Blog and Archives

I don’t like temptation. The author of the book, “The Prayer of Boas” had a really good comment regarding temptation. He said that as much as he can help it, he stays away from temptation. He doesn’t let himself be led into situations where there is temptation. I like his thinking.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
Matthew 7:21-23

And before him (The Son of Man, Jesus) shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Matthew 25:32-34;41

I’ve (Mark) lived long enough to observe the lives of those (I could tell you story after story) who think they beat the system, that they can live in the world, or dabble with the world and not have it harm them. And, I’ve seen the end result. It’s never good. Never.

But now I (The Apostle Paul) am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (Why not hang out with such people? Well, the Bible tells us that we should not even associate with such people because their lifestyle may influence us to the point that we compromise and become trapped by the devil ourselves.)
1 Corinthians 5:11

I’ve (Mark) lived a worldly life and I’ve lived close to Jesus. My wife’s father was an alcoholic. For a few years, I played the drums in rock and roll bands. We even played at the Hollywood Teenage Fair.

I worked for a construction-related company in the San Diego area in the early 70s. After we finished for the day, we’d head over to our favorite bar. We’d order beer by the pitcher – We each had our own pitcher. I thought I was pretty cool back in those days. Boy, was I wrong.

I was never really happy living like the world. In fact, living like the world really took a toll on me. I was so deceived. You see, I let the devil get a foothold in my life back then and it led to more deception and misery. I was held up at gun point, totaled a car we were test driving, and had lots of other trouble while living apart from Jesus. I’m so grateful and glad that Jesus arranged the circumstances of my prodigal son-type life to bring me back to Him. The world has nothing to offer us, people. Nothing. And I pray it will become more and more obvious to us as the “end times” progress, as God separates the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32-34).

Famous Evangelist: He was asked, “Do you believe once saved always saved?” He answered, “No, because it gives to much provision for the flesh.” Next, he was asked, “What do you think about drinking.” He answered, “I don’t think about it at all.” At another time, he said, “People are always trying to get me to accept the world. I began drinking at the age of six. I used to drink a whole fifth of whiskey in the morning, and more at night…Every day. I was really good at sinning. Why do we (“Christians”) want to be like the world? Why do we search the scriptures for verses that allow us to live like the world? Regarding drinking – I don’t look for verses in the Bible to appease my flesh. I look for verses in the Bible to crucify my flesh. What do you guys want to do? What’s next? Women? For some crazy reason, the church is looking for things to do that the world does. Everyone’s trying to figure out what to do next that the world does. What else do you want to do that the world does? How many of these lines are we going to cross over? Why do we take the flesh side of the scriptures? Why don’t we take the crucifixcion side?”

knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;
Romans 6:6

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24

that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,
Ephesians 4:22

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
Colossians 3:5

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

If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31b-32

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
Romans 13:14

God bless,

Mark

So you know what Jesus is saying, “So come on, let’s go and I’ll show you more of Me, and it will bless your life in ways you can’t even imagine.”

Happy Monday, everyone!

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

So if the Son (Jesus) sets you free, you will be free indeed (truly free).
John 8:36

God bless,

Mark

God bless you,

Mark

Ann and I have lived battling fear for a lot of years. We’ve learned that faith in God is better. It’s so much better to live trusting God in all things. So much better…

This very short video is excellent. It teaches us to look to Jesus, first, and to see things His way – Including the end times. And, that makes all the difference.

Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn – “Learn to question your fear.”

Why Do You Fear (‘The Storm King’ #2106)

Happy Thursday! So come on. Let’s go and I’ll (Jesus) show you all the wonder-filled things I have in store for you, My child.

God bless,

Mark

After back-to-back migraine attacks this week, I was laying in bed the other morning having some anxious thoughts. Migraines really mess up hormones and bring on anxiety, depression, frustration, hopelessness, etc. That was when the Lord gently said to me, “All you ever have to do is follow My lead in your life. Don’t get worked up about goals, dreams, the future, etc. Just follow My lead and you’ll have My peace that passes understanding.”

This brought me such comfort and joy. This is just what Jesus did with His Father when Jesus was on earth. Jesus could have been tempted with this world, He must have thought about the cross He’d face. But He always sought out His Father to find out what the Father wanted Him to do each day. His own Father led Him each day. That’s all the Father asked of Jesus. That’s all He asks of us.

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
Isaiah 30:21

My (Jesus) sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
John 10:27

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

“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace;
Isaiah 55:12a

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

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

God bless,

Mark

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother (Lazarus) would not have died.
John 11:21 NLT

Lord, if only You had been here…

Wow, all the times I’ve thought those words. And, all the time, He was “here.”

