Grinch's place

2012-01-27T07:45:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Having a tough time with your current situation? Struggling with opposing thoughts and ideas? On one hand you are thrilled about an event and on the other you are petrified almost to the point of being paralyzed. Guess what, you ain't alone. Many times we know what we need to do but the enemy puts thoughts in our heads that make us hesitate and doubt God is even referring to the situation at hand. Many have walked into things they were not called to and many stop just short of what they were called to. We have got to be in the Word gaining knowledge and also being still to hear that still small voice of God. You don't know everything or have an exclusivity with God and neither do I so by being in the Word we have a gauge to at least recognize the ridiculous and act on the obvious. I watched a couple get saved last night and one get healed. I saw people find out they mattered to God. I saw people of all social and economic backgrounds sing and praise the Lord. I saw the Spirit of God move in an unassuming place. These are the things that we ought to be involved in. These are the things that make our spirits sing. Wallowing is very dangerous. Acting on feelings opposed to faith will dig a deep hole. We all doubt from time to time because of what our experiences have been and what our eyes tell us but I'm here today telling you that the Spirit of God is active moving and when that happens, the enemy gets active too. Get in your Word and arm yourself or you could hear the wrong voice and get mired in mud that could have been avoided.

Rom 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Rom 15:1
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Rom 8:15-18 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

remember Chris, Kat...remember Bugsy Moores family...remember Rex and Kitty...

'Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your word that sustains us. Thank you for all you do. Heal minds and bodies this day. Remove depression and infirmities. Let all those we meet see you in us. Remove that fear and anxieties from our sight. Let us rise this day with courage and contentment in you. Thank you for your healings that we have witnessed . Help us not doubt and if we do, recognize it and repent. Lord we lift those mentioned and those who have asked for prayer in secret. Let them know you are right there with them, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-26T07:45:00.000-05:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? As we believers talk to unbelievers we need to remember that we were once unbelievers and the Word does tell us that "all this is foolishness to the world". Talking of the love, grace and peace available through a saving knowledge of Jesus is what they need first. Pointing out that what they are doing is bad doesn't help most times. "For lack of knowledge we fall" is what the Word tells us therefore if a non believer thinks this is foolishness, he will not accept the premises. I've talked to people who are cussing and carrying on and rather than get offended and calling them on it I try to get to the root of their problem, the Holy Spirit will convict them of their sin after they come to that saving knowledge of Jesus. Besides, their sin is not any worse than mine, theirs is merely visible. It is time to get back to the basics of Jesus and his love for all of us. It is time to remember who we were, who we are now and who "they" can be also. Pray immediately when confronted with others out and about. Be ready to see their pain past their outer persona. Our savior heals the sick, comforts the hurting and loves so completely. Sharing that knowledge is the greatest sign of the love of God that we possess.

Rom 15:1-7
We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

1Jn 2:1-2
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Heavenly Father,
Help us see truth and be your ambassadors. Lord we want to show you to all we meet but outer views get in the way. Grant us the wisdom to see deep into others to the heart and not outward things. Lord forgive us when we turn from the lost. Let us be courageous to do your bidding. Lord we lift those who are searching, let us be a reflection of you so they come closer to your redemption. Thank you Lord for my son's healing. Open his eyes Lord, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-25T08:04:00.000-05:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? Lots to study, lots to be revealed. Are struggling with wanting some pay back? Do you sit and think of ways to "get im back"? Do you feel justified to hurt someone as much as they hurt you? Do you wish some were dead? Yer not alone but pause for a second and answer me this; who the heck do you think you are? What makes you think you deserve to pay back? Are you guiltless of hurting someone? Should they pay YOU back? Do you see where this is going? Of course someone coming at us will a knife or gun we will defend ourselves and our family but that is not what this is about. What about that guy who cut in line or swerved in traffic at you? Does it help to whoop his tail or to scream obscenities or mumble about those things? Analyze your reactions to things and pause when you get a hold of yourself and see if you are deserving of the same from others. Bet you reconsider doing what yer plottin...

Rom 12:19-21
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.

Remember the Bales family...remember Rob Fint...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for us. Thank you for your Word that educates us. Lord we lift those hurting and those who diss us. Help us see truth and act in a Godly manner. Help us say what is helpful. Bless our walk today and keep us safe, in Jesus name, amen
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

daily prayer

2012-01-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Ever thought about how God is light. God is perfect light. So perfect and complete is that light that it casts no shadows because that light lights everything. No darkness in him at all. Picture standing outside in the brightness sunlight and there is some darkness. Under a trees shadow, in a closed building. Gods light is so perfect there is no darkness anywhere, anyhow you can imagine. Now using that image, think about inside yourself. You know the dark crevices inside that we all carry and realize they are lit up to be seen but when we accept the grace of Jesus they are not only lit up but gone. That light is so bright that it drives out all shadows and darkness. You say you have junk so dark no way can it see the light? Really? You think you are the one who God wont redeem?

Luk 1:78-79
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

2Co 5:18-19
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

Joh 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God.
All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not

2Co 4:6

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Remember Marsha's sister....Laurie Copes...Chuck and his family...Cyn...Chris...Kat...Mike and Natalie

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for illumination everything. Lord, forgive us for all our wayward actions. Lord we battle this flesh and sometimes it wins. We ask blessings and touches from you for those listed today. Many are truly hurting and we ask for your peace and comfort for them. Lead us where you may and help us rest in your light so we trust you way more than our own. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Life is tough, wear a helmet. Prepare yourself for the day, not with a pessimistic view that this day will suck because of thus and so but with assurance that Jesus already paid the price therefore I am clean and have the right and privilege to go out there and live. I see and talk to so many that think because they failed that they can't or don't have rights to life. They whoop up on themselves to the point they bring all those around them down. Stop self pitying. Stop the dismal view of yourself. Jesus loves you just like anyone else. That same anyone else, who ever you can think of, screws up just like you.

Psa 25:5-7
Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

Col 3:12-13
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

Php 2:1-4
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Remember Farron....remember Troy's Dad...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for another day on your creation. Lord, lift us up to see your face. Help us see what, where, when and how we may better serve. Lord, calm our hearts. Let us know you already whooped the earth and all the crap we face. Let us feel the warmth of your arms around us in a love that is greater than anything. Bless those mentioned and those unmentioned, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-20T07:48:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? This week we have talked about the flesh stuff. We are under attack people from directly to isideous attempts at cracking our defense. We drop our defensive's when we get comfortable and also when we get distracted thus we make ourselves vulnerable to those attacks from the enemy. As distractions in this world come our focus can be diverted and before we know it we are standing with our guard down and the fiery darts make impact. How do we overcome? How do we maintain the defensive posture without attacking others? Compassion, the Word, prayer. The subtle things that come can become devastating things if we do not pay attention and seek Godly wisdom. Simple obedience to God can keep us in line just as easy as disobedience can destroy us. If I know God leads a certain direction but I vary the direction for say, comfort or convenience, I am in rebellion to the Word of God and that rebellion can destroy whatever is before me. One little lie, one little lust thought, one envy thought, one little thing taken because it's small and inconsequential, these things grow into bigger things. Sin is sin. Size matters not. A path strayed from even a little bit, just like a road, eventually becomes an off road experience. The principles in the Word always work. We may not see it as so does not make it not so.

Eph 6:8
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

Jos 1:9
Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Psa 27:1-2
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Php 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

remember the Pastors and their wives...remember Miggity...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for us. Lord, we ask for wisdom that we see truth in every situation and the courage to act accordingly. Lord we lift up families that are struggling with world issues. We praise you in these storms Lord, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-19T07:58:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? The flesh that gets in the way of the spirit is something we all battle and like we talked about yesterday, we all fight this same fight. When we get in that place or as we approach it, by walking in the spirit we hope we can stave off the flesh weaknesses before they start eating away at us. The arrows that come at us can be overcome by this "walking in the spirit". You can't and I can't do it standing in our own strength but with the Word of God, a firm grasp of just how loved we are by the creator and the grace we now live in we can learn to trust that when we see the flesh rising up we then can move away from overwhelming desires into necessity and recognizing harmful flesh wants to relying on the Spirit of God to guide us. Just because it feels good or because it "seems right" doesn't make it so. Never will Godly promptings go against the Word of God. If that were true, it all would become false and if that were true, all this is pitifully in vain. Emotions, fears, physical needs rise in all of us and which are healthy verses unhealthy is a constant thing in this life. Being sad when your dog dies is normal. Fear that keeps you from diving off a bridge into 2 feet of water is a good fear. Getting hungry is normal. Desiring your spouse is normal. I don't need to get into what is bad or abnormal, you get the picture. You wanna walk in the spirit and in faith? Praise God in the storms. Pray continuously. Intake of the Word daily. These are paths we ought to take. Look at this scripture;

Gal 5:13-17
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

1Jn 2:15-17
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Don't make this Word say more or less than it does. By this salvation we possess we are in the world but not of it anymore. We abide in this physical state for now and our eternity began at the point we believed. Look beyond circumstances and see what God has already laid out in his Word because in it is life and a life way more abundant because we can love because he loves.

Remember Debbie Brown Smith...

pray this;

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for eternal life. Thank you for saving me from myself. I know without you my path would have led me to destruction forever but finding your love and compassion I now am able to see you and see truth. Lord, I do not want to be encumbered with fleshly lies but want to follow and learn from you. You are the master builder who without I am lost. Teach us to love beyond the physical restraints. Help us see the heart of others past the outside view. Lord, help us show the same kind of love you've shown for us in your son. Lord we accept this gift of grace and salvation. Lord we lift those who are hurting physically, emotionally and spiritually to you today. Heal them and let your love rain down on them in a way they know they have been touched by you. thank you and it is in Jesu name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-18T07:51:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? I am struggling with flesh. I want to fix everything. I want everyone to like me. I want to be able to help with anything and anybody. Do you feel this way? Do you feel lower than whale poop when you screw things up? Yep, me too. Here's a cool thing to remember; God loves us as we are. We can go to him anytime, anyplace because our sins are forgiven as far as the east is from the west. Our screw ups are lessons if we but pay attention. We come to him as we are and if we learn from our screw ups by letting God show us via his Word, fellow believers, etc., then we start to reflect Jesus' light. It's very hard sometimes when things are crumbling all around you to maintain the focus and perseverance to stand firm on what God is teaching but we have to encourage ourselves and each other to not give in to the enemy. By nature we all like things easy and comfortable and our foundation has to be strong in God or we will crumble with the circumstances around us... satan and his henchmen are hoping and working for just that to happen...

Mar 11:22-25 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that what he saith cometh to pass; he shall have it.
Therefore I say unto you, All things whatsoever ye pray and ask for, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Psa 62:8

Trust in him at all times, ye people; Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Joh 15:7

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Pro 3:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Remember Mark Millsap...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and understanding that we goof up so much but you still love us. Lord, we lift Mark up to you. Chris too. Heal bodies, endow the docs with wisdom . Teach us to depend on your love for us and not let us waver regardless of what flies at us. Help us get real rest from the storms, In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-17T08:04:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? It hurts to be around people who hurt. It is sad to be with someone who is sad. It makes one angry to see injustice done to a friend or neighbor. Sometimes we are lit upon by someone who is hurt, sad or angry and we take it personal and get in a snit then lash out because of it. People, we need to look at real problems and not patronize the person with the issue at hand. We need to recognize also that what we would do has no bearing on what they should do. We need to be in the Word so much that the first thing that comes to mind and on our lips is those sound words of scripture. What you would do or say is not relevant because you ain't them. Now of course many times sound logic is standing before people and they miss it and I present to you that asking a question that reveals that logic is way better than barking orders. And there are instances where barking orders is in order too. Knowing which one that is appropriate, there is the caveat. Jesus is a fine example of just this type of thing. Telling people what you would do does not help unless they are seeking an alternate point of view, We all know some who offer up opinions on any and everything and besides being annoying, that voice is most times ignored. Do you do that? We ought to use Jesus as an example and speak at the true issue and not get indignant with our own thoughts. Think about this today.

Pro 1:2-6 To know wisdom and instruction; To discern the words of understanding;
To receive instruction in wise dealing, In righteousness and justice and equity;
To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion:
That the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; And that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels:
To understand a proverb, and a figure, The words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Gal 6:1-3 Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

Joh 13:34-35 A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Joh 14:12

Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.

Remember ...Sebastian...remember Dr. Gary and Connie...remember Liz...remember Wilma...remember Baily F...remember Nicole Ingle...remember Chris and Kat

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the wisdom of your Word. Lord, thank you for all your blessings and the answers to our trials before and after they are done. Lord we lift those mentioned today. Heal spirits and bodies. Lord I ask for a blessing on all our children. Heal them. Help them rest physically and rest in your arms even when they don't realize you "got this". Lord walk and touch us today. Let us hear your voice. Let us walk upright and be courageous in the face of the enemy, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-13T07:50:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? A church body can't have one man making all decisions but it also cannot be led by committee. The whole mission of the church is to spread the gospel, to draw the lost to Jesus. The church spreads the good news all the while teaching the flock how to go out to the world and show the gospel message. The church also is a respite for the workers of the gospel. A club it is not. A regulated organization that gleans for itself it also is not. If we treat our church as exclusive and "ours" we have undermined the purpose for it's existence. The positions held within a church are designed to make it function in a manner honorable to God and none are more important than another. We are a flock of believers and within that flock are individual personalities and each ones role is important for reaching out to the lost. Organization is important but the organization is not in itself the church. Organization just makes things run smooth and keeps order so we are not running around like chickens with our heads cut off. The book of acts is full of the events that shaped the church or rather the organized faith. Things came about to help in support of spreading the gospel. Never do you see the church becoming it's own exclusive religion but a method for preaching Jesus to the lost and providing resources to do the same. We people since that time are the ones who have distorted what the church's mission truly is. If all we ever do is go to church and never share the grace we have, we've missed the church mission entirely.

Act 20:28
Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.

Mat 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

Rom 16:16-18
Salute one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ salute you.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.
For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.

2Co 11:3

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ.

Psa 5:7

But as for me, in the abundance of thy lovingkindness will I come into thy house: In thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

Remember Brian's job search...remember Terry Morgan...remember Archie Denton

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for a place we call church where we can go and enter with the peace that passes all understanding so we may worship you. Help our unbelief. Help us see you and not the organization as the church. We rebuke satan and his minion from the walls of our sanctuary. Turn them away before we enter to praise and petition you. Bless the teaching and preaching in these buildings so we can live for you and like you while being courageous to go out into this world to gather for your flock. Lord we desire to be your children and ask for wisdom so we attract and not repel. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-12T07:39:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Looky here, why do we look at the problem, get distressed over it instead of looking to God? Why do we whine and cry when things go awry and at the same time say "God is good"? We say we believe God can do anything but yet in the midst of turmoil we focus on the problem at hand and never go to Jesus first. We get depressed, overwhelmed, despair and then, only then do we cry out for God to fix it. Doesn't it make a whole lot more sense to go to God first? Before Jesus ascended to heaven he gave us marching orders and they were quite plain and at the same time told us what the evidence of those orders would be.

Mar 16:15-19
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.
And these signs shall accompany them that believe: in my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues;
they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall in no wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken unto them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

So with those marching orders it stands to reason that he would equip us with whatever we need to comply, don't you think? So that being the case, why would we not believe Jesus will do what he said and be right there with us more than just to endure but to overcome anything? When we focus on Jesus and not the dismal crap before us we see his power and his promises and we can believe the junk attacking us is nothing to fear or to anguish over because Jesus already squashed it. We learn from them and if we look to Jesus through them our faith is strengthened.

Joh 14:12
Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.

We are called to a higher form of life than the world offers. The world offers destruction and pain. Jesus offers rest and comfort in our hearts so we are able to cross over or through events that destroy men that believe not.

Eph 1:17-23

that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him;

having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places,

far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

and he put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church,

which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

As things that bug or attack you today, if you have accepted Christs gift of salvation, you can call on him when these things start and before you know it, you will be on the other side of the despair wondering why it seemed like such a big deal. Think on this and do some searching of your own. YOU have to be convinced in your own heart. I can't do it. I can only present the Word that teaches.

Remember Marilyn and company...remember Morgan Bond...remember Carrie L.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Word that strengthens us. Lord we life those who are searching that they find you and find the answers they seek. Lord forgive us when we get wrapped up in the world. Our spirits are willing but the flesh side is oh so weak. Bless the children and the soldiers. in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are faithing? Lots going on. Stress and distractions. The enemy is looking for weaknesses and when he finds them, no mercy. The enemy prowls around looking for a meal and we are the enemies favorite delicacy. Should we be scared? Nope but we need to evaluate the enemy. Know how he works. Recognize the sneak attacks he makes. Prepare for war with the arming of ourselves with the whole armor of God. Simple things like getting ticked over a parking space or harsh word can fester into a huge ordeal that could have been squashed with a praise to God for standing beside us. That parking space taken may have been innocent or not but how does that effect your day? That harsh word from that man may have been a result of him being up 2 days by his sick wife or simple as defense before he thinks you'll attack so he hides behind that wall of gruffness. All of this is to remind you that everything is most times not what it seems and we need to be sober and ready to act appropriately. Honor God. Speak well of others and if they deserve less, pray for them. Pray without ceasing. Devour the Word. Seek those things that are good and don't "git them before they git you". Chew on this today....

Jas 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.

Php 4:4-8 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Eph 6:12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

read Ephesians chapter 6

remember Gina's sister....

