The Heavenly Joy In Trusting God

So do not fear, for (because) I (God Almighty) am with you; do not be dismayed (to break down the courage of completely, as by sudden danger or trouble; dishearten thoroughly; daunt:), for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

The flesh is weak.  It doesn’t want to submit to or trust in God.  It wants its own way.  Most people try everything else before they finally step out and apply God’s Word to their lives no matter the cost.

I was so weary.  Until I stopped making excuses for not truly believing in God’s Word, and until I started trusting in God’s Word, alone, until I began to stand on it and put it to practical use in my life by applying to my everyday circumstances, my strength did not begin to be renewed.

What Heavenly joy enters our lives when everything but our trust in God is stripped away.

God bless,

Mark

His Rest

Did you know that God has His best in store for you?

As a husband and father, I love it when my wife or daughters trust me (my daughters are married now and have their own families).  It’s pretty special.  Very satisfying.  When I see them put their trust in me (While I’m trusting God to see us through) and rest in me, it gives me great joy.  It’s just natural that they’ll transfer that trusting posture to Jesus.

But without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6

As I said yesterday, I lived so many years not pleasing God.  It’s the truth…and life stunk.

Unbelief is bondage, pure and simple.  And it’s so easy to spread and share that bondage with others.  I know.

As Hebrews 4:3 points out, I was one of those who couldn’t enter God’s rest (life was full of turmoil, confusion; I had a hard heart, and strife; I couldn’t believe Romans 8:28, etc.) because of my unbelief, my failure to trust God.

God takes trusting and having faith in Him very seriously because He knows all about the destruction unbelief causes.

He wants the best for us – No fear in our lives, and His rest.

He knows we can’t grow in Him and be truly happy if, like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we choose to live with doubt.

Let’s trust God and teach our families to do the same.  After all, it’s His command to do so.

I can honestly tell you that entering His rest is like nothing I’ve ever experienced – and it’s the real deal.  I still have moments when it’s difficult for me to trust God, but those times are fewer and farther between.  Now, I spend most of my time in His rest, trusting He’s working all things for my good.  His rest is worth everything.  It’s the sweetest thing I know.

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts:  and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him:  for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him:  for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:  wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:  for he hath prepared for them a city.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac:  and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:  for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land:  which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

32 And what shall I more say?  for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword:  they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Hebrews Chapter 11

Isn’t it the most beautiful thing that God wants us to live with no fear always trusting in His care for us?

God bless,

Mark

Trusting God

I spent a good part of my life not trusting God and it was miserable, really awful.  I was unhappy, discouraged, inconsistent from day to day, angry, etc.  And I was hard to live with and teaching my precious family “doubt.”  Wow, what sin.

I love the fact that not trusting God is a sin, that it’s missing His mark for my life.  You see, if I know something I’m doing is a sin, I can ask God’s forgiveness and for His help to overcome that sin.  There’s no room for confusion when I know something’s a sin and I know Jesus will help me overcome it.   God has “trusting Him” in store for me.  When I trust Him, life is more abundant and free.  God is SO good. ☺

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 King James Version (KJV)

Dr. Chuck Missler is a pretty well known Bible scholar and teacher.  Over the last several years, two of his sons and his wife have gone home to be with Jesus.  In 2014, God gave Chuck a vision of “the other side” where he was given the wonderful privilege of seeing his loved ones with Jesus.

We watched some Dr. Chuck Missler teaching videos last week – they’re excellent.  In one video, Chuck was asked what’s the most important thing in his relationship with Jesus.  “Trust.  Every day, God gives us exercises in trust.  Every day, we choose to trust Jesus multiple times.  I think it’s astonishing that above all else, God wants our trust.  He appears to delight in us trusting Him.”

