Author: Mark and Ann

“Yes, I (Jesus) am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32

Every day, I get up and choose Jesus. Why? Because I’ve learned that I can’t rely on my strength. And, that’s okay because Jesus wants us to rely on Him, His strength, His provision, for us each moment of the day. That’s what being free in the Lord is about. What a great Savior.

Happy Monday, everyone.

So come on. Let’s go and see what Jesus has for us today as we learn more about how to follow and rest in Him.

God bless,

Mark

Literally, all I had to offer Jesus was brokenness and strife, but He’s making something beautiful out of my life and I’m so grateful. There’s nothing like exchanging my ways for His ways that bring so much of His supernatural joy into my life. Truly, the joy of the Lord is becoming my strength more and more as I give Him rule over more and more of my heart.

The following is taken from May 15 in the “Jesus Always” daily devotional by Sarah Young.

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As you seek Me, I encourage you to rejoice and be glad in Me. Take time to praise Me in psalms and song. Think about who I am: I dwell in splendor, majesty, and beauty. Then remember how I left the Glory of heaven and came into the world – so I could bring you into My kingdom of everlasting Life and Light. All of this helps you to be joyful in Me, your Savior. This Joy ushers you further into My holy Presence, helping you draw nearer to Me. And this nearness gives you even more reason to rejoice!

Being joyful blesses not only but other people. Your family and friends will benefit from your gladness, which can rub off on them. You can also influence many beyond your inner circle. When My followers are joyful, unbelievers are more likely to be drawn to Me. Joy shines in stark contrast to your ever-darkening world, and some people will ask you about it. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for your hope.

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakuk 3:18

May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
Psalm 70:4

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary
Psalm 96:6

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Peter 3:15

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God bless,

Mark

In the late 70s, Ann and I had been filled with the Spirit in a tiny, Mexican church in California’s San Fernando Valley. Soon after, we moved to Oregon and were being aggressively attacked by the enemy’s lies.

I’ve stated before about how Ann and I used to tape verses up on the walls of our Oregon home. In order to come against all of the lies and discouragement we were facing early on in Oregon, God was telling us to memorize specific passages that would be used to build our faith and trust in Him. I’ve sent out that list of verses to this email group in the past and the verses are also available on the ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com site.

Three very practical ways God’s taught us how to use and fortify our faith over the last several years are what I’ve labeled the three keys to renewing our minds. These keys are in addition to reading the Word every day.

The three keys are:

Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Praising and thanking God in all things (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Believing Romans 8:28 where God clearly states He’s working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

God’s teaching us how to “never take fifteen cents worth of nothing off the devil.” In other words, never listen to Satan’s lies that torment and discourage you. We’re so grateful for God’s hand in our lives.

Onward and upward for the kingdom, and for our liberty in Christ, child of God – Free, indeed!

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everybody –

Faith grows not by chance, but by choice.
Dr. Neil T. Anderson

“Jesus, help me with what I’m doing today, and every day. Thank You, Lord.”

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

Jesus: “Come on and I’ll show you the wonderful things I have for you today…”

God bless,

Mark

He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for (because) he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:44b

If you ever have the following thoughts, I want you to know they are ALWAYS lies from the devil.

“Give up on God. He’s not going to come through for you. You’re a fool to think things will ever change. Who do you think you are, anyways? You can’t go on like this. You’re not strong enough to endure this, etc.”

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Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

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

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

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,

Mark

I have a very limited view of my life. I have no idea what today and tomorrow may bring. On the other hand, God sees my entire life and every moment and event in it. Because of my limited perspective, I was prone to being a sourpuss because I had a hard time believing God was truly working all things together for my good.

God was leaving me with no other choice – Thank You, Jesus. I had to finally take a leap of faith and line up with His vision/perspective of my life, with His truth found in Romans 8:28.

Believing and living in Romans 8:28 was something no one else could do for me. Like all of us, I had to finally put it to the test in my own life, mind and emotions. And, I found that it’s true. Now, I think it’s one of the most wonderful blessings/truths God has ever brought into my life because of the PTSD and anxiety in my life.

As long as I wasn’t sure if God could possibly work all things together for my good, like the faces above, I was a double-minded man, unstable in all my ways – Up one moment/day, and down the next. That kind of life stinks.

FINALLY, God motivated me by allowing me to get fed up and sick and tired of being double-minded to the point that I began believing, I mean really believing, that He is able to, and was actually working all things together for my good.

