Category: General Christian Living

My wife quoted this verse this morning during our coffee time and I really felt led to send it out today.

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14

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.

See, I (God) have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil;…
…I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing (the result of believing in the devil’s lies): therefore choose life (God’s Truths as stated in His Word), that both thou and thy seed may live:
Deuteronomy 30:15, 19

Why is it so important to learn to take thoughts captive? Because at any time during the day, I’m either believing Satan’s lies or God’s Truth. The difference is death or life.

The thief (the devil and his lies) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life (God’s Truth operating in their lives), and that they might have it more abundantly (God’s Truth will always make life more and more abundant as it sets us more and more free).
John 10:10

Yesterday, I got bombarded with a bunch of old lies. The attack was intense. I asked God to help me. This morning, I’m still climbing out of the lies and back into God’s truth like believing Romans 8:28.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:7-8

I submit myself to God by believing and living His truth, the Bible. And, I resist the devil by believing and living in God’s truth. This is why it is so critical that we apply God’s Word to our daily lives. God commands us to renew our minds to His Word so that it can transform our lives and keep us safe from the enemy’s lies that try to steal, kill and destroy us.

Believe God’s Word. Apply it to your life every day no matter what anyone else thinks or says about it. Live free indeed. It’s your right as a son or daughter of God.

Trust in the Lord (The Truth) with all thine heart (remove all lies by believing God’s Word); and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways (apply His Truth to every area of your life) acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

Be not afraid of sudden fear (sudden enemy attacks against God’s Truth about you), neither of the desolation of the wicked (those who believe and act on something other than God’s Word and Truth), when it cometh. For the Lord (The Truth) shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work (showing you how to apply His Truth to your life so you can live free indeed from the impact of enemy lies) in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

So come on. Let’s believe God and see all of the wonderful freedom He has in store for us as His children who live and walk in His Truths.

Happy Monday, everybody.

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.

16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

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.
Galatians 5:16-25

Oh Jesus, I want to live my life in the fruit of Your Spirit. I want to die to self, to my flesh, to the flesh, because my flesh is wearing me out. Please have Your way with me so I can be blessed living in Your Spirit.

Lord, help me to die to self. I don’t want to go through my life reacting and responding to life in “self.” Left to my “self,” I can be prone to get impatient, selfish, unbelief, doubtful, angry, bitter, unforgiving, jealous, insecure, fearful, anxious, hurt, prideful, greedy, striving and everything else that hurts me. I want to die to self and let You live in me so I can react to life through You, in You. I (and You do, too) know I’ll be happier and have more peace, love, joy, and Your rest if You replace me with You. And, make me like You, Lord, so I can be a blessing to my wife and others.

Take My Life
^{Christian hymn by Frances Havergal}

Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love,
At the impulse of Thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee;
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King,
Always, only, for my King.

Take my silver and my gold,
Not a might would I withhold;
Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my will, and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Hallelujah, 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 choose Jesus every day because I used to choose “Mark” every day. And left to myself, life wasn’t getting better. In fact, “Mark” was getting worse without Jesus. And without Jesus, those around me were impacted by the increasingly unhappy, stressed out, frustrated, striving, full of care, angry “Mark.”

Although I wasn’t always aware of it, I used to live like this life was all about me.  I was wrong.  This life is all about Jesus, and He wants to give us all that He is.  Wow, what a blessing.

Jesus makes all the difference in this life. With Him, we have a clear choice. This is what repentance and newness of life are all about – And He rewards us with His times of refreshing. Off with the old (Mark), and on with the new, Jesus.

Choose Jesus, and choose Life.

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.

Think about it. Most of the time, the devil uses fear to try to steal, kill and destroy us, right?

But what if we (you and I (Jesus)) stand our ground right to Satan’s face, right to his best shot? “Are you with Me?” Jesus asks us.

Of course I’m with you, Lord. There is no other way to live. No other way.

“Behold, listen to Me” Jesus is telling us about this life. “Be not afraid of sudden fear…when it comes.” Okay, Jesus told me it would come and told me I never need to be afraid of it. Never.

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

I remember how sudden the Covid 19 event hit our lives.

I was listening to a pastor teach this morning (6-29-20) and immediately the above verse came to me. As Christians, we are commanded to not be afraid of sudden fear. God knew sudden fear would try to take our faith and trust in Him from us. That’s why He included verse 26 when talking about the sudden fear events that come to each of our lives. If we know Jesus, He’ll be our confidence (our comfort, our peace, our rest, joy and provision, our strength and assurance) during such times. He’ll keep our foot (our trust and faith in Him, in His care of our lives, etc.) from being taken. Even sudden fear cannot steal, kill and destroy our relationship with Jesus. In fact, just the opposite. He will be our confidence even when we’re tempted by sudden fear like Covid 19.