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your presence in our lives. Teach us to be humble yet strong in the faith. Show your compassion to us and make us remember it when it is time for us to show compassion. Lord we lift the children who are enduring grief and sorrow. Heal wounded spirits and hearts. Lord we ask for wisdom to approach this day with honor to you and forbearance in all things. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-10T07:35:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? The will of God for our lives can get twisted and turned in this world. How do we know what the will of God is? How do we know what to do? How do we rest in salvation, do what's right and not let it progress to "I have to do thus and so or God will be mad at me?" You know, it's real easy to get depressed when we goof up and then that opens the door to spirits of failure, mistrust or simple unworthiness. We even cop out in our prayers by playing it safe when we ask things of God with the phrase, " if it be your will". The Word tells us his will. The old and new testament tell us what he wants but we sometimes forget.

1Th 5:18
in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.

Joh 6:40

For this is the will of my Father, that every one that beholdeth the Son, and believeth on him, should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

1Pe 2:15

For so is the will of God, that by well-doing ye should put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:

as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondservants of God.

Php 2:12-13

So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

Pro 21:2

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

Seek God's will. Look at the many examples of the apostles and Patriarchs to se examples of what God wants our will to be...

Remember Hallie Tracy, Mary Hutcherson, Cathy and Norman Dickerson and Barb Adams...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Godly friends. Thank you for teaching us and guiding us to your will. Lord, we lift the ones who are working today. Heal bodies and marrow. Heal sight and eyes. Heal ligaments, cartalege and muscle. Let there be miracles in lives that hearts are healed to. Grant wisdom in all our endeavors, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-09T06:54:00.000-05:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? It has been an exciting time in the Lord. I have watched people come to gather in the Lord. It was so cool to see people give of themselves and enjoy the work. To see people hear of a need and do what they can to meet that need or help others meet that need. It's like when we do things for our children. We do things because we love them, it sometimes is necessary and we also know the outcome will be beneficial to them down the road. Getting something back doesn't even enter into the equation. Out of simple love those things are done and that is what I saw this weekend. Jesus did the same for us. He gave of himself not for gratification or for recognition or for what he could get but simply because he loved us. Man, we don't always do things with that attitude. He gave because he loved. There were times his flesh side wasn't enjoying the current situation but he looked beyond the immediate and unto the benefit. When we give, obey and follow Jesus, it's not for our glory but his. We ought to do things that are right and honorable because they are right and honorable and not for "look at me". Take the time today to self examine. See if you are doing for recognition or not. Find out your motivation and make adjustments accordingly if necessary.

Rom 8:28
And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.

Rom 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
Even as it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Psa 103:17
But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children's children;
To such as keep his covenant, And to those that remember his precepts to do them.

Remember Paul Griffin...remember Triple Crown Cowboy Church...remember Bill Umberger...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for revealing yourself to so many friends. Thank you for your love that we can praise you in our storms. Lord we lift up those hurting today, comfort and show yourself to them. I ask for a touch on my family Lord. Heal Chris Kat and I of all encumbrances that hinder a better relationship with you. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-06T07:16:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Taking the whole council of God in the Bible is a very important principle to grasp. Many a verse has been used for the benefit of the user and not for the glory of God. We've seen people fall from grace many times. Are they lost for those infractions? If I or you do not adhere 100% of the time do we loose our salvation? These are questions I hear a lot. People walk around on egg shells afraid that if they goof up God will turn his back on us. Nothing is furthest from the truth. We are under grace and that grace is based on genuine love. Genuine love shows its self off by being genuine. We don't hesitate to do for our loved ones and God does the same for us and ever bigger. His love doesn't wane just because we goofed up. You and I are gonna make mistakes. We are gonna sin from time to time. Genuine love looks to the person and not the mistake and realizes and allows the benefit of a doubt. We need to help and not hinder fellow believers who may not be at a level of maturity in Christ that standing strong is difficult. Never are we to be holier than thou or even consider such a position and if you realize at some point you are comparing yourself to others, time to repent and take stock of your walk....

Gal 6:1-2
Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Rom 6:12-17

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey the lusts thereof:
neither present your members unto sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves unto God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace.
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid.
Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;
and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.

Remember the children...remember our emergency workers...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that sustains us. Thank you for your grace. Lord we praise and honor you. Help us to be wise and fearless of the world. We lift those in despair today. heal hearts, minds and spirits. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-05T07:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? This past fall and especially this past month has been so unsettling and in upheaval I struggle just to keep looking forward and not live in the peripheral. Ever done that? Not necessarily neglecting a relationship with God or even a desire waning but so much stuff that I can't defuse, I just want to go in the woods and pet the deer. In silence. Alone. Kat can come. Our Father totally gets this place we can get to and is right where he has always been but we as humans turn to address things we get confronted with , we have to be very very aware so we don't drift to far off shore. I can't swim so getting to far off shore can be deadly and if get to cocky and use something to float me to far out I can still drown from fatigue. We have to make the time to get alone with God and refresh ourselves. Not just study, not just church but time one on one with our savior. In the car, on the throne, a walk, sitting on the porch in silence so we can hear that still small voice. I've said it to people before when they are stressed, "you ain't no good to them if yer sick" so it's time for me to get well, how about you?

Luk 21:8-9
And he said, Take heed that ye be not led astray: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am he; and, The time is at hand: go ye not after them.
And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.

Psa 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Remember Matt Sloan...remember Jon Galbreath...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Lord for your Word that nourishes me. Lord we ask for peace to come under and over our roofs. Let the peace that passes understanding dwell here. Lord we seek you in all we do but stumble. Forgive us when distractions turn us. Lord, thank you so much for being a sovereign God who is always present. Lord we lift those mentioned and those not to you today. Heal wounds physical, spiritual and mental. Thank you for your mercy, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-03T07:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Distractions distractions...always something to detract or attract, however you state it, are constantly pulling on us. Life as a human in this society tosses grenades of distractions constantly. Setting ones faith in the proper place and recognizing where our strength comes from is the only way we do not become drug down and mired in the worlds woes. I wax philosophical not with haughty wisdom but with a sense of reality in my own walk. I get caught up in drama before I even realize. Sure typically it's out of concern and as I grow in this faith I recognize junk and steer clear but of course there's always that one that sneaks in. Our common enemy has been at this for many many years and knows what usually works on humans. We are fortunate to have scripture handy to teach, reproof and to guide us whereas people a few thousand years ago didn't. They relied completely on that still small voice of God to guide them. Since we do have the opportunity to glean from others errors and literacy with the Word in front of us, let us not dismay or loose sight of our savior. Let us rejoice that we are in these times where we can see the Holy Spirit work. Times where we can see prophecy unfold. Man as scary as these times can be it's also rather exciting. Remember a promise Jesus made and think about it today...

John 14:12-18
Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto the Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do.
If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may be with you for ever,
even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive; for it beholdeth him not, neither knoweth him: ye know him; for he abideth with you, and shall be in you.
I will not leave you desolate: I come unto you.
ASV

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that encourages us. Lord we ask for the insight from the words written so we can be what you designed us to be. Help our eyes see truth and repeal lies from the enemy. Teach us to stand tall in the face of the turmoil in this world. We ask for sound minds and words put on our tongues that honor and help those who don't know you. Help us see your light and not be distracted by the great impostor, in Jesus name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2012-01-02T05:39:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Happy new year. It's a new start or at least an opportunity for a new start. As believers we need to settle once and for all where and who we are. That is a good place to start this new year with a focus and a mindset for God. Are you having trouble dealing with where you are spiritually? Is it like you need daily assurance that you are saved and secure in that salvation? Yeah, we all have times when we goof up and start to wonder if God is mad enough at us to turn away with his head shaking. Let me assure you with some scripture that he is not, in fact, taking that position no matter how you goof up. Our father in heaven has already ended the battle for you and me by his son, Jesus. We know this and we have heard this but still we have those times when we find it tough to accept. Here's where the scripture can solidify you stance and mindset. You are secure in your salvation and God is not mad at you. He is not up above doling out retribution because you cussed at that thumb you just hit with a hammer or that lie you just told. Our common enemy and his minion have a good time speaking those condemning things in our ear. Don't listen. If Jesus is convicting you to change or set right a misstep, that is a good thing but the previous will only depress and lead you down the wrong path. Be very quick to speak to God as soon as you realize a wrong and believe me, as you do that and recognize more and more you will begin to stop doing those things and that is what the Word is teaching. We do not instantly become better because we get saved but that is indeed the first step. As we listen for that still small voice that convicts and does not condemn, we are communicating with God and as a result, we improve. Try that exercise this year. With joy in our hearts we can learn where we drop the ball and fashion a relationship with the Master knowing he desires that and loves us. Isn't that cool? The creator loves the created and wants to help and not hinder, that's how we recognize who's speaking to us...

Luk 12:11-12
And when they bring you before the synagogues, and the rulers, and the authorities, be not anxious how or what ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
for the Holy Spirit shall teach you in that very hour what ye ought to say.

Heb 10:19-25
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
by the way which he dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
and having a great priest over the house of God;
let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,
let us hold fast the confession of our hope that it waver not; for he is faithful that promised:
and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works;
not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.

Heb 6:17-20
Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath;
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us:
which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil;
whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

Rom 8:16-17
The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God:
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.

Remember Jerry and Shelly...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for a new outlook for a new year. Lord, we ask for wisdom and strength to see and act according to your will and your Word. Lord, forgive our shortcomings. Lord we lift the spoken and unspoken concerns to you today. Help the less fortunate and the weak in faith to see you and to be settled in their place with you. Convict those who don't know you. Lead us to be the creations you desire us to be. We praise and honor you, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-29T07:22:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is very interesting when one searches for confirmation of ones salvation in Jesus the Christ. The world sure makes it seem bad that anything is absolute. Truth is that line of thinking is designed to allow one to embellish and do whatever their little heart desires especially contrary to the Word type of things. From the foundation of the world God predestined salvation unto himself by a sinless sacrifice through his son and knew we would have to hear and then act on that hearing. The idea that all humans are "predestined" to go to be with God in the end therefore as long as we believe anything we all get there is maddening. That idea is so self serving and ludicrous, as well as a flat lie, that there will be a lot of people on the outside looking in. That just breaks Gods heart but he being an honorable God, honors their choice. Look at part of this letter to the Ephesians Paul wrote explaining this;

EPHESIANS 1:3-14

Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with spiritual blessings in heavenly places, in Christ: As he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and unspotted in his sight in charity.

Who hath predestinated us unto the adoption of children through Jesus Christ unto himself: according to the purpose of his will: Unto the praise of the glory of his grace, in which he hath graced us in his beloved son.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the remission of sins, according to the riches of his grace, Which hath super abounded in us in all wisdom and prudence,That he might make known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed in him, In the dispensation of the fullness of times, to re-establish all things in Christ, that are in heaven and on earth, in him.

In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his will.

That we may be unto the praise of his glory, we who before hoped Christ: In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth, (the gospel of your salvation;) in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise, Who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.

Do you see that? It does not say You are predestined to go but that the concept was predestined from the creation and that we will hear the truth and act on it, one way or another. Of course he being God knows who and what from the beginning therefore it does seem like he picked whom would go but if you really explore this you realize that is not the case but that being God, he just knows. All of this is very intriguing but don't let theology concepts interfere with your salvation and what the Word says when it says "work out your salvation" . Remember that doesn't mean we "earn" our salvation by works but only that as we walk this earth we learn and figure things out as we seek God's face. Get your Bible out and do some research, it truly is fascinating...

Remember the Ford family....

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your printed Word that teaches us. Lord, help us see truth and allow us to hear the Holy Spirit as he prompts us when we read. Lord we ask for bodily healing for the afflicted. Comfort and reveal yourself to them. Lord, grant us wisdom to think and act holy as we work out our salvation. We love and honor your holy name and it is in tha name of Jesus we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-28T07:47:00.000-05:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? How strong are your convictions? It's an interesting question. I've heard and even said myself that I'd die for Jesus but I hesitate the more I watch the world and the more I read the Word because of my fleshly fears. Death doesn't scare me. How I die is not a pleasant thought. Someone holds a gun to my head and asks if I'd die or renounce Jesus, pull the trigger buddy. Attach my limbs to 4 horses and be asked the same question and the thought of dismemberment that way and would I hesitate? So scenarios like those are direct but what about ridicule? Nobody likes to be thought ill of so will you stand in the face of laughter? Shunning or disowning can have such a great effect on people that they sometimes will not stay steadfast. This is not to point fingers but designed for you to think and be honest with yourself. Ask some hard questions of yourself. Think of the worst thing that can happen to you and ask if it would cause you to back peddle on your faith. Don't beat yourself up over it, search scripture and settle the issue and if you can't on your own, ask your Pastor or whomever your Godly counselor is. Friends, you may or may not see these types of things happen to you in this country but as we progress further in history, one needs to take stock in the Word and prophecy and prepare because one day these things will take place. I sure hope and pray I have the courage to stand firm, how about you?

ACTS 7:54-60

Stephen Put to Death

⁵⁴ Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; ⁵⁶ and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”⁵⁷ But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one impulse. ⁵⁸ When they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”⁶⁰ Then falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.

Remember the Covington family

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word. Thank you for your love that sustains us. Lord we ask for wisdom and courage. We ask for love and the ability to love genuinely. Lord we lift our families up to you. Show them truth and wisdom. Lord, thank you for your son that is alive and well today and forever. We want to see Jesus this day, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-27T07:14:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Wow! Another year about over. These time passages we traverse through sure do make us analyze and take stock in ourselves and our walk with God or at least it should. Now that people are looking towards the new year with things they want to change or improve on it becomes important that we all don't fall into a state of regret. No problem with recognizing something you should have done or shouldn't have done and make adjustments accordingly but don't fall for the enemies ploys of condemnation. Let the Holy Spirit convict you of necessary behavioral changes. We've talked of this before and we know the Word tells us we are saved when we believe and confess and that there is no condemnation in Christ so press on with improvements under that conviction. Sure we should feel sorry for bad choices but repent, modify that behavior, get help if necessary but never, never self loath and think self abasement does anything for you. By self abasement I mean that place we sometimes go where we think we are worthless and we must punish ourselves for infractions. Please. Repenting, asking for forgiveness, recognizing stupid moves is fine but falling into a tither over it serves no one and can only open the door for the devil and his minion to pick away at your joy and peace. We can have confidence that our Father will discipline us but once we are saved, no punishment because Jesus already took the whoopin for us...

Romans 8 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 4:15-16

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

1 John 4:16-18

We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.

Remember Scott Reynolds family...remember Tonya...remember Madonna Johnson...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the life you gave for us. Thank you for your Word that sustains us. Thank you for allowing us to be and to do and show us the right ways so we do not inflict pain or lead any astray. Lord we lift those listed today. Heal and comfort them. Help them recognize they need you. Help their eyes seek you. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-22T06:25:00.000-05:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? Such an interesting time of year. It can be daunting and it can be joyous. It also can be both. So did you accept the gift of salvation yesterday? Do you want to get on with it but are kinda stopped looking out the windshield trying to pick the right direction? Let me show you something that we've looked at before but I think your eyes will see more than before;

1 John 4

¹ Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; ³ and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. ⁴ You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. ⁵They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

God Is Love

⁷ Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. ⁸ The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. ⁹ By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. ¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. ¹²No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. ¹³ By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. ¹⁴ We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. ¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. ¹⁷ By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. ¹⁹ We love, because He first loved us.²⁰ If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.²¹ And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

That chapter is so full of truths and concepts that are contrary to the worlds view. Retribution, revenge, pay back are all things love does not allow. Not because of a rule but because love conquers those things. True love from the heart may get hurt but wont want to "get em back" because it realizes how much what was done to itself hurt and wouldn't want it to happen to others. It is hard to stop and look for truth when one is hurt but the grace of God that we now enjoy will open our eyes if we look. We still sometimes revert but as soon as we realize that has taken place, this salvation has afforded us the right to confess directly to God and ask for wisdom and forgiveness.

The other concept we may never have considered is that something that seems right and good is worthless if it denies Christ. Remember that the enemy is a liar and a deceiver and will fool even the elect with crafty ideology and if we don't ask the right questions, we can be led astray. There's one way to God and it is his son Jesus.

Remember Mary...remember Pam...remember Chris...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of your son that we celebrate. Grant us wisdom, courage and inspiration to act and speak as you have shown in your Word. Lord we do not wish to be misled but sometimes fall for stuff because it seems or feels good. Lord open the eyes of our hearts, we want to see Jesus. Lord we lift those mentioned and those not to you. Heal bodies, minds and spirits. Thank you in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-21T07:11:00.000-05:00

Great morning to be alive! How are we faithing? With the discussions we've had the last two days it becomes evident that the simple act of being saved and how to do it needs to be presented. It's really quite simple and Jesus laid it out so a child can understand therefore even I got it. Levity aside, this is the most important decision you will ever make in your life. This decision has eternal consequences. Fail to make the choice and the choice becomes made for you. So lets look at scripture to see how we do this;

Mark 16:20
And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.

Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.

Romans 10:9-13

⁹that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; ¹⁰ for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. ¹¹ For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” ¹² For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; ¹³ for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.”

John 3:16-20

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ¹⁸ He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

So there you go. Simple actually. Believe in your heart, confess with the mouth to salvation. So pray this aloud;

Father God, forgive my sins. I accept your gift of salvation that your only begotten son gives. I admit I am a sinner and in need of a savior. I believe Jesus died for me. Lord, thank you for saving me, in Jesus' name , amen!

