Christian Firefighters Association

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Comment by Michael Brittain 22 hours ago

On Mornings when I find myself struggling I come to work, pull this up and find God channeling his Word to lift me Up! Thank you Russ! And to all the Christian Firefighter Association Members I Pray that you have a Very Blessed day today Walking in God's Light of Grace!

Comment by russ allen 1 day ago

Good morning! How are we faithing? Ok, my brain has been working overtime this week. From fire investigations to scriptures, from accident and fire scene evaluations to people I know suffering with all kinds of things. From having old Van Halen music playing note for note in my dreams thus waking up hearing them to thinking and praying for concerns I know about and those I don't. A realization and a perspective about what this salvation stuff is all about came about too. Here's the formulation of that realization; Jesus came to give us eternal life first. All those cool teachings are for us as acceptors of that gift to use for a plan for living. Those teachings are not for us to earn that trip to heaven. It's so simple that people have trouble accepting. People think "if I do this or that" I'll make it. Not true and the person who follows all the biblical rules can still miss the flight to heaven if they miss the simple gift Jesus is placing in your hands. I am so concerned for all of the people I meet as to whether they are aware of this. Don't make this harder than it is. I also see people searching and working so hard to find peace and happiness by all sorts of means. It's like the Van Halen songs I hear in my head, musically innovative in its time, melodic and the hooks just grab you but the lyrics...the lyrics man just make me sad when you put those up with the lifestyle lived through those times, it just breaks my heart that those writers were searching for God but turned to other things instead. Did they find what they were searching for? I don't know but after watching interviews over the years and seeing reports on their exploits, they hadn't at the time of the interview or reports. I also see and hear those same kinds of things everywhere I go and it makes me more aware of my own actions and speech and if God is seen in me by those searching for truth. I know the kind of peace that passes all understanding and I want everybody to find the same. Think about this and pray for truth and wisdom for your life. You think about this...

Heb 10:1-14
The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am-it is written about me in the scroll- I have come to do your will, O God.'" First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
NIV

Remember Kathy Fiowiat (I hope I spelled that right)...Chris Bell, a young man searching...Ben Hanzel...Floyd Griffin...Barb Fitch...and my bride...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for such a simple gift you gave to us. Help us realize it is a simple gift that all must do is accept it. Lord we ask for your grace and a touch on those mentioned today and ask your presence be so overwhelming in their lives that transformation can no way be denied. Lord we praise and lift you up. Lord, we don't understand all this alot of times but we are trying to be patient and trust completely. Lay that peace on us and revelate the truths to us that your reflection shines bright to everyone we meet! in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:30 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 12, 2009 at 7:28am

thank you for the kind words and the encouragement!

Comment by russ allen on November 12, 2009 at 7:27am

Good morning! How are we faithing? Been away due to work for a couple days and as much as I love my job, I don't like missing this. This is a time to learn and to pass on truths revealed in the Word. This is a way of giving back what God has done for me. This is a way of encouraging you to stand tall and know you are not alone in your walk. So much of of the time we wear facades when we are worried or hurting or just unsure of things. I want you to know that you are normal because we all experience these things. Just because we are saved and church goers doesn't mean our lives are perfect. Be careful not to fake this. Everybody thinks everybody else is weird. We all think if we don't put up that facade of holiness we have failed somehow. Nothing is further than the truth. Throw off the masks and see what the bible reveals as truth and we will get better. I don't mean better than someone else but better than WE were. As we grow in the Lord and if we seek God and not try to put on the appearance of a godlike image, others will see honest godlike qualities emerge. Point is to seek truth and not fake truth. I've discovered they're gonna talk anyways so do what's right because it's right. Throw off the shackle's put on by a perception of what we should appear like. I heard a preacher talk about Moses and his feelings of inadequacies and his resistance to doing God's will. He was concerned with his stature and his speech impediment. Did it matter in the long run? Nope. You can bet the people talked trash but God was revealed. What about Paul? Boy he had an image to live down but he didn't work at changing the image, he worked at serving God and the image changed on it's own. Truth was revealed. So as you go through your days, read the Word, talk to God, look to him for guidance and keep your motivation him and the image will be his and not you faking it.

Gal 6:1-5
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
NIV

Gal 2:6-7
As for those who seemed to be important-whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance-those men added nothing to my message.
NIV

Matt 23:1-7
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long; they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues; they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'
NIV

Remember Ty Bates...Cari Amargo's Dad...Barb Fitch...Ronnie Cohorn...and a praise out for Bill Salvatore who is healed!

