Author: Mark and Ann

God meant for me to believe Romans 8:28. Memorizing and applying that precious, life-giving piece of His Word would keep me from falling back into believing the devil’s lies that threatened my very life.

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

“The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.”
Proverbs 29:25

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Psalm 107:20

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked (the Bible calls unbelievers of His Word wicked)
or walk in the way of evildoers (those who refuse to do the Word).
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way (believing and doing His Word).

My son, pay attention to what I say;
turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart, (God told me He placed an angel in my life to guard Romans 8:28 in my heart)
for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:13-15; 20-23

The Word of God is not something to be lightly regarded. It really is the difference between life and death, and, like me at one time, most don’t or choose not to realize that.

I think I’ve mentioned before how years ago, the Lord told me I had to believe Romans 8:28. It was to be a huge part of my healing. He even showed me a vision of an angel behind me that was protecting me from turning back from believing Romans 8:28. He told me not believing Romans 8:28 could kill me. That is how serious and loving the Lord was about me not giving up on believing Romans 8:28.

I woke up this morning with a strong impression from the Lord regarding Romans 8:28. He was saying a thick darkness is coming against this scripture and I must keep believing Romans 8:28 at all costs. He told me to “punch” through anything (including the fear of man and anyone who thought I was weird for believing it) that comes against His Word in this verse. I knew what He was saying to me was very important. Maybe someone needed to hear this as well today.

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

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.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

Annie and were talking this morning about spiritual battles and what takes place as we continue to renew our minds in any area God points out to us. As God heals us, the devil attempts to discourage us and to keep us from moving on (like Sanballat in the Nehemiah verses below). Fortunately, we both know there is no turning back to the misery we lived in before. We’re both learning and seeing that God is honoring our efforts. Hallelujah.

Really, the Christian life has never been any different. Christians must live like Nehemiah (please read Nehemiah 4:1-21 below). They must have a brick (whatever they’ve been called to do in their daily life) in one hand and a sword (God’s Word applied to their daily life) in the other. There are no other options for the Christian who is truly a disciple of Christ, those who continue in His Word.

In the Nehemiah passage below, you can clearly see the correlation/connection to what anyone will experience if they transform their mind to the Word of God.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 8:31

Many today call themselves Christians but if they are not continuing in His Word, if they are not being transformed into Christ’s image by applying God’s Word to their life by repenting from their ways and choosing to live God’s ways, they are only fooling themselves.

God, let the sword of Your Spirit pass between me and anything that is not of You (Lisa Bevere).

Opposition to the Rebuilding – (Opposition To Renewing Your Mind To Christ)
4 When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, 2 and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, “What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble—burned as they are?”

3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, “What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!”

4 Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. 5 Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of the builders.

6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.

7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. 8 They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. 9 But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

10 Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.”

11 Also our enemies said, “Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.”

12 Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”

13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. 14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

15 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.

16 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah 17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, 18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.

19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. 20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!”

21 So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. 22 At that time I also said to the people, “Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.” 23 Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.
Nehemiah 4:1-21

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.

God is sharing some brand-new healing insights with us and it is so wonderful. How He can untangle and turn your thinking around is miraculous and so joyful. I keep being amazed at how God works and what He’s able to bring about in His time. Truly, He works all things together for good to those who love Him.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
Romans 11:33

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 and I had such a good talk this morning about everything Jesus is doing in our lives and about how far He’s brought us out of the miry clay we were trapped in for so l-o-n-g. We are so thankful He has been faithful (and continues to be) to show us how beautiful Life in Him is.

The best thing I can tell anyone is pursue Jesus with all your might. Let no one and nothing keep you from doing this.

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.

This is what I’m learning, and God’s Presence is everything. His superseding Presence is true joy.

And the Heavenly patience God builds in us is the key to joy. Truly, there are Heavenly wonders we cannot experience and enjoy without letting Godly patience develop in us. And God – Who is maximum Love – wants to give us all of those beautiful Heavenly wonders.

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience (God wants us to know that He’s at work (worketh) giving us wonderful Jesus and all that He is).

4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting (lacking) nothing (patience adds so many Kingdom character traits to our lives).
James 1:2-4

I’m still learning to wait. It must be so important to learn to wait. So much of God comes into our lives as we continue to wait on Him. We calm down and take on Kingdom character that only comes through waiting as we walk with Jesus learning everything He knows will bless our lives.

