Month: December 2019

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

“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”
Frances (Fanny) Jane Crosby

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
Ecclesiates 3:11 NLT

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10

How can I be mad at God when the very depression, health issues, pain, hurt, job situation, failures, anger, insecurity, shame, confusion, desperation, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, greed, pride, etc, He allowed in my life led me to His arms, to seek Him, to find His love, and to the secret dwelling place of the Most High?

Does your life seem botched up? Ever feel like you could have done a better job at being God regarding your life? We have. What we’re discovering is that God was in control all the way, and as we walk with Him, He unveils the beautiful reasons behind the details of our lives that He was watching over and allowing for His glory and for the testimony He uses to love and rescue others.

Through Romans 8:28, God provided a way of escape for me. I can never thank Him enough for making this precious verse a reality in my life. He rescued me from the turmoil the depressing circumstances of my life were suffocating me with. His promise to work all things together for my good is giving wonderful meaning to – and turning – my circumstances into blessed peace, rest and joy.

Fanny Crosby became blind at an early age possibly as the result of a doctor botching up a procedure when treating a cold that had impacted her eyes.

“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”
Frances Crosby

“Oh what a happy soul I am. Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t. To weep and sigh because I am blind? I cannot and I won’t.”  Frances Crosby

All the Way My Savior Leads Me – The Haven Quartet*

All The Way My Savior Leads Me
By Fanny Crosby

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

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.
Philippians 4:6-7

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

But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6

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

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:3-5

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

All the way…Jesus (God Almighty; Prince of Peace) leads me. Praise God!

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV

God bless,

Mark

*Through God’s leading, my great uncle, Paul Meyers, began “The Haven of Rest” ministry in 1934. The ministry is now called “Haven Today.”

I love the following Psalm. It reminds me of how God rescued me by having me read and re-read “Power In Praise” by Merlin Carothers. I’m so thankful to God that He stepped in to my life to show me how praise and thankfulness can change our entire life. What a different perspective and what joy it adds to life.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100

Happy Monday, everyone!

God bless,

Mark

The enemy continues to try to take us out.

I was feeling pretty weary when I got up this morning. That’s when my precious wife began to encourage me in the Lord. Even though we know God is working all things together for our good, we can still face times when we’re overwhelmed and even numb to God’s Word. No matter how we feel, we can move on in the Lord and state His truths to drive back massive enemy lies that try to take us down. I didn’t feel like being courageous this morning, but I took a step of faith and started in the courageous direction anyway. That’s all God asks of us to get us back on His track.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:5

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

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil…but those that wait upon the Lord they shall inherit the earth…Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land.
Psalm 37:7-9, 34

Be strong and of a good courage…Only be thou strong and very courageous…Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: For the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest…Only be strong and of a good courage.
From Joshua 1

God bless,

Mark

Wow, I was so lost in my destructions. God is setting me free indeed and there is nothing like it. What a Savior.

What is the true meaning of Christmas?

20 He sent his word (Jesus), and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Psalm 107:20-22

God bless,

Mark

We’re so blessed to know Jesus. I was praying this morning that God would pour out His wonderful Spirit on Ann and me, and our city. I want so much for people to know God’s love. I know He has the same desire…

While praying, God reminded me that Romans 8:28 means there are no bad days as one of His children. I may have days when life seems harder, but that doesn’t mean He’s not working in it to bless me. God is always working all things together for our good, and if I’ll listen to Him, I’ll see His faithfulness in all things.

He’s always teaching us, blessing us, and changing us from glory to amazing glory. He merely asks that we be willing to listen to His precious, comforting Holy Spirit’s still, small voice encouraging us to keep running this Christian race – even if we’re in a bed of pain. He tells us He’s with us all along the way. He’s changing us into His glorious image with every minute of our day. He’s showing us more of His powerful love, mercy, strength, peace, rest and joy.