Now out loud you pray this then rejoice because your eternity is set! You are a child of God therefore have a right to approach him anytime with anything and he is listening. Take the time to read the Word every day. Pray/speak to him every day. Remember this flesh has it's pitfalls but never is your secure place in heaven in jeopardy! The Word tells us "nothing can snatch us out of his hands"! Now go find a bible believing church to attend, get yourself baptized like the Word tells us and embark on a journey that you can't even fathom!

daily prayer

2011-12-20T07:02:00.001-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Did you forget you are saved by grace? Did you forget that salvation isn't based on your screw ups or successes? Have you started to fall for the premise that you have to work at being holy to maintain that salvation? Do you think because of a screw up or two you now have to be saved again? All these ideas and feelings are from the loser of all that the Bible promises. Scripture is very specific about salvation and either it is right on or it all is a pack of lies. Jesus is the only way to salvation or he is a total liar and all we are doing is in vain. Anything we do or don't do has no impact on that said salvation once we have accepted the free gift offered. The scripture tells us we cannot be snatched from Gods hands so if that is true, you and I are secure in this salvation so with that being a settled issue, we press on with the other things God would has for us do. "I feel God has turned his back on me", no, you have lost sight . He is still right where he always has been. "I goofed up, how could he still love me?" because he said he would. Because he said he will. Your feelings of abandonment are not from God but a sense of guilt or simply the devil interjecting condemnation to render you ineffective and to push you into that state of depression. Don't read into that last statement. Clinical depression is very real and there are many reasons for it, injury, chemical, malnutrition etc. so recognize it for what it is. You need to be convinced of your salvation. You need to read the scriptures and speak them aloud so they are heard. Settle this once and for all so when it crops up again you have the faith based on truth to stand on and you are able to deal with whatever is taking place and not revisit an old issue that distracts from the present one. These are but a few of the verses we all need to remember when the enemy tries to steal our peace;

2 Peter 3:9

⁹ The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Ephesians 2:8-9

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 1:13-14

¹³ In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Ephesians 2:10

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

John 5:24

²⁴ “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

John 10:28-29
and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.

remember Stephanie Wood and family...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for salvation and grace. Thank you that your Word sustains us. Thank you your scripture reveals truth. Lord we ask for4 such a steadfastness assurance of things already taught. Lord, we lift those hurting today. We ask for wisdom so we do not mislead or cause pain. Lord we love and honor you and in your name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-19T07:32:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? During times of high stress is is important that we maintain our focus. It is important to never stop praying, never stop petitioning God, never forget who we are and who he is. Never forget to KNOW that we will come out the other side of our current circumstances and that we had better seek truth throughout it all. Does that make any circumstance better or easier? Not always man. There are times it gets real bad and we feel like it's over but there are also times when we know in our hearts this current situation is temporary, it may suck but it will end. That realization doesn't necessarily make it any less painful but hope is present and we operate on hope and expectations. We expect the traffic lights to work right so we don't have a wreck. We expect to get what we order at the sandwich shop. We hope to feel better even when the pain seems so bad. We hope we are treated well and conversely that we respond in kind. How do we react to those expectations and hopes when they do not unfold as we think they ought to? Ah, there's the meat of this discussion. No matter what position we are in, what befalls us, how we are treated we must maintain our hope in our Father God that is well aware of all things and that we are here in this flesh therefore all the pitfalls that encumber this flesh can be whooped with his power. We need remember that his power made this orb and everything on it and our savior is one and the same and loved us enough to place himself in a position to see it all through our eyes. Man that is love. I wouldn't become a hose clamp, even if I could, just to see how the coolant system works. It's hot under that hood.

“Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:” (Isa 59:1 AV)

“The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.”
(Pr 15:29 AV)

“The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”
(Pr 4:19 AV)

“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.”
(1Jo 2:11 AV)

Remember Laurie's nephew...remember Archie Benton...remember Dark Horse...remember Eric's Mom...remember Anna...remember Josh...remember Christopher...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for always seeing us through turmoil and trials. Open our eyes and hearts to the lessons to be learned. Lord we lift those hurting this day. Heal wounds. Heal minds. Heal spirits. Lord we praise and worship at your feet even when we are so perplexed and distracted. We desire to be in your presence constantly and totally aware of your promptings. Lord we seek wisdom and courage plus the words that heal and not hinder. Make us strong examples of your grace and love and let us not cause pain for others but let our lives lead them to you. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-09T07:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? As we traverse this life we can have so many things erupt that we feel like there is no way we can persevere. Many times when in the midst of these times we tend to forget who's we are. Looking inward rather than in the mirror has distinctions that we should notice. The mirror is a reflection of us and opposite to boot but looking inward where Jesus dwells affords a view without visual encumbrance. Our Lord promised to dwell in us and when the enemy tries to invade we can stand on truth and not allow him entrance. Our ability is God's because of that dwelling inside so as soon as we recognise the enemies attempts, we have the right to rebuke and to call on God's power to overcome. It sounds complicated sometimes but think about it; the creator dwells in us when we accept salvation. There's no higher power. Human errors can be made and our advocate is always present on our behalf so that when we realize, repentance and improvement can be.

Psalm 56:4

In God, whose word I praise,
In God I have put my trust;
I shall not be afraid.
What can mere man do to me?

Remember Bailey and family...remember Kristian...remember Jeff Millard...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love. Thank you for your Word that is available to us. We love and honor you. Grant us wisdom and discernment so we can stand in love and honesty without fear of what man can do. Our confidence is in you Lord, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you feel sometimes you have no effect on anything or anybody for our savior? Do you understand the Word that tells us to "be ready in season and out of season"? Do you realize the most minuscule event can have far reaching effects? Stepping forward with a kind word regardless of what flies at us can actually have long reaching effects on the receiver. Many a time a forgiving spirit and and eye turned to God will transform a life and at a minimum, contribute to that transformation. We do not know how our actions and words can hinder or help others in their time of need therefore actions and reactions must be based on Godlike love and wisdom. We may not notice the need but we must recognise that they may exist whenever we encounter people of all walks of life. The wisdom, patience, love we receive from the Word is to be applied in what we do, say and how we act. Kat and I were privileged to witness ,as the Word says, the planting of a seed, the watering of it a time or two and then saw a harvest for the Father. We didn't even realize it till another soul in a similar situation was encountered. Only after it took place was the realization that this had happened before came to mind. Our focusing on a daily walk with Jesus is what we need to concentrate on because if we walked looking for results immediately in witnessing we would loose focus from the love of God back to deeds and forget that deeds are a result of our peace and salvation and not how to earn it. Seeing a repentant heart and seeing them receive that peace and salvation sure is an encouragement for sharing the Word but the reason we share is because of what Jesus has done for us and we just cannot contain that love. Genuine charity is a God given gift that runs deep inside and it cannot help but flow out and when we get to that wonderful point of recognising souls and desire to direct them to God the immediate desire to see results fades somewhat because their journey is theirs and not ours so encouragement and genuine love is how we present this wonderful life walking with God. The next time you encounter anyone, even someone who is irritating the snot out of you, remember where you were once...

2 Timothy 4

“Preach the Word”

¹ I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, ⁴ and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. ⁵But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Remember Mike and Natalie...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and wisdom. Thank you for allowing us to serve you. Lord we praise your holy name and ask for wisdom so we help and not hurt. Grant us insight and courage to step where we fear. Cleanse us from that fear. We lift up families today. Heal, open eyes, open dialog that heals and not destroys. In Jesus name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-06T07:46:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? It's been an eventful tiring time for us lately. The things that take place around us take a toll on rest, attitude, and our sense of well being. We can't be joyous all the time but we can be joyful. Sometimes our own past sneaks up and sucker punches us when we thought those things had been dealt with. The enemy loves to bring up past sins and things we totally screwed up on and if it has already been dealt with, why does that button when pushed work? Because satan is the accuser of the brethren. Satan and his minion like to throw old stuff into our face to try to render us ineffective. A good friend told me to stand and speak out " God has already whooped this so in the name of Jesus, I rebuke things that are already settled and won". Isn't that cool? Why do we fight the same battles that have already been fought and won? Recognise when this happens. Be in the Word to be ready when this type of attack happens, and it will. If the enemy is able to move our focus off Jesus and onto ourselves, we are in deep trouble.

1 PETER 5:6-11
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

remember the Elliston family...

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your wisdom in your Word. Lord we ask for strength to stand, courage to act and vision for truth. Help us be who we are to be. Protect the innocent. Preserve our republic. Open eyes of our leaders. Protect our emergency workers and our troops. Protect us who are on the road, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-05T06:19:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? With the amassing of instruments of war fare in the mid-east around Syria, one tends to look and wonder what is about to happen. There are so many sides to what is happening and we do search scripture to try to see prophecy unfold. The "birth pains" in the last days we have discussed before seem to be taking place right now. We do not have to fear or be bewildered at events, just aware and in the Word. We see the longest living city, Damascus being destroyed in Isaiah 17. This has never happened yet so it causes one to pause and watch.

Isaiah 17

Prophecy about Damascus

The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city
And will become a fallen ruin.
“The cities of Aroer are forsaken;
They will be for flocks to lie down in,
And there will be no one to frighten them.
“The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim,
And sovereignty from Damascus
And the remnant of Aram;
They will be like the glory of the sons of Israel,”
Declares the LORD of hosts.
Now in that day the glory of Jacob will fade,
And the fatness of his flesh will become lean.
It will be even like the reaper gathering the standing grain,
As his arm harvests the ears,
Or it will be like one gleaning ears of grain
In the valley of Rephaim.
⁶ Yet gleanings will be left in it like the ^[h]shaking of an olive tree,
Two or three olives on the topmost bough,
Four or five on the branches of a fruitful tree,
Declares the LORD, the God of Israel.
⁷ In that day man will have regard for his Maker
And his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel.
⁸ He will not have regard for the altars, the work of his hands,
Nor will he look to that which his fingers have made,
Even the Asherim and incense stands.
⁹ In that day their strong cities will be like forsaken places in the forest,
Or like branches which they abandoned before the sons of Israel;
And the land will be a desolation.
¹⁰ For you have forgotten the God of your salvation
And have not remembered the rock of your refuge.
Therefore you plant delightful plants
And set them with vine slips of a strange god.
¹¹ In the day that you plant it you carefully fence it in,
And in the morning you bring your seed to blossom;
But the harvest will be a heap
In a day of sickliness and incurable pain.
¹² Alas, the uproar of many peoples
Who roar like the roaring of the seas,
And the rumbling of nations
Who rush on like the rumbling of mighty waters!
¹³ The nations rumble on like the rumbling of many waters,
But He will rebuke them and they will flee far away,
And be chased like chaff in the mountains before the wind,
Or like whirling dust before a gale.
¹⁴ At evening time, behold, there is terror!
Before morning they are no more.
Such will be the portion of those who plunder us
And the lot of those who pillage us.

Isn't that interesting? There is so much stuff over in that area right now. 2 nuclear carriers, missiles from all sides, the threat to Israel of "wiping them off the map", Israels nuclear capabilities, it shows that Damascus being a heap of rubble in one night completely doable. Scary and at the same time intriguing. The absolute cool thing about these scenarios we find all over prophecy is all believers in Jesus the Messiah will be saved and are forgiven no matter how all these end time events play out. Will we face some of the scary things? Some will, some will physically die. Do we need to be concerned? In so much as we need to be out there showing Jesus to as many people as we can and as often as we can without fear of what they think of us and of the comments we may receive, yes we need be concerned. Times are perilous and I believe very short and if we believe what we profess, how could we not tell everyone? How could we not have enough compassion for people that we have to tell them of the salvation we have?

Remember Sheree...remember Ben and Linda...remember myself, Kat and Chris...remember the lost

Heavenly Father,

We know you have it all figured out but we are a little frightened by the things we face on this earth. Lord help us be courageous and wise. Help us not fear what can be done to our bodies but be more concerned for others souls. Lord we ask for healing for those mentioned and for those struggling. Lord, forgive us when we don't act or speak in accordance to your statues. Thank you for all you do, in Jesus name, amen

dailyprayer

2011-12-02T07:35:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you see supposed Christians acting unchristian like or is it just different than you are used to? Do you think they might not be saved? Is that opinion based on scripture, your denominational beliefs or out of arrogance? It is very important we know where and why we stand on an issue and whether it is appropriate or necessary to speak out about whatever the issue may be. Perceived or stated proper actions must be solely based on scripture or we fall into judgement of things of no consequence and things that could easily repel rather than gather people to Jesus. The next time you are turned off by something, stop a second and try to figure out why. Some things are obvious things scripture is quite clear about and some things are debatable. Someone shoplifting is wrong. Someone being to loud or to soft spoken for our taste is simply that, taste. I'm surely not going to climb someones back for something that simply irritates me. If a fellow believer is walking a path in the wrong direction we should bring it up when appropriate but not condescendingly but with love. I could be wrong. You could be wrong. We both could be wrong. We both could be right but finger pointing doesn't work. Want to drive people away from Jesus? Behave "holier than thou" and you are guaranteed to diminish the congregation and the Christmas cards received.

MAT 7:1-5

Judge not, that ye be not judged.
For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.

ROM 2:1-4

Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things. But do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgment on those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

ROM 14:1-4

Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not forthe purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge the servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls; and he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

remember Nan Gilpin...remember Bailey...remember Lindsay and her family

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Word that clarifies how we are to act. Lord we do ask for wisdom for seeing truth and not see cloudy. Lord, help those mentioned today. Heal the sick. Mend the minds and in the name of Jesus we rebuke satan and his minion from influence on our lives. We stand on your promises of peace and love. We ask you show yourself in all we do and it is in your holy name we request these things, amen

daily prayer

2011-12-01T07:14:00.001-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? We as a species tend to revert in times of trouble. What am I talking about? When calamity befalls us we revert to what we know. Good , bad or in between we run to the safe zone i.e. , what we know. If what we know isn't founded on the Word of God and a saving knowledge of Jesus we will run to the last known default setting. This place can be anything from drink, drugs, illicit activities, Mom and Dad, previous relationships, on and on. Think about this, if it didn't work before and we moved on with God, why would we think it'll work again? We don't if the truth be told, it's a place of comfort only in so much as it's known. Fear of that unknown that drives us back to the known can make a situation worse. Example, a couple breaks up, one or both run back into another relationship without ever searching why this one busted up. Not the blame thing because lets talk, it's rarely ever one sides fault totally right? Be honest with yourself, ask yourself how you can avoid the same junk happening over and over. It's not easy to endure but it is completely doable with attitude and honesty with one's self. No one likes the idea that they screwed up. No one likes being on the blame side but if one ever hopes to get better and to not repeat same actions one must be brutally honest with them selves and rely on Jesus and not ourselves for repair. It makes complete sense to build that foundation while we are not in turmoil so when those times come we are prepared. I'll tell ya, my bride and I have been through it lately but we are looking for a lesson and not retreating. It sucks sometimes and we are exhausted but we know God has his hand on us therefore we will come out the other side wiser, stronger albeit a little more wrinkly. !0 year ago we probably would be crying in our beer right about now...

1 Peter 1:13-25
Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
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.
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abides for ever.
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
But the word of the Lord endure for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

remember Dave Smethurst...remember Chris Hall...remember Jennifer

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your hand on our souls that guide and protect us. Lord we ask for clarity in all situations. Open our eyes so we can operate wisely and honorably to events and situations. Let us see that rest and peace that passes all understanding. Help us know your presence in our lives. We lift those hurting today. Heal wounds, protect from the enemy. Let us see the enemies ploys for what they are. In Jesus name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-30T06:58:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Tired. Man I'm tired. Plumb wore out. Could sleep in a hammock under the sun for a week. Ever feel that way? The stress of life can get all over us sometimes and we get so worn down. Beat up as it were by all the things we all face every day. It is interesting though when we read the Word and discover that the peace and rest we need is available from the masters hand. The redemptive qualities and the absolute love of a God that gave all for you and me. The love of a father that he would save us through his son. The love of a God who takes time to number the hairs on our heads. We will get tired but we need not get discouraged. We will require rest and we get that with a heaping helping of peace. We hurt physically but of course we know we will heal. We get so tired but our savior nourishes and replenishes us. Man that is so comforting...or maybe I need coffee...

1JOHN 1
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;

(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just 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.
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Heavenly Father,
Lord we praise you and lift your holy name. Thank you for your rest and your peace that is beyond our understanding. Bless those who are diligently seeking you. Walk beside us and remind us of your love for us. Lord, heal bodies and minds. Take our infirmeries away. Bless our minds with assurance of this faith in your son, In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-29T07:45:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Jesus told us a lot of things that we just seem to not get a hold of. He told us we would do greater things than he did. He told us we would be empowered with the Holy Spirit. He told us anything we ask for we have. He said "Knock and the door is opened for us, seek and we will find". We have not because we ask not. The Ferrari? The mansion? The yacht? Yeah but look at something here; how will you deal with those things? Will it just lead to wanting more? I know it does because drag racers just want to go faster, pilots want to fly higher, where does it end and where do we step out of God's will and into selfish will? Ah you say, there lies the conundrum. There lies the crux of this whole wanting issue. Some things we want are not good for us therefore it stands to reason a father that loves us isn't going to give us things that will destroy us. Is it the things fault? No, it's our own. As a Dad, I would not give a loaded handgun to a five year old so if our Daddy in heaven sees something that will harm us, he isn't gonna give it to us. With that in mind, the next time you ask for something and it seems you don't get it in your time frame, don't diss the Father for being stingy, look at yourself honestly for how you will use or abuse it.

JOHN 14:12-14
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

Mark 16:17-18
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

remember Hallie Tracy...remember Mary Hutcherson...remember Turley...remember Rex's Mom...remember Chris and Kat

Heavenly Father,
We ask for your wisdom and comfort. We ask for physical healing and spiritual enlightenment today. Teach us where we need to improve. Give us a thankful heart. We praise and honor your holy name and it is in that name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-28T06:49:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? How do you deal with adversity in your life? It's real easy to succumb to circumstances and react in kind. We as the human animal can be entrenched in despair when things go awry. It takes a deep seated faith in our Lord Jesus the Christ to climb out of that place we fall into. I've done it, you've done it. The tendency to crab and complain when things are rough is an easy place to drive to and without an inner joy and peace we make things worse by pessimism and that woeful demeanor. Having tons of adverse things blown in our path isn't unusual and guess what? It never ceases therefore it behooves us to form a mental defense and the only one that is idiot proof is our faith in Jesus. As we train in the Word that same scripture will begin to come to mind when the crumbling happens. Our remembering the times we climbed out and our savior was present is what we need to remember when it seems like we are alone. I can talk to my savior. I can ask him to intervene. I can look for the lesson in everything. It's like when we critique a run on the fire department. We critique not to condemn but to learn. We discuss what worked and what didn't. We see with hind sight the pros and cons so the next time we act more appropriately. The Word is already at our disposal for that same type of critique and learning. I handle situations in God's ways more and more as of the Word is revealed. I see my goof ups and learn from them...most of the time. Once you discover you have acted or thought inappropriately, thank the Lord, remember, move on.

