Category: Family

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Only Be Thou Strong And Very Courageous =)

Hello Saints In Jesus,

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It’s a new week.  And, Jesus is in control of our lives, and the entire universe.  He’s working all things for our good.  =)

“Be strong and of a good courage:  Only be thou strong and very courageous…

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:  for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

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.

…only be strong and of a good courage.”
Taken From Joshua Chapter 1

Aren’t you grateful that God loves you so much?  He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.  Knowing Him gives us the courage to do His will, to walk out His plan for our lives.

God bless,

Mark

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Christianity Is So Simple, And Wonderful

Hello Precious Christians In Jesus’ Name,

“See, I (God) have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply:  and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:  for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:  that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Deuteronomy 30:15-20

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15

How does anyone live with the abandonment and loneliness of believing there’s no God?  Why would anyone not want to be a Christian?  Why would they not want God’s rest, love, joy and peace in their life?  How can they live today without knowing that God, their loving, Heavenly Father, can make all things work together for their good, that they can cast all their care on Him?  Why do any of us choose to live with the trappings pride brings to one’s life, with worry and fear when God’s perfect love can cast out fear and the worry associated with it?

At one time in my life, I was as bad off as the lame man, the leper or the blind man Jesus healed in the Bible stories.  I was so blinded to everything God had for me – always satan’s plan.  My leprosy was the panic, fear, frustration, anger, resentment, restlessness, unforgiveness, bitterness, jealousy, lack of love, unfulfilled dreams and goals, and the fear of man that kept me from even beginning to understand God’s love for me.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

Surely he shall deliver thee…”
Psalm 91:1-3a

I (Mark) was lame and needed to be delivered – I didn’t know how good “delivered” could be.  I needed to find out how I could “dwell in the secret place of the most High.”  I was out from under God’s protecting presence, His dwelling place.  I needed a Savior, someone who could save me from the ugly and heavy burden the sins of fear, care, bitterness (and all the rest) had placed on my life.

Little by little, God began to bring about change in my life.  He began to deal with these harmful traits and learned behaviors, these awful, devlish things that had such a “strong hold” on my mind, my emotions, my heart, personality, and relationships.

What can I say about Jesus’ love for me?  Wow, He’s simply incredible and unwavering in His faithfulness and love for me.  How grateful I am that He saw my need for Him, and that He’s taken the time to help me change, to become renewed.

“For this purpose the Son of God (Jesus) was manifested, that He might destroy the works (anger, fear, panic, frustration, bitterness, jealousy, coveting, divorce, fighting between us, selfishness, unforgiveness, revenge, you name it) of the devil.”
1 John 3:8

“The thief (satan) cometh not (comes only to), but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (by trying to make us miserable through bitterness, fighting with each other, hate, resentment, selfishness, you name it):  I (Jesus, on the other hand) am come that they (you and me) might have life (free from anger, resentment, bitterness, coveting, hate, selfishness, etc.), and that they might have it more abundantly (living free in Jesus’ joy, peace, love, forgiveness, blessings, care for us, etc. – and, it only gets better all the time because He’s infinite in His love for us).”
(John 10:10) Edits Mine

The Gospel, the Bible, Jesus and Christianity…it’s all really as simple as the above verses imply.  But, the Gospel message, the Bible, Jesus and Christianity can make all the difference in anyone’s life, here in this earthly life and into eternity.

That’s why God sent Jesus…to destroy the works of the devil (fear, anger, bitterness, jealousy, you name it), and to give us His (Jesus’) life, instead.

Jesus, oh my precious Jesus, Your Presence makes me whole.

God bless you all,

Mark

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God’s Working For My GOOD! =)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is it just me, or do you get excited sensing that God’s up to something new for you?   You can feel like He’s got something in store for you…

And, you know it’s always going to be good!

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me?  Hope thou in God:  for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 42:5

I don’t know what you’re going through, but I can honestly tell you God will work it for your good.

So many times when we’re confronted with something, we tend to become stressed and feel like we don’t want to deal with it, we don’t want to have to walk it out.

