Author: Mark and Ann

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God’s Working For My GOOD! =)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is it just me, or do you get excited sensing that God’s up to something new for you?   You can feel like He’s got something in store for you…

And, you know it’s always going to be good!

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me?  Hope thou in God:  for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 42:5

I don’t know what you’re going through, but I can honestly tell you God will work it for your good.

So many times when we’re confronted with something, we tend to become stressed and feel like we don’t want to deal with it, we don’t want to have to walk it out.

We may view the thing as another change we may have to make in our life and that can make us uncomfortable, bothered.

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26

What I’ve found is that often when these things come up, it’s really God working behind the seen (scene).  I can’t see Him, physically, so I don’t always recognize it’s Him at first.  But, He’s arranging things in my day to help me, to show me something new, to reveal more of Himself, and His wonderful nature to me.  Know what I mean?

At first, I can even be scared about a situation only to find out that it was God asking me to step out of my boat, again, to learn more about how to walk on water – and, that’s cool =).

In the end, I find that I’m thankful He brought up the uncomfortable situation, that He confronted me with a necessary change, that He’s being true to His covenant with me, that He’s loving on me.  Somehow, He’s made me more like Him because of it, whatever the “it” is that He’s brought up.  And, that’s always exciting.  Nothing like repenting (change He knows I need to make to be more like Him, more free), folks.  Brings times of wonderful refreshing.

And, He then allows us to share the experience with someone who needs exactly what He’s doing in us.  Win-win.  Yipee!

Can’t wait to see what He has in store for me the rest of the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

God bless you all,

Mark

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The Beautiful Release and Comfort That Is Ours As We Praise God In All Things

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In every thing give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20

I will praise the Lord no matter what happens (His praise shall continually be in my mouth).  I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.   2 I will boast of all his kindness to me.  Let all who are discouraged take heart.   3 Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.
Psalm 34:1-3 The Living Bible (TLB)

Ever feel like this?  “Wow, this is really bad.  How am I going to deal with this situation?”

By thanking and praising God.  “Mark, that sounds crazy.  How can I possibly thank and praise God for this really hard situation?

Well, let me share with you why you should be praising God right now.  There are two reasons I can think of, immediately.  The devil wants us tied up in his oppressive chains.  Also, satan knows that God inhabits the praises of His people and he does not want God to help you.  It’s really that simple.

Hello Precious People,

This actually happened to me just this morning…

At times, I’m tricked into thinking, “I got this.”  I can be unaware that I’m actually operating out of pride.  I can get so bogged down with a situation that I forget to call on God, to praise Him, to bring His power on the scene.

I’m still learning that if I try to handle challenging situations in my own strength, in my own understanding, instead of thanking and praising God for the circumstance, I can end up stressed out.  When I thank and praise God for the situation, somehow, God is brought into the situation (Psalm 22:3; He inhabits our praises), the stress is released and I can actually feel God taking over.  All the resources of His realm become available to help me.  I stop feeling alone in the situation.  Suddenly, I feel lighter as though the care the situation has brought on me is transferred to God.  And, He works all things for my good.  For me, it doesn’t get any better than this.  What relief is available to us.  Oh, praise God, thank you Jesus.

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1 Praise ye the Lord.  Praise God in his sanctuary:  praise him in the firmament of his power.

2 Praise him for his mighty acts:  praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet:  praise him with the psaltery and harp.

4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance:  praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals:  praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.  Praise ye the Lord.
Psalm 150

Go ahead, praise God, and let Him take your cares…

God bless,

Mark

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Heaven’s Coming Right Up!

Hello Folks,

Lots happening in the Middle East these days with God’s people, the Jews, back in their land and all of Israel’s enemies flexing their muscles as they promise the demise of the Jews.  Just like the Bible says, God has placed a hook in the jaws of His enemies to draw them to Israel for the battle of Armageddon, the final confrontation between good and evil.

1 Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.

2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.

