Category: Husbands and Wives

There is a love that exists that can rescue us from anything. It is found in the words of Romans 8:28. The only prerequisite is love itself.

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

If we believe the Bible where it says that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18), then we cannot let fear keep us from loving God. This is how things works together for our good. We must go beyond fear to love and trust God in – and with – everything.

God bless,

Mark

The other day, I heard a well-known pastor talking about how most of Israel is secular today. They don’t really want to be known for, and associated with God. The Jewish people have had a pretty rough history with enormous challenges that has caused a lot of them to defy God.

Their history reminded me of the challenges God allows each of us to go through. Will we end up turning away from God after wrestling with life’s challenges? Or, after wrestling with it all, will we let God rename us “Israel?”

Like Jacob, I will take the new name God gives those who come out on the other side of all of life’s challenges – of the refiner’s fire – surrendering them all to Jesus.

Israel – One meaning of the name is that after wrestling with God, I belong to God for His purposes. When we finally belong to God, when we surrender to His purpose, I believe we see all of our life as God – somehow – working it all together for good. That’s how He wants us to see it. What joy there is for those who do not give up on God in the midst of their struggles, and for those who turn it all over to Him for Him to use for His wonderful purposes.

The following is taken from chapter 13 of the book, “Encountering Our Wild God” by Kim Meeder. At the age of 8, Kim was picked up early at school one day by a family member and driven to her grandmother’s home. Kim sensed something was terribly wrong. At her grandmother’s home, her grandmother sat her down and told her the grim news. “Kim, this morning, your father (Kim had seen her father as her superhero who could do no wrong) has shot and killed your mother and then taken his own life.”

Kim’s family were not churchgoers. Kim’s reaction to the incredible news was to yell at her grandmother, “No, it’s not true” over and over again. Then, Kim ran out the front door and ran until she could run no more. She fell face down in the dirt and cried out, “Jesus, help me!”

Today, Kim Meeder is one of the most powerful Christians I have ever seen. She and her wonderful husband have a ranch in Bend, Oregon. Kim travels all over the world sharing the amazing life Jesus has given her. She is alive in Jesus like few Christians I know. That’s why I wanted to share some of her words with you. Below is the part of Kim’s book I wanted to send you today.

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“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts…Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow.
Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up.
These events will bring great honor to the Lord’s name;
they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.”
Isaiah 55:8-9, 13

Perspective is an untamable thing. A multitude of people can all experience the same event and yet have completely different views of their encounter.

Our human perspective dictates that we view our circumstances through the veil of what is best for our immediate needs. We want to be happy, peaceful and comfortable – and that is okay. Few want to be depressed, stressed out and in pain. Yet sometimes, our complete upset is the exact stage God uses to move His best plan forward and deeper into our lives.

At times, God allows occurrences in our lives that, in the moment, make no sense at all. Despite our best-laid plans, things will go wrong. Occasionally, they go horribly wrong.

When it comes to perspective, I often consider my love of mountaineering because it has such tremendous correlation to my relationship with God. The higher I go in the mountains, the more powerful the experience. Reaching the lofty heights is where the spectacular views and vast perspectives are most profoundly experienced. But one of the frightening realities of this elevated place is the potential for avalanches. From a distance, they are one of the most beautiful events I have ever seen. Yet when caught up within them, I have a unique perspective. A perfectly quiet, flawless environment can unexpectedly turn into a tumbling, catastrophic disaster.

Life can be like that.

Despite our efforts to maintain balance, life can shift and crack without warning. Suddenly, before our horrified eyes, our peaceful landscape collapses, and we fall in a thundering rampage. Instantly, we get swept up, plummeting downward in a roaring avalanche. We feel as if we are being torn limb from limb. We find ourselves upside down, right side up, bending, twisting, gasping for life. Finally, when the cataclysm subsides, our first discernible breaths tell us we are still alive.

Often, in the unfolding of the crumpled heap at the bottom of the chasm, our fist thought, our first perspective is, “Why?”  In that immediate moment of wreckage, we lack understanding. We fail to comprehend the depth of His plan. We cannot receive bedrock verses like Romans 8:28, which promises that all things “work together for the good of those who love God.”

Good? How?

