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Have you stopped casting all your care on Jesus? Has something chased you away from the green pastures and still waters?

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 (Because) the Lord shall be thy
confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

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

I can recognize Jesus leading in my life from moment to moment each day. He leads me into green pastures and still waters. There, I’m near Him. I find trusting Him easy in that place.

Then, sudden fear – in any form – tries to pull me away from Jesus, from that place of trusting Him in all things.

When I get angry, jealous, insecure, let myself be conformed to this world and its ways, when I’m tempted by self-pity, greed, fear, tempted to walk in my own understanding, unforgiveness, when I take on care, I’m not letting Jesus be my shepherd. I leave the green pastures and still waters of His care for me. I leave His dwelling place and begin trusting in myself and others.

Fortunately, He reminds me of His care for me. He calls me back to the green pastures and still waters.

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 (from disbelief, care and taking on care).
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

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

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

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

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

Be still, and know that I am God:
Psalm 46:10a

And let the peace of God (Your Good Shepherd) rule in your hearts, (as He reminds you that He’s with you and that He will never leave you nor forsake you)
Colossians 3:15a

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness (green pastures and still waters as I return to trusting in Him) for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3

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

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

He restoreth my soul…

God bless,

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 had some thoughts about the ax head passage found in 2 Kings. When she shared them with me, the Holy Spirit began speaking…How beautiful the Holy Spirit is. So beautiful.

1 The disciples of the prophets said to Elisha, “The place where we’re staying is too small for us. 2 Let’s go to the Jordan River. Each of us can get some logs and make a place for us to live there.”

Elisha said, “Go ahead.”

3 Then one of the disciples asked, “Won’t you please come with us?”

Elisha answered, “I’ll go.”

4 So he went with them. They came to the Jordan River and began to cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the ax head fell into the water. He cried out, “Oh no, master! It was borrowed!”

6 The man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed Elisha the place, Elisha cut off a piece of wood. He threw it into the water at that place and made the ax head float. 7 Elisha said, “Pick it up.” The disciple reached for it and picked it up.
2 Kings 6:1-7

Whether we’re aware of it at the time or not, fear and oppression are always trying to influence and intimidate us. They’re always working to get a foot in the door in our lives. The father of lies is constantly seeking to devour us, to get us to doubt God and His Word, to begin to disbelieve The Truth, to make us ineffective in our witness, to pressure us, to shut us up and to leave us scared, and feeling weaponless, spiritually. On the other hand, God is also trying to build us up and to expand us in Him, in Who He is, in the power of His might.

You’re living life and having a “normal” day when something comes up that robs you of your ax head, of who you are in The Lion of Judah. You sense you can’t go on without it. The work God has you doing gets temporarily suspended because you’ve lost your identity in Christ.

The ax head. Hmmm, where did we lose or leave our ax head? When did we stop trusting in God’s sovereignty, and stop believing that He really is in control. Try to remember where and when we last had the ax head. God always calls Ann and me back to into His care for us, His peace, rest and joy – it’s our ax head. It’s amazing how many times we’re tempted to get off of God’s peace, rest and joy in our lives. The enemy will try to have us react to circumstances with fear, intimidation, our own understanding, in our own remedies, etc. All we ever need to do is get back to relying on the Holy Spirit and Jesus Who remind us again that They’re still with us, still in control, and that we can simply rest in Their love for us as They work all things together for our good.

What wonderful, matchless, almighty, powerful, priceless love, comfort and joy. There is so much supernatural strength in the Holy Spirit. When we remember to get back in Him, we re-enter the all-valuable dwelling place of the Most High. Nothing like sinking back into His all-caring, soothing, protective Presence. There is no place like the place in The Lion of Judah.

Forgot who you are in Christ? Ask Him to show you where the ax head He gave you for your life is. He’ll always direct you back to it, back to who you are in The Lion of Judah.

