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Comment by russ allen on June 28, 2012 at 7:44am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing this warm day? There is a lot going on in this country right now. Political, economic, natural things that directly effect our lives. Changes are hard for us to handle sometimes because of routine and our comfort zone.  Drives me nuts to oversleep. Infuriates me when people do the same thing over and over and cry about the results. Turn signal non usage. What winds you up? Do you do or say stupid things when those things happen? Guess what, they're gonna happen and the only one you have control over or can even hope to improve is you. We talked about what love requires and it is important that you act and not just react. Yes you can change how you react but it takes willingness, time and effort. The Word teaches us to love all the time and also teaches us understanding.  We have to react to emergencies but we must act to others who are struggling. Just because it isn't a struggle for you or me doesn't mean it isn't for them.  Our compassion in this arena can go very far or it can shut down someone irrevocably.  Just think before you speak today and notice what your first reaction was in your head.  You will find where you need to improve.



Joh 15:8-14
  Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples.  Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.   This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.   Ye are my friends, if ye do the things which I command you.



remember Cathleen Adams...


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for teaching us and providing a manual of operation. Lord, look after the ones who are struggling with all issues in their lives. Touch them in a way they know it's you who is the great healer. Open our eyes to your ways, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 27, 2012 at 7:51am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? I saw a video this morning that was disturbing on many levels. It showed some Jesus believers at a festival that obviously was predominantly Muslim with provocative signs. Now in the USA we are allowed to peacefully protest, speak our minds etc. but what was the goal by this method this day?  The crowd became hostile and actually stoned the Jesus believers. They hurled insults, threw bottles and it was obvious that a mob mentality took over. As I watched the video I asked, " what was accomplished here?"  Walking into a situation antagonistically somehow just doesn't seem to promote or even present the message of messiah. Was love shown? Was Jesus presented in a fashion that made people be attracted to the message? Was wisdom even used when this was planned?  The actions of the mob were of course wrong but equally for the protesters, what did they think would happen when they went? Using finger pointing as leverage rarely brings people to Christ. Non believers see actions and if those actions are not performed with "what does love require in this situation?" it will repel. That doesn't mean we lay down when confronted nor does it mean we shouldn't stand and protest at our capitals but it does mean that if love is not shown and our hearts hurt for the lost, we have missed the whole message Jesus taught. We must evangelize. We must preach the gospel all over the world but at the same time walking into a hornets nest and feeling gratified because we got stung for Jesus doesn't really gain anything. Yes we will be persecuted and yes we will have trials but is it wise to do things for the persecution and not to show Jesus love?  Just makes one wonder when we see things like this. By no means am I trying to dissuade anyone from proselytizing but if it's finger pointing rather than loving and reaching out it is suspect. Just think about this and look at your own heart and see if you are just harboring a feeling glee that "those so and so's will get theirs". 



1Jn 4:12-19
  No man hath beheld God at any time: if we love one another, God abideth in us, and his love is perfected in us:   hereby we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.   And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.   Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God.   And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him.   Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world.   There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.   We love, because he first loved us.

Heavenly Father,

  Forgive our sins and our attitudes that seek retribution instead of love. Lord we really need wisdom to know when to walk into situations for your glory and when to back off. Help us have compassionate hearts for those who are lost. Holy Spirit come into us and let love so overflow we shine for you. Thank you Lord for all your love and thank you for your Word that is all that sustains us. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 26, 2012 at 7:25am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  So much on my mind today and it's all good.  Seeing God work in lives is always a blessing and encouragement. Seeing people respond to the love of God always amazes me. Most times I have no idea the background, the story behind a particular person and to see them respond to God's love is just fantastic.  Everyone has a story.  Everyone has walked through things and as we remember that tidbit it tends to makes us listen close, watch reactions and always show love from the heart because Jesus has shown us that same love. We can't but do one thing, give that love out. We cannot contain it. Holding it in or back is sinful and selfish.  We are not all preachers or whatever but our genuine love reaching out will indeed manifest itself in other lives.  I know this man that I continually pray for because he has a good heart, very smart, willing to do whatever he can for someone and yet denies Christ.  I see him as a huge asset to God's kingdom if he would just come. I also know him well enough to see past all the surface stuff to a heart that yearns for God's love but because of the junk, can't or wont see the truth. Man, we all know people like this and we need to pray and we also need to show love because all the preaching isn't gonna win them over, only love can.



Rom 5:8-9
  But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.   Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him.



Rom 5:20-21
  And the law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace did abound more exceedingly:  that, as sin reigned in death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

remember the lost that we know....

