Stars

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105

As Christians, we have a loving, Heavenly Father.  Our Father cares for us, never leaves us nor forsakes us, helps us with everyday life and shows us “His ways” that protect our lives from destruction.

Those who don’t know Christ don’t have a Heavenly Father, a Father they can trust with their lives.  They’re finding out they can’t trust anyone and, understandably, it’s really scaring them.  The darkness of living apart from Christ is consuming them with depression, worry, anxiety, fear, etc.  They can’t “Look up” the same way we can, they can’t trust Jesus, they can’t know that He’s working all things together for their good, they can’t let the peace of God reign in their hearts, and they have no hope of Heaven as they watch this world collapse under the pressure of end times events.

As we look up, as we yield to the truths found in scripture, as we let Jesus, the hope of Heaven, live through us, maybe some will be drawn to Jesus and come to know the incredible salvation found in our Heavenly Father.

So many talk about how dark it’s getting in the world meaning that Godliness is disappearing at the rate Jesus said it would in the end times.  Some Christians are not looking up and the darkness is scaring them as well.

It’s true, the world is getting pretty dark, but Jesus didn’t say to focus on and talk about the darkness.  Instead, He said to “look up”.  If I don’t look up I can’t possibly hope to reflect Christ, to light up the darkness, to let others know there is Someone they can put their total trust in.  To look up is to put on Christ, to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in order to make His promises such a part of my life that I’ll shine His light in the darkness.

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

As my son-in-law, Ian, told me just the other day, “At night when the sky is dark, you can see the stars.  You can’t see them in the day time.  As Christians, we’re the stars.”

The glory of stars is best revealed and observed in darkness.  Encourage each other to look up.  The stars are pretty at night, don’t you think?

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday!

“Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.”
Taken from “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” by Joseph Scriven

Take it (whatever has you feeling down or without Jesus’ joy) to the Lord in prayer.  Leave it with Him. ☺

I’ve learned that I can’t live according to how I feel nor according to what’s going on in my life that tries to drag me down.  No way.  Been there, and done that. ☺

Your (God’s Word) words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.  Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 9:9-12

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:3

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Psalm 146:5

As my wonderful wife would say, “Happy Monday!”

I woke up “feeling” kind of down.  I’m doing some detoxing and it can really make you feel weird.  Well, I was telling Annie how I “felt” when it occurred to me that feelings never matter as long as I ask Jesus’ help to turn my day around.  I asked Him to help me live above any feelings that didn’t line up with being a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Within just a few minutes, I was happy and felt lifted up in my spirit – Inviting Jesus into our situation brings the Holy Spirit to the forefront of our spirits.  I reminded Annie of Whose we are.

Nothing like our precious Jesus, dear ones.  What a joy to know Him and to be able to call on Him Who is always faithful…

In every thing give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (Thanking God in everything will lift your countenance.  That’s why He commands us to give thanks in everything.  Isn’t that incredible?)
1 Thessalonians 5:18

O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:8

Jesus is with us.  He’s got His Presence in store for us right now and throughout this week.  Happy Monday, everyone! ☺

God bless,

Mark

Jesus’ Rich Rewards

Hi Everyone,

Jesus, ever right beside us, is always waiting for us to simply ask for His help.

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.  (Such sweet words)
Psalm 23:6

I was sitting here this morning waiting on the Holy Spirit for something to share.  The Holy Spirit is so wonderful and faithful.

Maybe you have irritating thoughts of frustration, a gnawing competitive spirit, restless and always trying to understand, family matters, job issues, shame, embarrassment, uncertainty, circumstances that taunt you and make you doubt God’s love for you, fear, anxiety, self-pity, hate, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, coveting, feel abandoned, insecurity, lust, mammon (the love of money), doubt, unbelief, resentment, etc.

I’ve had each of these, and more.  In fact, because of my health issues and other items that were so frustrating to my parents and relatives, I was so oppressed I couldn’t even turn my neck more than about half-way in either direction for a long period of time in Oregon because I was so tied up in knots with defeating thoughts.  Yes, defeating thoughts will cause all types of health issues.  That’s why when you let Jesus help you renew your mind, your youth gets renewed and you mount up with wings like the eagle. (Isaiah 40:31)

I don’t know what you wrestle with in your heart, spirit, mind and emotions, but I do know that the One who made you wants to set you free from anything other than His peace, love, rest and joy, no kidding.