*******

He who finds a wife finds a good thing,
And obtains favor from the Lord.
Proverbs 18:22

The other day, I was tired and started to have some heavier, downward-spiraling thoughts. Ann recognized something was going on (that I was being bullied by lies), but I told her it was simply that I was tired after not sleeping well for a couple of nights. Finally, the next day, I saw what the enemy was up to and rebuked him out loud, got out the 91st Psalm and began putting God’s Truth back in me to dispel the darkness that was trying to get me off track and down. Ann told me if it was merely being tired, why were my thoughts not peaceful thoughts instead of the restless thoughts I was having? I’m so thankful for my discerning wife. What a blessing she is in my life. Thank You, Jesus, for blessing me with Annie and her incredible love and support.

God is so good. He’s so faithful.

God bless you all today, mighty ones. ☺

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.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

4 One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Psalm 27:1-8

So come on. Let’s get out there and discover all of the wonderful things God has in store for us. He is so faithful to show us all that He is. Pretty cool, huh?

God bless,

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.

 

Deception always appears reasonable. It’s always camouflaged in a desirable offer or package. The “mark of the beast” will appear reasonable when introduced.

For the first time in history the abiblity exists to mark or track everyone on earth.

I’m sitting here in our quiet condo looking out at Lake San Marcos and the gorgeous panoramic view God has so blessed us with. It’s another beautiful Southern California day with some bright, white, cotton ball clouds dotting a clear blue sky. I’m thinking to myself, “Wow, life is good.”

Then, I’m brought back into reality by being reminded of the fact that Israel is “back in the land” and that the Covid-19 situation is really happening. I remember the Bible talking about how God is going to speed up the end times and how life is changing rapidly all around us…

The following are things we’ve wanted to share with you for a while now regarding the seriousness of the moment we live in while reminding all of us who have accepted Christ as our personal Savior to keep looking up to Jesus.

If you know anyone (family, friends, fellow employees, acquaintances) who is not saved, who has not asked Jesus into their life, who has not repented of their sins (making every effort to stop sinning), please make sure they’re aware of “the mark of the beast (666).” Everyone needs to have the opportunity to be informed about what the eternal consequences of receiving the mark of the beast mean.

If you’re here during the tribulation period, will you accept the mark? The Bible clearly states (see the following Bible verses) that those who take the mark will be eternally separated from God (in hell).

We’re seeing so much news that’s clearly leading to the “mark of the beast” being initiated in the entire world. Just as Covid-19 suddenly came onto the world scene, it’s amazing how fast preparations for the mark are developing…

So many are saying there is an obvious, other agenda to the Covid-19 issue. The misuse of ventilators (they’re reportedly killing many Covid-19 patients) and how much hospitals receive for using them in treatment and for labeling deaths as Covid-19 deaths. Denmark is moving towards not letting anyone in grocery stores, restaurants and other places without appropriate clearance. A very well known self-proclaimed philanthropist often states publicly that it doesn’t matter how many die in the process of implementing his new world order. One of the world’s wealthiest, who is obviously not a medical doctor, (see ID2020) is working quickly on vaccinating the entire world which will probably include other info about our lives. These men, pharmaceutical companies, and many others, reportedly stand to make trillions each year. And there’s so much more news surrounding the true reasons for Covid-19 that have nothing directly related (like political advantages) to the health concern it’s purported to be …”Control” is central to those in at the top and in charge of this situation.

According to the Bible, the soon great tribulation coming on the world in these end times will be the most horrific time in human history. It will surpass all wars, famines, pestilences, etc. In fact, the Bible states in the book of Mark chapter 13 and verse 20 that no flesh will survive unless God steps in to stop the tribulation of those days. (See the Bible book of Matthew chapter 24 as well)

The rapture of the church is another, supernatural, end times event where all Christians will suddenly be taken up (caught up) in the clouds to meet Jesus in the air.

Then we (Christians) which 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.
1 Thessalonians 4:17

But he (Christian) that shall endure (keep the faith) unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Matthew 24:13

Don’t be afraid of what you (Christian) are about to suffer. The devil will throw some of you into prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But if you remain faithful even when facing death, I (Jesus) will give you the crown of life.
Revelation 2:10

For decades, most Protestant churches have taught about the “Rapture” of the church. For as long, Biblical scholars have argued whether this event will be “pre-tribulation,” “mid-tribulation,” or “post-tribulation.” No one knows for certain exactly when it will occur. Even Jesus said He didn’t know. Only the Heavenly Father knows.

