Category: Husbands and Wives

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Look Up!

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There are so many opportunities to look up.  (Psalm 34:19)

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Here’s a neat thought.  All of you know how Jesus says to look up when you see these things coming on the earth in Matthew chapter 24 , right?  Well, you can always look up when you’re facing some sort of test, trial, or whatever.  Feeling down, discouraged, in pain, fearful…whatever?  Look up.  Put on some Christian music, thank and praise God, read Psalm 91 out loud, take those despairing thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ by doing anything like the above that lifts your spirit in the Lord.  =)

Boy, God is SO GOOD!  I had a really bad migraine headache yesterday.  The blessing is that I hadn’t had one in about 5 months.  The other blessing is that I woke up this morning feeling really bad.  Feeling bad always makes me seek Jesus and His delivering love.  As a result of feeling bad, I put on my favorite Christian song and the Holy Spirit began talking to me.  His words started to encourage my spirit.  I just love it when He’s faithful like that.  We serve such a loving God.

Feeling run over?  Well, do whatever it takes to encourage yourself in the Lord, to look up.  That’s what David, in the Bible, did.

The battle is the Lord’s, precious people.  He just asks us to stand and watch the salvation of the Lord.

Thank you, Jesus.

God bless you all as we begin another week with faithful Jesus in our hearts and at our sides,

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 upon you, and I bless you in Jesus’ Name, the Name that is above every other name.
Numbers 6:24-27 (Edits Mine)

Nothing like the dwelling place of the MOST HIGH.  =)

Mark

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Strong Deception, And Why My Wife And I Choose Jesus Every Day

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“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Matthew 7:13-14

A supernatural, satanic scheme to conform is coming on the world. The forces of darkness are not holding back.  Many people are going to hell where they’ll be permanently captive to the devil.

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”
Proverbs 29:25

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:  and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10

“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.”
Hebrews 4:12

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8

“A loving God could never send anyone to hell forever, right Mark?”  I hear this from time to time and realize that anyone who’d make such a comment has never considered the fact that God, even in His love for us, is just.  That was the whole point for why God sent Christ as the only bridge, the only One (or Way) Who can restore our relationship with God (Matthew chapter 27).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
John 3:16-17

Every so often I come across something that makes me think, “Am I being as honest, truthful, and bold enough with others as I need to be about Heaven and hell?  Am I showing them enough of the contrast between the two for them to stop and consider what they’re doing with their lives?  Have I done everything I can to get them to take their lives seriously enough to prevent them from ending up with the devil in hell, forever?”

“Earth is as close to Heaven as unbelievers will ever get, and it’s as close to hell as Christians will ever be.”

There’s a very strong deception coming on the world.  The Bible tells us it would happen in the end times.

For example, I’ve heard there’s a strong push to make it a hate crime to call boys “boys” and to call girls “girls.”  What?

Yes, this is how weird it’s getting in our world, folks.  Satan has already taken on God’s definition of marriage between a man and a woman.  Now, the devil’s attempting to erase gender.  It’s a scheme to further destroy trust in the Bible and God’s creation by getting us to question, even more severely, the very existence of a Creator.  If satan can get us to swallow such lies, he’s got us right where he wants us (he knows people will believe almost anything now), and, in the end, he’ll be glad to take as many as he can with him to hell, forever.

The current, strong deception reminds me of the U.N.-type scene in the first “Left Behind” movie where the antichrist figure (Nicolae Carpathia) is telling everyone an outright lie.  His powerful deception’s convincing the other people gathered around the table the he’s telling them the truth.  The only person at the table who’s not deceived is Kirk Cameron’s character, Buck Williams.  The only reason he’s not deceived is because he’s recently given his life to Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s keeping him from believing the lie.

Folks, we may think we could never be deceived due to our intellect, that we’d never conform to supernatural lies, that we’re way too smart to fall for satan’s tricks.  What we need to be aware of is that we’re going to need to be very close to Jesus in these last days.  Brain power, alone, will not be enough to keep us safe.  The power in the deception behind satan’s lies (much of the power resides in, and will depend on, the degree of the fear of man we allow to operate in our lives – the pressure of what others think can make us do some things we know are against our (and God’s) will) is supernatural.  Without maintaining a close relationship with Jesus, we’re no match for this type of powerful deception.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:7-9

My wife and I know that satan will do everything he can “to get a foot in the door” of our lives, and that he’s never satisfied with just that.  For that reason, we choose Jesus, His ways, every day to maintain the kind of humility it takes today to not fall prey to satan’s deception, to keep us firmly grounded in Christ.  We choose Jesus every day to make sure we’re waiting on Him, and listening for His directives in our lives, in our decision-making processes; to keep us taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, to keep us praising Him in all things, to keep believing that Jesus is working all things together for our good; to maintain forgiving hearts and to continually extend grace to each other and others; to keep from becoming self-absorbed, self-centered and selfish; to help us to keep trusting Jesus; to protect our marriage and family; to love each other the way Christ loves us; to keep ourselves from letting this world’s condition discourage us; to keep us looking up, looking to Christ for His rest, love, wisdom, discernment, peace, and joy; to keep us in His Word that helps us in our everyday lives; to not give into sudden fear; to be anxious for nothing; to maintain our compassion for others; to be able to love our enemies; to continually dwell in the fruit of the Spirit; and to abide in the shadow of the Most High.

I want to strongly encourage each of you to stay close to God.  Residing in Him is the only way we’re going to be able to discern and withstand the end times.  Staying close to God will enable us to let the peace of God rule our hearts every day.   It’s the way to keep our hearts from growing cold when lawlessness increases.  We, desperately, need the Holy Spirit’s supernatural guidance as we navigate today’s world.