God often commands His followers to trust Him, and for good reason.  Without trust in the Lord, we will find life difficult.  We’ll complain, we’ll be up one moment and down the next.  God has consistency for us if we’ll simply not hesitate to trust Him.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 New International Version (NIV)

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 NIV

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5 NIV

Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10 NIV

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NIV

LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.
Psalm 84:12 NIV

God bless,

Mark

“Under” God

I couldn’t say, “It is well with my soul” because it wasn’t.

Of course, I didn’t know it at the time, but my will was often colliding with God’s will for my life.  How did I know I was operating under my will and not His?  Basically, my life was all out of sorts – My soul wasn’t well, I couldn’t “still” myself to know that He was God.  I was troubled, angry, frustrated, fearful, bitter, resentful, jealous, ashamed, was carrying heavy burdens, fearing the future, believing the enemy’s lies, etc.  I didn’t have God’s joy or peace.  I had more of the works of the flesh operating in my life and little of the fruit of the Spirit as mentioned in Galatians chapter 5.

I needed to get honest about my life – the truth will set you free.  I had learn to do God’s will, to submit to His plans, and to stop wanting my will and plans to work out – I had to stop being yoked to my heavy will and receive His will and easy yoke.  When my heart began to come in line with His will for me, I started having more peace in my life.

Surrendering to God is always best because He only has what’s best for us in mind.

What’s God’s will for your life?  If you ask Him to show you, He will.

Come unto me (Jesus), all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For (Because) my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

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One Believer Under God – Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declared the “Pledge of Allegiance” unconstitutional because of the words “under God.”  God is being removed from American mainstream culture.  But it’s not just about the word “God,” it’s about the word “under.”  Without God there is no under; the state becomes the final authority, man becomes the measure of all things, there’s nothing above him, and everybody becomes a god.

What separates a true believer from false believers and non-believers is that they live under.  They don’t just know about and praise God, they live under God by actually submitting their lives to Him.

Are you truly living under God?

When God’s will , plan, and desire isn’t yours, do you put your will, plan, and desire under God?  The desire to remove the words “under God” isn’t good, but the real point isn’t the words “under God.”  It’s whether God’s people are living under God.

If you want “under God” to be in the pledge of allegiance, put “under God” in your own pledge of allegiance to God.  Live your life as a true believer, one believer under God.

Today’s Mission:  Today, truly submit your will to God and allow Him to direct your plans.  Live truly as one believer under God!

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Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.  May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Psalm 143:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

I take joy in doing your will, my God, for your instructions are written on my heart.
Psalm 40:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

How sweet are thy words unto my taste!  yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  Through thy precepts I get understanding:  therefore I hate every false way.
Psalm 119:103-104

O taste and see that the Lord is good.  How happy is the man who trusts in Him!  O fear (to respect and yield to His all-knowing and loving leading in your life) the Lord, all you who belong to Him.  For those who fear Him never want for anything.
Psalm 34:8-9

God bless,

Mark

He Reigns

Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah!  For (because) the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns.
Revelation 19:6

It’s such a blessing to be reminded that He reigns.

Have a blessed day, child of God.  Let this fact give you peace and comfort – God Almighty, Your Daddy, reigns.

God bless,

Mark

Praise God

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:  and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Bringing God back into the picture changes everything…Helps turn apparent mountains into molehills.  ☺

There are times when fear and confusion may attempt to test your faith, overwhelm you, and twist your thinking.  Maybe you’re not getting an answer you need from God about something that seems pretty important to you.

The Holy Spirit often reminds me to let go of thoughts that would cause me to become concerned and, out of frustration, to take matters into my own hands.  He reminds me to thank and praise Him in all things.  He knows that if I’ll follow His lead to thank and praise Him that any burden trying to weigh on me will be transferred to Him and His care.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:  be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psalm 100:4

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

Thank and praise Him in all things.  It’s good, Godly advice.

God bless,

Mark

Trusting “Daddy”

At first, I had a hard time trusting God.  Along with having panic disorder, I come from a long line of Christian worriers so my first instinct was to worry and fret instead of truly trusting and waiting upon God.  I couldn’t let Him be God in my life.  I didn’t understand “let go and let God,” nor the beauty of submitting to His will and learning to be content all the time.

