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Kimberly, in Oklahoma, sent this to me the other day. It really blessed Annie and me. Thank you, Kimberly. ☺

The following is taken from Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s March 2018 Newsletter.

In the rush of our lives, one of the hardest things to do is to rest. The Bible tells us that “we must labor to enter the Lord’s rest and that there is a Sabbath yet waiting for His people.” Messiah is called the Lord of the Sabbath. How do we enter into that Sabbath realm? The secrets of entering the Lord’s Sabbath are hidden in the very first book of the Bible, Genesis.

In Genesis it’s written that when God saw all that He had made, “He saw that it was good, and He rested from His works.” There’s a secret in this verse. Just as God looked at His works on the sixth day, in order to enter the realm of the Sabbath and the Shalom of God, we must also look at God’s works. If you focus on your own works, you’ll never enter rest because your works will never be completed, or perfect, or finished. So many believers are wrapped up in what they’re doing or not doing, or their attempts at being godly, or their failures. But as much as they do that, they will never enter into God’s rest. The first key is to get your eyes off your own work and onto the work of God. Instead of looking at what you’ve done or haven’t done, direct your heart to what God has done. His works are perfect. He saved you perfectly. He’s given you a perfect salvation, a perfect redemption, a perfect love, hope, faith, joy, peace and blessing.

Beyond that, God saw that it was good. So if you are to enter into His Sabbath, you must also see that it’s good. When we feel sorry for ourselves, we’re saying, “It’s not good.” Our thoughts, words, and actions are saying the very opposite of what God said. When you look at what other people have done to you, how they mistreated you, you’re saying, “It’s not good.” When you look at your failure, you’re saying, “It’s not good.” And as long as you say, “It’s not good,” you can never move out of the sixth day and into the seventh – you can’t enter into His rest.

But you might ask, “How can I say it’s good, if it’s not?” “My life is filled with problems in this world, and it’s a messed up place.” That might be true, but we can only say it is not good if we are looking at the world and not at God’s works. God works through your problems, your troubles, and your past. He works through everything in your life. God’s word promises you that “…He works all things for the good for those who love Him…”

This means, if you see God in all things and see His works in every part of your life, you also can say, “It is good.” Why? It’s simple! Because God is working in them, and God has intended to work all things for good.

Direct the eyes of your heart off of your circumstances and onto the beauty of His love and His salvation and say, “It is good.” And you will begin living in the realm of Messiah’s Sabbath.

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.

There’s something so supernaturally exciting and fulfilling about pushing through fear to find faith and release at the other side. It’s one of the most wonderful experiences we can have. God knows that. I really believe He rejoices whenever we have this kind of adventure in Him.

The other day, the incredibly challenging and comforting Holy Spirit told me we’re about to see and experience the supernatural in new, fresh ways. I sat there as He gave me some time to ponder what He meant. He told me I would need to be open to His leading in the days ahead. I got pretty excited. ☺

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Revelation 21:8

Mainly due to health issues, I’ve lived many years in fear. They’ve been oppressive, tormenting, intimidating, handcuffing, suffocating years. Fear is no way to live. It chokes the life out of us and makes us miserable. The devil’s plan is to use fear to steal, kill and destroy us. But, God turned the whole situation around for me and used those same years to force me to be close to Him.

Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.

1 “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.”

2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

3 The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac.
Genesis 22:1-3b

I love how there seems to be no hesitation on Abraham’s part and heart to obey God in this amazing matter. This is the blessing. To simply obey God. Abraham was about to experience a supernatural blessing he could not have envisioned. The same is ahead for us if we’ll obey God in the coming days.

And they overcame him (the devil and his fear) 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

What in this life do I love more than Jesus? My kids, my wife, my home, my money, my health? What would I give up to have more/all of Him, to have all of the Kingdom? What would I give away to be totally set free from earthly fears? What would I part with to have total faith in my God?

The Kingdom of God is coming! And, it’s coming much faster than any of us know. Did you get that?

