Category: General Christian Living

Every Day With Jesus…Mmmm.

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.
Psalm 35:28

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

“Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy.
John 17:13

Jesus is with us every day. We can choose to follow Him every day in our studies, our shopping, our marriage, our family, our work, our interactions with each other, and for keeping our minds and emotions in Him. We never need to depend on our feelings since they can change so often according to circumstances. Choose Jesus every day and overcome this world in every area of life. Thank you, Jesus.

Therefore, choose life, choose Jesus.

Go with Jesus and see what He has for you today as you choose to rely on His faithfulness…

Happy Monday, Everyone.

God bless,

Mark

Shalom is not dependent on circumstances which is why the Apostle Paul could write that he had learned – He’d gotten to truly know Jesus, and Jesus’ care for him – in whatsoever state (condition) he was in to be content (by trusting that God was always in control, he could always have God’s peace – Shalom). Philippians 4:11

Paul turned all of his life, all of his circumstances, all of his dreams, burdens and care over to Jesus.

The following is taken from this site:

https://firm.org.il/learn/the-meaning-of-shalom/

Many are familiar with the Hebrew word shalom or “peace.” The common western definition of peace is — the absence of conflict or war — but in Hebrew it means so much more.

“Shalom” is taken from the root word shalam, which means, “to be safe in mind, body, or estate.” It speaks of completeness, fullness, or a type of wholeness that encourages you to give back — to generously re-pay something in some way.

True biblical shalom refers to an inward sense of completeness or wholeness. Although it can describe the absence of war, a majority of biblical references refer to an inner completeness and tranquility. In Israel today, when you greet someone or say goodbye, you say, Shalom. You are literally saying, “may you be full of well-being” or, “may health and prosperity be upon you.”

If this is the way we understand biblical peace, then suddenly many verses take on a whole new meaning. With this Hebrew thought of shalom in mind, let’s look at a few common Scriptures about peace:

“Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘Thus you shall bless the sons of Israel. You shall say to them: The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace (Shalom – an inward sense of completeness or wholeness in Him – not dependent on outward circumstances.).’” – Numbers 6:23-26

The context of the Aaronic Blessing is ironic (pun intended). God told Aaron to bless Israel with peace while they were getting ready to go conquer the Promised Land. If peace means “the absence of war,” then this doesn’t make sense, since they would soon be destroying cities. God was referring to an inner peace and completeness brought on by sharing in His countenance and His protection. That was the blessing that Israel needed! Israel was to rarely experience times of outward peace, but even in the midst of battle, they were to have an inward rest brought on by the presence of the Lord, regardless of the outward circumstances — so it should be for us as well.

God bless,

Mark

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8

Satan isn’t a lion. Oh, he may try to make us think he is. But he’s not.

THIS IS A LION!

and one of the elders said to me, “Stop weeping; behold, the Lion (Jesus) that is from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has overcome so as to open the book and its seven seals.”
Revelation 5:5

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord (Jesus) shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
2 Thessalonians 2:8

God bless,

Mark

Living this life His way is how we enter His rest. His ways are listed in the pages of the Bible. With the leading of the Holy Spirit, as we trade our ways for His ways, we enter more and more of His precious rest.

I really ask that the Lord makes the following clear. It’s what happened to me and Jesus has this for everyone – Many of you already know this as well and realize that we’ll never stop learning more about Jesus as long as we live. It’s so precious to me. Really, it’s life to me. That’s my Jesus.

Come unto me (Jesus), all ye that labour and are heavy laden (that’s me, Mark), and I will give you rest. 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 (This is what He’s doing for me).
Matthew 11:28-29

“I’ve (Jesus) overcome the world.” Wow. That’s quite a statement when you meditate on it. In fact, it’s supernatural. Jesus is supernatural meaning He can give us His almighty power that’s from His heavenly realm to live above our situations, disappointments, broken dreams, jealous tendencies, you name it…above this world – He’s overcome our weakness to cave in when we run into problems and circumstances that cause us fear, worry, unrest. Jesus is teaching me how to overcome this world. He teaches us how to do this and it’s amazing. He teaches us to believe Him, in Him and His Word. And that overcomes this world and our natural reactions to it – our ways. “Super” means above, beyond, greater than, more powerful than, over. That’s what Jesus is all about.

