And Let The Peace Of God Rule In Your Heart

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
Colossians 3:15a

 

Practice letting the peace of God rule in your heart throughout every day.

God is helping me to trust Him with all of life and this is letting more and more of His blessed peace rule in my heart. It is so wonderful to simply let my Father’s peace rule in my heart.

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.

Live Free In Christ

Here are some rights (promises found in God’s Word) Christians can claim:

God is working all thing together for good for those who love Him.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart.

Be not afraid of sudden fear.

Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Let the peace of God reign in your heart.

Fear not.

The fear of man bringeth a snare.

And all of the other promises (rights) the child of God is commanded to live in…

There are only two choices, Life (living in Christ’s promises/rights) or death (living under the devil’s lies and tyranny). If you do not want the Light, believe it or not, you will have the darkness by default – This truth is Biblical, and like many others, I know this firsthand.

America was founded by people who wanted to be free from tyranny – They knew they could no longer live under the heaviness of tyranny. They spelled out what they wanted in their new land and were willing to die to have their freedoms. They were willing to face off with bondage no matter the outcome. It should be the same with Christians. In His Word, God has spelled out what He has for those who are His. Read the Bible to know your rights as a child of God. Don’t let the devil take those rights from you. Refuse to live under the tyranny Satan tries to set up in your life. Stand your ground no matter the consequences. God will be with you all the way.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12

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.

Break Down the Altars and You’ll Have Success In Christ

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset (entangle) us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1
 
Having success means having Christ – His joy, rest, and peace – living in you.  How matchless and wonderful.
 
In Jonathan’s short, youtube video below, I love how he calls us to action and how he states that the fear of man means I’m worshipping man (I immediately thought of the fear of man when he pointed out what fear does to us) in one way or another.  So true.  We need to break free from the fear of man that attempts to ensnare us – at all costs – and walk in God’s will for our life.  Ask God to show you how the fear of man, or any other fear, is keeping you in bondage and apart from the freedoms Christ died to give us.
 
 
I’m so thankful God wants us free in Christ.
 
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 Goal: In Christ Alone

In Romans 11:33, the Word tells us that God’s ways are beyond finding out. This is why we need precious Holy Spirit to live in us so He can direct us to God’s ways, to Christ alone.

No more Mark, Christ alone living in me…

I hope I can convey what the Lord is speaking to my heart because He is so wonderful.

I was turning down the bed last night (8-1-23) when I had the thought that I was striving in some area. Jesus told me I did not need to strive to make something happen. I simply needed to let go of that thing and let Him lead in it. If it was to work out, fine, and if not, it was also fine. He was setting me free from fear and striving in the matter. What joy, peace and rest came into me at that moment. Jesus is all that matters. In Christ alone is such a secure, peaceful, resting place. It is worth everything to get to the beautiful place “in Christ alone.”

In Christ Alone
Written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev’ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow’r of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow’r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow’r of Christ I’ll stand.

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
Colossians 3:15a

This is where Jesus is leading us – To Himself. He alone meets our needs in a way nothing and no one else ever can.

Still waters and green pastures. In Christ alone. Mmmm…

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.

Personalizing The Word Of God

Lately, Annie has been personalizing the Word, and she’s asked me to do the same because she is experiencing the Word at another level in her life. For instance, when we say a scripture and change the pronouns, it feels different in us. It brings the Word down to our level, gives us more boldness and makes us want to do the Word in a whole new way. It also makes our relationship with God much closer and more meaningful. I believe you will be blessed if you personalize scripture.

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

Personalized:
I am trusting You Jesus with all my heart; and I am not leaning on my own understanding. I am acknowledging You in all my ways and You are directing my paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:9b-13

Personalized:
Daddy in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done in my life, as it is in heaven.

Give me this day my daily bread.

And forgive me my debts, as I forgive my debtors.

And lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil: Amen.
Matthew 6:9b-13

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.

Redeem The Time

10 Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11 Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. 12 It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,

“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”

15 So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. 17 Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. 18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. 20 And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:10-20

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.

Keep Giving Jesus More And More Of Your Heart

Whatever areas of my heart I still control are weak and vulnerable. As I’m prompted to, when I exchange those areas for Jesus, I become stronger in Him, I have His peace, rest and joy.

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 3:2

Annie and I were talking this morning when something in my heart reacted. I was soon reminded of what it was, and I knew Jesus was asking me to give Him that area of my life in an even deeper way. I had a couple of tears about it and then agreed with Jesus. It was a really sweet time with Him. Repentance always is. Obtaining more of Jesus, more of the Kingdom of Light, always brings times of sweet, satisfying, joyful refreshment.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19

When Jesus asks you to surrender something in your heart, give it to Him. It will do you no good to hang onto something He knows will keep you bound. When you give Him more of your heart, He fills that area with Himself and there is nothing like more of Him living in you. He’s such a Savior. He is so faithful.

Jesus loves me, this I know.
For the Bible tells me so…

I love you all.

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.

Times Are Getting Exciting

We received an email this morning regarding how quickly end times events are unfolding.

