Category: General Christian Living

When I got in bed last night, I realized I’d forgotten to send out a “Blessing” email yesterday. A migraine attack had left me a little dazed…☺

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

The love of God, how rich and pure,
How measureless and strong
(Lyric taken from The Love Of God by Fredrick M. Lehman)

One of the beautiful things my wife said to me this morning after we’d talked about the following was the lyric from Keith Green’s song “Your (God) Love Broke Through.” I know this is a longer email, but I wanted to include Keith’s lyrics before I get to what the Lord shared with me this morning thinking the song’s words may bless someone:

“Like a foolish dreamer, trying to build a highway to the sky
All my hopes would come tumbling down, and I never knew just why
Until today, when you (Jesus) pulled away the clouds that hung like curtains on my eyes
Well I’ve been blind all these wasted years and I thought I was so wise
But then you took me by surprise

Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed
Until your love broke through
I’ve been lost in a fantasy, that blinded me
Until your love broke through

All my life I’ve been searching for that crazy missing part
And with one touch, you just rolled away the stone that held my heart
And now I see that the answer was as easy, as just asking you in
And I am so sure I could never doubt your gentle touch again
It’s like the power of the wind

Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed
Until your love broke through
I’ve been lost in a fantasy, that blinded me
Until your love, until your love, broke through”

---

Wow, Jesus just continues to blow me away with His truths that set us free. I keep being amazed at how “unconditional” and indefinably faithful His love is for those who love Him.

Yesterday, I had another migraine and felt pretty bad physically, emotionally and spiritually. I was weak, felt like caving in, like I wanted to give up. And, in the midst of these feelings, God still allowed me to praise Him. Jesus never leaves us nor forsakes us. He never gives up and is never taken aback just because I have times when I doubt Him, when I feel weary.

Often, we can live with things for so long that we just accept them as part of life and can even become numb to them being there, being a part of who we are, a part of life. That’s when Jesus, Who is true life breaks through with His liberty and does more work to set us free indeed.

Wow, when God’s love breaks through…

Over the years, I’ve heard pastors talk about “This is the year for your breakthrough.” It almost always had to do with money or business or some other condition. “God’s going to make you super-successful this year” was their promise to their listeners. Unknowingly, I think somewhere in my heart I had a condition (and I’m sure there are others He wants to free me from in my soul) between me and God. I think I’ve felt like when God gives me the chance of having a financial breakthrough, when He finally allows me to provide for my wife, I’ll feel like I’ve finally arrived in life, whatever that means. I’ve been focused on the condition and not Jesus. Boy…

This morning, I was reading where Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. I read about how God had blessed Abraham and made him a very wealthy man…

Right in the middle of my reading, the Holy Spirit told me His love for me is unconditional. At that same moment, He asked me if my love for Him was unconditional. I sat here thinking about His question. It dawned on me that I wasn’t sure if I did love Him unconditionally. Did I have conditions on my love for Him? If so, what conditions? And, if I have conditional love for Him, does that mean I have idols before Him?

I shared all this with my wife during our devotional time this morning. She told me I didn’t have unconditional love for God. Wow, her immediate response caught me off guard. That’s when one of the things she told me was, “I’ll feel loved when…”

“When? When what?”

Boy, a lot of thoughts raced through my mind just then. I felt condemned, guilty, immature as a Christian, spiritually naked before God and my wife. I felt bad, frustrated, weighed down with the sickening condition of “conditional love” for my Jesus, etc. These are the types of symptoms we can live with often without even being aware of them because they’ve become such a part of us, of who we are. Jesus wants to step in and show us Who He is by bringing these symptoms to mind to heal us. What an unveiling this was.

God’s love for me is unconditional. Is my love for Him unconditional? If not, what idols do I have before Him? What hidden burdens am I carrying?

What the Holy Spirit was saying to me is , “You can love Me unconditionally. You can be free from the heaviness of conditional love.” Wow, what a revelation that was for me. What an offer and tremendous gift God was wanting to give me by pointing this all out to me.

