Author: Mark and Ann

In the early 1980s, when Ann and I first met with the Christian counselor (Chuck), I thought he would give us a quick fix and then we’d be on our way. I was training to be a pastor at the time and I wanted to get past the training and start my own church.

God had different ideas. ☺

After about 30 minutes of our first meeting with Chuck, he turned to me and said Ann was in the condition she was in because of me. Whoa. What did that mean?

For the next two years I found out how much I needed to grow in Jesus and that I needed to focus my attention on learning how to be a good husband and father. Needless to say, I (Ann was, too) was scared, confused, and stressed out. At the time, it seemed like a horrible situation. Why this, and why now?

Out of His love for us, God was trying to get our attention so He could transform our weakness by His mighty strength.

Now, I truly believe that times like these, where the enemy wants us to think it’s the end, are actually the times when God is just beginning to set us free. These times are so vital to our lives. They’re the situations God uses to bring us to Him, to His love, to His ways that bring true change (repentance) and times of refreshment into our lives.

Messanic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s reading today was so good that I wanted to share it with you. If you’re feeling like it’s the end in some area of your life, I want to strongly encourage you and tell you that these are the very times God uses to woo us to Him. These are the things that motivate us to make good changes in our lives so that we become more like Christ and enjoy the true life that only He can give us. Be courageous and be encouraged, precious people. God’s beginning to bring healing and health to you, and it’s wonderful.

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The Stump Of Jesse
By Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

In Isaiah 11, it’s prophesied that a shoot will spring forth from the root of Jesse. But the Hebrew is more explicit. It literally says, “a shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse.” The word is specifically about a tree which has been cut down. That’s a perfect description of Messiah. He came forth out of the fallen, cut off, and cast down Kingdom of David.

When it looked most hopeless, that’s when He was born out of it. That’s the way of Messiah and His blessings. He is born from the broken, the cut-down, the fallen, the unlikely, and the hopeless.

And that’s the way He’s born into our lives. It is when we are at our lowest points, when we have nothing to offer of our own, and everything seems impossible – that’s the root of Jesse, or rather, that’s the Stump of Jesse.

So don’t despair over the stumps in your life, or those things which have fallen, been cut down, or become hopeless. For out of such stumps are born the blessings, the presence, and the miracle, of Messiah!

Today’s Mission: Don’t despair over the stumps in your life, of that which has been cut off. Give thanks today to God in these as well and seek the life and miracle that God will bring forth.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 KJV

When we were utterly helpless (That pretty much sums up where Ann and I were at when we first met with Chuck), Christ came at just the right time (did He ever) and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Thank You, God!).
Romans 5:6-8 NLT

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God knows just what we all need throughout our lives. Just like when angels appeared to many in the Bible with a special, glorious purpose for their lives, the angels said, “Be not afraid.” We need not be afraid. We simply need to be willing when God begins a new, wonderful work in us. He works all things together for our good. Knowing that dispels fear and reminds us of His precious, fortifying promise to work for our good – in all things.

God bless,

Mark

I want to say right up front that if you think the following is “being judgmental,” then you’ll probably never be set free, indeed. Jesus’ words may sound judgmental to those who love the darkness. But, to those who have ears to hear, and for those who want to be set free at all costs, His words were exactly what they needed in order to get free from this world.

I have found the following to be so true in my own life. I was so conformed to this world that it was killing me and my family. That’s the main reason I had to cut ties with my parents and relatives about 30 years ago – they said they were Christians but were so conformed to this world by acting so much like the world with their jealousy, unforgiveness, bitterness, worry, fear, etc. And now, as much as I can help it, I do not allow myself to be around others who refuse to come out from the world because I have to be free by following Jesus. Fortunately, PTSD, and my other health issues have pretty much forced me to follow Christ the way I’ve been writing about for the last several years.

Whenever I’m tempted to react to circumstances the way the world reacts to circumstances, I take a step back, and listen and yield to the Holy Spirit. He’s so faithful to help me handle things His way and the outcome is always better. I urge you to heed the Lord’s command in the following verses and to take Joyce’s words and change your life with them. Do not be conformed to this world. Stop allowing yourself to be conformed to it. Instead, renew your mind to Christ, our Prince of Peace. Come out from the world by following Jesus, the One Who has overcome this world. Don’t just say you’re a Christian, prove that you belong to Christ in your day-to-day living. Live out your Christianity by doing the following. It will set you free, indeed.

