Category: General Christian Living

It’s so cool.  After talking about the following, my wife experienced it at work.  God showed her how to apply it to her work and she relaxed in her spirit even though she had to work hard all day long. ☺

Jesus is able to redeem all things in our lives if we’ll continue to seek Him and to let Him change us from glory to glory.

There’s nothing like the supernatural, attractive, invigorating Presence of the Holy Spirit when He speaks to our hearts.  All else loses its importance and grip on our beings as He touches our lives with His pure love from above.

I really hope I can convey this beautiful, liberating message the Holy Spirit shared last week with me while “working.” ☺

Regarding the following, please understand that I know it’s a good thing to be a good, hard, honest worker…

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men (if I was working unto men, I was stressed out about it, I was being conformed to this world); 24 Knowing that of the Lord (I wanted it from men) ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance:  for ye serve (I’ve wanted to be served and to Lord it over others) the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23-24

24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.

25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

26 But ye shall not be so:  but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve (when we serve the Lord, we’re free to enjoy Him keeping us instead of us keeping us).
Luke 20:24-26

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition (strife in other versions), there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
James 3:16

Working As Unto The Lord:  What Does It Entail?

The Protestant Work Ethic and Working As Unto The Lord

Wow, this was such a huge blessing when the Holy Spirit talked to me about it the other day – And, He keeps bringing it up so I know it must be really important and timely.

I want so much to live in the freedom of this message.  It’s so amazing to think that Jesus could really do this much of a work in us.

I don’t remember how it came up the other day, but I got to thinking about the Protestant Work Ethic (from an early age, I wanted to strive to get ahead, to work and be proud of what I’d accomplished – my health issues have interrupted my goals and desires to provide for my family, and to achieve, and it’s been frustrating) when the Holy Spirit began speaking to me about it.

I was raised to work hard, to worry, be anxious, to take on the care, pressure and responsibility, and to get stressed out about work and complain about it just like everybody else is supposed to do in this world.  I heard things like, “The early bird gets the worm,” etc.  I saw my own father working this way for my great uncle’s Christian organization.  And, I wanted the same prestige and paybacks for being a hard worker that I saw others receiving.  But, no matter how early I got up, no matter how hard I worked, I could not get ahead and it really frustrated me.

I never could understand why people (all of us) could be like Jesus for parts of their lives and weeks, and then act like the world at other times.  Wasn’t it possible to live close to Jesus all the time?  How could that happen?  How could God show us He wanted us to have peace and to trust and rest in Him all the time?

Well, the other day the Lord began speaking to my heart.  Jesus does not only want me (us) to be with Him on the weekends or in our morning devotion times.  He wants me to walk in His Presence all week long.  Now, I knew that but I never could reconcile that with today’s work environment.  I mean, how can anyone have God’s Presence on the weekend and at home and truly expect to be able to carry that over into the job market?  Is that possible?

That’s about the time Jesus spoke to my heart…

“Mark, you know all the verses I gave you while living in Oregon and how they were chosen specifically to bring you to My peace, joy, rest and love, to “keep” you, right?”  “Yes, Jesus.”  “Well, I want you to know that working as unto Me means that you can work free from the pressure the world experiences in their work.  I want you to know that you can let Me lead you to the work I want you to do and I will bless you in it.  You will not have to strive in it because you’ll be working as unto Me, not men.  You can let go of all of the responsibility and care of work and work as unto Me, with My peace, with My Presence, with My help guiding you.  I know you, what you wrestle with, how anxiety and trying to live up to expectations has been really difficult for you.  I don’t put worldly pressures on you.  I don’t cause you to compete (there’s plenty of room in my Kingdom for everyone’s work without competition so they really can relax in Me), to fret, to be prideful, to worry, to carry all that weight.  No, what I have for you is rest, peace, and joy in working.  I want you to have My joy in all of your life, especially in the work I give you.  I want you to be able to let My peace rule in your heart while at work.  I want you to not be afraid of sudden fear at work.  I want you to cast all your burdens on me even at work.  I don’t want you to be careful about anything, and that includes work.”

I hope you see how wonderful this is.  Our Supernatural God is able to “keep” us all week long, even in our work.

Boy, I just sat here letting that soak into my heart.  What an incredible time it was.  And, the Lord just keeps emphasizing it in my heart.  I love it when He does this sort of thing because it means He will allow me/us to “walk” (live it) in it if I’ll continue to surrender my will to Him and His wonderful plan for my life.