It’s truly amazing how deep God will work in our lives. His love for us is so much stronger than I can even imagine. It’s so unlike and far beyond human love. He doesn’t give us everything we want. Instead, He frees us from the burdens we carry in our “want” list. Amazing. Simply, and powerfully, amazing.

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36

God bless,

Mark

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!

My soul longs, yes, faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and flesh sing for joy
to the living God.

Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house,
ever singing your praise! Selah

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are the highways to Zion.

As they go through the Valley of Baca
they make it a place of springs;
the early rain also covers it with pools.

They go from strength to strength;
each one appears before God in Zion.

O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer;
give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah

Behold our shield, O God;
look on the face of your anointed!

For a day in your courts is better
than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts,
blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Psalm 84

God bless,

Mark

and those the LORD has rescued (like Ann and me) will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.
Philemon 1:7

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:8-9

The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.
Proverbs 10:28

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame.
Hebrews 12:1-2

As most of you know by now, when Ann and I got married, Jesus took us to Oregon to put us on a path to heal us of many things. One of the most important areas I needed healing in was how to be a husband and father. I also needed to know that Jesus could keep me regardless of circumstances, to learn to be content in whatsoever state (condition) I am. And the list goes on and on…

Over the years, Ann and I have had people comment on our walk with Jesus…Some negative and some positive. When I sent out last Friday’s email about falling on my face spiritually, a good friend replied with the following along with a book recommendation.

“Mark, Thanks for the honest reflection this morning. It proves you’re not super-Christian after all. :)”

I had to smile reading their comment about not being a super-Christian. Their observation is correct.

Ann and I aren’t super-Christians. We’re two people God brought together for the purpose of learning we could love each other and help each other grow to be more like Jesus, to experience His love, faithfulness, rest, peace, mercy, grace and joy. We both had a deep need to have Jesus help us come out of some difficult times and backgrounds, to get set free by following Christ. Jesus has been so faithful to bring us along in our relationship with Him and we’re so thankful He’s setting us free in so many areas of our lives.

No, we’re not super-Christians. We’re just two people who desperately need and want all that Jesus can show us in this life. He’s definitely put this desire in us. And, whenever He leads us to do so, we share Him and the liberty we’ve found in Him, with others hoping the Holy Spirit will inspire them to want to follow Jesus as well.

While thinking about this email this morning, I wrote and told Ann, “One day, we’ll look at each other in Heaven and smile with the joy that He let us live this adventurous life together, MY love.”

Desire Jesus above all else, precious people. He alone is the living water that can truly satisfy us and bring times of refreshment and rest to our souls.

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Isaiah 51:11

With the help of Jesus, we’re running the race set before us…

God bless each of you,

Mark and Ann

I sent the following to a friend I may not see again for a long time and maybe not until Heaven. I wanted to remind them of some of the wonderful keys God’s given me to keep me on the narrow path to Heaven. Reading them again is a good way to begin the new year.

1. God works all things together for good for those who love Him.

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

Remembering that God is working in every situation in my life helps me to continue trusting Him with my whole heart. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

2. Thank and praise God in all situations and circumstances.

The Bible talks about praising and thanking God in all things and how doing so stops enemy attacks and causes our enemy to flee in confusion. Praising God in all things brings God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit on the scene.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20

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

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Psalm 34:1

3. Take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

If a thought is making you feel defeated, know that the spirit behind that thought is not from Jesus. As David once said, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”
Psalm 42:5

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10: 3-5

The Aaronic Blessing Taken From Numbers Chapter 6 –
The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make His face to shine on you and be gracious unto you
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace
And I put the Name of the God of the children of Israel on you and bless you in Jesus’ Name, the Name that is ABOVE every other name.

Live in this life like you’re already in Heaven because God already sees us there with Him where He’s already wiped away all tears. Praise God! Hallelujah!

