Category: General Christian Living

I’m (Holy Spirit) not asking you to do anything hard like to stay living in the flesh.

I want you to come away with Me (Holy Spirit)…

Guys, I (Holy Spirit) don’t want or need some big religious relationship with you complete with incense, white robes, super-serious, shamed-face looks and all the rest. I just want you to do things “right.” That’s what My righteousness is all about. It’s about right because all of my attributes, that can be yours, are contained in doing things right. My ways – right ways – will bless your life with adventure, keep you safe, secure and full of My love, peace, rest and joy. When you “do” what I’m asking of you, you will experience Me in ways you never could have known any other way. You will experience the supernatural power contained only in My ways that will bring you My powerful and wonder-filled love, peace, security, rest, and joy that know no bounds. We will become so close to each other and you will be amazed at what I will do. You will think like I think and I will fill your days with Me. Everywhere you go, we will go together. You will feel a kind of detaching from this world, but you will enjoy My creation more than you could have apart from Me. You will be filled with knowing why all of creation awaits my next move – to create a new Heaven and a new earth. And, oh, the glory we will share…Forever.

I have such rewards for those of you who will be taken over by My Holy Spirit, for those who will let themselves become Mine. And then, I’ll bring you home to dwell in My house, forevermore. And, that’s a whole other beginning…

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.

Trouble isn’t necessarily something we seek out. And God wants us to adopt His ways to keep us from trouble. But when troubles come our way, we can rejoice. ☺

Ann told me the Lord emphasized a Psalm 91 verse to her yesterday. It was verse 15.

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Psalm 91:15

She told me, “Mark, God will be with us in trouble. Isn’t that wonderful? We’re not alone and left to our own resources and fear tendencies in times of trouble. Rather, we can embrace trouble because God is near us, with us.”

She went onto say that we can be excited about trouble because God’s telling us He’s near at those times. Wow, how freeing is that?

When we realize Who God is and that He’s (and all that He is, and all that is at His disposal all the time) with us in trouble, it changes the whole picture. Now, we can focus on the “I will be with him” instead of giving whatever is troubling us our attention. Amazing. It’s not the trouble. It’s Who is with us that makes all the difference.

What peace. What love. What security and rest.

So come on, let’s go and see how much fun God has in store for us today and this week. It’s all fun. After all, He’s with us.

We love you all.

God bless,

Mark and Annie

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.

You have said, “Seek my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek.”
Psalm 27:8

Ann and I never felt safe and secure, we were never delivered from all the fear that was coming against us, until we sought Jesus’ face by getting into and doing His Word – see the verses on the “Verses God Gave Us” link on the ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com site. There is freedom in doing His Word, in seeking His face. This is why we tell others to do His Word. We know they’ll be amazingly blessed by doing so.

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.

Just because my life can be challenging at times doesn’t mean God isn’t faithful to me. He’s always working all things together for my good. In fact, those challenges are just His way of showing me that He can be relied on all the time – even when my feelings are trying to tell me otherwise. “Otherwise” isn’t a part of His vocabulary. He’s just plain faithful, period. Isn’t that great news? You betcha. ☺

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?
Luke 6:46

Wow, this is what the Lord asks me all the time. An enemy dart strikes, my weak flesh complains, or I begin to let myself be conformed to this world. I’ll let myself slip into self-pity, jealousy, fear, anger, greed, pride, etc. Then, in His faithfulness to me, He reminds me of how wonderful it is to “do” what He tells me to do in His Word. His reminder sets me free from any “out of His will” thoughts that are trying to snare me and pull me from His mighty, safe, secure, joyful and restful dwelling place. I’m so thankful He reminds me that He’s Lord of my life. He’s so faithful. What love.

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.

37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:37-39

The Lord reminded me of this Bible passage this afternoon (4-7-20) and assured me that life is going to get pretty much back to normal in order for the above scripture to take place since marriage is pretty much on hold during the current covid 19 situation.

Pretty cool. Annie and I just rejoiced at what the Lord shared with us and we wanted to pass it on to you.

We love you all. ☺☺

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.

According to Luke 19:44, those in Jerusalem at the time of Christ missed the time of their visitation. Wow, when the Holy Spirit approaches my heart with a scripture He knows I need to “do,” – a portion of His Word He knows will save me from harm and bring His blessings into my life – I want to not miss the time of my visitation.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold (pay attention to what I’m saying), I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For (because) unto you (that’s you and me) is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

And the angels are saying the same thing to you and me, Fear not.

God knows how much great joy there is in the “doing” of His Word, of following and becoming like Jesus. The angels were proclaiming that our captivity to sin was over. Messiah was coming to earth to set us free. Free!

I never got very far with God’s ways unless I was pretty aggressive with implementing them in my life. I think God’s looking for us to go all out with His Word and knows how blessed we’ll be as a result.

I think it’s like this. Am I going to break through, bounce off or not even try to have faith in God’s Word, in what He’s commanding me to do?

I was doing some push ups this morning (4-6-20) when I had this thought. The Bible seems to be full of faith challenges. They’re kind of like what I would call “believing barriers.” “Believing barriers” is the term that came to me while doing the push ups. ☺

Each time we read something like “Praise and thank God in all things, or taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” we’re challenged in our faith. Will I obey the Word here or not?

Sometimes we choose not to do what the Word says to do out of arrogance, a hard heart, pride, laziness, refusing to give our heart to God, thinking I don’t need to do the Word, spiritual blindness, fear, hurt, hopelessness, discouragement, embarrassment, or just plain rebellion. And sometimes, we may even think “I don’t have to do the Word because of grace” – What deception. I’ve had these kinds of excuses myself.

Satan does not want your life to be blessed by “doing” God’s Word. The devil loves “hearers only” of the Word because they’re no threat to his kingdom of darkness.

I’m finding that if I’ll do what God is commanding me to do in His Word, that it sometimes takes a valiant effort to be consistent with doing it – I ask the Holy Spirit to help me. But, what I’m learning is that there is always a blessing or blessings in what I’m being asked to do – And the blessed reasons for God including a faith challenge in His Word just keep multiplying in me as I do what He wants me to do. One thing for sure, it never hurts to obey God’s Word and it will almost certainly mean I’m stuck in some kind of spiritual rut until I take Him up at His Word and step out to break through one of His believing barriers, one of His faith challenges.

I admit, I didn’t really think there was anything to the “praising and thanking God in all things.” (Same is true of “Husbands love your wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.”) But once I experienced what was happening in my spirit and life as the result of being obedient to God to do it, a real change began to take place in my life. Now, I want to encourage everyone to indulge themselves in the blessings loving their wife like Jesus loves the church, and praising and thanking God in all things will bring in their life. With the reminder of the Holy Spirit, stick to it and you’ll be amazed at what powerful weapons just these two scriptures (and the Bible is full of so many other blessings) can be in your life.

Whoever heeds instruction will find success, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Proverbs 16:20

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Jeremiah 17:7

O LORD of Hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!
Psalm 84:12

I want to find out how blessed I can be in the Lord. There is nothing like the power of His might.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know (experientially know intimately) the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32

Free from myself, this world and the lies of our enemy. To find myself absorbed by and living in The Truth, in Jesus. Wow.

“God, please make me hungry for Your Word. Encourage me and help me to do Your Word so my life can be blessed by it. Amen.”

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.

God knew exactly what He was doing when He told us to praise and thank Him in all things. I can tell you from personal experience, like so many others, that praising and thanking Him in all things is transforming me and my walk with the Lord. Praising Him put the sun back in my spirit and raises me ABOVE any circumstances as He takes me high up to His joy.

The following was sent to me by my good friend, John, in the LA area. ☺

Thanks, John.

A MIRACLE STORY OF PRAISE

Miracles happen when we praise God. I once heard a story about a woman missionary in China many years ago. She contracted a deadly disease and was given up to die. For days she lay quarantined in her bunk, with no medical help—it was a hopeless situation.

The only thing she could do was pray. So hour after hour, she pled with God to heal her. Then suddenly the Lord gave her a vision. She saw an old-fashioned scale, the kind often seen on justice statues, with a fulcrum and plates held by chains on each side. This scale she saw was heavily weighted on one side, while the other side was way up in the air because it was empty. The scale was clearly out of balance.