As time went on, and as I met more and more Christians who were taking God at His Word no matter what, I trusted Him some of the time but still worried too much.  By and by, I’ve grown to live trusting Him most of the time and that worry is futile and useless.  Worrying and fretting is such a waste of time when I realize that I could be praising Him, letting Him be God, and being thankful for everything I do have, instead.

God loves us so much and truly wants us to trust in Him all the time.  This is entering His rest.  Believing His Word, knowing that He’s really able to work all things together for my good – I’m so thankful He’s changed my heart and shown me His strong, all-powerful love, grace and mercy.

I heard a great teaching by Rabbi Jonathan Cahn this weekend.  It was a Father’s Day message.  In it, he talked about our “Abba,” our Daddy.  He replaced Father with Daddy in a number of scriptures and it was so comforting, personal and loving.  Here’s an example using Psalm 23.

My Daddy is my shepherd; I shall not want.

My Daddy makes me to lie down in green pastures:  Daddy leads me beside still waters.

Daddy restores my soul:  My Daddy leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: because my Daddy’s with me; His rod and His staff comfort me.

My Daddy prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:  Daddy anoints my head with oil; my cup runs over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in Daddy’s house for ever.

God bless each of you as we begin another week in Jesus.

Mark

Kathidzo – The Tarrying Factor

The Tarrying Factor – By Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

Some people have formulas about how to receive the fullness and empowering of God’s Spirit, some have seminars on it.   Messiah said, “Tarry in Jerusalem.”  The word in Greek is kath-id-zo.  It means to stay, to continue.  They had to continue in Jerusalem, in God’s will and presence.  If they’d only stayed four days instead of ten, they’d have missed the blessing.  If you want the fullness and power of His Spirit, you have to kath-id-zo.  Stay, continue, and keep on in the will of God.  Consistency in God is important.  Many people give up before they get the blessing.  The secret of receiving the blessing in God’s Spirit is linked to tarrying.  They didn’t just go to Jerusalem and get the blessing, they had to stay there and persevere before they saw anything.  The Spirit life is about continuing, abiding, perseverance, consistency, endurance, and continuing in His Word and will without giving up.  Do you want to reap?  Keep on keeping on in the will and calling of God and he will come to you to fill your life with fullness and power from on high.  You just continue.

Make it your aim to keep on in what is good.  Don’t give up in the Lord, but press on no matter what.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you:  but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
Luke 24:49

God bless,

Mark

Psalm 112:7

When the unexpected comes up in our days, we’re expected to react with stress and strife.  But God wants us to stop responding this way.  He loves us and wants us to trust in His love for us.  He wants us to live care-free knowing that nothing surprises Him and that He’ll always come through for us…Always.

What a blessed Savior we have, dear ones.  We need never be afraid of sudden fear.  We don’t need to be careful about anything.  Instead, we can always be steadfast in the Lord trusting Him and knowing He’s always in control.  This is the place God wants us to dwell in, the secret place of the Most High.  With the Lord’s help, let’s choose to live there.  Let’s follow our Leader, Jesus, our Prince of Peace.

This is what the Lord is doing in my life.  I know He’ll do the same for anyone –

He shall not be afraid of evil tidings:  his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
Psalm 112:7

Isn’t that powerful?

I’m so blessed that God wants us not to get rattled by anything that occurs around or to us.  God desires to make us people who don’t get upset whenever the enemy tries to bring fear into our lives.  The Holy Spirit, living in us, is constantly monitoring our hearts and surroundings ready to keep us steady no matter what comes across our path.

his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. ☺


 

 

 

God bless,

Mark

Be Strong And Of Good Courage

Wow, I got royally attacked last night, spiritually, and it’s still lingering – I’m reading Psalm 91 out loud and listening to reinforcements today to overcome the lies satan (he’s so hideous, and repetitive – more on this at another time) brought me last night.  Fortunately, my incredible wife reminded me that when spiritual attacks come, we should be greatly encouraged because a victory is right around the corner and God will use it to advance the Kingdom.

