and those the LORD has rescued (like Ann and me) will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10
Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Philemon 1:7
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9
The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
Proverbs 10:28
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Hebrews 12:1-2
As most of you know by now, when Ann and I got married, Jesus took us to Oregon to put us on a path to heal us of many things. One of the most important areas I needed healing in was how to be a husband and father. I also needed to know that Jesus could keep me regardless of circumstances, to learn to be content in whatsoever state (condition) I am. And the list goes on and on…
Over the years, Ann and I have had people comment on our walk with Jesus…Some negative and some positive. When I sent out last Friday’s email about falling on my face spiritually, a good friend replied with the following along with a book recommendation.
“Mark, Thanks for the honest reflection this morning. It proves you’re not super-Christian after all. :)”
I had to smile reading their comment about not being a super-Christian. Their observation is correct.
Ann and I aren’t super-Christians. We’re two people God brought together for the purpose of learning we could love each other and help each other grow to be more like Jesus, to experience His love, faithfulness, rest, peace, mercy, grace and joy. We both had a deep need to have Jesus help us come out of some difficult times and backgrounds, to get set free by following Christ. Jesus has been so faithful to bring us along in our relationship with Him and we’re so thankful He’s setting us free in so many areas of our lives.
No, we’re not super-Christians. We’re just two people who desperately need and want all that Jesus can show us in this life. He’s definitely put this desire in us. And, whenever He leads us to do so, we share Him and the liberty we’ve found in Him, with others hoping the Holy Spirit will inspire them to want to follow Jesus as well.
While thinking about this email this morning, I wrote and told Ann, “One day, we’ll look at each other in Heaven and smile with the joy that He let us live this adventurous life together, MY love.”
Desire Jesus above all else, precious people. He alone is the living water that can truly satisfy us and bring times of refreshment and rest to our souls.
Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11
With the help of Jesus, we’re running the race set before us…
God bless each of you,
Mark and Ann