28 Come unto me (Jesus), all ye (anyone) that labour (working or handling life in my own strength) and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me (it’s so sweet to learn from and about Jesus and all He has for us); for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Oh, precious Jesus…Lord to me.  Please let nothing stand in the way of me learning to let You guide me into “working as unto You,” in complete rest, so I can be free in You all week long.  Precious Holy Spirit, come and minister this beautiful truth to my heart.

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday!

The following are some thoughts Annie and I had this morning during our coffee time together.  The Holy Spirit really ministered to us and reminded us of how important these topics and commands are for us in Christ.

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I want all the freedom Christ died on the cross to make available to me…All of it.  I do not want to live with any compromise, and chains the enemy tries to bind me with.  None.  There’s way too much at stake here.

My wife woke up telling me about how important it is to take thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  She said, “You’re serious about this aren’t you Mark?”  She was having a real understanding from the Lord about how serious it is to take enemy thoughts captive.

What do I value in this life more than my freedom in Christ?  The enemy can lull us away from our victory and liberty in Jesus.  He can tempt us with the smallest compromise (and there are many ways he gets us to begin a journey down the compromising road) like when we’re not taking the devil’s thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.

The ultimate brain fog is to take thoughts from the enemy, to live with satan’s thoughts so we become his slaves and turn away from the liberty Jesus has for us by taking enemy thoughts captive to Christ.

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 the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest…Only be strong and of a good courage.
From Joshua Chapter 1

God bless,

Mark

Boy, I sure get blessed and lifted up listening to the following Marty Nystrom playlist.  Takes me into Jesus’ Presence. ☺

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZKm6-3d7Bw

I’m just so thankful and grateful to have been saved by believing in Jesus.  No words can express my heartfelt thanks to Him.

Don’t know why, but I was thinking about the “Sound of Music” movie the other day and started thinking about some of my own favorite things.  These are a few of my favorite things…Loving on and encouraging people with the daily CJED emails; helping people to believe in Romans 8:28, to take thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ and to be thankful and praising God in all things.  I also like listening to good Bible teaching, Christian music and books, loving my wife and talking with her about Jesus, looking in the eyes of my wife and kids, reading the Bible, listening to the Bible on youtube, looking up (our redemption is drawing very near), Christian movies, etc.

It’s so good to let the Lord show you all the things He’s blessed you with – your favorite things.

God bless,

Mark

The Strange Case Of West Side Baptist
By Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

On March 1, 1950, choir practice was scheduled for 7:20pm at the West Side Baptist Church in Beatrice, Nebraska.  Most of the choir members normally arrived around 7:15.  The pastor, about to head to church with his wife, discovered that his daughter’s dress needed changing.  A man named Harry Ahl was going to take his two boys to practice, but got lost in a conversation, forgetting the time.  One high school girl needed to finish her homework.  Two sisters were ready, but their car wouldn’t start.  The pianist, Marilyn Paul, fell asleep and so she and her mother both arrived much later than usual.  Joy Black, just feeling lazy, waited until the last minute.  All 15 members of the choir were hindered from being on time.  At 7:25pm, due to a gas leak, there was an explosion and the church was destroyed.  The choir members would’ve been killed, except that they were all strangely late.  Therefore, rejoice today and thank God is faith for those problems and obstacles you’ve been frustrated about.  Because who knows that you won’t find out someday that they were the very things that saved your life.

Today’s Mission:  Today, when you face an obstacle, a challenge, or a hindrance you’ve been frustrated about, do something new – rejoice!

Because you (God) are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
Psalm 63:7

God bless each of you,

Mark

It seems so funny to me now that I used to have so much pride.  Pride kept me from seeing and enjoying so much of God’s Kingdom of light.  I always had a gnawing sense that I was competing with everyone else, even other Christians, on so many levels.  These days, I want to stay as far away as I can from pride.