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

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 Chapter 1

Please read Revelation (the last book in the Bible) chapters 13 and 14. We are getting so close to the events those two chapters speak of.

And they overcame him 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

Run through the fear of these days. Face it head-on. God will meet you there and you will be filled with His power of deliverance that will keep you.

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 Love You, Father. I Love You, Jesus.

It’s so reassuring, calming and wonderful to simply repeat, “I love you, Father. I love you, Jesus.” As I say it over and over, I calm down and experience the Heavenly love and covering I have as a child of God.

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.

Grateful

It is so wonderful to simply stop your thinking and doing long enough to be grateful.

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.

Mark or Jesus?

Every day I have the choice of choosing myself or choosing Jesus. ☺

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 Is With You, My Friend

Annie and I had many trials this week.  Because we’ve felt exactly like the disciples in the following writing, with tears of joy, I read the following to Annie just now and she said, “Wow, you need to send this out today.”  We love you so much and know that God is in complete control of your lives.  ☺♥☺♥

The following is taken from the book, “Power in Praise” by Merlin Carothers.

Yet it was the Lord’s good plan to bruise Him and fill Him with grief. But when His soul has been made an offering for sin, then He shall have a multitude of children, many heirs. He shall live again and God’s program shall prosper in His hands. And when He sees all that is accomplished by the anguish of His soul, He shall be satisfied; and because of what He has experienced, My righteous Servant shall make many to be counted righteous before God, for He shall bear all their sins. Therefore I will give Him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because He has poured out His soul unto death. He was counted as a sinner, and he bore the sins of many, and He pled with God for sinners (Isaiah 53:5-12)

Jesus knew that His crucifixion was not a thwarting of God’s plan, but a fulfillment of it. The disciples, however, didn’t understand. They saw the crucifixion of Jesus as an end to all their hopes and dreams for the future. They didn’t remember Jesus’ words when He told them, You have sorrow now, but I will see you again and then you will rejoice and no one can rob you of that joy (John 16:22)

The disciples weren’t looking forward to seeing Jesus again, and when they were told that He was no longer in the tomb, they thought His body had been stolen.

Later that day, two of Jesus’ followers walked along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were talking about Jesus’ death when suddenly Jesus Himself came and walked beside them. But they didn’t recognize Him.

He looked at their sad faces and said, What are you so concerned about? One of them named Cleopas, said You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about the terrible things that happened there last week (Luke 24:17-18).

Jesus listened as they poured out their sad tale to Him, about the wonderful Jesus of Nazareth who had done such great miracles that they were sure He was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel, but the religious leaders had handed Him over to the Roman government and He had been crucified. The men spoke as if they had just witnessed the greatest tragedy the world had ever known. On top of it all, they said the body of Jesus was missing from the tomb and some women said they’d seen angels who told them that Jesus was alive. The men seemed certain that the last bit of news could only be a fairy tale.

Then Jesus said to them, You are such foolish, foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures! Wasn’t it clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering His time of glory?

Then Jesus quoted them passage after passage from the writings of the prophets, beginning with the book of Genesis, and going right on through the Scriptures, explaining what the passages meant and what they said about Himself (Luke 24:25-27).

By this time they were coming near Emmaus, and since it was getting late, the two men asked the stranger to spend the night with them. They still hadn’t recognized Him!

Jesus came home with them, and when they sat down to eat, He asked God’s blessing on the food and then took a small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them when suddenly – it was as though their eyes were opened – they recognized Him! (Luke 24:30-31)

At last they believed. But for so long they had been able to see only the outward circumstances and had completely missed seeing God’s perfect plan unfolding.

The disciples had seen their leader crucified, an apparent triumph of evil over good, and they had taken it as proof that God was not present with them. Yet, had they believed God’s Word spoken through the prophets, they would have taken the same circumstances as evidence that God was with them and working out His plan.

We, too, are like the disciples. When trials and sorrows come our way, our first reaction is, “Oh God, why have you forsaken me?”

But Jesus said, Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world (John 16:33)

If we truly believed these words of Jesus, we’d see our circumstances as evidence of God’s presence with us, and we’d praise and thank Him for them instead of complaining and grumbling.

We shake our head at the world conditions as if to say, “Now there is plenty of evidence that God isn’t doing much these days.”

But Jesus told His followers to expect wars, earthquakes, famines, insurrections, epidemics, and so on down the list – a perfect picture of the world we live in, and a promise that it would be getting worse.

Jesus said, Now when these things begin to take place, look up and raise your heads because your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28 RSV).

When things get worse in this world of ours, it is no evidence that God is absent or indifferent. Quite the contrary. All these signs are evidence that God is very near, that every part of His plan and purpose is being fulfilled just as His Word has promised us.

Jesus told His disciples to rejoice with Him over His crucifixion. Had they been able to trust in His word, they could have experienced joy instead of grief. God’s Word tells us to rejoice in our trials.

