tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50607624979056590932024-02-20T01:48:40.406-05:00Spiritual JourneyWe love because He first loved us.Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-30169903711213339882014-05-12T10:49:00.000-04:002014-05-12T10:49:32.508-04:00Its been a long time....Its been a long time since I posted, so here you go! I am now a dad, how cool is that! Below is my wife and my boy. I've gained a whole new respect for parents. quite a ride. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EG9MdICLh1QkmhfawAdcWayJFyC-QE3_ntVSwHAr5X25-vexbQ-wj1OLQfbIZ4ak10lDA5IWc2oAs3JUmtctbqdcH7uKYO-xUmXbqoQXHELcXU1gCXU0NspaVTybQFXm6N8c507hDDo/s1600/Eve+and+Riley.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7EG9MdICLh1QkmhfawAdcWayJFyC-QE3_ntVSwHAr5X25-vexbQ-wj1OLQfbIZ4ak10lDA5IWc2oAs3JUmtctbqdcH7uKYO-xUmXbqoQXHELcXU1gCXU0NspaVTybQFXm6N8c507hDDo/s1600/Eve+and+Riley.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-15054347565145648322012-07-20T11:23:00.001-04:002012-07-20T11:23:24.166-04:00The pace we live inWell, its been a very long time since I posted, not sure if this is read by anyone but ya never know. Lately I've been struck by the pace of life. It is something that goes unnoticed, we quickly move in and out of traffic, try to beat red lights, all for what? To get somewhere in a hurry, our pace is moving at the speed of sound. <br />
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I've also been walking through a time of reflection, what my heart condition is, I have been pondering this question. Is Jesus enough for me? Really when it comes down to it, is His presence, His direction, His life in me enough to satisfy? We all have crutches in our Christian walk, when God hints at pull them away we can go into shock. I have been addicted to performing for God, to "doing" great things for Him. Most of us fall into that area, we figure that the Christian life, where it begins is in the doing. We are so used to getting approval or love or contentment, peace, joy or happiness by the doing, that we lump it into our life with God. We are called to action, to be used by God for His purpose. But is Jesus enough for us if we don't have something big to do for Him? We can't change our world until we are changed on the inside, that change is Jesus. Don't be so quick to run off to do things, Jesus may be wanting to talk with you first, sometimes that conversation may take longer than you thought, our pace is not his pace. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-63817495844096055182012-04-23T14:27:00.001-04:002012-04-23T14:27:13.055-04:00Fulfilled PromisesIts amazing to me that it has almost been 1 year since I married the one who God made so perfectly for me. 4/29!!! I love you Eve!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB2O8MLcVXPE9MiP6-gjw_w0-RTtKXojuLV_tYHFYjQ8sEvmgK8rZAewidAzIsl4KF1a9IpL6pvvR_9ULRiaQcmpjb8lKQILbA7E3h0ES4Wu0mDg6wtNT1b2vBTUOVOyazmwxKOKgLr4/s1600/russeveaisle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaB2O8MLcVXPE9MiP6-gjw_w0-RTtKXojuLV_tYHFYjQ8sEvmgK8rZAewidAzIsl4KF1a9IpL6pvvR_9ULRiaQcmpjb8lKQILbA7E3h0ES4Wu0mDg6wtNT1b2vBTUOVOyazmwxKOKgLr4/s320/russeveaisle.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-43990921558283298352012-03-27T13:20:00.003-04:002012-03-27T13:20:38.746-04:00Speaking our needSo...this morning I read in a devotional about speaking our need to God, it is so important to realize its ok to be needy with God. We can say we put our trust in Him our hope our worth, but then we say now I'm a christian, saying I am needy of Jesus' love is almost a christian no no. What? How is it that we can be drawn to Christ out of His love yet we try to live out of something else? It baffles my mind how I will remember how God brought me to him, but I believe the lies at times about how now I have had my fill of Gods love and I need to suck it up and tell others about Christ. Dear Christian, how do we expect to tell others about Christ and a relationship with Him if we rely on "that one time" when we came to Jesus in need, helpless, hopeless and in NEED of Him. People don't want to see a perfect person, a perfect religious person is even worse, what they need, what we need is a fresh touch from Jesus. The fact of the matter is, its not about "pressing in", its about receiving who Jesus is constantly, not from a salvation standpoint, but from a relational standpoint. Should we have to wrestle with God to know His Love? But Russ....what about the story of when that one guy wrestled with God for a blessing? He was not wrestling with God for God, he was coming for a blessing from Him, there is a huge difference, when we make our walk with Jesus about how we need to do more to find him, to fight for that place in the Jesus please have favor on me and bless me because I am praying more than anyone else,etc. It becomes about our pursuit of God instead of His pursuit of us. <br />
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So two sides here, one is displaying our need for Jesus, the other, when we come to Him its not for us to receive a blessing per say, its to receive the very love and life of Christ. Allowing His ways and truth to lead us and guide us. My heart is truly saddened by those who strive strive and strive only to find themselves empty, tired, angry worn out, etc. All in the name of being a Christian, I have been there, for way too long, I still find myself falling into it. We aren't Gods answer to the world, remember that, God already gave His answer at the cross and resurrection of Christ. <br />