9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

10 And the disciples came, and said unto him (Jesus), Why speakest thou unto them in parables?

11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.
Matthew 13:9-16

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Jesus, Your Prince of Peace
By Joyce Meyer

Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]
John 14:27

When we are all stressed out, we usually try to eliminate the things that are causing our problems. But the source of stress is not really our difficulties, circumstances, and situations. Stress comes when we approach problems with the world’s perspective rather than faith in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.

It was Jesus’ blood that bought our peace. Peace is ours as a gift from Him, but we need to be willing to change our approach to life. We cannot have anxiety, frustration, bitterness, strife and offense, or rigid legalistic attitudes and enjoy the peace of God.

Even though we will have disturbing issues to deal with, we can have Jesus’ peace because he has overcome the world, and deprived the world of its power to harm us (John 16:33). He left us with the power to “stop allowing” ourselves “to be agitated and disturbed”! Peace is available; all you have to do is choose it!

The Prince of Peace, Jesus, Who lives inside those who have received Him, knows and will reveal to us the specific actions for us to take in every situation to lead us into peace.

It is absolutely amazing what we can accomplish in Christ if we live one day at a time in His peace.

These things I 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 KJV

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Please believe me when I say I love you and simply desire for you to be free in Jesus, The Prince of Peace.

God bless,

Mark

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4:4

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
2 Corinthians 2:14

Parts were falling off the plane Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn was on. And, for a moment, Jonathan was focused on those parts and all of the other fear-inducing issues that had popped up after God told him to go on an international trip.

The devil got you down? Feel like you’re going under, like the pressure’s on? Like your plane’s losing parts?

I was feeling a little bit like that the last day or so. Then, this morning the pressure was really on me. I felt the enemy saying I was going under.

But then, as He always does, the mighty, precious Holy Spirit broke into my thoughts and rescued me with His delivering, overcoming words.

He said, “Take your eyes off the plane parts and remember that I told you I’d be with you on your life’s journey. I’m going to show you My power and faithfulness. You will experience My love in a new way as I set you more free with each new adventure I bring your way.”

Wow, I felt His love and power well up inside me and the intense pressure I was feeling left.

I don’t know what the devil’s got you tied up in knots over. I don’t know what he’s lying to you about. But, I do know that God will turn things around for you and change your focus so that your victory is assured.

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

We can get up every day full of expectation because we’re in Jesus. Every morning He says, “Come on. Let’s go. I’ll show you all the wonderful things I have in store for you today.” As His children, we can reply with, “Yipee. I’m ready Jesus. Let’s go!”

Stay on the plane and experience all of the wonders God has for you…☺

God bless you all,

Mark

I read Joyce’s daily devotional to Annie the other morning and it really spoke to me about praying in Jesus’ Name. So, I thought I’d pass it along to you. I’m now praying to the Father in Jesus’ Name which is something I’ve forgotten about doing over time. ☺

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How To Pray Effectively

[Yes] I will grant [I Myself will do for you] whatever you shall ask in My Name [as presenting all that I am].
John 14:14

I reached a point in my prayer life where I felt frustrated, so I began to seek God about it. I wanted the assurance that my prayers were being effective. I wanted to have confidence that when I prayed, power was released to work in the situation I had prayed about. I wanted those things, but to be honest, I didn’t have assurance or confidence.

Satan definitely wants to steal our confidence concerning prayer. Many people express the same frustrations that I felt. They pray, but all the while they’re wondering if they are being effective. What is wrong? I believe that we mistakenly think we need to be perfect in order to have power in prayer, but we don’t. That is why we have been given the name of Jesus is which to pray!

When we pray in Jesus’ Name, we are presenting to God the Father all that Jesus is, not what we are. Thankfully, I don’t pray in Joyce’s name; if I did I would never accomplish anything! The Holy Spirit helps us pray as we ought to, and the name of Jesus guarantees the answer! Be bold in prayer because you have the name above every other name and at the mention of that name, every knee must bow (Philippians 2:10).

Pray boldly, expecting results!

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Yes, I know God is sovereign and that His plans for me are far better than any plans I may have for myself. But, I’m having a different prayer experience ever since I began praying in Jesus’ Name according to Joyce’s devotional entry from the other day. She reminded me of the Bible’s words to pray in Jesus’ Name. I hope this helps you.