You’re doing everything you can to follow Jesus and you still have trials that test your faith. If you follow the Lord, He will make sure to complete His good work in you. One of the best works you can have built into your life is to learn to count it all joy. Patience is a true gift. Learning to wait when things are testing your ability to wait builds precious Kingdom character in our lives. There is nothing like becoming like Jesus. Nothing. As you become like Him, your Heavenly joy increases and nothing I know of is as wonderful as that. Keep seeking Jesus. Keep your hand in His. There is a reason for everything. When you begin to realize that you’re well on your way to freedom in Christ. Freedom in Jesus is everything.

Remember, while circumstances may not change, the strengthening work God is doing in you makes life easier and joyful.

God loves you so much, my friend.

But Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work…

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.

Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible (Commentary on Psalm 17:4)
Concerning the works of men – In respect to the works or doings of men. The reference is here probably to the ordinary or common doings of mankind, or to what generally characterizes the conduct of men. As their conduct is so commonly, and so characteristically wicked, wickedness may be spoken of as their “work,” and it is to this doubtless that the psalmist refers. In respect to the sinful courses or “paths” to which men are so prone, he says that he had kept himself from them. This is in accordance with what he says in the previous verse, that he had given no occasion by his conduct for the treatment which he had received at the hands of his enemies.

By the word of thy lips – Not by his own strength; not by any power which he himself had, but by the commands and promises of God – by what had proceeded from his mouth. The reference is doubtless to all that God had spoken: to the law which prescribed his duty, and to the promises which God had given to enable him to walk in the path of uprightness. He had relied on the word of God as inculcating duty; he had submitted to it as authority; he had found encouragement in it in endeavoring to do right.

I have kept me – I have preserved myself. I have so guarded my conduct that I have not fallen into the sins which are so common among men.

The paths of the destroyer – The paths which the “destroyer” treads; the course of life which such men lead. The idea is, not that he had been able to save himself from violence at their hands, but that he had been enabled to avoid their mode of life. The word rendered “destroyer” is from a verb which means “to break, to rend, to scatter,” and would properly refer to acts of violence and lawlessness. He had kept himself from the modes of life of the violent and the lawless; that is, he had been enabled to lead a peaceful and quiet lift. He had given no occasion to his enemies to treat him as a violent, a lawless, a wicked man.

I was thinking about all the verses God gave me to memorize and apply to my life while living in Oregon. Those scriptures were chosen so I could learn how to come away from the paths Satan wanted me to walk down so I would be destroyed. There is nothing like the path God has for us that makes us into the image of Christ. His path for us is so liberating, peaceful, restful, loving and joyful.

Protect yourself. Live Free…No one can do it for you. Keep yourself from the paths of the destroyer. Know and live the Word. Become like Jesus.

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.

Because Jesus lives, I can live in the amazing promise of Romans 8:28.

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

What an amazing scripture to cover us this week. All things…Wow.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark – ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com

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 couldn’t sleep past 1:45 this morning. I finally got up and sat down on the living room couch. I began thinking about some things when the thought came to me that God is in control. Then I had the beautiful, miraculous, supernatural thought: How wonderful it is when the Word of God begins to prevail in your life. Mmmm…

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.

The truth is, God has always had His children covered.  It’s no different today, or any other day.  His Word covers us and gives us the ability to live ABOVE this earth in the secret dwelling place of the Most High.

“Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.”
Proverbs 3:25

These days present many opportunities for being impacted by sudden fear. As Christians, we can yield to Proverbs 3:25 and rest in God taking all care on Himself. He’s in control. There has never been a day in all of history when God wasn’t in control. That is why He tells us we can trust in Him with all our heart – all of our heart. That means we can trust and rest in Him with everything. The unsaved, the wicked, cannot do this.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

Do not let yourself be conformed to this world.  Don’t do what the unsaved and wicked do.  Rather be transformed by the renewing of your mind through God’s Word.

As Christians, we do not need to live collecting things to worry about. That is the job of the unsaved. We can trust in God at all times. This is the Good News of the Kingdom of God. This is the Gospel.

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. 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.

Who knew?

This is super-powerful and precious –

Watch this short video
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Jr5gJ8xRhKM

Then read this for proof
https://emmausroadministries.international/2020/02/08/the-way-the-truth-and-the-life-tabernacle-series-part-4/

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.

not one will ever see the land that I swore to give their fathers. None of those who have treated Me with contempt will see it. But because My servant Caleb has a different spirit and has followed Me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he has entered, and his descendants will inherit it.
Numbers 14:23-24

Like you, God has asked me to make some choices throughout my life. The best I could, I chose Him. I want to be a “Caleb.” I want all the freedom – the land – the Lord has promised me. I want to have no fear, no care and His love truly alive in me. I want to live knowing He is with me. I cannot think of a better Life.

