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Comment by russ allen on January 23, 2014 at 7:11am

    Good morning! How are we faithing? Wowee there are some families struggling. I read or hear about deaths and such and know what they are fixin to go through. I have no advice on dealing with grief except to trust in God, lean on him and not try to logicalize the feelings. It's tough man and everyone heals at their own pace. You will go through things, have thoughts and experience emotions you may never have before and that's ok. Jesus is still on the throne. Many times these things don't have anything to do with you, you are just affected by these events. My bride and I, before the grief set in, looked each other in the eyes and reminded each other that we are cool and must stick like glue with God and ourselves as we walk this path we have no choice to walk. You hold your head up, not in pride, but so you can look to God knowing he has this. You remind yourself of scripture that says these things will happen and if you think about it, we ain't the first or last to be where you are. That thought kinda kept me focused but that's just me. I hurt for you because I totally get where you are. I will pray for you for the same reason. I had a friend whose Mom passed around 30 years ago and we sat on the curb as he cried and tried to make sense of it. I answered questions the best I could but just being there, giving a hug was more beneficial than anything I could have said. Grieve, be depressed, cry, mourn but check it before it consumes you. Having someone to keep you aware of your condition is a blessing because we humans can end up in the basement digging holes if we are not careful. Take in the scriptures however you can. I had to listen because I couldn't concentrate reading for a couple weeks. There is no right or wrong way to grieve but have a support system in place to watch so it doesn't turn unhealthy...

Joh 11:33-35
  When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
 Jesus wept.

Rom 12:15-16

  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.  Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. 

1Th 5:17-23

  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. 

remember the Spies family...remember the Smith family...remember the Peterson family...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your blessings. Encourage us in these times of grief. Help us mourn in a healthy manner. Help us remember the things that make us glad. Help us learn to suffer with dignity and grace. In the name of Jesus we rebuke the enemy and his minion from harassing us at this time. We send depression and bad thoughts to the abyss where they cannot harm us. We stand on your Word and your promises as we pass through these times. We lift those suffering emotionally today. Let them know you are still right here with us and will prop us up. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on January 7, 2014 at 7:11am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Be not deceived. The Lord loves us and anyone who accepts the gift of pardon offered by Jesus is saved. We are to strive for holiness not for earning that pardon we already got from our savior but as a result of that pardon, an appreciation and love for a savior that would pay what we owe. There are some people around that still teach way outside of what the Word says and deceive a sinful lot like us into thinking anything goes cause we are redeemed from all sin. Paul did say all things are lawful but not all things are profitable so just because we are under grace doesn't mean we are free to do whatever we want. Acting in that manner is dangerous. Acting in that way is not what Jesus taught. I've heard the "legalism" comments when talking about behavior and striving for holiness but they miss the point. I am concerned about how I behave before my wife, what pleases her, but if I am concerned how I behave before my Lord, what pleases him, I am legalistic? Not hardly.



Jud 1:3-10
  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.  Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.


remember Pam...

Heavenly Father,
   Help us be worthy of your grace. Help us not develop a hardened heart by acting foolishly and thinking it's ok. Grant us wisdom and courage to carry our cross, love unconditionally and be holy as you are holy. Protect the emergency workers out in this cold all across this country. In Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on December 9, 2013 at 8:05am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? It is very important that a foundation is solid or the building will crack, have maintenance issues or even collapse. A foundation in Jesus the Christ is crucial for us being able to stand even when all hell breaks loose or even men and or demons producing miracles.  That foundation in what Jesus taught, what and who he is must be steadfast or doctrines can move our focus off the savior and onto things that can fool even the wisest. We can even be distracted by doctrine that, although interesting, have not an iota of importance as to salvation. Ask some questions when a "new" doctrine or a non traditional explanation for an old established doctrine is tested. Does this affect my salvation? Does this new thing contradict the words of Jesus? Does this adherence to this doctrine water down salvation?  I have studied doctrines from denominational views and have determined that  some simply don't matter. For example, pre, mid, post tribulation rapture are views that stir much controversy but how does this effect our salvation? For those already saved it does not. Which ever view ends up being true we that are saved by grace are still saved by grace. Would we put so much stock in one of those views as to losing faith if events didn't happen the way we thought they ought to? Do you see the point? I am not arguing for any of those views just using the most visible subject for a point. Be firm on your belief in messiah and don't be fooled by anything. We know the enemies agenda if we read the Word.  We know the worlds agenda so test all spirits. Be able and ready to preach the gospel, using words if necessary. To live the gospel for our savior is Lord. To not fall for fake messiahs. Don't let your eyes fool you.    



Eph 2:8-9
  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Rom 11:6  

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. 