We may view the thing as another change we may have to make in our life and that can make us uncomfortable, bothered.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26

What I’ve found is that often when these things come up, it’s really God working behind the seen (scene).  I can’t see Him, physically, so I don’t always recognize it’s Him at first.  But, He’s arranging things in my day to help me, to show me something new, to reveal more of Himself, and His wonderful nature to me.  Know what I mean?

At first, I can even be scared about a situation only to find out that it was God asking me to step out of my boat, again, to learn more about how to walk on water – and, that’s cool =).

In the end, I find that I’m thankful He brought up the uncomfortable situation, that He confronted me with a necessary change, that He’s being true to His covenant with me, that He’s loving on me.  Somehow, He’s made me more like Him because of it, whatever the “it” is that He’s brought up.  And, that’s always exciting.  Nothing like repenting (change He knows I need to make to be more like Him, more free), folks.  Brings times of wonderful refreshing.

And, He then allows us to share the experience with someone who needs exactly what He’s doing in us.  Win-win.  Yipee!

Can’t wait to see what He has in store for me the rest of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so…

God bless you all,

Mark

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The Beautiful Release and Comfort That Is Ours As We Praise God In All Things

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In every thing give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20

I will praise the Lord no matter what happens (His praise shall continually be in my mouth).  I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.   2 I will boast of all his kindness to me.  Let all who are discouraged take heart.   3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.
Psalm 34:1-3 The Living Bible (TLB)

Ever feel like this?  “Wow, this is really bad.  How am I going to deal with this situation?”

By thanking and praising God.  “Mark, that sounds crazy.  How can I possibly thank and praise God for this really hard situation?

Well, let me share with you why you should be praising God right now.  There are two reasons I can think of, immediately.  The devil wants us tied up in his oppressive chains.  Also, satan knows that God inhabits the praises of His people and he does not want God to help you.  It’s really that simple.

Hello Precious People,

This actually happened to me just this morning…

At times, I’m tricked into thinking, “I got this.”  I can be unaware that I’m actually operating out of pride.  I can get so bogged down with a situation that I forget to call on God, to praise Him, to bring His power on the scene.

I’m still learning that if I try to handle challenging situations in my own strength, in my own understanding, instead of thanking and praising God for the circumstance, I can end up stressed out.  When I thank and praise God for the situation, somehow, God is brought into the situation (Psalm 22:3; He inhabits our praises), the stress is released and I can actually feel God taking over.  All the resources of His realm become available to help me.  I stop feeling alone in the situation.  Suddenly, I feel lighter as though the care the situation has brought on me is transferred to God.  And, He works all things for my good.  For me, it doesn’t get any better than this.  What relief is available to us.  Oh, praise God, thank you Jesus.

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1 Praise ye the Lord.  Praise God in his sanctuary:  praise him in the firmament of his power.

2 Praise him for his mighty acts:  praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet:  praise him with the psaltery and harp.

4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance:  praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals:  praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.  Praise ye the Lord.
Psalm 150

Go ahead, praise God, and let Him take your cares…

God bless,

Mark

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Fear Not! Believe, And Experience The Glory Of God Each Day As You Trust/Rest In His Love For You.

As many of you have come to know, this stuff’s real, precious ones.  Let’s follow Christ.  Let’s make every attempt to live in the faith He died to give us.  Let’s enter His sweet rest…

39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.  Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh:  for he hath been dead four days.

40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.  And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42 And I knew that thou hearest me always:  but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:  and his face was bound about with a napkin.  Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
John 11:39-45

God knew I needed to come to the point where I was so sick of fear that I would do whatever it took to be freed from it.

Mark, why do you talk about the same things over and over again?  Well, it’s because I know we need to get the basics of our faith down if we’re (and our children) going to live in the victory Jesus can give us.  To consistently experience His peace and joy, we need to get these types of truths deep in our souls where the Holy Spirit can help us to be overcomers, day in and day out.

In the following, please understand it’s not my purpose to judge anyone or to make fun of them.  I’m just trying to get us to see that religion (and the “fear of man” religion can contain and perpetuate), in itself, will not make us truly free in Jesus.