Instead of falling forward into His waiting arms of trust, we fall backward into the black pit of despair. The longer we stay there, the harder it is to leave. We get stuck in the pain of the moment, fully believing this is our new lot in life. This dark, broken place will become our new home. And this will become our truth as long as our vision remains locked on our narrow perspective of the “now.”

Thankfully, our perspective has no hearing on His.

Some say that life is like watching a parade pass by. We only see a narrow window while God sees the entire parade – from beginning to end – all at once. Since He sees everything together, He also sees how it all fits together within the beautiful whole. Because of this truth, we can trust Him with our narrow window, our pile of wreckage. We can trust Him with our rubble, knowing it can never cover His mountain range of reason. We can trust Him enough to stop looking downward at our broken circumstances and start looking upward to the wonder and power of His wild perspective.

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God bless,

Mark 

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Isaiah 26:3

End times events we see all around us point to the soon return of Jesus for His bride, for us. Pretty exciting…

In His love for His children, Jesus tells them to look up. He does this so that they don’t get caught up in the stress, sorrow, fear – of what’s coming – anger and despair of these times. Instead, look up. Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth (whatever you struggle with), will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace. We can let Him keep us by looking up.

Peace I (Jesus) leave with you, my peace (that’s meant to surpass your understanding) 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

God bless,

Mark

As we (my wife and I) discovered, there’s a huge difference in knowing (hearing) about the three kingdom keys and actually applying them (doing) in our everyday lives.  Honestly, it’s the difference between life and death.  And that’s not being dramatic.  It’s reality.

Wow, I’m so thankful that all the care I once had in my life brought me to the end of my rope. I finally gave up and followed God’s leading to turn all my care (little by little as He pointed all my different cares out to me) over to Him. Whewie…What a relief.

Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Deliberately replacing the enemy’s lying thoughts with God’s truth. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

Thanking and praising Him in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Living by Romans 8:28 realizing and rejoicing in the freedom of knowing that God is working all things together for your good.

“Holy Spirit, in Your power, please place a guard over me that reminds me to do the three kingdom keys every moment of each day.”

God bless,

Mark

 

The Bible is full of stories where God moved heaven and earth to bring about His will in lives. He will stop at nothing to accomplish His plan for a life that is willing to follow Him.

If we’ll correspond with Him, God will give us the kind of faith that Hebrews chapter 11 speaks of.

I have to admit, in my unrenewed and unregenerated mind, I was really afraid of believing that it was God working in my life when my life appeared to be falling apart.

For so many years, I thought God was totally against me. I thought He was trying to destroy me through all of the seeming out of control, negative circumstances that were occurring in my life. At the time, I didn’t realize He was actually tearing down my natural habit and tendency to depend on anything other than Him alone – The Refiner’s fire. He was on a mission and I could do nothing to stop Him. I’m so glad He had – and is still having – His way with me.

The Refiner’s Fire

For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:29

So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:7

It’s a strange and awesome thing to witness: Those who do not know God will freak out when God shakes those things that can be shaken. Those who do know Him become more bold at the shaking.

men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
Luke 21:26

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 (those who do not know Christ, The Prince of Peace).
Psalm 91:7-8

They do not know nor do they understand (the unsaved and those who do not trust in God); They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are shaken.
Psalm 82:5

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 8:12

Fear is shakable. Anything that can scare us is shakable. This is why God allows shaking. It cleanses us from fear, from the possibility of encountering fear (torment) on any level in the future.

God doesn’t entertain or appease fear. If at all possible (in those who are willing to let Him do so), He eradicates fear. He replaces fear with His immovable, unshakable perfect love that is so different and much more powerful than our shortsighted, and limited human love. After all, His perfect love is the only thing in all creation that can remove (that can cast out) all fear.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18

I woke up this morning (1-4-20) with the word “shakable” in mind. I asked the Lord what He was saying by bringing that word to mind. Here are some thoughts that followed…

We don’t like pure gold unless we can wear it while it pumps up our pride. We don’t like the idea of the refiner’s fire that produces the pure gold of God’s character in our lives. God’s gold – that’s clothed in the strength of His humility – isn’t worn or flaunted like worldly gold.

I don’t know anyone who gets excited about earthquakes. When God begins His work in our lives, it can feel as unnerving as an earthquake. Unlike the temporary shaking of an actual earthquake, His work doesn’t stop. He keeps shaking us to bring about His glory, His pure gold in us.