The Lord revealed to her that the heavy side was her prayers—she had certainly prayed many prayers—while the empty side was her praise. God quickened to her that the praise side needed to be filled to outweigh the trouble she was facing. When the scale was balanced, her healing would be manifested.

So this desperately sick woman stopped pleading for her healing and started praising God. She praised Him for His greatness. She praised Him for sending Jesus and for all His benefits. She praised Him for being her savior, her healer, her provider, and for everything He’d ever done for her.

At first, she was so weak that her praises were mere whispers. But as she continued to do nothing but praise and worship God all day and all night, she grew louder. As the people outside her room heard her fervent praises they feared for her life, thinking that maybe she was delirious with fever. You can imagine how amazed they were, several days later, when she walked out of that room on her own, totally healed! She had taken “the praise cure” and she was completely made well.

There is power in praise! When we shift our focus from our troubles to God’s greatness by praising Him, miracles can happen.

_______________

So come on, everyone, let’s go out and see all of the glorious things God has for us this week as we learn to become more and more like Jesus. After all, He’s overcome this world and knows we can do the same in Him. Hallelujah!

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.

We have such a need to know our God saves – From eternity in hell, yes, and from whatever currently has us under bondage. It’s always been true of Him.

Can I really trust God with all that’s ahead, with the unknown? Can I give Him all of my life? Let go and let God. Give Him the pen of your life and let Him write a story beyond your dreams.

Mourning turns to songs of praise
Our God saves, our God saves
^{Lyric Taken From “Our God Saves” by Paul Baloche}

Kim Meeder lost both her parents at an early age. The father she adored shot her mother and then took His own life. Her book, “Encountering Our Wild God,” talks about how wonderful our untamed God is. Kim didn’t have to decide to follow God when this huge tragedy took place in her young life, but she did. And today, God is reaching out to, loving and saving many due to Kim trusting, thanking and praising Him in and with it all. She took a step of faith and believed that in Jesus, there’s so much more. That’s faith. And that kind of powerful faith has no bounds, overcomes all obstacles, and offers one the kind of supernatural joy and peace that only the Father can provide to those who continue to trust Him.

Anyone who chooses to trust God in all things will find that God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. He’s more wonderful than we can even imagine. So much more…

Today Is The Day!
^{By Paul Baloche}

I’m casting my cares aside (what a relief)
I’m leaving my past behind
I’m setting my heart and mind on You Jesus

I’m reaching my hands to Yours
Believing there’s so much more
Knowing that all You have in store for me is good, is good

Today is the day
You have made
I will rejoice
And be glad in it

And I won’t worry about tomorrow
I’m trusting in what You say!
Today is the day!
Today is the day!

I’m putting my fears aside
I’m leaving my doubts behind
I’m giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus

Today is the day
You have made
I will rejoice
And be glad in it

And I won’t worry about tomorrow
I’m trusting in what You say!
Today Is The Day!

I will stand upon Your truth
All my days, I’ll live for You
I will stand upon Your truth
All my days I’ll live for You

Today is the day
You have made
I will rejoice
And be glad in it

I won’t worry ’bout tomorrow
Giving You my fears and sorrows
Where You lead me, I will follow
I’m trusting in what You say
Today is the day!

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Wow, God’s ways are so liberating. Jesus loves us so much that He wants us to give Him all of our cares.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19

When I repent of something I’ve had before Jesus, something I’ve been carrying that He knows is hurting me and my relationship with Him, the time of refreshment from the Lord that comes over me is amazing – I’m released from any associated fear as well. I feel a new, deep, abiding freedom (revived) I didn’t have before I turned the issue/sin over to Jesus, before I repented. I’m experiencing revival in my life.

Today – And every day – let’s go and see what our loving, incredible Heavenly Father has in mind for us. Hallelujah to our King!☺

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.

Is something (or someone) – anything – in my life right now more important to me than God, more important to me than having the peace of God reigning in my life?