Lately, I’ve had a number of people try to share their fear with me.  I could tell they didn’t really want to be set free from their fear.  They merely wanted to get me to enter into their fear.  These are folks who don’t know Jesus and what His love could do for them.  They’re reacting to the fear in their own lives the way they’ve seen others react to fear – the herd mentality.  They make fearful comments, they play fearful thoughts over and over again in their minds – I was like that at one time.  They look at you as if they expect you to join in with the fear they’re  experiencing and trying to pass onto you.  They look stressed, worried and weighed down with responsibility (after all, that’s what being an adult is all about, right?).  Fear was actually telling them what actions to take and how to live their lives which is never a good thing.

How do I know this “fear” look?  Because my parents and relatives (and most of their church friends), who were merely acting out what they saw other worldly and religious people doing, reacted to situations this way.  Being around them as much as I was, I learned to deal with potentially intimidating circumstances in the same, fearful manner.  Doing so nearly wiped me out physically and emotionally, especially when a lot of fearful situations began to gang up on me.  In fact, letting fear control my life this way came close to causing me to give up on having any kind of a meaningful relationship with Jesus.  These people didn’t know Christ and neither did I even though we all called ourselves Christians.  Isn’t that strange?

The really sad thing is that when I (and my precious wife) made any attempt to come away from the fear we were all letting control us, to take a stand and start believing in and living the Word, I was beginning to be labeled as “holier than thou” and “self-righteous.”  I didn’t feel like I was either.  I just desperately needed to find out if the Bible was true because I was drowning in fear, anxiety and panic.  I wanted so much to find out if Jesus could really put an end to the turmoil in me, that He could actually bring trusting peace and rest to my life.

Dejectedly, I (and my family) finally had to cut ties with folks who were holding us back from taking a leap of faith to find out if Christ really was trustworthy, if His peace really could take control of my troubled soul, if He really could work all things for my good, even my very scary past. (Reminds me, again, of the powerful little book, “Hinds Feet On High Places” by Hannah Hurnard)

Precious people, Jesus is the way to deal with all of the fearful thoughts (whether they come from religious people or others) around us that attempt to rob us of our right to our faith in the Prince of Peace.

The thief (satan and his band of fearful demons) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I (Jesus, on the other hand) am come that they (anyone who will truly get to know Jesus) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (living with the kind of peace and joy only Christ can impart).
John 10:10 My Edits

When you get hit with doubts, and we all do, don’t panic.  Instead, take action against those thoughts even if it means doing so in your mind or speaking it to yourself under your breath.  Take fear-inducing thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  Others may drown in fear.  Jesus has called us to faith, to rely on and relax in Him, in His care.

Quote scriptures that remind you to not give into fear, scriptures that tell you that God can be trusted to take care of you no matter what – tape them up in your home.  Play Christian music all day long in your home.  Memorize verses that remind you to cast all your cares on Christ, and that you don’t ever have to be frightened by sudden fear, the type of fear that catches you off-guard.  Remember, Christ is guarding your heart.  Please, let Him be your Prince of Peace.

Call Jesus’ Presence into the situation…His dear Presence makes us whole.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
1 John 4:18a

When fear comes, remember to let the peace of God rule in your heart.  And, maybe most importantly, remember that God’s really working all things for your good.  Knowing that will let God’s perfect love build a wall of protection around your heart, and knowing that will cast any fear where it belongs, out of your life.

I love you all.  It’s my joy and strong desire to see each one of us set free so we can fully rest in Jesus.

“Said I (Jesus) not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”

God bless,

Mark

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God Means It For “Good”…Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28

Oh Precious People,

So many times in my life, all I could see were the thorns when God was growing rose bushes.  Let God write His story for your life.  Give Him your life, again and again.  Let Him take all the time He knows is needed for His perfect timing.  He just keeps adding such beautiful pages…Yes, all the time, God, the Author of life, is good.

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?  Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?  Has the potter no right over the clay,
Romans 9:20-21a

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.  And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
John 9:1-3

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners (those who have harmful ways and behaviors operating in their lives like me) to repentance (to let God create His marvelous ways in their lives to save them from destruction).
Mark 2:17 My Edits

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (Jesus), because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives (me, and anyone else who wants to be set free), and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luke 4:18 My Edits

As some of you are aware, I’ve had some real trials in my lifetime –  I know others who’ve had difficulty as well, some much worse than mine.  I’ve been really “troubled.”  I’ve even questioned God over and over, and had many years of battles.  I’ve tried “storming the gates of Heaven” and so many other methods to get God to reach out and heal me.  I’ve spent much energy consumed in the “whys” along the way.  I hope the following speaks to your hearts and brings a blessing to many of you…

I was listening to some songs about Jesus this morning.  One song, Don Moen’s rendition of “I Am The God Who Healeth Thee” made me pause and wonder why God has yet to heal me of the physical and family issues I still live with, that I’ve felt so much deep hurt, frustration, embarrassment and shame over.