James 5:9-16
Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
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.
KJV

remember Fred Knipper...remember Kevin Cleveland...remember Chris Hall, car wreck...remember Kat and I...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that sustains us. Thank you for your ever presence in our life. Thank you for a mind and a heart for you. Lord we lift those mentioned up to you. Heal bodies and minds. Make your presence known. Make those who are suffering see how these present circumstances can be used to honor you. Protect our children, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-23T07:40:00.001-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Have you seen the news lately? Do you wonder if the world has gone nuts? I tend to think the media thinks we're all stupid and I'll tell you with some of the things going on, it's understandable why. Do you find it hard to just function today? A lot of others do too. Do you wonder if your kids have a chance with things the way they are? They do only if they have a firm foundation in the Word and if we don't, they ain't gonna. By watching the goings on around me and diving into the Word I have found that nothing has changed in the 5700 years the Bible covers. We still act the same, do the same things we just do it with different stuff. The actions and attitudes plus the human nature of us keep repeating. I had a conversation with my son and he sounded like I did at that age. I would be willing to bet I sounded the same to my Dad and he to his and so forth. How do we encourage people when they are surrounded with bad reports all the time? How can we stand on the Word with optimism when all around us is tumbling down? The Word of God, the salvation we hold and the promise that no matter the circumstance we endure we will come out the other side whether this side or the other of physical life and the presence of the Holy Spirit is how. To be joyful inside because we know the truths of our Messiah can only be achieved when we know that we know he is ever present even when we're falling off a cliff. Scared sometimes? Of course. Doubting sometimes? We'd be remiss if we didn't admit that but being able to seek God out with a simple plea or prayer at times of distress as well as times of joy makes all this doable. Not once has a promise of God in the Word been undone. Not once have I seen God not use all things for good for those who love him. There may be times when I don't have a clue why or what but I do know that eventually it will be evident and all I must do is trust. He doesn't do things the way I think they ought to be done at times but gee whiz man, if he made the molecules by speaking them into existence, how can we think our situations are beyond his touch? So this Thanksgiving eve I am giving thanks to my Lord for always being exactly where I needed him to be even if at the time I was blinded, you humble yourself and pray and give thanks to a master that loves you. This blog is for your encouragement this day for our encouragement comes from a savior of grace and love and not one of dictatorship and punishment.

1THES 5:8-23
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Rejoice evermore.
Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2 COR 1:3-7
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

Heavenly Father,
We praise your holy name. Lord we ask for wisdom that we cause no harm but help those in need. Help us counsel in a Christ like manner that brings honor to you. Grant us traveling blessing that those on the roads arrive safely. Keep us alert to the enemies snares. Lord guide us in everything we do and it in your name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-22T07:26:00.000-05:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? The encouragement we give is directly proportional to the encouragement we receive. We can only love as much as we have been loved. If we take in junk, out of our mouths flies junk. These are very interesting and deep thoughts that have direct effect on us as children of God. I run into people all the time who wrestle with these things. They love God and have problems in one or all of these areas and as they try to figure out why they are struggling. The enemy of our souls and his minion step through a door and insert things we can't seem to shake. This why I push so hard on daily scripture reading. Our education is the only way we learn to recognise those attacks from the enemy. Our input of truth from the Word is the only way we can go into battle. Our assurance of our place in God's kingdom has to come from prayer, reading scripture and acting on what we read. We all struggle with aspects of the truth we find in the Word because it flies in the face of worldly logic. If we are honest we can see worldly methods fail all around us but I've yet to see a Godly principle fail. "Greed works" was a line in an old movie and greed does work in the worldly system but at what cost? Scruples and moral fiber is non existent when we use methods devised by the enemy. Greed for example is bad because it is self serving, selfish in nature and causes one to "get" without regard of others and oneself. Stepping on and over others along the way can be as simple as lies perpetrated or outright killing. How can that ever be righteous? Look at this;

Covetousness

A strong desire after the possession of worldly things. It assumes sometimes the more aggravated form of avarice, which is the mark of cold-hearted worldliness.

1Ti 6:9-10
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Ro 8:13
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Heb 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Going after more is fine but why are you? How are you? Is the more of greater importance than your morals?

Remember Hallie,Irene,Karen and Scott...remember Lori's Dad

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask for wisdom to recognise when we step out of your way and into the worlds. Help us understand gain is for your glory and not for our comfort. Help us not idolize gain. Lord we lift those hurting to you. Heal, comfort and open eyes so we can see you. Help us control our tongues and our actions so your glory is seen in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-21T07:47:00.001-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? What a week! What a weekend! Things fly at us and most times they are just non dramatic things that life brings and sometimes...sometimes we get blindsided with events, comments, actions we see that blow our minds. Nothing is new though. Anything that happens to you and me isn't unusual or has not happened before to some one else or even repeats of our own. I watch and listen to people of all walks of life and try to see the root of what they are enduring. Lots of manifestation of anger or depression or gaiety are the product of how we deal with situations and thought processes we use. Which do you use? Do you pity party when things go awry? Do you complain when you are not receiving what you think you should? Are you being selfish? Do you look for the root cause or go off on a symptom? Do you "see" when someone is hurting and address that while ignoring their delivery of that emotion? It's hard to do that sometimes and sometimes we must calm a situation before healing can start but the fabulous thing here is with the wisdom of the Word and prayer, we can indeed get past the show of emotion and help with the cause. This also is true when we are in that state. I've caught myself whining inside and then recognise it. After a chuckle over falling into the same junk again I can repent, ask for wisdom and move on. This takes practice and it takes setting that ego aside and admitting the flaw.

JOHN 8:1-11
¶ Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
KJV

Did you see that? Jesus dealt with the people and the woman accused with the root cause. The people were guilty of sin but hadn't been caught, the woman was guilty but was forgiven and told to not do that anymore then sent on her way. Good lesson for us when we deal with people in our lives...

Remember Kellynn...remember Marie's family...remember Israel and the region in turmoil...remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us. Thank you for saving us. Lord, we repent of our sinful ways and ask a forgiving spirit rest upon us and the wisdom to see root causes and address them in a manner glorious to you. Lord we do lift those mentioned today. We ask for clarity and a Godly mindset for them that they see what really matters. in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-18T08:11:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? This is an old song by the 2nd Chapter of Acts. I can't get it out of my head;

Here the bells ringing

They're singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They're singing Christ is risen from the dead
The angel up on the tombstone
Said He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell his disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead
Joy to the word,
He has risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah
He's risen, hallelujah

Mark 16:1-7
Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him. Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they said among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?" But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away — for it was very large. And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen ! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples — and Peter — that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you."
NKJV

remember Carl Ford's family...remember Paul and Mary's family...remember Shannon and Jordan...remember Mike and Natalie...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your risen son that saves us! Thank you that he loves us that much! Lord we ask for healings in relationships and healing for broken hearts today. Grant strength and courage to those who are struggling with life and death. Lord we praise your holy name! in Jesus name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? We all battle our own desires. Some are proper and justified, some not. Some things that get in the way of holiness living are just flesh junk and some are not. The enemy uses our flesh desires as a weapon against us. We can overcome our desires with the Spirits guidance. Lots of times we don't even realize things are bad for us until we are bound by them. Anything we desire can become an idol in our lives. Anything can consume our every waking thought. I've been there. You've been there. Some are still there. Here's a litmus test for all our desires,"What place does this desire hold inside me." Be honest with yourself and take the appropriate action or get the appropriate help.

Romans 6:12-14

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.
NAS

Romans 13:12-14
Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.
NAS

1 Peter 4:6
For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.
NAS

1 Peter 1:22-25
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God. For,
"All flesh is like grass,
And all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
And the flower falls off,
But the word of the Lord abides forever. "
And this is the word which was preached to you.
NAS

Remember Marie's family...remember Chris...remember Thomas...remember Linda

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that does everything. Thank you for revealing your Word in everything we do. Lord we lift those mentioned and those not, to us this morning. Grant us wisdom and courage to act, think and be your servants. Help us recognise hurtful things in and around us. Lord we love you and do try to be honorable people for you but we stumble. We ask your touch on our life today, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-16T07:07:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? We are closer today than we were yesterday to the end of days. A thousand years, a thousand days or before this day ends it may all end. Many I see act with the "eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow we die" attitude and that has caused many a person, family and culture to fail. Selfishness. That's what that comes down to. People, in no way am I ever gonna speak with doom and gloom. Never is the intention to scare the snot out of you but you ought to be scared if you don't know Jesus as savior. No choice is a choice and that will have ever lasting results and those results may not be what you were hoping for. Look around. Open your eyes. Look at the signs. Not just in your world but all around you. The other side of the big pond. The areas that have always had turmoil have more and more of it and when someone shows up and says,"I can fix this" and then seemingly does, watch out. We've seen it over and over and we still look for that guy that can fix it all. Look at history. Read the Bible. What do we as a species always do? After that exercise, take stock in your life. Where are you? Are you floundering? Do you flat not know? Do you ask questions of yourself and feel like you are swimming next to the boat and you are tiring? Well stop the utopian rhetoric. Open your eyes to the only true peace. Look upon the savior that has his hand outstretched and is giving you the gift of salvation and the grace that imparts a peace that words can't even describe. I believe Jesus is Messiah and all other paths lead to hell. I believe ALL people are offered this salvation offered. I pray that no one misses that gift. I want all people find Jesus and we all serve the Lord in heaven, what ever that may be like and we walk with the giraffes along a beautiful river that even the flowers can speak. Am I nuts? Am I delusional? Maybe but I know and I see what Jesus does for me every day. I see where I was and where I am and with that I can trust where I am going because he hasn't failed in any way yet. Make ready for the coming of the Lord and I pray we smile and nod with a knowing after this spin on this ol orb.

Joel 3:14
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
KJV

2 Peter 3:7
But the present heavens and earth by His word are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
NAS

Joel 2:1-2
Blow a trumpet in Zion,
And sound an alarm on My holy mountain!
Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble,
For the day of the LORD is coming;
Surely it is near,
A day of darkness and gloom,
A day of clouds and thick darkness.
As the dawn is spread over the mountains,
So there is a great and mighty people;
There has never been anything like it,
Nor will there be again after it
To the years of many generations.
NAS

Remember Eric...remember Ryan Stoner...remember Dana Trumble...remember the Smith family...remember Trulon...remember Nicole SpSh...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love and thank you for taking me on this journey of realizing who you are. We lift those in trouble today and ask you intervene in a way that is undeniable to those around and to those involved. Help our eyes see truth and wisdom found in your Word. Bless our troops and our leaders, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-14T06:51:00.000-05:00

     Good morning! How are we faithing? It is so interesting that as "adopted" people through Jesus we have the right and the opportunity to approach God directly. When you are in a family you have rights that a stranger does not. I don't have a problem when at my Mom and Dad's house to peruse the refrigerator but i surely will not do that at my neighbors house. I can walk right in and ask Dad a question and fully expect an honest and truthful answer. I do trust but verify my neighbors answers. The point is we are adopted into the family of God therefore we can go directly to Jesus and ask with open honesty and expect an answer that a child expects from their father. Do you see the simplistic nature of this grace we are afforded? We have a father by adoption and are loved just like we were his own. How awsome is that?

Galatians 4:3-7
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
NAS

1 Corinthians 3:21-23
So then let no one boast in men. For all things belong to you, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come; all things belong to you, and you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God.
NAS

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.
NAS

John 6:38-40
"For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. "For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him, may have eternal life; and I Myself will raise him up on the last day."
NAS

Isaiah 9:6
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
NAS

Hebrews 1:1-2
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
NAS

Remember Thomas Allen...remember Mika Lance...remember Sebastian and his family...remember Baily and her family...

Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for adopting us. Thank you for loving us so much you sent your son to gathewr us to you. Lord we lift those who are hurting up to you. Touch them in ways they know you care. Lord we lift the lost and the unsure. Reassure them. Open the eyes of their hearts that they see you have come to remove us from the orphanage and we now reside with you forever and can raid your fridge....in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-11T07:19:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? The lyrics to the song "My Will" by D.C.Talk are really hitting me today and rather than my words today I'll let you see theirs;

I'm setting the stage for the things I love

And I'm now the man I once couldn't be
Nothing on earth could now ever move me
I now have the will and the strength a man needs

It's my will, and I'm not moving
Cause if it's Your will, then nothing can shake me
It's my will, to bow and praise You
I now have the will to praise my God

Complexity haunts me for I am two men
Entrenched in a battle that I'll never win
My discipline fails me, my knowledge it fools me
But You are my shelter, all the strength that I need

I'm learning to give up the rights to myself
The bits and the pieces I've gathered as wealth
Could never compare to the joy that You bring me
The peace that You show me is the strength that I need

We've got to be children of peace

Some scripture to read with the song;

Isaiah 1:18
"Come now, and let us reason together,"
Says the LORD,
"Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
they will be like wool.
NAS

John 7:15-18
The Jews therefore were marveling, saying, "How has this man become learned, having never been educated?" Jesus therefore answered them, and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. "If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from Myself. "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
NAS

Remember Nicole and her family...remember Bobby and Jasmine...

Heavenly Father,
Forgive us when we do our will over yours. Lord our flesh whoops us and we're sorry when the spirit is willing but our flesh is weak. Lord we lift those up who are hurting today, heal the wounds that bind them. Lord we ask for healing in your church from tongues wagging and from sins committed. Help us be your lights in a dark world. Grant the peace on the job that your servants need...in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-10T07:37:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Why are some believers walking around with their faces long when the spirit of God is in them? Why do believers look around with ire when they have been forgiven for the exact same stuff? You didn't do anything as heinous as that guy? Oh really? Didn't God say sin was sin and you sinned? So why would we think we are above the lost? Why would we toss them aside as vermin or cast a disparaging look or vile comment on someone who doesn't know Jesus yet? Shouldn't we love them as Jesus loved us? As believers we are privy to the secrets of God and as they are revealed we grow in the Lord and we take on a more Godly appearance but when we start getting self righteous we step right back into the sin that enslaved us before. It's time we realize the wonder of the grace we are under and stop lording it over the lost. Check yourself today. Recognise how you react to things and query yourself if it is appropriate for a saved soul. Be concerned with your behavior and not others.

Proverbs 3:32

For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.
KJV

Psalms 25:14
The secret of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He will make them know His covenant.
NAS

John 15:15-16
"No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.
NAS

John 14:21
"He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him.
NAS

Matthew 13:11-12
And He answered and said to them, "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.
NAS

Gee whiz! We are redeemed! That redemption is for that jerk who just dissed you! Get over it quickly with prayer and lift up those who are where you once was!

Remember Bills Honey Bee...remember Brad Hanners...remember Earl...

Heavenly Father,
Bless us Lord so we can be a blessing for you! Help us see truth and not let the enemy use hurt in his favor. Lord we lift your name higher than any other and we ask for courage and wisdom to stand as you designed us to. Take away our hurts and grant that peace only you can. We lift those lost to you. Help us be a seed planter,waterer and harvester. Help us shine from your light. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-09T07:46:00.000-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Have had a lot of interesting conversations as of late and it is amazing to see so many searching and they don't even realize they are. Many are so mired in the mud of this world they feel like they are in quick sand and are sinking fast. I don't have the answers to all their woes but I do know where one can have joy that is beyond understanding even in the midst of horrific circumstances. My Lord tells me that my destination is set and this vapor of a time on this blue orb is finite in comparison to forever. My Lord also tells my that I am and will be in his presence forever. In this flesh right now I sometimes "feel" I am not but a quick prayer and I am convinced all over again. I may still be enduring circumstances I don't particularly desire but knowing he walks with me, talks with me I am able to pass through gleaning wisdom from the fallout. We as believers should remember whence we came and that all those we meet have the same available to them. Let us not wince at the thought of stepping out and presenting Jesus because he loves us all and all sin is covered and forgotten if we only believe and accept the gift of his salvation.

Psalms 69:14
Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.
KJV

Psalms 40:2
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay;
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
NAS

Matthew 7:24-27
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. "And everyone who hears these words of Mine, and does not act upon them, will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and burst against that house; and it fell, and great was its fall."
NAS

Remember Kathy Mcpherson and Richard Picken...remember Dawna King...

Heavenly Father,
Help us see you in all we do. Help us hear your voice in the choices we make. help us not speak ill of your children and teach us your ways. Grant us sight into others so we act and speak in a manner that glorifies you and not our own self. We ask for blessings and comfort for those grieving for lost loved ones. Help them seek your aid and peace. Grant the serenity that is beyond this world. Help us stand strong to temptation and it is in your holy name we pray, amen!

daily prayer

2011-11-07T07:35:00.001-05:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? I hear a whole lot of people talking about happiness and how they deserve it etc. At what cost? Do they count those costs before they indulge in their own happiness? We all go through times when we are not happy with situations, jobs, relationships etc. Where did this idea come from that we deserve to be happy all the time and if it doesn't make us happy we can discard it, whatever it is? It does not make me happy to spend money on car repairs but if I expect the car to take me to a happy place or do the work I require, unhappy for awhile must be. Heck man, marriage isn't always happy but sometimes the unhappy moments build us for the happy ones. If we respond to always being happy we set ourselves up for unhappiness. Does it make you happy to discipline your kid? We do it because we want to train a child and instill wisdom so they can function in society but it is no fun to watch those kids cry and sulk. What would be the alternative? An unruly, self serving obnoxious person would be the result. Someone who does what ever with no boundaries. Is this how things work and is this how we want to live? If I want happiness it is up to me to learn the importance of things, the good and the seemingly bad. There will be seasons of unhappiness but should I toss all away because I am unhappy for a season? When we are unhappy we must pause and reflect. We must ask a few questions of ourselves. Is this a natural progression? Have I goofed up? Has someone else goofed up? Your and my happiness can not depend on our circumstances or we will end up chasing that happiness and never being happy.