God doesn’t stabilize our lives like we think He should, like we think He would. And when He begins His unshakable work in us, we often get offended and choose to leave Him, to leave Christianity.

Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
Isaiah 48:10

Shakable – For the most part, the world is used to depending on everything but God alone not truly realizing that God alone is unshakable.

I think a lot of people thought that God would give them all the money they need, a good job, the right spouse, nice cars, house, family and friends and that by doing so He was making their lives unshakable. Out of His love for mankind, God will shake everything (your reputation, your resume, and everything else) until all that’s left in us is Him, The Unshakable. Feel like life is being shaken?

Shaking either makes us mad at God while being tempted to leave Him, or it causes (motivates, directs, points) us to follow Him through the shaking while we let Him do His loving, stabilizing work in our lives.

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

Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of he wicked (those who trust in everything other than God), when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.
Proverbs 3:25-26

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you (to make us unshakable) will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

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

For those who trust God at all costs, those who know Him Who is unshakable will become bold when the earth is shaken in the end times as the following verse can indicate.

And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.
Acts 4:31

God bless,

Mark

Wow, God just keeps changing our thinking and it’s so wonderful to truly experience it happening in us. As we keep being willing to renew our minds to His Word, being His disciples indeed keeps opening up His new life, ideas and thoughts. Jesus is so incredible.

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
John 8:31-32

Honestly, we wonder how much more free we’ll be in the next little while. This is so fun.

We love you all.

God bless,

Mark and Ann

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17

As we walk with Jesus, as we continue in His Word and let His precious Holy Spirit work in our lives, day by day, we’re becoming new creatures, new versions of us. We’re being changed from glory to glory in His love.

Happy New You! ☺

And…Happy New year.

God bless,

Mark and Ann

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13

“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”
Frances (Fanny) Jane Crosby

Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.
Ecclesiates 3:11 NLT

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10

How can I be mad at God when the very depression, health issues, pain, hurt, job situation, failures, anger, insecurity, shame, confusion, desperation, unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, jealousy, greed, pride, etc, He allowed in my life led me to His arms, to seek Him, to find His love, and to the secret dwelling place of the Most High?

Does your life seem botched up? Ever feel like you could have done a better job at being God regarding your life? We have. What we’re discovering is that God was in control all the way, and as we walk with Him, He unveils the beautiful reasons behind the details of our lives that He was watching over and allowing for His glory and for the testimony He uses to love and rescue others.

Through Romans 8:28, God provided a way of escape for me. I can never thank Him enough for making this precious verse a reality in my life. He rescued me from the turmoil the depressing circumstances of my life were suffocating me with. His promise to work all things together for my good is giving wonderful meaning to – and turning – my circumstances into blessed peace, rest and joy.

Fanny Crosby became blind at an early age possibly as the result of a doctor botching up a procedure when treating a cold that had impacted her eyes.

“It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”
Frances Crosby

“Oh what a happy soul I am. Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world contented I will be. How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t. To weep and sigh because I am blind? I cannot and I won’t.”  Frances Crosby

All the Way My Savior Leads Me – The Haven Quartet*

All The Way My Savior Leads Me
By Fanny Crosby

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well,
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me;
Oh, the fullness of His grace!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s blest embrace.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

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

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

But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6

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

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

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Romans 5:3-5

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

All the way…Jesus (God Almighty; Prince of Peace) leads me. Praise God!

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV

God bless,

Mark

*Through God’s leading, my great uncle, Paul Meyers, began “The Haven of Rest” ministry in 1934. The ministry is now called “Haven Today.”

I love the following Psalm. It reminds me of how God rescued me by having me read and re-read “Power In Praise” by Merlin Carothers. I’m so thankful to God that He stepped in to my life to show me how praise and thankfulness can change our entire life. What a different perspective and what joy it adds to life.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

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

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Psalm 100

Happy Monday, everyone!

God bless,

Mark

The enemy continues to try to take us out.