There’s nothing like living with faith in God all the time, in all circumstances. Sudden fear and care no longer weigh me down for long periods of time like they used to. Faith/fear, faith/fear, faith/fear, happy/sad, happy/sad, happy/sad – Double-minded. Yucky! I had to dump the pity party unbelief had me stuck in and make a change.

I think you get the picture I’m trying to paint for how I was. Faith is better. So is knowing that God IS working all things together for my good. MUCH better!

Romans 8:28. Yes, it’s the real deal!

So come on, let’s go! Let’s see what Jesus has in store for us today.

God bless,

Mark

Content with whatever I have…What a great lesson to learn with the Holy Spirit’s help. It calms us down and gives us His joy in all things. It reminds me of “letting the peace of God reign in our hearts, and Peace, be still.” Jesus is always wanting to bring us His precious peace that passes our sometimes busy, hurried and worried understanding.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned(what a place to arrive at) the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything (all things) through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13

“Lord Jesus, I want to be entirely yours. I want to know what it’s really like to have You living inside me and ruling my heart, mind and emotions all the time. What a blessing that must be.”

Right now, ask Jesus to help you with whatever you’re doing. His peace and contentment can be a real help.

God bless,

Mark

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

Happy Monday, everybody.

God bless,

Mark

“So Mark, where’s God taking us? What’s His plan for our lives?”

He’s leading us to green pastures, still waters, and restored souls where our cups overflow with thankfulness and His cleansing love, goodness and mercy for us.

Had these thoughts the other day. They brought me so much joy. This is where Jesus wants to take us. I hope they bless you as well as you listen to the Holy Spirit’s loving intentions in them. ☺

Be still and know that I am God. Mmmm. I think to myself, “Is any mighty, spiritual work God does in us, or thought, as beautiful and as deeply satisfying as knowing that He is God?”

To know that He is God. Wow, such calm assurance and peace. To know His stillness is so powerfully transforming and comforting.

The following can be said of anyone who takes God’s hand and follows Him…

Our children are being raised in a home where my wife and I lay our lives down for each other and love each other in word and deed. We’re learning to look up to Christ more often, to let God speak to and stop the storms that have come against us in our lives, to relinquish control of our lives to Him, the freedom of being able to cast all our cares on Jesus, to stop striving by letting Jesus lead us, to forgive, to be tender-hearted towards each other, to be grateful, to love our neighbors and others as ourselves, to remember the poor and widows.

Our sins are forgiven and our minds are being renewed to the Word of God. We’re discovering the beauty and safety of humility, and the peace of God is reigning more and more in our hearts. We’re truly finding out that God is working all things together for our good and it’s giving us a peace we never knew before – even in the face of sudden fear. Truly, our cup is running over with these rich blessings from our Father.

Surely, this is what it means to dwell in the house of the Lord. I think to myself, “Who wouldn’t want to dwell here?”

And, the precious Holy Spirit conveys to me that it only gets better and better, and that the dwelling never ends because it’s forever, and forevermore…

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence (such peace and security), and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:24-26

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3

Still – There’s no place like home.

God bless,

Mark

Today Is The Day
By Paul Baloche

I’m casting my cares aside
I’m leaving my past behind
I’m setting my heart and mind
On You Jesus

I’m reaching my hands to Yours
Believing there’s so much more
Knowing that all You have
In store for me is good, is good

Today is the day
You have made
I will rejoice and be glad in it

I won’t worry ’bout tomorrow
I’m trustin’ in what You say
Today is the day
Today is the day

I’m putting my fears aside
I’m leaving my doubts behind
I’m giving my hopes and dreams
To You, Jesus

I will stand upon Your truth
All my days, I’ll live for You
I will stand upon Your truth
All my days I’ll live for You

I won’t worry ’bout tomorrow
Givin’ You my fears and sorrows
Where You lead me, I will follow
I’m trustin’ in what You say

Today is the day.

Jesus, I’m casting my cares aside. I’m trusting in what You say. Today, and every day…

God bless,

Mark

Wow, it just hit me – Do you know how valuable you/we are to God? I mean He loves us so much that He makes all things – that’s everything – work together for the good of those who love Him. That’s incredible power and love.

Sure, go ahead and smile over that one.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28.

Renewing my mind to the Word. “Rote” (Repetitive) learning –

Okay, this is how I came to depend on and trust in the truth God gave us in Romans 8:28. I put it into practice…Over and over again – Rote. That’s all I did. Really. Actually, that’s what I do with the whole Word of God. I apply it to situations that come up in my life. I know many of you do the same. I know of no other way to build faith and trust in the Bible than to put it to the test in everyday life – And, it works.