Ephesians 1:18-19

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.
NAS

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
NAS

1 Peter 5:7-10
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
NAS

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 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.
NAS

remember Sebastion and family...remember Natalie...remember Brandon's son...remember Lori's Dad...remember Anna...remember Chris and Kat

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask your presence in our lives. We ask for wisdom to recognise momentary unhappiness and respond wisely. We praise your name and ask for your presence be so real in our heart today. Touch us all in a way that only you can. Teach us to be content and recognise when we are attacked spiritually. We lift those struggling with this world today, keep us safe from the enemy, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-03T07:18:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is so interesting to hear conversations that pick on others. To watch people berate others and then whine because they are enduring things. I hate it when I slip and say something against someone for any reason. Get stepped on and lash out is not the way I want to be. The Word tells us that how we judge others is how we will be judged. If I am very critical of others actions, it will come back on me in many ways. I will be judged by those same standards. Yes we have to speak truth. Yes we have to correct but it has to be done in love and not revenge or reprisal. It's so hard to not look down on someone when they do something stupid but we need to remember they are not us and they may be ignorant of the infraction or not even realize anything has happened. And then there are just mean people. Either way we must approach these things in love and in an attitude of forgiveness. We must be willing to approach these things not as a personal attack but as a loving child of God who is concerned with a siblings welfare. The real wisdom in all this is, "is it up to me to point out this infraction or is it better to love and be an example?";"Is it my place to correct everyone who screws up around me?" That is something we all fall into and the danger there is seeing our self "better" than them. Oh boy is that wrong! We ain't any better, we're just redeemed. One does improve in this life as one gains wisdom from the Lord but "better than"? Nope. Thank God when you improve. Thank God that he cares for us all and we all have access to the master because of the perfect one, Jesus, and that Godly truth has taken root in us but never think you are "better than" because of grace. You and I either were or could have or could become what we see in others. Think about that.

Mark 4:21-25
And He was saying to them, "A lamp is not brought to be put under a peck-measure, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? "For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it should come to light. "If any man has ears to hear, let him hear." And He was saying to them, "Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it shall be measured to you; and more shall be given you besides. "For whoever has, to him shall more be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him."
NAS

Matthew 7:2
"For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
NAS

Luke 6:37-38
"And do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned. "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return."
NAS

Remember Donna...remember Kat...remember me...remember the kids...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom and love you show in your Word and in our lives. Lord, help us see truth and root reasons in others for their behavior. Help us be concerned with leading them to you and not get judgmental. Help us love unconditionally. Help us be what we need to be for the lost. Bless those in pain. Bless us with knowledge and love for our fellow man. Lord we worship and adore you. thank you for your grace that saves us, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Check this out. Read it before but this really spoke this morning;

Luke 9:49-50
And John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to hinder him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."
NAS

Even though denominational bickering still goes on, I have seen so many different walks of people who do all profess Jesus, working together. I am in awe that when I go to see and hear a man of God that there are people who would argue about "church" things but when it comes down to it, they all know Jesus as their personal savior! Here's what I see; the arguments over procedure and order of service and how to run things etc are taking a back seat to Jesus. Amen! I think some things need to be done one way but it isn't worth or even important enough to split or fight each other over. Jesus is Lord. We who believe know this. We have an advocate, a friend, a companion, a savior and arguments beyond that become quite silly. The Apostles bickered over stuff and Jesus helped them refocus to what matters.

1 Corinthians 12:3
Therefore I make known to you, that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is accursed"; and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.
NAS

See that? Do you see how simple the plan is? Do you remember that the Holy Spirit indwells us who believe and accept the grace of Jesus? Do you see Jesus not making distinction over inconsequential junk but reminding us that the Holy Spirit resides in us? Even Moses recognised this.

Numbers 11:27-29
So a young man ran and told Moses and said, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp." Then Joshua the son of Nun, the attendant of Moses from his youth, answered and said, "Moses, my lord, restrain them." But Moses said to him, "Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord's people were prophets, that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!"
NAS

Rejoice over this salvation! Pay attention to what matters and don't get bent out of shape over someone elses idiosyncrasies when the same spirit is in them as in you and me.

Remember Sebastion and family...remember Baily and family...remember Aleigha's family...remember Anna

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and grace that saves us all when we receive you. Lord, help us see truth and your light. Lord we lift up those people hurting today. We lift those who are struggling with emotional maladies, physical maladies and mental maladies. Show yourself to them. Heal them in a way they cannot deny it is you doing it. Lord we lift this country and all the troops to you. Bring us back to you. In Jesus' name, amen

daily prayer

2011-11-01T07:21:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? This walk with Jesus is wonderful. This walk with Jesus is rough sometimes. This walk with Jesus is full of things I never imagined. I not only believe who Jesus is but I am endeavoring to follow his lead. Let me tell you who don't know, it can be very daunting but boldly a step is taken to follow in his ways. Do I trip and fall? Oh yeah I do and I have the scars to prove it but one thing I am sure of, he picks me up, dusts me off, consoles and encourages then says,"come on, I'll help you". The more I follow him the more I see why he does what he does. Many times it looks illogical but I know his way is always right. It's more than just believing. If one believes, one does. I know from the Word that my feats have no bearing on my salvation but I do those feats because I believe. I actually do the things Jesus taught because of belief and not out of duty or obligation. How about you? Do you see your life transforming? Do your feats sometimes surprise yourself? Amen! Jesus is alive in you and me! Keep pressing forward in belief and in knowing our savior has us on the right path. Read this and be encouraged!

1 Peter 2:1-10
Therefore, putting aside all malice and all guile and hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. And coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture:

"Behold I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,
And he who believes in Him shall not be disappointed."

This precious value, then, is for you who believe. But for those who disbelieve,

"The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the very corner stone,"
and,
"A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense";

for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
NAS

Remember Sebastion...remember Baily

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches and admonishes us to be who you designed us to be. Grant us the strength to act and speak courageously and wisely. Help us not be haughty or prideful but full of compassion and with our eyes wide open to your ways and will. Thank you for your love for us, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-31T07:33:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Our advocate to the Father is Jesus. Our sins that we are aware of and the ones we are not have already been paid for. That doesn't mean we can be lacking in repentance but because we know Jesus was sinless, tempted but sinless and gave himelf so we can have a relationship with the creator we now approach sin from a different place. We now can go to the Father when we realize we goofed up and ask for forgiveness and strength to carry on. I don't know why it is the way it is I'm just glad it is. My savior loves me. My savior loves you. Every day I realize more and more I am in need of a savior. The more I learn the less I know and the bigger my Lord becomes to me. Look at these;

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
NAS
Hebrews 7:26-27
For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
NAS

2 Corinthians 5:21
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
NAS

1 John 3:5
And you know that He appeared in order to take away sins; and in Him there is no sin.
NAS

Remember Bid and Amanda...remember Jess and Anna...remember Chris and Kat...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for a lot like us. Lord we lift those mentioned today. Let them know you are real and want them to come to you in repentance and childlike faith. Lord we lift those unmentioned concerns. Touch us today and open our eyes to your wonderful wisdom, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-28T07:09:00.001-04:00

Great Friday morning! How are we faithing? Our faith in the Word of God must remain steadfast even in the face of condemnation and contempt for standing on it. I have heard and I assume you have too all the lines about the Word. "It isn't reliable", "men translated wrong","it contradicts it's self", on and on it goes. Not once have I been shown a contradiction when the whole council of God is shown. I have seen people pull a series of words out of context to try to prove contradiction but those things are easily dispelled. So from a scientific perspective, is it possible for mistakes? Well I suppose so only in the line of thinking that man did it on his own. We know man did not just sit down one day, dream up all the stuff in the Bible and start disseminating it. Were things added? Yep, religions twisted and added things to the Word. Have to's and must do's to earn salvation or grace have been applied throughout the last two millenia but they are based on opinion or are invented to maintain control of the people. History does bear this out. When one looks at the original languages the Bible was written in, one finds that during translations there are not words that directly translate so what that original word meant has to be translated with more than the one word to convey the meaning. A concordance is invaluable to study the Word if we want to really dig in. What this writing today is for is to motivate you to search for yourself, double check what you hear because men can be mistaken but the Word is solid. Take notes, ask questions, read the Word for yourself if something is unfamiliar to you or you are having trouble understanding or receiving. I was given a computer Bible that has tons of translations and the original languages with study helps etc. and it has helped so much because if I say "what?", research is at the fingertips.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
KJV

2 Timothy 3:15-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
NAS

Romans 15:4
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
NAS

Psalms 119:130
The unfolding of Thy words gives light;
It gives understanding to the simple.
NAS

remember our troops...remember our leaders...remember our kids...

Heavenly Father,
Guide us in our search for truth. Open your Word up to us that we may know you and your paths. Lord we lift those mentioned to you today. Lord we also lift up the children we petitioned earlier this week. We also lift those who are in need of clarity and wisdom today. Open our eyes to truth and wisdom so we may be ambassadors for your love and mercy. Show your self to us today, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-27T07:42:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Apart from Christ, one is dead spiritually. Jesus was tempted but didn't give in. Jesus had opportunity but did not commit any sin. We who believe will stumble and sin some times but we are not wretched beasts who are incapable of a day without sin. That feat can be accomplished because the spirit that lives in us when we accept the grace of Jesus, makes it capable. I know I know, we've heard all our lives that we are wretched sinners and that is totally true before salvation but the Word tells us we are redeemed and no longer seen by God as those wretched sinners because he sees the advocate, Jesus his son. So if the Spirit abides in us and we follow after God and his Word, we can have days of sinlessness. When all sin is forgiven, we are dealing with a clean slate and with the Spirit guiding us, we can walk the narrow path of righteousness. This is not to make you haughty but to remind you of your redemption and to stop beating the crap out of yourself when you stumble. Repent as soon as you realize and move forward. Rejoice for those good days and thank God you are forgiven on the bad.

John 3:6

"That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
NAS
Galatians 5:16
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
NAS

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22
Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.
NAS

1 Peter 3:18
For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;
NAS
Romans 5:6
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
NAS

Romans 8:3-4
For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
NAS

Galatians 3:13-14
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-- for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"-- in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
NAS

Remember Chad,Amy and Baily Ford...remember Steve Travis...remember Ieuan...remember Sebastion and all the Major family...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace that saves us. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that abides in us. Lord we want to follow the righteous paths and when we stumble, help us recognise and re3pent and press on. Lord we ask the people mentioned today be touched by your holy hands. Heal these little children and let everyone know you are sovereign. Lord we fall on our faces at your greatness. Heal the sick, save us from ourselves. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-26T08:18:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? True compassion. Is it lip service some times? Are you outwardly showing concern when you in fact don't care? We of course being civilized should not be rude but do you patronize people? Are you so self centered you flat don't care about anyone but yourself? Rhetorical questions and the answer you find does indeed let you know where you may be dropping the compassion ball and where you are spiritually. Some things people complain about I'll admit I think,"pull your big boy pants up and press on and stop complaining". I know that may be cold but it is what it is. What we must avoid in that line of thinking is caring less for that person. They or we may need to grow up or just tough it out but compassion still should be there. God cares for ALL our concerns so why shouldn't we at the least recognise that issues for others, even though we deem them silly, as big to them. Our response as believers could draw or repel to Jesus. With that thought, compassion dictates we be honest, wise and truthful and not just placate or patronize. Sometimes it's prudent to hold people and cry with them for their pain and when the time is right, bring to their attention corrective action. Man, I have been upset over things in the past and people stepped right on my heart that was exposed and that magnified the pain. I now am so careful to not kick someone when they are down. I have also had people not say anything other than "I'm sorry man" at the time and later told me I was being a twit. That method rooted well whereas the flip off only contributed to the pain and actually bred contempt. Do you follow this? Do you understand how wise and compassionate we should be especially since we claim to be followers of Christ? Jesus spoke truth but also with compassion because he knew that sometimes it's hard out here.

Romans 13:10

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
NAS

1 John 4:8-9
The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him.
NAS

John 13:35
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
NAS

1 John 4:20-21
If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
NAS

Romans 12:10-14
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.
NAS

1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all that you do be done in love.
NAS

1 Peter 1:22-24
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God.
NAS

1 John 3:14
We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death.
NAS

1 John 4:21
And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.
NAS

Remember Sebastian...remember Deb and CJ..remember Dana and Nicole...

Heavenly Father,
We come to you humbly and with repentence. Help us have real compassion in our hearts. Grant us wisdom to know what and when to act holy and compassionately. Lord we lift the Major family up to you. Heal little Sebastion for your honor and glory. Open eyes and hearts to your grace and love; draw them to you. Let a miracle be so obvious. We ask these things in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-25T07:34:00.003-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? I saw some statements that made me pause and think. I see actions all around that bring up relevance to those statements and how we believers can and do ostracize people and reflect self righteousness rather than Jesus. This is very dangerous. What is dangerous you ask? "I am good because I know these truths and in fact, I am better than he or she because they do not." What a self indulgent load of manure. I know alot of things about my job but that doesn't make me better or smarter than anyone else. I may be proficient at my work but better than someone else because of it? Wake up. Examples, if pornography activists are lobbying congress, I can lobby in opposition. If gay and lesbians are marching for rights, I have the right to march against. If immigrants rights are being protested, I have the right to protest in opposition. If abortion rights groups are protesting for, I have a right to protest against. If the Tea party is marching on the capitol, I have the right to march with or opposing. What I do not have the right to do is point fingers at the individual and condemn them. I do not have the right to personally attack someone for their beliefs. It is my responsibility to present what the Word says and what principles are taught in the Word in a dignified loving manner. The view of "Christians" is so messed up because of course the media, but also because we do not present our biblical views in a biblical manner. Jesus did not jump all over a sinner personally but showed compassion and the error of their ways. He still loved the sinner but hated the sin. What do you think will be gained by pointing a finger and condemning an individual for a sin when we are seen sinning also? Jesus spoke of what is sin. God sent the ten commandments. The Word explains what is right and what is wrong. We must present ourselves as a sacrifice for our savior with love and compassion to the lost. Jesus will deal with the sin in other's lives. We do have laws on the books and in a civil society it is important to have laws or we would degrade into a place where it would not be safe to even live but it is time we pause and look in the mirror to remember where and who we are and where we came from and with that in mind, present Jesus to the lost. We've said it before, people who don't know Jesus cannot be expected to act like him so why would a believer step in someone with judgemental rhetoric? Love the person, hate the sin and when the time is right, show what the Word says about the sin. Think about this today.

2 Corinthians 3:5-6

Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
NAS

1 Peter 4:14-19
If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.
NAS

Matthew 28:19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. "
NAS

Remember Judy...remember Marie Collins...remember Joe L...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for saving a wretch like me. Help those who are searching for you. Open their eyes to your love and grace. Lord, grant me wisdom and compassion for all your creation. Help me be a righteous ambassador to the lost. Help me speak of your love for them and not have any fear. Help me remember I am no better than anybody. Help me seek you in all we do. Protect the innocent, heal those mentioned and those who are seeking your touch, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-24T08:05:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Alot of people are missing what lies behind the events in the world these days. Alot of misconceptions, lies and outright deception abounds all around us. When ones agenda is more important than truth, history and events are spun to back a particular view or ideology. I do not want to turn this into a side taking rant but only to inform. If you read the Word and look at what has taken place in the past you can see mankind has not changed. They still put selfish ideals before others. We're not talking self preservation or defense here but daily actions that hurt others and please self for no other reason than self gratification. Some events on the news seem simple but when you think about the ramifications you can see one simple event begat bigger things. Our words do the same. If we diss someone over idiotic minuscule things, that word could grow into something much bigger in the receivers mind. With that in mind we must be careful and ask questions like; "who benefits from this statement?" "Is my speaking this now going to help or hinder?"
Paul said all things are permissible but not all things are beneficial. We are living in times of people in power pushing their ideas and we need to be aware of heresy. We need to be focused and alert to ideas that lead us and others away from the light of God. There just so many ideas that seem so nice and good that are actually contrary to the Word.

Matthew 24:4-12
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.
For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows.
Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
KJV

James 5:1-3
Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!
NAS

All I am trying to tell you all is to be alert and think before you react. Ask the questions in the interest of others. Don't be fooled simply because of ones stature or place in the world.

Remember Dewey's wife...remember Shoni...remember Deb Sinclair...remember Sebastion...remember Baily...

Heavenly Father,
Open our eyes to truth. Grant us the wisdom to see what is truth and what is lies. Let us not act on pure emotion or feel good ideas but let us separate ourselves and act holy and in accordance with the Word. Lord we lift those mentioned to you today, heal, touch them and let it be known the miracle of your wonderful will, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-21T07:49:00.000-04:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? I have found if I put my trust in people, I'll get let down. If people put their trust in me, I'll let them down. That is not a boo hoo statement but one that speaks of the failings and faults of mankind. As much as we and others try to do the right thing, some how, some where, some time, our actions will be incorrect. Why is this? Mankind is fallen and without Jesus and the acceptance of his sacrifice we will die in that sin. It really tugs hard at my soul that anyone could be lost and have to pay in hell for something that has already been paid for by Jesus but if those folks disregard or blow off the Messiah, it's their choice. A just God gives us the choice of being his or not and honors that choice. Heck man, if Adam and Eve walked and talked with God in the cool of the evening and still sinned, we ain't got a chance of not sinning. Living in a state of "my good will outweigh my bad" is a futile attempt at justification. If those people who walked and talked to God couldn't do it, we sure cant. But the up side is now we have an intercessor to God and that is messiah Jesus.