3 They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones.

4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:

6 The tabernacles of Edom, and the Ishmaelites; of Moab, and the Hagarenes;

7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;

8 Assur also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot. Selah.

9 Do unto them as unto the Midianites; as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kison:

10 Which perished at Endor: they became as dung for the earth.

11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb: yea, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna:

12 Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession.

13 O my God, make them like a wheel; as the stubble before the wind.

14 As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;

15 So persecute them with thy tempest, and make them afraid with thy storm.

16 Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, O Lord.

17 Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish:

18 That men may know that thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth.
Psalm 83

The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine, for ye are strangers and sojourners with me.
Leviticus 25:23

I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land.
Joel 3:2

8 For thus saith the Lord of hosts; After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

9 For, behold, I will shake mine hand upon them, and they shall be a spoil to their servants: and ye shall know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me.

10 Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion: for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord.

11 And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee.

12 And the Lord shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again.

13 Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.
Zechariah 2:8-13

And, behold, I purpose to build an house unto the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son, whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he shall build an house unto my name.
1 Kings 5:5

14 So the angel that communed with me said unto me, Cry thou, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

15 And I am very sore displeased with the heathen that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
Zecariah 1:14-16

We’re seeing so many end times events happening.  The Middle East is in the news on a regular basis.  God has said no one will be able to figure out the problems in the Middle East until His agenda has been carried out.

God has returned His people to Israel after 2000 years just like He said would happen in the pages of scripture.  He’s carefully watching over the developments occurring all around His precious possession, Israel.

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Heaven’s coming right up!  Take time to meditate on Heaven this weekend, saints.  It’s time well spent.  ☺

God bless,

Mark

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Fear Not! Believe, And Experience The Glory Of God Each Day As You Trust/Rest In His Love For You.

As many of you have come to know, this stuff’s real, precious ones.  Let’s follow Christ.  Let’s make every attempt to live in the faith He died to give us.  Let’s enter His sweet rest…

39 Jesus said, Take ye away the stone.  Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh:  for he hath been dead four days.

40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid.  And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.

42 And I knew that thou hearest me always:  but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.

43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes:  and his face was bound about with a napkin.  Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.
John 11:39-45

God knew I needed to come to the point where I was so sick of fear that I would do whatever it took to be freed from it.

Mark, why do you talk about the same things over and over again?  Well, it’s because I know we need to get the basics of our faith down if we’re (and our children) going to live in the victory Jesus can give us.  To consistently experience His peace and joy, we need to get these types of truths deep in our souls where the Holy Spirit can help us to be overcomers, day in and day out.

In the following, please understand it’s not my purpose to judge anyone or to make fun of them.  I’m just trying to get us to see that religion (and the “fear of man” religion can contain and perpetuate), in itself, will not make us truly free in Jesus.

Lately, I’ve had a number of people try to share their fear with me.  I could tell they didn’t really want to be set free from their fear.  They merely wanted to get me to enter into their fear.  These are folks who don’t know Jesus and what His love could do for them.  They’re reacting to the fear in their own lives the way they’ve seen others react to fear – the herd mentality.  They make fearful comments, they play fearful thoughts over and over again in their minds – I was like that at one time.  They look at you as if they expect you to join in with the fear they’re  experiencing and trying to pass onto you.  They look stressed, worried and weighed down with responsibility (after all, that’s what being an adult is all about, right?).  Fear was actually telling them what actions to take and how to live their lives which is never a good thing.

How do I know this “fear” look?  Because my parents and relatives (and most of their church friends), who were merely acting out what they saw other worldly and religious people doing, reacted to situations this way.  Being around them as much as I was, I learned to deal with potentially intimidating circumstances in the same, fearful manner.  Doing so nearly wiped me out physically and emotionally, especially when a lot of fearful situations began to gang up on me.  In fact, letting fear control my life this way came close to causing me to give up on having any kind of a meaningful relationship with Jesus.  These people didn’t know Christ and neither did I even though we all called ourselves Christians.  Isn’t that strange?