1Co 3:11  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 

Rev_13:14

  And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

Rev_16:14  

For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 

remember Mike and Mary...remember Calvin...remember the Clawsons...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your grace and love. Thank you for making a way for us sinners to have salvation. Bless our endeavors and help us see needs and be wise as to how to help. Teach us to be wise and not foolish. Bless those hurting in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on November 20, 2013 at 6:53am

  Good morning!  How are we faithing this cool morning? It's been a weird fall for the Allen family. We've faced things we never wanted to face. I've watched things transpire I didn't particularly care for and I've seen out pouring of love from people that never crossed my mind as even concerned with the Allen family. We've had to reach for support from our God because without that support we might succumb to this world. Our faith didn't waver even though we did experience turmoil and grief. In fact, we still deal. I don't even for a minute doubt my messiah Jesus reigns. Our faith in messiah is the glue, the only thing that keeps matter from flying apart, of this there is no doubt. Realizing none of this is uncommon or new helps with focus even though sucketh it still does. I struggle even writing because my mind is so awash with emotional grappling that sometimes renders me inoperative and only drives me to prayer and lately I don't even do that well.  Ever been or are you in that place now? You ain't alone and we know due to our steadfast faith in the face of opposition that our Savior God doesn't budge an atom. He is constant thus remembering we are in a fallen world and our battle is with an unseen world, we can have confidence while we still walk in this flesh.  Confidence that it all works out for good for those who love him allows us to lay our head on the pillow at night knowing he has all this.  Granted, while in this place it is difficult to see much further beyond the immediate. I believe the Bible is the inerrant Word of God so I have no choice but to apply the principles to my life therefore, this current state will pass and we will be okey dokey...eventually...so please lift us up to our God.  Remember the people you meet who may be acting mean or stupid or nuts that they may not enjoy this faith we have or perhaps they simply feel defeated and our common enemy is kicking them while they are down.  Prayer without ceasing is for those people and ourselves so we can live holy and hear from God what and where we must walk.  Man, I need a walk in the woods...

Eph 6:11-12
  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  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.

Eph 6:13-20
  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your Word. Thank you for cementing this faith in us even when we face severe obstacles. Help us recognize the enemies ploys and grant us courage, rest and compassion for those we meet.  Help us show mercy.  Lord we want to thank you for loving us so much.  Grant us wisdom to be who you designed us to be. In Jesus name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on November 13, 2013 at 6:29am

      Good morning! How are we faithing? So many thoughts lately. Some upsetting in nature and some simple ponderings. Reflective thoughts and thoughts about what I see around me. Why, why do they not use their blinker? Where, where is the remote? What in the world are these dreams? How are the Filipino people surviving? How come there is such a distance between the left and the right? What can I do to help the hungry and homeless in this town? Please Lord, heal this hurt, open my eyes to where you would have me preach. It is such a basket full of things and I understand where the majority come from and I am confident my Lord Jesus has this although simply dealing day by day, hour by hour and sometimes minute by minute is a struggle to not scream and go find a rock to get under.  Ever been there? I'm sure you have because nothing is new under the sun, just new to me or you perhaps.  Jesus dealt with all of these emotions and all the same types of things with the people around him. Heck man, in his own hometown they rejected him because they saw him as just Joseph's boy.  He may have even "made the credenza in their living room, he couldn't possibly be the messiah" or statements like that went on. It's the things such as these that can trip us up but I want to encourage you today. I want to let you know that you are not alone. Your feelings are an effect from stimuli and who controls them? You or do they control you?  Seek out Gods face. Be open and honest. Pray for wisdom because I can say with certainty that if not for my savior, I would be so lost and probably would stay in the pit till I died. I am reminded of this;


Luk 5:29-32
  And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them. But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

2Pe 3:9 

 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 

2Ti 2:24-26

  And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;  And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 

remember your Pastors...remember Breck Pegram and family...

Heavenly Father,

   Thank you for your love and wisdom. Lord, we ask for vision and courage to press on with this life. Let us not be discouraged. Teach us of your love and let us be surrounded by your presence. Help us recognize needs and meet them where we can. Guide our paths, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on October 31, 2013 at 8:44am

www.grinchsplace.blogspot.com

Comment by russ allen on October 31, 2013 at 8:44am

  Good morning! How are we faithing?  Truth is being pulled from black and white in today's society. White lies to protect are deemed acceptable. Giving into the desires by way of lying or deceit to achieve those desires is flat out lying.  The talking heads on the news wont call it what it is either. The say things like, "misrepresented his actions" or "didn't reveal the details" or even better they outright lie about what they said or do.  Are we or have we fallen so far from the truth and we accept those kinds of explanations and even start to believe it wasn't a lie? Even honest mistakes become lies when we try to cover them up. Guys and gals, face it. Stand up and admit it. There's wisdom in the Word that tells us,"let you yes be yes and your no be no." Think deeper here too. Rationalizing something we want to do even when we know it's wrong is lying to oneself. How insane is it to deceive oneself? You lie on yourself to get yourself what you want. What?! Who is in control of yourself? Your bodies desires? Your lusts? Or are you in control with wisdom and honesty. Look at this and ponder it today. Pay attention to what you say and how you react today. See if you already have set in play a lying heart and mind...