Am I trusting in myself, or someone else, to keep me or am I trusting in the Lord to keep me?

When I was growing up, we used to have church services where the pastor would give people the opportunity to come forward to the front of the church for prayer for anything that was keeping them from truly experiencing Jesus – If a person had something between them and Jesus; if a person knew they were committing a sin that had them bound and that kept them from experiencing the life, love, liberty and peace Jesus could offer them.

I remember one time when my friend’s high school-aged sister went forward at one of these occasions. As hard as it was for her to do, when she laid her burden down by going forward for prayer, she knew it was the only way to get free of the bondage she’d been hanging on to that Jesus wanted her free from. She’d finally made the decision to give it to Jesus and to trust Him with it no matter the cost. She’d finally, truly, made Him Lord of all.

Some of us are paying such a huge price for holding on to fear today. We don’t even know how to live by faith with all of the fear (fiery enemy darts) that are being shot all around us today. A lot of our fear is made up of things we have before Jesus. We’ve acquired a long list of conditions we need to maintain and the items on that list are keeping us scared and bound to fear; to the fear of the possibility of losing them.

“Thou” (not me; I can’t keep myself) wilt keep him/her in “perfect peace” (has no conditions) whose mind is stayed on thee (not on this world) “because” he/she trusteth in thee (in Jesus alone).
Isaiah 26:3

My (Jesus) sheep hear my voice (above all the loud fear), and I know them, and they “follow” me:
John 10:27

Right now, am I following Jesus or am I prone to listen to the world, to listen to Satan, to go along with the world and all of its fear whenever it sounds off?

We can have no conditions, nothing in front of Jesus in order to have our minds stayed on Him – What do we have our minds stayed on today? If we demand conditions, we leave ourselves open to bondage, we leave ourselves open for circumstances to steal our peace, and we (and Jesus) can not maintain our perfect peace “in thee” under these “conditions.”

Is my Christianity conditional? If so, I’m open to enemy attacks that have the potential of turning me away from God, of stealing my ability to trust God, of my believing the lies of the enemy to the point that I’ll give up on my Christianity as I run away from Jesus because of fear. What type of ground am I (See Matthew chapter 13)? Am I listening to the cares of this world or am I hearing Jesus’ voice? Although it’s true of each day of our lives as Christians, it’s especially relevant today. The difference between hearing the voice of the cares of the world verses hearing Jesus’ voice is life and death.

It’s really true, No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.

“Jesus, I want to know You. I’m giving you my list of conditions, I’m turning my life over to You. Forgive me for keeping anything from You, Lord. Thank You for Your faithfulness to keep me as I trust in You alone. Amen.”

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.

It dawned on me the other day that when Ann and I put up verses on the walls of our Oregon home in the 80s, we were putting Jesus up on our walls. His Word is Who He is. When we look at the Word of God, we’re looking at Jesus face to face. Wow. He’s so beautiful, powerful and liberating. There is nothing like His face.

The thief (Satan) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10

Wow, the spirit of religion is so dangerous and deadly…

I cannot possibly be free if I’m not “doing” His Word. I know it’s true because I’ve lived deceived thinking I didn’t really need to “do” the Word.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
James 1:22-25

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away…Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 3:5,7

How do I know when I’m dealing with a spirit of religion? When the person refuses to “do” the Word. Satan has them so tied up in religion (it’s a form of Godliness that’s actively denying the power thereof) and they don’t or won’t acknowledge it. How do I know this? Because it was true in my own life.

About the best way for me to describe what occurs at these times is that I experience spiritual confusion and whimpiness, I begin to lean on my own understanding more, I take on fear and a fear of man, a trapping of and spiritually suffocating cloud of sentimentality, a questioning of God’s Word and doubting its power, a reluctance to believe it’s a spiritual matter I’m dealing with and a hesitation to do spiritual warfare to defeat the lies that are suddenly dominating my behavior and thought life, somehow a form of tradition is trying to replace my liberty in Jesus, etc.

This morning (3-30-20), I knew something was wrong and had been for several days. So, I did the only thing I know to do at these times. I asked Jesus to show me what was really going on. And, like always, He began to speak and show us what we were dealing with.