God bless,

Mark

I thought Amir’s (See his “Behold Israel” site and youtube videos) message reprinted below was really appropriate for the new year. Happy New Year, everyone!

---

A Special Message From Amir Tsarfati For 2019

Shalom from Galilee!

As 2018 is coming to an end, I can look back and rejoice at what the Lord has done. However, the message that He has placed on my heart for 2019 is a resounding one: Finish well!

Yes my friends, we are close to the finish line. The writing is on the wall, the signs are on the ground, all the players are in place. We are the generation that shall not pass away. We are the generation that will experience more deception than any other simply because it’s so easy to fall into deception with the digital world.

The questions I’ve been posed to ask myself, as well as all of you are: Is life here in this world all that you care about? Is this world all that you have? Is it all about “making the most” out of it? Are the things of this world the main issues on your mind and the prime goals of your life?

I heard a well-known pastor saying that his dying son, who had only three weeks to live due to severe cancer, told him, “Dad, I am so excited for what is coming next!”

Another good friend of mine, who happens to be a pastor here in Israel, told me, “Once I am dead, don’t let anyone bring me back to life or else I will kill him!”

Are you as excited about eternity that you wouldn’t want to live here in this world again? Is heaven your home or this world? You can only be homesick for where your home is!

Can you honestly live your life with the excitement for what is coming next? Is this world the end for you?

When you wake up in the morning and start your day, who are you aiming to please and impress?

“…For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world…”
1 John 2:16

In 2019 can you honestly say?

“…For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain…”
Philippians 1:21

As we approach the finish line, we must all examine our hearts and ask ourselves…Do we know that when the Lord comes back He will tell us?

“…well done, good and faithful servant!”
Matthew 25:23

My friends, let’s finish well. Let’s finish strong!

“… If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all…”
Colossians 3:1-11

Awaiting His (Jesus) Return,

Amir Tsarfati

---

God bless,

Mark

It’s just so much fun to let Jesus work in your life – To let Him set you more and more free.

Am I really a disciple of Christ? Or am I just a hearer of the Word? I think of all the years I went to church thinking I was a disciple of Jesus, but I was really just a hearer because I wasn’t doing the Word.

The “If, then” that leads to freedom in Christ.

I know that in my life, I was stuck in my sins until I started ‘doing’ the Word. I was constantly dismayed, had my own agendas, confused, double-minded, stuck in resentment, bitterness, unforgiveness, greed, jealousy, anger, religious pride, scared of the future, wasn’t loving my wife and daughters the way Jesus wanted me to, constantly let circumstances ruin me (and those around me), couldn’t find and didn’t have Jesus’ peace, and a whole list of other sins until we began memorizing and “doing” the Word. I mean it when I tell you I was living a miserable life and living far apart from the freedom Jesus had in store for me.

For years, we’d heard the Word, but the only time it made a difference in us was when Jesus motivated us to begin to do it, to put it into practice in our everyday lives…And then, to continue in the Word so it could help us grow in Jesus and become more free from the list of sins I mentioned above.

To the Jews who had believed him (as well as any of us who have believed in Jesus), Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching (if you continue to follow Me), you are really my disciples. Then (and only then) you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32

If we don’t follow Jesus by doing what He says to do, we’re not really His disciples and we won’t be set free from our ways, the sin that’s destroying our lives.

Jesus was saying that if a person is a “doer” of the Word, and not just a hearer of His Words, that person will know the truth (will know Jesus Who is the truth), and that person will be set free.

