Blog and Archives

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Gladness and Joy

 

 

 

 

For years now, I’ve been having a certain type of dream.  The idea behind the dream is to defeat me, to make me feel shame and worthlessness – I have Christian music playing all night to help overcome bad dreams.  I know this dream is not of God, but I also know that, somehow, God will use it for good in my life.  Praise Jesus!

I had another version of the same dream last night and got up this morning feeling a little weary.  The Lord often rescues my countenance with this powerful, little song.  It may be that someone else needs to be reminded of the powerful truth in this song taken from Isaiah 51:11.  =)

I like to put this song on “Loop.”  Before I know it, I’m singing along with it.  It can really lift my spirit and reminds me of Whose I am.

God loves us so much.  He watches over our hearts to bring His great salvation to every part of our being.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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

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

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.

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

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

They shall obtain gladness and joy…=)

 

 

 

 

 

God bless,

Mark

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I’m Trading All The Sin In My Life For The Joy Of The Lord

 

 

 

 

Wow, it’s amazing.  Because of the work Jesus is doing in my life, my identity, who I am, is no longer attached to circumstances, shame, unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, anger, worry, care, jealousy, the fear of man, etc.  Hallelujah!

Challenges to our faith come up in everyone’s life.  Something came up in my life this weekend.  I could tell I needed Jesus’ help so I could deal with it His way.  More than anything, He told me not to take on the “care” the situation was trying to put on me.

Wow, I’m just so thankful Jesus is removing all “care” from my life.  Care used to consume and bury me in anger, frustration, confusion, and self-pity – really awful stuff.  I mean, why would anyone want to hold onto that terrible stuff when Jesus is available to them?  And what’s really gross is that I used to get others to take on the care, frustration, bitterness, unforgiveness, and all the rest, I was consumed by.

That’s one of the biggest reasons I love Jesus so much.  He’s shown me how to give Him all my care, and it has really lightened my load, my spirit, and mind. =)

Oh, thank You, Lord.  You’re so good to me, to anyone who will listen to Your great truths and do them.

I’m hearing more and more about people who’ve had something challenging come up in their life and they’ve had to choose between getting mad at God about it or asking His help to get them through it.  Most people I’ve been hearing about have gotten so mad at God over their situation that they’ve abandoned Him altogether.  Satan tricked them into leaving God, the One Person who could have set them free.

People, keep following God no matter what.  If a challenging situation brings you to a fork in the road, don’t get mad at God and walk away from Him.  Ask Him to help you get through it.  He’s more than able to help us in our time of need.

I’ve traded my sorrows, care, shame, unforgiveness, bitterness, worry, anger, jealousy, coveting, all kinds of sin…For the joy of the Lord.  Can’t even put into words how thankful and grateful I am to Jesus that He hung onto me all these years.  I would have crashed and turned away from His love if He’d not continued to help me.  After all, He’s the One Who showed me how to ask for His help and to come away from the sin of getting mad at Him that I was taught while growing up.

No matter what “it” is that you need to lay down (anger, care, unforgiveness, bitterness, unfulfilled dreams and goals, jealousy, whatever), lay it down for the joy of the Lord.  Believe me, you’ll be SO GLAD YOU DID IT!  His joy is so real and wonderful.

“I’m trading my sorrows
And I’m trading my shame
And I’m laying it down
For the joy of the Lord

Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes yes Lord
Amen

I’m pressed but not crushed
Persecuted, not abandoned
Struck down but not destroyed
And I am blessed beyond the curse
For His promise will endure
That His joy is going to be my strength.”
Lyric by Israel Houghton – Israel had a lot of sorrow, shame, pain, etc., in his own life.  He chose not to hold onto it, not to let it define who he was, but to lay it all down for the joy of the Lord.  The choice is ours.  Therefore, choose life for the joy of the Lord. =)

Yes, yes Lord!  I’ll lay down anything and everything for Your matchless joy.  Amen!

God bless,

Mark

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Cave Church In Cairo, Egypt

Happy Easter In The Name Of Jesus,

After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from all nations and provinces and languages, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white, with palm branches in their hands.  And they were shouting with a mighty shout, “Salvation comes from our God upon the throne, and from the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9-10 The Living Bible (TLB)

Wow, how cool is this?  Here are some of our precious brothers and sisters in Jesus.  We’ll get to be with them in Heaven.  20,000 per service at this church.  God is incredible. =)

Also, I looked this church up online and the story behind it is amazing.  God is so good.  The link to that story is near the bottom of this email – “From Garbage To Glory.”

70 thousand Egyptian Christians sing Emmanuel – God is with us

From Garbage To Glory – Cave Church In Cairo
http://www.christianitytoday.com/behemoth/2016/issue-46-april-14-2016/from-garbage-to-glory.html

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.
Matthew 28:6

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to think about how great Heaven’s going to be.