Now that’s an incredible statement, I know (and I’m only beginning to discover how incredible our salvation is☺).  But, it’s more than just a possibility.  It’s a promise from the God Who teaches us to renew our minds to His Word (see Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8, 2 Timothy 1:7, Jeremiah 33:3, Proverbs 28:26, Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 4:22-32, Matthew 15:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Proverbs 3:5) and the thoughts He has for us to dwell on.  This is what dwelling in the secret place of the Most High is all about (Psalm 91).

God can and will give us the victory in the battle for our minds when we seek Him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), and that victory will set our hearts, spirits and emotions free in Jesus – the enemy will flee if we resist him and his defeating thoughts (James 4:7).  Only when you experience God’s work setting you free can you begin to understand the magnitude of the liberty He can give us to live in.

I’m telling you, precious ones, God has nothing less than His Kingdom for all those who will (our will must be more persistent than the enemy’s) follow Him by renewing their minds.

And, always remember, while renewing the mind may seem like an impossible task at times, John 15:4-6 tells us that we can’t do it without Jesus’ help.  BUT, when we ask for Jesus’ help, He’s faithful to bring about renewal to our minds, spirits, hearts and emotions.  I, for one, am living proof of this truth.

I’m honestly telling you, there is nothing more valuable than having your mind renewed and set free by Christ, nothing.

When Jesus’ peace claims areas of your heart that have been in turmoil, you just get so thankful, grateful and hungry for more and more of Him.  You have such rest, quiet where there was noise in your spirit and mind, and a new trust take over those areas.  Like the Apostle Paul, you really live in “I’ve learned in whatsoever state I am therefore to be content.”  I don’t know where you live, but the “state” Paul’s talking about isn’t bound by earthly borders.  The state of spiritual deliverance he’s talking about will follow you wherever you go.

This world is filled with thoughts (like fear, self-pity and some of the others I listed above), that left unchecked, will cause us needless spiritual, mental, and emotional anguish and pain.

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

The renewed mind – Jesus’ command to renew our minds is the richest reward we can obtain.  For me, it’s as though a bed of nails is being replaced with a comfy hammock in the mountains.  He’s stilling all of the irritations in me.  From where I’ve been, that’s worth everything…

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:  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

God bless,

Mark

A Tender Conscience (Joyce Meyer)

Hello Everyone in Jesus’ Name,

Don’t you just love it when someone says what you know in your heart to be true?

I’ve found Joyce’s words to be so true in my own life and relationships with others.  For instance, if I maintain a tender conscience with God, my relationship with my family is more forgiving, tender, gentle and in line with God’s love for each of us.

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A Tender Conscience
Joyce Meyer

Therefore I always exercise and discipline myself [mortifying my body, deadening my carnal affections, bodily appetites, and worldly desires, endeavoring in all respects] to have a clear (unshaken, blameless) conscience, void of offense toward God and toward men.
Acts 24:16

One way to live closer to God is to keep your heart tender.  Having a tender conscience enables us to live closer to God.  We become sensitive to His touch and we can easily discern when our behavior is right and wrong.  Then we can promptly repent and be completely restored to wonderful, refreshing fellowship with God.

Don’t waste your time making excuses for disobedience.  When God shows you that you have done something wrong, just say, “You’re right, Lord, I’m wrong. I have no excuse, so please forgive me and help me not to do it again.”

It is amazing how much that will help you maintain a tender conscience toward God.  When we are tender toward God, it enables us to be tender in our dealings with people.  The world is filled with bruised, wounded, and brokenhearted people who need kindness and a loving touch from God.  Let God touch them through you.

When you have a tender heart toward God, you will hear His voice more clearly and obey His Word more readily.

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Joyce’s words would make a nice reminder when placed on the front of the refrigerator door or some other regularly viewed place.  ☺

God bless,

Mark

Blessed Is The Man Or Woman Who Trusts In The Lord

Happy Monday, Everyone,

Boy, there’s nothing and no one like our precious Jesus.  His encouragement shows up on time.  He is so good to lift our hearts and steady our faith…

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
Psalm 91:2

Those who trust in the LORD Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
Psalm 125:1

Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.
Jeremiah 17:7

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

God bless,

Mark

Jesus’ Precious Peace

Peace I (Jesus) 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

We don’t need to let our hearts be troubled or afraid if we’ll simply give way to and believe in our Prince of Peace…

One of the best kept secrets to maintaining a good marriage is to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.  His peace can calm us down and help us love each other in a more gentle, calming, productive way.