I heard a pastor in a Christian movie say something like this: “If we return hate for hate, greed for greed, anger for anger, jealousy for jealousy, pride for pride, selfishness for selfishness, unforgiveness for unforgiveness (or road rage for road rage as in my case), then we’re (professing Christians) no different than the world and they’ll never see Jesus living in us.” His words reminded me of Matthew 5:13:

“You (Christ’s disciples; those who have asked Jesus into their lives) are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its taste, it cannot be made salty again. Salt is useless if it loses its salty taste. It will be thrown out where people will just walk on it.
Matthew 5:13

It’s true, if we continue in His Word, if we “do” His Word, if we apply it to our lives and everyday circumstances, we will know the truth (we’ll be forgiving, we’ll have Jesus’ peace in our souls, we won’t be jealous or covet, or hateful, or greedy, or angered when things don’t go our way, He’ll enable us to live above our circumstances, etc.),that is, Jesus’ instructions for how to live life His way, and we will be free from anger, jealousy, self-pity, fear, unforgiveness, etc. Jesus is telling us this can only be accomplished if we truly follow Him by doing His Word, by letting His Word work in our lives to change us.

Put the Word into practice in your life no matter what others think. Let Jesus set you free, and then let Him continue to set you free. Become doers of the Word beginning today. You’ll be so happy you did.

God bless,

Mark

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

God really wants those who love Him to walk in all the spiritual freedom they can. If they’re willing to follow Him, and to change the way they’re responding to His call, and the way they’re living, He’ll continue His liberating work in their life to bring them out of all the deception the Devil has planted in this world and in their life. This is what God’s doing in my life and I know His liberating work in me has only just begun.

---

I needed a new pair of headphones for my computer. My son-in-law, Matt, is letting me try out one of his headphone sets. I tried them out on the following song made popular years ago. The headphones work really well. ☺

As I listened to the song, the Holy Spirit began to move on my heart in some new ways. This is a powerful song God has used to help many people desire to become much closer to Jesus in their walk with the Lord. The lyrics sure spoke to me in some powerful ways

Old Man’s Rubble – Luke Garrett.

Old Man’s Rubble
Written by Brown Bannister

Are you living in an old man’s rubble
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?

Are you walkin’ with unnecessary burdens?
Are you trying to take them upon yourself?
If you are then you’re living in bondage,
And you know that’s bad for your spiritual health

And are you trying to live by your emotions?
Are you puttin’ your faith in what you feel and see?
Then you’re living just to satisfy your passions,
But you better be careful, you’re being deceived.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

Are you puzzled by the way that you’re behavin’;
Do you wonder why you do the things you do?
And are you troubled by your lack of resistance;
Do you feel that something’s got a hold on you?

Deep within’ you there’s a spiritual battle;
There’s a voice of the darkness and a voice of the light.
And just by listening we’ve made our decision,
’Cause the voice we hear is gonna’ win the fight.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

If you’re living as a new creation;
If you’re listening to the Father of light,
Then you’re living in a mighty fortress
And you’re gonna’ be clothed in power and might.

Are you living in an old man’s rubble;
Are you listenin’ to the father of lies?
If you are then you’re headed for trouble.
If you listen too long, you’ll eventually die.

If you’re living as a new creation;
If you’re listening to the Father of light,
Then you’re living in a mighty fortress
And you’re gonna’ be clothed in power and might.

---

17 With the Lord’s authority I (the Apostle Paul) say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity (*lasciviousness in the KJV).

20 But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for (because) anger gives a foothold to the devil.
Ephesians 4:17-27 (New Living Translation – NLT)

God bless,

Mark

*”The lascivious person will not be able to enter the kingdom of heaven (Galatians 5:19-21). To ignore the biblical warnings is the epitome of folly.”

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Isaiah 9:6-7

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.

God bless,

Mark and Ann

For whom he (God) did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (Jesus), that he (Jesus) might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:29

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
Ephesians 1:3-5

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18

I was reminded again yesterday about my need to be more like Jesus. It was such a precious reminder. That’s how God is. Always reminding us of His Presence with us as He makes us into His amazing, loving image. What an incredible privilege it is to be the sons and daughters of God.