The really sad thing is that when I (and my precious wife) made any attempt to come away from the fear we were all letting control us, to take a stand and start believing in and living the Word, I was beginning to be labeled as “holier than thou” and “self-righteous.”  I didn’t feel like I was either.  I just desperately needed to find out if the Bible was true because I was drowning in fear, anxiety and panic.  I wanted so much to find out if Jesus could really put an end to the turmoil in me, that He could actually bring trusting peace and rest to my life.

Dejectedly, I (and my family) finally had to cut ties with folks who were holding us back from taking a leap of faith to find out if Christ really was trustworthy, if His peace really could take control of my troubled soul, if He really could work all things for my good, even my very scary past. (Reminds me, again, of the powerful little book, “Hinds Feet On High Places” by Hannah Hurnard)

Precious people, Jesus is the way to deal with all of the fearful thoughts (whether they come from religious people or others) around us that attempt to rob us of our right to our faith in the Prince of Peace.

The thief (satan and his band of fearful demons) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:  I (Jesus, on the other hand) am come that they (anyone who will truly get to know Jesus) might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (living with the kind of peace and joy only Christ can impart).
John 10:10 My Edits

When you get hit with doubts, and we all do, don’t panic.  Instead, take action against those thoughts even if it means doing so in your mind or speaking it to yourself under your breath.  Take fear-inducing thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  Others may drown in fear.  Jesus has called us to faith, to rely on and relax in Him, in His care.

Quote scriptures that remind you to not give into fear, scriptures that tell you that God can be trusted to take care of you no matter what – tape them up in your home.  Play Christian music all day long in your home.  Memorize verses that remind you to cast all your cares on Christ, and that you don’t ever have to be frightened by sudden fear, the type of fear that catches you off-guard.  Remember, Christ is guarding your heart.  Please, let Him be your Prince of Peace.

Call Jesus’ Presence into the situation…His dear Presence makes us whole.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
1 John 4:18a

When fear comes, remember to let the peace of God rule in your heart.  And, maybe most importantly, remember that God’s really working all things for your good.  Knowing that will let God’s perfect love build a wall of protection around your heart, and knowing that will cast any fear where it belongs, out of your life.

I love you all.  It’s my joy and strong desire to see each one of us set free so we can fully rest in Jesus.

“Said I (Jesus) not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l41rZOt9Ck

God bless,

Mark

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God Means It For “Good”…Genesis 50:20, Romans 8:28

Oh Precious People,

So many times in my life, all I could see were the thorns when God was growing rose bushes.  Let God write His story for your life.  Give Him your life, again and again.  Let Him take all the time He knows is needed for His perfect timing.  He just keeps adding such beautiful pages…Yes, all the time, God, the Author of life, is good.

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?  Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?  Has the potter no right over the clay,
Romans 9:20-21a

And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.  And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?  Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
John 9:1-3

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners (those who have harmful ways and behaviors operating in their lives like me) to repentance (to let God create His marvelous ways in their lives to save them from destruction).
Mark 2:17 My Edits

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (Jesus), because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives (me, and anyone else who wants to be set free), and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luke 4:18 My Edits

As some of you are aware, I’ve had some real trials in my lifetime –  I know others who’ve had difficulty as well, some much worse than mine.  I’ve been really “troubled.”  I’ve even questioned God over and over, and had many years of battles.  I’ve tried “storming the gates of Heaven” and so many other methods to get God to reach out and heal me.  I’ve spent much energy consumed in the “whys” along the way.  I hope the following speaks to your hearts and brings a blessing to many of you…

I was listening to some songs about Jesus this morning.  One song, Don Moen’s rendition of “I Am The God Who Healeth Thee” made me pause and wonder why God has yet to heal me of the physical and family issues I still live with, that I’ve felt so much deep hurt, frustration, embarrassment and shame over.