God bless,

Mark

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Mary and Martha

Wow, it’s so easy to get busy with, and concerned about, so many things.  Most of the time, we’re not even aware of the fact that we’re becoming a “Martha.”

One of my sons-in-law was telling me how the Lord blessed him with this scripture the other day.  This passage is always a blessing.  Whenever we’re tempted to be like Martha, it helps us keep our priorities straight and walking in Jesus’ peace, love and joy.  Reminds me that I need Jesus more than anything.

“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home.  Her sister Mary sat on the floor, listening to Jesus as he talked.

But Martha was the jittery type and was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing.

She came to Jesus and said, “Sir, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work?  Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “Martha, dear friend, you are so upset over all these details!  There is really only one thing worth being concerned about.  Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her!””
Luke 10:38-42 (The Living Bible)

Thank you, Jesus, for continuing to remind us to keep our hearts focused on You.

Jesus, our Savior, and Prince of Peace…


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

God bless,

Mark

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Letting Go Of The Donkey

Open the eyes of my heart, Lord, I want to see Jesus…And, I want others to see Jesus in me so they’ll want to open their hearts, so they’ll want to see You, too.

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her.  Untie them and bring them to me.  If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”
The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.  They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.  A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
Matthew 21:1-9

Hi Everyone,

The following story really spoke to my heart.  Over and over again, I’ve been giving Jesus my desire to be able to provide for my family.  It’s probably been my donkey, that thing I want to hold onto because I’ve been afraid to give up that dream.  I gave it up again yesterday.  While it can be hard to give Jesus our dreams and cares, He knows it’s always best for us and that it will lighten our load.  It keeps our relationship with Jesus open and flowing.  And, God uses it to bring His delivering love to others.

And, while we may not be able to see ahead or to understand why we need to give up our donkeys, Jesus always knows the plans He has for us – To give us a future and a hope.

“Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord” – Sometimes, we need to let go of our donkey for others to hear these blessed words, for them to have the opportunity to come to the Jesus they see in us…

Thank You, Jesus, for setting us totally free from our donkeys.

I hope this story blesses you…=)

*******
Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn – Letting Go Of The Donkey

Imagine you’re sitting in your house and you hear your car start. Looking outside, you see a bunch of men.  They shout to you, “The Lord needs your car!”

A similar thing happened two thousand years ago, but with a donkey, not a car.

What if you were the owner of the donkey?  It’s not just a possession; it’s you very livelihood. What would you do?

The owner of the donkey just let it go because it was for the Lord.

You have a donkey in your life, something you don’t want to let go of, give up or change – but a still small voice in your heart is saying, “Let it go, the Lord needs to take it away, and you need to let it go.”

What is your donkey?  It’s that thing in your life you have to let go of and give to the Lord.

God blessed the donkey’s owner and that donkey was the one the Messiah rode into Jerusalem.

Let go, and your life will be blessed in ways you can’t imagine.

It all begins when you let the “donkey” go.

Today’s Mission:  Identify your donkey, that thing in your life you need to let go of, and give it joyfully to the service of the Lord.

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
Luke 6:30

*******

God bless,

Mark

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Gadol Adonai Umehulal Me’od

Interesting bit of news on Debka.com this morning.  The Egyptians are building up an arsenal at their air base located in Rephidim.  They’re doing so in an effort to wage “all out war” with ISIS.  About 3200 years ago, Moses struck the rock in Rephidim so that it would bring forth water.

Gadol Adonai Umehulal Me’od – Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!

Boy, I can feel so MUCH of God’s deep love for mankind right now.  Oh dear Jesus, please bring all of those who don’t know you to Your great, matchless, loving, and delivering salvation.

Truly, I (Jesus) say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.  “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!  How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!  See, your house is left to you desolate.  For I (Jesus) tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”
Matthew 23:36-39

Ann and I came across a really great video the other evening – You may already have seen this.  The more we watched and listened to it, the more it dawned on us that these Hebrew (Jewish) Christians were singing something significant.  In essence, they’re saying, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”  And, more and more Jews are coming to faith in Jesus.  Combine this situation with world events and it appears that Jesus’s return is getting closer by the minute.

Let this music fill you as you realize that what Jesus said in Matthew 23:39 is happening. More and more Jews are seeing Jesus in their souls (are realizing and saying that Jesus is their Messiah) and it may be that they’ll soon see Him with their eyes. Praise God!

Hebrew Christian Worship Songs /2015 Great Is The Lord, Gadol Adonai Umehulal Me’Od

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO6wZO2oe7c

Yep, I put this song on right-click> Loop.  Wow, does it build your faith.

Jesus’s prophecy is being fulfilled right in front of our eyes.  Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised!