I was feeling pretty weary when I got up this morning. That’s when my precious wife began to encourage me in the Lord. Even though we know God is working all things together for our good, we can still face times when we’re overwhelmed and even numb to God’s Word. No matter how we feel, we can move on in the Lord and state His truths to drive back massive enemy lies that try to take us down. I didn’t feel like being courageous this morning, but I took a step of faith and started in the courageous direction anyway. That’s all God asks of us to get us back on His track.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9

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

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

Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil…but those that wait upon the Lord they shall inherit the earth…Wait on the Lord, and keep His way, and He shall exalt thee to inherit the land.
Psalm 37:7-9, 34

Be strong and of a good courage…Only be thou strong and very courageous…Have I 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 1

God bless,

Mark

Wow, I was so lost in my destructions. God is setting me free indeed and there is nothing like it. What a Savior.

What is the true meaning of Christmas?

20 He sent his word (Jesus), and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Psalm 107:20-22

God bless,

Mark

We’re so blessed to know Jesus. I was praying this morning that God would pour out His wonderful Spirit on Ann and me, and our city. I want so much for people to know God’s love. I know He has the same desire…

While praying, God reminded me that Romans 8:28 means there are no bad days as one of His children. I may have days when life seems harder, but that doesn’t mean He’s not working in it to bless me. God is always working all things together for our good, and if I’ll listen to Him, I’ll see His faithfulness in all things.

He’s always teaching us, blessing us, and changing us from glory to amazing glory. He merely asks that we be willing to listen to His precious, comforting Holy Spirit’s still, small voice encouraging us to keep running this Christian race – even if we’re in a bed of pain. He tells us He’s with us all along the way. He’s changing us into His glorious image with every minute of our day. He’s showing us more of His powerful love, mercy, strength, peace, rest and joy.

Listen to the still, small voice every minute, precious people. You’ll hear Him telling you how much He loves you and that He’s in control while healing your soul and making you more and more free in His infinite love.

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

Mmmm…

God bless,

Mark

I remember the testimony of a brilliant scientist who came to Jesus because the Bible was the only Holy book that spoke of a realm beyond our reasoning and scientific understanding. All the other religious books were tied to this realm and thus had to be man made.

Is your life unreasonable? If yes, then hang on…God has a plan.

11 And they overcame him (the Devil) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Revelation 12:11

Am I willing to let Jesus lead me to overcoming the Devil? Is that reasonable?

The following is just a snippit of what I could say about my unreasonable God and His faithfulness to lead me into the unreasonable life He had in store for me to live out.

18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Isaiah 1:18

Is there anything reasonable about that verse? Of course not. It’s beyond human reason. We like an eye for an eye type reasoning, payback and vengeance. But God, in His plan and love for mankind, offers us His love and forgiveness instead of what our sins truly deserve. Then, He asks us to forgive others when they trespass against us. How reasonable is it to ask that of us when we’ve been hurt? In His love for us, He knows that forgiving is better than letting us go off without Him in our bitterness.

What’s reasonable about asking Mary to become pregnant with Jesus while living in a Jewish culture where many would have questions for her and Joseph’s relationship and loyalty to God’s law? And what about Joseph’s (in Genesis) unreasonable circumstances, prostitutes in the line of Jesus, David having a heart after God regarding Bathsheba, killing her husband and his miraculous victory over Goliath, and all the other Bible stories? What is it about powerful testimonies that bring us to tears, that make us worship our miraculous God and that give us hope for our own lives?

God defies reason. I think this is why people become atheists and agnostics. They get to the point in their life where if it doesn’t fall within the limits of reason, or science, it’s unreasonable and tossed out. I mean, how could a truly loving God be unreasonable, right?

My life has defied reason. The life God chose for me to live and to be blessed by was not to be confined to this reasonable realm, this world. He had much bigger plans for my life. And I believe He has much bigger plans for the lives of everyone. I’ll try to explain…☺

God is not reasonable. How do I know this? My whole life I’ve tried so hard to live a reasonable life, to “fit in” in this life. I’ve greatly envied those who have fit in lives, reasonable lives. God would have none of it for me. I got bitter and angry with Him because He wasn’t letting me line up with this reasonable world. As I look back, I can see that this is what caused my unreasonable PTSD. Expectations of others wanting me to have a reasonable life that would not embarrass them only made me more angry, shamed, embarrassed, frustrated, resentful, etc. I couldn’t live up to others’ reasonable demands – especially those of my parents, family, friends, and peers. And that’s what makes us upset and frustrated with God to the point that we either follow Him at all costs to our “reasonable need” or we leave Him by choosing to stay on our heavy, doomed quest for a reasonable life.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9

But without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Faith takes us to and keeps us in His dwelling place. That place where things hoped for and things not yet seen exist. Those very things He’s designed for each of us to be more blessed by than we could ever imagine.