Fear not, precious one. Keep believing The Word. Jesus is our confidence in all storms. He will keep our foot from being taken. That’s His promise if we’ll trust Him even when sudden fear comes.

Sudden fear——>Confidence in Christ
Sudden fear——>Confidence in Christ
Sudden fear——>Confidence in Christ

Jesus has promised you and me that He will work even sudden fear for our good. Amazing. That’s simply amazing. And, confidence-building.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

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 had another pretty hard migraine attack on Friday. I was having trouble breathing, and felt pretty bad with so many bad thoughts coming at me. I spent yesterday pretty much not caring if I lived or died.

Then, Jesus rescued me with this precious Christian hymn I used to sing in church while growing up. God is so faithful. We just need to keep going on in faith and praising and thanking Him in all things. He’ll come through for us…☺

Leaning On The Everlasting Arms
^{Christian Hymn by Elisha A. Hoffman and Anthony J. Showalter}

What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

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

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

Onward and upward for the Kingdom. ☺

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.

 

Our (mine and Annie’s) lives used to be FULL of care. We constantly leaned on our own understanding.

The Story Behind His Eye is on the Sparrow

Civilla Martin was born in Nova Scotia in 1866. Her husband was an evangelist who traveled all over the United States. She accompanied him and they worked together on most of the musical arrangements that were sung.

In 1904 Civilla was visiting an ill, bedridden friend. Although discouraged and sick, her friend remembered that God, her Heavenly Father, was watching over each little sparrow and would certainly watch after her. Matthew 10:29-31: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Mrs. Martin was a poet and thought this would be a perfect idea for a poem. She jotted down the idea and by the end of the day, had completed “His Eye is On The Sparrow”.

The entire poem was sent to a well-known composer of that day, Charles Gabriel. His lovely music has carried it all around the world in small churches and great crusades.

Once I “know” He over watches me, I’m free indeed. “Know” is that wonderful place of relationship with our Savior, with our Father, in His peace, security, grace, mercy, trust, rest, joy, and love, dwelling in the supernatural provision, in that blessed place that only He can bring us to. And, oh, what a palace of splendor His dwelling place is. “Know” Him, and enter His Kingdom. All is finally at rest – All. Oh, sweet Savior…Oh, Sweet Jesus.

Don’t wait til Heaven. Know Him, and begin to know the place He’s gone to prepare for you, now.

His Eye is On The Sparrow

Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy,
I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.

I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free. And now, I know He watches me.

God bless,

Mark

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

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

I used to sit in business meetings and ask Jesus to show me what we should do while others were discussing their ideas about this or that. It was amazing how He’d speak to me and how peaceful His advice and wisdom were. I love His Presence, His all-knowing understanding. Without mentioning His Name, I would often share what He was telling me and everyone agreed it was the best thing to do. I just smiled in my heart and silently thanked the Lord.

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

I still myself in His Presence in order to look up. There is no place like being still before Him. And I can do it any time of day by acknowledging Him in each moment of my day…Even right now.

Look up, and realize that He’s with you – every minute of your day. There is nothing like the Lord’s still, calm leading…

God bless,

Mark

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

Did you know that, as a child of God, you’ve not been given a spirit of fear?

I’ve been getting spiritually attacked lately. It’s been really heavy. The really cool thing is that God has been telling me to walk it out and that He’d have a number of great things to share with me. Boy, He is so faithful.

Covid 19 – and anything else that comes along – is nothing more than a tribulation, a trial, a testing of our faith. The devil wants us to make a huge deal out of it. That’s what he tries to do with everything in order to get us to swallow his lies, become fearful, and to get our attention off God. But, the devil’s a liar and the father of lies. Don’t believe him. Simply stop believing his lies and keep your focus on God, on His truths. Live by faith – be of good cheer – and watch God back you up.

33 These things I (Jesus) have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (nothing new, right?); but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (Covid 19, and all the rest in the world).”
John 16:33

But be of good cheer! Praise God!

Now, let’s get going and see all the good things God has in store for us today and every day as His child.

God bless,

Mark 

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

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw
nigh to you.
James 4:7-8a

God bless,

Mark

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

Am I spending time with fearful people, or am I spending time with Jesus? Jesus was so bewildered at the lack of faith people had in His time on earth. And the Jews were versed in the law and their traditions. You would think they would have great faith, right?