Heavenly Father,
We praise your holy name and thank your the peace and love you give. Lord, help us be real and true and not partake of the building of facades. Help us focus on you and not present an images for show. Lord we ask a touch on those we encounter, let us be a vessel of your power and let us not be prideful but loving in all we do. Teach us real compassion. in Jesus' name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:51 AM

Comment by David Walker Rivers on November 11, 2009 at 6:45pm

Thank you Russ.....I needed to read what you posted....It sure makes me think on how I am feeling these days...Keep up the good work and may God bless you and everyone iin firefighternation.

Comment by Michael Brittain on November 9, 2009 at 10:50am

Thank you for that Great Word Today Russ! Yesterday was the first day I've been to church in 3 weeks due to the flu and then pneumonia following. And let me tell you, I think half of my "Feeling Bad" was the absence of the "Word" on Sunday, that Recharge of my Spiritual Battery for the week ahead. God is Great and I Love My Pastor and his ability to Channel God's Word through to the people around him. We learned the definition of FAITH yesterday and though we know and have an understanding of Faith, Jim took the scriptures and uses them across the Bible to bring a Full Awareness of Faith to us. It was FANTASTIC! Then I start my morning with such a great Daily Word as yours! I will Take your Challenge, to begin consciously thinking of my reactions to things throughout this week and applying them to the word in the Bible. I too agree that it is our thoughts inside that "Truly" define who we are! No one knows you like God knows you, because you can pretend to every single person around you, but your thoughts you can not hide from God. As with Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we are taught that bettering our Spiritual selves begins and ends by "cleaning up" the thoughts within as those are the true you.

To ALL of my newly found Christian Firefighters have a Blessed Week Ahead, Be Safe, and as my Pastor, Jim Jackson said this Sunday, Have Faith, Knowing beyond a reasonable doubt without having or needing a Visible Solid Proof!

Growing My Faith to the Mustard Seed,

Michael Brittain

Comment by russ allen on November 9, 2009 at 7:28am

Good Monday morning!! How are we faithing? It's been an interesting time as of late. I'm learning all sorts of things from personal to professional. I also watch others and their reactions and wonder what they're thinking. How did they come to the place they are at. Some I know of their struggles and of their past but some I am clueless about. The consistent thing that I see is the inward vision alot of people have. What I mean is they are so focused on their own deal they miss or miss read what is around them. Watching people go off over silly things, silly to me anyways, makes one wonder why they cannot see how their reaction is so out of line with the problem. We all do this from time to time and as an outsider we see other bad moves and yet can't seem to see our own. You know, when we accepted Jesus as savior we became a new creature in Christ and yet we still look at things and act just like we did before. We are no longer under the slavery of sin. All of that junk is gone so why do we continue to think and act like we are? Culture, upbringing, influence from our surroundings all have an effect on our behavior but like the Word says,"as a man thinks, so he is". Think about that. If we still think we are sinners and think that we must pay back, we will continue in that bondage. Why in the world would we do that when our savior said we shouldn't? I've had to work at that change in thinking in many arenas because of thinking a certain way for so long. Capturing wrong thinking modes and not holding them takes work. Recognising unhealthy thoughts so we can modify or toss them out is also not always easy but the first step is that recognition. Try it this week. Look at every reaction to a thought and compare it to biblical principles. That thought about that hot gal or guy, that lust for that car, that overwhelming desire for a bigger house, that woe is me thought, that "I am not worthy" thought. Capturing and modifying these thoughts so they cannot grow is important to us. Don't let the bad push out the good. Think about this...

1 Cor 1:25
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
NIV

Prov 23:7
For as he thinks within himself, so he is.
NAS

Phil 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
NIV
Col 1:10-14
And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
NIV

Remember Dave Morano...remember our troops...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all you show us. Keep our minds alert to the wiles of the enemy. Help us toss out the thoughts that harm. Lord we want to see you in all we do and ask for wisdom to act righteously for righteousness' sake and not for our own glory. Heal the sick we pray for and protect those in danger, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:42 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 6, 2009 at 7:09am

Good Friday morning! How did we faith this week? You know, checking out things on the web is so informative, interesting and enlightening and yet can be so damaging if we are not careful. I was looking under the heading "christian rock" and what came up surprised me. Of course alot of good bands came up but also anybody who used the words "christian rock" came up also. I was flabbergasted. We have to be wise as a fox these days because we can get caught up in something we never even intended to. I know some of you are going to do the same search now so tread lightly. We as believers are exposed to so much in this world and I am not a proponent of shielding from everything but we sure need to keep our minds pure and clean. Thoughts and images can bite us when we least expect them. Guys especially are susceptible to images. Once it's seen it is in our heads forever. Filling our heads with the Word is so important because all the things we see, say, hear and do can push out or at least hide the Word if it is minute in it's volume. Think about it and you will find it's true. I read all the time from car rags to the Word to fire reports and related things and I find sometimes imagery from a fire ground scene crop up when I read the Word and, now that I have discovered the importance of balancing the Word volume with interest volumes I find myself thinking about God and praying while doing car stuff and at fire grounds. How about you? Where do your thoughts go daily? Are you quick to pray? Even a "help"? Does scripture and Godly precepts enter all you do? Do you see examples of principles in the Word at work around you? Think about this and seek God to find where you need to be in the balance. Determine if that balance is lopsided and to which side it's falls to.