God bless,

Mark

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God’s (Abba’s) Unceasing Love Call

His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who (or what) shall separate us from the love of Christ?  shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?…For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35; 38-39 King James Version (KJV) Edits Mine

Nothing can separate us from God’s love.  Not world conditions; a new job; a promotion; moving to another home, city or state; car trouble; family or financial matters; the economy; health issues; you name it…

Like a beacon, God’s great love keeps calling out to us every minute of the day and night wherever we are saying, “I’ve overcome the world; I know the plans I have for you; I love you so much that I sent My own Son to bring you back home to Me, to My love, where you belong; you can trust Me when I tell you that you can have joy and glory in trials and tribulations; it’s okay, you can trust in Me with all your heart; I’m still supplying all your needs; you don’t ever have to be afraid of sudden fear, never; I’m still working all things (even this one) together for your good; let My perfect love for you cast out fear; I’ll deliver you from all your fears; you don’t have to be anxious about anything, ever; keep casting all your care on Me because I’m caring for you, My precious one; you can let My peace rule in your heart right now; only be strong and courageous because I’m with you, and I’ll never leave you nor forsake you; let My Word, My love letter to you, be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path as it reminds you of My love for you; please know that My mercies for you are new every morning, especially today; I’m your shepherd, your Abba, and you will dwell with Me in My house all the days of your life.”

There, did you hear it?  God’s love is calling out to you…

God bless,

Mark

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Reminding Us All To Keep “Looking Up!”

Hello Saints in Jesus’ Name, Our Prince Of Peace,  The Name That Is Above Every Other Name –

First, I want to keep reminding you to bless each other.  The Bible says God is involved in our blessings when we bless each other and put His mighty name on each other.  Things happen in the spiritual realm as we bless each other.

The Lord bless you and keep you,

The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you,

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace,

And I put the Name of the God of the children of Israel on you and bless you in Jesus’ Name, the Name that is above every other name.  Amen.

I want to encourage you like the Lord asks us to do in 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 regarding the end times events we’re seeing all around us today.

Wow, I’m telling you, this is no time to get down about the world’s conditions – what God said would happen is happening.  Don’t let yourself be consumed by what’s going on in the natural realm, but focus your attention on God’s supernatural realm – keep casting all your cares on Him for He careth for you.

 

 

 

 

 

Keep looking up to Heaven.  Keep letting go of this earth.  Let the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of God’s glory and grace.  Our redemption is drawing near.  Do you believe that?  You should.  Your emotional well-being depends on it, on believing God’s Word, and by looking up.

Finally, rather than letting others drag your attention and emotions back to the things of earth, help lift their eyes (their attention and emotions) to Heaven by telling them to look up just like Jesus commands us to do in Luke chapter 21.   This is how we keep letting the peace of God rule in our hearts…

God’s on His throne, folks, and His plans for the universe are being carried out.  Praise God!

Let’s live like we’re already in Heaven.  Doing so will lift us up, and others as well.

We’re about to have all tears wiped away, forever.  Oh, thanks be to God!  Hallelujah to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Kadosh kadosh kadosh
Kadosh kadosh kadosh
Adonai Elohim tz’va’ot
Adonai Elohim tz’va’ot

Holy holy holy
Holy holy holy
O Lord our God Lord of hosts
O Lord our God Lord of hosts

Asher hayah
V’hoveh v’yavo
Asher hayah
V’hoveh v’yavo

Who was and Who is
And Who is to come
Who was and Who is
And Who is to come

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!

God bless,

Mark

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True Life Occurs When I Exchange My Ways For Jesus’ Ways

Why do we fall for so many lifestyles that really can’t bring us closer to God, to His peace, rest, love, and joy?  Why don’t we just come to God, Himself, the Author of love and life.  Why don’t we do things His way instead of every other “way” we sample to find peace, rest, love and joy?

I think it’s funny that most of us run from the very love that can truly set us free.  God is love.  He knows how to live life in His love.  He’ll show us how if we’re willing.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  John 14:6

If Jesus knew of another way to the truth and life, He would have told us so.  But God made it really simple for us.  He gave us one way to come to Him, one way to discover His peace, rest, love and joy.  No other way leads to our Heavenly Father, and all that He has for us.

My selfish, self-centered “ways” to live life that I thought were the right and widely-accepted ways were becoming a real burden to me and to those around me.  The “me first” attitude is so popular and easy to give in to, to fall prey to.