Happy Monday, Everyone!

God bless,

Mark

It’s so important for me to remember to be “in Christ.” Often, I run out of energy and resources only to find that Jesus is waiting for me to do so. He wants to help me with whatever I need each moment of the day. I’m finding that not only can I do nothing apart from Him, but that it makes perfect sense to do everything in Him, always asking for His wonderful, infinite, inexhaustible help. I believe this is a large part of what the precious Holy Spirit was trying to tell us in the Bible story of Mary and Martha.

A few years ago, I told Ann, “I don’t really feel like being a Christian today. I’m feeling kind of burned out and dry in my walk with Jesus.” That was when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “Mark, just “be” a Christian today. Be a good, neighbor, loving husband and father today. Don’t get caught up in not feeling like a Christian today. Just do what you know I want you to do. Do what I have taught you about living in Me day-to-day. The feelings will vary from day-to-day and I’m teaching you to follow me regardless of feelings. This will set you free in an important, new way.”

The following was taken from Joyce Meyer’s “Closer To God Each Day Devotional” for today. It’s a real blessing.

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Choosing to Persevere

That is why I would remind you to stir up (rekindle the embers of , fan the flame of, and keep burning) the [gracious] gift of God…For God did not give us a spirit of timidity…but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind…
2 Timothy 1:6-7

On difficult days it is helpful to be reminded to persevere in order to fulfill the call of God on our lives. On those days when you feel like giving up, just remember that God has given you the power to hold on!

In the scripture for today we learn that Timothy was a young minister who simply felt like giving up. The fire that had once burned within him was beginning to grow cold. The church in those days was experiencing a great deal of persecution, and Timothy had some fears. Perhaps he felt worn-out and that everything was crashing down upon him. He had reached a place where he needed to be encouraged to stir himself up in faith.

Paul was saying, “Timothy, you may feel like quitting” but I am reminding you of the call on your life. Remember the power of the Holy Spirit that changed your life. He gives you a spirit of power, love, discipline, and self-control.” Paul encouraged Timothy to be stable.

If we have stability, we do what is right even when it is difficult and does not feel good (just “be” a Christian today ☺). Be encouraged today that you can do whatever you need to do. In Christ, you’ve got what it takes!

Giving up is only an option for those who plan to fail in life.

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God bless,

Mark

Asunder: To break apart or in two. To divide. To become parted or severed. Into separate pieces or places.

Today, satan is doing all he can to destroy marriages. But, Jesus can help us protect and grow our marriage into the beautiful joy and blessing He intends for it to be.

1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went down to the region of Judea east of the Jordan River. 2 Large crowds followed him there, and he healed their sick.

3 Some Pharisees came and tried to trap him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?”

4 “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” 5 And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ 6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart (put asunder) what God has joined together.”

7 “Then why did Moses say in the law that a man could give his wife a written notice of divorce and send her away?” they asked.

8 Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts (because of your hard hearts), but it was not what God had originally intended. 9 And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else commits adultery—unless his wife has been unfaithful.”
Matthew 19:1-9

A couple of Christian friends from California visited us in Oregon soon after we’d moved there in 1980. Like us, they’d only been married a short time and had one young son. Because of the tension between them, Ann and I could tell their marriage wouldn’t last unless they made major changes. We tried to point out a couple of things we thought might help them, but they were not going to listen and were adamant about their own views on marriage. Sadly, they’re divorced today.

In the mid-80s, I was given a hard choice to make. In my heart, I knew Ann loved me and that my parents pressure on us was breaking us down emotionally. At the same time, I knew the Bible said to honor your mother and your father. I was confused…

My parents and relatives were “putting my marriage asunder.” The fear of man was one of the paramount generational sins in my family’s background. As it turned out, my parents’ generational strongholds were destroying me, my precious wife, and my marriage. It took a couple of years of Christian counseling for this to be clearly identified. After several years of meeting with him, our Christian counselor told me I needed to choose between my wife and my parents. If I chose my parents he said Ann and I would probably end up divorced. That’s how much of an impact my parents and relatives were having in my life and in the health and life of our marriage. Following Ann’s emotional breakdown, at that time, I was left with no other choice than to cut off ties with my parents.

Let no man (no one in any way) put asunder…

No one means not the husband or wife, in-laws, parents, friends, work, ministry, hobbies, personal/individual interests, ill health, financial pressure, etc. Don’t let anything or anyone bring such pressure on your marriage that it puts your marriage asunder. God will greatly bless the couple that puts their marriage first.