This is why the Father sent Jesus to earth –

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (Jesus), because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luke 4:18 (See Isaiah 61 as well)

Jesus and Christianity have nothing to do with religion.  Religious people don’t really want to be set free, they don’t want to come against strongholds the enemy has them believing, they don’t reach the promised land Jesus has in store for them and their families.

Jesus speaking to the religious leaders of His day…

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.  He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:  for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:44

Someone needed to hear this today.  Don’t listen to satan’s lies.  Stop doing it.  Instead, believe the following.

Be strong and of good courage (Chazak amats), fear not, nor be afraid of them, for the Lord thy God He it is that does go with thee.  He will not fail thee nor forsake thee.
Taken from Joshua chapter 1

Be strong and of good courage!

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday!

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.  The Lord be with you all.
2 Thessalonians 3:16

The Lord is with us so we can ask Him to help us with anything in our day.  Ask Him to help you today.  After all, He’s with us right now and it’s always, now.  Knowing that brings such peace.

God bless,

Mark

Problem-Solving In Marriage

I’m discovering the MOST wonderful thing.  I’m learning more each day that I can trust Jesus with life.  His love is reaching into and impacting every corner of my being.  Amazing, simply amazing…

It just overwhelms me that Jesus could take me – a broken, hopeless man with panic disorder, anxiety disease, chronic migraines, and lots of other issues – and change that person into a man who learns to trust Him, to learn that Jesus loves/lives to bring peace out of storms, and to cement in my heart the fact that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me.  Somehow, by His mighty power, He’s working all things for my good all the time.

From panic to peace…Wow, I know firsthand that it takes an almighty God to perform this kind of miracle.

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Being considerate of each other in our homes is huge.  Asking for God’s help to learn how to make the following a reality in our lives is key since it’s impossible to re-program (to renew our minds in any area) behavior His way apart from Him.

I am the vine, ye are the branches:  He that abideth (habitually dwelling) in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:  for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:5

One of the best tools God’s given us in our marriage is to approach problems patiently as a couple instead of giving into the temptation to attack each other over something that’s come up.  It’s so easy to blame one partner or the other when mistakes are made, when something was accidentally overlooked, or when other issues arise in our homes and families.  Being patient, letting God’s peace reign in our hearts first, helps to make any couple more “one” like God intended (Ephesians 5:31).  It’s also a good character trait, example and blessing to pass onto our children for their future marriages (Proverbs 22:6).

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

When items come up in our lives, homes and families, resist the first urge to get upset.  Instead back off of the issue, take a deep breath and ask God for His peace and perspective of the situation.  Let Him still your heart and mind.  He’ll be faithful to show you how to approach things while maintaining respect, love and peace in the home.

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:9-10

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

This type of Godly problem-solving can be applied to any environment in life.  It will help tremendously at the office as well.

God wants us to be so blessed in our marriages.  Isn’t that wonderful?  What a Savior. ☺

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

God bless,

Mark

James 1:22

In our living area, if you’re caught rolling a stop sign, it will cost you somewhere between $400 and $500 – one person actually got caught rolling the same stop sign twice in the same day.  Ouch!

We’re careful to come to a complete stop at every stop sign.  It’s good practice…☺

Thanks to God’s faithfulness, I’m finding that I’m doing more and more of what God’s Word says to “do” and it’s bringing more of the fruit of the Spirit into my life.  Doing God’s Word is bringing me more peace, rest and joy.

I read James 1:22 today and started thinking about God’s Word and what a blessing it is when I do what it says to do.  It isn’t always easy to “do” the Word, but doing it will always cover my life in the end.