The Kingdom of God is coming! And, it’s coming much faster than any of us know.

God is shaking everything that can be shaken – including us, our own hearts, desires, wills, expectations, anything we’ve been depending on other than Him, etc. This isn’t a drill. This is the real thing. Anything in us that can be shaken needs to be let go of or, through fear, Satan will use it against us to separate us from God, from our Heavenly Father. Let “it” all go in the Name of Jesus. Do it now in your heart. Surrender everything to Jesus. Everything.

Jesus will give us the faith, grace, mercy and power to let go of everything that can be shaken in our lives if we’re willing to let Him do it in us.

Walk through Abraham’s test and see the magnificent, matchless glory of God. As He did in Abraham’s test, see God supply the lamb in your own life. Like Abraham, you will be so surprised to find out how much God loves you.

Only then will you be firmly planted on Christ the solid Rock Who can never be shaken. Only then, will you experience a new, supernatural freedom you never knew before.

So come on, child of God. Part with all fear. Hold nothing back. Nothing. Let go of everything and experience the fully liberating power of our loving Heavenly Father.

The Kingdom is coming. Can you believe it? Of course you can. ☺ 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.

Here I (Jesus) am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone (that’s you and me) hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Revelation 3:20

Wow, Jesus wants to have a meal with me. He wants that alone time with me…

His name was Pete. He lived across the street and was the father of my boyhood hero, Cal. Pete worked for the telephone company. Often, when we were outside on the street, Pete would come out and throw the football to us. He always talked with us like he was totally thinking of us at the time with nothing else on his mind. He really seemed to enjoy being with us and making us feel special in his fun way.

When I get alone with God I feel the power of Who He is, His rest and all that that means. He’s simply wonderful. Who He is changes me, makes me feel new, renewed, lifted, like I want to stay. I want Him to keep sharing what He knows, how He wants to make some changes in me that will make me more joyful, happier and free. And all of this happens as I take in the glory of His Presence.

I sometimes think we’re so goal oriented, chasing dreams, wearing out, going faster and faster, getting more and more done, and works performance-minded that we can’t even believe God wants us for Himself, that He wants us to be His alone, that He wants to be with us, that He wants to spend time and eternity with us – with you and with me. God loves one-on-one time with me. How do I know? I just know…

When I stop to be with Him; when I’m really His for a while; when I stop watching the clock; when I step out of the human race and into His place. Wow. It’s so fun, unwinding, and calming, and I never know what He’s going to say or do. I’m His, and He is all mine. That’s it.

Is it hard for you to believe that God wants you for you?I belong to my beloved, and his desire is for me.
Song Of Solomon 7:10

You are His desire!

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.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

God sets before me each day life and death – Deuteronomy 30:19. He recommends choosing life, His Life.

I may not always like it at first, but when God chastens me (when He prunes, corrects or disciplines me), He’s showing me His love and care for me as His child.

Why do I try to do what the Bible says I should do? Why am I letting God show me how to live this life His way instead of living it my way, or the world’s way? Is it because I’m legalistic? Is it because I want to look super-religious? Is it because I think I’m better than someone else? No, it’s because living God’s way blesses my life. His ways teach me to think like He does; to see life as He does. God’s ways bring me a peace I didn’t have before. His ways are making my marriage a tremendous blessing. And His ways change me from glory to glory making me more like Him as I – with the help of the Holy Spirit – apply His Word, His Truths to my life. His ways add His Life to my life. What an amazing thing.

In the pages of the Bible, you can clearly see His rich, spiritual blessings (like His transforming, matchless contentment) will happen in the life of anyone who applies His Word to their life. God states His desire for our lives in His Word. He does so in order to bless our lives. His ways keep us from the destruction sin – our ways – create in our lives.

Like the blind man in , all I know is that once I was blind – my life was out of control in so many ways – but now I see. He wanted to open my spiritual eyes to Him, to all He could change in me that would bless me with His fruit of the Spirit, with a marriage dependent on Him, with His patience, joy, and rest.