All of a sudden, the precious, small voice of the Holy Spirit cut through the music and spoke to my heart.  “My precious Mark, I knew the scalpel that would be necessary to bring you My life.  You had a much deeper ailment I’m setting you free from, and I’ve allowed these health issues in your life to bring about the deepest healing I can bring to your life…A renewal to your whole being deep in your soul.  For your life, this is the way I’ve chosen to work and to bring the largest amount of healing to many others, as well, who need the blessed work I’ve chosen for your life.  Please trust Me, My son.  I love you.  I’ll show you such wonders…”

Then sings my soul, my Savior, God to Thee, how great Thou art!  =)

Don Moen – God is good


God bless,

Mark

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The Blessing Of Imparting The Blessing

Hello Precious People,

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I’m reading a book about the Aaronic blessing found at the end of chapter 6 in the book of Numbers.  The book is “Imparting The Blessing” by William T. Ligon, Sr.  The author, a Baptist minister who had an experience with the Holy Spirit, discusses the importance of the various Bible passages that talk about imparting God’s blessing.  William tells us how God will bless our children, spouses and even our enemies, when we speak the blessing over them.  More about this great book later…

I wanted to bless all of you as you begin another week in Jesus.

The Lord bless you, and keep you:

The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

And I put the Name of the God of the children of Israel on you and bless you in Jesus’ Name, the Name that is above all names.

God bless each of you,

Mark

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Heaven: And So Shall We Ever Be With The Lord – Such Sweet Words

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Wow, it’s going to be awesome to be caught up in the air with all our Christian brothers and sisters.  Fills me with excitement and joy just to think about it.

And so shall we ever be with the Lord…Such sweet words.

Take time to think about Heaven, about ever being with our Lord, precious people.

God bless you all, and have a nice weekend letting the peace of God rule in your heart.

Mark

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Romans 8:28: Our Off-Ramp Out Of The Devil’s Ruts

Hello Saints in Jesus,

Ann and I have been re-reading Merlin Carothers’ powerful book “Power In Praise.”  It helps to keep us on track, especially when the devil begins convincing us that we’re in a spiritual rut and “feeling” like God’s not watching over us, and/or that He’s abandoned us.  One of our enemy’s favorite tactics is to try to convince us that something can’t possibly be worked for our good.

Right now, I can’t think of another verse that has meant more to me than Romans 8:28.  Whenever Ann and I feel ourselves experiencing a spiritual rut (like self-pity; anything that threatens our peace and trusting that God’s in control) and becoming discouraged, Romans 8:28 provides the all purpose off-ramp for us to leave satan’s rut.  God’s Word is so powerful and able to deliver us.

Always remember, saints, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28

By the way, Merlin’s books can be ordered at this link:

https://www.praisebooks.org

God bless,

Mark – ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com

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The Resistance Secret

This teaching snippet by Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn is such a good reminder that spiritual resistance exercises our faith.  Faith builds trust in the Lord.

God bless,

Mark

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Your Heavenly Father’s Always Watching Over You

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:2-4

Boy, I just keep getting so blessed by God’s faithfulness to bring material across my path that ministers to me, to my needs.  The following really spoke to me and I hope it blesses you, too.

From Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s March Newsletter…

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I hope that you’re doing well in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Do you remember when you were a little child and it was easy to be afraid of the dark?  You may have even had a night light in you room to help you overcome your fear.  It’s easy for children to be afraid when the lights are turned out.  You may have even called for your parents in the middle of the night because you thought you saw something move in the darkness.  And your parents may have encouraged you with the words, “Don’t be afraid of the dark, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Now you’re all grown up, you’re an adult and a believer.  But it’s still easy to live with fear, worries, and anxieties.  Even in the Lord, you may live in fear of the darkness of the future, worrying about what the days ahead will hold.  Some believers are afraid of the darkness of health problems.  Others are afraid of the darkness of rejection or being alone.  Others are afraid of the darkness of financial problems.  There’s no shortage of darkness to be afraid of.

