Category: General Christian Living

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
Psalm 34:2

I wanted a life where I could boast about my accomplishments, but God knew that was not a good path to go down. He knew I would end up serving “striving” and how ugly and destructive that would become. He’s showing me that doing His Word is what humility is all about. I must become humble in order to submit myself to His ways, and in order to be set free by doing His Truth. And all of us who want His ways developed in our lives want to hear more about His ways so we can become more glad. Isn’t that wonderful?

Do I want the trap of doing my ways and being proud about it or do I want to humble myself and follow Christ in order to be glad? Easy choice, right?

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.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

There is a way (the “wide way”) which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 14:12

There was a time when I was not loving my wife the way Jesus knew I could and should that would bring His Life to our marriage. I used to be bitter and displaying a whole bunch of other destructive behaviors. Jesus, Who is the Narrow Way, is changing all of that…

I don’t think many of us like destruction. We don’t like it when life seems to fall apart, when things seem to go wrong, when things don’t work out the way we want or expect them to, when the stress and pressures of life build to the boiling point. Right?

There was a time not that long ago when I could not even have the thought that something in life was working for my good. I could not get to or find a path that led to believing anything was working for my good. It was so spiritually dark and defeating to live like that.

Since I began to apply The Word to my life, I’ve begun to be influenced by the supernatural truth and power in scripture. I’m finding that applying the Bible to my life is following the narrow way Jesus talks about. The narrow way the Bible talks about is removing the “broad path” from me. The “narrow way” is showing me that all that will be left is Jesus in me. All of the impact lies had on my life, all of the destruction that was my life is being replaced by God’s Truth. There is no longer room for the devil’s lies in my life.

The narrow way will so impact your life that you’ll wonder why you were ever on the broad path that leads to destruction. I’ll take the narrow way because it’s getting rid of pride, jealousy, shame, striving and worldly ambition, fear, insecurity, unforgiveness, anger, bitterness and all the other dark attributes and character traits the broad way traps us in.

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus, Who is the narrow way, leads us away from destruction and into The Life. The narrow way will strip us of anything that’s not Jesus in our lives. Jesus is so amazingly wonderful. Why would we want to hold on to anything that’s not Him?

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

It’s funny, when I was living in the broad path that leads to destruction, nothing seemed to be working together for my good. Now that I’m applying Jesus to my everyday life, now that I’m on the narrow way that leads to Life, that leads to Jesus, all things work together for my good.

The narrow way – It all works. The wide path – nothing works.

The narrow way or the wide path – It’s an all or nothing proposition.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Good Morning,

Some things may not seem to be good. But, if we’ll learn to be patient with Him and have faith in Him, God will show us the good He can work in all things. Wow. Amazing. How good is that?!

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

God is working (Give Him time to show you it’s true) all things together for your good. Are you kidding me, Mark? Nope. Think of it. All things. All things. ☺

You’ll never get a better deal than that. And the icing on the Romans 8:28 cake is that His mercies are new every morning. Yeehaw!

So come on, folks, let’s get out there and find all those things He’s working together for our good.

Have a good day letting Him work all things together for your good. Yeah, boy!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

We’re so blessed. We have the enormous opportunity and blessing to believe God’s Word. That’s just staggering. His promises are true. The world we can’t see, but believe in, is more real than what we can see. And, He backs up His Word when we choose to stand on it come what may.

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.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Lately, God’s been telling me, “Mark, go through the trials. There will be great victory on the other side of the trials. Trust Me.”

Hallelujah! Praise Jesus! Thank You, God. You’re so faithful!

In Acceptance Lieth Peace
Peace comes in accepting His will

In acceptance lieth peace,
O my heart be still;
Let thy restless worries cease
And accept His will.
Though this test be not thy choice,
It is His — therefore rejoice.

In His plan there cannot be
Aught to make thee sad:
If this is His choice for thee,
Take it and be glad.
Make from it some lovely thing
To the glory of thy King.

Cease from sighs and murmuring,
Sing His loving grace,
This thing means thy furthering
To a wealthy place.
From thy fears He’ll give release,
In acceptance lieth peace.

By Hannah Hurnard

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; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

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

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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.

You name it – He’s ABOVE it. That kind of power is what enables Jesus to work everything – mistakes, setbacks, and wonderful days – for our good. I’ve found that He even takes what I think are shortcomings and works them for my good and His glory. Amazing.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

The wonder and infinite beauty and blessing of Romans 8:28. It just keeps bringing more and more liberty to those who will believe it.