Peter wrote, Though not seeing Him you trust Him; and even now you are happy with the inexpressible joy that comes from heaven itself (1 Peter 1:8).

So what will you believe? Will you walk along your road as did the two men going toward Emmaus, saddened and preoccupied by the outward circumstances, convinced that God is far away? Or will you let your eyes be opened and be thankful?

Receive the love, the peace, and the joy that Jesus is offering you. Believe that Jesus is with you and that God is working in every circumstance of your life to meet your need.

The very thing you think is painful proof of God’s absence from your life is in fact His loving provision to draw you toward Himself – so that your joy may be full!

Look up and praise Him! He loves you and He dwells in the praises of His people!


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.

Happy Anniversary To My Beautiful Annie!

Annie and I have been married 44 years today.  I’ve known and loved her for about 47 years.  What a blessing it is to know that God had this amazing woman for me.  I’m so grateful for all that she is and how God knew I needed her and that I would love loving her.

I Have Found The One Whom My Soul Loves Vinyl Wall Decal Quotes JR398-L - Walmart.com

1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!

3 Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!

5 For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Psalm 100 English Standard Version (ESV)

Thank you, Jesus, for my Annie.

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.

We Belong To God: Hallelujah!

When I act like a Christian should act, I’m well on my way to renewing my mind to Jesus.

When I worry about status, I have the fear of man. Same is true of having and maintaining pride and the pride of life.

This world can make us offensive, impatient, competitive, self-sustaining, worry, angry, jealous, insecure, unforgiving, and strive.

God: Don’t try to be something you’re not, dear one. Don’t be like the world. It will destroy you. If you don’t believe that, read My Word and see what happens to those who choose to be like the world. You’re Mine, and I love you so much that I died to make you Mine.

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.

Why God Doesn’t Show You The Plan

This you “short” 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.

Right Now

The enemy will, at times, make you frustrated with where you are in Christ. He does not want you to enjoy growing in Jesus. If he can make you dissatisfied with where you are in Christ, he can tempt you to give up, to be angry, to struggle, to be frustrated, etc.

Enjoy the process of renewing your mind to God’s Word, to Christ. Don’t loathe the journey to having your mind transformed by the Word that you’re putting into your life. Don’t say, “If I could just be more this or that” to the point that you complain about your walk with Jesus, about your life in Christ. Enjoy where you are right now in Jesus, and let Jesus show you more of Himself in time. He will be faithful to complete the good work He’s doing in you. Rejoice in that, rejoice in Him – Right now.

The neat thing about right now is that it is always “right now.” Hallelujah.

Right now, enjoy Jesus. Rest in His leading in your life. Rest where you are right now in Christ.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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

Annie: The “Word” Is So “Fun”

Right now, the Word of God is so alive with Life. God wants us to feast on His Word so that we come alive like we never knew before.

Yes, there are challenges in this life. And there are times when God does His best work while we learn the blessings that come from those challenges and learning to wait on Him. But God keeps His Word and that transforms the challenges into times where God shows us how faithful and true He is. That is true fun. That is true Life.

Annie and I love to have God’s Word working in our lives and setting us free in ways we had no idea could actually happen in this life. I mean we didn’t have any clue He could surprise us with His truth about our lives that would set us free deep in our spirits. What a blast that is.

Annie and I were talking about how blessed we are to be doing God’s Word. It continues to amaze us how God knows exactly what we need to learn in order to enjoy more of Him in our lives. I said something to Annie about God’s Word coming true about this or that and she said, “The Word is fun.” Her comment stopped me, and I had to agree with her. I began thinking back over a little while and about all the times I was thrilled in my spirit about God keeping His Word to me. We both laughed about how fun the Word is truly is.

How neat is that? God’s Word is so fun – It’s life-transforming, full of adventure, excitement, faithfulness, and surprisingly accurate.

When a person decides to apply God’s Word to their daily life, they are in for the fun of their life. How incredible our Heavenly Father is. And the more of the Word we apply to our life, the more opportunities we open ourselves up to to see and experience all the fun our Father has in store for us. And because He is infinite, the fun only keeps expanding and coming our way.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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

Your Wilderness Isn’t A Detour – It’s The Path

This 2-minute talk by Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn is such a blessing. I pray it blesses someone today. Jesus can keep us as we walk on the path He has chosen for each of us as we become more like precious Jesus. Hallelujah.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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

Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus

Sitting At The Feet Of Jesus
Song by Joseph L. Hall (1868)

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Oh, what words I hear Him say!
Happy place! so near, so precious!
May it find me there each day;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
I would look upon the past;
For His love has been so gracious,
It has won my heart at last.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where can mortal be more blest?
There I lay my sins and sorrows,
And, when weary, find sweet rest;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
There I love to weep and pray;
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort every day.

Bless me, O my Savior, bless me,
As *I sit low at Thy feet; [*I’m waiting]
Oh, look down in love upon me,
Let me see Thy face so sweet;
Give me, Lord, the mind of Jesus,
Keep me holy as He is;
May I prove I’ve been with Jesus,
Who is all my righteousness.


Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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