Humility is so wonderful.  It just feels so right in my spirit and keeps me open to Jesus and the Holy Spirit and all the liberty and life They have for me.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like:  of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21

I used to have a Jesus-deprived life.  My life had a lot of the works of the flesh operating in it and, as a result, I had little real peace, love, contentment, rest and joy.  I couldn’t accept the fact that God was in control of my life and that I could really trust Him all the time.  I’ve come to know that life’s better with Jesus in it.  The fruit of the Spirit can replace the works of the flesh if we’ll humbly keep asking (and cooperating with) the Holy Spirit to continue His work in us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5:22-26

God bless,

Mark

1 “Son of man, prophesy against Gog and say:  ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says:  I am against you, Gog, chief prince of Meshek and Tubal.  2 I (God) will turn you around and drag you along.  I will bring you from the far north and send you against the mountains of Israel.  3 Then I will strike your bow from your left hand and make your arrows drop from your right hand.  4 On the mountains of Israel you will fall, you and all your troops and the nations with you.  I will give you as food to all kinds of carrion birds and to the wild animals.  5 You will fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Sovereign Lord. 6 I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the Lord.
Ezekiel 39:1-6

I hear so much about how Islam plans to completely destroy Israel.  I saw a map of Israel’s land in comparison to the land the Muslim nations occupy – Quite an overwhelming contrast in the natural.  It reminded me that it doesn’t matter what I’m up against, no matter how large the problem or enemy threat, God’s with me.  And, as is the case with tiny Israel, that’s all that matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it any wonder why we worship this loving God who watches over and protects us, why we can’t help but love and seek more and more of our Heavenly Father? ☺

God bless,

Mark

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

It’s as if God is saying to me, “Please, my son, be still because I’m God and I’ll always watch over and keep you.”

It’s so wonderful and soothing to say the Name, “Jesus.”  Doing so reminds me that I can be still and remember that He is God.  I can have peace because He’s in control and wants to remind me of that glorious, beautiful truth.

Thank You, Jesus.

God bless,

Mark

The Faith Attitude
By Joyce Meyer

But the Lord was with Joseph, and showed him mercy and lovingkindness and gave him favor in the sight of the warden of the prison.
Genesis 39:21

Although Joseph was being punished unfairly because he was jailed for something he didn’t do, the Lord was still with him giving him supernatural favor and taking care of him.  He proved that a person is really not in too bad a shape, even if he ends up in prison, if God gives him favor.

No matter what happens to us in life, we can have favor with God and with other people (Luke 2:52).  But like so many good things in life, just because something is available to us does not mean that we will partake of it.  The Lord makes many things available to us that we never receive and enjoy because we never activate our faith.

For example, if we go to a job interview confessing fear and failure, we will almost be assured not to get the job.  On the other hand, even if we apply for a job we know we aren’t fully qualified for, we can still go in confidence, believing that God will give us favor in every situation that is His will.

God doesn’t want us to be afraid of the hardships we face in life.  He is in control, and He will work all things out for our good if we love and trust Him.

Joseph maintained a good attitude in a bad situation.  He had a “faith attitude,” and God gave him favor.

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It doesn’t matter where we are, what others think of us or say about us.  When we have God’s favor, we will find that His leading and protection are all we need in life.  Don’t despair.  Keep resting in God’s favor and trusting that He’s in control.  He’ll show us the way.

God bless,

Mark

Ann and I have had back issues for decades.  Many years ago in California’s Mojave desert, we walked through an old, mile-long, abandoned, gold mine – it was so low inside that we had to bend over as we walked.  Ann’s back was out and hurting a lot.  On top of that, she carried (Ann insisted) our Sheltie dog the entire length of that mine, both ways.  She was pretty angry about the pain and the walk.  Finally, it dawned on her not to be angry.  After all, her anger wasn’t resolving her pain (it only added to the pain) or making anything else better.  That turned out to be a turning point in her life and it had an impact on the entire family regarding getting angry about things we couldn’t control.  Anger only ever made things worse for us…

I was in traffic the other day and thought how funny it was that I used to get so angry about some drivers and being stuck in traffic.  It hit me that my anger never really resolved traffic so why was I stewing about it.  Why not learn to trust God with it and relax?

I used to get mad at God when I wasn’t getting my way.  I found that my anger didn’t move God, and realizing that only increased my anger.  No, God was more interested in teaching me to trust Him all the time than to let me get my way by trying to manipulate Him with anger.  In His wisdom, He had peace, rest, grace, love, and joy in store for me and wanted me to learn that anger isn’t necessary.

I hope the following daily devotional entry by Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn blesses you like it blessed us this morning.