I needed to make a change.  At the time, I didn’t know it, but I needed to choose Jesus, His ways, every day in order to turn things around in my life…

Choosing Jesus Every Day means to first accept Jesus as my personal Savior because in John 3:3 the Bible tells us that we can’t even see the Kingdom of God until we’re born again.  Once I accept Jesus as my Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to live on the inside of me, He comes into my heart to guide me into all of God’s truth.   (John 16:13)

Now, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, I let Jesus teach me how to live life the way He did.  For example, choosing Jesus’ way of living every day means exchanging my tendency to hate my enemy for Jesus’ truth that says to love my enemy.  It means to believe that God’s working all things for my good instead of becoming disgusted and throwing my hands up in the air every time some circumstance makes me upset.  Choosing to live like Jesus would have me live involves waiting on Him, letting His peace guide me and my decision-making processes.  It means talking things over with my wife in a gentle, patient, problem-solving manner.  It means listening more to my wife and seeking her important input.  It means trying to forgive those who’ve hurt me because doing so protects me from taking on bitterness and it shows others the mercy and love of God we all so desperately need.

Jesus taught us a lot about how to live this life (how to choose, every day, to live like He did) in the in Matthew chapter 5 in the Bible.  God knows the most blessed way to live.  That’s why He sent Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  To save us from the impact that sin (our way), is having on our lives.  Jesus can set us free, indeed.

5 And seeing the multitudes, he (Jesus) went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness (right living, His ways that bring me true life and liberty in Christ): for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.

18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:

28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:

39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.

41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.

42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep coming to the Father by Choosing Jesus Every Day.  =)

God bless,

Mark

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Blessing Leads To Spiritual Freedom And God’s Rest

I believe that blessing gives God the opportunity to work in lives, to draw us and others to Him, to His wonderful, cleansing and healing salvation.  It’s one of the major bricks God uses to build His wall of protection around our lives.

It’s our desire to give you as much information as we can to help you enter God’s rest.  Spending more time thanking and praising God in all things, knowing that God’s working all things for your good, blessing your past, present and future, blessing those who curse you, and loving your enemy – becoming “doers” of all these spiritual truths help to bless our souls and turn us into mighty believers as Christians.  The Bible tells us that those who believe enter God’s rest trusting Him always in all circumstances.

But I (Jesus) say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 5:44

Bless to rest…

Like you, I know that to our flesh it’s counterintuitive to bless those who curse us, to bless our enemies.  I know that God’s ways are not our ways, but I also know that His ways (not doing things my ways that tend to keep me bound up) lead to true life, love, freedom, peace, happiness and joy in our souls.  All I simply have to do is to be willing to “do” His ways.

Merlin Carothers:  “When I was in war in Germany, it was kill or be killed.  Most Christians don’t even know they’re in a war with the devil.  Most Christians don’t know that their enemy, the devil, is out to kill them.  That’s why it’s so important to inform them of what’s really going on in their life once they accept Christ.  We need to teach them how to do battle, how to defeat the enemy.”

Annie and I are all about being set free from anything that holds us back spiritually.  We want all of the liberty Jesus died for.

If the Son (Jesus) therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:36

So, here’s some more about the power and liberty of blessing – blessing your past, blessing your children, blessing your spouse, your family and parents (even if they’re no longer living), love your enemy by blessing anyone you perceive as an enemy (Matthew 5:44).  This will change and release your heart and soul.

It’s been amazing in my life how much the enemy uses my past as a source of oppression, of regret, of tension and frustration.  Many of you may feel the same.  I hope Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s message excerpt helps you.  It made me stop and bless my parents and past and I’m continuing to do so to be free from the enemy’s attacks and torment in these areas.

You might find it difficult to do at first, but it’s worth it to break down any spiritual walls that may be harming you on the inside.  Go ahead, bless your past, bless your current life and bless God for the future He has for you.

For we wrestle (fight) not  against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Ephesians 6:12

Annie and I bless each other every morning.  We bless our kids, as well.  We even blessed our Jewish doctor the other day at Ann’s appointment.

Blessing will break down spiritual walls.  It will bring to the surface any hurts or strongholds that have been holding us captive and weighing on our souls.

There’s plenty of cursing going on all around us.  Let’s reverse the curse by blessing.  It will help us all.

There’s a spiritual war going on for and in our souls and minds.  Blessing can help us become overcomers in the spiritual realm, and that leads to liberty in every area of our lives.

There’s no place like home, and for Christians, home is God’s still, peaceful rest.

God bless you all,

Mark

 

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The Blessed Place Identified In Proverbs 3:5-6

 

 

 

 

 

Honestly, due to what I thought were overwhelming and never-ending circumstances, there was a time in my life when I didn’t feel like I could trust the Lord with any part of my heart.

What’s your affliction, your thorn, today?  Is it insecurity or inferiority?  Is it a spiritual, health, job, family or financial issue?  Are you concerned about current world conditions?

My own understanding of things can make me restless, tired and worn out.  And, with migraines, it can be hard to trust my own understanding.  I’m actually getting to the point where it seems pretty futile to “lean on my own understanding,” at all.  Hmmm…

For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly (sounds like Paul’s getting what the Lord wants him to rest in, Him, no matter what condition or situation Paul’s in) therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  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

“But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him (Jesus)!”
Matthew 8:27

Paul prayed asking for the Lord to remove his infirmity.  Like many of us, he hadn’t yet understood what manner of man Jesus was, how powerful Jesus was, that He could control any storm.