“Jesus, please show me if I’m putting my marriage asunder in any way. Show us the powerful blessings You have in store for our marriage. Then, give me the wisdom and courage to repair anything in my marriage that’s keeping it from being blessed in the ways You know it can and should be. Thank You, Lord. Amen.”

God bless,

Mark

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Timothy 2:24

Isn’t that a wonderful command? God commands us not to strive. He wants gentleness and patience for us, for our minds, emotions and lives.

“God, show me how to live this verse. Calm me down. Take all strife out of my heart, mind and emotions so I can rest in You. I want to be gentle, patient and be able to teach others about Your matchless love, and all that You’ve done in my life. Thank You, God. Amen.”

being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the Day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6

He’ll do this precious work of taking strife out of us. As we cooperate with the Holy Spirit, as we learn that the Lord is worthy of our trust, as we spend time yielding to Him and His Word, as we tune our spiritual ears to His voice, He’ll remove all strife from us so we can respond to all of life with His gentle assurance and patience. What a blessing.

God bless,

Mark

1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.

2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
Nehemiah 8:1-12

I’m trying out a new product for my health and I think it’s making my PTSD symptoms worse. After having some strange dreams, I felt pretty bad in bed this morning. When I got out of bed, I asked the Lord, “You know about this, what I’m going through, how long of a battle it’s been, and how I feel today. You’ve allowed it and working it for my good, right?” He said, “Yes.”

For a little bit after that, I didn’t know what to think exactly. I wasn’t mad, but I was a little bewildered thinking back over the 56 years I’ve been dealing with this whole thing, thinking about all the times when I almost didn’t make it.

Ann and I talked about what I was experiencing during our coffee time. I told her I was sorry for all of it, the PTSD (although mine is ongoing), my health issues, lack of providing for her, etc. She said, “I love you and I wouldn’t be married to anyone else because you needed Jesus and so did I. I needed to be married to a man like you, Mark.”

Later, when Ann was getting ready for work, I read our daily devotionals to her. Wow, every one of the three we read each morning hit the center of our hearts, the cluster migraines, the other health and family issues, the PTSD…All of “it.”

I told Ann how God had told me that He knew and had allowed all of “it.”

I can’t even describe what it’s like to have Ann as my wife and for God to tell you deep in your spirit that He knows, that He’s got “this,” that it’s “all” working for your good, that He has a plan, and that He’s allowed it for His glory. It’s an amazing thing. It puts a joy in your heart that comes no other way. You have tears, but you know they’re generated by His working in your life. You know that – really – nothing else matters. And He gives you a peace that passes understanding because in your flesh, there’s no understanding it, and somehow, that’s better than okay.

Staying surrendered to His will is the only place that will bring His lasting trust, peace, rest, grace, mercy, love and joy to our hearts, minds and souls.

Count it all joy. Wow…What an amazing victory those four words offer us.

God bless,

Mark

Back to Daddy, Abba, Father…

I’m telling you, for the love of Mark, I just could not stop being religious. I didn’t know how to change my serious, heavy, low and shaky life?

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10

I remember hearing Pastor Peter John Courson say that when he died and had the vision of Heaven, he said that everyone there was dancing around and having SO MUCH FUN…

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.
Romans 14:17-19 NLT

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Romans 14:17-19 KJV

One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:16 NLT

And they brought unto him (Jesus) also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Luke 18:15-17 KJV

Jesus wants us to enter the Kingdom of God now, here in this life. And He wants us to stay there for our entire life.

The Kingdom has come and God wants us to enjoy the good news He brought us through Jesus’ birth – good tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10-11; Luke 17:20-21; Mark 1:15).

Now, I don’t know about you, but to me “good tidings of great joy” is just that, good tidings of great joy. For the longest time in my life the enemy had me believing lies about God. I was so sad, mad, bitter, living like I was sucking on sour lemons all the time, etc. I was mad at God because He didn’t seem to be doing what I thought He should be doing with my life.

Ian, one of my sons-in-law, and I were listening to the song, “I’ve Got The Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down In My Heart.” Here’s the link to that song. It’s sung by kids. Folks, we’re all kids…And, that’s great news!