The Bethlehem Principle

“No room at the inn” is one of the most famous phrases from the Bible.  When Yoseph and Miriam (Joseph and Mary) came to Bethlehem walking in the center of God’s will, about to fulfill the ancient prophecies of the Hebrew Scriptures, the door slammed in their face.  So they went to a manger/lamb birthing station and there was born the Lamb of God, King of the Jews, Messiah, and the Light of the world.

It doesn’t matter how close you are to God or how much you walk in the center of His will, you’ll still come up against closed doors.  But when the door closes in your face, when the door closes on that dream, on that plan, on that hope, and you hear the words, “there’s no room at the inn,” know for sure that God has something better.  Trust the Lord.  Stand in faith and persevere in hope. When the door closes to you, in the Lord, know and have confidence that there’s something better and more beautiful waiting to bless you as you don’t give up.  Persevere because there’s yet a manger in Bethlehem.

Today’s Mission:  Today, stand in faith, persevere in hope, and have confidence that the Lord will open the right door for you to accomplish His plans for your life.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

For I know the plans (thoughts) I have for you,” says the LORD.  “They are plans (thoughts) for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

God bless each of you.  We love you so much.  Think of how much Jesus loves you. ☺

Mark

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11

There was a time in my life when I didn’t want to face another day.

Jesus changed all that…

 

 

 

I love the weekends cause I get to spend the entire time with the love of my life talking about Jesus and doing errands together.  I love Mondays, too, because I get to see what Jesus has in store for us in this new week.

My wife and I were talking the other day and both agreed that we love to encourage each other, and others, in the Lord.  Jesus has made it so we can’t help ourselves. ☺☺

Happy Monday!  God’s in control and on the throne of the universe.  He’ll never leave us nor forsake us.  He knows exactly what you need and how to love and keep you.

But let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You.
Psalm 5:11

My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.
John 5:12

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

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

God bless,

Mark

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

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

I have to tell you that when my wife and I began getting into the Word (seeing what it had to say about our spiritual condition), copying down verses the Lord led us to, taping them up all around our home, and saying the Word out loud, we felt a little funny because we’d never done this before.  BUT, we were so sick of the spiritual oppression, the fear, the worry (We didn’t even know or realize these were sins.  Once we knew they were sins, with God’s helps, we could deal with them in our lives), the generational strongholds, the defeating thoughts Satan was pounding us with that we finally resolved to “do” the Word no matter what.  That’s a good place to get to in life.  It means you’re on the road to spiritual recovery and the renewed mind.

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The Sword Of The Spirit
By Joyce Meyer

The attacks of Satan against the church are more intense than ever before.  So many people are experiencing tremendous attacks against their minds and enduring great attacks of fear.

A person who learns to abide in the Word of God and let the Word abide in them will have a two-edged sword with which to do battle.  To abide means to remain, to continue in, or to dwell in.  If you make God’s Word a small part of your life, you will know only a partial truth and will experience only limited freedom.  But those who abide in it will know the full truth and will experience complete freedom.

My life used to be a mess because I was ignorant of the Word.  For many years I was a Christian who loved God and was active in church work, but I had zero victory because I did not know the Word.  Thankfully, I can now testify that the Word of God has caused me to be victorious and to recognize the attacks of Satan.

Learn the Word and allow the Holy Spirit to wield it by speaking, singing, or meditating on the portions of Scripture that you feel He is placing on your heart.

If you keep your sword drawn, the enemy won’t be so quick to approach you.  Speak the Word!

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God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday!

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk (live in His ways) ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding (with large amounts of His life operating in your life) therein with thanksgiving.
Colossians 2:6-7

It’s the sweetest thing I know of just to stay surrendered to the Lord.  It makes my life simpler, takes all the striving out of me, and leaves me trusting in Jesus’ mercy, grace, peace, rest, joy and love.

God bless,

Mark

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

We all get hit with and tempted to give in to “sudden fear.”  God has provided a way of escape when things take us by surprise.  He tells us He’ll keep our foot from being taken.  He’s telling us He’ll protect our faith by reminding us that He’s working all things together for our good.  He’s constantly teaching us that He’s trustworthy so we can change the way we react to sudden fear by remembering God’s love for us, and His faithfulness.

When you get tempted to fear, exercise your faith.  Stop, take a deep breath, and “let” the peace of God reign in your heart (Colossians 3:15).  God’s in control and leading in everything.