Like me, I believe the Apostle Paul didn’t like his infirmity and probably thought he could serve the Lord better without it, especially when healing was such a large part of Jesus’ earthly ministry.  And just like many of us living with physical afflictions, Paul couldn’t have perceived the value of his thorn in the flesh until it helped him come to the place where he could realize that he was finally able to trust in the Lord with all his heart.  Until, like Jacob wrestling with the angel of the Lord all night, we get to that place of trusting in the Lord with all our heart, our infirmity will seem unfair and unpleasant – like a thorn.  But when “circumstances” keep coming (and they do), those who continue to seek the Lord inevitably arrive at the place of complete surrender, true peace and rest, trusting in the Lord no matter what with all their heart.

We want Christ to hurry and calm the storm. He wants us to find Him in the midst of it first.

Pretty sure I had another migraine attack in bed last night.  I’m feeling pretty dull mentally and my head has lots of pressure this morning.  Why am I telling you this?  Well, it’s definitely not so you’ll feel sorry for me.  No way.  =)

I was feeling low this morning.  Then, the Lord asked me to praise Him.  I began to praise Him in my heart and then had another, discouraging thought.  These opposing thoughts went back and forth for about two minutes when the Holy Spirit began to share something really wonderful with me.

He said, “Mark, can you see the two thoughts that are competing for your attention right now?  One thought makes you fearful and anxious, but when you thank and praise Me regardless of how you “feel” right now due to the migraines, the fear and anxiety subside, right?  You feel My calm soothe you.  You sense that you can trust Me even in your weakened condition, right?”  I agreed with what He was saying.  I could really experience what the Holy Spirit was pointing out to me.  He went on, “When you thank and praise Me, you have the spiritual strength to trust Me, even now.  You can trust that I’m in control of your life.  I want you to know that I’m taking you to the place in your spirit where you’ll be able to trust in Me with all your heart.  That means that the battle to trust Me will have been won.  Your thoughts will no longer seesaw between fearful, discouraging thoughts when you feel weak and the trust you have in your heart when you thank and praise Me in all things.  Do you understand how beautiful this is?  Not many people can trust in Me with all their heart.  But because you’re seeking Me, I’m taking you to that strong place.  Do you see what I mean?  I, alone, can take you to the place where no circumstance will be able to keep you from trusting Me with all your heart.  If that wasn’t true, I would not have placed that scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6) in My Word.  But it is true, and I’ll prove it to you.”

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

Wow, precious people.  I’m telling you right now, I can’t think of anything more wonderful, more freeing, more peaceful, more rest-inducing than being able to trust in the Lord with all your heart, to really know with all your heart that God’s always with you, always in control of your life.  This is worth more than all the world’s wealth because it’s not at all dependent on circumstances, and losing your wealth does rely on the condition of “What if I lose it?”

Boy, it’s going to be really wonderful to trust in the Lord with all my heart.  There will no longer be any room for even a molecule of doubt.  =)

That makes me happy.

Who (or what) shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
Romans 8:35

None of these conditions/circumstances/situations can separate us from the love of God.  That’s the incredible point our loving Savior wants us to understand.  His perfect love casts out the fear associated with circumstances.  Let Him take you to that marvelous, spiritual reality.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…Ahhhh.

God bless,

Mark

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Look Up!

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There are so many opportunities to look up.  (Psalm 34:19)

that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:16-19

Here’s a neat thought.  All of you know how Jesus says to look up when you see these things coming on the earth in Matthew chapter 24 , right?  Well, you can always look up when you’re facing some sort of test, trial, or whatever.  Feeling down, discouraged, in pain, fearful…whatever?  Look up.  Put on some Christian music, thank and praise God, read Psalm 91 out loud, take those despairing thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ by doing anything like the above that lifts your spirit in the Lord.  =)

Boy, God is SO GOOD!  I had a really bad migraine headache yesterday.  The blessing is that I hadn’t had one in about 5 months.  The other blessing is that I woke up this morning feeling really bad.  Feeling bad always makes me seek Jesus and His delivering love.  As a result of feeling bad, I put on my favorite Christian song and the Holy Spirit began talking to me.  His words started to encourage my spirit.  I just love it when He’s faithful like that.  We serve such a loving God.

Feeling run over?  Well, do whatever it takes to encourage yourself in the Lord, to look up.  That’s what David, in the Bible, did.

The battle is the Lord’s, precious people.  He just asks us to stand and watch the salvation of the Lord.

Thank you, Jesus.