Phil 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
NIV


Ps 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.
NIV


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


Luke 12:22-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
NIV

Remember Carl Ford and his family...


Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your Word that teaches us what we need. Lord we ask for comfort for the Ford family in their sadness. Thank you for your grace that saves us. Help us recognise things that can harm us mentally and help us be secure in our faith in you. Teach us to discern right from wrong and to stay pure and clean in your sight. Forgive us when we fail and assure us you still love us when we do. In Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:37 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 5, 2009 at 7:09am

Good morning! How are we faithing? I don't know about you but I enjoy preaching on the radio while driving. I like to learn and to think. The Holy Spirit also speaks through some of these broadcasts. Which one isn't the issue here but proof and references given are pertinent to learning and for looking things up for myself. Sometimes I disagree with interpretations but I sure wont fight to the death over someone else's conviction. Heresy on the other hand immediately gets an off button hit. How do I know if it's heresy? Study. Study is the only way we can know our scripture and be aware of heresy otherwise we can be fooled or drawn away from truth. There are so many things to learn but the one untruth that gets us in more trouble is the earning of this grace that was given to us for free. Sure there are ways to live and things to do but keep reminding yourself that your eternity is set and the Word said nothing can separate us from that salvation and love of God so approach the commands and obedience from a wanting to serve aspect and not an earning one. Look at these;

1 Thess 5:1-24
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do not put out the Spirit's fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.
NIV

Heb 6:1-3
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
NIV

Cool huh? Remember the unspoken concerns. We all have friends and family that need prayer but don't want the problem broad casted...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace that led us to your salvation. Help us show it to the lost and let us not get caught up in doing religion but in living the principles you teach. Lord we ask for healing our minds and bodies. We ask for wisdom in all we do. We ask for strength and energy to live like a saved redeemed soul with exuberance and honesty, thank you for healing our minds in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:39 AM

Comment by russ allen on November 4, 2009 at 7:09am

Good morning! Cool and crisp like a fall day should be! Our faithing and our adherence to the teachings of God in his Word is of utmost importance. We know from the Word that believers in the Messiah Jesus that we are not judged for salvation by our adherence but we are expected to obey the commandments of Jesus. I read something interesting this morning that exposes some lines of thinking and some actions as not in line with Godly teaching. Check this out;

1 Cor 4:18-21
Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
NIV

Look at that. People had become arrogant in their practices and when you research the Greek words written you discover that some of the people were becoming self complacent and actually got puffed up at their holiness. Arrogance by its nature is boasting and haughtiness because it fears no judgement or correction. That leads to "look at me" or "do as I do because I am Holier than you". Boy is that a dangerous place to be! We've talked before on this and our being good or holy isn't a means for judging others or heaping condemnation on others but it's a reflection of Jesus. When we get arrogant and start pointing fingers or weighing down others with our expectations of religious views we become arrogant and step out of his marvelous light and into the shadows of form rather than function. Paul ends those verses with a question about coming with a whip or a rod preaching Jesus or with love and a gentle spirit which when you think about it is self answering to the latter rather than the former. Cramming righteousness down someones throat vs showing the compassion and love of Jesus is a no brainer. The power of the Word of God isn't in lording it over people but in that mentioned love that Jesus showed, taught and lived by. So what do we learn from those verses? Check yourself man! Be holy for holiness' sake and not to show off or compare yourself as better to anyone else. The power is in Jesus, not you or me. Without Jesus, we are lost and therefore not any better than all the rest of the lost people so show the power and love of Jesus so they can be redeemed exactly as much as we are.

Remember Thomas Allan and school and his folks for wisdom...remember Amber Hacker, surgery...

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and love. Thank you for saving us. Lord, help us be aware and in tune to the needs of others. Help us be mindful of your love and to share it with others and not lord it over them. Help us be the ambassadors for you that we should be. We lift those mentioned up and ask for your continuing touch on our lives, in Jesus name, amen
Posted by russ allen at 6:36 AM

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