Put that song on loop and become free as God’s child, again…☺

When and why did we stop being children who were so full of hope, discovery, optimism, fun, light-hearted, playful, etc? It seems to me it was the period in my life when I was told to assume responsibility. Wow, what a horrible, fearful, scary thing those words can be.

But, Jesus says we can’t enter the kingdom of Heaven unless we become as little children. Most little children trust their parents, are full of curiosity, love to discover and find out new things, believe that their needs will be met, and live knowing that they can play and have fun.

But, then a lot of them grow up and are told they’re now on their own so they need to grow up, face the world, etc.

Now, I know we all grow up, but we don’t need to be “on our own.” Our Heavenly Father never intended for us to be on our own. No way. He always wanted us to learn (and never stop trusting Him) to trust Him all throughout our lives, and still living in under the shadow (that’s pretty close when you think about it) of the Most High, with Him in His house, His dwelling place. What a blessing it is that we’re not on our own. What a blessing it is that we get to be children in this regard all throughout our lives. Thank You, Father.

For he (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
Colossians 1:13

Be His child, and enjoy the love of your Father, full of the joy the faith you have in your Father brings you, believing Him, trusting He’s working ALL things together for your GOOD, being optimistic, fun, light-hearted, playful, etc. For the kingdom of God is made up of such. Rejoice today. Enter the Kingdom of God (your Father) now, in this life by becoming His child. It’s where you belong. You’ll (and so will God) be so glad
you did.

Come back to your childhood. Go ahead, go play, have fun, count it all joy, explore and discover all the good there is to know about your Father’s infinite Kingdom, your true home.

God bless,

Mark

The other day, a really sweet lady we knew while living in Oregon during the 80s and 90s phoned us. We hadn’t spoken with her in years. After talking with her, we sent her the following to encourage her, and as it turns out, we were greatly encouraged by these words, again, as well. “Power in Praise” is a book that’s full of faith. We hope the following blesses you, too.

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Excerpts from Merlin Carothers’ book, “Power in Praise.” –

So why do some people hesitate (to praise and thank God in all things)? What are they afraid of?

The young army nurse was afraid to trust herself to a God who could let young soldiers be killed and maimed in battle. She didn’t trust God’s love.

We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly, wrote John. His perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us, and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us (1 John 4:18).

God is love. Everything He does is love in action. Our problem is we have such a limited picture of what love is all about. We’ve all been hurt and disappointed by human love, the kind that rewards us and accepts us when we’re good and punishes and rejects us when we’re bad. But that is not like God’s love at all.

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God’s command to us is that we praise him, too – even if our lips tremble in fear and we shake in terror over the outward circumstances of His plan for us.

Through the prophet Isaiah, God told His people that He intended to raise up King Cyrus of Persia to conquer and crush many nations. King Cyrus didn’t know the Lord, but God intended to use him to bring the Jewish captives home from Babylon and rebuilt the temple and Jerusalem.

Why would God choose Cyrus, a heathen king, to carry out His purposes? To those who would question Him, God answered, I form the light and make the dark. I send good times and bad. I, Jehovah, am he who does these things… Woe to the man who fights with his Creator. Does the pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with him who forms it, saying, “Stop, you are doing it wrong!” or the pot exclaim, “How clumsy can you be?” … Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, Israel’s Creator, says: What right have you to question what I do? Who are you to command Me concerning the work of My hands? I have made the earth and created man upon it. With My hands I have stretched out the heavens and commanded all the vast myriads of stars. I have raised up Cyrus to fulfill My righteous purpose, and I will direct all his paths… (Isaiah 45:7, 9, 11-13)

When we refuse to see God’s hand in every situation around us, we are like the pot arguing with its maker. We say, “Now if I were God, I certainly wouldn’t do it that way. I wouldn’t send an earthquake to Peru, or let that little girl die of leukemia, or allow that preacher to thunder untruth from the pulpit leading gullible people astray… and I certainly wouldn’t allow drug-pushers to tempt little children.

God knows how we feel about these things and how limited our understanding is. He spoke through the prophet Isaiah: This plan of mine is not what you would work out, neither are My thoughts the same as yours! For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than yours, and My thoughts than yours. As the rain and snow come down from heaven and stay upon the ground to water the earth, and cause the grain to grow and to produce seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry, so also is My Word. I send it out and it always produces fruit. It shall accomplish all I wanted to, and prosper everywhere I send it. (Isaiah 55:8-11)

Our skepticism and disappointment in God’s plan is rooted in a distrust of God. We are not convinced that He has our best interest in mind.