If we have listened to the “Pre-trib” preachers/teachers… we did not expect to be here now – this close to the beginning of the Tribulation period mentioned in the Bible. I remember a very popular pastor telling his congregation with absolute certainty that we had less than 10 years – that the Church would be raptured. He then laid out Biblical and world details why that was true. That was in the late 1970’s.

We still don’t know when the Rapture will occur. We do, however, see a lot of the “Signs of the Times” spoken of throughout the Bible rapidly coming to pass now.

In this COVID-19 time, the advantages of a cashless society and other individual information tracking ideas are being discussed. For the first time in human history, current technology makes this do-able. It will involve taking a physical “mark.” Is this the mark (the UN’s ID2020 project?) that is spoken of in Revelation 13:16-17, 14:9-11?

He (the beast – Rev 13) required everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to be given a mark on the right hand or on the forehead. And no one could buy or sell anything without that mark, which was either the name of the beast or the number representing his name.

ID2020 sounds exactly like a “mark.”

We are accustomed to our pets being micro-chipped and have seen articles in the last few years of what a convenience it would be financially and medically to have human micro-chips. It is being done in Sweden. It is simply viewed as being very convenient and secure “…well, of course…no big deal… it makes perfect sense…” But according to the Bible it is a big deal and will have eternal consequences.

The fear Covid-19 has planted in the lives of so many is the perfect platform to operate from regarding reaching the entire planet with tracking devices. People will gladly accept a mark in order to have their lives back.

“Anyone who worships the beast and his statue or who accepts his mark on the forehead or on the hand must drink the wine of God’s anger. It has been poured full strength into God’s cup of wrath. And they will be tormented with fire and burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. The smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever, and they will have no relief day or night, for (because) they have worshiped the beast and his statue and have accepted the mark of his name.”
Revelation 14:9-11

What is the most important thing is your life? Most of us quickly answer God and our family. But Money has become a very powerful idol in the world today… particularly in America… and even in the Church. What would you decide if you had to take a “mark” to access your money in the bank? What would you decide if you were not able to buy & sell … to buy food? What would you decide if you could not access the ATM, your 401k, your credit?

I’ve always thought, “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” I hope the rapture happens soon so we don’t have to make this decision.

Do you remember when Jesus was tempted by the devil in the desert for 40 days when he was exhausted and fasting. Satan said, “Just bow your knee to me and I will give you the earth, for it is mine to give.” Jesus didn’t bow.

I want to be prepared for the worst. I want to decide ahead of time in my heart and mind that if this is extremely important to God, it will be important to me. It is after all, the most extreme meaning of choosing life or death – forever.

Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the Bible’s book of Daniel, I won’t compromise… I won’t bow my knee. I won’t take the mark of the beast. God is my source, provision and LORD – For everything He knows I need.

If taking the mark of the beast was important enough for God to tell John to write this down nearly two thousand years before it could even happen – and to warn us about it – it is eternally important. Decide now that you won’t take “the mark of the beast.”

I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man (Jesus) returns, how many will he find on the earth who have faith (will any still be following Jesus at that time)?
Luke 18:8 NLT

He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Revelation 22:20

(You can google ID2020 as well as “The Bible’s Mark of the Beast”)

Keep looking up to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. He will keep those who turn to Him in time of need.

God bless,

Mark

How to ask Jesus into your life:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10

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.

Silverwind, 1980s: “My prayer for you is that you will stay with the Lord long enough for Him to remove all your fears.”

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Psalm 84:12

I was remembering how life was before God got my attention, until He turned my heart and life towards Him. Life was so unpredictable and hard for me with the relentless migraines, being compared to others, not living up to expectations, the tremendous fear of what others thought of me, and CCPTSD.

I was scared so much of the time. I couldn’t concentrate, hid my panic the best I could; was dizzy; couldn’t breathe deep much of the time or focus; and people often wondered what was wrong with me. I tried so hard to be, act and look “normal”.

Aside from the obvious migraines I was too scared to tell anyone about (at the age of 11 – following a doctor-based TV show with a man who died with symptoms the migraines gave me), I didn’t know I was dealing with the increasing, suffocating, damaging symptoms of CCPTSD.

Where was God leading me to in all of this uncertainty and pain? What did He have in the future for me?