Let God’s peace rule your homes; your emotions, your desires, dreams and goals; your discussions, your decisions, your hearts, your conversations, your minds, and your souls.

He’s available 24 hours a day.  Tap into His marvelous, calming, refreshing peace.

Stop for a moment to regroup in Jesus.  Step back, take a deep breath and simply say, “Jesus.”  All He asks of us is that we yield to Him, and let Him take control…

And the peace of God, which passeth (transcends) all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

“Oh, sweet Jesus, my Prince Of Peace, thank You for watching over my heart.”

God bless,

Mark

Grace, Not Works

Like most everyone else, I’ve broken a number of the ten commandments in my lifetime…

It’s just so overwhelming to be set free by Jesus.  How can anyone not fall in love with Him when they clearly see that His death has set them free from trying to be right with God through “works?”   (Isaiah 64:6)

It’s amazing how the cults talk about “works” and what we must “do” to be saved.  To me, “doing” always sets too high of a bar for me to ever reach, and I can never discover how much I need to do to be saved – people aren’t able to agree on an exact list of works that guarantee salvation.  And, that should lead us to Christ.

I’m so thankful for the Apostle Paul’s remarks about his desire to keep the law but finding it impossible to do in Romans chapter 7.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:2

and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.  For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Philippians 3:9

Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.  And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law.  For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
Galatians 2:16

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

These scriptures have a tendency to bring me back to Christ’s all-atoning death on the cross, to my “first love.”  That is, Christ has set me free from the law and the striving the law once produced in my life.  Oh, thank you, Jesus, for the grace you made available to us.  What incredible love.

I’m set free from the law that I tried but failed to keep.  At times, it seems too good to be true that Jesus has set us free.  But then, that’s the gospel, that’s the immense “Good News.”

God bless,

Mark

Knowing The “Word”

Hello Fellow Christians,

God gave us the entire Bible for a reason…

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Timothy 4:1-4

I heard a Joel Osteen youtube video the other day.  In it, he told the interviewer he doesn’t like to talk about hell and other related, “heavy” topics because “people are so beat up and beaten down” that he feels it’s not right to talk about those subjects.  He wants to talk about topics that lift people up.

I know my gift is to encourage others as well and I have to admit, I’ve gotten some good insights from Joel.  But, even Jesus talked about hell and other themes Joel stays away from.  If the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), I want to know how not to sin, how not to miss God’s mark, how to live God’s ways that will bless my life.  If Jesus taught these points, shouldn’t we, especially in today’s environment?

The truth (Jesus – John 14:6) will set us free.  If Jesus didn’t, then we can’t conveniently omit topics that are actually meant to set people free.

I’ve been listening to some folks talking about all of the confusing “Christian” doctrines being slung around these days – They stated that there are very few churches they’d recommend.  Reminds me of how important it is to know the Word, the Bible.  Knowing what the Bible has to say keeps us from getting lead astray by “every wind of doctrine.”  It’s also important to pray about teachings and to ask God to show you if the teaching is out of order or not in line with His will.

Whenever I hear of some new movement in the church, I watch it for a while and note what some others are saying about it.  I don’t just jump in and I don’t get on the “band wagon” until I’ve tested what the ministry is saying and teaching overall.

Lots of times, when a new ministry or church begins talking about and emphasizing money, I get really cautious.  Sure enough, most of the time, the teaching begins to sound “off” when compared to what the Bible teaches as a whole.

There are many groups and teachers talking about the gifts, money and being seeker-friendly these days.  Be careful, people.  If the teaching isn’t talking about Jesus, the cross, eternal salvation or damnation, laying your life down, loving your wife and family, etc., be very leery of it.