I was watching something yesterday and a pastor read the love chapter in 1 Corinthians in the Bible’s New Testament. Suddenly, my heart softened to the words of this precious passage of scripture. The words just help me to relax, calm down, gain a greater perspective, reset priorities and encourage me to want to be more patient and loving towards my wife, family, friends, and those I meet throughout the day and week.

As I was reading the passage again right now, the sweet Holy Spirit reminded me that His work in my life will make me like the Heavenly characteristics listed in verses 4-7 below. I got so excited just thinking that He’s doing that kind of wonderful “love” work in all His children as they continue walking with Jesus. What a blessing to be made into Christ’s image. What peace, rest, love, grace, mercy and joy awaits us as we grow in Jesus. This is what we as individuals and the world at large need today, and every day – The soothing, secure, loving, and comforting touch of Jesus in our lives.

“Jesus, please make me more loving, more like You.”

1 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. 3 If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.

4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. 6 It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

8 Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! 9 Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! 10 But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless.

11 When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. 12 Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13

God’s sustaining love is so powerful and reaches into our hearts to bring us all that He is.

God bless,

Mark

But as it is written:  “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”  But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.  For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Yesterday, I wrote about how God was doing a new work in me by showing me He wants to remove all complaining from me, from my spirit, so I can learn to trust Him even more and enter deeper into His rest.  God’s faithful to give us many opportunities to practice His new freedom for us.  When we mess up, we don’t need to feel condemnation.  We simply need to pick up where we left off and continue to let the Holy Spirit complete His work in us knowing He loves us all the time. ☺

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Galatians 5:17

In Jesus’ day, many got offended by His teachings.   It caused many to stop following Him.  It’s been the same throughout time.

The Word offends us, our flesh.  Our flesh wants to have its way and when God begins to do a new work in our lives, our flesh will get offended and resist His work of liberty in us.   This is important to recognize because many people leave Christianity when their flesh gets challenged (offended) by the Holy Spirit’s work in them.

For instance, a few weeks back, the Holy Spirit gave Ann the thought, “Is this (or any other thought she may have during the day) glorifying God?”  God was wanting to take Ann to a new level in Him.  He wanted to set her more free in her spirit by bringing this particular thought (one of His ways) to her attention.  Now, the flesh usually responds with something like, “I want to think this thought right now (or do this or that right now) and no one’s going to tell me different.”  Right?  This type of response from the flesh is what can make renewing our minds to the Word of God seem impossible at times.  But the thing is, we don’t have to follow Jesus or renew our minds in our own strength.  It’s pretty hard to defeat the flesh with the flesh, right?  As God points out new areas of freedom He has for us to walk in, the Holy Spirit living inside us reminds us of this new action over and over again.  Then, He uses His power in our lives to help us make these types of changes in our lives that bring us closer to the kind of life and relationship we had with God in the garden before the fall.  God asks us to cooperate (to be willing to do our part) with His Holy Spirit as His work is taking place in us. (Galatians 5:17 above)

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2

“I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5

God bless,

Mark

Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, and teach from Your law,
Psalm 94:12

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.
Psalm 94:19

While writing the following this morning, I’m sitting here with a God-inspired smile on my face that’s the result of knowing God’s continuing His work in my life.  I’m always amazed at His leading and I get so joyful knowing He’s always healing me in my spirit.

God is showing us (Ann and I) the beauty, peace, and rest His ways bring to our lives.  He keeps showing us things He wants to remove from us that are outside of the “rest” He wants to instill in us.  For instance, for about the last two weeks, the Holy Spirit’s been very gently speaking to me about stopping all complaining – My first thought was, “How could that really happen since complaining is such a part of me and life in general?”  Today, God told me He wants to heal me deeper in my soul by helping me to stop complaining.  Really.  He’s desiring for me to trust Him in a new and deeper way by not complaining.  How do I know it’s God speaking this to my spirit?  Whenever I’ve had a complaining thought lately, He’s gently interrupted that thought with, “I want to help you rest more by helping you to stop all complaining.  It’s a new way I’m having you take thoughts captive, trusting that I’m working all things together for your good, and to keep you thanking and praising Me in all things.”  (2 Corinthians 10:4-6; Romans 8:28; Ephesians 5:20 and other such loving scriptures like Ephesians 4:31-32, and Mark 12:31 about loving your neighbor as yourself)