But just as when we were young and your parents told you, “Don’t be afraid of the dark,” so the Spirit of God tells us the same thing, “Don’t be afraid of the dark.  There’s nothing to be afraid of.”  You see, the enemy works through darkness, but the enemy is nothing to be afraid of.  There’s no comparison between the power of God and the enemy or the power of good versus evil.  When we live in fear, we’re giving more power to the darkness.  And the more we fear the dark, the more we’ll end up stumbling.

God has not called us to be afraid of such things.  So it is written, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”  If you’re a child of God, then God is with you and you have no reason to fear:  “for greater is He Who is in you, than he who is in the world.”  And if God is for you, then who can be against you?  So whatever you’ve been concerned about or have had anxiety about, know that it’s only the dark.  In the light of God’s presence, it’s nothing at all.  And in the light of God’s love and power, you have nothing to fear at all.  So be at peace and get some rest, for the darkness has nothing in it for you to be afraid.  And while you sleep, your heavenly Father is wide-awake watching over you.

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God bless,

Mark

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For Thou Art With Me…

Hello Precious People in Jesus’ Name,

I’m discovering that God is always closer than I think.  All I ever need to do is ask Him for His help…

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27b

For Thou art with me…
Psalm 23:4c

God bless,

Mark

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Dynasties Of Righteousness: Encourage Each Other With These Words…

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psalm 119:71

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 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.
Philippians 4:6-8

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.  For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

The last two above scripture references are commands from God meaning that He’s serious about setting us free from fear to enjoy His rest and peace all the time – Even in today’s world.  He has the power to do it!  What a great, faithful God we have.

My dear neighbor, Linda, replies to the daily emails with such enthusiasm.  She’s really a blessing, and like me, really wants to walk in the full liberty Jesus died on the cross to give us, in this life.

Last week, another dear friend, Lori, replied to one of the “Choosing Jesus Every Day” emails with the following:

“You are such an amazing man of faith and I’m so THANKFUL that God placed your friendship in my life!! Thank you for daily being a reminder in “my” life that God works and does all things for good!! He loves us and wants us to TRUST in him fully…not “sorta” trust in Him, but FULLY trust and to cast ALL of our worry upon him. Thank you!! ”

What a blessing it was to see that Lori wants to break through in her life and that God means to bless her as she trusts in Him “fully” with all her heart, all the time.  Lori reminds us all that God wants to richly bless us by casting all of our worry upon Him.  We’re truly “rich” when we learn to do this.  God is SO GOOD, saints.  And, it only gets gooder.  ☺

Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.”
Jeremiah 1:12

At one service in our Oregon church, Pastor Jon asked Ann and me to come forward so he and the church members could pray over us.  I think he could sense that many generational strongholds (sins) needed to be uprooted so they could no longer harm us.  Jon prayed that God would establish a “Dynasty of Righteousness” in our family and future generations.  Over the ensuing years, we would discover what it all entailed.

Growing up, I was taught to worry.  Even though many of the Christians I knew talked about the Word, their lives and actions were often examples of worry, doubt and fear.  It was like they didn’t really believe what they knew in their heads about scripture.  Like in the parable of the sower in the Bible (Matthew 13), for one reason or another, the Word’s promises never took root in their hearts where it could set them free deep in their souls.  It may sound strange, but I had so many health issues that I had to learn to apply the Word to my life (Psalm 119:71).  Honestly, it was the only way I could deal with all of the fear and worry I was experiencing on a daily basis.

Talk the Word out loud, precious people.  Get it deep into your souls where it will protect you.  Teach it to your spouse and children.  Whatever you do, stop speaking and acting out fear and worry.  Instead, quote Romans 8:28, and other verses that will build and instill a trust and confidence in Jesus.  Doing so, will stop worry and fear in your generations.  Doing so will bring an abiding peace and strength to your lives and the lives of your children.   And, at those times when you slip up and still display worry, ask your spouse or child to forgive you.  Say you’re sorry and that you intend to live in faith trusting in God’s Word.  Keep doing this until it becomes automatic and reflexive in your souls.