God bless,

Mark

Trust that God is working…

Happy Monday!

God bless,

Mark

My wife is becoming pretty famous around here for her carrot cake (she also makes an incredible chocolate cake we all love). It’s really yummy. I usually help her with grating the carrots, chopping the pecans, opening cans, and making sure we include everything on the list of ingredients, etc. We work well together which is a whole other email. I’m also one of the cake frosting testers. Yeah, that’s a blessing. ☺

We’ve found that, if we forget an ingredient (or add too much of something), we can tell and the cake is not at its best when we do accidentally omit something even though it may be a small part of the whole cake. No matter how insignificant it may seem, it takes all of the cake ingredients working together to pull of a great-tasting carrot cake.

I hope I can make this somewhat clear because the Lord really blessed me with this thought about the word “together.”

Wow. I was saying my verses (The ones listed on the ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com site) the other night when the Lord emphasized the word “together” in Romans 8:28. It really hit me when He highlighted that word for me. He was saying that everything was working together for my good. All of it was necessary for the recipe He was working on in my life. All of it was part of something beautiful He was working on. I wasn’t to have two lists of things, one with things on it I didn’t like (a difficult situation, an odd relationship; old, dirty carpet; relentless health issues) and one with things on it I approved of and felt better about. No, all of it was working “together” to accomplish what He wanted to bring about in my life. It was all “good” and important. Nothing was to be omitted. And in His time, – Yes, even “time” was part of the “together” – He would show me why He needed everything together in order to accomplish what He began in my life.

I don’t need to wring my hands and rack my brain with how He’s going to do it, with how He’s going to use something, with how He’s going to make it all work together for good. I just get to let Him be God and sit back and enjoy together. Isn’t that a blessing? That insight really made me happy and brought me comfort. I could rest in “together.” I could rest in God.

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

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.
Psalm 37:5

God bless,

Mark

I was just about to hit the send button on another email when the Lord kept prompting me to send the following instead. ☺

I want to share something with you that will really bless your life. I want you to use your “will” to bring God’s comfort, peace and blessings into your spirit from the precious, life-giving Holy Spirit.

Would you do me a favor today? (Actually, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor in the Spirit.) Right where you are this very moment, will you praise and thank God for exactly how your life is right now?

God bless,

Mark

And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians (what is your “Egyptian?”) than that we should die in the wilderness (Ever feel like that?).”
Exodus 14:10-12

Who or what in your life is your “Pharaoh?”

Please read the rest of Exodus chapter 14 (Below the salutation) to see the supernatural victory God brought the Israelites.

*******

Life or death – Trust in the Lord with all thine heart. This is life! It’s simple, right?. What is death? Anger, fear, worry, bitterness, unforgiveness, greed, insecurity, confusion, jealousy. Basically, the works of the flesh that God wants to free us from. (Galatians 5:19-21; Deuteronomy 30:19)

*******

Man makes things difficult and hard. For example, man’s latest thoughts on genders (currently, many more than two) makes it super complex and confusing. I can’t even imagine the legalities that will come from so much confusion. How many genders are there? God made it simple. There are two, man and woman (Genesis 1:27). That’s it! God always makes things simple because He knows we are just flesh and blood.

*******

Satan is opposed to us doing the Word. He opposes “doers.” Most people are terrified of this and never become doers of the Word. Satan will use any tactic he can to prevent us from becoming doers of the Word, from becoming who God intends for us to be.

It’s really simple. We’re either doers of the Word, or we’re not. We’re on one side of the fence or the other. We want to inspire you to be a doer of the Word (James 1:22-25).

Both God and Satan know that this is our ONLY time to “believe.” Will we? (Revelation 21:8)

*******
David in the Bible – Like I often feel in trials, David could have responded with,”Why did I have to be asked to be all alone with the sheep? Why be a shepherd? Why did I have to be attacked by a lion and a bear? Why me? Why didn’t the other shepherds have to go through this? Poor me.” We can often be tempted to think this way. The reason God lets us face lions and bears is to train us for what He’s calling us to do. He has a plan and will show us His great might and victory. Had David responded the way we often do, would he have been ready to face Goliath? (1 Samuel 17:34-36)

*******

Looking for signs and wonders? Looking for heavenly dust and supernatural experiences? Looking for “The Power?”

“Do” the Word. Love your spouse. Forgive others who wrong you. Stop striving and ask God to lead you. Give to the poor. Love your neighbor as yourself, love your enemy, experience God working everything together for your good, thank Him in all things, etc.

If you “do” the Word, you will see the power of God manifested in real ways you may never have imagined, your faith in God will grow, and you’ll have His real joy.