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The long short of it? Can you receive the powerful Love and Grace of Christ? are you willing? Just an simple prayer:<br />
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Jesus I know you are Lord of all, I know you came to save me, I accept you and I receive you as all that I need and all I will ever need. Jesus I am broken without you, I need your touch to restore my heart. I trust in you as my Lord. Jesus...Help.Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-91660683053719155122012-03-05T11:07:00.003-05:002012-03-05T11:07:34.122-05:00I HeartJust watch a video by Hillsong United. I heart revolution "We are all in this together". I dont really know what to say other than that we need Christ, the world does. Loving people to Christ, leaning on Christ. <a href="http://www.i-heart.org/">www.i-heart.org</a>Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-52532570036037550282012-02-27T14:43:00.003-05:002012-02-27T14:43:51.270-05:00The "Love" wordDont you just love that? I love coffee, I love this song, I love this weather, I love this shirt, I love this movie, I love I love love...lo...v...e. We whip that word around like we are trying to swat a bunch of flies with a wet noodle. <br />
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May I say I am very good and certain things, almost too good for my own good. Sound like any voice inside your head? Paul knew only too well what that was like, if I speak in the tongues of angels, if I prophecy, if I have faith to move mountains.....but have not Love I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor, but have not Love, I am nothing. <br />
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Gosh, God goes to the center of who we are, to make us miserable? No, to set us free from ourselves, Scripture says we love because He first loved us. The ability to love, it comes from the author of love. The definition comes from Him. Could it be that God is more concerned with me being patient, kind, keeping no record of wrongs, always forgiving, always hoping, always enduring than looking great as a Christian? I myself have ran over people in the name of ministry, I also have been run over in the name of the gospel. I need Jesus, as a Man, as a Husband, as a Leader, I need Jesus. Our striving for cars, money, status, etc. they mean nothing if we are using those to fill our need for Jesus. Below are lyrics to a recent song by Shane and Shane:<br />
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I'm overcoming fear<br />With Your perfect love, Your perfect love<br />You're opening my ears to hear<br />The sound of a lover's voice<br />You're calling out, You're calling out<br />Let me see Your face, Your loving face<br /><br />Your love tears me up<br />And when its done<br />Puts me together<br /><br />I'm overcoming fear<br />With Your perfect love, Your perfect love<br />You're opening my ears to hear<br />The sound of a lover's voice<br />You're calling out, You're calling out<br />Let me see Your face, Your loving face<br /><br />Your love tears me up<br />And when its done<br />Puts me together<br />Your love calls me out<br />Of my death and my failure<br />Love, Your love<br /><br />Your love tears me up<br />And when its done<br />Puts me together<br />Your love calls me out<br />Of my death and my failure<br /><br />Your love tears me up<br />And when its done<br />Puts me together<br />Your love calls me out<br />Of my death and my failure<br />Love, Your love, Your loveRuss Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-75558788259613082202012-02-24T10:03:00.000-05:002012-02-24T10:03:21.858-05:00GraceI find myself trying to understand things, the why's or why not in life. Maybe you've done the same a time or two, someone gets sick, someone wins the lottery. Why is it I never seem to catch a break? Is there something I am not doing? Or maybe doing wrong?<br />
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The idea of Grace is one that seems at times to be out of reach or some mystical idea that is great to talk about, but really where does it fit into our purpose driven focused lives? May I suggest that Grace was really never meant to be understood, but rather experienced. For instance, the idea or rather the fact that someone can love you completely regardless of what you do or have done can make anyone including me short circuit. There is someone thing in us that wants to earn it, that wants to have our worth tied up in what we have been able to accomplish. Scripture talks about how we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.<br />
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This glory is His alone, by right, by who He is, yet here is the startling thing, God in His infinite Love invites into His presence through the sacrifice of His Son. He invites us to the life in Christ, this life is something that most of us stop short of. Meaning that we dont hear much past Gods sacrifice, thus we learn to live up to the point of the cross, feeling that we are still a wretch who is lucky to be saved. At what point do we accept the grace of God, knowing He loves us, has saved us and we are made righteous in His sight. Let me say this, this isn't just an opinion, this is a fact, if you have made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, you are made righteous. I was once told there should be a healthy tension between the Law and Grace. May I be so bold to say, that the Law was fulfilled in Christ and done away with. There is no room for the Law in the Grace filled life. (Which is every Christians right as a child of God). <br />