And I (Jesus) will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever.”
John 14:16

The Holy Spirit, living in us, watches over our hearts.  He reminds us of The Word we have in our hearts to help us have victory in our thoughts and lives.

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

I’ve found that it’s so much easier to trust in the Lord with all my heart when I memorize Romans 8:28 (and many others) in order to realize that Romans 8:28 is true.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

I truly believe that Jesus is leading us to break through in our lives to establish Dynasties of Righteousness both now and into the future.  Lives that will be richly blessed by entering His rest, now, in this life, as we believe and act on His Word.

I’d like to pray the “Aaronic blessing” over you as noted in Numbers 6:24-27

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance[a] upon you and give you peace.
And I put the Name of the God of the children of Israel on you and bless you in Jesus’ Name.

Mark

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Disappointments to Peace

Hello Precious People In Jesus,

I hope the following is clear.  It can be hard for me to express exactly how we felt at times when God began His healing work in us.  Honestly, my wife can often say things better than I can.  ☺

Do you know that God really does have a future and a hope for you?

When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
Psalm 94:19

Disappointments used to really steamroll and frustrate me.  It seemed to me that nothing was working out for us.  With each disappointment, my reaction to them was growing more intense and negatively affecting my family as well as our relationship with my parents and God.

I was SO thankful when the Lord began showing me how I (and my family) could learn to be less and less impacted by the nonfulfillment of our hopes and expectations.  This is one of the biggest lessons God’s taught us – to have His peace in the face of any storm.

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

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Philippians 4:11-12

Things didn’t turn around immediately for us, we didn’t strike oil or find my dream job (at the time, we were told that unemployment in Oregon was nearing 30%), but when we started memorizing and standing on God’s Word, we began to experience a hope we hadn’t had for years.  Something tangible was happening in the spiritual realm and we could perceive it.

When you’ve lived so l-o-n-g with no hope and then get even a flicker of it, you begin to get a sense that things may begin to turn around for you.

The Word is so powerful.  When we get backed into a corner, we ask God to help us find the way out.  The scriptures God had us jot down, and began declaring out loud and memorizing, were the way out for us.  With the Word, we were pushing against a lot of darkness (heartache) that had been oppressing us too long.  When we found the thing (the Word) that would put momentum on our side, we ran with it.  We still do.

We can live with unfulfilled dreams, with unmet goals and expectations.  But we now know we can’t live without the Word, without Jesus, without our preeminent Prince Of Peace.

God’s first instruction to us at our low time was to get in the Word and discover what He was saying about our condition.  His truth was beginning to overtake the lies of the enemy in our ears.  The Prince Of Peace was calming our storm and setting us free from all of the confusion and striving that was killing us.

But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, Slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.
Pasalm 86:15

It’s a patient and mighty working of the Holy Spirit, that can take time, when He replaces your desires, and your striving with Jesus.

Some trust in chariots (we wanted to trust in money, in anything we thought would bring us predictable security), and some in horses:  but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7

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 (God knew we needed to change, to take steps to get closer to Him, to lay our lives at His feet so He could do with them as He wished)?
Romans 2:4

And rend your heart and not your garments .” Now return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness And relenting of evil.
Joel 2:13

Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.
Isaiah 30:18

To this day, God continues to liberate us by showing us more and more, “but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand.  I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness (Those without a need or desire for God).
Psalm 84:10

Nothing like Jesus, the Guardian of our hearts, nothing…

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God bless,

Mark

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Choosing Jesus Every Day Works!

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1

Junk (It’s really sin):  In my life, junk consisted of pride, selfishness, self-pity, jealousy, frustration, doubt, bitterness, impatience, strife, unforgiveness, hate, confusion, the fear of man, angry with God, I knew I was neither a good husband nor the kind of father my children deserved, generational strongholds, and others I can’t remember just now ☺.  Sin, life lived apart from God’s wonderful ways, is miserable.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man:  but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

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

Are you kidding me, Mark?  Nope, I’m not.  Choosing Jesus every day works.  It’ll change you.  It’s really that simple.  It may not always be easy (your pride and satan will make you think it’s hard to do), but it’s truly simple.  God always intended it to be simple, and POWERFUL.  We simply need to be willing.