John 14:1-7

Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."
NAS

Hebrews 4:14-16
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
NAS

John 3:17-18
"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him. "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
NAS

Remember Noah Watts...remember Lauren, Nick and Joey...remember Jeff Cummings...remember Sawyer...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for us that you did what was necessary for us to be with you forever. We ask you open the eyes of the lost and draw them to you. We ask for strength of spirit, courage of flesh and purity of mind so we can present your son to a lost and dying world. Lord we lift those mentioned and those unmentioned. Reveal yourself in their healing. Let them know you care and love them. We stand on the rock of your Word throughout our days, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-20T08:03:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? I have alot on my mind today. I am wrestling with events and the effect they have on me personally. We all do that and sometimes those events whoop up on us and as humans we put up defensive walls of self protectionism. We must be careful that we do not turn away the brethren and or the lost when faced with adversity because our reactions or actions put Christ on display. Of course we are not speaking of armed villains attacking but the more subtle types of attacks. Really if you think about it, a head on threat has self obvious action to be taken by its very nature. A knife wielding perpetrator requires a specific reaction whereas a snake type of sneak attack can hit us from the blind side where we do not expect it. Verbal lashings can be met with sound argument or ignored where back biting is a cowardly sneak attack. How we deal with these things is crucial to the eventual outcome. The wisdom we gain from the Word is to be trusted and put into practice daily. I fall short all the time because I am amazed at what just happened and lots of times I stand jaw dropped. The Word tells us to be gentle as lambs but wise as wolves. I never really understood how that works being such a trusting soul until I witnessed some attacks on brethren. The Lord has taught me to hate the sin and not the sinner but I'll tell you, it ain't always easy to do. Our savior sees in that manner and when I get over my appalling mode I realize this truth and move to Thanksgiving because what Jesus did for us becomes incredibly real.

Psalms 139:2-6

Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up;
Thou dost understand my thought from afar.
Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all.
Thou hast enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Thy hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
NAS

Romans 12:1-2
I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
NAS

Remember Doug's daughter...remember Bob Burnsmier...remember Dulce...remember Chris Hall...remember Jessie...remember Kat and I

Heavenly Father,
Lord we ask for wisdom and understanding of things that come our way. Thank you for your grace and love that you would send your son for us. Forgive our transgressions and help us see truth in all we see and do. Guide us down the narrow path and protect us from the robbers along that path. Arm us with wisdom and courage to stand up to wrongs, defend the innocent and rebuke satan and his henchmen, in your holy name we pray Jesus, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-19T07:48:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? There are a whole lot of things that hinder an appropriate walk with God. First of course is the acceptance of Jesus as messiah but today I want to address bigotry. We will only scratch the surface of this huge subject but I do hope you explore where your personal bigotries are and address them and pray for deliverance. Bigotry goes way further than skin color and ethnicity. I see bigotry from church to church. Oh sure if there are fundamental doctrinal differences I can understand avoidance of a church but spewing hate or condemnation is not righteous or productive or even biblical. I personally believe that methodology of administration of procedure is up to the individual church along guidelines found biblically and if church A does communion weekly and church B does it quarterly, who's to say one is more correct than the other? Bigotry lends itself to the notion church A has it together and church B is heretical, or visa versa. Church A people say church B people are doomed because of this. Church B looks down their nose at church A with condescending comments and actions. The uninformed receive these notions as new Christians and perpetuate the notion, dislike the other and don't even know why. I hear talk from other churches and the comments are unfounded or at the least bore out of jealousy or hatred. Someone driving a red Mustang cuts me off therefore all red Mustangs have bad drivers in them. How ludicrous and stupid is that? We all understand bigotry and we have to stop it. Did our savior avoid anyone? Did Jesus offer his grace and salvation to everyone except those who eat this or that or those who wear this or that? You'll not find that type of action anywhere in the Word. Jesus can save and change anyone who asks. If we were judged on past behavior or even present things, we'd all be doomed. It's time we stop this bickering and looking down our noses at others and jump in with both feet to this grace which leads to life. Are we so insecure that we have to have someone to diss to feel good about our self? Sad sad if we do.

Mark 2:16-17
And when the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax-gatherers, they began saying to His disciples, "Why is He eating and drinking with tax-gatherers and sinners?" And hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
NAS

Luke 9:49-50
And John answered and said, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to hinder him because he does not follow along with us." But Jesus said to him, "Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you."
NAS

Acts 10:28
And he said to them, "You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet God has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean.
NAS

Remember Kat...remember Sherry Trumble...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your truth that sets us free. Thank you for showing yourself to us in your Word. Lord, forgive us for our weaknesses. We do apologize for contempt we harbor. Lord we seek your wisdom to act and to think righteously and charitably. Lord, heal those who are hurting. Set down on them and let your gladness and joy completely overwhelm them, in Jesus name we pray, amen

2011-10-18T07:13:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is a tough thing to hold ones tongue. Sometimes we form opinions, right or wrong doesn't matter here, and we lash out. I've discovered that sometimes even when something is true, why say it? Who is to benefit? Who does this comment help? By my speaking it, does it cure the infraction or problem or compound it? I have been stepped on by others as I know you have but does that give me the right to slam them? I am just as guilty as that guy who wronged me when I speak badly of someone. Now if it is a brother in the Lord, it is even worse. I've heard some comments about how people dress at church or how one praises during worship. For one, why would I care? Isn't it enough to keep my own self in line? Gee whiz man, they're in church and not at a strip club! I've also heard comments about people who were awful in the past and now profess Jesus as savior, weren't we all lost and vile before Jesus? The Word specifically tells us to shut the heck up and not speak evil of anyone, especially the brethren. These following verses are just a small few of all that speak of this in the Word. We can cause way more harm to the faith and to people personally with our tongues than we could imagine. Do you have memories of things said to you that hurt? We all do so it goes to reason that what we say that doesn't edify is doing the same thing to someone else...

Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
KJV

James 4:11
Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it.
NAS

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
NAS

2 Timothy 2:24-26
And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
NAS

Matthew 5:22
"But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, 'Raca,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
NAS

Luke 6:37-38
"And do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon, and you will be pardoned.
NAS
Remember Hallie...remember Mona and April...remember Ed's brother...remember Kate's daughter-in-law and new grand baby!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for loving wretches like us. Lord, forgive us when we speak ill. Forgive us for all we do that isn't righteous behavior. We ask forgiveness for all the people who have wronged us. Give us a thankful heart that can only come from you. Let us see you. Lord we ask for strength and wisdom to know when and how to speak and to shut up Bless those mentioned today, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-17T07:48:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Like a watchman on a wall we are able to see what is happening around us if we pay attention. So many bury their heads in the sand or in the hay in the field they miss the things going on around them. We tend to get so wrapped up in our own deal we miss God's voice, God's handiwork and God's plan for our lives. There are so many things on this earth that captivate us and if we dive too deep into these things they can become idols. Does that mean we shouldn't try to be the best at what we do? On the contrary but don't be foolish to think you are great enough or so far above everyone else that the best becomes more important than the deed. Our attitudes about ourselves is so important because it can become real easy to pat one's own back and look down ones nose at everyone else. When God says "humbly" he doesn't mean self debasement but with the realization that others can and others did and after you are gone others will. When you achieve be very aware of God's grace on you. Be very aware that at any second everything could change. Change for the better, change for the worse. We are created to fellowship with the creator and if we fellowship with the created and ignore the creator we exalt ourselves and that only leads to pride before a fall.

Psalms 130:6
My soul waits for the Lord
More than the watchmen for the morning;
Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.
NAS

Proverbs 3:6-8
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your body,
And refreshment to your bones.
NAS

remember Jess...remember our leaders...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that is the only truth we have. Lord, help us seek you in all we do. Teach your principles and open our hearts eyes when we read your Word. Lord, allow us to hear your voice in all we do. Help us be true followers of your son. Help us be courageous when faced with the things of the enemy. Help us recognise the enemies ploys...heal our bones in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-14T08:06:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Life has tons of distractions. Some require our attention and some do not. Some require repair and some do not. Some need addressing and some can legitimately be ignored. Which ones we should mess with and which ones can be discarded can be a difficult and frightening thing at times. It is prudent to remember what the Word teaches. Being ready in and out of season as the Word says doesn't mean just able to preach. Being open and receptive to that butt who's on the war path raging and carrying on at your job is listening to the nuances and seeing that they are hurting and not letting the manifestation of that hurt cloud the opportunity to present Christ-like demeanor. Correction may be needed but is it up to you or is it more profitable to stand calm and strong and reach out? I've been around people I wanted to slap the taste out of their mouths but it would solve nothing but more hurt and more animosity. We all have things in our life that can make us act weird so remembering that the guy on the attack may be in one of those episodes will keep us away from the "holier than thou" syndrome. Pointing out infractions in a timely and loving manner is not only wise and biblical but prudent for presenting Jesus in a manner that promotes real love and not correction for corrections sake. Wouldn't you rather have things pointed out with love and concern rather than a smack down?

Leviticus 19:17-18

'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.
NAS

Proverbs 20:22
Do not say, "I will repay evil";
Wait for the LORD, and He will save you.
NAS

Romans 12:19
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.
NAS

Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
NAS

Colossians 3:7-9
But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
NAS

Remember Kathy...remember Jessie...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches and sustains us. Lord forgive us when we get butt hurt and respond in kind to transgressions. Lord we want to act Christlike but are weak. Grant us the wisdom and the courage to be as you designed us to be. Open our eyes to others inner man and not the outer actions. Lord we desire to serve you and to lead others to you. We praise your name and it is in that name of Jesus we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-12T06:47:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Do you think you have to do in order for God to love? Do you think anytime you screw up God shakes his head? Do you think every day you encounter is new or unknown to God too? Do you think the shenanigans you've pulled were a surprise to God? Man, if any of that is true, we are in deep water treading about to go down the last time. Praise the Lord he already knows this stuff and has all ready reached his hand over the side of the boat, we just have to take it. "But you don't know what I've done", you are right, I don't, I don't wanna know unless you need to repent but God already knows. For pete's sake, he designed and created all of us. Sin is sin and sin is the same. We have sinned the same since Adam and Eve. The only difference in the sin past people committed compared to us is we used a Chevy and they used an ox cart. They used ram horns and we used brass. Do you understand that? Jesus called us to himself because he loves us, all of us.The opportunity to live under grace and forgiveness is available to us all. Allowing Jesus to forgive you and to dwell inside you is the single biggest most important choice you can make this side of forever.

Psalms 139:1-5
O LORD, Thou hast searched me and known me.
Thou dost know when I sit down and when I rise up;
Thou dost understand my thought from afar.
Thou dost scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And art intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, Thou dost know it all.
Thou hast enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Thy hand upon me.
NAS

Acts 17:30-31
"Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead. "
NAS

Titus 3:3-7
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
NAS

Remember Will and Maddie...remember Nicole...remember Annski...remember Donald...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us. Thank you for dealing with us. Thank you for your son who was willing to give all so we could approach you. Lord forgive us please when we falter and miss your will. Lord we are sorry for doubting and falling for the tricks of the enemy, we don't mean to but we do. Lord, please touch those mentioned. Heal them however they need it. Lord we pray for those who are treading water in life thinking they don't need you or don't even know about you. Open their eyes. Help us be witness to your love and act accordingly. Lord we honor and praise you. Thank you Lord for all things and help us learn quick so we can move on..in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-11T07:44:00.001-04:00

Great morning! How are we faithing this fine fall day? I sit and ponder all sorts of things. Sometimes it's whether an aluminum spacer will hold up as well as a steel one in a certain application and sometimes if I said the right thing to someone and did I use Russ logic or my saviors. I do believe God instills wisdom in us by reading the Word and by shear intervention of the Holy Spirit. I have learned to recognise that small still voice to answer queries and that if what comes to mind is in line with the Word or not. The only way you can rely on what you hear is if you are in the Word daily. I've heard many a person quote Shakespeare and swear it was from the Bible. The quote isn't necessarily wrong but where it came from is and with that kind of mistake, what else from a unbiblical source is bouncing around in our heads and then regurgitated as absolute truth? Question things. Accept nothing as absolute truth without research. Sure directions to the hardware store can be accepted as absolute truth but even then, ever been given wrong directions? The only truth that can be completely relied upon is God's words so why would we not take them in as often as possible?

Psalms 119:160
The sum of Thy word is truth,
And every one of Thy righteous ordinances is everlasting.
NAS

John 17:17-18
"Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth.
NAS

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
NAS

Matthew 5:18
"For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accomplished.
NAS

Ecclesiastes 3:14
I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.
NAS

Psalms 119:89
Forever, O LORD,
Thy word is settled in heaven.
NAS

remember Jennie....remember Pam...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your truth and love. Teach us your precepts. Hold us up when we seek your word. Teach us your principles and help us stand by and on them. Lord we lift those who are being persecuted and lied to. Open their eyes, help them recognise lies and turn from them. Lord we ask healing of mind, body and spirit today so we are able to do your will, in Jesus name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-10T07:55:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? I am so enamored with old movies, videos and tv shows. I watch the people and what is happening culturally as well as what is hip at the time to compare to today. The big thing I notice is people are the same. They succumb and succeed the same. They move on from where they are to the next day just like we do. We now see those same generations as older folks and listen to their stories with awe and wonderment. It also is so interesting to me that nothing has changed. I still hear the same woes. I still hear the same rhetoric about life. Some of the older folks are wise and some are bitter. Why? Circumstances, events of the past are being lived in. Some are just not letting the past go. We can't change the past so why do we allow it to whoop us? "What if" and "I shoulda" and "if I could do it again" are sayings heard all the time. Well "what if" is a futile exercise, "I shoulda" is an extension of what if and we can't do it again, but we can make sure we don't repeat. You know, today is a big enough job to handle, why fret about what is past and we can't change or worry about tomorrow before we have to? Of course we plan for tomorrow but if all we ever do is plan in anticipation for tomorrow we will not live today but just get through it. We've all heard of the people who work their tail off to retire only to die soon after they do retire. I'm not saying throw caution to the wind and not plan but the Word does tell us to live today, let tomorrow worry about itself and take the opportunity to share God and life while you can. Your relationship with God last year is not the same as it is today just like your relationship with loved ones changes. The relationship grows or it should. Is yours not? Why not? It's time to find out why for both. Start with a simple prayer and then apply these principles we've discussed the last 5 years. Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever so that means we are the ones learning and growing. We are the ones who goof up. We are the ones searching for answers so lets stop finger pointing, whining and regrets and press on with Jesus.

Matthew 6:30-34
"But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? "Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
NAS

Hebrews 13:7-9
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today , yes and forever.
NAS

Luke 12:16-21
And He told them a parable, saying, "The land of a certain rich man was very productive. "And he began reasoning to himself, saying, 'What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?' "And he said, 'This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 'And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry."' "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?' "So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."
NAS

remember Anna...

Heavenly Father,
We come before you humbly asking forgiveness for our unbelief. We ask for forgiveness for fret and fuming over things rather than believing and relying on you. Lord we lift the children up to you. Teach them to be your servants and to have your love in them. Help us honor you and live for you. Open your Word to us in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-07T07:18:00.000-04:00

    Good morning! How are we faithing? With the talks this week about behavior I think it's best to end the week with verses to make you think and analyze yourself. Don't beat yourself up if you can't completely adhere because we are human and we do stumble. Only Jesus did it perfectly and we ain't Jesus. Lots of the pitfalls we encounter push buttons and we react. Seeking the savior daily and looking to him for your strength leads to less and less stumbling. Just like when we learned to walk many missteps were taken but we learned and grew and eventually walked upright and without even thinking we walked well. Following after Jesus produces similar actions in us. The longer we seek him the more he shines in us and you know what? The less we misstep...
Ephesians 5:1-21
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.  But do not let immorality or any impurity or greed even be named among you, as is proper among saints; and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says,

"Awake, sleeper,
And arise from the dead,
And Christ will shine on you."

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for your guidance in our lives. Help us recognise you and the lies of the world. Lord we want to walk upright and in your light. Teach us, walk with us, help this walk become our way just as it was yours. Help us see needs and meet them. Help us secure our minds in your Word so we can fend off contrary thoughts. Lord we life our leaders to you. Lord we lift your people and your nation. Heal the land. Heal the lost souls and equip us for that duty to reap the harvest of your people..In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-06T07:26:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? How are we to act as Christians? How are we to view things? With wisdom and love that's how. How did Jesus treat who he encountered? He saw a person who was lost, a person who needed peace that only came from God. Heck man, even Paul the Apostle when he was in prison told his captors of the love of Jesus. He didn't even know those soldiers but he had compassion for them and knew they acted without the knowledge of Jesus. We can't expect the lost to act saved and we that are saved shouldn't act lost. People sometimes laugh at my beliefs and it does tick me off at first but the Word tells us to expect persecution and some chiding but we are to learn from it. It will teach us patience, endurance and recognition of the lost. When you feel like you are alone and or surrounded by the enemy, remember your savior is right there beside you. Whatever we encounter we can deal with because we have the truth and would be remiss if we didn't share a belief that is so great and is available to every one.
John 13:35
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
NAS

Romans 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

Remember Julie...remember Jerry and Carol...remember Brendon...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your truth and love that saves even someone as yucky as me. Teach us your Word and cement it in our hearts so we are able to stand against any attack. Lord we praise and honor you and lift our concerns to you because you know that you will handle them. Help us see the right way and not necessarily our way. in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-05T07:16:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? We who proclaim to be "Christians" need to start listening to the Word and love like Jesus does. We need to stop disassociating ourselves with different denominations in christiandom and come together in Jesus. Does it really matter if communion is done daily or quarterly? Does it matter if contemporary music or southern gospel is sung? Does it matter a suit and tie or not? What did Jesus teach and what did he do? He went out amongst all the people and preached grace and love for one another. Why would we add regulations to that principle? What makes us think we even can? Someone doesn't act like you doesn't mean they or you are closer to God. If this is a personal relationship with the Christ, what would ever make us think other's relationship should be like ours? Do you interact and behave with you Dad like he does with his co-workers? Does your Mom or sibling interact with you like they do or you do with spouses? It's time we stop all this bickering over semantics and get down to the basics of love that Jesus gives. Does that mean we go out and get hammered with the drunks to preach to them? No it doesn't but it does mean we go out different because of the grace Jesus gave and the salvation we enjoy so we can show them there is a better way. Take the time to look at yourself and see if you are judging based on your own life and experiences rather than Jesus' example. We can impart wisdom from our experiences but we have no right or privilege to accuse and condemn. That's not up to us. Do we point out infractions? With love and wisdom. Timing is crucial. Attitude is crucial. Getting them to come to our side is not our goal. Our goal is to present Jesus and he will convict them and lead them. We may be used as an instrument of teaching for them or we may not. Let's show Jesus' love and grace and cut out all this distracting finger pointing. I don't know about you but I ain't any better'n them anyways...