I don’t always understand why He asks me to live this way or that, but I find that if I do what He asks of me, I gain more of Him, of His peace, strength, mercy, grace and joy.

Once I was in charge of my life and it wasn’t good. Now, I let Him lead, I let Him show me how to live this life, I yield to Him, and the difference is everything to me.

1 I (Jesus) am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
John 15:1-12

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Hebrews 12:5-11

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.

When Jesus leaves the 99 to rescue me…

I was thinking about how often I can be challenged to wander off from Jesus, from my Shepherd. Daily activities, today’s world, responsibilities – they can all lead me off away from Jesus. Sometimes, I get anxious thoughts, I begin to take on care, I begin to feel like I need to be self-sufficient, the cares of this world and life distract me, I may wander from Romans 8:28. When my thoughts get to this point, it’s so wonderful when Jesus breaks into my thoughts and calls me back to Him, to His truth that sets me free from care, from anxiety, from worry, from fear, from restlessness. I’m so thankful He comes to find me, the one sheep that’s missing, that’s gone off in his own thoughts, that’s not taken a thought captive and been led astray.

Oh, the precious voice of the Good Shepherd, Jesus. His voice, His truth always brings me back to green pastures beside the still waters, back to the fold where I’m safe and free. Truly, the Lord is my Shepherd.

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray and gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?
Matthew 18:12

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:27-28

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.

Wow, what a powerful title for today’s email…

I have to say that having CCPTSD for decades, there is nothing like learning that the Lord, the Almighty One, the Lion of Judah, the King of kings and Lord of lords is my confidence. I could never thank Him enough for saving me from the destruction He’s bringing me out of, all the time when He wasn’t my confidence, when I was trusting in everything but Him. Make the Lord (and nothing else) your confidence. You’ll never be the same. The “rest” you’ll enter into as He becomes your confidence is so sure, peaceful, secure, comforting and strong.

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked (those who are trusting in something/anything other than the Lord), when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

Wow, what a powerful verse. When the Lord is your confidence, you’ll know you’re dwelling in the secret place of The Most High.

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 so faithful to give us so many spiritual blessings. He’s so faithful to fortify our faith. We don’t always get what we want in the natural. By believing Romans 8:28, we can trust and rest in His sovereignty. For me, this way of life has been the biggest victory far exceeding what I thought my life should be.

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious unto you
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (His peace that is ABOVE our circumstances)
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 every other name.

These are my power verses. When I stand on them, God shows up. Hallelujah!

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

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

Be strong and of a good courage…Only be thou strong and very courageous…Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: For the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest…Only be strong and of a good courage.
From Joshua 1

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

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

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.

When my Yahoo email went down, God gave me such peace about it. It was amazing. I’m realizing more each day what a joy it is to be His child. Wow. The blessings of knowing and choosing Him every day are so wonderful, mighty and comforting. What a Father we have Who cares for our every need spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

What a privilege it is to carry everything to God in prayer, to trust Him and His Word, to take Him at His Word, to rest in Him, to give Him all our care, to know that He’s truly working all things together for our good, and to choose to believe all of this each day. There is simply no one and nothing like our precious, almighty Jesus. He truly is Lord.

To the King of Kings, and Lord of Lord be all honor, and glory and praise now and evermore!

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.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

This is no time for fear. This is the time for faith, for taking God at His Word because when we take Him at His Word, He shows up. He’s a rewarder of faith. The more fear I face, the more I learn of His matchless love for me.  How exciting and wonderful is that?

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
1 Timothy 6:6-12

And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
Mark 4:19

The ultimate deceitfulness of riches is taking the Mark of the Beast (666) because you’ve trusted in money rather than God, made money an idol, and become its slave.

About two weeks ago, I was sharing with Annie about getting the word out to as many people as possible about what Bill Gates is up to and how it relates to “Biosecurity and Politics.” I could tell I was beginning to take on some “care,” the very thing God is desiring to remove from my life by casting all of it on Him. That’s when He spoke to my heart, “Son, you need to let some people go to hell.” Wow.