By the way, recently, I read that even the people attending the famous Willow Creek Community Church aren’t satisfied with the shallow, seeker-friendly atmosphere.  They want to go deeper in Jesus and the leaders are somewhat confused on just how to do that…

That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:14

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13

God bless,

Mark

I Want To Be More Like Jesus

Even a simple smile can really make someone’s day…=)

I Want To Be More Like Jesus
By Keith Green

As each day passes by,
I feel my love run dry.
I get so weary, worn,
And tossed around in the storm.
Well I’m blind to others needs,
And I’m tired of planting seeds.
I seem to have a wealth,
Of so many thoughts about myself.

I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus.
I want to, I need to, be more like him.

Our fathers will was done,
By giving us his son,
Who paid the highest cost,
To point us to the cross.
And when I think of him,
Taking on the whole world’s sin,
I take one look at me,
Compared to what I’m called to be.

I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus.
I want to, I need to, be more like him.

Remember, there’s no greater love,
Then to lay down your life for a friend.
The end of all my prayers,
Is to care like my lord cares.
My one and only goal,
His image in my soul.
Yes my weakness is revealed,
When by his stripes I’m healed.
Hes faithful and hes true,
To complete the work he begins in you.

I want to, I need to, be more like Jesus.
I want to, I need to, be more like him.

‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.
Leviticus 19:18

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
Matthew 5:44

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I loved you.
John 15:12

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
Romans 12:10

Love does no wrong to its neighbor.  Therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.
Romans 13:10

The entire Law is fulfilled in a single decree:  “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14

and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God.
Ephesians 5:2

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 13:34

God bless,

Mark

God’s Work and Heaven

My precious wife thought I needed to share this today…

I wasn’t feeling well when I woke up this morning.  I did some detoxing yesterday and was feeling the effects of it today.  Detoxing removes harmful things in our bodies so we can become healthy again.

God does a similar work in His children until their lives so reflect Jesus that they’re as pure gold, the kind of  golden character traits that others need and will be drawn to, the true living water found only in Jesus.

Even though I wasn’t feeling good, I began praising God for all things and the Holy Spirit gave me something to encourage me.  I hope it encourages you as well. ☺

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I’m discovering an incredibly valuable secret of The Kingdom.  When I’m weak, I’m somehow the strongest in Christ’s strength because I’m more surrendered and yielded to Him in my weakness.  This is giving Him more of me and His life in me is bringing a victory I don’t think could have occurred any other way.  People need Jesus and there’s more of Him present in my life when I’m weak.  Isn’t that incredible?

I’m hearing so much about people becoming discouraged in their walk with our Lord.  I hope the following rallies their faith in Jesus and His strong arm that delivers us from all oppression…

He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:30

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

so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Peter 1:7

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Romans 8:37

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
2 Corinthians 2:14

I can do all things (Those things God asks of me) through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

There’s a thorough, mighty, precious work of the Holy Spirit that begins in our lives when we get saved, when we ask Jesus into our lives, when we’re born-again by the the Holy Spirit.

The devil will do everything he can to abort the work described in James 1:2-4, to break us, to harden our heart, to keep God’s work from being completed in our life including making us so miserable that we can be tempted to give up and to have suicidal thoughts.

Don’t give into those lying thoughts!  Refuse satan’s lies and let God continue His work in your life.

God has a plan to bring His work to full fruition, to bring you to full victory and that victory will impact many others and give them great hope.  They’ll see that you didn’t give up when you were tempted like they are currently being tempted, and that God brought you through to a power-filled victory in Jesus.  The anointing on your testimony will make the enemies that attack others, flee.

Keep walking with God, fellow Christian.  Keep praising Him.  Keep taking thoughts captive, and remembering that God is working all things together for your good as well as for the good of many others who will need the testimony God is creating in your life.

Stay focused on God’s promises.

Because of Christ’s work on the cross, the victory is truly already won.  All we really need to do is keep our hand and lives in Christ’s almighty, capable hands.

Always remember, Jesus Christ’s Name is above every other name so with His help you can rise above all the other names that will tempt you to give up on the road to victory.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
2 Corinthians 3-5

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Remember to take time to think about Heaven.  All that awaits those who love Jesus will be worth any earthly battles as we follow God onto victory and into our eternal home.

God bless,

Mark

Rejoice, Rejoice, Oh Christian!

He is not here:  for He is risen, as He said.
Matthew 28:6a

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

“Who is this King of glory?  The LORD of hosts, he [is] the King of glory.  Selah.”
Psalm 24:10

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts:  the whole earth [is] full of his glory.”
Isaiah 6:3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Selah.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:  God shall help her, and that right early.