Remember, perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) and knowing that God is working all things together for my good casts out the fear in a challenging circumstance or situation and reminds me that God is in control and working it for my good.

So, whenever I feel the temptation to fear, strive, worry, doubt, or get jealous over some circumstance in my life, the Holy Spirit reminds me of His promise to me found in Romans 8:28. And remembering this scripture calms me down and reminds me that God has me covered, and that, when submitted to Him, the situation is working for my good.

Practicing the Word of God by applying it to our lives is no different than learning the multiplication tables, parts of speech, etc. What’s 6 x 6? 36, right? Most of us learned that by memorizing our multiplication tables early in life.

It’s the same with Bible truths. It merely takes practice, practice, practice. And, before you know it, Bible truths pop into your head right when you need them, and God’s truth rescues you once again. It’s the most wonderful thing I know of.

Remember, 6 x 6 = 36.

And, circumstances and situations = Romans 8:28. ☺
And, circumstances and situations = Romans 8:28. ☺
And, circumstances and situations = Romans 8:28. ☺
And, circumstances and situations = Romans 8:28. ☺
And, circumstances and situations = Romans 8:28. ☺

Practice makes perfect love cast out fear.

God bless,

Mark

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
Psalm 103:11

Because He’s taking worry, striving and care out of my life, it’s no wonder that I want more and more of Jesus in my life. He really does give us beauty for ashes. I want to know, really know inside, how wonderful and beautiful Jesus is. And with each new day, I realize that I’m only beginning to discover His infinite riches in glory. It’s so exciting to grow in Jesus.

“In every victory, let it be said of me, my source of strength, my source of hope is Christ alone.”
Lyric by Marty Nystrom

Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places,
Ephesians 1:15-20

“Father, cover and protect us this week. Let us be a blessing to all we meet and give us Your favor. We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen”

Happy Monday, precious people of God!

God bless,

Mark

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23

Here are some thoughts I had the other day about how wonderful it is to follow Jesus. I hope they bless you…

Isn’t it just the neatest thing to think that all we have to do is lift up our prayers to the Father and go on with our day not taking any of the “care” in our prayer on us? Our prayer goes up to the gold bowls of incense in His Presence and He takes on all the care for us, and those in need. What a blessed, gracious, loving Father we have, precious people. Amazing love. He takes all on care on Himself leaving us care-free. Hallelujah!

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Wow, to think of not having run right smack into Jesus, of never having and taking the opportunity to discover all the things Jesus wanted to help me/us with. Why would anyone want to miss such an opportunity, such a life-changing and life-giving experience? His grace, mercy and faithfulness know no bounds or limits. He just keeps leading…

I’d been raised in a Christian home with a father who was the president of a well-known Christian organization. And, I was training to be a pastor so how could I need counseling, right? How could I not know how to have a successful marriage and ministry? I found out that I was only fooling myself, that God knew it and stepped into my/our lives to heal us, face the facts, make us truthful, and to set us free on an ongoing basis until we reach Heaven. Thank You, Father. We would have been living a lie and totally lost without Your great faithfulness.

Now, I’m not saying that we didn’t grow weary at times and feel like giving up, but we kept feeling like Jesus was really leading us to a new place of living free in Him. We also had others loving us onto victory in Him.

There are so many dynamics that counselors look for and help us with. They may point areas of unnecessary care, strife, non-verbal communication issues like sighing or rolling the eyes in one partner that can really hurt the other partner and children, a lack of communication, a hurt in one or both partners that’s preventing the marriage from thriving, anger, unforgiveness, lust, a resistance to needed change, pride that can prevent healing – we can think we know it all so why change, or feel that I’m not going to make a change unless he/she does, fear of change and wondering if it’s worth it or if it will really help.

Identifying a moody or grumpy tendency, manipulative behavior, family/generational strongholds, getting to the point where they two can communicate without getting defensive and without finger-pointing. Identifying hurts of all kinds and learning to communicate honestly, responsibly and in a more mature fashion so real problem solving and health can take place. Learning to love, I mean really love, compromising, giving in. It tends to stop strife, selfishness, and calm us down.

Left untreated – and unrepented of – insecurity, inferiority, self-pity, selfishness, bitterness, jealousy, unforgiveness, insensitivity to each others’ needs, will decimate a person and marriage. But, if these are repented of and dealt with, the person and marriage will thrive and be free in Jesus and all that He has in store for them.

