Month: June 2023

God is sharing some brand-new healing insights with us and it is so wonderful. How He can untangle and turn your thinking around is miraculous and so joyful. I keep being amazed at how God works and what He’s able to bring about in His time. Truly, He works all things together for good to those who love Him.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Romans 11:33

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Annie and I had such a good talk this morning about everything Jesus is doing in our lives and about how far He’s brought us out of the miry clay we were trapped in for so l-o-n-g. We are so thankful He has been faithful (and continues to be) to show us how beautiful Life in Him is.

The best thing I can tell anyone is pursue Jesus with all your might. Let no one and nothing keep you from doing this.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

This is what I’m learning, and God’s Presence is everything. His superseding Presence is true joy.

And the Heavenly patience God builds in us is the key to joy. Truly, there are Heavenly wonders we cannot experience and enjoy without letting Godly patience develop in us. And God – Who is maximum Love – wants to give us all of those beautiful Heavenly wonders.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience (God wants us to know that He’s at work (worketh) giving us wonderful Jesus and all that He is).

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing (patience adds so many Kingdom character traits to our lives).
James 1:2-4

I’m still learning to wait. It must be so important to learn to wait. So much of God comes into our lives as we continue to wait on Him. We calm down and take on Kingdom character that only comes through waiting as we walk with Jesus learning everything He knows will bless our lives.

You’re doing everything you can to follow Jesus and you still have trials that test your faith. If you follow the Lord, He will make sure to complete His good work in you. One of the best works you can have built into your life is to learn to count it all joy. Patience is a true gift. Learning to wait when things are testing your ability to wait builds precious Kingdom character in our lives. There is nothing like becoming like Jesus. Nothing. As you become like Him, your Heavenly joy increases and nothing I know of is as wonderful as that. Keep seeking Jesus. Keep your hand in His. There is a reason for everything. When you begin to realize that you’re well on your way to freedom in Christ. Freedom in Jesus is everything.

Remember, while circumstances may not change, the strengthening work God is doing in you makes life easier and joyful.

God loves you so much, my friend.

But Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work…

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible (Commentary on Psalm 17:4)
Concerning the works of men – In respect to the works or doings of men. The reference is here probably to the ordinary or common doings of mankind, or to what generally characterizes the conduct of men. As their conduct is so commonly, and so characteristically wicked, wickedness may be spoken of as their “work,” and it is to this doubtless that the psalmist refers. In respect to the sinful courses or “paths” to which men are so prone, he says that he had kept himself from them. This is in accordance with what he says in the previous verse, that he had given no occasion by his conduct for the treatment which he had received at the hands of his enemies.

By the word of thy lips – Not by his own strength; not by any power which he himself had, but by the commands and promises of God – by what had proceeded from his mouth. The reference is doubtless to all that God had spoken: to the law which prescribed his duty, and to the promises which God had given to enable him to walk in the path of uprightness. He had relied on the word of God as inculcating duty; he had submitted to it as authority; he had found encouragement in it in endeavoring to do right.

I have kept me – I have preserved myself. I have so guarded my conduct that I have not fallen into the sins which are so common among men.

The paths of the destroyer – The paths which the “destroyer” treads; the course of life which such men lead. The idea is, not that he had been able to save himself from violence at their hands, but that he had been enabled to avoid their mode of life. The word rendered “destroyer” is from a verb which means “to break, to rend, to scatter,” and would properly refer to acts of violence and lawlessness. He had kept himself from the modes of life of the violent and the lawless; that is, he had been enabled to lead a peaceful and quiet lift. He had given no occasion to his enemies to treat him as a violent, a lawless, a wicked man.

I was thinking about all the verses God gave me to memorize and apply to my life while living in Oregon. Those scriptures were chosen so I could learn how to come away from the paths Satan wanted me to walk down so I would be destroyed. There is nothing like the path God has for us that makes us into the image of Christ. His path for us is so liberating, peaceful, restful, loving and joyful.

Protect yourself. Live Free…No one can do it for you. Keep yourself from the paths of the destroyer. Know and live the Word. Become like Jesus.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Because Jesus lives, I can live in the amazing promise of Romans 8:28.

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

What an amazing scripture to cover us this week. All things…Wow.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark – ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

I couldn’t sleep past 1:45 this morning. I finally got up and sat down on the living room couch. I began thinking about some things when the thought came to me that God is in control. Then I had the beautiful, miraculous, supernatural thought: How wonderful it is when the Word of God begins to prevail in your life. Mmmm…

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

The truth is, God has always had His children covered.  It’s no different today, or any other day.  His Word covers us and gives us the ability to live ABOVE this earth in the secret dwelling place of the Most High.

“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.”
Proverbs 3:25

These days present many opportunities for being impacted by sudden fear. As Christians, we can yield to Proverbs 3:25 and rest in God taking all care on Himself. He’s in control. There has never been a day in all of history when God wasn’t in control. That is why He tells us we can trust in Him with all our heart – all of our heart. That means we can trust and rest in Him with everything. The unsaved, the wicked, cannot do this.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

Do not let yourself be conformed to this world.  Don’t do what the unsaved and wicked do.  Rather be transformed by the renewing of your mind through God’s Word.