Jas 4:1  From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
Jas 4:2  Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
Jas 4:3  Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
Jas 4:4  Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Jas 4:5  Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
Jas 4:6  But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Heavenly Father,

  Help us face truth. Help us see where we fall down and help us change our behavior from the enemies field to a holy ground walk so we never grieve your Holy Spirit. Teach us and humble us so we can see where our life may have strayed off that holy path. We thank you for what you show us every day, in Jesus name, amen

Comment by russ allen on October 23, 2013 at 7:39am

  Good morning! How are we faithing? Ever just be pulled from so many directions you don't know whether you are coming or you left? Ever been dealing with grief or disparaging feelings yet everyone around you goes on happily like the world is their oyster?  Well let me tell you my friend, you ain't alone and guess what? You are normal. Here's some wisdom for you.  The world does not revolve around you or me and how you or I feel right now is not new or unique. Rather than getting all fired up because those other people are not fired up too, pause for a second, step back from your circumstances and remember previous times when you were in pain and you got through it. Man, I remember some things sitting here thinking and man did they suck  but my Lord Jesus was there and when I emerged on the other side of that junk, I was wiser. Hmmm...maybe this current pain sucketh but maybe I need this to learn something I couldn't any other way. I don't like heavy traffic but I learn from it as long as I am not yelling at stuff that inconveniences me because as you all know, the road is for me. Or maybe I don't like what they are playing on the radio and they should only play what I like. For that matter those hymns in church, I don't like em so they shouldn't sing em or, or, the preacher rattles on too long and I am hungry or, or the 3rd from the left woman in the choir has way to much bosom showing and I think she ought to....do you see that flawed thinking? Do you see how we can get focused on self? It's a trap and it can really harm us. Take care of what needs your attention, the rest are distractions and we all deal with them daily. Stay in the Word. Pray constantly. Don't think to highly or to lowly of yourself. Reacting on feelings only can get you in trouble. Think about it...


2Th 2:1-4
  Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.  Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.


Joh 14:27
 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.


remember the Morris family, the Downing family...remember Ariel L...remember Trenton...

Heavenly Father,
   Thank you for your love for us that you sent your son to save us. Lord we ask for wisdom and clarity to act and react in a manner that pleases you. Help us see beyond present circumstances and see the needs of others. Help us heal emotionally, physically and spiritually.  We want to serve you Lord. We praise your holy name and in that name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on October 14, 2013 at 7:53am

 Good morning! How are we faithing? Forgive the two week absence. I ask for prayer for me and my family as it has been rough.
     During hard times we as a species are prone to seek comfort for our bodies in many forms. We also seek rest in our hearts when we are in pain.  Help in the physical is many times prudent as well as spiritual but we must be aware and be careful of dependency on physical aids that overwhelm spiritual ones. Our strength is in the Lord even when we hurt inside so bad we think we can't make it. Only with persistent prayer and conversing with the Lord are we able to allow him to repair our damage.  I have dealt with many people who  "medicate to much" and that turned into a whole other issue so make sure that medication is just for a physical that is struggling with the effects of events and doesn't become a new issue...on top of the original.  Our savior has whatever you are dealing with. Our savior knows what shape you are in and he himself has endured the same emotional pain. Let me encourage you to seek out the only place real comfort comes.


 Heb 4:7-16
  Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.   Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

remember Wyatt Jones family...remember Phyllis...remember Andrea...remember Brenda's Dad...

Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your grace and comfort in our times od woe. Help us to lift our eyes to you and not get caught up in self pity and show us your grace and mercy. Teach us to run to you when we ought to. Grant us wisdom and clarity in all situations. We praise you and love you and it is in Jesus' holy name we pray, amen

Comment by russ allen on September 30, 2013 at 7:33am

    Good morning! How are we faithing? Sigh...Some times we just get tired. Sometimes when we have had enough it seems more gets piled on. Those are the times when we ought to pause and seek God's face. Those are the times when that perplexing mood starts we need to seek our savior. The more I learn it seems the less I know and every now and then I have to remember the basics. Jesus has already won. This is temporary. "Lord, grant us wisdom."  Have you been there? How did you respond? With despair? Longing? Or did you take it all on and fight with your own strength? Are you doing that now? When you finally poop out, and you will, remember where to go and remember Jesus is still where he has always been and you are the one who decided to do it alone. Some things we do learn to do and God has taught us so we can but be very aware of where your strength stops. Mine is pretty short, how about you?

Heb 10:35-39
  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward.  For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.   Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.   But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.


Heavenly Father,
  Thank you for your strength that we can rely on. Help us see truth and have the courage to act holy in all we do. Teach us to understand .  Lead our ways so we may help and not hurt. in Jesus name, amen

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