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your love that trumps everything else.  Lord, we need to be wise and fearless when it comes to showing genuine compassion for people. Grant us those things so as ambassadors for you we attract and not repel. Lord, forgive us our sins and bring to mind when we stray. Thank you for all you do, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 25, 2012 at 7:36am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Our eye ball to eye ball exchanges are how others see us. They don't remember our words as much as our actions. We can say nice things but if we handle situations with disrespect or accusatory attitudes we can lose our influence. What love requires in situations and our adherence to that requirement makes a huge difference to whether someone is reached.  Love may require that you discipline that child. Love may require that we shut up and listen.  Love may require you get after someone for doing things incorrectly and love may require just a hug.  The wisdom to know what love requires is built on a foundation of the Word of God.  Jesus acted in all cases in love and those examples are what we as disciples of Jesus must follow.



Gal 5:13-16
  For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.   For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.   But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.   But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.



Mat 7:12 
All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.


remember Josh D's Mom...


Heavenly Father,
  We worship and adore you. Lord, help us be mindful of love and what it requires. Grant us wisdom in this area. Help us not hinder or hurt from failure to love. Lord we lift Josh's Mom up to you. Heal her body. Let her see you at work in her. Lord, bless our week with victories in our soul, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 21, 2012 at 7:45am

Good morning!  How are we faithing?  Living the life of a believer of Jesus can present some interesting problems.  I listen, real good thing to be able to do, to people describe events that transpire in their lives. Sometimes one sees the root problem and sometimes one is thrown because the event seems unbelievable to them.  I have found though that God still amazes but never surprises me. It just doesn't surprise me when miracles happen.  It doesn't surprise me when the outcome turns out to be for the best even though at that particular moment that outcome seems crazy or perhaps even cruel.  I have learned that all things do indeed work for good for those who love God. So the question presents itself, how do I keep focus when all around seems to be falling apart?  Remembering past victories encourages us to press on seeking God's face in all we do and even if current circumstances look perilous and downright impossible, then we can rest in those storms knowing we will come out the other side leaner and wiser. We are the salt and the light of the earth and sometimes that means doing the right thing because it's right in spite of ourselves. You never know who is watching and who needs your salt and light. Being a disciple of Jesus does stop at believing nor is it suppose to remain only at church.  That salt and light is something we must carry over to all we do. We never know how far our light shines or how much our salt preserves. Living the principles we learn from the Word is the only way we can truly survive.  Any other way is the worlds way and we see and have seen what that gets us.  Us following after Jesus and acting Godly while leaving the fall out to God is what discipleship is. How can anyone argue with doing what is right because it's right? Just think about this as you go about your days...



Php 2:14-16
  Do all things without murmurings and questionings:   that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world,   holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.



Mat 5:13-16
  "You are the salt of the world. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty again? It's good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled on by people.   "You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.   People don't light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good actions and glorify your Father in heaven."


remember Chris Breen...remember Megan M...remember Melissa Kern Hart and Missy Evans and their families as they travel...remember Will and Anna


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your light that leads the way for us. Thank you for always being with us all. Lord we lift those mentioned up to you. Heal and protect them. Help our unbelief when we are in the middle of turmoil in this world. Forgive us as we stumble, we want to be salt and light for the world. Thank you, in Jesus name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 19, 2012 at 7:36am

Good morning! How are we faithing?  I have this picture of a baby Giraffe looking straight into the camera as my desktop. I could just stare at her all day long with amazement at such a creation.  I watch the personalities of my Boxers and am in awe of the complexity and the unconditional love they show me.  I watch the deer in the field by the house and just want to pet them. We find stray critters all the time around this old country home and it always makes me thank God for them. Have you stopped and looked at that rose bush and the intricacies of it?  Whens the last time you watched clouds go by and saw more than just aloft water vapor?  When did you last close your eyes and hear the leaves rustling in the wind?  The smell of fresh cut grass, the noise of nuts hitting the roof and than watch the squirrels scurry to fetch them? Whatever your dilemma today, pause and reflect on the simple things that are way more fascination and peaceful than whatever you are facing. It's all about perspective people and when our perspective looks at selfish things, we miss the truly incredible things happening at the same time...



2Th 3:16
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.



Col 3:15 
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.



1Ti 2:1-4
  I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men;   for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity.   This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;   who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.




remember Margaret Chaney family...remember Zoey Sharp...remember Lou Feliciani...