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To bring this all together, God cares about each detail of our lives, sickness, provision, hurt, joy, laughter, peace, the list goes on and on. He call for us is to be obedient to His Divine Love and Grace that has so eloquently been written out in His word to us. The break we have been given is something we didn't deserve, what we have won is a life of hope and freedom and relationship, what have we done? Nothing. It is all by Gods Grace. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-11781494341675449592012-02-09T08:02:00.000-05:002012-02-09T08:02:15.999-05:00A new way to post and to liveWell my friends, I've been inspired, after hitting the ole doctors office recently, I've realized I need to be eating healthier. So its been about 1 month, my wife and I have revamped our diet, let me tell you I feel much better, in only a month! All that aside I think I will share a bit of the new way of living as I go, here is what I will tell you. <br />
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Eating healthy and taking care of your body is honoring to God, many of us overlook it and think oh whats the big deal. Take some time to study what you are putting in your body, "high fructose corn syrup" = poison. God never intended us to fill our bodies with junk, as the temple of the holy spirit we should be taking care of it. I want to be around for my family and hopefully kids in the future ;). Its sobering to know that we are finite, but also good to remember, what choices will you make today? Peace love and uh...tofu (ok that is going to far....I dont endorse tofu, nasty nasty yuk yuk). Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-11427752486949690112012-01-11T14:38:00.000-05:002012-01-11T14:38:35.560-05:00The purpose of "Study"When did the gospel become a topic to debate? When did it become an item to pull apart and have a "smart" conversation about? This question has been brewing in my heart for a while now. Yes I'm sure someone will comment about how we need to study and show ourselves approved, I agree. Study is different though than becoming a philisophical thinker who prides themselves on neat big words. Our lives are to be impacted by hearing the voice of the Lord and obeying. We obey out of his love for us. If we dont understand that as Christians, we are no more than pharisees who are stuck in the law. Let us experience Christ.Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-73252676268760538192011-12-21T09:06:00.001-05:002011-12-21T09:06:22.773-05:00A great giftThis morning I am truly thankful. For my wife, she is my best friend, the one I laugh with, live life with. She is beautiful, patient and kind, gentle and strong. The Lord has blessed me with a great gift. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhb40_beqE4WJ_LdR2JlyWBJX4Hx7SD5FCOcZvqUkqAp-mUJSDbgquWToozz1EbZLj9kEcycenR7UCVD9ShKaqPlvOI5oGNcIrO81GX1jukqs2sX8iw68bkqzw4iS8n2sajnrHzA9tQM/s1600/russevejaminswedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhb40_beqE4WJ_LdR2JlyWBJX4Hx7SD5FCOcZvqUkqAp-mUJSDbgquWToozz1EbZLj9kEcycenR7UCVD9ShKaqPlvOI5oGNcIrO81GX1jukqs2sX8iw68bkqzw4iS8n2sajnrHzA9tQM/s320/russevejaminswedding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-73200865366381507182011-11-30T20:00:00.000-05:002011-11-30T20:00:10.616-05:00It has been way too long....Post 4 eyesSo its true, after 32 years of living life with two eyes, I shall soon have 4. I wondered why things were really blurry, turns out, I needed glasses. It slowly snuck up on me, very gradual thing, but once I saw with glasses, I was literally amazed at the difference. You can tell where I am going with this..... :). Mankind is born into a world where we see very blurry, we smack into things, we hurt others, we get hurt. We are separated from Almighty God. Sin. In Gods great love and mercy He sent His Son to redeem us and bridge the gap to a relationship with God. John 3:16. Quoted, many times on neon colored signs at football games, yet its significance is many times passed over. I recently watched Amazing Grace the movie, in the extras it talks about the creation of the song amazing grace, this song has been sung at funerals, recited on the battle field, sang in churches with tall steeple's, and yet its meaning is lost. I once was blind but now I see, we don't know we can't see until we have the truth revealed to us of what it means to truly see. This Christmas season, remember that great moment from Charlie Browns Christmas- The reason is Jesus, he came to bring sight to the blind and light the way for us to come back to him.Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-38323527204162060532011-10-17T14:50:00.002-04:002011-10-17T14:50:42.589-04:00I'm not here- John Eldridge/C.S. Lewis"I'm Not Here" <br />
Incredible. What a self-indictment. "Nothing dangerous is happening here." Those men have already been taken out because they've swallowed the Enemy's first line of attack: "I'm not here-this is all just you." You can't fight a battle you don't think exists. This is right out of The Screwtape Letters, where Lewis has the old devil instruct his apprentice in this very matter:<br />
My dear Wormwood, I wonder you should ask me whether it is essential to keep the patient in ignorance of your own existence. That question, at least for the present phase of the struggle, has been answered for us by the High Command. Our policy, for the moment, is to conceal ourselves.<br />