I talked with a man the other day who told me he can’t believe how fast the end times are coming on the earth – I could tell he was really heavy about it so I tried to encourage him in the Lord. He went on to tell me a man at his church who has a very successful business will take whatever “Mark” Bill Gates demands we take to continue doing his business. The business owner’s wife feels differently and feels they should not take the Mark. Amazing. A “Christian” who is willing to take the Mark just so he can continue his successful business.

What a time we live in.

If Christians are raptured before the tribulation period begins, they will leave everything on earth behind – all possessions, money, their position in life, you name it.

If the Mark of the Beast (666) is given out half way through the Bible’s seven year tribulation period, once the Mark is distributed, people have just 3.5 years at the most before Jesus’ second coming. That means that people who decide to take the Mark are trading all of eternity for just 3.5 more years – and, those 3.5 years will be the most difficult time the earth has ever endured.

About two weeks ago, the Lord began to change me in a new way. He began to really encourage me about facing the end times. He told me the end times are here and to be joyful about it because I’d soon be with Him – “looking up” became new to me. He told me to face all fears with courage just like so many in the Bible times (Joshua and Caleb, Esther, Ruth, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the Apostle Paul, and on and on including our own names as we stand on His promises.) did and that He would meet me with His overwhelming courage and faith. It’s amazing to look forward to fear because you anticipate His great faith showing up. He is so faithful. He’s truly overcome the world.

Be strong and of a good courage…Only be thou strong and very courageous…Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: For the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest…Only be strong and of a good courage.
From Joshua 1

19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Isaiah 59:19

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11-13

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Matthew 24:13

17 then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

Thanking and praising Him in all things because He’s no wonderful and worthy of all praise, 

Mark

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

Happy Monday, everyone.

So come on. Let’s go!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.
Psalm 63:3-4

Sometimes, we’re tempted to doubt God’s lovingkindness. Those are the times when I remember Romans 8:28. God is able to work in any of the situations that come my way in this life. And, because He is able to do so, I’m reminded that His lovingkindness is better than my often limited view of this life. He’s in control. I need to rest in Him and His care of me.

Thanking and praising God in all things. It’s what lifts me ABOVE this life and into His realm. With Him, all things are possible.  Amen.

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 devil will do all he can to drag us from the safe, secure, peaceful, merciful, graceful, joyful, comforting haven of our Father’s dwelling place.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Galatians 5:22-23

I memorize and focus on the attributes God’s Word talks about because they calm me down and keep me safe from my weak flesh and all of the world’s situations that try to steal what I’ve found in Jesus. This is why I love righteousness and holiness. They protect me all the day long. God knew they would. They keep me in His dwelling place under the shadow of my Father, the Most High. Why would anyone want to be/live anywhere else?

Wonderful Counselor
^{By The Maranatha Singers}

Wonderful counselor, Jesus
Search me, know me, Jesus
Lead me, guide me, Jesus
Wonderful counselor, Jesus

Mighty God, Son of God, Jesus
Name above all other names, Jesus
Glorify, magnify, Jesus
Mighty God, Son of God, Jesus

Everlasting Father, Jesus
Holy and unchangeable, Jesus
Fill me with your presence, Jesus
Everlasting Father, Jesus

Prince of Peace, rule my heart, Jesus
Know my every anxious thought, Jesus
Calm my fears, dry my tears, Jesus
Prince of Peace, rule my heart, Jesus

Prince of Peace, rule my heart, oh wonderful 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.

I got up this morning thinking about my past and how I almost didn’t make it..

That’s when the Lion of Judah, Jesus, broke into my thoughts and told me to forget the past. Praise Jesus!

12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high (free indeed) calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

So come on, let’s go! This is the cry of the Lion of Judah – The High calling of God in Christ Jesus. His call will set – and keep – you free from all encumbrances!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark