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Comment by russ allen on September 24, 2013 at 7:26am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? I find it hard to understand how after failing in an area that we try to deal with that area in the same way again and expect a different turn out. Is it because we are lazy? Stubborn? Do we actually not know how or what to do about certain things? Probably a little of all of those things sprinkled with disobedience and some rebellion on top. "I want to do it my way". Sinatra said it in song and let me tell you, my way is the highway to a hot place that reeks of sulfur. God tells us what and how for our good, not his. I had a friend put it into perspective for me recently when he asked how I deal with family members on serious issues verses a stranger. "Is it different?"  "Of course."  "Why?"  "Because I love them."  Exactly how God feels about all of us therefore his direction has our best interest at heart and since he is God, it's infallible. Gee, why would we think we have a better way? Ego, stubbornness, ignorance, flat ain't gonna do it that way perhaps? If my child wants to jump out of the tree he climbed and I tell him not to but climb down, isn't that a better way? Isn't that told to the child so he doesn't get hurt? But the child jumps anyways and soon after realizes why Dad said "don't jump". Same way with God and his instruction. It's for us, not him. He tells us so we don't get hurt. As you go through your day, take notice of how you handles things, review with the Word at the end of the day. Were you obedient to the Father? The things that you did your way, what was the result?

Pro 29:25 
The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

 Mat 10:28 
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Pro 1:7 
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1Co 1:18-21
  For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.


Heavenly Father,
  Forgive us our sins. Forgive and teach us to follow your ways even when they seem contrary to what is happening around us. We know we battle dark forces so grant us the wisdom to recognize our ways and embrace yours. Bless the emergency workers. Bless our leaders. Bless this country. Put your words on our lips . In Jesus name, amen

 

Comment by russ allen on September 20, 2013 at 7:22am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? Ever been tempted by something then acted on it only to realize later you screwed up? Of course you have! We all have. We all will. We all fall for the same lies over and over because of the body we occupy and the mind we fail to harness. The Word talks about our tongues being such a chore to control. Hormones come into play.  Lust, greed, self focus make us consider things that in our right mind we would not consider doing. Learning to recognize those thoughts or eye candy and lassoing them before they take root and put us under their spell is so very important. You are not the first or the last to face those things so don't even entertain worthlessness thoughts. Taking these thoughts captive, averting your eyes if necessary, staying away from the things that trap you are all wise choices. If you have trouble with alcohol, don't frequent bars. If you have trouble with smoking, don't join a cigar club. If you can't stop whatever, don't expose your self to the sin that is tempting you. Can you stop all temptation? Only if you are dead but you can limit some exposure. As you take in the Word daily, try keeping it in the front of you all day and believe me, you will be reminded when those temptations present themselves...


Psa 62:2
 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.


1Co 10:13 
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

remember Chris...remember Sheila...remember Brady...

 Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your Word. Thank you for always giving us an out. Help us be aware when those firey darts fly our way. Give us the courage to act holy. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on September 19, 2013 at 7:46am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? It is a hard thing when we deal with others who are wallowing in self pity or are simply focused on themselves.  I have had times when I retracted inward and threw up the defensive walls for protection but to what avail? How did that help when we have a savior who takes up for us? I know sometimes life tosses a curve ball and a regrouping is in order but looking at our own misery all the time is tiring for ourselves and those around us. We have intelligence yet we fail to pause and look for ways to overcome rather than complain. We have a choice to be happy or be sad. Let me tell you, I have met many who think sad and upheaval is normal and balk at happiness to the point that they have to make everyone around them sad too. Where are you? What light is on in your heart? Is it even flickering?  Are you only seeing the bad? Is everyone against you? Answer those honestly and if you only see others as out to get you, you need Jesus and you need that relationship now. Not the religion but Jesus the Shepherd...


 Rom 5:6-8
  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.   But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1Pe 1:17-21
  And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:  Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;  But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

remember Uncle Billy Joe and family...remember Nancy C. and family...remember our emergency workers and our leaders...remember your Pastors...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your kindness and love for us. Thank you for caring enough to save us and even have a way for us to be saved. Teach us to seek your face when we face woes on this orb. Show us that you do care and love us. We ask for wisdom and not riches this day so we help and not hinder. Help us focus on you and not ourselves, In Jesus name amen