So with this particular migraine, I’ve been having trouble breathing and that always brings on a lot of anxiety – this is a medical fact. Fortunately, I know God is with me and that He’ll use this for my good and His glory. That thought is so freeing and incredible. In fact, last night, God told me, “Mark, I want you to let me show you how I can use the Covid 19, the USA political environment, and the end times for good in your life.” That’s how powerful our God is. His words brought such relief and joy to me. He is so ABOVE our way of thinking, understanding and living – He’s so ABOVE our ways. He’s so much more wonderful than we even know and He just keeps pouring out His Love on us. Truly, His ways are supernatural and inexhaustible. Hallelujah!

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

Jesus is Romans 8:28. Believe Him and let Him minister His Love to your heart.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

In light of today’s world events, will I have what it takes to face the days ahead?

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

We can totally rely on Jesus to meet us as we exercise our faith in Him and let His Spirit lead us on to victory. “But by My Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Amen!

The Lord bless you and keep
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.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

God uses many things to “still us,” to quiet our world long enough for His Loving Truths to penetrate and transform us. He can use anything, but He chooses what He knows will best “still” each of us inwardly. To be still on the inside is of immense importance and brings His glory to us as He allows us to bask in and then learn to apply His Truths and Love to our lives.

“Mark, there’s more here than meets your eye.” That can be so true in our daily lives.

God: Let Me show you what I can do in this; with this; through this. Keep your attention and focus on what I will do and not on the situation itself. Don’t limit your reactions to circumstances to your physical senses and understanding. Let Me show you how to see everything from ABOVE. This will allow you to always stay open to my blessing in everything.

Kimberly, our good friend in Oklahoma, had a birthday last Friday. We talked on the phone briefly on Friday and the following she sent us was such a blessing we just had to share it with you.

Dear Mark and Ann~

Matthew and I spent time praying for you after your birthday phone call. As we were praying, HOLY SPIRIT revealed more of HIS current work in HIS beloved – – not to prevent the fire, but to be with us in it – not to calm the storm, but to be with us in it – whether we burn, or drown, or get swallowed by a big fish, or come through without smelling like smoke, or get to the other side supernaturally – whether we are persecuted, jailed, supernaturally released, or martyred for our faith – – it’s not up to us to prevent the situation. It’s not up to us to resolve the situation. It’s not up to us to avoid the situation. We rest. We rest, and we praise HIM knowing the trustworthiness of our GOD through it all! HIS intentions are so so good. And it is in HIM that we live and move and have our being!

Genesis 50:20 – You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

How wonderful to remember GOD’s intentions trump everyone else’s! It doesn’t matter what the enemy’s intentions are toward us…. it doesn’t matter what man’s intentions are toward us… it doesn’t even matter what our own intentions are…. GOD’s intentions prevail! HE must increase. We decrease by trusting HIS intentions in every situation. Glory be to GOD!

Much love from both of us to both of you!

Dwelling in HIM,
Matthew and Kimberly

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

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

Run fear through with faith in Jesus and see miracles.

Hallelujah!

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, that Name that IS ABOVE every other name.

So come on, let’s get out there and discover all of the wonderful things (like overcoming faith in Jesus) God has in store for us as we walk by faith. Praise Jesus!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Not Gonna Worry
^{By The Gaither Vocal Band}

I’m not gonna worry, I’m not gonna fret
I’m not gonna speculate or contemplate
What hasn’t happen yet
I’m not gonna worry
He’s got the whole thing in His hands

I won’t let it haunt me, I won’t let it win
I’m not gonna ruminate or meditate
On how it might’ve been
I’m gonna release it
He’s got the whole thing in His hands

Maybe lately I’ve started to resign
So here it goes God only knows
It might just ease my mind

I’m not gonna worry, I’m not gonna fret
I’m just gonna wait and see and in between give thanks for what I get
I’ll live in the moment
He’s got the whole thing in His hands

Maybe lately I’ve started to resign
So here it goes, God only knows
It might just ease my mind

I’m not gonna worry, I’m not gonna fret
I’m not gonna speculate or contemplate
What hasn’t happen yet
I’m not gonna worry
He’s got the whole thing in His hands
He’s got the whole thing in His hands
He’s got the whole thing in His hands

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

For the Christian, challenging times do not mean fearful times. Be of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the world – especially today’s world. Hallelujah!

It’s so important to remember that we were born for such a time as this – that should really excite us. God knew the exact time you would be living on earth and wants you to be so blessed in your spirit as you walk hand in hand with Him each day. This helps to remind you that God is with you and that He’s in perfect control of your circumstances. He’ll see you through, precious one. He’ll prove His faithfulness. In fact, He has wonderful times ahead for you as His child if you’ll look at each day through the lens of His Love for you.

For Christians, the end times are so exciting and point to our soon meeting with our Heavenly Bridegroom and Savior, Jesus Christ.

This morning (4-22-21), Annie mentioned how fun it was to see Matt looking for our daughter, Hope, and Tim (Matt’s brother) looking for his bride, Mila, as Hope and Mila came through the door of the churches on their wedding days. Matt and Tim had such looks of joy, anticipation and excitement as they waited to see their brides make their entrances.