The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved:  he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah.

Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God:  I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.  Selah.
Psalm 46

I played and sang to the following precious Christian hymn over and over yesterday.  Boy, it just lifts your spirit and brings joy to your whole being – it makes the fact that Jesus lives in you really come alive in your heart.  How can anyone be down when they sing and apply the truths found in the song’s lyric?  Praise Jesus.  We win, precious people!  Let Jesus live in your heart by yielding to His Lordship all day long, dear ones.  He changes everything!

No one and nothing like our wonderful Jesus…

He Lives!

I serve a risen Savior
He’s in the world today.
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say.
I see His hand of mercy;
I hear His voice of cheer;
And just the time I need Him
He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me
I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary,
I never will despair;
I know that He is leading,
Through all the stormy blast;
The day of His appearing
Will come at last.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs
To Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him,
The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving,
So good and kind.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

God bless,

It’s really pretty simple…
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.

Mark

Works Of The Flesh And Fruit Of The Spirit

God’s so attentive and faithful to help us monitor our hearts so we’re kept safe from care and worry, to maintain our love and peace.

Lately, I’ve been around some folks who are pretty worried about one thing or another.  I don’t know how people can live with such worry, strife and stress.  But, then I remember that I was the same way before Jesus began to show me how I could be set free from strife, care and worry, and that He would show me, really show me in my heart, that He’s working all things together for my good.  Truly, I don’t know what I’d do without Jesus in my life.  He’s totally changing me for the good.  He really does keep His covenant with those who have asked Him into their heart.

One link about Galatians 5 was titled “The Obvious Works Of The Flesh And Fruit Of The Spirit.”  In other words, God is telling  us how to discern if someone is living for their flesh or living for Jesus.

In verses 17-21 below, we see the evidence of someone choosing to live after their flesh.  It’s not pretty and will eventually lead to eternal separation from God.

On the other hand, verses 21-26 portray the blessed fruit of the Spirit of God as a person seeks after God and denies their flesh.  This person will live with God forever in Heaven and will reap the benefits of the fruit of the Spirit operating in their life while on earth.

The comparison between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit is pretty obvious.  In Matthew 7:16-20, the Bible tells us “you’ll know them (people) by their fruit.”

I love how the Lord points these lessons out to us.  It helps to keep me lined up with the fruit of the Spirit, with seeking God with my whole heart, and to not let any works of the flesh deceive me.  For instance, if I begin to lose my peace, or any of the other fruit of the Spirit, I pray and ask the Father to help me get back on track with Him.  In other words, I repent and begin, again, seeking Him and His Kingdom with my whole heart.  He’s so faithful to answer that prayer.  ☺

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

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

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Keith Green – How can they live without Jesus?  How can live without God’s love?  How can they feel so at home down here when there’s so much more up above…

God bless,

Mark

Sinners

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:23

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8

“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Romans 5:8)

Hi Folks,

Satan would have us think that we’re better, or more important, than others.

Aren’t you glad we’re all sinners.  It’s a prerequisite for being saved.  Being sinners kind of levels the playing field, so to speak – In God’s eyes, no one’s better than anyone else.

I heard a funny comment the other day.  A fellow said it to someone who had a lot of money and the money man was trying to use it to influence the fellow.  You could tell the man with the money was used to getting his way due to the importance he thought his money gave him.  The fellow said to the rich man, “Your money doesn’t make me stupid.”  The rich man didn’t have a reply…

We’re all in this life together.  We all need a Savior.  We’re all susceptible to the sins of idolatry, anger, pride (religious pride, too), arrogance, unforgiveness, selfish ambition, drunkenness, bitterness, hurt, insecurity, lust, jealousy, the love of money, resentment, and a false sense of importance.  These types of sins, of missing God’s blessed ways of living, eat away at our lives.

why we need to come to the Lord.  He’s the one Who can place His Holy Spirit in us to help set us free from the sin that tries to steal, kill and destroy us.  Jesus revitalizes us and gives us wings like the eagle as He removes sin from our lives (Isaiah 40).

We’re all sinners.  We all mess up.  Jesus can come into our lives to help us get free from sin’s impact.  This is why I choose Jesus every day.  After all, I’m a sinner and I mess up. ☺

We love you all.