All of a sudden, the precious, small voice of the Holy Spirit cut through the music and spoke to my heart.  “My precious Mark, I knew the scalpel that would be necessary to bring you My life.  You had a much deeper ailment I’m setting you free from, and I’ve allowed these health issues in your life to bring about the deepest healing I can bring to your life…A renewal to your whole being deep in your soul.  For your life, this is the way I’ve chosen to work and to bring the largest amount of healing to many others, as well, who need the blessed work I’ve chosen for your life.  Please trust Me, My son.  I love you.  I’ll show you such wonders…”

Then sings my soul, my Savior, God to Thee, how great Thou art!  =)

Don Moen – God is good


God bless,

Mark

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The Immense Blessing Of Building Our House On Christ, The Rock

Hello Saints In Jesus, Our Prince Of Peace –

Boy, I just love these teaching snippets from Jonathan.  What a blessing he is to the church at this time…☺  By the way, you can order complete teachings at Hopeoftheworld.org.

Jesus so desires that we dwell in the precious, all-protective place of the Most High.  He wants us to be so close to Him that we’re living in His shadow.  That’s why He encourages us to believe passages like Romans 8:28, John 14:27, Proverbs 3:5, Proverbs 3:25, 1 Peter 5:5b-7, Psalm 46:10 and the all of the rest of His life-transforming, refreshing and renewing Word…

God loves us so much and that’s why He motivates us to be “doers” of the Word, trusting that God is watching over His Word to make it’s promises a reality in our lives.  We must be living the Word in order for it to bring rest to our lives.

Jesus, have Your way with my life.  Help me to keep surrendering to Your will.  Show me how to build my life on You, The True Rock.  Then, I’ll all be able to Trust in You with all my heart as I dwell in the safest and most joy-filled place in the universe, within Your shadow, the shadow of the Most High.

The Power of the Rock
How to build a life so strong it will stand no matter what happens in the world.

God bless you as you dwell in Christ.

Helping all of us to build our houses on The Rock,

Mark and Ann

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The Blessing Of Imparting The Blessing

Hello Precious People,

The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I’m reading a book about the Aaronic blessing found at the end of chapter 6 in the book of Numbers.  The book is “Imparting The Blessing” by William T. Ligon, Sr.  The author, a Baptist minister who had an experience with the Holy Spirit, discusses the importance of the various Bible passages that talk about imparting God’s blessing.  William tells us how God will bless our children, spouses and even our enemies, when we speak the blessing over them.  More about this great book later…

I wanted to bless all of you as you begin another week in Jesus.

The Lord bless you, and keep you:

The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

And I put the Name of the God of the children of Israel on you and bless you in Jesus’ Name, the Name that is above all names.

God bless each of you,

Mark

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Heaven: And So Shall We Ever Be With The Lord – Such Sweet Words

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Wow, it’s going to be awesome to be caught up in the air with all our Christian brothers and sisters.  Fills me with excitement and joy just to think about it.

And so shall we ever be with the Lord…Such sweet words.

Take time to think about Heaven, about ever being with our Lord, precious people.

God bless you all, and have a nice weekend letting the peace of God rule in your heart.

Mark

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Romans 8:28: Our Off-Ramp Out Of The Devil’s Ruts

Hello Saints in Jesus,

Ann and I have been re-reading Merlin Carothers’ powerful book “Power In Praise.”  It helps to keep us on track, especially when the devil begins convincing us that we’re in a spiritual rut and “feeling” like God’s not watching over us, and/or that He’s abandoned us.  One of our enemy’s favorite tactics is to try to convince us that something can’t possibly be worked for our good.

Right now, I can’t think of another verse that has meant more to me than Romans 8:28.  Whenever Ann and I feel ourselves experiencing a spiritual rut (like self-pity; anything that threatens our peace and trusting that God’s in control) and becoming discouraged, Romans 8:28 provides the all purpose off-ramp for us to leave satan’s rut.  God’s Word is so powerful and able to deliver us.

Always remember, saints, “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

By the way, Merlin’s books can be ordered at this link:

https://www.praisebooks.org

God bless,

Mark – ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com

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The Resistance Secret

This teaching snippet by Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn is such a good reminder that spiritual resistance exercises our faith.  Faith builds trust in the Lord.

God bless,

Mark

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Your Heavenly Father’s Always Watching Over You

My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.  He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.  Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:2-4

Boy, I just keep getting so blessed by God’s faithfulness to bring material across my path that ministers to me, to my needs.  The following really spoke to me and I hope it blesses you, too.

From Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s March Newsletter…

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I hope that you’re doing well in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Do you remember when you were a little child and it was easy to be afraid of the dark?  You may have even had a night light in you room to help you overcome your fear.  It’s easy for children to be afraid when the lights are turned out.  You may have even called for your parents in the middle of the night because you thought you saw something move in the darkness.  And your parents may have encouraged you with the words, “Don’t be afraid of the dark, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”

Now you’re all grown up, you’re an adult and a believer.  But it’s still easy to live with fear, worries, and anxieties.  Even in the Lord, you may live in fear of the darkness of the future, worrying about what the days ahead will hold.  Some believers are afraid of the darkness of health problems.  Others are afraid of the darkness of rejection or being alone.  Others are afraid of the darkness of financial problems.  There’s no shortage of darkness to be afraid of.

But just as when we were young and your parents told you, “Don’t be afraid of the dark,” so the Spirit of God tells us the same thing, “Don’t be afraid of the dark.  There’s nothing to be afraid of.”  You see, the enemy works through darkness, but the enemy is nothing to be afraid of.  There’s no comparison between the power of God and the enemy or the power of good versus evil.  When we live in fear, we’re giving more power to the darkness.  And the more we fear the dark, the more we’ll end up stumbling.

God has not called us to be afraid of such things.  So it is written, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.”  If you’re a child of God, then God is with you and you have no reason to fear:  “for greater is He Who is in you, than he who is in the world.”  And if God is for you, then who can be against you?  So whatever you’ve been concerned about or have had anxiety about, know that it’s only the dark.  In the light of God’s presence, it’s nothing at all.  And in the light of God’s love and power, you have nothing to fear at all.  So be at peace and get some rest, for the darkness has nothing in it for you to be afraid.  And while you sleep, your heavenly Father is wide-awake watching over you.

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God bless,

Mark

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For Thou Art With Me…

Hello Precious People in Jesus’ Name,

I’m discovering that God is always closer than I think.  All I ever need to do is ask Him for His help…

Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27b

For Thou art with me…
Psalm 23:4c

God bless,

Mark

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Heaven: The River Of Life and Serving God

I just can’t stop thinking of how close we are to being in Heaven…

This is a great time to be rejoicing in the Lord as we anticipate all the wonders we’ll soon be experiencing.  As the Lord keeps replacing my thoughts of the things of earth with His healing thoughts and joy, Heaven’s becoming more preeminent in my thoughts every day.  I love it!

The Perfect Life

22 Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Christ),  2 in the middle of its street.  On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  3 There will no longer exist anything that is cursed [because sin and illness and death are gone]; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve and worship Him [with great awe and joy and loving devotion]; 4 they will [be privileged to] see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.  5 And there will no longer be night; they have no need for lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign [as kings] forever and ever.
Revelation 22:1-5

The other morning, Ann and I were talking about God and Heaven.  Ann was wondering what the river of life would be like.  We sat just thinking about what it could mean.  River of life…Paints a pretty picture in our minds.  Fun to think about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The other item that speaks to me in the above passage of scripture is that we will serve God.  I’ve had a lot of different bosses over time.  It’s really fun to think that I’ll be serving for the best boss possible, forever.  ☺

Let your spirit soar as you remember Heaven, and its ingredients, this weekend.  Thoughts of Heaven bring newness of life to each of us.

God bless, and we’ll have more fun next week.

Mark

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The Veil Is Torn, We No Longer Need To “Worry”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head gave up His spirit…And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.  And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.  The tombs also were opened.  And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.  When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”
John 19:30; Matthew 27:51-54

The thief (the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life (life free from sins like worry and fear), and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
1 John 3:8

Wow, I just read 1 John 3:8 again and lights went on in me.  It was like the Holy Spirit said to me, “Mark, do you see what’s going on in your earthly life?  Because of the fall, you’re a sinner.  But, Jesus came to die for your sins to re-establish the same incredible relationship and fellowship Adam and Eve enjoyed with God in Eden.  Sin is the work of the devil.  Satan’s whole agenda was to use sin to separate you from your loving Heavenly Father.