Conformity and the fear of man was so strong in my life that I was afraid of looking like a fool to others. I mean, what would others think if I really followed Jesus in the way I felt He wanted me to go? Jesus was getting ready to remove all care, the fear of man, and all the rest I was bound by. Fortunately, I was so sick, I had to follow Him at all costs. I no longer had the energy it takes to not trust Him completely. I had to learn how to rest in Him or I was not going to make it. I had to be totally separated from the fear of what others thought, from my own ways, from the traditions of man, from conformity to this world in order to be set free in Jesus. This was His wonderful plan.

28 Come unto me (Jesus), all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

God bless,

Mark

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

Every so often, I’m tempted to think my life is my own. But, I gave my life to God when I was 14 years old. My life is His to do with whatever He wants. The only time I get in trouble is when I forget that my life is His. I experience such times of refreshing whenever He brings me back to that blessed truth. It’s so liberating to remember and live in the fact that He has my life and that all I ever need to do is relax in that fact as He leads me where He knows is best.

What am I lacking? What have I missed in life? Which of my plans have not worked out? These thoughts came to me yesterday (6-5-20) when, immediately, the Holy Spirit began to minister to me. He said, “Right now, thank and praise me for everything you think you’ve missed out on, are lacking, have not had come to pass, etc., – All of it. Praise and thank Me for it all and watch what will happen in your life.”

Wow, that really ministered to me and I suddenly felt the power of God’s joy come in and lighten my heart. It was wonderful. He is so wonderful!

I may not have my joy, but I have His joy and what a difference His joy is making in my life.

So you know what I’m going to say. ☺

So come on, let’s go, and see all of the wonderful things Jesus has in store for us. Amen! Hallelujah! Praise You, Mighty God!

Happy Monday, everyone.

God bless,

Mark

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

13 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:

14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14

The times ahead are going to be unlike any time in history. Covid 19 is just a small sample of what lies in store for our world.

And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he arised to shake terribly the earth.
Isaiah 2:19

Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.
Isaiah 13:13

For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land];
Haggai 2:6

So that the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the heaven, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep upon the earth, and all the men that [are] upon the face of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.
Ezekiel 38:20

Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.
Hebrews 12:26

Soldier of God Requirements: To Know, obey and stand on God’s Word at all times because they now know God will work everything for their good. Because they have learned that precious secret, they praise and thank Him in all things. This makes the soldier into the overcomer God blesses. The soldier knows he/she will be kept by God no matter what.

The soldier of God can be anybody. He/she can be someone you know. They do not need special, physical prowess. They do not need to be intellectually superior, have wealth, worldly connections, etc. The soldier of God is the person who is constantly dependent on God, on the Holy Spirit. He/she will obey and stand on His Word at all times come what may. They know and want no other safeguard. They’ve come to know the still, safe, wisdom and strength contained in humility and in waiting on the Lord. They have seen and walked the narrow way and have grown to love wherever it leads. This is how they become immovable in whatsoever state they find themselves. He/she is the one who will personally witness and see great and marvelous things because God always backs up His Word and He always rewards faith in Him. Always.

He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock (Jesus).
Luke 6:48

God bless,

Mark

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

The more time I spend with Jesus, the more time I want to spend with Him. I’m sure that’s His goal.

Wasn’t it wonderful? There’s nothing like it. It’s true life, liberty and such secure peace – and matchless joy.

What am I talking about? The last time something came up and I was able to completely trust Jesus in it. I had a sense that it was all okay and that He was totally in control. It was so easy to give Him the whole situation and having His Presence, His beautiful, liberating Presence deliver me from the whole matter. Wow, He’s just so amazing.

Jesus is doing a work in us that will allow us to face everything in His Presence. All the time. All the time sounds nice, doesn’t it? He’s our “I’ve got this – all the time” Savior. “I’ll show you how much I love you in all things – all the time.”

“I love you, My child. I love you. All the time.”

God bless,

Mark

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

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

God bless,

Mark

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

Anyone remember “Dirk” from the first “Left Behind” movie with Kirk Cameron as Buck Williams? Ann and I feel like Dirk right now. We’re sitting on world-changing information and it seems we can’t get anyone to watch these four videos. ☺

This information would be really good to share with any unsaved person to inform them of the coming “Mark Of The Beast” and that they must not take the “Mark.”  The videos are from a secular source and they totally back up Bible prophecy and thereby authenticate the rest of scripture.

Anyone with ears to hear (anyone who is able to hear the Spirit of God) should listen and understand!
Matthew 11:15

Here are some quotes from the following four videos:

“Money is not the end game of Bill’s “philanthropic activities,” money is just the tool to purchase what he really wants: control. Control not just of the health industry, but control of the entire human population itself.”

Bill Gates’ Micro Needle Array ( a patch) – “In Gates’ vision, these digital identities will be tied to all of our actions and transactions. Bill Gates: “It’s too bad if someone thinks that creates a privacy problem.””