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.

If I refuse to do a part of God’s Word, I can’t help but think I’ll refuse to do other parts of His Word and I’ll begin living in more and more bondage to this world and its ways.

Those who love God keep His Word. They continue in His Word. The Christian life is really that simple.

It doesn’t matter what friends, family, co-workers, and this world say, God works all things together for good for those who love Him. Do you love Him? Really? Will you choose to believe and live by Romans 8:28…Or not?

Stay away from those who tell you doing the Word of God is legalism. Doing the Word is liberty, and God wants to set captives free by His Word. It’s why He sent us His Word (Jesus).

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

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions (our unbelief and choosing to live in this world’s ways).
Psalm 107:20

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.

Regarding getting God’s wisdom, understanding, and discretion – 

21 My son, let not them (God’s wisdom, understanding and discretion) depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.

25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh.

26 For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:21-26

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.

Stay Biblical in your ways, people – that is, in everything you do or think. Do not let the darkness run off with your own understanding. Instead, trust in the Lord with all your heart.

There is a lot of darkness out there these days – those elements that are against God’s ways. It is scaring a lot of people. God says He has not given us the spirit of fear, so we never need fear darkness. Never. Instead of spending time in fear, rejoice.

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

No one else can choose to reject fear and choose to rejoice for you. It is up to each of us to obey God.

And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
Matthew 24:22

The Lord says that unless He speeds up the end times (notice that God is the one speeding up the end times meaning He is in complete control.), no flesh would remain. The “woke” movement is anti-God and nothing that is against God will ever be sustainable – because they choose to serve darkness, they will certainly turn on each other as well. We can see that proved out over and over in the pages of the Bible. So, fear not, people. Rejoice.

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

We are living in the most exciting time in all of history. We can look forward to the days ahead because God is able to work them for good for those who love Him. We are soon to see our Savior. 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.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalm 91:1-2

Annie and were talking about some things that are going on in today’s world and we knew we had to get into the Word to let God “keep” us. A while later as I was standing in the hall, I was thinking about something when God said, “You have nothing to worry about.” The funny thing is, I didn’t think my thought involved worry, but He knew it did. I could feel His peace replace my thoughts as His words placed me back in the secret place of the Most High.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart (let nothing but Jesus occupy you); and lean not unto thine own understanding (that often brings us fear). In all thy ways (everything you do and think about) acknowledge him, and he (what you know to be the Truth about Him) shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

What an amazing Father we have, people.

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.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw
nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:7-8

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto
thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of
the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy
confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

Be careful 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 4:6-7

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
2 Thessalonians 3:3

But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6

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

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.

Don’t live with the devil’s thoughts when you can live with God’s thoughts.

Here is what God has for His children.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

Annie and I both woke up with fear thoughts. We fought them off by either praising and thanking God or by reading one of the books about God we’re going through.

God helped us stop the fear thoughts and we began thanking Him for all that we have in Him. We are so grateful for the Life He’s given us.

Do not linger on the defeating, fearful, discouraging lies of the enemy. Fight back with whatever God puts at your disposal. Overcome any darkness with Light. Do it and Live free in Jesus.

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

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.

Before Jesus, all we saw were battles. Now that we’re getting to know Jesus, He’s changing our perspective to only seeing victories ahead. Hallelujah.
The Red Sea, David and Goliath, and other such stories in the Bible. God allows challenges and battles to show us His mighty arm full of victories.
Don’t look back or you will be consumed. Do not focus on the battle.
God began telling Mark this thing about not focusing on battles but to anticipate deliverance and new revelations instead also refers to the future and physical things that may be coming like all the end times events.
Don’t look back like Lot’s wife did. Do not focus on the battle, focus on the deliverance. God has been showing us how to keep our eyes off of battles and to look ahead to what He has for us coming – new insights, deliverance, more spiritual strength, all of it. Do not look at battles. Instead, stay expectant for His leading and deliverance.

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.

This is excellent. I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me.

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.

For far too many years, Annie and I leaned on our own understanding – we had so much dread and fear. We’re discovering what peace there is to lean on Jesus with all our heart. Truly, He’s showing us that a Life that is safe and secure from all alarms is found only in Him.

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
_{Christian Hymn by Anthony J. Showalter, and Elisha Hoffman}

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

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.