Your Father, your Abba, sent Jesus to die on the cross to bring you back to Eden, to that precious place of living closely with God.

Now, worry, fear, doubt, confusion, unforgiveness, bitterness, hate – all sin – has been conquered and you no longer need to live with it in your life.  You are free from it in Jesus because Jesus will always take care of your heart.  Jesus’s death on the cross tore the temple veil so you can now come boldly to the very throne of grace, to the very Presence of Your Abba, Father, Daddy.  The separation is finished!”

Oh, praise You Jesus.  Thank You, God.

Wow, it’s no wonder the devil fights so hard to keep us in sin, to keep us worrying, fearful, bound, to tell us to doubt God.  If we truly realize what Jesus has done for us, satan’s grip on us will cease.  Our freedom will impact others and help us all to get back to the Eden relationship we had with our Father – That close, amazing relationship the devil has stolen through the fall.

Can you sense it?  Can you feel, even a little bit, what it would be like to get back to the Father, to live once again in the light of His Glory.  Thrilling, isn’t it?

What all does God have in store for me today?  Well, I don’t know yet.  But I do know that “worry, fear, and the fear of man” aren’t three of them.  Why?  Because, “It is finished!”  ☺

The veil’s down.  It (Christ has broken sin’s power in your life) is finished!  All things are working together for my good!  Now we can run into the Holy Of Holies!  We’re back with our Father.  There’s no longer any need to worry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God bless,

Mark

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Dynasties Of Righteousness: Encourage Each Other With These Words…

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psalm 119:71

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. 

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:6-8

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

The last two above scripture references are commands from God meaning that He’s serious about setting us free from fear to enjoy His rest and peace all the time – Even in today’s world.  He has the power to do it!  What a great, faithful God we have.

My dear neighbor, Linda, replies to the daily emails with such enthusiasm.  She’s really a blessing, and like me, really wants to walk in the full liberty Jesus died on the cross to give us, in this life.

Last week, another dear friend, Lori, replied to one of the “Choosing Jesus Every Day” emails with the following:

“You are such an amazing man of faith and I’m so THANKFUL that God placed your friendship in my life!! Thank you for daily being a reminder in “my” life that God works and does all things for good!! He loves us and wants us to TRUST in him fully…not “sorta” trust in Him, but FULLY trust and to cast ALL of our worry upon him. Thank you!! ”

What a blessing it was to see that Lori wants to break through in her life and that God means to bless her as she trusts in Him “fully” with all her heart, all the time.  Lori reminds us all that God wants to richly bless us by casting all of our worry upon Him.  We’re truly “rich” when we learn to do this.  God is SO GOOD, saints.  And, it only gets gooder.  ☺

Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.”
Jeremiah 1:12

At one service in our Oregon church, Pastor Jon asked Ann and me to come forward so he and the church members could pray over us.  I think he could sense that many generational strongholds (sins) needed to be uprooted so they could no longer harm us.  Jon prayed that God would establish a “Dynasty of Righteousness” in our family and future generations.  Over the ensuing years, we would discover what it all entailed.

Growing up, I was taught to worry.  Even though many of the Christians I knew talked about the Word, their lives and actions were often examples of worry, doubt and fear.  It was like they didn’t really believe what they knew in their heads about scripture.  Like in the parable of the sower in the Bible (Matthew 13), for one reason or another, the Word’s promises never took root in their hearts where it could set them free deep in their souls.  It may sound strange, but I had so many health issues that I had to learn to apply the Word to my life (Psalm 119:71).  Honestly, it was the only way I could deal with all of the fear and worry I was experiencing on a daily basis.

Talk the Word out loud, precious people.  Get it deep into your souls where it will protect you.  Teach it to your spouse and children.  Whatever you do, stop speaking and acting out fear and worry.  Instead, quote Romans 8:28, and other verses that will build and instill a trust and confidence in Jesus.  Doing so, will stop worry and fear in your generations.  Doing so will bring an abiding peace and strength to your lives and the lives of your children.   And, at those times when you slip up and still display worry, ask your spouse or child to forgive you.  Say you’re sorry and that you intend to live in faith trusting in God’s Word.  Keep doing this until it becomes automatic and reflexive in your souls.