*******

The battle is the Lord’s (2 Chronicles 20:15 and others). Because the battle is the Lord’s, we have nothing to fear. Nothing. The battle is the Lord’s means that He works all things together for our good. We do our part. We follow His lead. We believe and trust in Him and He does the things behind the scenes that lead us into victory. His work may mean closing one door and opening another. He asks only that we keep believing through it all – Believing Romans 8:28 makes believing and trusting Him so MUCH easier. This is the exciting, fun, full of surprises and adventurous life in the Spirit. Nothing like it.

God bless,

Mark 

The Red Sea Crossing
14 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ 4 Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

5 Now it was told the king of Egypt that the people had fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and his servants was turned against the people; and they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 So he made ready his chariot and took his people with him. 7 Also, he took six hundred choice chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt with captains over every one of them. 8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued the children of Israel; and the children of Israel went out with boldness. 9 So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi Hahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”

13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold[c] your peace.”

15 And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18 Then the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.”

19 And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.

21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.

24 Now it came to pass, in the morning watch, that the Lord looked down upon the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud, and He troubled the army of the Egyptians. 25 And He took off their chariot wheels, so that they drove them with difficulty; and the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.”

26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” 27 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. 29 But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

30 So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.
Exodus Chapter 14

Happy Monday!

Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy; O LORD, be my helper.” You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks forever.…
Psalm 30:10-12

Ann and I are always being reminded that we could have had God’s joy the whole time we lived in Oregon. And God continues to remind us of that fact each day. What a wonderful, loving God we have.

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11

Sometimes, people look at me like they’re frustrated and mad at me for believing and telling them about Romans 8:28.

Ann and I know that until we believed and stood on Romans 8:28, we weren’t really happy. I know that for me, my mind, emotions and spirit didn’t really “feel” redeemed by my Lord until I began to believe Romans 8:28. I was always the victim of defeating circumstances, and constantly wrestling with self-pity and discouragement.

Through Romans 8:28, Jesus redeemed my life – that I thought was full of mistakes and negative circumstances – from destruction.

Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Psalm 103:4

And, because He’s had a plan for my life, all along, He’s helped me to be a victor and to have victory over life’s situations by truly knowing that He was capable of turning them into blessings in my life.

I know people aren’t mad at me for Romans 8:28. Like I was before I started believing in the truth of Romans 8:28, they’re upset about their lives, and really, they’re upset with God because He’s the One Who wrote Romans 8:28, not me. It’s my hope that they’ll believe Romans 8:28 and receive the great peace and joy that verse can give them. God meant Romans 8:28 to be a blessing, not a frustration. Thank You, Jesus.

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13

Stay with God. He’s got a plan and He’s working it. He wants to redeem your whole life through believing Romans 8:28. Believe it and see God turn your heart, faith and life around!

They shall obtain gladness and joy…

God bless,

Mark

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

Trusting in the Lord with all you heart is definitely a large part of the “good work” God performs in us. (Philippians 1:6)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. God would not have put these words in His Word, the Bible, unless He knew that, with the help of His Holy Spirit, it could really be lived out and experienced on earth, in this life.

What’s in a heart? There can be happiness, joy, fun, and hope. There can also be fear, intimidation, insecurity, anger, care, worry, sadness, family, financial concerns, the past, the future, and so much more.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart – What part of my heart was I not prone to trust God with? My finances, retirement, job, pride, my marriage, my health issues, fear, worry, doubt, anger, unforgiveness, family, responsibilities, etc. These are all parts of my heart. If God tells me to trust in Him with all my heart, then He will give me the ability to trust Him with all these areas of my life. And, God rescued me just in time to tell me I needed to get to know Him in a much deeper way by diving into His Word. I needed to memorize pertinent passages so I could learn how to trust in Him with all my heart. One of the most important pieces of scripture He had me focus and meditate on was Romans 8:28. He knew that one verse would help me to learn to trust Him with my past and future.

What’s in your heart?

“Father, in the Almighty Name of Jesus, show me how to trust in You with all my heart so I can live in Your peace, rest and joy. Thank You, God. Amen.”

If you pray that prayer, according to the following verse, you can be confident that He’ll show you how to trust Him with everything that’s in your heart.

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

God bless,

Mark

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

I’d just finished reading my Bible passage for today when the Holy Spirit gave me something about all the nonsense regarding the lie behind the popular belief that Christians do not have to experience, or hassle with, behavior modification.

I’d been raised with thinking being moody was an acceptable and proper response to things and conditions I didn’t like. And this occurred in a “Christian” home. So, naturally, I brought that instilled behavior into my marriage. Now, not only did being susceptible to mood swings harm me, it was also hurting my precious wife. Eventually, being moody would have taken a great toll on our marriage and might even have ended it.