I can’t keep choosing Jesus every day to myself.  No one could.  Those who Jesus healed wanted to tell everyone what He’d done for them.  It just comes pouring out of you like an overflow that can’t be contained.

Over the years, Jesus has let me meet and know some powerful people in the Lord, and their lives were incredible because they were choosing to follow Jesus every day.  That’s how the victory over “junk” (sin) is won!

When God is setting you free from as much junk as I used to wrestle with – and I mean it was no fun living with that junk – you become a new person.  I was SO unhappy.  Now, I’m not.  And Jesus is just getting started with me and my wonderful wife.  That’s our Jesus!

ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com is now up and running – we’ll add to it as God leads.

It’s our prayer that God will use it to set many free as they learn how to Choose Jesus Every Day!  All anyone needs to do is ask Jesus to help them get free from the junk in their own life.

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit (that’s what my life used to be), out of the miry clay (the junk can really stick to you, but Jesus will show you how to persevere), and set my feet upon a rock (Jesus), and established my goings (and steadied me as I walked along).
Psalm 40:2

God bless you all,

Mark

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Resting With Daddy (Abba)

Abba – Taken From Intervarsity:  “It seems that when Jesus spoke of God as Father in Aramaic, he used the term Abba.  It is particularly remarkable, then, that Abba is an intimate word for father.  It indicates some of the very first syllables a baby might pronounce in reference to his father — something like Daddy or Papa, but even more like Dada.

God, the Father of Jesus and his disciples, is Dada.”

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul:  he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23

Years ago, I’d lay down on their bedroom floor and repeat this precious Psalm over and over to my little girls after they climbed in their beds.  With each repetition, I’d speak the Psalm’s words more slowly.  Often my daughters would fall asleep to my (Daddy’s) voice and with the words of this Psalm lingering on their hearts and minds…

…And, my own heart would enter the deep rest of my Heavenly Daddy as well.

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Let your Heavenly Father’s (Abba – Daddy, Dada) Words repeat over and over in your heart.  Linger in His rest…

Dada’s here.

God bless,

Mark

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Child Abuse?

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103: 1-5

I had a spiritual attack in bed last night. It was related to a “sudden fear” item I got hit with yesterday afternoon. Such attacks almost always boil down to worry and then self-pity, a behavior pattern I picked up from past generations.

Even though many of my relatives were Christians, they allowed too many sins in their lives and worry and self-pity were two of the biggies – In Hebrews 11:6, the Bible says “without faith, it’s impossible to please God” to protect us from allowing fear in our lives. My relatives should have been doers of the Word and not hearers only no matter what their other Christian peers thought – The fear of man (always) brings a snare (Proverbs 29:25).

Now I’m not saying that I don’t sin in the areas of worry and self-pity from time to time. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, I’m having more and more victory in those areas and I’m asking my family’s forgiveness whenever I slip up to keep strongholds from taking root in their lives – Gordon, one of our Oregon pastors, taught us the valuable insight of asking forgiveness whenever we miss the mark.

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

A few months ago, I read an online news article that said that teaching children about Christianity and Jesus ought to be outlawed stating it should be considered child abuse.

I can’t imagine much that would be worse than children (or anyone else) not being able to learn how they can take thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ; to be thankful in everything; to know that our loving Heavenly Father is able to work all things for our good. I know I’d be a major wreck if I’d never had the opportunity to learn how to replace fear and dismay with God’s truths.

I wonder how much substance abuse and other issues could be done away with if we could learn to cast all our cares on Christ.

And, the above three tremendous Biblical truths are just the beginning of the infinite benefits of Christianity, the Bible and Jesus, The Prince Of Peace.

Perhaps had the person who wrote the Christian child abuse article been around more Christians doing the Word, their perspective would have been different.

Let’s be doers of the Word, especially for the sake of our children and future generations. Memorize scripture that teaches us that we can trust God, that we cast all our care on Him and that He’s working all things for our good. (Keeping these wonderful truths close in our memories is so vital.) Please, for their sake, have your children memorize them.

Like me and others have done, please ask for God’s help in doing these things. He’s faithful. He’ll change us and others will be drawn to Him and His incredible salvation.

 

 

 

 

 

Mark