I cried out to God so much of the time. I knew I needed Him to help me. I knew I couldn’t do life without finding Him, and without Him (somehow) making sense of it all, and – the most difficult thing – making it all better.

8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Before God showed me how to put my total trust in Him, life was really scary, confusing, and awful. It was a major nightmare.

Now, all these years later, I can’t even express my thanks to Him for taking me under His wing and teaching me that I can trust Him with every storm in life and that He’ll work everything for my good as I trust in Him. This is where He was leading me to all this time. To the matchless place of being able to trust Him in all things knowing that He’d work everything together for good in my life. What a miraculous change this knowledge brought to my life.

And, while I’m still learning to trust Him deeper, I now I know the true secret to life. It’s knowing Him. It’s experiencing the most incredible thing this life can give anyone, “blessed is the man/woman that trusteth in thee.”

“All you ever have to do, Mark, is follow where I (God) lead, trust me in all situations and circumstances while always remembering that I will never leave you nor forsake you. Never. You’ll see and experience Me working all things together for your good. This will keep you resting in Me, in My love for you.”

Whatever God, in His Sovereignty, allows in your life, seek Him. Give Him all of it. Let Him teach you “blessed is the man/woman that trusteth in thee.” And, somehow, He’ll take what you thought was hard and awful and turn it into a glorious thing that will touch and strengthen others. Only He can do this in our life. He is all we need.

And, He keeps pouring more of His beautiful truth, holiness (wholeness), love, peace, mercy, grace, rest and joy – all that He is – into our life every day…

Truly, ABOVE all else, I will say of the Lord, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

God bless,

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.

One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:4

How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place
_{(Written by Tom Howard
Maranatha! Music
Praise Album 7. The Lord Reigns)}

Ah………….

How lovely is your dwelling place,
almighty Lord
There’s a hunger deep inside my soul
Only in your presence, are my
heart & flesh restored,
how lovely

How lovely is your dwelling place
Almighty Lord
There’s a hunger deep inside my soul
Only in your presence,
are my heart & flesh restored,
how lovely is your dwelling place

In your court there’s shelter
for the greatest and the small
The sparrow has a place
to build her nest

The pilgrim finds refreshment
in the rains that fall
And each one has the
strength to meet the test

How lovely is your dwelling place
Almighty Lord
There’s a hunger deep inside my soul
Only in your presence, are
my heart & flesh restored,
how lovely is your dwelling place

A single day is better
when spent in humble praise
than a thousand days of living
without You

The Lord bestows His favour
On each one who obeys
And blessings on the ones
Whose heart are true

How lovely is your dwelling place,
almighty Lord
There’s a hunger deep inside my soul
Only in your presence, are my
heart & flesh restored,
How lovely is your dwelling place
Oooh, how lovely is your dwelling place

Ah……………..

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

Here’s the beautiful, original recording of this sweet song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsrD7muZfYM

There is simply no other place like His dwelling place…

God bless you all, dear ones.

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 was saying some verses out loud just now (5-11-20 morning) when the Holy Spirit reminded me of how I came to saying verses out loud…His Word is so soothing, calming, reassuring, powerful, freeing and works deep in our lives bringing His Holiness (His Wholeness, His Right Living that blesses our lives with His Life) into every corner of our being. He is simply so faithful to shine His cleansing light into our darkness so we can be full of His joy and righteousness. Truly, His kind of sin-cleansing love knows no bounds and will never stop its wholesome work in any willing heart.

Until Ann and I began replacing our own plans, thoughts, the devil’s thoughts, and the world’s thinking with the Word of God, with His Truth that could set us free, we lived defeated lives. Once we got a taste of what God meant by transforming our minds to Him, to His Word, we knew we were onto something different, real and huge. Just one small taste of spiritual victory in our lives motivated us forward. Even if that meant one small step at a time learning to apply God’s ways to our broken lives – line upon line. We knew we could no longer live the way we were.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

He reveals the deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.
Daniel 2:22

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17

Thank You, Lord, for Your power-filled Word that sets us free indeed. Indeed, there is nothing and no one like You, Father of lights.

God bless,

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.