Through my precious wife, the Lord told me I had to take authority over some evil spirits that have been coming against Ann and me the last several days. They were so well camouflaged that I hadn’t recognized them until Ann and I started talking some things out this morning. Suddenly, we saw what was happening in our home. I love it when the Holy Spirit reveals the enemy’s deception and fiery darts to us.

So, I took action against the lies of darkness coming at us…I rebuked them out loud, bound them, told them they have no authority in our home and lives, and sent them back to hell all in Jesus’ Almighty Name.

When I decide to take authority, it’s amazing how it clears the spiritual atmosphere and air in our lives. It restores our discerning abilities, puts you back in God’s wonderful Presence, etc. Amazing.

There is so much fear out there today. Fear can confuse us if we let it. Don’t fall prey to the darkness. Don’t do it. If you need to, ask Jesus to show you how you might be deceived. Live free!

We belong to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Let’s act like it, and see the victory Jesus died for so we could live free.

Don’t take anything off the devil, people. Don’t let him into any area of your thoughts and lives. If you’re feeling like things are closing in on you, attack those spirits with the Word and tell them to get out of your life and home in Jesus’ Name.

For, at just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.
1 Timothy 6:15-16

We live in such exciting times. The true people of God are rising up and becoming more bold than ever. What joy and fun times in the Lord await those who do His Word no matter what. They will see great things.

Oh praise You, Jesus, Lion of Judah, Lover of my soul. I’m SO grateful for You, Lord and for Your strong hand that will always work all things together for our good.

Now to him (Jesus) who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! 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.

6 Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Philippians 4:6-8

Jesus knew the devil, and us being conformed to this world, would tempt us to fear. That’s why there are so many verses in the Bible that address fear. God wants us to live in faith, not fear. And we can when we praise and thank Him in all things.

Jesus, our Prince Of Peace, is still calming storms.

I was thinking about how each generation has difficult times to face like wars. I thought of how it’s kind of recognized as a right of passage somehow to make it through hard times. But then God said to me, “People don’t have to look at difficulty like that. They can let My peace reign in their heart all the time. It’s a choice. They don’t have to let fear get them all worked up and anxious. They can simply let Me lead in their lives every day.” We don’t need rights of passage. We need to remember to stay in Jesus at all times as He works all things together for our good. It’s true.

Let Jesus take your life – your mind, body and emotions – down a few thousand rpms.

Trust Jesus. That’s simple enough for a CCPTSD person like me. ☺

Most of us have mirrors in our restrooms. When you’re in there today, would you do me, yourself and God a big favor? Would you stop and look in the mirror? Take a deep breath, and let God tell you how much He loves that person in the mirror.

Jesus Christ, the same yesterday today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). That’s where Jesus is taking everyone of us if we’ll let Him. He taking us to that trusting, restful, faith-filled, joyful place called “The same yesterday, today and forever.”

Mark Hellikson, the same yesterday, today and forever. Wow, sounds nice. Go ahead, put your name in there…

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.

Like most young couples, Ann and I had the tendency to get ahead of ourselves. We had a lot of things planned out and expected God to bless our plans. God had bigger and better plans. ☺

Along with everything else He wanted to teach us to give us His abiding peace, God wanted us to learn to take life one day at a time and to let Him have His way with our lives. He knew that was the only way we could ever have His deep peace reign in our lives.

Ann and I get tempted to fear just like anyone else. BUT, now we know the source of fear and that makes all the difference because we found out that the devil is a liar.

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

The spirit of fear does not come from God. There’s only one other place it could come from…

What if? What if this or that happens. What are we going to do?

So much fear out there right now…

Most of the time, Ann and I used to live our lives with those types of questions. It was miserable.

Ann and I were looking out our back window – again – at the lake and all of the birds flying around looking like they didn’t have a care in the world. We thought, “Wait, if the animals are living without fear, why aren’t we?”

True, the animals aren’t aware of what’s going on in our world, but why are we so tempted to stop trusting God? Why can’t we live care (and fear) free no matter what since Jesus has overcome the world?