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for the simple things that keep us in awe of you. Thank you for your love that trumps anything we may face. Lord we lift those mentioned for your touch. Lord, we lift your name on high and sing your praises.  Teach us to maintain our humbleness not for show but in awe..in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 18, 2012 at 8:01am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing? I want anyone who reads this daily to understand one thing. This is designed to make you grow in your walk with the Lord. Every day is a new day with new adventures even if you are in a rut. Yours and my attitude to every new dawn will make a huge difference in whether we see the newness. It is so prevalent that we all get caught up in the hum drum tedious things that the work week can bring but only you can bring a turn around by an attitude adjustment.  Complaining that things are not the way you or I want them does nothing for those things happening all around us. Yesterday is over, tomorrow isn't here yet so all we can do is work out this moment. By reading the Word daily we can handle each moment so we don't regret yesterday or have to live a crappy tomorrow. Sure things go on out of our control and those things need to be dealt with when necessary. We can cry about them or we can face them with Godly confidence because Jesus said he had our back. So when you catch yourself boo hooing about junk you don't like, remember that whatever lesson is to be learned today will be quickly gleaned if we look to Jesus and not the circumstance.


Jas 1:2-5
  Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;   Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.   And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing.   But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.



1Jn 4:18-19
  There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.  We love, because he first loved us.

remember Bailey Ford...


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your love that saves us. Thank you for the lessons you teach. Lord, bring to mind your Word in everything we do. Help us be strong followers of you and let us see the heart. Help us deal righteously with what others do to us. Help us show love in everything we do. Lord, we need to be aware your presence all the time, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 15, 2012 at 7:37am

 Good morning! How are we faithing?  I hear people whine and moan when things aren't or haven't gone the way they want or think they should. I hear them doubt or blame God. If they would pause and reflect, they would see their own selfishness or selfish motives have caused them to fall into temptation and that falling leads to the woes at hand. Things don't always go right but have you ever considered that someone else has gotten what they prayed for in the situation you are in? That maybe a lesson is to be learned on your part. Maybe your motives were suspect or maybe the answer is no but you tried to manipulate circumstances for yourself anyways?  Sure it isn't always easy or even palatable  but you must consider that maybe what you are in keeps you from something worse. We have to look for more than just what is in front of us if we ever want to have the mind of God. I know some people that criticize every thing and everybody. What makes them think they are so all fired smart or are always right? Be careful you don't become so smug you cant see pass your own self and your own ways.


Jas 1:13-14
  Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.

remember the Sharon Hicks family

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your Word that reveals all truth. Forgive our haughtiness and our self serving ways. Lord, teach us to be charitable in all things. Help us see where we harm so we stop harming. Lord we lift those in pain, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 14, 2012 at 7:18am

 Good morning!  How are we faithing? Did you know that the letter to the Galatians written by the apostle Paul was the first recognized writings after Jesus' death and resurrection?  Those early followers of Jesus had only old testament scriptures, the Torah, for study.  The eye witness accounts, words of Jesus, miracles of Jesus, teachings of Jesus were spread the first few years by mouth. There are many reasons why and one is that the first followers thought Jesus' return was going to happen in their lifetime and that writing down wasn't necessary because, "who would read them?" Most were illiterate as we know literacy and traditionally in Jewish culture the Torah was memorized and passed down verbally.  This new way of sharing the Gospel obviously was for the Gentiles because they did not have that reading of the Torah or any knowledge perhaps of  God prior to Jesus. Because of translation from ordinary Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic we now can study and learn in a manner that revelation is constant. Read Galatians with all this in mind remembering this letter was received and read to a group of "The Way". Man, could you imagine how some sects could get a little off kilter without any writings? Paul recognized this I am sure thus addressed his brothers and sisters in the Lord. Cool man...



Gal 2:20-21
  I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.   I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought.


remember Sharon Hicks family....

Heavenly Father,
   Bring your Word to life in us. Help us burn for your Word. Let us devour your Word. Lord, we ask blessing and honor in what we do and keep us focused on what we ought to be focused on. Lord, we lift those hurting up to you. Comfort, teach and  make your path known. in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on June 13, 2012 at 7:50am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Headache...ick....We have to remember as we go through our days that the love of God and the love God shows us is how we transfer love to the unloved ones.  Perceived or real, love or lack of love will cause people to act certain ways. Jesus always acted with compassion, even with criminals and the dregs of society as well as the upright.  He chastised the good and the bad. One for sins and the other for lack of that compassion.  The opposite of love is fear so not acting in love is an indication one is scared.  Scared of rejection, scared of words, scared of retaliation, scared of not being loved.  We must learn the put aside our senses some times because we can be deceived.  That person in rags who smells bad may have been hit by a car years ago and left him lacking in his brain. That well off flashy rich guy may be in a funk because of success that only brought wealth and not secure love.  Their actions may be the same and we as believers in the only truth in the world ought to tell them about a savior that grants what they actually are looking for.  Think about this...


2Ti 1:7 
For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline.



remember Brian Jett...remember Skip and Lisa...remember Patty Vincent...


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for the cross. Thank you for loving us. Help us love and be kind. Help us be vessels of love to the point it overflows all around us. Help us see and speak truth tempered with compassion for others. In Jesus name, amen

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