjoy all his creation. It is hard to keep perspective when you are wallowing in yuckiness that makes you focus straight ahead and miss God's wonder. Jesus promised peace and joy but not because you get a life of leisure. Jesus said he is with you even when you ignore his presence. Jesus promised he would intervene with the father and all you gotta do is believe and accept that gift. Positive thinking works as long as your strength source is Jesus and not the world. Scripture gives that peace so even when everything sucks, joy still abounds! You know, everything we endure is temporary. Nothing lasts forever except the salvation of Jesus. Think about that when you run smack into a huge wall today and rather than giving up, smile and scale that wall because with God, it's surmountable.

Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
KJV

John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
NIV

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
NIV

Luke 2:14
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
NIV

Isa 45:5-7
I am the LORD, and there is no other;apart from me there is no God.I will strengthen you,though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting men may know there is none besides me.I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness,I bring prosperity and create disaster;I, the LORD, do all these things.
NIV

Remember Dan Grover and Dawn H...Dan crashed his bike...

Heavenly Father, We ask for blessings and your presence with Dan and Dawn. Lord, let them know it is you who is in charge. Lord we lift the kids up to you. Protect them from evil and danger. Lord thank you for each day and the strength to get through. Lord, place in our hearts the joy that only you can place and let us all know of your grace and love. Thank you for healing us when we feel bad and hurt emotionally, in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:14 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 27, 2009 at 8:31am

Good morning! How are we faithing after the weekend? It's been a long week and a half. Observances have been enlightening and very thought provoking. The Word teaches us how to pray, how to deal with things, how to act towards out mates, how to act towards enemies and yet in all of that I am amazed at the emotions stirred. Each one garners things that when we don't stop and look at we miss. The big picture should influence our choices in situations because a quick response can do damage that lasts a long time. What do I mean? A selfish retort or comment for whatever reason can be misconstrued to be how we are and not how we are at that moment. Stress can bring up so many emotional reactions and if we are not on top of those emotions they can be damaging. The Word tells us not to be anxious for anything. Now that doesn't mean we are not to be concerned but it means we should not fret because God is in charge. It's a trust thing.

Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
NAS

1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
NIV

Prov 16:33
Commit to the LORD whatever you do,and your plans will succeed.
NIV

Prov 3:5-6
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.
NIV

Ps 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people;pour out your hearts to him,for God is our refuge.
NIV

Col 3:17
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

There is a pattern to this thinking and trusting and relying on Jesus is the theme. Why fret and fume? What does it accomplish? You are not the first or the last. Your problem is not unique. You WILL come out the other side and whether you learn something or just regret is up to you. Pray about everything and approach everything with God in the front not as an after though.
Remember Dan and Kim Whitten, Dan's Mom passed...remember Rev. Ken Downey...

Heavenly Father, Thank you for your wisdom and your Word. Lord help us see truth and not get balled up in situations but focus on you. We lift those above to you for peace and grace. Lord we praise your holy name and ask for wisdom for our days, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:27 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 24, 2009 at 6:42am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have my nephews and time is not what it was! I ran out of it yesterday and today will be short. Oh I must correct a mistake. It was Linda Stivers Dad who passed away. Remember her and her family. Look at this below and think about your state before you heard and accepted Jesus and his salvation gift and where you are now. Those who are in the light need to remember where you came from and those who still wander in the dark can see where they need to go. Think about this...

Eph 2:1-13
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 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. 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. 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.
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (that done in the body by the hands of men)- remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
NIV

remember Kaleb...remember Linda...remember Josh and Nikki...remember those who are seeking truth that they find it.

Heavenly father,
Thank you for your grace that saves us. Lord, teach us and show us where truth is and open the eyes of our hearts so we see it. Lord we ask you be so obvious in our lives that people we meet see you. Lord, thank you for your strength and stamina that would be impossible had you not decided to love us and dwell in us. in Jesus name, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:22 AM

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

Good morning! How are we faithing? I heard something this morning and I have had conversations about the subject of peace. The inner peace that a relationship with Jesus brings is almost unexplainable. The more I learn and the more seek God's face every day the more peace abides in me. How about you? Talking to a retired 84 year old pastor who has lost 2 children and 1 grandchild I was amazed and encouraged by his inner peace. I asked this guy how he managed because I can't imagine pain or the sense of loss as big as something like that! He assured me it was monumental in the flesh but peaceful inside himself. He mourned, he talked to God. He asked why and asked for healing because it was such a huge experience. The pain on his face was obvious of course but he spoke of a peace that he couldn't describe. The more a relationship with God grows the more peace in situations permeates ones self. Things that used to throw me in a tither now are met with normal emotions of course but a peace and assurance that I never had before presides. Do you know this peace? Do you want this peace? Look at this as your journey continues;

Eph 2:14-22
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
NIV

Isn't that cool? The reality of God dwelling in you and me is where us being a temple comes from. God indwelling us and communing with spirit man is where that peace dwells. Flesh reacts to the world. Spirit reacts to God so without God the spirit in us turns to the world thus, worldly peace which isn't peace at all. Think about that.

Remember Linda Stivers, her Mom passed away...remember Christopher Bell, a teen who is searching and made a few mistakes....