As I’ve written so many times before, Ann and I lived a lot of our years in and being oppressed by fear. It was awful. God had allowed us to get so sick of – and fed up with – fear.

Yay God. Thank You, Jesus.

We began putting up scriptures God prompted us to memorize on the walls of our Oregon home. And we began to say them out loud as well. Things began to change in our lives…

A few years ago here in California, God told me I could have had His joy the whole time in Oregon. All I ever had to do was trust Him and let Him lead us.

Ann and I have learned that God’s joy – and faith in Him – are MUCH better than living in fear.

We’re living in exciting times, precious people. We strongly encourage everyone to live life looking up. Anticipating how God will work all things together for our good is such a blessing and full of Heavenly anticipation. How fun is that?

We love you all so much. Just think how much God loves you. Yipee!

Inline image
Let God’s truth – His Word – be your shield and buckler.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves – or God. One day at a time. Let God lead you. Simply let Him do it.

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.

This passage was in my daily Bible reading yesterday. It’s a good one for the times…

20 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said,

“God blesses you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
21 God blesses you who are hungry now,
for you will be satisfied.
God blesses you who weep now,
for in due time you will laugh.

22 What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. 23 When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.

Sorrows Foretold
24 “What sorrow awaits you who are rich,
for you have your only happiness now.
25 What sorrow awaits you who are fat and prosperous now,
for a time of awful hunger awaits you.
What sorrow awaits you who laugh now,
for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow.
26 What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds,
for their ancestors also praised false prophets.

Love for Enemies
27 “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.

32 “If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! 34 And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners for a full return.

35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. 36 You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.
Luke 6:20-36

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.

For most of my life, I was really scared. I didn’t know the power of God’s love that could heal me deep inside.

Let not your heart be troubled:
John 14:1

Seriously? Are you kidding?

How could we not let our hearts be troubled with all of the overwhelming and confusing circumstances we faced? How could my hypersensitivity, awful migraines, CCPTSD (didn’t know I was even dealing with this until decades later), job and family situation not cause us to be troubled?

Along with everyone else in that tiny Mexican church in the San Fernando Valley, Ann and I had just been filled with the Holy Spirit. Following that experience, soon after moving from California to Oregon for school, it seemed like all hell broke loose.

But, God had a plan He was working in our lives…Your’s, too.

Annie and I were so broken (We had each had nervous or emotional breakdowns) I didn’t think we could ever be fixed. We were troubled and afraid most of the time.

Years ago, I didn’t realize or understand how conformed I was to this world. I was a Christian living without a renewed mind. Until Jesus began to transform me by beginning to show me how to renew my mind to the wonderful life He knew I could have in Him, I just got offended by other Christians who were free in Jesus and who wanted to encourage me to seek more of Him like they had. I have to admit, they had something I didn’t have, I wanted what they had, and Annie and I finally discovered how to begin the long healing process we needed to be able to live in the freedom being a disciple of Christ affords all who seek Him.

Even though I couldn’t “get it” at the time, God was saying to us, “I want to enable you to live in Eden in the midst of this present world.” Maybe you’re like us. Like Jesus’ mother, Mary, Abraham and Sarah, Zechariah, and all the others throughout time God had spoken seemingly impossible yet wonderful promises to, we thought, “Lord, how can that be?”

So many today are angry and they let anger oppress and torment them. Many are angry because they’re too conformed to this world like Annie and I were. They don’t know there is another way, God’s way. Jesus wants to transform them and set them free from anger. He wants to replace anger with His wonderful peace.

for the anger (or jealousy, fear, bitterness, shame, greed, depression – the flesh – you name it) of man does not produce the righteousness (the right living God knows will give us His kind of life that makes us free indeed) of God.
James 1:20

Years ago (and God still has to remind me still of this from time to time), God said, “Mark, stop getting angry about how your life – or anything in this world – is going and trust Me. You must learn to trust Me. I have a plan for your life but it will not and cannot come about until you place your trust in Me and stop getting upset. This is why it was so absolutely critical for you to learn to depend on Romans 8:28 and other pertinent parts of My Word I brought to your attention.”