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I (Merlin) have met many people who are able to praise God for their circumstances, simply because they accept the Word of the Bible that they are supposed to praise God in everything. Praising Him, they soon experience the results of an attitude of consistent thanksgiving and joy; and in turn, their faith is strengthened, and they can continue to live this way.

Others find it a little more difficult.

“I just don’t understand,” they say, “I try praising God, but it is so hard for me to believe that He really has a hand in all the horrible things that have happened to me lately.”

We say we don’t understand, and some of us get stuck right there; our understanding becomes a real stumbling block in our relationship with God. But God has a perfect plan for our understanding, and when we use it His way, it isn’t a stumbling block, but a wonderful aid to our faith.

For God is the King of all the earth, said the psalmist. Sing praises in a skillful psalm and with understanding (Ps 47:7 Amp.).

We’re not supposed to push our understanding out of the way, grit our teeth, and say, “It doesn’t make sense to me, but I’ll praise the Lord if it kills me, if that’s the only way I can get out of this mess!”

That’s not praising, that manipulating. We’ve all tried to manipulate God, and it is wonderful to know that He loves us too much to let us get away with it! We are to praise God with our understanding, not in spite of it.

Our understanding gets us into trouble when we try to figure out why and how God brings certain circumstances into our lives.
We can never understand why and how does something, but he wants us to accept with our understanding the He does it. This is the basis of our praise. God wants us to understand the He loves us and that he had a plan for us.

And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into His plans (Rom. 8:28).

Are your surrounded by difficult circumstances right now? Have you been struggling to understand why they have come to you? Then try to accept with your understanding that God does love you and has allowed those circumstances because He knows that He can bring good out of this for you. Praise Him for what He has brought into your life; do it deliberately and with your understanding.

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We love you all.

God bless,

Mark and Ann

Happy Monday, Everyone!

The following was taken from “Jesus Always” by Sarah Young. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed us this morning.

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Blessed are all those who wait for Me!

Waiting patiently does not come easily to you, but it is nonetheless very good for you. You long to plan ahead, make definitive decisions, and make things happen. There is a times for that, but this is not the time. Now is a time for sitting in My Presence, trusting Me with your whole being. This discipline will bring a wealth of blessings your way.

Some of the good things I offer you reside in the future. While you obediently wait on me, you are building up equity for those not-yet blessings. Because they are veiled in the mystery of the future, you cannot see them clearly. Other blessings are for the present. The very process of waiting for Me is beneficial. It keeps your soul on tiptoe, as you look up to Me in hope. You acknowledge that I am in control, and you rest in My goodness. Though you may not understand why you have to wait so long, I bless you as you choose to trust Me with all your heart.

Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.
Isaiah 30:18

Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You.
Psalm 143:8

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5

God bless,

Mark

Here’s another one of Joyce Meyer’s entries taken from yesterday in her devotional book, “Closer to God Each Day.”

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Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind…
Romans 12:2

Change does not come through struggle, human effort without God, frustration, self-hatred, self-rejection, guilt, worry, or works of the flesh. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and as such we all want to please God. We want to be what He wants us to be, and behave the way He wants us to behave, but in order for that to happen, we need to learn how to think like He thinks.

Change in your life comes as a result of having your mind renewed by the Word of God (The Bible; Scripture). As you agree with God and really believe that what He says is true, it gradually begins to manifest itself in you. You begin to think differently, then you begin to talk differently, and finally you begin to act differently. This is a process that develops in stages, but while it is taking place you can still have the attitude, “I’m okay, and I’m on my way!”

Enjoy yourself while you are changing. Enjoy where you are on the way to where you are going. Enjoy the journey! Don’t waste all of your “now time” trying to rush into the future. Relax. Let God be God. Stop being so hard on yourself. Change comes little by little, but in that process you’re getting closer to Him each day.

We can come to Jesus just as we are. He takes us “as is” and makes us what we ought to be.

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God bless,

Mark

I probably couldn’t get much done these days without my computer – It’s what allows me to send out these emails each day. It’s funny when I think that I try to live my life without God’s help each moment of the day. That’s when life begins to get stressful. ☺ He has all the resources we could ever need in a given day. And, the most important thing we need is His spiritual guidance to keep us; to be able to live in His peace, love, rest and joy.