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for helping us when we are hurting. Lord we lift those up who need a touch from you. Lord hold the Stivers family. Lord we lift Christopher and all the young ones who need you right now. Touch them, grab them so they know you are the one grabbing. Open their eyes to your wisdom and not the worlds. Lord, help us help those needs we encounter and help us have the peace to teach and be examples of your love. Lord bring my Cinamin home. in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:52 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 21, 2009 at 7:26am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Look at this ;

Col 1:21-23
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
NIV

Now what is Paul talking about? Our belief in the redemptive blood of Jesus. He is encouraging us to continue in the faith and love Jesus has and does show us. He is reminding us of this wisdom and truth and to not forget it. He is keeping it fresh, this savior who is our path to eternity with God. I hear today all kinds of statements about being good and other ways to heaven but there just isn't anything to back up those thoughts. We all have our own ideas of what would be perfect and heavenly. We have all entertained utopian ideals and our perception of heaven but the only constant in any of those ideas has to be the redemptive qualities of Jesus. Without Jesus there just isn't any other way. From a historical view we can find a gazillion thoughts and ideas that have come and went but none stand up to the scrutiny of scripture or provide directions to personal contact with God. I would like you all to think about this and even though we have been crapped on and betrayed be people, Jesus didn't change, God didn't ignore our plight but gave his son as a sacrifice for you and greater love is not shown anywhere else in society.

1 John 4:7-12
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
NIV

remember Missy Evans...remember Jenny's Dad in law ...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the free gift of salvation. Thank you for loving us and granting peace in that love. Lord rest upon our hearts and teach us to be aware of your presence in our lives. Lord we lift each other up to you because even when we are hurt we still care. Thank you for the pleasures in life that you give and thank you for the talents you gave so we can, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:54 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 20, 2009 at 7:42am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Was a good weekend full of joy at a wedding and time spent with kids and grand kids. Tuckered out from all the emotions and running around. Saw some people I hadn't seen in awhile and saw some people I wish I could see more. As we take note of things around us It reminds us of where we are and the path were on. It also reminds us of things to pray for. Not everything we pray for is due to calamity or woes. Sometimes it's a thankful heart that we get to hang for awhile with people we miss and sometimes its knowing situations that have been set aside for a season. I see things in others and lift them up to God as I'm sure others see stuff in me and pray accordingly. I see paths friends take and say "oh boy" because I see what's coming therefore lifting them up to God is way better than opening my mouth. Can you relate? The paths we take can be treacherous and looking at the right or the left can be daunting. That road fork we meet would be a crap shoot if it were not for the Word we can read and the Holy Spirit that guides us. If our choices are based on our selfish wants we often take the wrong turn but if we seek Godly wisdom we can make a solid good turn. Of course we aren't talking about sock choice or car color but things that effect our lives and the other lives we encounter. How does our cussing and moaning about something that happened help? How does making a choice because "we want it and don't care who likes it" profit anyone? Fleeting choices at best.

Prov 4:13-16
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
NIV

Prov 9:10-12
"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

Job 22:21-25
"Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart. If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored: If you remove wickedness far from your tent and assign your nuggets to the dust, your gold of Ophir to the rocks in the ravines, then the Almighty will be your gold, the choicest silver for you.
NIV

No finger pointing here just a ton of things brought to mind this past weekend and I am offering them to our Lord for him to handle.

Remember Tony Fulfer...remember Richard Perez family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for friendships that make life so wonderful! Thank you for your Word that teaches and your Holy Spirit that guides us. Thank you for your son that made it possible for us to approach your throne without fear of rejection. Lord we lift those who are in need today. We also lift Nikki and Josh up to you. Bless their new life together. Keep us mindful of your love at all times, in Jesus name we pray, Amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:55 AM

Comment by russ allen on April 17, 2009 at 7:47am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Continuing with our discussion yesterday about heresy, some have said that there are other ways to enter into heaven than by Jesus. False. Now I do not nor can anybody else presume to know who makes in into heaven apart from Jesus. That statement is referring to those before Jesus came and those who may never have heard the truth. That subject is for those who want to pontificate or when we wonder for the sake of pursuing scriptures. We are talking today about the blood of Jesus and his sacrifice for us. Some say a loving God would not subject a substitutional sacrifice for us and that a loving God forgives some if they are being good. Hogwash. There is no scripture anywhere that points to anything other than messiah. Any combination of out of context scripture can be used to prove any point but we must take the whole council of God and that tells us Jesus paid for all on the cross. Look at these;

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
NIV

Eph 1:7-10
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
NIV

Heb 9:13-14
How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
NIV

1 Peter 1:17-20
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
NIV

1 John 2:1-2
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
NIV

1 John 5:6-12
This is the one who came by water and blood-Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
NIV

Now how anyone can come up with something besides Jesus' sacrifice for us is beyond me. Rationalization and words spoken out of context can show other stuff but it is crap. The Word is clear, Jesus died for us, his blood covers our sins, he offers this freely and we cannot do anything or do we "get right" before we accept and come to him. He takes us as we are and as we seek his will we improve. If we got to God by a balance of sin verses no sin, we all would be doomed. The Word says God knows every thought and deed. Oh boy would I be in trouble without Jesus...

Remember Donna Laughlin family...remember Megan....

Heavenly Father,
Lord, thank you for your son's sacrifice. Help us accept freely as you offer this gift. Lord we don't understand all of this and we are hit with wrong junk all the time so we ask for clarity and protection from the world. Help us decipher truth from fiction. Open our eyes to your Word. We lift those who need a touch from you and ask blessings and thank you in advance because we know you have it covered, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 7:04 AM

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