God bless,

Mark

Beginning The Week With Adoration And Praise

23 Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.  24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.  25 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.  26 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens.  27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.  28 Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.  29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.  30 Tremble before him, all the earth! The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.  31 Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!”
1 Chronicles 16:23-31

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:  2 To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,
Psalm 92:1-2

God bless,

Mark

Through

Praise God, we’re going through.  ☺

One day, we’ll be through with “this.”

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:32

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10

When He set them free from the Egyptians, God had the right route planned out ahead of time for the children of Israel to reach the promise land.

Why do I have to go through “this?”

I’ve been thinking about that thought lately.  Lots of folks, including me, are going through some challenging times in their lives – I just need to remember that challenges are meant to grow me into God’s character, to strengthen me, to give me great faith, joy, peace, love and rest.

It was like the Holy Spirit said that the key word in the sentence is “through.”

Like the children of Israel in the wilderness, He’s setting us free from the “Egyptians” in our lives and He’s taking us through.  We won’t always be going.  We’ll finally be done with whatever the “this” is in our lives and will have arrived intact at the destination God planned for us to reach all along.  The place God wants us to reach will be worth anything we’re going through to get there.  We just need to trust Him.

Fear not, people.  God has everything in control.  He knows right where we are in our walk with Him.  He knows the best route for us and He’s bringing us through to a blessed place.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:17-18

God bless,

Mark

The Way Of Love

I’ve found that I’m more open to God’s love when I’m weak.  More grace operates in my life when I’m weak as well.

I have to say that the more the Lord shows me that I need to have more of His love in my heart, the easier life becomes.  Life becomes more enjoyable and less stressful.  I’m a better husband, father and neighbor.  My mind slows down, it has more peace, and I can relax more.  I listen more, I’m more patient, compassionate, have more Godly wisdom and understanding, and I’m more gentle.  His love reminds me of how wonderful it is to be loved by someone who is allowing God’s love to live through them.

God’s love brings a lot of comfort to us if we’ll ask Him to produce it in our lives and yield to it each time He shows us how to live it out.  What a blessing God’s love is to all it touches.

The Way of Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends.  As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.  When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.  When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.  For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face.  Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians Chapter 13

God bless,

Mark

Finding Jesus

I just love it when Jesus interrupts my day to remind me to find Him…

And ye shall seek me (Jesus), and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
Jeremiah 29:13

Why does Jesus encourage us to seek Him with all our heart.  Because He knows that only in Him is the self-control, gentleness, peace, mercy, love, joy, rest and fulfillment that will satisfy and bless our soul’s deepest needs and desires.  Nothing else in this world can do that.

Nothing like finding Jesus, our Savior, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  (Isaiah 9:6)

God bless,

Mark

We Want Challenges So Our Faith Will Grow

We actually want challenges so our faith grows strong.  Wow, how cool is that?

I had a really challenging dream and lots of challenging panic attacks last night so I’m pretty weak today.  But, that’s okay because…

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 12:10

Boy, I live off these types of teaching.  I just love how Jonathan builds us up by showing us the tremendous advantage challenges offer us.  Rather than running from challenges, he encourages us seek them out.  Wow, that’s revolutionary and so uplifting.  We don’t need to fear challenges, we need to develop an attitude of embracing them.  Amen!

Lots of other Jonathan teachings talk about facing off against fear and how he’s seen God show up time and time again to deliver him from evil and fear.  That inspires me and keeps me fighting the good fight of faith.  Knowing the Lord’s with me is everything.

Below is the transcript of Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s message excerpt, “The Resistance Secret.”

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The Resistance Secret
By Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

The principle of exercise, something we’re aware of in the physical realm, but it’s revolutionary when you take it to the spiritual realm.  And that is, how do you get into physical shape?  You exercise.  You use your muscles, you use your heart.  The more you use it, the stronger and more healthy you become.

So how do you become spiritually fit or spiritually strong?  You use, you exercise your spiritual muscles.  The more you exercise your faith, the more faith grows.  The more you exercise forgiveness, the more forgiveness grows. The more you exercise worship, the more worship grows.

Something so simple yet something so radical.

If you don’t exercise these things, they shrink.  God made the body so that if you don’t use something, it gets less, and weaker.  And, that’s true in the spiritual.  If you don’t exercise the things of the Spirit in your life, they get weaker.