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God will bless our lives, and every aspect of them, with His Presence, His peace, stillness, rest and joy as we choose Jesus every day,

Mark

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Take Up Your Cross: That My (Jesus) Joy May Be In You

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The cross of Christ – Where God’s true joy begins…

The glorious wonder and blessing of dying to the heavy burden of living for self –

Boy, I don’t yet know everything the Lord wants me to convey about the blessing of the cross in our lives.  Just the fact that Christ died for our sins on the cross is life-saving and life-changing.

I’ll try to put into words what the Lord seems to be saying to me about the cross.

When we take up our cross, daily, God works His power in us.  His love transforms our lives and renews our minds.  Taking up our cross involves memorizing scripture, learning how to win spiritual battles by learning that we can take every thought captive to Christ, learning how to be overcomers in this world.  We, also, gain so much compassion and understanding, both of which are needed today as He has us reach out to love each other.  The cross teaches us patience, makes us more Christ-like, and becoming more like Jesus always blesses our lives and the lives of those around us.

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The cross is not intended to be a burden.  It is intended to help us die to self, and dying to self and taking on God’s character is such a huge blessing.  We trade in our weak flesh for the fruit of the Spirit.  Our lives are blessed with Jesus’ selfless love, peace, self control, humility, joy, faith, etc.  We receive the Word into our lives as the cross helps us focus on Jesus, our Prince of Peace, the Lord of all that is good, the One Who gives life its true meaning.

The very pages of the Bible (like The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12, and the love found in 1 Corinthians 13) become alive in us and attract others to the liberating life that only Jesus can give.

No other life will be as blessed as that one who seeks to take up their cross, daily.  Do you see what I mean?  Can you begin to get excited about the daily cross Jesus asks us to take up?  Tremendous blessings reside in the cross for each of us.  Heavenly blessings that cannot be discovered any other way.  =)

Praise God!  Thank you Jesus!

We can rejoice in the cross for all that it’s done and is doing in our lives…

“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.”  (Lyric by Isaac Watts)

The cross can make us happy all the day, precious people.  There’s no greater life than being like Jesus.  If there was another, greater life, Jesus would have told us so.

Oh the joy of life lived in and for Jesus.  Such stillness of soul, trust, rest, contentment, peace, love and joy.  His death opened the door to His joy.

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Nothing was ever meant to be compared with the joy that comes from our Heavenly Father.  Nothing can.

That Jesus’ joy may be in us.  Wow…  =)

God bless,

Mark

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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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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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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…

Image result for peaceful verses and images

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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Having Jesus’ Full Joy

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising (disregarding) the shame , and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:34

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.
John 15:11-14

The cross Jesus asks us to take up daily will kill you. But that’s just the point. That’s the really good news of the gospel.

What?

Well, what I’m realizing is that as long as I’m alive (the old nature; my old, selfish self) and living for self and the flesh, I’m not being set free to enjoy the things of God, His higher ways, the blessings of God in my spirit that only He can give me. As long as “self” is my priority, I’ll have less peace, and my joy won’t be full.

Many years ago I spent a week fasting and praying – I recommend everyone do this. It’s so calming and really clears my head. Reminds me that I need to do it again. =)

During that time, I asked God some questions about Jesus. One of them was, “How is it that Jesus is so high and lifted up?” The answer was because Jesus has no thought for Himself. He lives totally for His bride – to love her, always. This is true joy, happiness and fulfillment. There’s no higher type of life in all of creation.

Wow, that really ministered to me as I laid there meditating on everything that meant. You can get really peaceful just thinking about God’s answer regarding Jesus.

Living completely for others, free from all of the competition, insecurities, confines, stress, ego traps, chains and entanglements that living for “self” brings.

Whewie, that’s really something, that’s freedom…

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed (you’re unquestionably free).
John 8:36

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

I can run towards and embrace my daily cross. At the cross, self-serving is defeated.  It’s where I’ll have full joy.

God bless,

Mark

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Mark, Love Ann

 

Letting God work in my life brings so much deep calming, peace, rest and joy to my spirit.  The more Jesus works in me, the more I want, and it’s really cool how there’s a never-ending supply of the benefits of His love.

It’s one of the neatest check and balance systems I know of – when I’m loving my wife I feel closer to God, and when I sense I’m not loving her, I feel out of sync with God.  =)

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Ephesians 5:25

He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD. Proverbs 18:22

God is just so good and loving.  It always comforts me to hear from Him, His care and loving watch over our lives…

Lately, the Holy Spirit’s been working an even deeper work in me regarding loving my precious wife.  Almost daily, God’s patiently and gently telling me that He’s made man stronger than woman for so many wonderful and romantic reasons.  =)

God’s been sharing how He wants me to always protect Ann’s heart in these ways:

Be mindful to show Ann Our (God’s and my) love for her by opening doors for her; to always remember that God made her the weaker vessel so that I could protect her with the strength He’s given me; always encouraging her; to be her best friend; to defend her; to never belittle nor embarrass her, to never make her feel stupid; always being patient with her; listening to her; being proactive around the home; waiting for her with joy; going shopping with her; helping her pick out clothes; showing interest in her work; to seek and value her perspective; taking the lead in spiritual matters like Bible reading and talking about Jesus and how living for Him can help us; kissing and hugging her more often; asking her if she needs anything; to complain even less; to initiate joy; to smile more; to lay my life down for her on every level, etc.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (I absolutely cherish the fact that Ann’s my best friend).
John 15:13

I’m so grateful for God’s help in our marriage and home. His ways produce such rest and intimacy.  They bring security, trust, and passion.  They build a strong bond. And, they settle me down and create more and more peace in us.

What a friend we have in Jesus…

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

God bless you all,

Mark