Fortunately, God led us to a Christian counselor helped me to stop many of my sins, my inappropriate, harmful and damaging behaviors.

Being moody when things didn’t go my way was just one item God wanted to heal in me. He pointed out to me that I wasn’t loving Ann when I was moody. He gave me a sense that our marriage, and my love, for Ann could be much better and deeper if I’d let God teach me how to stop being moody.

Do you see what I mean and where I’m going with this?

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Acts 3:19

God wants us to open up our entire life to Him so He can heal us from all the harmful ways we’ve been living so He can give us His immense joy. That’s incredible. That’s what repentance and having a repenting heart is all about. God wants to bring us times of refreshment through repentance, through allowing Him in so He can change us for the better. What great love He has for each of us.

And He just keeps showing both Ann and me more of how He can set us free indeed.

I’ll take behavior modification – Repentance – every time if it means I can live free from my ways and adopt His liberating, loving ways.

God bless,

Mark

When Annie was in elementary school, while waiting for a ride home one day with a friend, a boy started picking on the two girls. Ann, who was tiny at that age, swung her book bag at the boy and knocked him down. He never hassled them again.

The last few days, we’ve been being tempted to give in to earthly fears. I’ve been having a number of wipe out migraines, and we’ve been tempted to believe more of the enemy’s lies about some other things as well. This morning, I got up feeling pretty bad. Then, I read my Bible reading for today and the Holy Spirit began lifting me up. He told me not to focus on how I felt (again), but rather to focus on God and His Word. I went to Annie and began reading today’s passage to her and building her up in the Lord. I hope someone needs to hear this today…☺

It doesn’t matter how you feel or what’s going on in your life. The devil’s a liar. Don’t give into earthly fears.

Swing your Book (Bible) at the devil and encourage yourself in the Lord with the Word.

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

We love you all.

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everyone.

Peace be still. Jesus is doing His mighty work in each of our lives to bring us to the place of having His peace in all circumstances, no matter the storm. Isn’t that wonderful?

And he (Jesus) arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
Mark 4:39

God bless,

Mark

How lovely is Your dwelling place, oh Lord.

Annie and I are always encouraging each other to stay within the shadow of the Almighty. We’re SO safe there. How do we stay there? By memorizing and reminding each other of the following scriptures (and others the Lord leads us to memorize so we can live each moment close to Him) that bring us God’s great peace and resume resting in Him whenever we’re tempted to wander from His secure, safe, restful shadow. Truly, this is the abundant life He promises to all who will follow Him.

Should you ever lose your way, read the following scriptures. These verses will point you back to His lovely dwelling place.

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32

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

Not that I speak in respect of want: for 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 through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:11-13

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.
Philippains 4:19

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

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

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

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

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:3-5

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

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 the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2 Timothy 2:24

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20

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

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 4:8

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

Ah, the secret place of the Most High under the shadow of the Almighty. Mmmm…

God bless,

Mark – 

 

For we do not have a High Priest (Jesus) who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15

Sin usually begins with a thought. That’s how it was in the Garden with Adam and Eve.

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Genesis 3:6

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:10-13

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression (sin), you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Galatians 6:1

God is really helping Ann and me to stop committing some sins we can easily be tempted with in our thought life. He’s helping us to take those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ and to live each moment believing Romans 8:28. (That’s why we have such a love for helping others by encouraging them to do the same.) It’s part of the Lord working with us to renew our minds to His Word as He helps us to be more free indeed. He’s helping us to bring every area of our lives to Him so we can have His joy and live free in Him. We’re so thankful.

Sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). When we repent, we’re turning away from death. Yes, we will all sin from time to time. We are all sinners (1 John 1:8, 10) and Jesus will forgive us when we confess our sins to Him and repent (1 John 1:9). But today, very few are willing to be Jesus’ disciples indeed. Very few are walking through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14). The devil is drawing most to the wide gate. Very few are renewing their minds to the Word of God and it’s taking a huge toll on them. Most are cherry-picking Bible passages and adopting the ones that suit their comfort zone and lifestyle (2 Timothy 4:1-4).

Every day we’re enticed to leave the dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, to wander out from the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).