Who Is Bill Gates? : The Corbett Report
https://www.corbettreport.com/gates/

Bill Gates coerced India into receiving a “polio” vaccination – You’ll see this in the videos in the link above. The vaccination was disguised in philanthropy. As a result, nearly 500,000 Indian people have developed polio.

Ann and I viewed the above four amazing videos last weekend that really got our attention. The videos were about Bill Gates and what he’s (The Rockefellers and others) planning for the entire world – It stems from eugenics, total dominance and population control. Bill’s plans lead directly to “The Mark Of The Beast (666)” and “total control” of the lives of “everyone” on the planet to the point that “no one” will be able to buy or sell without his approval – See Bill’s “Micro Needle Array Patch” in the above four videos.

Sounds crazy and impossible, right? But, it’s true.

You will come away from the videos feeling like Bill is not his own person, but rather that he is being controlled by evil even though the message he uses contains deceptive, philanthropic-sounding words and logic to describe Bill’s latest interests – total world control.

This is exactly what the Bible states would happen when a certain world leader would come on the scene in the end times. Make no mistake, Bill’s money has made him powerful beyond human understanding.

The only thing that will/can “keep” anyone in the near future will be the Word of God. “Nothing else” will or can “keep” us. Nothing else.

For those who have not made God their Lord – those the Bible calls “the wicked” simply and clearly because they’ve spent their time on earth relying on and trusting in something or someone other than Jesus to “keep” them in this life – it will be too late. No matter how strong they may think are, no matter how much they try to deny it, they will be crushed by the pure reality of what is going to take place in the very near future.

Behold, I (Jesus) am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:11-13

These things I (Jesus) have spoken unto you, that in me (Jesus) ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

God Bless,

Mark

Boy, it’s so wonderful and powerful that Jesus wants to take me to the place where I not only choose Him every day, but that I can choose Him every second of every day. Coming from the dire position of CCPTSD and all of its destructive symptoms, I can tell you that is the difference between life and death. Jesus is so freeing.

The second I begin feeling badly about myself (because of a situation, or what have you), the moment I begin to faint in my thoughts, to feel weak in my mind, that’s an alarm that the enemy is influencing my thoughts. He’s trying to get me to start believing his lies. If I listen to him, if I take his initial, destructive thought, other destructive thoughts begin to dominate my mind. I become discouraged, fearful, confused, and lose my joy in the Lord.

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

What destructions does Jesus want to set you free from? Is it sadness, heartbreak, anger, worry, fear, discouragement, disappointment, confusion, insecurity, jealousy, the fussies, the past, the future, marriage issues, works, greed, the spirit of mammon that has you so worried about money, ill health…Whatever it is, Jesus is Lord over it and He came to show you how to get free from it in Him. Ask Him to show you the way of escape from the destructions. He’ll do it.

The enemy is always trying to destroy us. But, God sent His Word to deliver us from the devil’s schemes and attempts to bring us harm.

I felt so justified in the darkness – especially, fussy thoughts. In my mind and spirit, I even fought against anyone, book, teaching, the Holy Spirit, and anything else that seemed to contradict my predicament because I really believed I was right living with my hurtful, self-pity, angry, “ripped off” thought patterns – It was Godly anger, right? I had almost nothing but mangled, dark thoughts, but I thought they were God’s thoughts so I felt justified in them. I thought God must surely be fortifying my justified thoughts and reactions. I got so bad that I could not turn my neck very far from one side to the other because I had become so bitter, resentful, and unforgiving – anger brings with it a whole bunch of nasty things.

Boy, was I wrong in my justification and anger. And, I was so wrong about God; Who He was and what He really wanted and had in store for me. Praise God!

Thank God, He sent His Word to deliver me from the destruction Satan was working in my life. Wow, what a clever liar the devil is. God’s Truth will set us free from Satan’s traps if we’re willing to let God do it.

For such a long time, Annie would get up in the morning and not ask me how I was, or how I slept, because she was so afraid my answer would start all of us on a downward spiral to fussy, anger, depression, fear, anxiety and hopelessness.

But, just in time, God sent His Word, Jesus, to heal us (Annie and me), and then to keep us free from destruction. Thank You, God!

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

God bless,

Mark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil (from disbelief, care and taking on care).
2 Thessalonians 3:3

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

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He restoreth my soul…

God bless,

Mark

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

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

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

Elisha said, “Go ahead.”

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

Elisha answered, “I’ll go.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*******

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

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

God is so good. He’s so faithful.

God bless you all today, mighty ones. ☺

Mark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,

Mark

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