Ann and I were feeling the presence of the enemy this morning. We knew he was trying to get us to believe his defeating lies by getting us to doubt our trust in God. So, we read Psalm 91 out loud three times and then read the following by Jonathan Cahn. I was going to send out another word this morning, but knew I needed to send out Jonathan’s message instead.

Hallelujah! God is so good.

*******

The Position Of Victory
^{By Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn}

In a critical moment in Jehoshaphat’s reign, God gives His people a prophetic Word. He says this: “You need not fight in this battle, station yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf…” In this is a secret of living a victorious life.

The key is in the words “station yourselves.”

God wants you to have victory in your life; victory over sin, over bondage, and over attacks from the enemy. It’s His will to bring you victory. But just as it was with the people in Jehoshaphat’s time, there’s something you have to do.

You need to station yourself in the proper position for that victory.

If you’re stationing yourself in front of the TV all day, you’re not in position for victory. If you’re stationing yourself in thoughts of fear, worry, anxiety, depression, you’re not in position for victory. If you’re stationing yourself to fall into sin, you’re not in position.

Station yourself in the will and Word of God. Do what He says, step out in faith, and believe His promises – and you will be in position – stationed for victory.

Today, in whatever situation you’re facing, station yourself for victory by standing on the Word that God has given you. Stand and see your victory!

2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Psalm 40:2-4

*******

God bless,

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.

My dad’s stepfather (grandpa) owned a small restaurant. He was an amazing cook and always spoiled us with too much delicious food. Grandpa also had a big, soft chair and foot stool I loved to sit in. When he passed away in the 70s, I was given this chair. Sitting in grandpa’s chair was always a comfort to me.

The devil does not want me to be comforted. He wants me to live in turmoil and strife all the days of my life.

But…

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23

I was thinking about this precious Psalm when it dawned on me again that Jesus is the table that keeps me in the very presence of mine enemies. Jesus anoints my head with the oil of the Holy Spirit – The Comforter – and my cup runs over with all that He is as He prepares more of His love, peace, rest, joy, grace and mercy for me to dine on and to be deeply satisfied with. At this table, there is never a need to fear any evil – No evil dares to approach this strong Shepherd’s rod and staff.

While at His table, Jesus fills me with all that He is. The Good Shepherd continues to restore me – over and over.

For His Name’s sake…Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3

Mmmm…His goodness, mercy and peace are so delicious. And, He always has more for me.

His Word – Who He is – is the food that “keeps” me full, yet somehow always wanting more of Him as I stay near Him in His green pastures and fresh, still water.

And I will dwell in the safe and abundant house of the Lord for ever. Thank You, Lord. Thank You, Father. Truly, nothing compares with being Your child.

God bless,

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.

My friend, John Newcombe, sent me this article written by his brother, Jerry, sometime ago. It’s really powerful.

Warnings From a Survivor of Communism
^{By Jerry Newcombe, D.Min.
3/13/18}

“I should be dead. Buried in an unmarked grave in Romania. Obviously, I am not. God had other plans.” So declares a lady who grew up under Communism.

Her name is Virginia Prodan. I had not heard of her until she reached out to me through Facebook—to commend me for a recent column I had written about how Communism, despite its deadly track record, seems to be gaining some support among the young and naïve of the West.

I have come to learn her story, to read her book, and to interview her on the radio. She has an important message for our time, when religious freedom is at risk.

She described the Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu thus: “I called that land a land of lies and a ‘Prisonland’ because we were not allowed to criticize or even to ask questions about the government or his regime.”

She adds, “It was a ‘Prisonland’ because everything about us was supervised. The government wanted to make sure that we didn’t have any knowledge about the outside world. We were surrounded by the Iron Curtain. I remember my parents being very, very submissive. They were ‘politically correct’ outside of home, but whispering their feelings inside of home.”

Prodan thought that by becoming a lawyer, which she considered a pursuit of elusive truth, maybe she could fill the emptiness in her soul. But that didn’t work.

One of her clients was the victim of anti-Christian persecution and difficult circumstances. However, through all he suffered, he managed to maintain his internal peace and joy. The barrister said to him in effect, “I want what you have.” So he invited her to church—not a common experience in those days.