This is how all Christians can be in the end times – full of Heavenly anticipation, love, life, joy and wonder as they look up for their Savior.

God commands us to look up when we see end times events unfolding – and they’re definitely here. Why? Because if you look around down here during the end times, your emotions and affection can cause you to take on unnecessary care – care that may cause you to make fearful and unwise decisions.

The Marriage Supper of the Lamb

6 Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
the Almighty reigns.
7 Let us rejoice and exult
and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready;
8 it was granted her to clothe herself
with fine linen, bright and pure”—

for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Revelation 19:6-9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep looking up! You’re redemption – all that your heart longs for – is so near.

I can just see Jesus in Heaven full of anticipation, joy, love and excitement. “Father, is it time for me to go get my bride?” “Soon, Son. Soon.”

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

The Lord bless you and keep you precious ones
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.

Remember, it’s not your responsibility to get anyone saved. Sharing the Gospel is not to be a heavy burden. We’re to tell others about Jesus, but it’s the job of the Holy Spirit and the Father to draw them to Him. Knowing this can keep us from taking on care and burdens God never intended for us to carry.

I (the Apostle Paul) have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1 Corinthians 3:6-7

No man can come to me (Jesus), except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:44

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

16 And he (the coming antichrist) causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.
Revelation 13:16-18

Wow, I just saw this story and accompanying youtube video.

This information is the perfect material to show to the unsaved. It further proves the amazing accuracy of Bible prophecy that was written over 2,000 years ago. Share this story with those who have not asked Jesus into their hearts and let the Holy Spirit work on them to bring them to Jesus. You’ll also want to show them Revelation chapters 13 and 14 that talks about “the mark of beast” that will be placed in the right hand or forehead. No one will be able to buy or sell without that “mark” and anyone who takes that “mark” will be separated from God for eternity meaning they will forever live in hell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdlxIUN-hGg

Keep looking up!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

The sooner I call on Jesus, the better. He takes on my care and, as a result, I find rest in Him. Mmmm…

“Help me, Jesus.” This is one of my favorite prayers. ☺

It’s amazing how He comes to my rescue with His peace when I send out those three, simple, honest words to Him.

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

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

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

I had another strong migraine Monday. I rode my bike to see if that would help with the difficult hormone issues the migraines bring on. Then, I did some work around the house. The migraine got a lot worse. The pain was so severe I couldn’t sleep much this morning.

Yes, I know hearing about my migraines probably gets old. But, one thing I will never get tired of doing is encouraging you to face anything and everything in life with Jesus. Think about it. That we can choose Jesus – no matter what we’re facing – is so incredible. I’m praising and thanking Him and relying on Him. What a blessing that is. He’s with me in all my troubles showing me His salvation, showing me that I can choose Him over my situations at all times. This is His dwelling place. Hallelujah! Thank you, Prince of Peace. Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever.

Set your love upon Jesus. Let Him deliver you and set you on High with Him as you enter His rest. Amen?!

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

God knew how important knowing Him intimately would be in my life. That’s why He has funneled me to seek Him ABOVE all else. His love for us is so strong. He will do anything to bring us to Him.

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 (This is what God wants to do. He wants to bless us in Jesus’ Name), the Name that is ABOVE every other name.

He merely wants us to be still (to focus on Him and not everything else) and know that He is God.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

I now realize that everything in my life was allowed to bring me to the place where I desired only Jesus –

One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.
Psalm 27:4

We can live free in Christ now in this life. Like Caleb, we want to be looking for more spiritual land to conquer so we can be more and more free and like Jesus. Nothing could be sweeter.

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.

The ABOVE life is the only one worth living. I’m sure Caleb will tell us that when we see him in Heaven one of these days. Let’s follow his example and pass his legacy onto our children, families, friends and co-workers. 85 years old and wanting to take on the giants – see the book of Joshua chapter 14. Wow, that’s my kind of brother in the Lord. That’s how big, powerful, wonderful and faithful our God is.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

I was brushing my teeth this morning when I had God’s joy well up in me bringing tears of thanksgiving and praise to my eyes. Wow, we’ve been given the most incredible gift. We can trust Jesus. Isn’t that wonderful? Being able to trust Jesus is so valuable. It’s so comforting. It’s so other-worldly. Amazing. I’m so thankful He’s teaching me that I can trust Him.

Trust Jesus. Yay! Yipee! Hallelujah to our great God, Savior and King!

 

 

 

 

 

Mmmm…

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark

Square off against the enemy and any of his attempts to make you feel defeated and confused. We’re children of the Most High God. Amen!

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.

Let’s continue to live ABOVE with Christ Who is The Truth.

Thanking and praising God in all things,

Mark