Comment by russ allen on September 17, 2013 at 8:09am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? There are 209 verses in the King James Bible where the word "serve" is used. I didn't look for "serving" or "served" and the like, just "serve". Now with the usage of that word so many times it causes us to ask some questions like who, how, when, where is this done? It is whole lot simpler to answer  why.  We serve out of love just like our savior did. Of all the religions I've studied, faith in Jesus is the only one that talks of our messiah serving us. Jesus taught us to serve others out of love and not out of obligation or to earn anything. When we receive the gift of pardon and are born again our desire to serve comes out of thankfulness not to earn the salvation.  Some just can't accept that notion because the world is all about giving to get. The world teaches us to serve no master and that we are our own master. Man, I have had conversations with people who say,"I'm a good person, I give, I tithe, I do this or that in church, I , I, I...Those things are fine and dandy but the serving attitude seems to be,"look at me" or "I earned God's attention because of what I do".  Wrong. We serve out of love. When the Bible said for the right hand not to know what the left hand was doing when it comes to giving, the message is for us not to bring the attention to ourselves. You know you served, God knows you served, why does anybody else knowing matter? Some think because they served they have to get accolades or even rewards. We are suppose to serve because we are suppose to serve. We are suppose to be grateful we can serve.  Our love from God gives us the desire to serve where we can and not for show or earning salvation.  It's age old and it's a sad place to be. Serving and expecting atta boys instead of the satisfaction we are obeying our saviors orders....

Heb 9:14 
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Heb 12:28-29
  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:   For our God is a consuming fire.


Col 3:23-25
  And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;  Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.


remember Paulettes sister...

Heavenly Father,
  help us be aware of needs and help us serve because it is needed and not for our benefit. Help us understand that we are born again to a salvation based on your love.  lord, we lift those suffering mental maladies. We ask for miraculous healings this day. Let your power and love be known! In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on September 11, 2013 at 6:56am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? How do you deal with adversity daily? Do you whine? Do you start a big pity party? Do you let the spirit of depression climb on your back and hang out all day?  Start an exercise today. When you get that first inkling of "woe is me" or "why is this happening to me", pause and pray. Ask our Father in heaven to grant wisdom and strength. Pray you are a solid example of Gods love for us and a reflection of Jesus' light.  Instead of complaining about whatever is happening, look for a lesson. Look for an escape that glorifies God and not just a hiding place. Who benefits from the funk we fall into because we let our feelings get hurt? Was the event really about you to begin with? What may be hurting that person who hurt you?  Hurt people hurt other people. Sometimes that lashing we are a part of doesn't really have anything to do with us and when that happens we ought to reach out in Godly love because they may fall deeper in their hole because they hurt others because of their hurt and know they did. Do you follow? There is nothing happening to you or I that hasn't happened before, it just may be a new pile of dung we came upon. Pray quick for your enemies. Pray quick for yourself. Reach out with compassion to those who may be afflicted because when we focus on others we do what Jesus did, our woes get really small and man, perspective is found.


Jas 5:14-16
  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.


Luk 21:36 
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

Rom 12:16-21
  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.  Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.  If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

remember Miranda E...remember Jessica...remember Jennifer...remember C K...remember Cynthia...remember Jimmie...remember Kat and Berta...remember Chris

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for your wisdom contained in your written Word. Lord, we ask for compassion and peace when we are blasted from the enemy. Help us see truth and not just the results of the enemies lies. Help us pray without ceasing and seek your will in everything, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on September 9, 2013 at 7:18am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? The world seems poised on the brink of destruction and if we look at scripture and prophecy, it probably is. There is reason for us believers in Messiah to be out professing Jesus and the way to salvation because the time is so short. The day to accept the gift of pardon is today and not later when this or that is accomplished. I fear for those who continue on the path of destruction ignoring history and her lessons. So many think that they can make up for their sins and earn a trip to paradise but they are sadly mistaken. I know we've talked like this before but it is just to important to not keep reiterating and keeping it fresh in our minds. We have no guarantee of tomorrow. I watched a couple shows about     9-11-01 and the events that took place that day and I'd bet the bank not a single one of those people expected that to be their last day. How many sought Jesus and how many did not? How many went to their graves to late to receive Jesus? Man, breaks my heart so imagine what it does to the creator who sent his son to save us and people still turn him down. With that in mind, I will not shut up about my savior.


Rev 12:10-12
  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.  Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for wisdom. Increase wisdom so we may prophecy and spread your gospel. Forgive us our sins for they are many. Teach us to love as you love.  Show us how to be your disciples. Lord we lift our leaders to you. Let them know your ways and not the ways of the world. Open their eyes to see your grace and love. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on September 4, 2013 at 7:32am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Our response is ours. Nobody else can cause us to respond badly to things. It is our choice whether to retort or to retaliate in kind or respond in a Godly manner. Don't think so? Someone calls me a horrible name and I fire right back the same way, who's wrong? Wouldn't both be? The one who dissed you is wrong so that gives you license to do the same? "Well he ticked me off and I couldn't help it!" Why couldn't you? You reacted in the same sin he did but you're justified? Hardly. You are responsible for what you do regardless of what has influenced you. You still did it. I see people pleading insanity in our courts when they killed someone. Of course they were insane right then but they still did it. Maybe it was a justified killing but they still did it. If we are going to profess the freedom in Jesus we have to accept responsibility in that freedom. With that responsibility comes repentance. With that responsibility comes honor and truthfulness. Don't try to shift focus on something or someone else if you did it, stand up, own it. That is why it is so important to be in the Word every day so our response grow to be Christ like. Our responses come from a love that requires justice as well as compassion. Our responses to situations and things that happen is a direct witness to the love of God we know. I want to encourage you to think about situations you have faced and determine what God would have you do instead of what you may have done. Don't do this exercise to whoop your own tail but to teach and to recognize so next time that response edifies and doesn't add to an already crappy situation.