What an incredible God and Heavenly Father we have, precious people.  Just so wonderful.  And, His healing of our spirits never ends because His infinite mercies are new every morning.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:13

For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

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

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

Boy, this Christian life is so amazing…

God bless,

Mark

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

God’s with you wherever you are.  That’s why we can always have courage.  Our loving Heavenly Father’s with us working all things together for our good.  Such amazing love…

God bless,

Mark

Don’t let the enemy steal your joy today…Nor any other day.  

Live this life in the victory Jesus died on the cross to give us.  Remember, the angel told the shepherds in the fields the night Jesus was born, “”Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For (Because) unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”  (Luke 2:10-11)

Oh, thank You, Jesus for being my Savior, and for saving me when I get discouraged, when I’m in pain, when my focus is on this world instead of on You where it belongs.

Maybe like me, at times, you’re tempted to let circumstances begin to wear you down and discourage you.  I believe that’s why the Holy Spirit gave me these three keys some time ago – He knew I’d need them to overcome this world in Jesus’ Name.   The three keys keep me looking up to Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of my faith.   When I praise and thank Jesus, it keeps me from developing a hard heart of unbelief.  These keys help to keep me on track and in the right frame of mind regarding the things of earth, and they remind me that all of the wonderful, glorious eternity with the saints, the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit that will be mine, forever, and soon.

Make these three keys a part of your life and walk in victory every day through Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:28 – God’s really working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Take thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.   (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

Thank and praise God in all things. All things.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you (and I want to be in His will) in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Hebrews 13:15
I’ve found that when I praise God when I’m in pain (Yes, it can be a sacrifice of praise at times), and don’t feel like doing it that praising and thanking God transforms me and strengthens my faith and trust in His love and care for me.  Before I know it, I’m believing Romans 8:28 again and taking every thought (even pain-induced ones) captive to my precious Jesus.

The LORD (not earthly circumstances the devil tries to defeat me with) is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.   My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everyone –

In this life, we can sometimes be tempted to think we’re going under, that we’re not going to make it.  Honestly, these are the best times because they bring us to the point where we can choose to cast all the care that’s weighing us down onto Jesus.  Jesus can take our burdens and give us His joy in the midst of trials and provide us with His peace that passes understanding.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4

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 (Jesus) have overcome the world.
John 16:33

Have a blessed day in Jesus.

God bless,

Mark

I love it when the Lord opens my eyes to more of His ways, His truth, and liberty.  It’s so refreshing.  It’s true life.  That”s Jesus.

“I got this.”  Really?  Are you sure that’s what you want?

When will my heart believe?

Wow, there’s so much to say about today’s topic.  Pride (The devil’s downfall) keeps us from believing God.  It keeps us living with “care,” from trusting God with our whole heart; from God’s deep contentment, and apart from the assurance that God will never leave us nor forsake us; pride keeps us from letting God’s peace reign in our hearts; from renewing our minds; from being still and knowing that He is God; from truly experiencing God working all things together for our good, from the pure joy that complete surrender brings, and on and on – In other words, from dwelling with God.

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 57:15

Pride Is Killing You – Pastor Francis Chan’s video below is excellent.  He points out that God dwells with the humble, lowly and contrite (those who are truly sorry for their sins, for living apart from God’s ways).  Pride keeps us from dwelling with God.  God points out our pride so that we can be free from it to dwell in and with Him, with the Father of love and all that is true life, from living nearer and with our Prince of Peace, Jesus.

I hope you’ll watch Pastor Chan’s video and that it blesses you as much as it’s blessing us.