While I get tripped up every now and then, I can tell you that what God told me has made a huge difference in my life – Ann’s life, too. And, the more I practice living trusting Him in all things, the better life gets all the way around. Really.

God really is life in its most wonderful and blessed form.

The shield and buckler (a smaller shield that was easier to use in close combat) mentioned in Psalm 91 were used to to shield and protect. Whether an enemy attacked from a distance or from close range, you were shielded and protected.

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

The words of this verse are true for those who believe them.

For Ann and me, the “truth” of Romans 8:28 has shielded and protected our faith and trust in God and it has enabled us to rise above seemingly overwhelming and defeating circumstances so many times and given us God’s supernatural peace, rest and joy. He’s shown us that He is in control of our lives and knows what’s best for us – Namely Himself, and all that He is.

So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy (the devil) shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard (in our lives, Romans 8:28 has been one of the most powerful standards the Lord lifts up against the fearful fiery darts of the devil) against him.
Isaiah 59:19

His (God’s) “truth” (Romans 8:28, for one) shall be thy shield and buckler (Psalm 91:4b). Let His “truth” reign in your heart and enjoy life in His Ever-Uplifting Shielded and Protected Presence.

Yes, He’s working even “this” time for your good. Through His Word, God shows us His faithfulness by performing His Word in our lives. Believe it and see the salvation of the Lord.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him “and show him My salvation.”
Psalm 91:15-16

Lord, I’ve come to know the weaknesses I see in me will be stripped away by the power of Your love.*

Shielded and protected in Jesus – In The Word.

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.

*Lyric taken from The Power of Your Love by Matthew Ward

I had a really bad nightmare early this morning that shook me. It’s the same one I’ve had from time to time for about 20 years. The dream can make me feel frantic, worried and scared. I told Annie I had the dream again and we talked about the Lord and all He’s done and is doing for us in the Spirit. It really calmed me down and made me realize that the nightmare makes me want to get in my flesh about earthly things. I’m tempted to take matters into my own hands rather than testing the spirits behind fearful thoughts, and remembering to listen to the Holy Spirit and His leading. That’s when I knew I needed to send this out today accompanied by the following verse.

Then he (the angel of the Lord) answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
Zechariah 4:6

Please always remember to test the spirit behind thoughts, nightmares, etc. The devil, the father of lies, loves to lure/move us into our flesh and away from the secret dwelling place of the Most High.

Keep your mind on Jesus, and listen to His Spirit of Truth.

So come on, let’s go and the Holy Spirit of the Lord will show us all of the wonderful things He has in store for us today and this week.

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.

We got the notice to lock down. Interesting time, right?

I was sitting here just a few minutes ago mulling something over in my mind when the Lord told me to close my eyes and surrender my will and thoughts to Him. In an instant, the Holy Spirit shared the following with me. Boy, there’s is simply nothing and no one like our precious, loving Heavenly Father, friends.

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. And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord.
Isaiah 59:19-20

When the enemy (fear) shall come in like a flood (just like the world is flooded with fear and anxiety right now), the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. It’s “when,” friends. Fear is rampant SO you know God is getting ready to raise up a standard against it. That’s really cool and exciting, friends. That’s our God. Hallelujah!

I love anticipating the Lord’s “standard.” Nothing like it. Such fun.

God bless,

Mark

To fear God means to believe Him, to simply take Him at His precious Word (Luke 1:45-50)

Regarding Romans 8:28, Annie and I already tried living the stressful/awful way…Not believing and applying Romans 8:28 to our everyday lives didn’t work so well… This time we’re living HIS Way… The fun way by applying Romans 8:28 to every day of our lives! Please join us, join Jesus Who is Romans 8:28.

Why is God so adamant about having Him first in our lives? Because that’s only place we’re safe. It’s true.

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care (“anxiety” in other translations) upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7

That verse lays out the qualifications for residing in God’s dwelling place. Simply be humble and cast all your cares on Him. He’ll take care of anyone who does so.

“The secret to happiness is to be content no matter the situation. My life is not going to make me happy. My happiness is going to make my life.”
Taken from “Full Count” Netflix movie.