Seems like many people today aren’t aware of cause and effect.  I’m hearing more and more pastors and Christian teachers voice this.

“But that person really hurt me, Lord.  Why should I forgive them?”  Ever felt that way?

Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am watching over my word to perform it.”
Jeremiah 1:12

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 1:22

If I “do” the Word, I won’t be deceived and I won’t reap the consequences of sin, of missing God’s mark, the way of living this life He knows will bless me.  His ways protect me when I’m “doing” His Word.

Seems like the only time I get in trouble is when I’m not doing the Word.  I’m thankful that God reminds me to “do” the Word.

When we do the Word, Jesus backs up our actions (Jeremiah 1:12), and the outcome will always be a blessing.

God bless,

Mark

Stars

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105

As Christians, we have a loving, Heavenly Father.  Our Father cares for us, never leaves us nor forsakes us, helps us with everyday life and shows us “His ways” that protect our lives from destruction.

Those who don’t know Christ don’t have a Heavenly Father, a Father they can trust with their lives.  They’re finding out they can’t trust anyone and, understandably, it’s really scaring them.  The darkness of living apart from Christ is consuming them with depression, worry, anxiety, fear, etc.  They can’t “Look up” the same way we can, they can’t trust Jesus, they can’t know that He’s working all things together for their good, they can’t let the peace of God reign in their hearts, and they have no hope of Heaven as they watch this world collapse under the pressure of end times events.

As we look up, as we yield to the truths found in scripture, as we let Jesus, the hope of Heaven, live through us, maybe some will be drawn to Jesus and come to know the incredible salvation found in our Heavenly Father.

So many talk about how dark it’s getting in the world meaning that Godliness is disappearing at the rate Jesus said it would in the end times.  Some Christians are not looking up and the darkness is scaring them as well.

It’s true, the world is getting pretty dark, but Jesus didn’t say to focus on and talk about the darkness.  Instead, He said to “look up”.  If I don’t look up I can’t possibly hope to reflect Christ, to light up the darkness, to let others know there is Someone they can put their total trust in.  To look up is to put on Christ, to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in order to make His promises such a part of my life that I’ll shine His light in the darkness.

“You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

As my son-in-law, Ian, told me just the other day, “At night when the sky is dark, you can see the stars.  You can’t see them in the day time.  As Christians, we’re the stars.”

The glory of stars is best revealed and observed in darkness.  Encourage each other to look up.  The stars are pretty at night, don’t you think?

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday!

“Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.”
Taken from “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” by Joseph Scriven

Take it (whatever has you feeling down or without Jesus’ joy) to the Lord in prayer.  Leave it with Him. ☺

I’ve learned that I can’t live according to how I feel nor according to what’s going on in my life that tries to drag me down.  No way.  Been there, and done that. ☺

Your (God’s Word) words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16

You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.
Psalm 16:11

The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.  Sing the praises of the LORD, enthroned in Zion; proclaim among the nations what he has done.
Psalm 9:9-12

With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:3

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Psalm 146:5

As my wonderful wife would say, “Happy Monday!”

I woke up “feeling” kind of down.  I’m doing some detoxing and it can really make you feel weird.  Well, I was telling Annie how I “felt” when it occurred to me that feelings never matter as long as I ask Jesus’ help to turn my day around.  I asked Him to help me live above any feelings that didn’t line up with being a child of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Within just a few minutes, I was happy and felt lifted up in my spirit – Inviting Jesus into our situation brings the Holy Spirit to the forefront of our spirits.  I reminded Annie of Whose we are.

Nothing like our precious Jesus, dear ones.  What a joy to know Him and to be able to call on Him Who is always faithful…

In every thing give thanks:  for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  (Thanking God in everything will lift your countenance.  That’s why He commands us to give thanks in everything.  Isn’t that incredible?)
1 Thessalonians 5:18

O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:8

Jesus is with us.  He’s got His Presence in store for us right now and throughout this week.  Happy Monday, everyone! ☺

God bless,

Mark

Jesus’ Rich Rewards

Hi Everyone,

Jesus, ever right beside us, is always waiting for us to simply ask for His help.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:  and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.  (Such sweet words)
Psalm 23:6

I was sitting here this morning waiting on the Holy Spirit for something to share.  The Holy Spirit is so wonderful and faithful.