God bless you all as we begin another week with faithful Jesus in our hearts and at our sides,

The Lord bless you, and keep you:

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

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

And I put the Name of The God of the children of Israel upon you, and I bless you in Jesus’ Name, the Name that is above every other name.
Numbers 6:24-27 (Edits Mine)

Nothing like the dwelling place of the MOST HIGH.  =)

Mark

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Daydreaming About Heaven =)

The Lamb to the Lion

I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.  I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.  And I know that this man was caught up into paradise—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows—and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.
2 Corinthians 12:1b-4 (English Standard Version – ESV)

Joy of the Lord by Greg Olsen...I love images of Jesus smiling. You don't see them very often.

Make it a weekend filled with Heavenly daydreams…

God bless,

Mark

 

 

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Strong Deception, And Why My Wife And I Choose Jesus Every Day

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“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Matthew 7:13-14

A supernatural, satanic scheme to conform is coming on the world. The forces of darkness are not holding back.  Many people are going to hell where they’ll be permanently captive to the devil.

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

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:  and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10

“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

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8

“A loving God could never send anyone to hell forever, right Mark?”  I hear this from time to time and realize that anyone who’d make such a comment has never considered the fact that God, even in His love for us, is just.  That was the whole point for why God sent Christ as the only bridge, the only One (or Way) Who can restore our relationship with God (Matthew chapter 27).

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
John 3:16-17

Every so often I come across something that makes me think, “Am I being as honest, truthful, and bold enough with others as I need to be about Heaven and hell?  Am I showing them enough of the contrast between the two for them to stop and consider what they’re doing with their lives?  Have I done everything I can to get them to take their lives seriously enough to prevent them from ending up with the devil in hell, forever?”

“Earth is as close to Heaven as unbelievers will ever get, and it’s as close to hell as Christians will ever be.”

There’s a very strong deception coming on the world.  The Bible tells us it would happen in the end times.

For example, I’ve heard there’s a strong push to make it a hate crime to call boys “boys” and to call girls “girls.”  What?

Yes, this is how weird it’s getting in our world, folks.  Satan has already taken on God’s definition of marriage between a man and a woman.  Now, the devil’s attempting to erase gender.  It’s a scheme to further destroy trust in the Bible and God’s creation by getting us to question, even more severely, the very existence of a Creator.  If satan can get us to swallow such lies, he’s got us right where he wants us (he knows people will believe almost anything now), and, in the end, he’ll be glad to take as many as he can with him to hell, forever.

The current, strong deception reminds me of the U.N.-type scene in the first “Left Behind” movie where the antichrist figure (Nicolae Carpathia) is telling everyone an outright lie.  His powerful deception’s convincing the other people gathered around the table the he’s telling them the truth.  The only person at the table who’s not deceived is Kirk Cameron’s character, Buck Williams.  The only reason he’s not deceived is because he’s recently given his life to Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s keeping him from believing the lie.

Folks, we may think we could never be deceived due to our intellect, that we’d never conform to supernatural lies, that we’re way too smart to fall for satan’s tricks.  What we need to be aware of is that we’re going to need to be very close to Jesus in these last days.  Brain power, alone, will not be enough to keep us safe.  The power in the deception behind satan’s lies (much of the power resides in, and will depend on, the degree of the fear of man we allow to operate in our lives – the pressure of what others think can make us do some things we know are against our (and God’s) will) is supernatural.  Without maintaining a close relationship with Jesus, we’re no match for this type of powerful deception.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”
Galatians 6:7-9

My wife and I know that satan will do everything he can “to get a foot in the door” of our lives, and that he’s never satisfied with just that.  For that reason, we choose Jesus, His ways, every day to maintain the kind of humility it takes today to not fall prey to satan’s deception, to keep us firmly grounded in Christ.  We choose Jesus every day to make sure we’re waiting on Him, and listening for His directives in our lives, in our decision-making processes; to keep us taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, to keep us praising Him in all things, to keep believing that Jesus is working all things together for our good; to maintain forgiving hearts and to continually extend grace to each other and others; to keep from becoming self-absorbed, self-centered and selfish; to help us to keep trusting Jesus; to protect our marriage and family; to love each other the way Christ loves us; to keep ourselves from letting this world’s condition discourage us; to keep us looking up, looking to Christ for His rest, love, wisdom, discernment, peace, and joy; to keep us in His Word that helps us in our everyday lives; to not give into sudden fear; to be anxious for nothing; to maintain our compassion for others; to be able to love our enemies; to continually dwell in the fruit of the Spirit; and to abide in the shadow of the Most High.

I want to strongly encourage each of you to stay close to God.  Residing in Him is the only way we’re going to be able to discern and withstand the end times.  Staying close to God will enable us to let the peace of God rule our hearts every day.   It’s the way to keep our hearts from growing cold when lawlessness increases.  We, desperately, need the Holy Spirit’s supernatural guidance as we navigate today’s world.