What’s your world like? My world used to be made of all the big and little things that would pick me apart, upset me, keep me on edge, striving, frustrated, always trying to understand, and far from God’s love, peace, rest and joy. It was like God was letting me run out of my own steam, strength, my own resources and remedies until I finally agreed that I need Him, His love, His deliverance and salvation. I thought I was saved, but I didn’t really know Him, His power and the meaning and experience of His ways. I didn’t really know Him Who is the living Word.

for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.
Hebrews 4:10

“Jesus, whatever it takes, please show me Your rest. Teach me how to really follow You. Do Your wonderful work in my life. I truly want to be totally dependent on You each moment so I can learn to rest in You, my Savior.”

God bless,

Mark

These things I (Jesus) have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer (only Jesus can give us this kind of cheer that enables us to live above our circumstances); I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

I got to the point in my miserable life that I had to choose to let Jesus overcome my world. And, He’s doing it. Praise Jesus!

I want to tell you a huge secret – Just do the following.

I didn’t always praise God and thank Him in all things. In fact, when I first found out that those two things were commands, I hesitated to do them. I guess you could say I was in a mood over them. I was still pretty angry at God, pouty, confused, and upset about a lot of other things so I didn’t feel like thanking and praising Him in all things – It didn’t make sense to my hardhearted heart (a hard heart is always a stumbling block for me).

But then sometime ago (I don’t remember exactly when), I began to thank and praise Him in all things figuring what do I have to lose. I did it grudgingly. Well, my obedience to do it has paid off. I still don’t always feel like doing it, but the precious Holy Spirit reminds to thank and praise Him in all things, and before I know it, there’s a spring in my step and a song in my heart as Jesus lightens my heaviness with His Presence. That’s really what the good news is about. He takes our burdens (those things that give us a heavy heart) and gives us His joy unspeakable. What a heavenly exchange!

Just thought I needed to share that with any of you who struggle to thank and praise Him in all things. Just do it, and keep doing it. I’m telling you, it will give you such a matchless, spiritual breakthrough.

Keep praising and thanking Him in all things. He inhabits them and His reward is His joy. What strength. ☺

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10

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Boy, I just love Jesus. Don’t you?

I did not want to get up this morning. I couldn’t believe how fast the night went by. I was really tired and wanted to sleep a lot more…

But Jesus. I love that. But Jesus. He spoke to my heart and said, “Come on. Let’s go, and I’ll show you the great things I have in store for you today and how I’m working everything, Mark, for your good.” I mean, what are you going to say to such a supernatural offer like the ones He makes us. Incredible.

You can’t buy that kind of encouragement and relationship at any store. It’s not for sale. In fact, it’s free.

Free in Jesus is “free.” It doesn’t cost us anything if we’re willing to follow Him. I just need to keep being willing. That’s it.  What a deal. Best deal in the universe. God’s making life more and more fun every day because He takes all my cares on Himself. Hallelujah! Yipee!

God bless,

Mark

But he gives more grace. Wherefore he says, God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble.
James 4:6

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite (repentant; feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for a sin).
Isaiah 57:15

God bless,

Mark

Jesus set us free to be believers...

What strongholds or sins are you stuck in? If you’re not sure, ask Jesus to show you so you can repent of (turn from them) them and live free from strongholds and sins.

The Word of God used to be my spare tire. Now, Jesus is showing me how to make it my steering wheel every day.

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me (Jesus).
John 14:1

In the “Christian” home I grew up in, I was taught to let your heart be troubled in so many awful, destructive ways. I was “dead” in my sins of worry, doubt, unbelief, easily offended…Jesus is raising me from the dead by showing me that I must believe His Word. Hallelujah!

The “Gospel” really is Good News. It’s really good news for someone like me who was a constant worrier. Jesus is helping me to live without double-mindedness by giving me the victory in my thought life. He’ll do the same for anyone. Take worrying thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. We win!

Just a reminder that God has not called us to be worriers. Take it from me, worrying is no way to live. Praise God, Jesus called us and has given us the Holy Spirit so that we can be believers always trusting in Him. He’s working all things together for our good. You can’t beat that.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6

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 (Don’t let your heart be troubled – Don’t do it!).
John 14:27

Jesus: “So come on and I’ll show you what I have for you today.”

I love you all.

God bless,

Mark

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.
Psalm 145:1-3

We were tempted to get fearful yesterday due to another health challenge. But, God helped us to keep praising Him and to remember Romans 8:28 and that God works all things – even this situation – for our good because we love Him.

Praise Jesus – In all things!

Onward and upward, precious people of the Most High.