God bless,

Mark

I’m sitting here with a pretty painful migraine this morning.  But, God has me praising Him over what I’m about to share.  It’s so exciting how God works.

Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19

You have to admit, it’s really cool when the following happens to you.

Over the last several days, the Holy Spirit has been working a new work in my life.  He’s been teaching me more about how to live in the Spirit and not by my flesh.  He’s teaching me the incredibly liberating life of reacting to more of life through His peace, joy and faith.  It’s enabling me to trust His care of me in a deeper way.  It’s something I was first introduced to many years ago by Pastor Jon at Christ’s Center Church in Oregon, but the Holy Spirit is making it a reality in my life and it’s so wonderful.  God’s so faithful.  I wasn’t even thinking about it and He just started making me aware of His power changing me in this area.  Isn’t it the most interesting and amazing thing when God begins to change you without you even initiating it?

It was neat when God quickened Isaiah 43:19 to me yesterday afternoon when I told Ann about the work God’s doing in me.  God told us that while Isaiah 43:19 often applies to material needs, it applies equally to the spiritual newness of life the Holy Spirit imparts in our lives.  What a great Father we have.  His love just keeps coming as we continue walking with Him by choosing to follow Jesus each day…

God bless,

Mark

Led By The Spirit
By Joyce Meyer in her “Closer To God Each Day” devotional

But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God.)
Galatians 5:16

It’s interesting that in Galatians 5:16 Paul did not say the cravings, or the desires of the flesh, would no longer exist for the children of God.  He said that we can choose to be led by the Holy Spirit, and by making that choice, we would not give in to the temptations that would try to separate us from God.

There are many things that try to lead us – other people, the devil, our own flesh (our body, mind, will, or emotions).  There are many voices in the world that are speaking to us, and often several at the same time.

In order to live in close relationship with God, it is imperative that we choose to be led by the Holy Spirit instead of those other voices.  He alone knows the will of God and is sent to dwell in each of us, to aid us in being all God has designed us to be, and to have all God wants us to have.

Being led by the Spirit means He leads us by peace and by wisdom, as well as by the Word of God.  He speaks in a still, small voice in our heart as we seek to live our lives for God.  The more we follow His leading, the more we will be victorious in life.

I encourage you to begin each day by saying, “Holy Spirit, I will listen for Your leading today.  Give me wisdom and peace so I can move in step with Your guidance.”

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everyone…☺

Then I saw a Lamb (Jesus), looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders.  The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.  7 He went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne.  8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb.  Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.
Revelation 5: 6-8

 

 

 

 

 

Isn’t that neat?  Your prayers go up to Heaven and become incense in golden bowls before Jesus’ throne.  When you pray, that’s where they go.  When I heard someone speak about this, it really hit me…Our prayers are precious to Jesus.

Keep praying.  ☺

God bless,

Mark

My wife’s father was an alcoholic.  I really believe Satan has many Christians today thinking they can dabble with alcohol and handle it.  Many are using alcohol to give them some relief instead of relying on the peace of Jesus.

Regarding the Bible’s warning and command to not be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2), but rather to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, my wife has a good saying, “If the world’s doing it, I probably should stay far away from it.”  This applies to many things the world is trapped by today…

I hope you’ll watch this short, and really important video on drinking.  It’s one of the best I’ve seen on this matter that’s overtaking the church.

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

God bless,

Mark

1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord.

2 Lord, hear my voice:  let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

3 If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

5 I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

6 My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning:  I say, more than they that watch for the morning.

7 Let Israel hope in the Lord:  for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 130

Waiting on the Lord is changing me.  It’s doing a makeover in me.  The fruit of the Spirit is forming in me and removing the works of the flesh.  Truly, God redeems us as we wait on Him as we live out His Word in our lives.

Wait for God in every area of your life.  It’ll change you…☺

 

 

 

 

 

God bless,

Mark