But, here’s another very important key.

Exercise, generally, while there’s different kinds, but this is one of the most key, most basic kind involves resistance.

You must flex your muscles against something, you must move against something that is hard to move.  The more powerful you want to become, physically, the more resistance you need in the exercise.

Therefore, if you want to grow spiritually strong, you have to involve yourself with resistance.

What is resistance?  Resistance is whatever blocks your way, whatever resists your way, whatever is hard to do, hard to move, hard to lift, hard to press.

What’s hard?  Well, for instance, problems are.  Problems are resistance.  Trouble is resistance.  Challenges are resistance.  Obstacles are resistance. Things not going your way is resistance.  That traffic jam is a resistance.  Trials, when people are coming against you, that’s resistance.  Testing in the Lord is resistance.  Difficulties, hardship, when things, you know, we want things to go our way all the time, but it’s when things don’t go our way, that’s when we have resistance to grow stronger.

The things that are hard to do are what gives you strength in the end.  The very things we complain about are the very things we try to avoid, the very things that make us stronger in God if we apply it.

One of the reasons many Americans are out of shape is cause they try to avoid any kind of strenuous anything.  Any heavy labor, anything labor saving all the time.  We have all these labor and time-saving devices, and we have no time.  How did that happen?  We should have all the time in the world, but we have no time.

You know, we got a car at one point and the light didn’t turn on automatically when it got dark out.  And it was like, “Wow, how could this not happen?”  We never had that before.  But now, you get used to not doing anything at all.  We have GPS so we don’t even have to think anymore.  You know, what happens to your brain?

Many Americans are out of shape because they’re trying not to have any resistance, any kind of labor.  And so, they end up being fat, and weak, flabby and unhealthy.

In the spiritual realm, think about it, we seek to avoid resistance, or problems, challenges.  We want life to be smooth, everything to be smooth, but you’ll get weak in the Lord.

We think the most successful life is a problem-free life.  That’s not so. It’s not.  Paul didn’t have that and he was successful.  That’s the very life that keeps us weak, and flabby and unhealthy in the Spirit.

The very resistance you have in your life is the very thing that will allow you to grow stronger, better, higher.  If you didn’t have problems, you’d have to seek to have problems so you could have something to give you resistance if you want to grow strong.  When you’ve got problems, instead of seeing it as a problem, say, “This is my resistance training.  These are my weights.  I have to lift them with the muscles of the Spirit.”

Now we say, “No pain, no gain.”  Well, I don’t know if it has to be that, but no resistance, yes.

It says in the Bible, “We persevere…” (as in 2 Peter 1:5-7).  And as we do it, things grow in us.  We get fruits of the, we get all these qualities by persevering in the Lord.

You know, sometimes the very things that happen against even, you know, God calls you for something, there’s resistance that comes and we think the resistance is bad.  But, the resistance allows you to exercise God’s Presence in the situation.

For example, if you have hate around you, that’s when you can exercise, truly, the love of God.  And so you’re actually given the chance to show that.  And when you exercise, you’re actually choosing to have resistance, you’re actually choosing, “I want this weight in my life.”  Why?  So you can get stronger.

And so, that’s the point here…

One of the key things about exercise is it has to be regular and consistent.  That means you have to in your life, if you want to grow, you have to say, also, “Listen, I don’t want to just stay where I am, I want bigger challenges in the Lord.  I want challenges.”

It’s not just about avoiding challenges, I want challenges.  That should be our attitude if we want to grow.

What does it mean to have challenges in your life?  It means to choose, listen, here’s a challenge that’s going to stretch me more than I’ve ever been in the Lord.  Or, my challenge is I’m going to spend more time in the Word than I ever have before, I’m going to witness more, I’m going to share the Word more, I’m going to be more.  That’s the challenge.  Take it up, if you want to grow stronger, you have to take on the challenges.  And, stop avoiding challenges because that never will make you stronger.

And you have to say, “The object in my life is not to avoid any discomfort.  My object in my life is to do the will of God. And I’m actually going to look forward to dealing with challenges because they are for my good and in them, I can grow and manifest the power of God.”