Because we’ve been through counseling and lived with Jesus for a number of years now, we can often identify areas Jesus wants to touch and heal in others. We know what He can do for anyone willing to follow Him into honest to goodness renewal. Really, that’s why we began choosing Jesus every day. We wanted to put the desire for restoration in others and let them know that it is definitely possible and worthwhile.

Ann and I fall in love all over again all the time. Really! ☺ And, faithful Jesus continues to help us get more and more free as He keeps releasing us from more and more of “our” ways. There’s nothing like this wonderful life He’s given us. And, all because He loved us enough to help us get free in His matchless ways and love.

Truly, nothing we desire compares with Jesus, with The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

You (God) will show me the way of life. Being with You is to be full of joy. In Your right hand there is happiness forever.
Psalm 16:11

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8

The Lord is my shepherd. Mmmm…

God bless,

Mark

God told me I didn’t have to worry one minute while living in Oregon in the 80s – In fact, He told me I could have had His joy there the entire time. And, He keeps telling me the same thing about today and into the future. Ann and I get tempted to take on “care,” and to worry. We’re human just like everyone else. But, God always reminds us that to do so is not living life His way and that He has total freedom for us. As a result, He helps us to always repent of care and worry so we can live free in His joy. The following reminds us to be “believers.” That’s where God’s rest is. That’s where His dwelling place is. We want to always remain in His shadow. “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.” ☺

A Rock-Solid Foundation
Closer to God Each Day Devotional for 4-23-19 by Joyce Meyer

[Jesus] said to them, “But who do you [yourselves] say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:15-16

When Peter said that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, it was a statement of faith. In making this statement, Peter was displaying faith.

I don’t think Peter just casually or nonchalantly made that statement. I think he did it with a surety and a certainty that impressed Jesus because He immediately turned to Peter and told him that he was blessed. Then He went on to say that it was upon this rock-solid foundation of faith that He would build His church.

Jesus was saying to Peter, “If you maintain this faith, it will be a rocklike substance in your life upon which I will be able to build My kingdom in you, and through you. Your faith will be developed to the place that even the gates of hell will not be able to prevail against you.”

There have been many times in my life when I have been discouraged and not known what to do, or felt that nothing was working and that everybody was against me. The words I have heard over and over again are, “Only believe.”

This promise was not just for Peter alone. Jesus is saying the same thing to you and me. Only believe!

God bless,

Mark

Our Oregon Christian counselor, Chuck, met with many people and couples in the 80s. He told us the difference with Ann and me was that we took his advice and put it into practice – We were so desperate that we knew we needed to do something. We were obedient, and did what he asked us to do. He told us no one else he met with was willing to do what he told them they must do to get better, to heal their marriage, to renew their minds, etc. In other words, the others were not willing to change, to repent. Without change, without repentance, there’s no healing, no times of refreshment, no relationship with Jesus, etc. Without repentance, we can’t possibly know Christ, His deliverance and power. There’s no chance of a renewed mind and life.

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Obey The Word
Joyce Meyer Closer to God Each Day Devotional for 4-22-19.

But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth]. James 1:22

I recall a woman who attended one of my seminars. She desperately wanted to be free of the emotional wounds that had left her insecure and fearful, but nothing seemed to work for her. At the conclusion of the seminar, she told me that she now understood why she had never experienced any progress.

She said, “Joyce, I sat with a group of ladies who had a lot of the same problems that I did. Step by step, God had been delivering them. As I listened, I heard them say, “God led me to do this, and I did it. Then He led me to another thing, and I did it.” I realized that God had also told me to do the same things. The only difference was they did what He said to do, and I didn’t.”

To live in a close relationship with God and to receive what He promises, we must obey the Word. We should become doers of the Word and not hearers only. Obeying the Word requires consistency and diligence. Let us be dedicated and committed to follow God’s lead.

God’s way works! And there is no other way that does. Make a determined decision to obey His Word step-by-step, every day.

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Below is a part of the Jesus Always devotional entry for 4-22-19
By Sarah Young

Do not worry about tomorrow! This is a most gracious command. I (Jesus) understand human frailty; I know that you are dust. This command is not meant to burden you or condemn you. It is meant to set you free from worldly cares.

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God made it super simple: Obey the Word and be set free. There’s no other way to be truly happy. If there was another way, Jesus would have told us.

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everyone!

God bless,

Mark