As Christians, we do not need to live collecting things to worry about. That is the job of the unsaved. We can trust in God at all times. This is the Good News of the Kingdom of God. This is the Gospel.

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. Hallelujah.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Who knew?

This is super-powerful and precious –

Watch this short video
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Jr5gJ8xRhKM

Then read this for proof
https://emmausroadministries.international/2020/02/08/the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-tabernacle-series-part-4/

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it. But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it.
Numbers 14:23-24

Like you, God has asked me to make some choices throughout my life. The best I could, I chose Him. I want to be a “Caleb.” I want all the freedom – the land – the Lord has promised me. I want to have no fear, no care and His love truly alive in me. I want to live knowing He is with me. I cannot think of a better Life.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

If I refuse to do a part of God’s Word, I can’t help but think I’ll refuse to do other parts of His Word and I’ll begin living in more and more bondage to this world and its ways.

Those who love God keep His Word. They continue in His Word. The Christian life is really that simple.

It doesn’t matter what friends, family, co-workers, and this world say, God works all things together for good for those who love Him. Do you love Him? Really? Will you choose to believe and live by Romans 8:28…Or not?

Stay away from those who tell you doing the Word of God is legalism. Doing the Word is liberty, and God wants to set captives free by His Word. It’s why He sent us His Word (Jesus).

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

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (our unbelief and choosing to live in this world’s ways).
Psalm 107:20

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Regarding getting God’s wisdom, understanding, and discretion – 

21 My son, let not them (God’s wisdom, understanding and discretion) depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:21-26

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Stay Biblical in your ways, people – that is, in everything you do or think. Do not let the darkness run off with your own understanding. Instead, trust in the Lord with all your heart.

There is a lot of darkness out there these days – those elements that are against God’s ways. It is scaring a lot of people. God says He has not given us the spirit of fear, so we never need fear darkness. Never. Instead of spending time in fear, rejoice.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

No one else can choose to reject fear and choose to rejoice for you. It is up to each of us to obey God.

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
Matthew 24:22

The Lord says that unless He speeds up the end times (notice that God is the one speeding up the end times meaning He is in complete control.), no flesh would remain. The “woke” movement is anti-God and nothing that is against God will ever be sustainable – because they choose to serve darkness, they will certainly turn on each other as well. We can see that proved out over and over in the pages of the Bible. So, fear not, people. Rejoice.

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

We are living in the most exciting time in all of history. We can look forward to the days ahead because God is able to work them for good for those who love Him. We are soon to see our Savior. Hallelujah.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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.
Psalm 91:1-2

Annie and were talking about some things that are going on in today’s world and we knew we had to get into the Word to let God “keep” us. A while later as I was standing in the hall, I was thinking about something when God said, “You have nothing to worry about.” The funny thing is, I didn’t think my thought involved worry, but He knew it did. I could feel His peace replace my thoughts as His words placed me back in the secret place of the Most High.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart (let nothing but Jesus occupy you); and lean not unto thine own understanding (that often brings us fear). In all thy ways (everything you do and think about) acknowledge him, and he (what you know to be the Truth about Him) shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

What an amazing Father we have, people.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

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

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Don’t live with the devil’s thoughts when you can live with God’s thoughts.

Here is what God has for His children.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Annie and I both woke up with fear thoughts. We fought them off by either praising and thanking God or by reading one of the books about God we’re going through.

God helped us stop the fear thoughts and we began thanking Him for all that we have in Him. We are so grateful for the Life He’s given us.

Do not linger on the defeating, fearful, discouraging lies of the enemy. Fight back with whatever God puts at your disposal. Overcome any darkness with Light. Do it and Live free in Jesus.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Before Jesus, all we saw were battles. Now that we’re getting to know Jesus, He’s changing our perspective to only seeing victories ahead. Hallelujah.
The Red Sea, David and Goliath, and other such stories in the Bible. God allows challenges and battles to show us His mighty arm full of victories.
Don’t look back or you will be consumed. Do not focus on the battle.
God began telling Mark this thing about not focusing on battles but to anticipate deliverance and new revelations instead also refers to the future and physical things that may be coming like all the end times events.
Don’t look back like Lot’s wife did. Do not focus on the battle, focus on the deliverance. God has been showing us how to keep our eyes off of battles and to look ahead to what He has for us coming – new insights, deliverance, more spiritual strength, all of it. Do not look at battles. Instead, stay expectant for His leading and deliverance.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

This is excellent. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

For far too many years, Annie and I leaned on our own understanding – we had so much dread and fear. We’re discovering what peace there is to lean on Jesus with all our heart. Truly, He’s showing us that a Life that is safe and secure from all alarms is found only in Him.

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
_{Christian Hymn by Anthony J. Showalter, and Elisha Hoffman}

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

This world is passing away quickly right before our eyes – God said He would speed up these end times in order that some would be saved before man destroys everything. We have to let the world pass away. This is how God’s new world will come about.

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
1 John 2:15-19

Pretty simple – Abide with God.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

This verse is such a huge part of Christianity. With the help of Holy Spirit, Annie and I attempt to apply it to every moment of our lives. Ask Jesus to help you overcome in this world by helping you to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. He will be faithful to show you how you can do it.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; 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

Happy Monday, everyone.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.