And so, from here on in, I’m actually going to look forward to dealing with challenges.  If that’s your attitude, you’re going to have no problems in your life.  Why?  Because every problem is not going to be a problem in your life but a challenge for your own good.

That’s a whole different attitude, but what a better attitude.  That’s an attitude of advancing and not retreating because through whatever challenge I deal with, I will become stronger.  It changes the way you deal with it. If it’s just a problem, “Oh no, it’s just this problem again, and it’s happening again, and/or this person’s talking about me. ”  Now, these types of situations are just challenges and I just need to do the right thing.  “Lord, show me how to exercise my faith here.  Show me how to have victory here, show me how to exercise Your love here.”

And when you get that done, then you can move to a higher level.  So don’t fear challenges, but embrace challenges in the Lord for the joy of victory, for the growth God wants.

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God bless you all,

Mark

Peace That Passes Understanding

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

One thing’s for sure, God knows the future and is working all things for my good.  I don’t know the future and I need to learn to trust God with it, to be happy and content letting Him be God.

Something came up the other day and I got stuck in trying to understand.  Years ago, I used to “have” to understand all the time and it got me no where most of the time.  I was so tormented with spending so much time trying to figure things out.  In fact, I could get into fear, care, anger, frustration , bitterness and resentment when the understanding didn’t come or when a matter didn’t make sense and appeared to be unfair.

The other day, when what was on my mind began to bother my spirit, I asked God to help me have peace about it even if I didn’t understand it.  I told Him I didn’t need to understand it, I just wanted His peace.  So, as the above verse states, I sought Him – aren’t you thankful that scripture tells us what to do when we need help?  I asked for His help believing He would help me (I was trying to exercise my faith in God).

Well, God gave me His peace and it was wonderful.  His peace is so precious and comforting.  It gave me joy again.

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

My heart and head say, “I don’t get it.”  Faith says, “I’m going to trust God when I don’t get it.”

Maybe you’re like me.  I can’t always get peace by trying to understand a situation and understanding doesn’t always come at the time I feel it should.  That’s why I’m really grateful that I can ask for God’s peace that passes (instead of, in place of, leaving the situation with God, etc.) understanding.  Instead of being able to understand, He gives me peace when I can’t, or don’t, understand.

Thank You, Jesus, for Your peace that passes understanding.

God bless,

Mark

Good From Bad

Hello Everyone,

Being able to console each other is one of the most wonderful things to experience in life…

The following is taken from a Joyce Meyer daily devotional for July 5th.  It’s a really good reminder that God is able to work all things together for our good when we trust and wait on Him.

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Good From Bad

As you for, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as they are this day.
Genesis 50:20

God wants to restore your soul.  The closer you get to Him, the more you experience His healing, strengthening, restoring power.  He’ll take you back to where your life got off track and make everything right from that moment forward.

Joseph is the classic biblical example of how God takes what was meant for evil against us and works it for our good.  In that dramatic scene where Joseph is speaking in Genesis 50:20, he tell his brothers that the evil they meant to do to him (and it was truly evil), God had used for good to save them and their families and hundreds of thousands of others in a time of famine.

In my own life, I cannot truthfully say I am glad I was abused.  But through the power of forgiveness and yielding my pain to God, He has healed me and made me a better, stronger, more spiritually powerful and sensitive person.  He has restored my soul and driven out the fear and insecurity.  I can trust, love, forgive, and live with simplicity in my approach to life because God has restored my soul, and He can do the same thing for you.

If bad things have happened in your life, remember this:  Only God can restore your situation.  He can bring good from bad.

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Honestly, the longer I (Mark) walk with Jesus, the more He’s showing me that He’s able to turn the sting of hurts I’ve experienced into consolation, compassion, peace, rest and joy.  It’s amazing how He’s able to do that in my heart and understanding.

By the way, I heard a more recent account of Joyce talking about the abuse she experienced in her life and she has even thanked God for it, and is glad it happened, because she can now truthfully see that God is using that experience to help bring His loving healing to so many.  She would not have had this opportunity (and her life’s work) to share God’s love with others if she’d not been abused and received God’s love, compassion and understanding for others.

God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. We just need to keep walking with Him and let Him take the time necessary to show us how He can, miraculously, work all things together for our good if we’ll stay in faith and trust Him.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5

What an all-powerful, loving God we have. ☺

God bless,

Mark