Category: General Christian Living

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

When Jesus leaves the 99 to rescue me…

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

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

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

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

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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

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

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

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

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious unto you
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace (His peace that is ABOVE our circumstances)
And I put the Name of the God of the children of Israel on you and bless you in Jesus’ Name, the Name that is ABOVE every other name.

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

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto
thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of
the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy
confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

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

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

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

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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

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

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

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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

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

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What a time we live in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark

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

Happy Monday, everyone.

So come on. Let’s go!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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

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

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

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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

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

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

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

Wonderful Counselor
^{By The Maranatha Singers}

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

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

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

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

Prince of Peace, rule my heart, oh wonderful Jesus…

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Monday, everyone!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2 My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

3 He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.

6 The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.

8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Psalm 121

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:7-8

Safe in the arms of Jesus…

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

Trust Me

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Trust Me.

Thanking and praising God in all things.  What a blessing to be able to do so.

Mark ☺

Trust Me

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Trust Me.

Thanking and praising God in all things – All things.  Isn’t that wonderful?

Mark

In this place, I’m resting in more than I can see.*

Jesus, please forgive me for thinking I was anything without You. I must have Your rest, Lord, living in me. Then, I want to show others that You, Your comforting rest, is real and available to all.

Supposing you eliminated suffering, what a dreadful place the world would be! I would almost rather eliminate happiness. The world would be the most ghastly place because everything that corrects the tendency of this unspeakable little creature, man, to feel over-important and over-pleased with himself would disappear. He’s bad enough now, but he would be absolutely intolerable if he never suffered.
Malcolm Muggeridge

I’m no saint. But, I’m finding that Jesus is taking over all of my desires. He’s hiding my heart away. And, something seeming impossibly wonderful is taking place in me. Really, I can only sum it up in One Word. Him.

Though He slay me, yet will I serve Him. When you get to that point, all of the conditions and devilish temptations that try to pry you from God’s love vanish. All you’re left with is God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. And, They’re everything.

God will use any means necessary to bring us to His simple rest. The devil and our flesh will fight this. It’s just the way of the flesh and our hateful, jealous adversary. I know this is going to sound way over simplified, but I believe it’s true. When it’s all said and done, God really wants us to have the simple life He planned for us. His simple Life may involve loss, suffering and struggles. But, He wants all of the striving, stress and pressure off of us so we can simply believe and trust Him so we can enter and forever dwell in His rest. Everything outside His rest is “us,” and the lies of the enemy we’re tempted to believe.

Casting all (that means everything on our “care” list) my care on Him makes the simple life possible. And believing that He works all things together for my good eliminates “conditionally” loving Him. The Words, “I’ve learned to be content in whatsoever state I am” have rescued your life from the destruction discontentment brings. Contentment is a huge part of His love operating in your life. It’s that span of existence void of my list of demands and conditions. That span is now full of Him. This is true peace, rest and joy unspeakable. His Love covenant with us is immeasurable and one He longs to reveal and one He directs us to discover. Wow.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11

When unrest is gone, we’re left with Rest.

Oh, hallelujah, precious Jesus!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark
*Lyric by Twila Paris

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.

I had another migraine last night. I got somewhat frustrated about it. I’d like to figure out how to get healed from them. I’d like to say the right prayer to have God remove them from me. I don’t understand all the reasons why they persist.

This morning, I was taking out the trash (the first tangible thing God had me do with a gladful heart to show Annie I love her back in the 80s) and felt like loving Annie always brings me back to the simplicity of my faith, calms me down, and moves me back into God’s rest and dwelling place. I don’t have all the answers to life and the Christian walk. Sometimes I think I have something figured out only to discover that I feel like I might be getting too big for my britches so to speak. I can see why God didn’t let me go on to advanced degrees. He knew I might lose Him trying to figure Him out like a lot of others I’ve witnessed doing over the years.

I’m not putting down others who have degrees and great theological understanding. As much as I wanted to pursue the same goals, I’m very thankful that for me, it always comes back to simply loving my wife. That’s where I’m the most grounded. It’s what keeps me. God knew it would.

Thank You, God.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.