When Prodan was in the church, the pastor got up and read the statement from Jesus (John 14:6): “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

She writes in her memoir, Saving My Assassin (Tyndale, 2016), “Did I hear right? Someone was claiming to be ‘the truth’? The woman next to me handed me a Bible opened to John 14:6. I read the verse myself and then listened carefully. As the pastor continued to describe the truth of Jesus Christ, I felt as though he were speaking directly to me, that the Bible verses he was sharing were written specifically for me. Could it really be this simple?”

Her heart was touched, despite the atheistic government doing everything it could to discourage any kind of Christian influence in Romania.

She writes, “For the first time in my life, everything made sense. I had spent years searching for the truth, but I had been looking in the wrong places—law school, the government, the justice system—when the answer was here all along. I suddenly realized that the truth was not something that came from law books, but from God himself: the Creator of the universe—my Creator; the source of all life, peace, and happiness. When the pastor asked if anyone wanted to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, I accepted his invitation. It was the culmination of a lifelong search that went back as far as I could remember.” (pp. 108-109).

After the service, they even gave her a copy of the forbidden book: “‘You do realize,’ the pastor cautioned, ‘that the Romanian government can arrest you for having a Bible in your home.’ I was vaguely aware of this fact, but I had never really given it much thought—until now.” (p. 109).

Virginia Prodan went on to defend Christians in the courts of Romania, and eventually was targeted for assassination by the Communist authorities, whose views were summed up by the Romanian police one day: “You need church? We will educate you on that! Ceausescu is god, not that lunatic [Jesus]” (p. 154).

But the Lord saved the very man sent to kill her when Prodan shared the gospel with him while he held her at gunpoint. In her book, she even has a chapter written by that man.

He writes, “I was a man empowered to commit unthinkable atrocities upon people. But then God, in his amazing love, sent me to her office. My intention was to kill Virginia, but God’s intention was to breathe life into me through her” (pp. 290-291).

Eventually, because of pressure from the West, Virginia Prodan and family were able to emigrate from Romania, a year before Ceausescu was judged by his own people and executed on Christmas day 1989.

Today in America, she is an attorney for God (affiliated with the Alliance Defending Freedom), fighting for Christian liberties in the courts of America and in the courts of public opinion. She and her would-be assassin offer a timeless warning to those who think Communism and the war against religious freedom have something positive to offer.

God bless,

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.

“How Firm a Foundation” is a Christian hymn published in 1787 by John Rippon. The obvious theme of this hymn is the firm foundation that God provides to us in a turbulent world. Rippon rejoices in the fact that no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in, we can rely upon the solid foundation of the Lord to keep us calm and encouraged.

How Firm A Foundation, Ye Saints Of The Lord
^{By John Rippon}

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

“Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.”

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.”

“When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.”

“The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no, never, no, never forsake!”

God bless,

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 antidote to fear is faith in our Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18

There is only One Perfect Love. His Name is Jesus.

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love.
Song of Solomon 2:4

God’s love for us is full of fear-extinguishing faith. This is made crystal clear in the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews.

When He set them free from Egypt, God set the children of Israel free from their 400 years of slavery. God had heard their cries and decided enough was enough.

While leading the children into the Promise Land, God told them to “take the land.” The children had to fight for it and some of them would die in the battles it would take to enter the Promise Land. The children had to choose to love not their lives unto death if they were to follow God.

There is no way to overcome the devil and all of his fear aside from following Christ.

The US flag (banner) is representative of the land of the free and the home of the brave. It’s representative of Americans who left the bondage of the tyrants they lived under across the Atlantic ocean – and all others who left their bondage in other lands to come here. Fear is not freedom because it makes us its slave and it makes us scared and wimpy in our souls. Faith in God is freedom because it frees us and makes us brave – even unto death.

Annie and I are buying a flag to fly over our back patio (it can be seen best there) as a reminder and statement of who we are in Christ.

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave – Because of what Christ has done in our lives and because He gave us the precious opportunity to choose Him everyday!

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

Fear will keep me loving my life. God wants me to live by faith and to not love my life unto death. That’s because He knows there is no true, Godly freedom in loving my life, in trying to hang onto what God knows will keep me in bondage. It’s only when I “love not my life unto death” that I’m truly free in this life.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20

Praise Jesus!