Colossians 1:9-12

For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
NAS

Philippians 3:1-3
Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision; for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh,
NAS

Philippians 2:14-17
Do all things without grumbling or disputing; that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may have cause to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.
NAS

Philippians 1:6-11
For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
NAS

So take the time to analyze what is important. That church down the street that seems so weird, do they preach Jesus as savior? Do the preach the love and grace Jesus gives? Yes? So who cares if they ring the bell at 10 or 11....

Remember Liz...Remember Anna and Jessie...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for revealing your truth and love in the scriptures. Forgive us Lord when we judge things without real cause. Grant us wisdom to discern good and evil and important and inconsequential. Lord we lift up our lives to you to teach us where we are lacking and ask for kind discipline for teaching us. Lord we love and honor you and it is in Jesus' precious name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-10-03T07:44:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing. The talks I have with believers that get confused because of the world's wisdom is so numerous. The world thinks that earning salvation is how things work. The world thinks everyone gets into heaven except Hitler or Edi Amin. It is astonishing how adamant rhetoric becomes if I tell them they ain't good enough. Then when I tell them it's free and the steps to redemption are simply to repent and acknowledge Jesus as messiah, how they say "it can't be that simple". Listen to me people, I'm stating the Word. I am telling you what God said. Look at these scriptures;

Romans 3:21-25
But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God , being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.
NAS

Romans 5:1-2
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 .
NAS

Philippians 2:11
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
NAS

Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
NAS

Simple. Don't add anything. Don't try to make it harder than it is. The life after redemption isn't easier than before and life here is full of pitfalls but if you want the peace that passes all understanding, assurance of a trip to heaven instead of the lake of fire, a love that you can't explain and a path and direction instead of floundering day to day, take that first step and ask Jesus to come dwell in you. Drop the ego and recognise your sins and repent, you'll never be the same...

Remember Tiana...remember Natasha...remember me...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for you love and grace that is the only thing that saves us. Open your Word wide so we see truth and salvation. Help us understand the simple way to your heart. Gather you people to you and teach us believers to be examples of your love. heal our brothers and sisters physically and mentally so we may contiunue in your service, in Jesus name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Being aware that we are not perfect, not always right or even the wisest because we are older, takes discipline and courage. Admitting ones error is not shameful but actually wise. We train our children and teach them to operate their lives in a manner befitting a person of God. The world tends to let the kids just run rampant and think they are inherently good and will learn the way. Humanistic hogwash. Gee whiz, if we were inherently good and not prone to evil we would never have been deceived in the first place. Think about it; we are born selfish, we want what we want when we want and throw a fit if we don't get it. If no one ever corrected a child and allowed them to go with that attitude, they would be worthless to society and to themselves. The Word teaches us to discipline our kids, not abuse them. God also disciplines us because we are his children. Receiving discipline with a childlike attitude full of whining and complaining and lets admit it, we whine when we don't get our way, is not a wise way to learn. Saying "I'm sorry" or "I don't know" are perfectly fine and with the right attitude we do indeed learn. Don't say those things just to satiate someone else, say it meaning it. As believers we must look to God and accept the discipline due so we 1. don't repeat, 2. repent and 3. thank God for loving us enough to bring it to our attention. If he didn't love us, he wouldn't care to let us know we were goofing up...
Ain't found a way to kill me yet
Proverbs 13:24
He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him
NAS

Proverbs 29:15
The rod and reproof give wisdom,
But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
NAS

Hebrews 12:7
If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
KJV

Proverbs 22:15
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child;
The rod of discipline will remove it far from him.
NAS

Hebrews 12:10
For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness.
NAS

Ephesians 6:3-4
And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
NAS

Remember Judy's daughter...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love for us that you let us know when we are walking off path. Lord, reveal your will for each of us in our life. Thank you for your Word that teaches us. Lord we lift those concerns up to you. Thank you for being in our lives , in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-28T07:06:00.000-04:00

Great morning! How are we faithing on this mid week day? I do want to apologize for doing something innocently but has come to my attention that may prevent people from asking for prayer. Using last names. I wont anymore unless you ask.
Lots of conversations lately that deal with living today. None of the concerns are new to humans but they are new to the people talking about them. The Word gives us confidence and assurance of our salvation through our faith in Jesus the Christ. Originally religious dogma was born of good intentions to teach the principles of God to the illiterate but man started interjecting more than what Jesus taught. Those things in turn were perverted sometimes for personal gain. Ever seen the movie "Three Musketeers" with Tim Curry as the Bishop? That part of a man using dogma for personal gain and not for Godly purposes was portrayed well but remember that not always is it used that blatantly. Remember you can't earn salvation or send it away by screwing up. Our savior is our go between to God. Our salvation is set when we believe and accept the gift of salvation offered by messiah Jesus. How, why we do or did things get so convoluted? Mankind, ego, satan what ever the cause, we need not be so denigrated that we believe we have lost our salvation because we committed such a terrible thing at work yesterday. Repent because bad deeds and misdeeds need repentance to not repeat them but not for resalvation. Get a hold of that and you walk gets much straighter.
Isaiah 45:22
"Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth;
For I am God, and there is no other.
NAS

John 10:27-30
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. "I and the Father are one."
NAS

Philippians 3:20-21
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
NAS

Jude 24-25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you Jesus for saving us. Thank you for bearing all so we could live. Teach us the way to walk and let not our minds be turned from your truth to man's truth. We honor and glorify your holy name. We lift our leaders to you. We lift our troops to you. We lift our children to you. We ask safe travels and safe journeys whatever they may be. Let your light shine through us. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-27T06:27:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Our confidence in this faith is based on our savior. When preachers tell you he endured everything we do, it means exactly that. He blew his nose just like us, he scraped his knee as a kid just like us, he had errant thought show up just like we do. When we think about those things and realize he did not ever sin the vision of what Jesus is starts to take shape. Any emotion or thought that hounds mankind, he overcame. Any physical attack whether inward or outward, he whooped. Therefore when he gave his life for you and me, that's when he took on sin where there was no sin. We tend to fret over things because we don't have the confidence at a level we ought to. That is called faith. Faith that the Word is true and we can rest on it isn't always easy because we tend to walk with our eyes only. He overcame that too. I know this is sometimes hard to perceive and to act on but don't be misled, we can do it with his help. Sure I see a ball joint that needs replacing and fix it accordingly, where is the faith in that? Faith that I can replace it? No, knowing I can replace it. Our faith is knowing Jesus will be where we are and acting accordingly. I know I struggle at times because of my eyes but like we've talked about before, we need to sink in our minds and hearts of the truth of Messiah so when those doubting or fearful times come we can rest on these principles of God and overcome the flesh. Look at these. Reflect on these. Stand on these.

Hebrews 4:14-16

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.
NAS

Matthew 6:25-34
"For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? "Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span? "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? "Do not be anxious then, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?' "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that gives us hope. Thank you for your son that knows us totally. Thank you for your blessings. Thank you for your love for us even when we screw up. Lord, we ask you protect our troops and our leaders. Impart wisdom from you and not the world on them. Help them make choices that are in your will and not their own. Lord we lift those who are confused and misled. Open their eyes to the grace of Jesus so they may heal and press on with your plan for their lift. Heal hearts and minds and in the name of Jesus we rebuke and cast the demons and henchmen of the enemy out of our paths. Protect us from mind attacks that hinder our walk with you. Heal bodies that hinder your work. Teach us to see real truth and not what the world feeds us, it is in your holy name Jesus we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-26T06:52:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Have you looked at current events in the world? Do you pay attention to the signs of the Lord's coming? Do you understand that the world will deceive even the elect if possible? There are so many sins accepted as ok this day and age and as I watch the news I see more and more perversion of life being made acceptable. Things that are contrary to scripture are being made lawful. It scares me a little to see the men running the world oblivious to the events happening and what was foretold in scripture. These smart people seem to see only their own wisdom and let the way of the world play the biggest part in their decisions with "it's politics, not personal" and their mantra. How foolish! Compromise and deals for which way a new road goes may be proper but compromising Godly principles like, "the way justifies the means" is dangerous and most time plain wrong. We live in perilous times and as believers we need to check every ism and every "new" way with scripture or we are gonna be fooled with feel good things that ultimately destroy us. Think about that and get in the Word. Don't take my word for it, take God's.

Joel 3:9-21

Proclaim this among the nations:
Prepare a war; rouse the mighty men!
Let all the soldiers draw near, let them come up!
Beat your plowshares into swords, And your pruning hooks into spears;
Let the weak say, "I am a mighty man."
Hasten and come, all you surrounding nations, And gather yourselves there.
Bring down, O LORD, Thy mighty ones.
Let the nations be aroused And come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat,
For there I will sit to judge All the surrounding nations.
Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe.
Come, tread, for the wine press is full;
The vats overflow, for their wickedness is great.
Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars lose their brightness.
And the LORD roars from Zion And utters His voice from Jerusalem,
And the heavens and the earth tremble.
But the LORD is a refuge for His people And a stronghold to the sons of Israel.
Then you will know that I am the LORD your God,
Dwelling in Zion My holy mountain.
So Jerusalem will be holy, And strangers will pass through it no more.
And it will come about in that day That the mountains will drip with sweet wine,
And the hills will flow with milk,
And all the brooks of Judah will flow with water;
And a spring will go out from the house of the LORD,
To water the valley of Shittim.
Egypt will become a waste, And Edom will become a desolate wilderness, Because of the violence done to the sons of Judah, In whose land they have shed innocent blood.
But Judah will be inhabited forever, And Jerusalem for all generations.
And I will avenge their blood which I have not avenged, For the LORD dwells in Zion.
NAS

Remember Josh's eye...remember Kellynn...remember De'Vonte...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that without it we would fall, even more than we do, for the lies of the world. Grant us your wisdom and not mans. Lord we lift the physical things that are bothering us to you. Heal and wash clean our sins. Renew your spirit in us and give us an insatiable desire to read and learn your ways. Thank you for your prophecies that map out the path we ought to be on, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-23T07:12:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? God is just awesome. He reveals things in his Word and then confirmation happens by other believers. Many times I have been in the Word, make a discovery that is new for me and a brother or sister in the Lord tells me they are hearing the same thing. Our afflictions we face are not unusual or new. Nothing is new under the sun. What ever you and I face, the principles have been the same since time on earth began, well maybe after the fall...Sometimes the things that hound me are my own weakness of mind and flesh. It is so terrific when fellow believers let me know they have or are suffering similarly. Not that I want to see anyone suffer, but at the same time that loneliness felt during those times evaporates once we become aware that others have been there or are treading with you. It's real easy to turn inward when things attack us from the blind side and we are taken aback. God speaks to his children but his kids tend to not stop and listen. So when we are being afflicted, rather than whine about that said affliction, why not look for the lesson, the purpose and what our Father is telling us. Get quiet. Read the Word then pause in reflection. Listen to that still small voice because our strength and our endurance can only come from the Lord..

Psalms 34:19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
KJV

Proverbs 24:16
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,
But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.
NAS

John 16:33
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
NAS

2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 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.
NAS

James 5:10-11
As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
NAS

Remember this author...remember the lost...remember the lonely...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your wisdom and for your love. We lift praises to you and thank you for vision and direction. Teach us to hear your voice and teach us to submit. Lord we ask for all the static to be removed so we can hear. Thank you for all you do and help us bless rather than curse...In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-22T07:43:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? I hear complaining all the time that current circumstances suck. I hear whining over life not being what one thought it should be. Chatter about so and so not holding up to ones standard just waifs through the air. People, stop for a second. Did you forget the things in your past that you overcame? Did you forget that God is in charge and knows what is best and wants to give his best to you? Have you not realized that what you want may be ok but God always has the right plan and even though you may not get what you want, you'll get something better? Get with it man! Stop looking at the half empty glass and realize it's half full. Start looking at things and look for the lesson. Any darkness isn't of God but if we trust him completely we will score a victory. Stop and look at what God is giving and not what you think you lack...

James 1:2-4

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
NAS

James 5:7-9
Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.
NAS

1 Peter 5:9-10
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
NAS

James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
NAS

Remember Julie Harlow...remember Harold Markey...remember Mike...remember Di and Em...

Heavenly Father,
Help us see truth and accept it. Help us not throw fits when our way isn't done. Lord, forgive our shortsightedness and help us recognise your better plans when ours fall through. Help us trust so completely we deem problems but mere distractions and chances for us to grow. Lord we lift our concerns and requests today and ask your will be done and that we see the light, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-21T06:41:00.000-04:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? We are a product of environment and the raising our parents did. Typically our faith is what our parents had as we grew up. We never questioned most times but accepted all they told us as fact and anything else was wrong. As we entered adulthood we recognised things that were taught to us wrong but most times ignored it perhaps because of a feeling of betrayal or simply out of respect. Our folks dealt with the same things we do just like their parents did. There are things they did right and things they did wrong. That does not take away from our respect and love for them or shouldn't anyways, but if we see they are mistaken we are obligated to correct that mistake in our lives. We still respect and love our parents but they did not do everything right and neither will we. When we discover our folks are not infallible, that is when we start to grow into wisdom. Wisdom to see where they are right and where they were wrong. Wisdom to act righteously and not with blame. Wisdom to accept truth on it's own merit and not approval of the parents. Does this diminish our love and respect for them? In no way does it! This is for those who are struggling with this subject matter and I want to encourage you with the Word. Truth is truth. Be convinced of it not because the family says so but because the truth has been revealed. Gee whiz we could talk for days on this but let me give you some scripture to ponder;
Exodus 20:12
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
NAS

Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth. And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
NAS

Philippians 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.
NAS

Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your body,
And refreshment to your bones.
NAS

John 1:17-18
For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. No man has seen God at any time; the only begotten God, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.
NAS

Remember Dan Juett...remember Nik Major...Remember Brad McKinney...remember Christy,,,remember Kat and Chris

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the truth that is in your Word. Reveal to us today your truth and let not us be misguided or fooled by man made doctrine. Lord we lift those mentioned to you. Heal and bless them. Lord we pray for those seeking you and your true walk. Lord the idols of this world we rebuke so that our eyes are scale free and wide open. Let your love and grace overshadow everything that gets in the way of you. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Ever feel like this?

Mark 14:34-35
And He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved to the point of death; remain here and keep watch." And He went a little beyond them, and fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by.
NAS

Luke 22:42
"Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done.
NAS

We all have times when we feel this way. Sometimes it's overwhelming to deal with things in this life. Sometimes we may want to pack it up and flee to Tahiti or to Saskatchewan. It's also hard to remember our Lord has control and that even though we see the answer, others don't. Sometimes we don't see the answer and others do and when that shoe is on, we have trouble hearing. Let me assure you all, Jesus is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. We are the ones learning, striving and passing through this world, he already did. When we are lost as to what to do or say it behooves us to reach for the Word not only for answers but for comfort. The Word reminds us of God's love and that we are not alone or the first to deal with whatever we are dealing with today. Remember;
Isaiah 53:11
As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.
NAS

Remember Kevin Cleveland...remember Hallie Tracy...remember the Mike Stevenson family...remember David's surgery...remember Allison...remember Kat and Chris

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that is the only tangible thing we can hang onto no matter what befalls us. We lift these mentioned today and ask spiritual, mental and physical healing and let all know you love and care and are the one providing this healing. Lord we struggle and are lost in our own minds sometimes and we ask forgiveness when we look at other than you. Guide our paths and help our tongues speak healing and not vile things that hurt ..in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-19T07:03:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? The things we face daily can build up and begin to crush us if we don't prepare for this warfare. Peace and love preached is indeed what salvation provides but be not ignorant and know that the enemy is not pleased with your decision to follow the Christ. If this warfare is against spirits and principalities of darkness we need to be well armed with the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, thew helmet of salvation and the sword which is the Word, that slays the enemy at it's mere utterance. If we succumb to the things of this earth we wont be much use to God or ourselves. I see professing saved people dropping off the side of the road overcome by this physical life and we need to be aware of the many potholes on this road. Satan is good at what he does but our God is way smarter and stronger so we better be looking at him.

Romans 3:9-12

What then? Are we better than they? Not at all; for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written,
"There is none righteous, not even one;
There is none who understands,
There is none who seeks for God;
All have turned aside, together they have become useless;
There is none who does good,
There is not even one.
NAS

1 John 5:19
And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
KJV

1 John 4:4
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
NAS

Remember our leaders ....