God bless,

Mark

There’s so much pressure today to make money, and to get ahead. The pressure can make us kind of crazy. It can upset our lives, our marriages and our families. It can even hurt other relationships, and especially our relationship with Jesus.

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You don’t have wait to go to Christian counseling in order to save your marriage. You can go to improve your marriage. There’s plenty of good information out there on how to improve and safe-proof marriage. All we have to do is seek it out and then be willing to repent (change) of any harmful behavior. If you have a good marriage, why not seek God to make it an even better, thriving marriage?

Be the kind of mate your mate strongly desires to become one with. Don’t be the kind of marriage partner who makes it impossible for the other partner to want to become one with.

Please each other. This is what God has taught us and it’s grown our love so deeply for each other.

God bless,

Mark

God always has something to show us each day no matter what we’re doing. Even if it’s just to show us, again, that He’s always with us.

Let the peace of God rule in your heart…☺

Anymore, I don’t mind days when I’m not feeling well. Those are the days when God’s grace and mercy seem to show up in my life and keep me going. They’re the days when I rely on Him more – Something I should do all the time. God is so good to meet our needs with His Presence and love.

Always look for God’s favor when you’re having a challenging day. He rewards our faith in Him with His matchless love and grace. As children of the King, we’re never alone, precious ones.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23

God bless,

Mark

“Yes, I (Jesus) am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

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 the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32

Every day, I get up and choose Jesus. Why? Because I’ve learned that I can’t rely on my strength. And, that’s okay because Jesus wants us to rely on Him, His strength, His provision, for us each moment of the day. That’s what being free in the Lord is about. What a great Savior.

Happy Monday, everyone.

So come on. Let’s go and see what Jesus has for us today as we learn more about how to follow and rest in Him.

God bless,

Mark

Literally, all I had to offer Jesus was brokenness and strife, but He’s making something beautiful out of my life and I’m so grateful. There’s nothing like exchanging my ways for His ways that bring so much of His supernatural joy into my life. Truly, the joy of the Lord is becoming my strength more and more as I give Him rule over more and more of my heart.

The following is taken from May 15 in the “Jesus Always” daily devotional by Sarah Young.

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As you seek Me, I encourage you to rejoice and be glad in Me. Take time to praise Me in psalms and song. Think about who I am: I dwell in splendor, majesty, and beauty. Then remember how I left the Glory of heaven and came into the world – so I could bring you into My kingdom of everlasting Life and Light. All of this helps you to be joyful in Me, your Savior. This Joy ushers you further into My holy Presence, helping you draw nearer to Me. And this nearness gives you even more reason to rejoice!

Being joyful blesses not only but other people. Your family and friends will benefit from your gladness, which can rub off on them. You can also influence many beyond your inner circle. When My followers are joyful, unbelievers are more likely to be drawn to Me. Joy shines in stark contrast to your ever-darkening world, and some people will ask you about it. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for your hope.

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Habakuk 3:18

May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you! May those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great!”
Psalm 70:4

Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary
Psalm 96:6

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1 Peter 3:15

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God bless,

Mark

In the late 70s, Ann and I had been filled with the Spirit in a tiny, Mexican church in California’s San Fernando Valley. Soon after, we moved to Oregon and were being aggressively attacked by the enemy’s lies.

I’ve stated before about how Ann and I used to tape verses up on the walls of our Oregon home. In order to come against all of the lies and discouragement we were facing early on in Oregon, God was telling us to memorize specific passages that would be used to build our faith and trust in Him. I’ve sent out that list of verses to this email group in the past and the verses are also available on the ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com site.

Three very practical ways God’s taught us how to use and fortify our faith over the last several years are what I’ve labeled the three keys to renewing our minds. These keys are in addition to reading the Word every day.

The three keys are:

Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Praising and thanking God in all things (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Believing Romans 8:28 where God clearly states He’s working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

God’s teaching us how to “never take fifteen cents worth of nothing off the devil.” In other words, never listen to Satan’s lies that torment and discourage you. We’re so grateful for God’s hand in our lives.

Onward and upward for the kingdom, and for our liberty in Christ, child of God – Free, indeed!

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everybody –

Faith grows not by chance, but by choice.
Dr. Neil T. Anderson

“Jesus, help me with what I’m doing today, and every day. Thank You, Lord.”

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

Jesus: “Come on and I’ll show you the wonderful things I have for you today…”

God bless,

Mark

He (Satan) was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for (because) he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:44b

If you ever have the following thoughts, I want you to know they are ALWAYS lies from the devil.