God bless,

Mark

Boy, there’s nothing like the refreshing that comes from having sin pointed out and then repenting of it.  The heaviness sin brings just falls off us.  Jesus is so good to us.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.
Psalm 119:71

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (He sets us free from our sins).
2 Corinthians 3:17

Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.  And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever.  Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed (free from the weight sin puts on us).
John 8:34-36

And be not conformed to this world:  but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2-3

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts (this is accomplished as we learn to live in the blessings of God’s ways),
Colossians 3:15a

Set your affection on things above (God’s ways), not on things on the earth (man’s ways).
Colossians 3:2

Honestly, I’m thankful God allowed so many issues in my life to get my attention onto His liberating Word and ways.  Whatever God uses to bring us to His loving ways is worth the trip.  There’s simply nothing like learning to be like Christ, to come into His peace, love, rest and joy in every area of our souls.

As I’ve mentioned many times in the past, many damaging generational strongholds were passed on to me.  Sins like unforgiveness, the fear of man, bitterness, emotionally mistreating your spouse, insecurity, inferiority, holding grudges, jealousy, coveting, worry, mammon, and being easily offended were not repented of in my home.  There may have been times when my parents tried to step out of these sins (many of which were passed onto them by their own parents), but true repentance of them was never long-term.  I’ve found that unless God motivates (often, He has to really get our attention through whatever means He deems necessary) those raised in such environments to want to repent of these awful soul-destructing sins (that eventually take a physical toll, as well), they’ll perpetuate to future generations.

In this youtube video, Katie points out some really freeing information about repenting from being easily offended.  In this youtube video, Katie points out some really freeing information about repenting from being easily offended.  I especially liked what she says about what we say when we’re offended.  I hope what she shares is a blessing to you.

Katie Souza on It’s Supernatural with Sid Roth – Stay Unoffendable

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

God bless,

Mark

Here’s an incredible story from our dear friend, Gary.  We get so blessed interacting with him and talking about Jesus and all He means to us.

Here’s Gary’s story –

This text communicates what I feel was a near death experience for me when I was in my early 20’s.

As a young man I was working as a Mechanical Engineer for an Idaho company in 1978.  One of my duties involved traveling to Los Angeles, California in September 1978.  As I finished my tasks in Los Angeles my company asked me to fly from LA to San Diego.  My company booked me a flight on PSA Airlines, flight number 182 on September 25, 1978.  The day before I was to board my flight from Los Angeles to San Diego my company changed my travel plans which delayed my travel to San Diego by several days.  To this day I believe it was the Lord who was watching over me.

On final approach to San Diego, PSA flight 182 hit a private plane and both the jet and private plane crashed, everyone was killed on both planes.  I was shocked when I heard the news and saw the picture as I was scheduled to have been on that flight.  For me this was a lift changing event.  I became terrified to fly, and in fact I did not fly for many months because of my terror.

 

 

 

 

I eventually began to travel and fly again, but to this day (now 40 years later) I remain fearful to fly and before I board any flight I prepare myself mentally for the possibility to die on the flight.  I always remind myself that the Lord was watching over me 40 years ago.  He intervened to change my original travel plans in September 1978 because His plans for my life were destined to take a different path rather than death at 23 years old.  At 63 years old I count my blessings and remind myself frequently that He saved me that day so I could continue walking in His presence for the remainder of my life.

God bless,

Mark

But my God shall supply all your need (including the necessary weapons for defeating our enemy) according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Like Elisha’s servant, may your eyes be opened to the multitude of God’s warriors surrounding us every day.

The enemies of God know their time is short.

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

Last week, Annie and I visited our Jewish friend who has a jewelry store.  We were looking at wedding rings for a friend of my wife.  Our Jewish friend knows many people in Israel and often tells us very encouraging stories about events in the Middle East.

Our Jewish friend told us about how close the Jews are to rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.  We talked about other end times events and he told us he sees “all hell” breaking out in the Middle East within the next 4-5 years.  I’m not a prophet, but with Trump in office, and with the Jews (and God’s enemies) feeling like his presidency gives them a limited time and window in which to act, personally, I don’t think it will take that long.  The month of May, alone, will be interesting for many reasons…

Read Ezekiel chapters 38-39.  Be encouraged!

