Month: January 2017

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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

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The Holy Spirit Keeps Growing His Fruit In Us =)

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Nice Thought To Contemplate

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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

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Choosing Jesus, The Word

Hello Saints in Jesus (Who is the Word),

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12

The last few days, my head has felt kind of funny – The feeling can be attributed to detoxing.  The feeling can be hard to explain as my daughter, Faith, and her friend Laura can relate to.  =)

With all of my health issues, I can’t always tell what’s making me feel a certain way.  (Even if I’m dealing with a health item that lingers for the whole day, saying the Word keeps my spirit free and living above my circumstances.)

Yesterday, I kept telling myself I need to read some scripture out loud to see if I was dealing with a spiritual force.  Got busy and never got around to it – Never a good thing since I end up trying battle through to overcome in my own strength rather than relying on God’s strength which saves me so much energy (Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.  Zechariah 4:6)

This morning, I woke up with the same funk.  Got out the Word (my sword) and read Psalm 34 several times out loud.  Just like that, I was delivered from the funky feeling in my head that was affecting my countenance and body.

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

Thank God we have a sword. =)

Mark

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Christians Want A Deeper Walk

It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, He said, and the servant like his master (Matthew 10:25).

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15).

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

Joni Eareckson Tada – As you may recall, Joni had a diving accident early in life that left her paralyzed from the neck down. In a recent youtube video, Joni said, “When my diving accident first happened, I didn’t know what to think. I came to realize I’d been slammed up against God.” Over time, Joni would see the beautiful plan God had for her life and recently commented, “I wouldn’t trade this wheel chair for anything.”

Ann and I watched another video about the history of commerce. In it, the church of the day fought hard against the expanding world of indulgence thinking that virtue was what mattered most.

We watched another video that mentioned a very well-known church and how the congregants are growing tired of its “seeker-centered” and entertaining atmosphere. The church-goers want to go deeper with the Lord, but the church is finding it difficult to do since it’s not been a priority and the leaders are not sure how to implement the change. They’re even acknowledging their own lack of depth.

I think it’s so wonderful how the Lord will allow the church (us) to go just so far until He brings it back to Himself, to learning of Him. It’s the only way any of us will be set free, indeed.

In his book, “Let Me Entertain You,” Merlin Carothers begins chapter 10 with the following.

Disciplined Disciples

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24)

“Call people to be my disciples,” God had told me. Obviously, the call couldn’t be dressed up or glossed over with Hollywood glamor or deception. I wasn’t going to be allowed to increase the ranks by presenting a message called: “Easy Street. Enter into God’s favor and find fun, food, luxury, and leisure!”

My call to disciples could not include suggestions that we might be allowed to get up in the morning when we want to get up, eat what we like, buy whatever we desire, go where we want to go, rest when we feel like it, and enjoy whatever makes us feel good whenever the mood strikes us. I had to tell the truth.

Jesus didn’t call us to a life of ease. He called us to get up early, study and work hard, serve selflessly and pray constantly. He warned us to be alert to danger, even when it comes in the form of entertaining distractions.

“Deny yourself,” He said, “and take up your cross.”

Madison Avenue’s executives would sit Jesus down and try to explain the basics of advertising. “Look,” they’d say, “never highlight the negatives. Self-denial isn’t popular this century. Give ’em what they want. It’s okay to create a need if necessary. But for pity sake, don’t offer them a cross!”

“Granted, the idea of a symbol that will always be associated with you is good thinking, but – a symbol of death lacks a certain promotional appeal. If you hope to achieve any success – you’d better just focus on those heavenly mansions you’re building. Heaven…blessings…peace…love…joy, those are your best words. Forget the cross.”

But Jesus doesn’t watch television or read magazines, so He isn’t influenced by commercial advertising techniques. “Deny yourself,” he calls out again, more firmly, “take up your cross and follow me.”

The world’s advertising is clever – it’s designed to appeal to the masses. Jesus is selective – His requirements attract only a few. He wants disciples who are willing to be like Him.

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

God bless you all,

Mark