Whether I’m working or not, I can tell I’m beginning to play God (I become self-sufficient-minded, and begin to run my life in my own strength not depending on Him) in my life whenever I notice that I’m taking on care, impatience, stress or strife; when I can’t seem to find what I need or when I can’t find the answer I need to some situation. I see a lot of Christians do the same.

What we all need to be doing is praying, or maintaining a praying/listening relationship with the Holy Spirit all throughout the day. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean I’m praying all day (like when someone specifically asks me to pray for them), but in my spirit, I’m listening to the Holy Spirit all day long and running everything through what I call the Holy Spirit filter.

We’d all be a lot better off if we’d ask God to help us by reminding us to do this each day. Here’s the kind of simple prayer I’m talking about that re-establishes me in the Lord. Saying this prayer can really calm me down, give me peace, and put me back in a proper, protected perspective/position in the Lord. It’s really amazing what this type of simple prayer does for me.

“Jesus, protect and cover me today. Let me be a blessing to everyone I meet today. Please give me Your favor. Amen.”

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

Casting all your care upon him; for (because) he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7

God bless,

Mark

For those of you who may not recognize Pastor Jon Courson’s name, Jon is a well-known Calvary Chapel pastor who pastor’s a church called “Applegate Christian Fellowship” in Jacksonville, Oregon. Jon lost his first wife and a daughter to identical head injuries in separate automobile accidents.

I copied down Pastor Peter John’s words (below the line break) that his pastor father, Pastor Jon Courson, re-played at Peter John’s memorial service held on February 10th in Jacksonville, Oregon. Peter John spoke to the church he helped pastor about a week before he went to be with Jesus. I thought his words were really good for all of us to remember. Praise Jesus, our Prince of Peace.

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“The Lord just spoke to me as I sat down. First of all, He said, “Good job, you made it.” Secondly, though, He just said this as I sat down right here in front of you guys. This is how every single one of you is going to feel. Oh, this is just a slight, um, caricature, this is just a sneak preview, this is exactly something you are going to feel that first moment you breathe your last here on earth and say, “Arrivederci,” or whatever it might be, and (with your next breath) you say, in the presence of the Lord, “Hallelujah!” And all of Heaven; the angels round about; all of Heaven; the saints that have gone on before you; the family and the friends that you are missing and looking for, it’s going to be better than even this (all of the people in church together that Peter John was speaking to). Oh, I’m amazed (deep sigh and breath). Here I am in the presence of my brothers and my sisters, at a moment and an hour, I don’t know what tomorrow holds, neither do you. But, I have a peace from God in my heart that’s guarding my mind and my soul. Let me tell you why that’s so important. You already know, but to have your mind and your soul, or your heart, guarded means you don’t have to come up with the answers. It means you don’t have to know why something is happening, or how come this is taking place, and that goes on over there. But, there’s a peace that comes with which He guards your mind and heart in Christ Jesus. Me, too.”

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I’ve been researching cluster migraines again online. Yesterday, I saw where cluster migraine people are 20 times more likely to commit suicide. Also, although many cluster migraine sufferers have very severe PTSD, some are discovering that LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, both of which are illegal, are curing their cluster headaches and allowing them to live more normal lives.

I’ve (Mark) been having more of my cluster migraines and they’ve left me pretty weak and brain-weary. But, one of the greatest things in my life is that my weakness has pretty much forced me to have to rely on Jesus, His leading, His grace, mercy, peace, rest, love and joy – Count it all joy has really helped lift me. I don’t ever have to fear weakness because it’s taught me to lean on Jesus and I’m truly finding that when I’m weak, He’s strong. And, there’s nothing on earth like His strength to get you through. ☺

I really like the kinds of readings like the ones I find in the daily devotionals Ann and I read every morning. I like Merlin Carothers’ books, too, because they meet me right where I’m at and inspire me to live above circumstances. We can rely on Jesus, precious people. Really.

The following was taken from today’s reading in the Joyce Meyer daily devotional, “Closer to God Each Day.” I hope it blesses your day. ☺

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Now we serve not under [obedience to] the old code of written regulations, but [under obedience to the promptings] of the Spirit in newness [of life].

There are times in life when we have to deal with stress, but we can be on top of it, not under it. Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power, we can handle our work and responsibilities with ease instead of stress. As we follow the promptings of the Spirit we will know how to handle each situation we encounter.