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God will bless our lives, and every aspect of them, with His Presence, His peace, stillness, rest and joy as we choose Jesus every day,

Mark

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Take Up Your Cross: That My (Jesus) Joy May Be In You

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The cross of Christ – Where God’s true joy begins…

The glorious wonder and blessing of dying to the heavy burden of living for self –

Boy, I don’t yet know everything the Lord wants me to convey about the blessing of the cross in our lives.  Just the fact that Christ died for our sins on the cross is life-saving and life-changing.

I’ll try to put into words what the Lord seems to be saying to me about the cross.

When we take up our cross, daily, God works His power in us.  His love transforms our lives and renews our minds.  Taking up our cross involves memorizing scripture, learning how to win spiritual battles by learning that we can take every thought captive to Christ, learning how to be overcomers in this world.  We, also, gain so much compassion and understanding, both of which are needed today as He has us reach out to love each other.  The cross teaches us patience, makes us more Christ-like, and becoming more like Jesus always blesses our lives and the lives of those around us.

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The cross is not intended to be a burden.  It is intended to help us die to self, and dying to self and taking on God’s character is such a huge blessing.  We trade in our weak flesh for the fruit of the Spirit.  Our lives are blessed with Jesus’ selfless love, peace, self control, humility, joy, faith, etc.  We receive the Word into our lives as the cross helps us focus on Jesus, our Prince of Peace, the Lord of all that is good, the One Who gives life its true meaning.

The very pages of the Bible (like The Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12, and the love found in 1 Corinthians 13) become alive in us and attract others to the liberating life that only Jesus can give.

No other life will be as blessed as that one who seeks to take up their cross, daily.  Do you see what I mean?  Can you begin to get excited about the daily cross Jesus asks us to take up?  Tremendous blessings reside in the cross for each of us.  Heavenly blessings that cannot be discovered any other way.  =)

Praise God!  Thank you Jesus!

We can rejoice in the cross for all that it’s done and is doing in our lives…

“At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day.”  (Lyric by Isaac Watts)

The cross can make us happy all the day, precious people.  There’s no greater life than being like Jesus.  If there was another, greater life, Jesus would have told us so.

Oh the joy of life lived in and for Jesus.  Such stillness of soul, trust, rest, contentment, peace, love and joy.  His death opened the door to His joy.

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Nothing was ever meant to be compared with the joy that comes from our Heavenly Father.  Nothing can.

That Jesus’ joy may be in us.  Wow…  =)

God bless,

Mark

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Only Be Thou Strong And Very Courageous =)

Hello Saints In Jesus,

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It’s a new week.  And, Jesus is in control of our lives, and the entire universe.  He’s working all things for our good.  =)

“Be strong and of a good courage:  Only be thou strong and very courageous…

This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein:  for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Have not I commanded thee?  Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

…only be strong and of a good courage.”
Taken From Joshua Chapter 1

Aren’t you grateful that God loves you so much?  He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.  Knowing Him gives us the courage to do His will, to walk out His plan for our lives.

God bless,

Mark

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Heaven, Yipee!

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Heavenly Sunlight
Christian Hymn by Henry Zelley

“Walking in sunlight all of my journey,
Over the mountains, through the deep vale;
Jesus has said, I’ll never forsake thee—
Promise divine that never can fail.

Refrain:
Heavenly sunlight! Heavenly sunlight!
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine!

Shadows around me, shadows above me
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness,
Ever I’m walking close to His side.

In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His praises, gladly I’m walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

Refrain:
Heavenly sunlight! Heavenly sunlight!
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine!”

Boy, folks, we get to walk with Jesus while on earth, and then we get all of Heaven afterwards.  Pretty good deal… =)

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Think I’m going to just stare at Jesus and the Father for a while when I finally get to Heaven.  Can’t think of anything better right now… =)

I’ll talk with you next week.  Have a nice, Heavenly weekend.

God bless,

Mark

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Ravi Zacharias And The Hamas Sheikh

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
John 3:16-17

“This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,”
1 Timothy 2:3-5

Hi Folks,

Here’s a powerful, loving short story any of us may be able to share with Muslims should the Lord present us with the opportunity.  I hope it blesses you, and them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aThwl7mjATc

Taken from the nine-minute mark in the above video (Edits mine).

Well-known Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias, and some other prominent religious leaders, had been invited to the Middle East to talk to some of that region’s religious leaders.  One of them was a sheikh who was one of the four founders of Hamas.  The sheikh, a large, powerful-looking man, had been in prison for 18 years.  He’d also lost some of his children to suicide bombings.  The room where this meeting took place was full of smoke and people.  The discussions had been intense up to this point:

When it was Ravi’s turn to ask the sheikh a question, the following dialog took place:

Ravi:  “Can I just say one thing to you sir?  5000 years ago on a mountain not far from here, a man called Abraham took his son up the mountain to offer him as an expression of his faith.  You remember that story?”