As for those who want to be dangerous (cutting-edge), take a close look at 1 Peter 5:8-9: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings." <br />
What is the Holy Spirit, through Peter, assuming about your life? That you are under spiritual attack. This is not a passage about nonbelievers; he's talking about "your brethren." Peter takes it for granted that every believer is under some sort of unseen assault. And what does he insist you do? Resist the devil. Fight back, take a stand.Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-29959226057862863622011-10-12T13:55:00.000-04:002011-10-12T13:55:09.874-04:00Seen but not UnderstoodHave you ever felt as if someone was watching you? Especially when you are doing something that you would need to explain? For example, have you seen those people who wander around talking to themselves? Maybe you are even walking down the street and you wonder..."Are they talking to me?"<br />
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Maybe they are in their car chatting away at a red light, you slowly look over to catch a glimpse of who they are talking to....uh nobody is next to them. Ah ha! but they turn their head and you see this little piece of plastic in their ear, the bluetooth of course.... (I have no idea why the word tooth is in that word) but if you didn't see that you could think they are crazy, even worse what if you are on the opposite end? One of the things I can say that I hate is being misunderstood. Especially if I look like a schmo. <br />
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In my life I have gone through heartache, what seems to be extreme pain but there is no bandage to put on it. No quick fix. Pain of the soul can create havoc inside you. I have had people see me, wondering why so emotional or say just shake it off. "Seen but not Understood". We so long to be understood and really to Understand. We read God's word, His real alive and active word, but sometimes we just see words and don't understand. We see His truth and yet don't understand because our circumstances aren't lining up. <br />
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The Fact is Jesus understands, scripture tells us that we don't have a priest who isn't able to sympathize with our problems, but instead was tempted in every way we are but yet didn't sin. He also endured pain, physical, emotional, real pain. The Son of God was "Seen but not Understood" by many. I believe today it is still the same. God's word tells the story of His redeeming of the world through His Son on the Cross so that all may come to know Him. To Know Him. Problem is we try to look upon things of this world with our own eyes, our own understanding. Proverbs 3:5-7 says to trust in the Lord with all of your heart, to lean not on your own understanding, it goes onto say that He will direct your path. I don't pretend to understand the things of this life so I can see God in them. Rather my heart is directed to see God Himself, through that experience, my heart and spirit gain peace and understanding. "We don't need more faith to understand, but rather a greater understanding of who we put our Faith in." Faith is a gift of God. Reality is we are dead in the water without Him. Reality is that with Him, we are loved, accepted, 100% Children of God. He gives us the choice, our way or His?Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-4810310253284601772011-09-14T10:27:00.000-04:002011-09-14T10:27:36.123-04:00Scared or Compelled?Do you live life afraid or compelled by truth? Over the years we as Christians have been brought into the kingdom of God on a Fear basis. Let me explain, when the turn or burn item comes up, its natural to not want to burn in a lake of fire for eternity. Also this is a truth of the gospel, but not all of it. I repeat not all of it. <br />
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Christ himself said, "Eternal Life is that they may know me and He who sent me".- John 17:3. When we speak of Eternity and the issue of Salvation, it is absolutely essential to speak of this verse. If we believe that God is a relational God, that He died upon the cross because He loves us, why would not include "Relationship" when describing the Gospel? How great it is to not be headed to eternal separation from God, dare I say even greater it is to Have the living God, call you His child and to know him. We obey because of His great love for us, we are compelled because there is "a fire shut up on our bones". Where did this fire come from? Did we "stir" it up? Absolutely not. This is the power and love of Almighty God that has set our hearts ablaze. <br />
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When was the last time you let God set your heart ablaze? I'm not talking about throwing bibles around at people like Frisbee's, but you see people as God sees them. That He is in Love with them, He wants to restore them. They aren't just someone to "convert". My friends, it is OK, rather it is essential that we first receive from the Lord His Love, before we can display it. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-11405118732622664592011-09-12T13:26:00.000-04:002011-09-12T13:26:43.704-04:00What resonates?There is something in each human soul that resonates at certain things. Its like the bell of a clock tower has been rung inside our hearts. For me, it is the deep reality and presence of God. It shakes everything up, the sound our life makes is a beautiful sound announcing the arrival of God. God has planted something in us that waits for his touch, only he can bring the music to life. <br />