Maybe you have irritating thoughts of frustration, a gnawing competitive spirit, restless and always trying to understand, family matters, job issues, shame, embarrassment, uncertainty, circumstances that taunt you and make you doubt God’s love for you, fear, anxiety, self-pity, hate, anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, coveting, feel abandoned, insecurity, lust, mammon (the love of money), doubt, unbelief, resentment, etc.

I’ve had each of these, and more.  In fact, because of my health issues and other items that were so frustrating to my parents and relatives, I was so oppressed I couldn’t even turn my neck more than about half-way in either direction for a long period of time in Oregon because I was so tied up in knots with defeating thoughts.  Yes, defeating thoughts will cause all types of health issues.  That’s why when you let Jesus help you renew your mind, your youth gets renewed and you mount up with wings like the eagle. (Isaiah 40:31)

I don’t know what you wrestle with in your heart, spirit, mind and emotions, but I do know that the One who made you wants to set you free from anything other than His peace, love, rest and joy, no kidding.

Now that’s an incredible statement, I know (and I’m only beginning to discover how incredible our salvation is☺).  But, it’s more than just a possibility.  It’s a promise from the God Who teaches us to renew our minds to His Word (see Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8, 2 Timothy 1:7, Jeremiah 33:3, Proverbs 28:26, Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 4:22-32, Matthew 15:11, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Proverbs 3:5) and the thoughts He has for us to dwell on.  This is what dwelling in the secret place of the Most High is all about (Psalm 91).

God can and will give us the victory in the battle for our minds when we seek Him with our whole heart (Jeremiah 29:13), and that victory will set our hearts, spirits and emotions free in Jesus – the enemy will flee if we resist him and his defeating thoughts (James 4:7).  Only when you experience God’s work setting you free can you begin to understand the magnitude of the liberty He can give us to live in.

I’m telling you, precious ones, God has nothing less than His Kingdom for all those who will (our will must be more persistent than the enemy’s) follow Him by renewing their minds.

And, always remember, while renewing the mind may seem like an impossible task at times, John 15:4-6 tells us that we can’t do it without Jesus’ help.  BUT, when we ask for Jesus’ help, He’s faithful to bring about renewal to our minds, spirits, hearts and emotions.  I, for one, am living proof of this truth.

I’m honestly telling you, there is nothing more valuable than having your mind renewed and set free by Christ, nothing.

When Jesus’ peace claims areas of your heart that have been in turmoil, you just get so thankful, grateful and hungry for more and more of Him.  You have such rest, quiet where there was noise in your spirit and mind, and a new trust take over those areas.  Like the Apostle Paul, you really live in “I’ve learned in whatsoever state I am therefore to be content.”  I don’t know where you live, but the “state” Paul’s talking about isn’t bound by earthly borders.  The state of spiritual deliverance he’s talking about will follow you wherever you go.

This world is filled with thoughts (like fear, self-pity and some of the others I listed above), that left unchecked, will cause us needless spiritual, mental, and emotional anguish and pain.

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

The renewed mind – Jesus’ command to renew our minds is the richest reward we can obtain.  For me, it’s as though a bed of nails is being replaced with a comfy hammock in the mountains.  He’s stilling all of the irritations in me.  From where I’ve been, that’s worth everything…

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

God bless,

Mark

Blessed Is The Man Or Woman Who Trusts In The Lord

Happy Monday, Everyone,

Boy, there’s nothing and no one like our precious Jesus.  His encouragement shows up on time.  He is so good to lift our hearts and steady our faith…

Make me know Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths.  Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; For You I wait all the day.
Psalm 25:4-5

I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!”
Psalm 91:2

Those who trust in the LORD Are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever.
Psalm 125:1

Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD And whose trust is the LORD.
Jeremiah 17:7

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

God bless,

Mark

Restoration

I know it’s Heavenly Friday, but I thought today would be a great day for announcing something new to most of you so you could look into it over the weekend.