God’s Word, His Truth, His Love is so powerful, fear-consuming, and liberating.

Ann and I are so thankful Jesus is setting us free from the tyrant of fear.

In Christ alone – Live free in Jesus!

God bless,

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 fear and faith, whatever you put in you is what comes out of you. FIFO – First in, first out.

Here’s something we never used to think about until Ann and I began memorizing and applying God’s Word to our everyday lives: Refusing and stopping to live by fear and instead choosing (yeah, it’s a deliberate choice) to live by faith is really what repentance is all about as far as God’s Word is concerned.

Annie and I used to believe so many of the enemy’s lies and the lies had us living in such strangling fear. Satan told us our marriage wouldn’t make it, we’d be on welfare and food stamps forever, that we were bringing such shame to our families, that we would never know God’s rest and that our lives would always be full of striving, that we would never escape the fear of man, that I (Mark would/should take my life) that we would never be able to overcome our past, that we didn’t have what it would take to live by faith in God, that our future was doomed to be the same, that our ill health would keep us from all the spiritual blessings that God had for us, and so much more. It was awful.

Many people try to stand on their faith to get what they want and when they don’t get it, they get mad at God and others. They may even dump God. What they don’t realize is that faith isn’t a one-time experiment. It’s a way of life and God loves to show us how faithful He is as He leads us into His beautiful, matchless will and plan for our lives.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
John 11:40 NIV

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 John 5:4

Fear wears us out. Faith rejuvenates us and gives us the power and ability to overcome this world through Jesus Christ.

You know, at times, it’s too easy to forget that God is supernatural. His power and might know no bounds and are not limited to science and the seen world.

God has the supernatural power and might to give us faith right in the face of fear – in the presence of mine enemies. And there’s nothing like God’s faith and the ability and desire to back it up.

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

God can recognize faith in us. He responds to faith. It’s what His Word says. When we choose faith – when we trust Him – something in the heavenlies sounds and summons His attention.

Annie and I got fed up with fear. We got worn out from how it abused us by making our lives miserable and nearly intolerable.

Like most people, Annie and I get tempted with fear (we get tempted to walk by sight and not by faith), but now we react differently than we did a few decades ago. God really honors and backs up faith (Hebrews 11:1, 6). It’s a real battle to renew the mind to walk by faith and not by sight, but it can be done with the help of the Holy Spirit, learning to deliberately act on God’s Word and living with a God-given tenacity. God wants everyone to be able to live by faith. Everyone. That’s how much He loves this world.

Annie and I live and love to tell people to do The Word. Doing God’s Word is what is setting us free from the impact this world’s situations and circumstances used to grip our lives with.

It doesn’t matter how far this world, its ways and the lies of the devil (unbelief, hurt, disappointment, fear, drugs, mammon, pride, religion, fornication, greed, shame, unforgiveness, you name it) take you away from the Father, once you turn back in His direction – with His almighty, supernatural, all seeing and knowing vision – He will see you and come running in your direction with His arms held open wide. Amen!

Faith in His Word is changing and has changed our lives. We know what fear did to us. We’re learning how much faith can set us free.

The Kingdom of God (faith, trust, belief, and all the rest) is at hand.
Matthew 3:2

Fear or faith? Faith is as close as The Word, as close as Jesus, as close as your hand. Get to know the power of faith in Jesus. Have active faith. In other words, apply it to every minute of your life. Grab faith and live boldly in Jesus with the very power of His resurrection. Annie and I (and so many others) can tell you you’ll never be the same.

Hallelujah!

God bless,

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 so long, I was stuck in thinking I could keep my flesh, my plans – and my will – and serve God at the same time. Now, I can’t believe I thought that was possible. My attempt to do so nearly wore me out.

I was just thinking about how God chose to begin to set me on His path for my life. He simply asked me to happily take out the trash each day. Pretty religious, right? Wow. And then I thought about how a fellow we know, Bob, told me how God spoke to him to love his wife Carol in a whole new way and how it was changing their lives. Repentance is so life-giving, life-changing, refreshing and amazing…

In my One Year Bible, I was reading the Old Testament Bible passage for April 25 when the following verses spoke to me.