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love and support of us. Thank you for being ever present in all things. Help us tune into your voice and not all those around us that are trying to confuse us. Lord we need to see your face. Lord we lift the children up to you. Protect their minds. Lord we lift our leaders to you. Guide them. Open their eyes. in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-16T07:39:00.000-04:00

Great morning! How are we faithing? Doing things a certain way, obeying laws and commandments in the Bible, behaving a certain way in and of themselves are not what gets anyone to heaven. Who am I or you to point a finger and say,"do thus and so" or "act this way or that way in church"? This is a relationship with God. Christianity is a love relationship with the creator. Are all your relationships with loved ones the same? The answer of course is no so why would we try to alter someone elses relationship with Jesus? Some sing some dance and some tap their foot, some orate and some are silent, some praise verbally and some nod, some whisper prayers and some cry out loudly. Which is correct? Which is "the way"? Why would we give a crap how someone else's relationship is? Isn't it enough to focus on our own walk? The physical outward display is between Jesus and you. Do not stifle the spirit. Do not interject your walk onto someone else. Your walk is yours, theirs is theirs. When we think ours is better, we have just walked headlong into judgement and guess what? You and I are not the judge therefore we have just gotten really arrogant and annoying besides the judgement sin...

Psalms 119:165-168

Those who love Thy law have great peace,
And nothing causes them to stumble.
I hope for Thy salvation, O LORD,
And do Thy commandments.
My soul keeps Thy testimonies,
And I love them exceedingly.
I keep Thy precepts and Thy testimonies,
For all my ways are before Thee.
NAS

Psalms 119:9
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By keeping it according to Thy word.
NAS

Remember Todd Hempel...remember Chris Hall...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that sustains me. Thank you for talking and walking with me. Help me not be judgemental. Help me encourage and not stifle. Help me be assured of my relationship with you. Help us all focus on you, speak when necessary and shut up too. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-15T07:33:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Encouragement during rough times is sometimes really hard to accept. We do have a tendency to wallow and a tendency to get indignant when things transpire that we dislike. Blaming others, even if accurate, solves nothing. The event or action towards us still happened and we still felt or feel the injury but pointing the finger even retaliation only serves the pain or injury. Logically, why would we want to inflict pain when we abhor it so? Why would we want to give back what we got? Does that make anything better? Using inflicted pain as an excuse to act in kind is simple reprehensible. It just entrenches the pain we already have. When we stop and pray to our savior even when we would like to smash something or someone we set up a spirit of forgiveness and love rather than bitterness and hate. Which do you suppose is better for you?
John 14:1-7
"Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.
NAS

Romans 5:1-5
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.
NAS

Romans 15:33
Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
NAS

Remember Hallie Tracy...remember Chris as he embarks on his journey ahead...remember Kat and I

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your love you show every day. Lord we ask for courage and calmness to see your truths and act on them regardless of what flies at us. In Jesus name we rebuke satan and his henchmen from our lives. We speak your Word as absolute truth and with sincere belief we praise your holy name, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-14T07:23:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? There are a whole lot of "walking wounded" everywhere we go. Sometimes we are them. Words hurt. Actions hurt. Do you harbor resentment? Do you listen to the worlds wisdom on how to deal with those hurts? It is important to remember that other people, no matter how bogus what they just said or did, may be a result of walking wounded. We don't know their walk. We don't know what they are carrying. We do know of our own stuff so why would they be any different? As I grow older,the wisdom from experience stays with me but if I don't hold my experiences up to the light of God, what would prevent me from repeating them? We have been raised a certain way, we have learned responses, we have natural and learned habits and we can be right and we can be wrong with words and deeds so by holding all of ourselves up to the scrutiny of God we can progress and not stay mired in the same ditch.
1 Corinthians 1:20-25
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For indeed Jews ask for signs, and Greeks search for wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block, and to Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
NAS

1 Corinthians 2:6-11
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom, which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written,
"Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard,
And which have not entered the heart of man,
All that God has prepared for those who love Him."
For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man, which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God.
NAS

Remember Alan and Tanya...remember Zach Morgans family...

Heavenly Father,
Help us stand with you and be willing to make the changes wherever they need to be. Open your Word to us so we can see the truth that sets us free. Lord we screw up on many fronts but our desire is to trust and follow your principles. Help us be quick to recognise those principles. Lord, we lift those who are hurting today. Help us be sensitive to your promptings and bless our tongues with healing words and not critical or hurtful words. Lord we bless and honor you in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-13T07:05:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Even when turmoil is all around us we have an advocate for us, Jesus. There are many names for the son of God but the one that explains what he is for believers is Messiah. He is the only way to the Father and the only strength in this fallen world. Yeah we all have strength and inner fortitude but where you think that comes from? You think YOU made that? You think YOU are so awesome YOU can overcome anything? Reality check here, YOU can't. Oh you may for a time but eventually a crash happens and when reality sets in and you feel like a noose is around your neck or an elephant is sitting on your chest I pray you turn to Jesus because he has already done all that is necessary for redemption. The cost has been paid and it's offered to you for free, no strings. You don't have to earn a thing, just accept. You will be transformed. Will the pain be gone immediately? Well no because flesh is flesh and all we have done may have physical consequences so be prepared but know what? You no longer dwell alone on this earth and hereafter. Be of good cheer because we have a wonderful advocate that died for us. He paid the penalty so we could enjoy the fruits of the Father. Man that is good news...

Colossians 1:9-14
For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
NAS

Remember Nicole Major...remember Debbie Major...remember Chris, Kat and I...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your unconditional love for us that you made a path for us to redemption. Lord we ask you come in our hearts and dwell there. Show us your heavenly peace and wisdom. Lord, wrap your arms around those hurting today. Help us walk the walk and increase our belief, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-12T06:51:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? There are so many things to discover in the Word. Anything we face day to day, a principle of God to deal with that situation is contained within. Using a concordance to find out answers to questions is a big help. I was thinking about magic and witchcraft and if it is real. Well, the Bible warns against it and tells us it is not to be messed with. If God tells us that, it must exist. Remember the verse about "battling spirits and principalities of the air"? Gee, explains that further doesn't it. I wonder if demons are those ugly hideous creatures depicted in movies and drawings. They may be but they either they are invisible to us normally or they are able to take on a more pleasant form or we would run from them, right? These types of thoughts provoke interest and a desire to read the Word to find answers.
Along these lines of questioning we see conflict and bad things happening. Because sin entered this earth, we are going to endure things. If you are able to contemplate time you can realize that even though whatever is happening sucks, it is inconsequential compared to eternity. So to my thought process, we came with nothing, we leave with nothing so just how relevant to eternity is our present afflictions? They are relevant because they teach us compassion, patience, kindness, the ability to support and help someone else who endures similar things later on. Pain is real whether physical, spiritual or mental, we can deal with those things if we prepare ourselves before hand. I didn't say it would be easy nor does the Word say it is a rose garden but we can overcome and we can pass on through, coming out the other side whole. If we do not prepare our minds and spirits for the battles of principalities of the air before hand but instead take a selfish boo hoo approach to this life, we are in for unbearable types of pain and suffering.
2 Corinthians 4:7-15
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, " I believed, therefore I spoke, "we also believe, therefore also we speak; knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
NAS

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches and purifies us. Lord we ask for forgiveness when we whine and complain about things. We lack understanding and ask for wisdom and knowledge so we can be more like you. Lord we praise you for all you do and forgive us when our feeble minds fail to recognise that. Lord we are trying and like your son said,"the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak". Forgive us. Lord as we go through this week, help us seek you in everything and see needs and meet them on your terms, in Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-09T07:03:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? You are hurt. You feel crapped on. You think you have been done wrong. Seems like whatever you do, it's wrong. The pity party begins and it begats a "why me" attitude. Then you feel righteous indignation because these things have happened. Then you decide,"screw you guys, I'm getting mine". Before you know it you are looking and fondling your stuff so much you run slam into more because that mirror you hold in front of you blocks your view. This is vanity. This is selfishness. This is the devils playground. Those things probably did happen but so what? Put your big boy pants on and press on looking at God and for God. As long as your view is blocked by you, you will lather, rinse, repeat. I'm sorry you are hurt. I'll even pray for and with you, cry with you, grieve with you but I will not let hurt overcome or define you....or me. This is sometimes very hard to hear but it is truth and while you are not in that place, cement this in your heart so when those things happen you are an overcomer and not a victim of your own vanity.

Psalms 119:37
Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.
KJV

Proverbs 4:25-27
Let your eyes look directly ahead,
And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
Watch the path of your feet,
And all your ways will be established.
Do not turn to the right nor to the left;
Turn your foot from evil.
NAS

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.
NAS

Isaiah 33:15-16
He who walks righteously, and speaks with sincerity,
He who rejects unjust gain,
And shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe;
He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed,
And shuts his eyes from looking upon evil;
He will dwell on the heights;
His refuge will be the impregnable rock;
His bread will be given him;
His water will be sure.
NAS

Remember Aaron Watts...remember Abby's Grandma...remember Kellynn and Ty as they travel...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the wisdom you show us in your Word. Lord we ask for healing physically, mentally and spiritually this day. This being the ten year anniversary of 911, alot of emotions will be raw. We ask you show yourself to this nation and our leaders. Please grant wisdom in all we face and put your words on our tongues so others may find your peace, in Jesus name we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? How do you deal with every day drudgery? How do you deal with pain? Do you complain? Do you curse things? Do you lash out or do you take the time to seek out benefits and wisdom? Do you try to look beyond whatever current pain to see where you will be when it's over? It is very important that we seek God in absolutely everything. Today you and or I may be healthy, warm, fed, content but tomorrow when the car stalls and you're late for work, the dog dies, the furnace blows up and your favorite shirt gets mustard spilled on it, how are you gonna react? How are you going to cope? Does "woe is me" settle in for a time or do you snatch your britches and press on? We all have those days or seasons but why would we compound them by heaping more negative on top of pain you don't like anyways? Man, it is easy to succumb to a pity party but really, does that help at all? Do you enjoy the dark side that much? I'm not about to tell you to dance when your Mom dies but prepare yourself with the Word so you can grieve in a healthy manner and not be down in the basement digging holes because you need to get lower. Bad feeds on itself. Depression if not caught spirals down. Look at these with application to your life;

Romans 8:10-11

And if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.
NAS

1 Corinthians 2:12-13
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words.
NAS

1 John 4:4
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
KJV

remember Chris Hall...remember Diane Harrod...remember Jimmy Brown...remember our service men and women...remember Josh and Nik

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that sustains us. Lord we ask a healing of spirits and minds today. We ask for clarity in things we encounter. Let us not be dismayed or fall for satan and his henchman's traps. Help us hold onto your grace and love with an understanding that carnal things are of this world and we are in it but not of it. Lord we lift those mentioned and ask your touch be so obvious. Let them have a vision of you that cannot be denied. It is in your holy and precious name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-07T06:39:00.001-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? I am so tired. Emotionally and physically. Spiritually I am weak but Jesus is strong. The things that are present around me could whoop me but my strength isn't mine but Gods. Ever felt those ways? Do you forget that last line is absolute truth? When and what ever goes on in our life we must remind ourselves that because of our savior we do indeed have an advocate to the father. Because of Jesus we are able to bring our petitions right straight to God and lay them down and when we step back we actually see them be picked up by a Father that loves us regardless. I don't know about you but there is peace and rest in that knowledge. All the good things we do don't earn any favor. All the bad things we do doesn't cause him to back off. Our savior is consistently ever present. It is in fact we who back away. We are the ones who hide when we sin. We are the ones who hold grudges, fail to forgive sin against us and stray from the path of righteousness. When we come to our senses, and I hope we all do eventually, it is not to late. I am watching a struggle of the flesh and of the mind in a loved one and although it breaks my heart I know the hard road ahead for them will be rough but my confidence is not shaken. If our confidence is in anything other than Jesus we will fail. If our reliance is on anybody but Jesus we will be let down at some point.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
KJV

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
NAS

Remember Linda Griffin family...remember Braydon Tindle...remember Earl and Flo DeBusk

Heavenly Father,
Lord we bless your holy name. We lift our burdens to you knowing you have already whooped them. We also ask the wisdom that is to be gleaned from our trials comes quickly and doesn't cause us to inflict pain on others. Lord we ask for courage and a presence of mind that we recognise the spirits we are battling. Lord, comfort those hurting physically, mentally and spiritually. Let them see your face and gain confidence in your presence. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-06T05:05:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing after the holiday weekend? Golly, what a time we have sometimes when things go completely awry. I don't mean when the toaster sticks but when serious events just upset our world. I have caught myself lamenting over trivial stuff and when real stuff transpires, I forget the previous things and realize they meant nothing. Do you or have you had that happen? Whine to yourself or out loud because the trash wasn't taken out but then the person who is suppose to take out the trash breaks a leg, our perspective changes for awhile. When they heal we still expect the trash to be taken out but in the meantime we pick up the slack. Jesus does the same. We are forgiven. Nothing you do is unforgivable. He will carry you while you heal. Our job becomes learning and developing a relationship with him and the result is the desire to not sin. Do we still sin? Of course but I have noticed less and less sin in those who seek Jesus' face in all they do. Are they better than you or me? No, but it's not about being "gooder". That's called vanity when we think in terms of "gooder" and here's why. In order to be "gooder". someone else must be "badder" right? If your concern is if you are "gooder" than someone, that means you are looking at you. Sure we must look inward to keep ourselves in check with God's plan but what anybody else does is not our concern from the judgemental perspective. When we see sin in others our only concern, barring danger, ought to be leading them to a salvation knowledge of Jesus the Christ then HE will lead them down the "gooder" path. If someone asks, tell them what the Word says. If someone is looking for a way to condemn someone else, have no part of that because we all fall short in one form or another. Keep perspective in everything. Advance the study of the Word and be ready to pray for anybody and be ready with a word that edifies rather than tears down.

Titus 3:1-11

Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be uncontentious, gentle, showing every consideration for all men. For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men. But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless. Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned.
NAS

Remember Nan Gilpin...remember Nicole Major...remember Steve Travis...remember Chris Hall...remember Kat and I

Heavenly Father,
We ask for forgiveness when the things of this world cloud the real issues. Lord we ask forgiveness when we judge intentionally and inadvertently. Lord we lift those mentioned to you. Heal, hold and halt any intrusions by the enemies on those lives. Grant wisdom that is flat beyond them but from you. In the name of Jesus we rebuke the devil and his henchmen from harassing and hindering your path. Make it so obvious as to where and what you want in our lives. Lord we tremble in your presence and are in awe of your majesty. Teach us to have courage to act and speak truth with love for your honor and glory and it is in your holy name Jesus that we pray, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? Took an allergy pill about an hour ago. Ye gads...I may need a nap! We've heard a gazillion sermons on pruning but have you really took it to heart? When you cut back your rose bush it makes more flowers right? When God prunes us we show more God. People see and respond to that fruit we bear. Don't think so? Know any braggarts? Liars? Egomaniacs? How do they react to things and what is their life like? What do they attract and what do they expel? Pay attention and learn because if we refuse to be pruned and learn, we will end up stagnant and pretty much useless.

John 15:1-4
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit. "You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
NAS

Heavenly Father,
Help us accept your pruning. Help us believe you are in control and even when complain help us realize that is what's going on. We desire to have your heart and to share that heart with others. Bless those on pain and turmoil, let your light shine in their hearts. In Jesus name, amen

daily prayer

2011-09-01T07:28:00.000-04:00

Good morning! How are we faithing? It is truly amazing to listen to people of faith that speak about doing this or that and that doing those things determine heaven entrance. What? Did I miss something? Heaven or hell is solely based on recognising Jesus of Nazareth is Messiah. A gift. Free. No performance. No ritual or obeying any action earns admittance. Our behavior and adherence to those Biblical laws and principles is out of a heart of love for God. We don't obey in fear we wont make it if we don't, we obey because we have that heart for God when we believe. How do we get that reversed? How do we twist stuff like that? It is our nature to "earn" so just accepting a free thing, a no strings free thing, is just illogical to the natural man. Our behavior should be based on 2 principles. Love the neighbor as ones self and we reap what we sow. We had an interesting discussion on loving ones neighbor as ones self at church last night, thought provoking and self analizating as it was, it was quite evident that it is hard and darn near impossible to love a neighbor we may not like, but we are admonished to do so. That leads to the sowing and reaping principle inso much as if we retaliate and bring evil on our neighbor, no matter how justified it may seem, it'll come back on us bigger and more abundantly. An apple tree comes from one seed and it produces fruit thousands of times over. Think about that and move that principle over to your thoughts and actions. Scary ain't it. We have to behave, act, think in a manner that is honorable to the God we claim we love or we reap the whirlwind after a wind seed is planted. I don't know about you but when I get stepped on I have to work hard at not responding in kind. Standing up for ones self is sometimes necessary but how you do it does indeed have ramifications...think I'll try to respond wisely and not fleshly...

Hosea 8:7
For they sow the wind,
And they reap the whirlwind.
NAS

Hosea 10:12
Sow with a view to righteousness,
Reap in accordance with kindness;
Break up your fallow ground,
For it is time to seek the LORD
Until He comes to rain righteousness on you.
NAS

Galatians 6:6-9
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap . For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.
NAS

2 Corinthians 9:6
Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.
NAS

Leviticus 19:18
'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.
NAS

Romans 13:9-10
For this, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
NAS

Remember Jerry Wheeler...remember Steve McQueen

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for you Word that sustains us. Lord we ask for wisdom so we can be sure of your principles and the courage to act accordingly. Lord we lift those who struggle with retaliation and grief from wrongs committed to them. Grant your peace. Reveal yourself in a manner that cannot be denied. We lift the lost to you. Open their minds and hearts to Messiah. Lord, guide our tongues, tie them and loose them with honor and truth, in Jesus name, amen