“Give up on God. He’s not going to come through for you. You’re a fool to think things will ever change. Who do you think you are, anyways? You can’t go on like this. You’re not strong enough to endure this, etc.”

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Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
Hebrews 13:5

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:26

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
2 Timothy 1:7

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Isaiah 40:29

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23

God bless,

Mark

I have a very limited view of my life. I have no idea what today and tomorrow may bring. On the other hand, God sees my entire life and every moment and event in it. Because of my limited perspective, I was prone to being a sourpuss because I had a hard time believing God was truly working all things together for my good.

God was leaving me with no other choice – Thank You, Jesus. I had to finally take a leap of faith and line up with His vision/perspective of my life, with His truth found in Romans 8:28.

Believing and living in Romans 8:28 was something no one else could do for me. Like all of us, I had to finally put it to the test in my own life, mind and emotions. And, I found that it’s true. Now, I think it’s one of the most wonderful blessings/truths God has ever brought into my life because of the PTSD and anxiety in my life.

As long as I wasn’t sure if God could possibly work all things together for my good, like the faces above, I was a double-minded man, unstable in all my ways – Up one moment/day, and down the next. That kind of life stinks.

FINALLY, God motivated me by allowing me to get fed up and sick and tired of being double-minded to the point that I began believing, I mean really believing, that He is able to, and was actually working all things together for my good.

There’s nothing like living with faith in God all the time, in all circumstances. Sudden fear and care no longer weigh me down for long periods of time like they used to. Faith/fear, faith/fear, faith/fear, happy/sad, happy/sad, happy/sad – Double-minded. Yucky! I had to dump the pity party unbelief had me stuck in and make a change.

I think you get the picture I’m trying to paint for how I was. Faith is better. So is knowing that God IS working all things together for my good. MUCH better!

Romans 8:28. Yes, it’s the real deal!

So come on, let’s go! Let’s see what Jesus has in store for us today.

God bless,

Mark

Content with whatever I have…What a great lesson to learn with the Holy Spirit’s help. It calms us down and gives us His joy in all things. It reminds me of “letting the peace of God reign in our hearts, and Peace, be still.” Jesus is always wanting to bring us His precious peace that passes our sometimes busy, hurried and worried understanding.

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned(what a place to arrive at) the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything (all things) through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13

“Lord Jesus, I want to be entirely yours. I want to know what it’s really like to have You living inside me and ruling my heart, mind and emotions all the time. What a blessing that must be.”

Right now, ask Jesus to help you with whatever you’re doing. His peace and contentment can be a real help.

God bless,

Mark

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

Happy Monday, everybody.

God bless,

Mark

“So Mark, where’s God taking us? What’s His plan for our lives?”

He’s leading us to green pastures, still waters, and restored souls where our cups overflow with thankfulness and His cleansing love, goodness and mercy for us.

Had these thoughts the other day. They brought me so much joy. This is where Jesus wants to take us. I hope they bless you as well as you listen to the Holy Spirit’s loving intentions in them. ☺

Be still and know that I am God. Mmmm. I think to myself, “Is any mighty, spiritual work God does in us, or thought, as beautiful and as deeply satisfying as knowing that He is God?”

To know that He is God. Wow, such calm assurance and peace. To know His stillness is so powerfully transforming and comforting.

The following can be said of anyone who takes God’s hand and follows Him…

Our children are being raised in a home where my wife and I lay our lives down for each other and love each other in word and deed. We’re learning to look up to Christ more often, to let God speak to and stop the storms that have come against us in our lives, to relinquish control of our lives to Him, the freedom of being able to cast all our cares on Jesus, to stop striving by letting Jesus lead us, to forgive, to be tender-hearted towards each other, to be grateful, to love our neighbors and others as ourselves, to remember the poor and widows.

Our sins are forgiven and our minds are being renewed to the Word of God. We’re discovering the beauty and safety of humility, and the peace of God is reigning more and more in our hearts. We’re truly finding out that God is working all things together for our good and it’s giving us a peace we never knew before – even in the face of sudden fear. Truly, our cup is running over with these rich blessings from our Father.

Surely, this is what it means to dwell in the house of the Lord. I think to myself, “Who wouldn’t want to dwell here?”

And, the precious Holy Spirit conveys to me that it only gets better and better, and that the dwelling never ends because it’s forever, and forevermore…

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence (such peace and security), and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:24-26

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
Jeremiah 31:3

Still – There’s no place like home.

God bless,

Mark