Satan knows exactly what types of apples we’ll bite on, keeps a tally of the ones we fall prey to the most often, and he keeps popping them into our minds – fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16). He’ll even tell us our salvation is all grace so it’ll be okay if we let in a little anger, unforgiveness, offense, humanism, the fear of man (after all, we want to be popular, socialized and accepted), selfishness, hate, jealousy, fornication, self-pity, strife, rationalizing, greed, pride, insecurity, doubt, mammon, fear. “Go ahead, take advantage of and enjoy the grace God’s provided. It’s why Jesus dies on the cross. I mean, God knows you’re only human, right? After all, everyone’s doing it. God knows you won’t surely die if you do this or look at that,” he whispers to us. “You can handle it. It won’t really hurt anything or lead to any addiction. So go ahead, enjoy some every now and then.”

“And if anyone says anything to you about it, in love, just remind them not to judge you.”

Satan is a liar and the father of lies!

30 As he (Jesus) spake these words, many believed on him.

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

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.

39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.

41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.

42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:30-44

Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.” From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?”
John 6:65-67

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

Now unto him (Jesus) that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 24-25

God bless,

Mark

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

If we’re not doing the Word, at best, we’re doubled-minded. At times, we believe and act on the Word, and not at others. At least, that was Ann’s and my experience.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven.” Do we really mean this? Or, do we love the darkness of this world more than the light of Heaven? What is it costing us to love the darkness more than the light? Do we desire to lean on our own understanding? (The flesh fights to keep its own understanding. It does not want to relinquish its own understanding. It relies on pride.) Do we even know the difference between leaning on our own understanding and trusting in the Lord?

Do we see our lives and the things of earth the way Heaven does? Heaven sees things through the Word. Do we? Do we really know, like Heaven does, that all things are working together for good to those who love God? Do we really believe God to the point that we can trust Him instead of always leaning on our own understanding? Do we really?

I really needed God. I really needed His Kingdom to come in my life. I needed my life to reflect Heaven. I needed to see this earth the way God sees it. I needed Him to overtake me so I could try to live free indeed.

In the early 1980s, when we got to Oregon, I went through some really tough, confusing and disappointing times. I truly felt I had lost my way and honestly could not “find” God. I felt like His Presence could not be found. I had no idea what He was up to in my life. We were attending church and even working at church, but I didn’t have any idea how to apply the Word to my life the way God wanted me to. As a result, I really didn’t know God and all that He had in store for me, my marriage and family.

I have to admit, without applying (practicing) Romans 8:28 to our everyday lives and circumstances, life can be pretty challenging. Things can make little sense and cause us great angst. Our thinking can become all tangled up and be hard to straighten out. But, with Romans 8:28, with Jesus, life begins to come into focus and have meaning. Life takes on a new contentment, joy, peace and excitement.

In the 1980s, God began to show us how to use His Word in our daily lives and it made all the difference. It was how He was going to show us how to be delivered from so many strongholds, wrong relationships, wrong thinking and heartache.

Even though they’d left the desert wilderness many years previous, from time to time in their history, the nation of Israel would lose the Word, God’s Laws, and, as a result, lose their way in life. They would lose the ability to know how to live life blessed. When God’s laws were found again (like beneath the temple in Jerusalem), the current King would have them read aloud to the entire nation and the people ended up crying they were so happy to know how to live this life again.

We can be the same way. If we’re not in the Word, if we don’t know what it says about how to live this life the way God intends and knows will bless us, we can be so lost and live miserably with no resolve. We end up with our own understanding (leaning). This is why the world is in such a mess. Without God, without His Word, mankind is lost. They’re left to their own human, limited resources. They’re left with a frail “lean to” instead of the strong, unshakable, peaceful fortress that is the dwelling place of the Most High whenever the storms of life occur.

It’s obvious when someone does not know, and is not “doing” the Word. They’re often just like people in the world. There’s little difference between them and people of the world. They neither know or apply Romans 8:28 and other pertinent verses to their lives so they can’t possibly get to, let alone dwell in, the secret place of the Most High in the shadow of the Almighty. If we don’t have His Word living in us, we don’t have Jesus alive in us. Ann and I know this firsthand. We were miserable leaning on our own understanding.

And he (Jesus) was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Revelation 19:13

Because he hath set his love upon me (because he/she is “doing” My Word), therefore will I (the Word) deliver him: I (The Word) will set him on high, because he hath known (doing, believing, trusting in His Word) my name (His Name is The Word). He shall call upon me (upon the Word that is in Him/Her), and I (The Word) will answer him: I (The Word) will be with him in trouble; I (The Word) will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I (The Word) satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.
Psalm 91:14-16

Know the Word and “do” it. Know God and His marvelous, delivering power. You’ll find His way, His dwelling place, and you’ll never be the same. We promise….He promises!

Out of His love for us, God strongly desires for us to be able to say –

I will say of the Lord, He (The Word) is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him (The Word) will I trust.
Psalm 91:2

God bless,

Mark