All of us have situations that come our way that we don’t like. But with the power of God, we can go through those circumstances while also avoiding stress. The more we lean on, and trust in, God, the easier life is. Every situation in life is not “easy,” but we can handle them with what I call “Holy Spirit Ease.” In other words, God empowers us to do whatever we need to do through Him. He energizes us and helps us.

God will guide us, but we need to trust Him enough to follow His directions. He never gives us any advice that is not for our benefit and progress in life. God is leading you into a place of victory and triumph, not into a place of defeat. As you follow His lead, I believe you will experience less stress than ever before. He may prompt you not to do something you want to do, or to do something you don’t want to do, but obedience to His leadership keeps us from taking wrong roads in life and wasting time and energy!

Simply obeying the promptings of the Holy Spirit will often relieve stress quickly.

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Onwards and upwards! ☺

Counting it all joy,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everyone!

Be careful (anxious) 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 4:6-8

I (Jesus) 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

And we know (We can if we’ll simply believe the Holy Spirit’s words here. The choice is ours each day) that all things (it all) work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

Wow, Jesus changes everything (it all). I mean, He says to count “it all” joy. Most of us can’t count it all joy. What does that even mean? Our “joy” list is probably full of wants. It’s a list we don’t like violated to say the least. What would it do to our lives if we could count it all joy? What if “it all” was on our joy list?

Jesus is saying “count it all joy” can be accomplished in Him. Jesus says He wants to use “it all” to give us patience, to make us perfect, so we can be complete, wanting nothing. Why do we need patience, and how do we possibly become perfect and entire wanting nothing?

Well, because being impatient (imperfect and wanting “it all” to go our way) can bring great harm to our bodies, souls and minds. If Jesus can lift us above “it all,” if He can empower us to live above conditions, then nothing can really do us harm. We’d have more of His peace than we can even imagine. We’d be immovable in our spirit, mind and body. We would be more rested, peaceful, and content. We’d trust Him in “it all” all the time.

Can we really count “it all” joy? Can we really acquire that precious Holy Spirit perspective and indwelling? Yes. Jesus brings it up for that very reason. He’s saying that – with the help of the Holy Spirit, and with us yielding to the Holy Spirit living in us – we can count it all joy.

“Jesus, apart from You, I know I can’t count it all joy, and I’m tired of not counting it all joy. I’m worn out from trying to handle things on my own, in my own strength. Seems like I have so much care. I don’t like “care,” and I don’t like what being impatient does to me and to those around me. I know You want to help me become perfect in this important way of counting it all joy. Show me how to achieve this remarkable level of living in You. Help me to yield to the Holy Spirit when I need to count something all joy. I want to live free in You, Lord. I want to believe that You’re always in control of my life. Please help me become free, Jesus.”

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4 King James Bible

Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance (patience) [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance (patience) have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 Amplified Bible

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Ephesian 3:16-19

to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…Wow, what riches. What a loving Father we have. He’ll do anything to strengthen us so we can meet any challenge to our faith with victory. What peace, love and joy that will give us.

God bless,

Mark

Count it all joy! What a radical statement. But then, that’s God. ☺

For the longest time, I thought I was fighting all of hell in my life. What I’ve come to realize is that a lot of what I thought I was up against was actually God growing me up in Him. He was teaching me His ways, and I didn’t like it for a long time. I was rebuking everything in sight. I discovered that most of what I was trying to fight was actually God allowing situations to bring me closer to Him, to plant and cultivate His fruit of the Spirit in my life. Be encouraged. God is at work in you, my friend. He’s putting His life and Spirit in you and making you stronger than you ever thought you could be. ☺

The following is taken from page 71 in Merlin Carothers’ wonderful, faith-filled book, “Power In Praise.”

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Dear brothers/sisters, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete (James 1:2-4)

God has a very special plan for your life. It began long ago when He first created you. He formed you lovingly, carefully, exactly to His specifications, every detail just as He wanted it – your looks, your abilities, your place of birth, the family you were to be born into (or the lack of it). Nothing about you or your life has been accidental. In love, He reached out and drew you to Himself through circumstances He had arranged just for that purpose. You were given a new birth, new life through His Holy Spirit when you accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, as your Savior, and were baptized, saturated with the Holy Spirit. And now God’s plan is to make you full and complete!

For because of our faith, he has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be (Romans 5:2)

God bless,

Mark