Honestly, words simply cannot describe the following “Restoration” program.  I truly believe that watching the first video will be one of the most important events in anyone’s life, really.

As most of you know, God knew my wife and I needed help early in our marriage.  As a result, He set up conditions for Ann and I to attend an incredible church while living in Oregon in the 1980s.  God did a powerful, foundational, restoring work in us through the wonderful people at that church.  And that work in us continues to this day.

Now, Ed Glaspey, a dear friend and one of the pastors at the church, has made his “Restoration” program available online.  I’d like you to view the first two videos and see what God may speak to your own hearts through this video series.

You can go to Restoration.net > Online Classes > Virtual Classroom > and then click on the “Have You Ever Been Hurt” video.  You’ll see two very honest and excellent videos come up.

You can also click here to get to the first two videos:

http://restoration.net/session-1/

Ed has a genuine story of deliverance and a childlike teaching style that God will use to really speak to anyone with an open heart.  I hope Ed’s first two talks bless you as much as they’ve blessed us and many others around the world.

Ed’s program (Ed’s been sharing this for about 30 years now) will bring you closer to God and show you God’s delivering love in a way you may have never experienced before.

If you have any questions after viewing the videos, please email me.  Ed and I have been communicating and we’re both pretty excited to share this information with as many people as we can.

We love you all.

God bless,

Mark

Jesus’ Precious Peace

Peace I (Jesus) leave with you, my peace I give unto you:  not as the world giveth, give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27

We don’t need to let our hearts be troubled or afraid if we’ll simply give way to and believe in our Prince of Peace…

One of the best kept secrets to maintaining a good marriage is to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.  His peace can calm us down and help us love each other in a more gentle, calming, productive way.

Let God’s peace rule your homes; your emotions, your desires, dreams and goals; your discussions, your decisions, your hearts, your conversations, your minds, and your souls.

He’s available 24 hours a day.  Tap into His marvelous, calming, refreshing peace.

Stop for a moment to regroup in Jesus.  Step back, take a deep breath and simply say, “Jesus.”  All He asks of us is that we yield to Him, and let Him take control…

And the peace of God, which passeth (transcends) all understanding, shall keep (guard) your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

“Oh, sweet Jesus, my Prince Of Peace, thank You for watching over my heart.”

God bless,

Mark

Grace, Not Works

Like most everyone else, I’ve broken a number of the ten commandments in my lifetime…

It’s just so overwhelming to be set free by Jesus.  How can anyone not fall in love with Him when they clearly see that His death has set them free from trying to be right with God through “works?”   (Isaiah 64:6)

It’s amazing how the cults talk about “works” and what we must “do” to be saved.  To me, “doing” always sets too high of a bar for me to ever reach, and I can never discover how much I need to do to be saved – people aren’t able to agree on an exact list of works that guarantee salvation.  And, that should lead us to Christ.

I’m so thankful for the Apostle Paul’s remarks about his desire to keep the law but finding it impossible to do in Romans chapter 7.

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:2

and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.  For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.
Philippians 3:9

Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.  And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law.  For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
Galatians 2:16

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

These scriptures have a tendency to bring me back to Christ’s all-atoning death on the cross, to my “first love.”  That is, Christ has set me free from the law and the striving the law once produced in my life.  Oh, thank you, Jesus, for the grace you made available to us.  What incredible love.

I’m set free from the law that I tried but failed to keep.  At times, it seems too good to be true that Jesus has set us free.  But then, that’s the gospel, that’s the immense “Good News.”

God bless,

Mark