Sheikh:  “Yes.”

Ravi:  “Let’s not argue about which son right now.”

Ravi:  “But he (Abraham) took his son up that mountain and as the knife is about to come down, God stops that arm, and He says, “Stop!””

Sheikh: “That’s right.”

Ravi: “What did God say?”

The sheikh just stared at Ravi.

Ravi:  “God said, “Stop, I, Myself, will provide.””

Sheikh:  “That’s right.”

Ravi:  “Sheikh, here in Ramallah, very close to us is a hill.  2000 years ago, God kept that promise.  This time, He took His own son up that hill, and this time the hammers did not stop.

Sheikh, until you and I receive this son God has provided, we’ll be offering our own sons and daughters on the battlefields of this world for position, and land, and power, and prestige.”

The sheikh looked at Ravi, and there was such a stunned silence in the room.  Ravi never thought of that talk beforehand.  What he’d said just came out on the spur of the moment.  Ravi thought he’d really blown it.

On the way back to their jeeps, the sheikh, hurriedly, put the other guests in their vehicles and then ran over to Ravi’s jeep.  He patted Ravi on both cheeks and then kissed him on both cheeks.  He told Ravi he was a good man and that he hoped they’d meet again some day as his eyes welled up with tears.

God loves us all, Muslims included, and this story is indicative of His desire to reach them with Jesus’ salvation of grace.  Reminds me that God looks at the heart of man, not the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7).

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:23

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“And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.”
1 John 2:2

God bless,

Mark

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Christianity Is So Simple, And Wonderful

Hello Precious Christians In Jesus’ Name,

“See, I (God) have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;

In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply:  and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him:  for he is thy life, and the length of thy days:  that thou mayest dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
Deuteronomy 30:15-20

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
Joshua 24:15

How does anyone live with the abandonment and loneliness of believing there’s no God?  Why would anyone not want to be a Christian?  Why would they not want God’s rest, love, joy and peace in their life?  How can they live today without knowing that God, their loving, Heavenly Father, can make all things work together for their good, that they can cast all their care on Him?  Why do any of us choose to live with the trappings pride brings to one’s life, with worry and fear when God’s perfect love can cast out fear and the worry associated with it?

At one time in my life, I was as bad off as the lame man, the leper or the blind man Jesus healed in the Bible stories.  I was so blinded to everything God had for me – always satan’s plan.  My leprosy was the panic, fear, frustration, anger, resentment, restlessness, unforgiveness, bitterness, jealousy, lack of love, unfulfilled dreams and goals, and the fear of man that kept me from even beginning to understand God’s love for me.

“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.

Surely he shall deliver thee…”
Psalm 91:1-3a

I (Mark) was lame and needed to be delivered – I didn’t know how good “delivered” could be.  I needed to find out how I could “dwell in the secret place of the most High.”  I was out from under God’s protecting presence, His dwelling place.  I needed a Savior, someone who could save me from the ugly and heavy burden the sins of fear, care, bitterness (and all the rest) had placed on my life.

Little by little, God began to bring about change in my life.  He began to deal with these harmful traits and learned behaviors, these awful, devlish things that had such a “strong hold” on my mind, my emotions, my heart, personality, and relationships.

What can I say about Jesus’ love for me?  Wow, He’s simply incredible and unwavering in His faithfulness and love for me.  How grateful I am that He saw my need for Him, and that He’s taken the time to help me change, to become renewed.

“For this purpose the Son of God (Jesus) was manifested, that He might destroy the works (anger, fear, panic, frustration, bitterness, jealousy, coveting, divorce, fighting between us, selfishness, unforgiveness, revenge, you name it) of the devil.”
1 John 3:8

“The thief (satan) cometh not (comes only to), but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy (by trying to make us miserable through bitterness, fighting with each other, hate, resentment, selfishness, you name it):  I (Jesus, on the other hand) am come that they (you and me) might have life (free from anger, resentment, bitterness, coveting, hate, selfishness, etc.), and that they might have it more abundantly (living free in Jesus’ joy, peace, love, forgiveness, blessings, care for us, etc. – and, it only gets better all the time because He’s infinite in His love for us).”
(John 10:10) Edits Mine

The Gospel, the Bible, Jesus and Christianity…it’s all really as simple as the above verses imply.  But, the Gospel message, the Bible, Jesus and Christianity can make all the difference in anyone’s life, here in this earthly life and into eternity.

That’s why God sent Jesus…to destroy the works of the devil (fear, anger, bitterness, jealousy, you name it), and to give us His (Jesus’) life, instead.

Jesus, oh my precious Jesus, Your Presence makes me whole.

God bless you all,

Mark