Listen to the still, small voice every minute, precious people. You’ll hear Him telling you how much He loves you and that He’s in control while healing your soul and making you more and more free in His infinite love.

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

Mmmm…

God bless,

Mark

I remember the testimony of a brilliant scientist who came to Jesus because the Bible was the only Holy book that spoke of a realm beyond our reasoning and scientific understanding. All the other religious books were tied to this realm and thus had to be man made.

Is your life unreasonable? If yes, then hang on…God has a plan.

11 And they overcame him (the Devil) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelation 12:11

Am I willing to let Jesus lead me to overcoming the Devil? Is that reasonable?

The following is just a snippit of what I could say about my unreasonable God and His faithfulness to lead me into the unreasonable life He had in store for me to live out.

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18

Is there anything reasonable about that verse? Of course not. It’s beyond human reason. We like an eye for an eye type reasoning, payback and vengeance. But God, in His plan and love for mankind, offers us His love and forgiveness instead of what our sins truly deserve. Then, He asks us to forgive others when they trespass against us. How reasonable is it to ask that of us when we’ve been hurt? In His love for us, He knows that forgiving is better than letting us go off without Him in our bitterness.

What’s reasonable about asking Mary to become pregnant with Jesus while living in a Jewish culture where many would have questions for her and Joseph’s relationship and loyalty to God’s law? And what about Joseph’s (in Genesis) unreasonable circumstances, prostitutes in the line of Jesus, David having a heart after God regarding Bathsheba, killing her husband and his miraculous victory over Goliath, and all the other Bible stories? What is it about powerful testimonies that bring us to tears, that make us worship our miraculous God and that give us hope for our own lives?

God defies reason. I think this is why people become atheists and agnostics. They get to the point in their life where if it doesn’t fall within the limits of reason, or science, it’s unreasonable and tossed out. I mean, how could a truly loving God be unreasonable, right?

My life has defied reason. The life God chose for me to live and to be blessed by was not to be confined to this reasonable realm, this world. He had much bigger plans for my life. And I believe He has much bigger plans for the lives of everyone. I’ll try to explain…☺

God is not reasonable. How do I know this? My whole life I’ve tried so hard to live a reasonable life, to “fit in” in this life. I’ve greatly envied those who have fit in lives, reasonable lives. God would have none of it for me. I got bitter and angry with Him because He wasn’t letting me line up with this reasonable world. As I look back, I can see that this is what caused my unreasonable PTSD. Expectations of others wanting me to have a reasonable life that would not embarrass them only made me more angry, shamed, embarrassed, frustrated, resentful, etc. I couldn’t live up to others’ reasonable demands – especially those of my parents, family, friends, and peers. And that’s what makes us upset and frustrated with God to the point that we either follow Him at all costs to our “reasonable need” or we leave Him by choosing to stay on our heavy, doomed quest for a reasonable life.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

But without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith takes us to and keeps us in His dwelling place. That place where things hoped for and things not yet seen exist. Those very things He’s designed for each of us to be more blessed by than we could ever imagine.

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4

Let God take you back to being a child again. Follow Him into His unreasonable realm filled with miracles, thrilling testimonies, adventure, surprises, awe, wonder, grace, mercy, rest, peace that passes understanding, and joy that cannot be explained or imagined.

God bless,

Mark

People who are rich, who have worked hard for their money, who live life depending on their money will probably take the mark of the beast mentioned in the Bible’s book of Revelation. They will simply not be able to deal with parting with their money.

I believe God allows something in each of our lives that has the potential of fixing our focus on Him, on His love, and His ways that can make us free indeed. That’s Who He is as our loving Heavenly Father.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 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. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:7-9

True story – As I may have mentioned in the past, some years ago, Ann and I heard about a man who had a few billion dollars. Somehow, he’d lost a lot of it but still had a billion left. For whatever reasons, in his lifetime, he’d made money his peace, his security. He became so distraught about the possibility of losing more of his money (that which had kept his life) that he took his life.