And I (Jesus) will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever.”
John 14:16

The Holy Spirit, living in us, watches over our hearts.  He reminds us of The Word we have in our hearts to help us have victory in our thoughts and lives.

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

I’ve found that it’s so much easier to trust in the Lord with all my heart when I memorize Romans 8:28 (and many others) in order to realize that Romans 8:28 is true.

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

I truly believe that Jesus is leading us to break through in our lives to establish Dynasties of Righteousness both now and into the future.  Lives that will be richly blessed by entering His rest, now, in this life, as we believe and act on His Word.

I’d like to pray the “Aaronic blessing” over you as noted in Numbers 6:24-27

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance[a] upon you and give you peace.
And I put the Name of the God of the children of Israel on you and bless you in Jesus’ Name.

Mark

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Letting God Build His Wonderful Character In Us

Hello Fellow Christians,

I’m learning more and more that God is much more interested in producing His character in me than anything else He could do for me.  Although it’s been extremely difficult to do at times, as I wait on Him, I’m also discovering that His character creates a freedom, joy, love, peace, rest, a liberating humility and enthusiasm that nothing else could create.

You see, if I had money, fame, and success apart from having God’s character, I’d still be restless, worried, impatient, etc.  I know this because we once had money and it was one of the most miserable times in our lives, really.  All we did was plan and worry over it.  It certainly didn’t bring us God’s character.  I can honestly tell you that.  Once the money was gone, God got our attention and began to put us back on His track to build His life-giving character in us.

His supernatural character is truly renewing my natural character and it’s the most wonderful thing I’ve ever experienced.  Waiting on God (walking with Him no matter what) brings about change in us, and the change, I’m finding out, is what I’ve really wanted all along.  I mean nothing can compare to the real joy, trust, rest and still spirit He’s bringing about in my life.  And, it gets better and better, forever, folks…  ☺

Now, you may ask me how I know that letting God produce His character in us is worth everything.  My answer is simple and it’s the truth.  I know many who’ve sought education, status, money, fame, worldliness, and success who are still miserable because they never took the time to get to know God – at one time, I was like that.  On the other hand, those I know who have stayed with God, through it all, have real (not a superficial) peace and rest in their souls.  Following God is so worth it.

Boy, when I read today’s entry in Joyce Meyer’s “Closer to God Each Day Devotional,” it really blessed me and I could really relate.  I hope it blesses you, too.☺

*******

Be Patient (By Joyce Meyer)

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.
James 1:4 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

James teaches us that we can rejoice when we find ourselves involved in difficult situations, knowing that God is trying our faith to bring out patience.  I have found that trials did eventually bring out patience in me, but first they brought a lot of other junk to the surface – such as pride, anger,m rebellion, self-pity, complaining, and many other things (my natural character – Mark’s edit).  It seems that these ungodly traits, with God’s help, need to be faced and dealt with because they hinder patience as well as other good fruit like kindness, love, humility, and other things (God’s supernatural character – Mark’s edit).

The Bible talks about purification, sanctification, and sacrifice.  These are not popular words; nevertheless, these are things we go through in order to become like Jesus in our character.  God’s desire is to make us perfect, lacking in nothing.  He wants us to ultimately be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which usually requires us to go through some difficulties that, although are unpleasant, do eventually help us mature.

I struggled with the difficulties in my life for a long time until I finally learned that God would work them out for good and use them to help me in many ways.  He simply wants you and me to surrender and say, “I trust You, God.  I believe when this difficulty is over, I will be a better person than I was before it began!”

No matter what you are going through, trust God that you are growing closer to Him each day!

*******

God bless you all,

Mark

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From Glory to Glory: The Glorious, Tangible Workings of God In Our Lives

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18

I read something yesterday about the Glory of God.  I immediately thought of how God is changing me, how He’s making me over.  How’s He doing this?  Well, God’s making me a better neighbor, husband and father; He’s teaching me that He’s in control of my life; that He’s working all things for my good; He’s creating more compassion in me; that I can learn to trust Him all the time and that He’s totally removing fear and worry from my life.  This is the perfect love that casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

The Glory of God involves replacing me with Him, and moving me from “worry to trust” is one of the beautiful ways He’s changing me into the same image of His dear Son.

