Author: Mark and Ann

And they overcame him (Satan) 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

For Christians, death is merely a door to pass through. It opens up to the wonder and glory of Heaven and God like we’ve never experienced before. Hallelujah.

Live for Jesus. This is how you overcome in this life. Next stop, Heaven.

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 (my faith in Christ alone) from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

As I’ve memorized and applied God’s Word – Jesus – to my everyday life and circumstances, my “footing” has been established in Christ and I have a peace that passes understanding and I’m learning that I really can “count it all joy.” (James 1:2-4)

Before getting to know Christ in this way, my footing was a worldly one (at best) that was so susceptible to conditions and circumstances. Jesus gives us a confidence that can only come from ABOVE.

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’ve had 5 migraines in two weeks and two yesterday – one before going to the dentist for a routine cleaning and one after. I woke up this morning reeling from all the migraines. I felt pretty down, defeated and discouraged. I felt like giving into the dark thoughts pounding me. A while afterwards, like the faithful Father He is, God told me He wants to love Annie all the time and to live like I’m already with Him in Heaven – all tears wiped away and filled with His glory. He said it doesn’t matter what comes up in your life on earth, follow Me.   Stay in My Light.  When distractions from the darkness that try to test your faith in Me arise, test the spirits and look to Me. I will never fail you. Never. You can count on that no matter what.

I needed to hear His precious words of encouragement. Praise God – in all things.

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 could be fear, pride, striving, generational strongholds, unforgiveness, self-pity, lies you think about yourself the devil has planted in your thinking over the years, insecurity…Whatever. God knows how to set us free. We simply need to humble ourselves in order to unlock the door to that amazing, life-changing freedom made available to us in Christ.

Lately, God has been showing me some brand-new insights into how I can be freer. He’s untying some more knots in how I’ve been thinking wrongly for decades.

Annie got up about an hour and a half (2:50am) before me this morning. Annie had some things to share with me this morning from her time with the Lord. What she shared with me were more insights the Lord gave her about how I can become freer from the destructive strongholds that still have me thinking in some wrong thought patterns. Now I could have acted defensive about what Annie was sharing with me. I could have had a hard heart and decided not to repent/change in these important areas that held me in bondage. As you know by now, I’ve had enough with bondage. I agreed with her – and the Lord. ☺

I’m so thankful for my precious, faithful wife and for Jesus.

Ask Jesus to show you more about how He can make you free. Stay open to His leading. He’ll sort it all out. Stay free!

Cooperate with Jesus’ Light (Truth) shining into the darkness in your life so He can set you more and more free. He loves us so much and wants us to live free indeed. Hallelujah.

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

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

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

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36

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.

Let all bondage go, and let deliv’rance flow…*

The longer I live and apply Jesus to my life, the more He becomes my sanctuary, my refuge, my peace, rest and joy. I’m so thankful for all that He is.

What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
2 Corinthians 6:16

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

Thanking and praising God in all things (Ephesians 5:20),

Mark
*Lyric taken from Set My Spirit Free – Author Unknown

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.

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 10:5

This morning, Annie and I were talking about some thoughts. It was obvious they were not from Jesus, so we talked about stopping such thoughts and how we need to take such thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. What freedom we have in Jesus. Wonderful…

You know which ones they are. Those thoughts that intimidate you or ones you can doing nothing about anyway. And lift up in prayer and leave any “care” thoughts with Jesus where they belong.

Here is the kind of Life Jesus has for us every day.

speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
Ephesians 5:19

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.

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.