Deborah, the wife of Lappidoth, was a prophet who was judging Israel at that time…My heart is with the commanders of Israel, with those who volunteered for war. Praise the Lord!…But in the tribe of Reuben there was great indecision (double-mindedness). Why did you sit at home among the sheepfolds – to hear the shepherds whistle for their flocks? Yes, in the tribe of Reuben there was great indecision. Gilead remained east of the Jordan. And why did Dan stay home? Asher sat unmoved at the seashore, remaining in his harbors. But Zebulun risked his life, as did Naphtali, on the heights of the battlefield.
Judges 4:4; 5:9; 15b-18

God loves to bring people into our lives He knows will help us to become more free in Christ – Our time in Oregon, Merlin Carothers books, other books, the Bible, and so much more is what God used and is using in our lives to transform us into His liberating, peaceful, restful, glorious, joyful, triumphant image. One of the most important ways He motivates us to be free is by being doers of His Word, by continuing to be His disciples indeed (John 8:31-32). God wants all of Him for us and knows how to bring that about. Deborah, a judge in Israel, was such a person for her time. God used her life to give Israel great and new freedom.

Ann and I love to be around people who are doing the Word and who keep being willing to let God take them into all righteousness by replacing their ways with His ways. Renewing our minds is such a wonderful and rewarding journey. It’s just so fun to follow God and to see where He takes us, and what He does along the way. Nothing like it.

Wow, Annie and I received a huge revelation from the Lord on Saturday, 4-25-20. We were never going to have God’s contentment and great gain until we became who He made us to be, until we did what He wanted us to do. For a long time, we were fooled/deceived into thinking we could be happy if we tried to attain fulfillment in the flesh – And we were “Christians.” We didn’t know it at the time, but we were still so much like the world. Honestly, we didn’t really know what being transformed into Christ’s image even looked like.

But Godliness with contentment is GREAT GAIN (1 Timothy 6:6). Satan, the world and the flesh can never give us Godliness, contentment or great gain. Apart from renewing our minds to Christ, Godliness, contentment and great gain are not attainable.

God is showing us that no one will never be truly happy until they become who God made them to be… Breaking through to be the mighty warriors for the Kingdom of God who have chosen Jesus, those who are seeking God’s will, who are letting go of their hurt and past, who are throwing off the fear of man and the flesh, who are loving and dying for their wife like Jesus did/does for the church, who are coming out of the deception and lies the enemy has them believing and living in so they can truly experience and see the Kingdom of God in their midst.

Hallelujah!

The contentment and great gain – and all of the incredible adventure along the way – that God has for us cannot ever be matched by those who choose to live for and in the flesh, for those who choose not to renew their minds, for those who choose to stay conformed to this world. The journey and road’s end for living for the flesh is boring, unrewarding, defeated and dismal at best.

Dump the interruptions/distractions of the wimpy flesh, Satan and this world, and move into who God has called and made you to be – Godly, and content with great gain.

Godly (true) contentment and great gain has nothing to do with the flesh – money, bank accounts, cars, homes, vacations, etc. It has everything to do with Godliness because only Godliness contains His contentment and His great gain.

God bless,

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 didn’t put the title of this email in the form of a question because in Jesus we can know what the future holds – every day. ☺

In Jesus, we can put a stop to the often gnawing need to know what the future holds for anyone of us. In Romans 8:28, God comforts us so deeply by declaring, “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.”

We don’t need to see a list of things God will work for our good because He will work all things together for our good.

What does the future hold? God working all things together for my/your good. Honestly, that’s all I need to know about my future. Praise Jesus! What a blessing.

Constantly having more of the love of God pouring out of His amazing Word and setting us more and more free indeed. God’s faithful, loving, all-encompassing Word holds our future. All things for our good…

Wow, what a future.

God bless,

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 ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Romans 8:15

When little kids are afraid, they run to a trusted parent for security. That’s what God is inviting us to do, to run to Him with everything we’re tempted to worry about or be afraid of, tell Him all about it. Then, trust Him to take care of us.*

Why not be afraid and worried? Because Jesus said we don’t need to be. Do we believe Him?*
As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.
Mark 5:36

God bless,

Mark

*Taken from Life.Church site

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.