I wrote this to remind myself of how truly tangible God’s Glory can be in our lives if we’re willing to let Him do His work of love in us.  I want more and more of His wonderful “from Glory to Glory,” like the liberating fruit of the Spirit, operating in my life.

I absolutely love being changed into His image.  Who wouldn’t want to have His image in their life when it brings so much love, compassion, joy, peace and rest to our lives?

God bless everyone,

Mark

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Heaven – Boy oh Boy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.  So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.
2 Samuel 6:14-15

Boy Howdy!  (I read where that means “Yee Haw” in Texas.) ☺

Put your phone down and hang onto your seats saints.  This is going to be a fun, uplifting email.  I pray the Holy Spirit fills you with the same Heavenly liberating excitement and joy I have right now.

Ann and I were in a long line at a market the other day.  We started chatting with a sweet, soft-spoken elderly woman behind us.  She began sharing how different things are today from when she was young.  She said disrespect and lawlessness were growing more and more.  She told us the world is in a real mess.  We agreed.  The world is in need of someone who can straighten things out without setting of another world war.

I was thinking about that conversation this morning and I just had to smile and think about Heaven.  We have so much to look forward to.  End times birth pangs are everywhere.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18

I have Jesus (the answer to the world’s woes, the One Who’s already wiping away all of my tears) living in me, and I can’t help but tell you, the joy of the Lord is my strength.  I love it!  I just can’t seem to get upset or discouraged about the shape the world’s in.  And, Jesus never asked me to.  Instead, He commands me to look up to all that awaits us.

Yipee, big time!  ☺☺☺

Encourage yourself in the Lord like David did.  God is for us.  Stay in the Lord, in the safe and glorious dwelling place of the Most High.

The New Jerusalem is going to measure 1363 miles square.  Think on that for a moment.  That’ll be a sight.

No, don’t let news get you down.  Instead, look up!  Rejoice!  Jesus, and all of Heaven, is so near.  Aren’t you incredibly thankful you have the hope of Heaven?

Look up, our redemption is drawing nearer each day.  That should put a spring in our step and a smile on our face.  Man oh man, I feel like David when he began shouting and dancing in the presence of the ark of God.  I love getting carried away in the Lord.  Praise you, Jesus!  Oh Hallelujah!

Heaven…Rejoice!

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month.  The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.  No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.  They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.  And night will be no more.  They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
Revelation 22:1-5 English Standard Version (ESV)

They will see his face…Yee Haw!

God bless,

Mark

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Jesus Can Help Us Be Good Soil

Hello Fellow Christians,

“Hear then the parable of the sower:  When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.  This is what was sown along the path.  As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.  As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.  As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it.  He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Matthew 13:18-23

At times in my walk, I’ve felt like I’ve been all three of these kinds of hearers of the Word.  I’ve felt like I wasn’t sure I could ever be good soil on a consistent basis.  What I discovered was whenever I felt like I was “rocky ground, not understanding the Word along the path, or among the thorns” that I just needed to ask Jesus for His help to be good soil.  He’d help me overcome any spiritual lack (like the jealousy, bitterness, anger, frustration, fear and self-pity that plagued my spirit making me want to give up) in my life to encourage me to grow and become stronger in Him.  He’s teaching me how to take the destructive thoughts of my flesh, and the enemy, captive.  He’s so close to us and ready to help us.  That’s why He sent us the precious Holy Spirit, our Helpful Comforter.

Oh thank You, Jesus, for Your faithful, steadfast love, mercy and care of our lives.

Image result for the steadfast love of the lord never ceases images

Mark

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Peace…Regardless of Circumstances

Peace…Regardless of circumstances.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for (or, because) I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:  every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  I can do all things (whether I’m abased, full, hungry, abounding or suffering need) through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:11-13

God bless you all,

Mark