I had another one of my infamous bad dreams last night.  Then, this morning, I was reminded of some of my lingering health issues.

Feeling puny, dismayed, weary, fearful, confused, defeated, down?  Letting some self-pity into your thoughts and spirit?…Repent of those thoughts and feelings, and charge the enemy.  Don’t take anything off him.  Remember, Satan is the father of lies, and there’s no truth in him.  This is war, and God’s given us mighty weapons for this war.  Heaven’s so close, and WE WIN!  Don’t let enemy’s thoughts take you captive.  Take his defeating thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.  God commands us to do so for good reasons.

Our redemption is drawing so near.  We’re so close to living in the ecstasy that will be ours when we go to be with our Lord, forevermore.  Look up!

Happy Monday!

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary
Psalm 107:2

O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.
Psalm 130:7

In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.  This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”
Isaiah 25:9

And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.”  Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
2 Kings 6:17

God bless,

Mark

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path.  And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.
Galatians 6:1

The Bible’s full of verses (especially the book of Proverbs) that warn us to keep company with those who are strong in their faith and to stay away from those who would lead us astray, even other “Christians.”

Boy, I can relate to the following youtube story.  Even though I (Mark) was a Christian, it happened to me in the late 60s.  I began hanging out with people (They were the more popular kids and I thought God was blessing me by having them take an interest in me.  Not good.)  The devil had a well-devised, camouflaged plan that caught me off guard.  I wanted to be accepted and that desire kept me from guarding my heart with all diligence.  The result was costly…

I listened to a youtube video about a man who’d been saved, been filled with the Spirit, and had been given many incredible Heavenly visions.  The program’s host then asked the man how he came to backslide after all that.

The program host:  “After having so many encounters with God, how did you come to fall back?  How did you backslide?”

The man:  “Well, it happens little by little.  You don’t get up in the morning saying you’re going to turn your back on God today.  Instead, you find yourself hanging out with people who don’t have the same fire and passion for God that you had.  You find yourself compromising, and hanging out with people who go to church but who live with some church and some of the world, and little by little – the devil’s so sneaky – you find yourself in things you said you’d never do or go back to.  And that’s what happens to many.”

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23

God bless,

Mark

One Step At A Time
By Joyce Meyer

He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ…developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
Philippians 1:6

When I speak on healing of emotional wounds, I like to hold up several different-colored shoestrings tied together in a knot.  I tell the audience, “This is you when you first start the process of transformation with God.  You’re all knotted up.  Each knot represents a different problem in your life that has developed from the things you have gone through.  Untangling those knots and straightening out those problems may take a bit of time and effort so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen all at once.”

If you want to receive healing and come into an area of wholeness, you must realize that healing is a process.  Allow the Lord to deal with you and your problems in His way and in His time.  Your part is to cooperate with Him in whatever area He chooses to start dealing with you first.

In our modern, instantaneous society, we expect everything to be quick and easy.  The Lord never gets in a hurry, and He never quits.  Sometimes it may seem that you are not making any progress.  That’s because the Lord is untying your knots one at a time.  During the process, we are learning to trust God, and we are developing a close and intimate relationship with Him.  God always finishes what He starts, and you will see freedom and victory in your life!

Don’t give up!

God bless,

Mark

Wow, so many wonderful things to write about and share with you these days.  It’s hard to know what to say first…☺

Your Barucha For Everything
By Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

Barucha is Hebrew for blessing.  The Jewish people have many baruchas or blessings.  In Jewish culture, there’s a blessing for everything.

At a Bar Mitzvah, there’s a blessing over the boy, over his parents, over the bread, over the washing of hands, and probably over the chopped liver at the reception.

If you’re born again, you’re a child of Abraham in spirit and now able to walk in the blessings of Israel.  Learn the blessing of having a blessing for everything; a blessing of thanks, of praise, of appreciation, of joy in and for everything in your life.

God promises to work all things out for your good in your life for blessing.  So everything in your life, no matter how big or small, no matter how good or bad it looks or feels is, in the end, a blessing from God.

Learn the blessing of giving thanks and blessing God for everything, no mater what, and you will live a blessed life.  That’s a guarantee.

Thank Him for everything in your life…even the chopped liver.

Today’s Mission:  Today, speak a blessing over your day and everything in it.  Come up with a blessing for every experience you have.

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9

God Bless each of you,

Mark