I could hear geese honking above the dense Oregon fog…Immediately, God said, "I'm going to teach you to hear My voice." Little did I know how much I needed Jesus.
Amazing…
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
Wait until you hear what Jonathan has to say about the Apocalypse. This video is super encouraging.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
It is wonderful to realize that as we live our day to day lives, God is working behind the scenes carrying out His marvelous plan for our lives. All we need to do is to get up every day and serve Him however He sees fit.
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 ESV
In Kim Meeder’s book, Encountering Our Wild God, she talks about God being up to things you may not expect but how blessed you are because of His moves and actions. It’s a fun book.
Annie and I have been talking about some really neat things lately that we see God doing. God is moving on our lives as well as the hearts of some people we know, and it is so exciting, fresh and new. God is so awesome, and you never know what He might do. We live with a sovereign Father Who loves to surprise us. Expectant living is so much fun in the Lord.
So go out today and see what God might be up to in your heart and the hearts of those around you. He is so loving and loves to interrupt and surprise us in so many incredible ways.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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 3-minute video is excellent and so encouraging.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
My heart has been beating faster for a few days it usually beats at about 60 beats per minute. The increase in beats happens now and then. Last night, I began to take on some fear about my heart speeding up because nothing we were doing the last few days was helping it to slow down. Annie knew fear was trying to get on me and said, “Mark, you’ve not been given the spirit of fear.” Right when she said it, I knew she was right, and immediately, Jesus replaced the fear thoughts with His peace and reminded me of Romans 8:28 as well. Jesus, His promises and Word, is so amazing and loving.
Peace I (Jesus) 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
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
It just blows my mind that I can get to know God Almighty as my Father. I can be His son and come to Him any time.
I cast all my cares on Jesus. It is so amazing to get His input, direction, peace and all-knowing resolve. I don’t even need to understand. I just leave care with Him knowing He’ll lead me to the answer.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.*
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
Mark
*Lyric from “Turn your Eyes Upon Jesus” by Helen H. Lemmel
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.
Unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, depression, pride, striving, jealousy, fear, worry, doubt, self-pity, insecurity, unrest, etc., Giving into these never does me any good.
Following a migraine attack like the one I had the other day, I wrestle with some of the above. I have to be especially deliberate in my thinking during those times because those “ways” can be so appealing to my flesh.
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 14:12
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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 you don’t let the past die, then it won’t let you live.”
I saw that quote today and it made me think of the apostle Paul’s words in the following scriptures.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13-14
Jesus is really serious about setting us free to live in all the freedom He died to give us. He wants to change us from glory to glory and for us to move ahead in Him in this life by renewing our minds to Him, to God’s Word. We have the opportunity of a lifetime to let God’s Word change us into Christ’s image. What a tremendous blessing.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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 I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Galatians 5:16-17
When I walk in the Spirit, I walk or live in faith. When I walk in the flesh, I often take on care and unnecessary fears. God sets us free from care and worry by telling us to live, or walk, in His Spirit believing the promises in His Word that bring us His blessed peace and rest.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
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
God is in control. I simply need to believe it.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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 devil was tempting me with his lies that I was cursed and that I may as well just run away or end it all. The lies seemed to be so true at the time that I ended up with so much fear, unforgiveness, the fear of man, bitterness, shame, hopelessness, and confusion with no apparent way out of this situation.
Then, Jesus came…
Back in the 1980s, I was so sick with life situations and health issues that I didn’t know what I was going to do. That is when Jesus intervened in my life in miraculous ways that only He could do. For starters, He encouraged Annie and me to use His Word on a daily basis. We also needed to separate ourselves from certain toxic people and situations.
When I began to let Jesus overtake me, I began to see His hand in the events and circumstances of my life. When I put His Word in my memory, and decided to obey it no matter what, something began to change in me. I started to see that Jesus really was in control of my life and realizing this is making all the difference. It’s calming me down and giving me true peace that really does surpass (and quiets) my understanding of situations.
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7
Jesus is our peace. He can break the tempter’s power in anyone’s life.
When I run out of remedies, I simply leave the matter with Jesus. I’m learning to put matters in His hands right away and this is helping me to consistently live in His peace. He is such a Saviour.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
God Will Make A Way
By Don Moen
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me
(Rivers in the desert)
Rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade but His Word will still remain
And He will do something new today
Oh, God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that Jesus – all that He is – is the way.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.
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
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20
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
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
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:2-3
Be still, and know that I am God:
Psalm 46:10a
Mmmm…Truly, how lovely is Your Word, Your dwelling place, oh Lord…
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
There my heart shall rest…
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
Praise and thank God in all things (Ephesians 5:20)
Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
Always remember that God is working all things together for those who love Him (Romans 8:28)
So come on, let’s go…
Happy Monday, everybody.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
I read this scripture yesterday and it really spoke to me. God wants me to live free in Him. He does not want me to live in the bondage of those who choose not to obey Him. Hallelujah!
I (God) will judge you at the border of Israel, 12 and you shall know that I am the Lord. For you have not walked in my statutes, nor obeyed my rules, but have acted according to the rules of the nations (the fear of man, those around you who disobey the Lord) that are around you.”
Ezekiel 11:11b-12
After not having any migraines for about 64 days, I was feeling really different. It was life in a way I haven’t experienced in about 61 years. God gave me some insights during the couple of weeks before finally having another hard migraine attack on
8-29 and two more the last two days. He is so faithful, merciful and gracious.
And he (Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39
What is your “sea?”
What would we do without Jesus? We don’t need to live without Jesus. That is what is so wonderful. We have access to our Prince of Peace all day long.
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
God really is all-powerful. Those who doubt this will be convinced one day that it is true.
I was remembering the time when Annie and I were in the little Mexican church in the San Fernando Valley here in California. It was right before we moved from California to Oregon in the late 70s. Holy Spirit filled everyone in the church that day. It was amazing. There was no escaping Him filling you no matter who you were. It will be the same when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess as the Bible says in Romans 14:11 below. It won’t matter if you’re an atheist. You will bow the knee because it has been declared and nothing and no one can stop what God does.
“‘As I live,’ saith the Lord, ‘every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’”
Romans 14:11
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.
Think how craaaaaaazy fun it’s going to be to watch those who helped you in your walk with the Lord on earth receive their crowns in Heaven. What a fun time that is going to be, my friends. It’s going to be over the top as far as anything we’ve experienced on earth…
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),
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.