“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire.”
Psalm 52:7

He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.
Proverbs 11:28

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:24

You will seek Me (God) and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Because of my struggle with lifelong health, family issues, and complex PTSD, I’m really beginning to understand the deep, secure and delivering peace God’s giving me as I seek Him more and more. And I know His peace is worth more than anything because everything else can be taken from me – like all the money we had at one time that seemed to only make us more and more tense.

While many today would like to think it otherwise, Christianity is a participation life. We must become doers of the Word and apply it to our lives in order for the truths found in the Bible to bring God’s great salvation into every area of our lives every day. This is how God keeps us.

I realize that for many what I’m about to share is a very sobering topic. I’ve hesitated about sending you what the Lord told me regarding money for a couple of years now. I’m honestly not trying to be dramatic. I’m just trying to get us to take making Jesus our peace seriously so He can keep us in the days ahead. Honestly, it will mean the difference between life and death, and that’s an understatement. I’m doing so to help us prepare for what is soon coming…

I was talking with one of my Christian cousins (haven’t talked with him in nearly 40 years) a few weeks ago. He called me totally out of the blue. I’m not basing this email on that talk alone. It’s just that, over the years, I’ve observed so many who are not making Jesus their peace.

In our conversation, my cousin told me about all the money he and his wife lost in the 2008 crash. I could tell it really upset them. I could also tell they had not made Jesus their peace even though they’ve been very active in the church for decades. So many today have no idea how to make Jesus their peace. So many choose not to do so. That’s their choice.

The Wise and Foolish Builders

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Jesus). 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand (anything but Jesus). 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27

We’re coming into a time when people are not going to be able to rely on anything but Jesus. It’s true. We’re quickly coming to the time when a thousand are going to fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand (see Psalm 91:7) – Those people who are not ready for the cataclysmic events contained in the Bible’s tribulation period will fall. They’re going to totally freak out to the point that they will even cry out for the rocks to fall on them (Revelation 6:16). We don’t like to believe that, but our unbelief will not stop it from happening.

It reminds me of when the Bible (Hebrews 12 – Great chapter) talks about those things which can be shaken (Including everything that keeps us from trusting in God) will be shaken so that only that which remains cannot be shaken (God’s Kingdom).

So many today try to find security, comfort, and stability in everything but Jesus. They’re trusting in that which cannot keep them, in that which can be shaken (sand). They anesthetize themselves with information, education, entertainment, sports, hobbies, drugs, alcohol, vacations, financial savings, worldly philosophies, self-help topics and gurus – whatever – and they’ve come to rely on them as an escape, as a distraction from everyday life, as a way to deal with their lives, to make them think they have some semblance of control.

We really need for Jesus, alone, to be our peace. This cannot be emphasized enough. It’s been true all throughout time. It’s even more important in these last days of the end times laid out in the pages of the Bible.

We’re in a time when we’re not going to be able to rely on worldly thinking and strategies. Those ways of dealing with life are going to come to an end and will no longer work.

33 These things I (Jesus) have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

A few years ago, I was talking with the Lord about money. I was asking Him why I could not make a consistent living. His answer was, “I know you. I know you and Ann have hearts after me. Where the world is heading, you will not be able to rely on money. You must learn to rely on Me, alone. This is the lesson I’m teaching you so that in Me, alone, you can have My supernatural peace that passes all of your understanding.”

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath. But righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:4

How can we make Jesus our peace? Well, I’ve been writing about this for years. It’s why I’ve really emphasized the three keys to the Kingdom. I’ve listed them again below.

Believing so that we can truly know that God really is working all things together for my good.

28 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

Praising and thanking God in all things

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20 (and many other scriptures)

Taking all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (not money, alcohol, entertainment, vacations, drugs, etc.), but mighty through God (truly knowing Him so you can always trust in Him) to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:4-5

These are three vital Christian living keys Ann and I put into practice daily in order to let God’s peace reign in our hearts every day. This is the type of “doing” the Word that will sustain us in the days leading up to the rapture and end times. Please, I urge you to build your house on the rock, on Christ – Alone. Make Him your peace.