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned (There’s no place like the “having learned” sweet spot), in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:10-13

My emotions used to seesaw all the time. I was either abased or abounding.

I used to be angry when I was in “abased” situations. And I used to be happier when I was abounding. Thing is, I was angry or happier depending on which side of the seesaw I was on.

When I started memorizing the verses God gave us while living in Oregon, a slow and wonderful change began to take place. God began to show me that I could be content, that my emotions could stay balanced, whether I was abased or abounding. Either way, He began showing me that He’s always with me and in control of my life so I can let His peace reign in my heart whether I’ve got little or a lot. He showed me that what was most important was simply His will for my life. The circumstances aren’t important. What was important was getting to know God and acknowledging Christ in my life all the time.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalm 91:1-2

God’s taking each one of us who will follow Him – and continue in His Word – to His peaceful dwelling place. There, we rest in knowing that He’s always with us and working all things (whether abased or abounding) together for our good.

Your heart and life are so full of His abundance when you know He’ll never leave you nor forsake you.

I’m so grateful Christ is with me, with us. Nothing compares with knowing He’s with you. Nothing…

Under the shadow of the Almighty. Mmmm. Such a supernaturally sweet, sweet spot.

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.

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31

The sparrows are back at Lake San Marcos. The sparrows are such a vivid reminder of how God wants us to live.

We were watching the sparrows yesterday out our back windows. Like they always do, they were enjoying their acrobatic flying and looking like they were totally free in who God made them to be. They always appear so joyful and care free. Watching them brings us such joy and some how their fun antics remind us that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

We were made to praise God. We were to believe that He’s working all things together for our good, to continue in His Word so we could be free all the time (John 8:31-32). God wants us to have His joy, to be able to trust in Him with all our heart, to let His peace reign in our hearts and lives – all the time.

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Romans 14:17

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 10:7

The kingdom of heaven is at hand. All of the kingdom is available to you. Fly little sparrow. God takes great delight in you as you spread your wings and praise Him in all things, as you rest in His love and care for you.

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

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

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

4 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.

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

6 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

In the house of the Lord for ever. ☺

God bless,

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.

Life can change in an instant. One thing that never changes is God’s love for you.

There is no need to overcome fear in Heaven. There’s no fear in Heaven. God sent us His Word to rescue us now, in this life here on earth.

Fear is destructive. God doesn’t want us to fear. Instead, He wants us to have faith in His Word. What a loving Heavenly Father we have, friends.

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14

Once I began “doing” the Word, once I began to apply it to my life and believe God, I wondered how I could have waited so long to do it. When I began to experience God backing up my efforts to stand on His Word in the face of spiritual attacks, I got so excited.

I mean, think about it. The maker of everything, God Almighty, was backing up my believing His Word. He is interested in every minute of my day making sure that I know He’s working on my behalf as I trust Him. Wow. Amazing. Isn’t that crazy wonderful?

I know of no other way to get true, lasting, supernatural peace, the kind that passes our understanding, than through doing God’s Word. To depart from the evil the lies of our enemy bring to our lives, we must seek peace and pursue it by applying God’s Word in our lives.

As a Christian, there was a time when I didn’t know I could trust in God’s Word, but I could have. There was a time when I didn’t know I could let His peace reign in my heart, but I could have. There was a time when I didn’t know He was really working all things together for my good, but I could have chosen to believe that. And there was a time when I didn’t know the power and blessing of taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ or that I could really thank and praise Him in all things, but I could have made the choice to do so. This is what true repentance is all about. This is what revival is all about. We’re revived from the death sin is causing in our lives into the abundant life available in Christ.

The truth is, the times I haven’t chosen to follow the guidance found only in His Word were the times when I experienced fear, and panic – overwhelming fear and panic during many of those times. And, by not choosing to follow His Word, I realize now that I was actually choosing to believe and live in the lies of the enemy. It’s true.

I may have known about scriptures God knew could help me, but I wasn’t living them. And, I found out there’s all the difference in this life between knowing about them and believing and living them.

Choose to obey His Word and choose life. The life God has for each of us is so abundant and free.

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

Revive and truly experience the joy of the Lord!

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.