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We resonate for something more, something greater than day to day motions. We were made to resonate the beauty and wonder of Christ. I have been taken lately with a song by Phil Wickam, called "your beautiful". My friends, don't settle for your day to day motions thinking you don't matter, thinking that God doesn't have a plan for your life. "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." - John Piper. People around you need to hear the music of your life that God has put there, Trust Him to lead you and let it out. People are longing for more. May the Lord grant us all courage and passion with each step. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-77940922110239990392011-07-29T09:43:00.000-04:002011-07-29T09:43:13.784-04:003 months!Its amazing how time will fly, it has been 3 months to the day that I married Eve, love you!!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l4kZeQxDyimvX_XMA4X-545iM2KNsBIHi0IpwOpMARxobR1_gFt6pW6Yx3ISftOEGhlvekE2GA7v6grSn7mvFHdziTsI3xoAWHePJ_l1oPwdRqWpmgHcwHdoPTWJok8SpaQh7g1xUh4/s1600/russevekissmolnar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-l4kZeQxDyimvX_XMA4X-545iM2KNsBIHi0IpwOpMARxobR1_gFt6pW6Yx3ISftOEGhlvekE2GA7v6grSn7mvFHdziTsI3xoAWHePJ_l1oPwdRqWpmgHcwHdoPTWJok8SpaQh7g1xUh4/s320/russevekissmolnar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-20051339675662967952011-06-29T08:22:00.000-04:002011-06-29T08:22:31.261-04:002 Months!2 Months ago from today I married my best friend, I love you Eve. Looking forward to many months and years ahead!!!Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-8339034589751801362011-06-13T15:01:00.000-04:002011-06-13T15:01:10.992-04:00AgreementsAgreement (as defined by dictionary.com):<br />
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1. the act of agreeing or of coming to a mutual arrangement. <br />
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2. the state of being in accord. <br />
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3. an arrangement that is accepted by all parties to a transaction. <br />
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Would you say that an agreement is mutual? That it is being of one accord? Accepted by all parties involved? A transaction? <br />
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John Eldridge in His book "Walking with God" talks about the agreements we make with the enemy about ourselves and who God is. With the above definition in mind this is HUGE for us as believers. To actually think that I could make an agreement with the liar of liars? An agreement could be simple as thought that "God doesn't love you" or " You dont have what it takes" "You are all alone". How often do we challenge our thoughts? Or as my dad recently put it, doubt our doubts? Our lives as followers of Christ are anything but normal, but what is the normal we live in? Romans 12, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. There will be partial agreements put out there for you and I to agree with or push back. Gods Truth is the only thing that brings LIFE. If it feels that you are dying inside, ask the Lord to show you His truth, and to reveal any lies that you have agreed with. LIVE LIFE LOVED my friends. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-6740689705045708242011-05-16T10:48:00.000-04:002011-05-16T10:48:44.269-04:00I'm Married!!!I'm a married Man!!! Wahoo!!! Check out our photos!!!<br />
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<a href="http://davidmolnarblog.com/">http://davidmolnarblog.com/</a>Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-33032580376651630812011-04-18T10:52:00.000-04:002011-04-18T10:52:26.327-04:00unraveledDo you ever find yourself fighting the hands that want to heal you? Do you find yourself becoming skeptical of how good God is? Do you wonder where is God in all of this? You aren't alone. When we hit the waves of doubt or of pain, it is our natural reaction to run and hide. If scripture says that God is our Refuge and Strength an ever present help in times of trouble, there has to be a reality to that. God is not speaking in mere theory here. If it feels like your life is unravelling, take heart, it may just be just like Lazarus, God is bringing new life and taking off the old clothes that He wants you to be free of. Be willing to fall apart at the seems its ok. You are ok, to fall apart into the hands of God can be the most amazing thing you could encounter. His pursuit of your hurt and heart is relentless, could it be true? That God is actually that loving? That personal? He heals all our wounds and redeems our life from the pit. Let him unravel things in your life, there is healing and hope in his wings. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-61428288141420155412011-04-18T09:21:00.002-04:002011-04-18T09:21:58.070-04:00Update of countdown - thanks Jamin....Wowzas.....12 days.....Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-54598041832663111042011-04-05T11:39:00.000-04:002011-04-05T11:39:20.231-04:0024 Days24 Days, there are 24 days until I get married. This is something I have thought about for a very long time. It is one of those occations that you wonder if it would ever come. The thought of seeing my bride walk down the aisle, to be in that moment in which words can't describe. To be with someone who I will spend the rest of my life with. It is an amazing time, it seems like I was just counting down the months, now it is days, soon it will be hours. <br />