15 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

We must all choose who or what we will serve, and in doing so, the consequences of those choices…

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

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding (all our striving and fearful tendencies), shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

God bless,

Mark – ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com
Please read Psalm 91. If you’d like to know more about end times events, read Chapters 37-39 in the Bible’s Old Testament book called Ezekiel. There are so many other passages regarding end times prophecies as well. You might also want to read “The End” book by Mark Hitchcock.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw
nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:7-8

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

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

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

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.
Philippians 4:6-7

So come on. Let’s go! ☺

Happy Monday, everyone!

God bless you all,

Mark

Some may remember Pastor David Wilkerson’s famous book, The Cross And The Switchblade. David Wilkerson was pastor of New York’s Time Square Church before his death in 2011.

WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
by Pastor David Wilkerson

To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).

Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed. Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means.

A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening. That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”

Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!” Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries.

Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

God bless,

Mark

I’m learning to depend on Jesus more and more. He’s graciously teaching me to yield more and more of me, of my heart, my desires and dreams, to Him. All my doubts, shame, failures, anger, fears, anxiety, bitterness, frustration, etc., are being replaced by Him…His grace, mercy, trust, peace, joy, love and rest. I can honestly feel Him moving into me and there’s nothing like it. Nothing like Him healing me deep inside every corner of me.

9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 Amplified Bible

He invites me to dwell in the shadow of the Most High, and then promises to dwell in me, in my weakness. This is such a beautiful picture of the two becoming one as the bride of Christ. We can rejoice in our weaknesses because they bring us closer to Him as He dwells more and more in us.

What grace, mercy, peace, love, rest and joy…

God bless,

Mark

Jesus’ plans for our lives can be much different than what we wanted for our lives. That’s okay.

I finally gave up trying to force my plans for my life that didn’t seem to be working out. I decided to give my will to Jesus and left my future in His hands. This was a huge step of faith for me. That was how I began to trust in and believe Romans 8:28.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you practice trusting Jesus with every minute of the day. When fear tempts you with its lies, refuse them and remember you really can trust Jesus in all things as you walk with Him every day.

God bless,

Mark

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).

God will answer your prayer by either removing the obstacle of the trial or by giving you His grace and mercy to bring His peace to you in the midst of the obstacle. Either way, He delivers us out of them all.

You Raise Me Up – The Singing Contractors

You (Jesus) Raise Me Up
Written by Rolf Lovland and Brendan Graham

When I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
You raise me up to more than I can be

Happy Monday, everybody!  ☺

God bless,

Mark

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

10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth (dwells) in me (Jesus), and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:5

Always remember that God would not tell us to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ unless He knew it could be accomplished in Him – apart from Him we cannot do it (John 15:5 above). As we live close to God, as we continue in His Word, the Holy Spirit continues to help us do what the Bible tells us to do in order for us to live the abundant life (John 10:10 above) of being free indeed in Christ.

Why does God command us to bring every thoughts captive? Because He loves us and wants us to live far from the oppressive thought patterns the Devil attacks our lives with so we can live free in God’s life-giving thoughts. God knows that if we will follow His command to bring every thought captive to Christ that we’ll learn to trust in the Lord with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5-6 above).

In His love for us, God knows that if we don’t take the Devil’s lies captive to the obedience of Christ that it will be much easier for us to believe the next lie of the Devil. And, this snowballing of negative, defeating thoughts (fiery darts) keeps going until we make the decision to stop the lies by remembering to take such destructive thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:4-5

God bless,

Mark

Hi Everyone,

I got this verse in an email yesterday and thought I should pass it onto you. Great verse. ☺

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.
Psalm 112:4

Have a great day wherever you find yourself because God’s light is with you.

God bless,

Mark