Jas 3:13-18
  Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.


remember Mike H...remember Morgan...remember Tom E...remember Donna S...remember Roberta...


Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for your wisdom in your Word. We praise you for being our God. Lord we lift up those who face things and are afraid. Grant that peace that passes all understanding. Help us serve you and react as you would have us react. Keep your Word on our tongues at all times, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 27, 2013 at 7:22am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? It has become commonplace in this world for affliction to rear its ugly head.  Whether it's momentary flare ups of temper or bodily sickness that causes constant pain. Affliction is always around and how we deal with it matters. I teach the people at church that as soon as you realize you have sinned, regardless of the reason, repent quickly. Afflictions can cause us to sin or it can cause us to turn to Jesus. The lessons we learn from afflictions help us to better deal next time and also helps us encourage others who may not have discovered fully this truth. The relationship we have with our savior affords us the endless opportunity to repent. There is no limitation on times we are forgiven. That does not give us license to keep repeating the same sins knowing we are doing them with the thought we will be forgiven because that my friends is not true repentance. Inadvertent repeats may take place but a repentant mind is a changed mind to Jesus' mind. Are you down because of affliction? Are you struggling with things piling up on your proverbial plate? Seek the only lasting cure for our minds, Jesus.


2Co 1:6 
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

2Co 4:15-18

  For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.  For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;  While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

remember Chris...remember Kat...remember Berta...remember our Pastors...remember our kids...

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. Lord, we ask forgiveness when we fail and ask for encouragement to pull up our pants and get on with it. Lord we ask for wisdom to act, speak and love as you would in every situation. In Jesus name we pray, amen. 

Comment by russ allen on August 23, 2013 at 7:35am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Forgive the absence of the daily prayer devotional this week, it's been an emotional one. As some of you know my father-in-law passed away, my son wrecked his truck.  The emotional roller coaster is not always easy to ride. There were many times I wanted to get off but alas, that was not an option. When we pass through emotional highs and lows we always have to maintain perspective or we can succumb to those emotions. Ecclesiastics tells us as well as the Byrds in song that there is a season for all things. Solomon told us nothing is new under the sun, it is just new for us as we each pass through those times. My bride has lost her Daddy. I still have mine. I grieve for the loss of my friend and second Dad but I suppose I really don't completely comprehend the emotion felt until my Dad leaves. The emotional pain in things like this can teach us or it can devour us. It's our choice. It will be weird going to Dad's house and not tease, laugh, get mad, talk, eat and all the stuff we do with our Dads but because of Jesus the Christ, he is fine. Because of salvation, we will speak again. Because time was created for us by God and time isn't the same in heaven, it will pass and when we get there it will seem like the snap of a finger. It does suck emotionally for the time being and we must press on like millions before us have. Will it be easy? Sometimes. Will it be hard? Sometimes but we must never forget the moments we had with them and learn from them. We must never forget the love they had for us. We must glean the good stuff taught and remember they did the best they could with what was dealt them therefore we press on to the prize that they are now enjoying . Oh and my son walked away unscathed, a little embarrassed but none the worse for wear. Praise God!

 1Co_15:54 
So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Isa 25:8 

 He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the LORD hath spoken it. 

Rev 21:4  

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. 

remember Dave's Mom...remember Richard...

Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for being with us in fear, turmoil, grief. Thank you for being with us when this are going smoothly. Help us remember you in all times. Help us see the wonderful comforter you sent being ever present for us. Lord we do lift those struggling with calamity of all sorts. Comfort their minds. Let them see you in everything. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on August 15, 2013 at 7:00am

   Good morning! How are we faithing? The mold that the religious factions want us to conform to can be just as meaningless as praying to a tree. Yes there are certain things we pay attention to from the Word but to many times the visual action is perceived as a relationship with God. Whether you curtsy or kneel is not any concern when we stop and think about what Jesus did for us. Whether we pray 5 hours or 5 minutes isn't the issue but that you talk to God all the time because guess what, we can. We can have a relationship with our savior and a relationship is love. I love my guitar but I don't have a relationship with it. I love my job but it doesn't save me. There are techniques and ways of doing things with my job and my guitar but those ways aren't going make all I do with them perfect. There will always be a better way but with Jesus as center, that is how true fulfillment takes place. If all your ways haven't achieved total fulfillment, try Jesus.
It'll be the best action you'll ever take.

Psa 35:9
 And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.

Isa 61:10-11
  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Heb 13:20-21
  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

remember Jimmys friend...

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for salvation. Thank you for your love. Lord, grant us wisdom. Grant us the will to do what you have for us. Help us set aside the enemies thoughts and see only yours. forgive us our sins because I know they are many. In Jesus name, amen

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