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I wonder how God views us in the light of this, we are his bride, oh how he longs for us, for that day of being united with him. I am sure I will see so much of God through this new season, I am thankful for you Eve. I am thankful for my family and friends for standing with us. God Bless.Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-37955502035802693932011-03-22T13:51:00.000-04:002011-03-22T13:51:18.195-04:00My greatest giftI have been given many great gifts in life. A Denver Bronco uniform when I was younger, a sony boombox, new clothes, etc. Things like this fade, there are two gifts that I have received in my life that I have done nothing to deserve. The first is my relationship with Jesus Christ, He is my all, my salvation, my healer, my redeemer, my hope. The second was given to me in such a poetic way from the Lord, he has given me a gift of a woman in my life, her name? Eve. I only heard of this name growing up in church, really never knew an "Eve". It is just a great picture to me that God would lead me to a woman with this name, the first name given to a woman. A picture of elegance, grace and beauty, a helpmate, a friend. <br />
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I am thankful for many gifts in my life, Eve I thank the Lord for you. 5 weeks to go. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-60584899098611372642011-03-11T08:08:00.002-05:002011-03-11T08:08:28.459-05:00A borrowed post - Thanks Jamin!C.J. Mahaney - Grace and the Adventure of Leadership.<br />
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1 Corinthians 1:1-9 - Paul’s attitude and affection for the Corinthians was shaped by his divine perspective of the Corinthians. “I always thank God for you” (vs 4). This was a correction letter.<br />
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Do not adjust individuals who you do not have a divine affection for. (you will always find difficult individuals in your life).<br />
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Lessons on Grace from Paul and Divine perspective.<br />
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1. Paul had an understanding of the call of God<br />
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3 times in the 1st 9 verses Paul references “call” call = divine summons.<br />
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Paul was reminded of the prior activity of God in their lives which allows you to appropriately see the present deficiency.<br />
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This will give you the faith for change and perseverance for the process.<br />
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2. Paul was more aware of evidence of Grace than areas in need of growth.<br />
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Vs 4 – “I always thank God for you” high priority on thanksgiving.<br />
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Note: paul mentions thanksgiving (line per line) more than any other author pagan or Christian.<br />
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Paul, thanked God for their spiritual gifts… but he later needed to correct this area of their life. (peoples greatest strength is often their biggest weakness)<br />
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He gave thanks for those evidences of grace.<br />
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1 thess 1:2-5 another example… he was specific (1 Thess 3:9… how can we thank God enough for your).<br />
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If all you see is negative when you look upon people or individual, that is self righteousness on your behalf. (look how you view your spouse, children, friends, ppl you service, etc…) Application: ask them does being with you make them more aware of their weaknesses or do they feel better about themselves.<br />
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People need to be extended Grace as they are growing, recognize that God is at work instead of if they are finished with growing or not.<br />
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God Honors leaders who follow these principles<br />
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3. Paul had Confidence in the Grace of God.<br />
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“He will keep you strong till the end” (vs 8) because “God is faithful” (vs 9). If you looked at the Corinthians you would not have had that confidence… except because God is faithfulRuss Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5060762497905659093.post-20579385701862394972011-03-08T14:49:00.000-05:002011-03-08T14:49:38.203-05:00A manQuick and to the point, I had this nice paragraph written, but I am going to be quick like a bunny on crack. To be a Man, is to be one who truly understands His position to God and responds to His calling upon his heart. Men, hear me, God Loves you, Believes in you, He has put you where you are for a reason. People around you dont need someone else, They need you. Comparison to others is not of God. The slate is wiped clean, A man my friends is only what God says he is, everything else is a lie. Russ Underwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17496823803754773922noreply@blogger.com1