2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:2-4

Let God take you back to being a child again. Follow Him into His unreasonable realm filled with miracles, thrilling testimonies, adventure, surprises, awe, wonder, grace, mercy, rest, peace that passes understanding, and joy that cannot be explained or imagined.

God bless,

Mark

People who are rich, who have worked hard for their money, who live life depending on their money will probably take the mark of the beast mentioned in the Bible’s book of Revelation. They will simply not be able to deal with parting with their money.

I believe God allows something in each of our lives that has the potential of fixing our focus on Him, on His love, and His ways that can make us free indeed. That’s Who He is as our loving Heavenly Father.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Mark 8:36

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Galatians 6:7-9

True story – As I may have mentioned in the past, some years ago, Ann and I heard about a man who had a few billion dollars. Somehow, he’d lost a lot of it but still had a billion left. For whatever reasons, in his lifetime, he’d made money his peace, his security. He became so distraught about the possibility of losing more of his money (that which had kept his life) that he took his life.

“Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, But trusted in the abundance of his riches And was strong in his evil desire.”
Psalm 52:7

He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf.
Proverbs 11:28

24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:24

You will seek Me (God) and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Because of my struggle with lifelong health, family issues, and complex PTSD, I’m really beginning to understand the deep, secure and delivering peace God’s giving me as I seek Him more and more. And I know His peace is worth more than anything because everything else can be taken from me – like all the money we had at one time that seemed to only make us more and more tense.

While many today would like to think it otherwise, Christianity is a participation life. We must become doers of the Word and apply it to our lives in order for the truths found in the Bible to bring God’s great salvation into every area of our lives every day. This is how God keeps us.

I realize that for many what I’m about to share is a very sobering topic. I’ve hesitated about sending you what the Lord told me regarding money for a couple of years now. I’m honestly not trying to be dramatic. I’m just trying to get us to take making Jesus our peace seriously so He can keep us in the days ahead. Honestly, it will mean the difference between life and death, and that’s an understatement. I’m doing so to help us prepare for what is soon coming…

I was talking with one of my Christian cousins (haven’t talked with him in nearly 40 years) a few weeks ago. He called me totally out of the blue. I’m not basing this email on that talk alone. It’s just that, over the years, I’ve observed so many who are not making Jesus their peace.

In our conversation, my cousin told me about all the money he and his wife lost in the 2008 crash. I could tell it really upset them. I could also tell they had not made Jesus their peace even though they’ve been very active in the church for decades. So many today have no idea how to make Jesus their peace. So many choose not to do so. That’s their choice.

The Wise and Foolish Builders

24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Jesus). 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand (anything but Jesus). 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27

We’re coming into a time when people are not going to be able to rely on anything but Jesus. It’s true. We’re quickly coming to the time when a thousand are going to fall at our side and ten thousand at our right hand (see Psalm 91:7) – Those people who are not ready for the cataclysmic events contained in the Bible’s tribulation period will fall. They’re going to totally freak out to the point that they will even cry out for the rocks to fall on them (Revelation 6:16). We don’t like to believe that, but our unbelief will not stop it from happening.

It reminds me of when the Bible (Hebrews 12 – Great chapter) talks about those things which can be shaken (Including everything that keeps us from trusting in God) will be shaken so that only that which remains cannot be shaken (God’s Kingdom).

So many today try to find security, comfort, and stability in everything but Jesus. They’re trusting in that which cannot keep them, in that which can be shaken (sand). They anesthetize themselves with information, education, entertainment, sports, hobbies, drugs, alcohol, vacations, financial savings, worldly philosophies, self-help topics and gurus – whatever – and they’ve come to rely on them as an escape, as a distraction from everyday life, as a way to deal with their lives, to make them think they have some semblance of control.

We really need for Jesus, alone, to be our peace. This cannot be emphasized enough. It’s been true all throughout time. It’s even more important in these last days of the end times laid out in the pages of the Bible.

We’re in a time when we’re not going to be able to rely on worldly thinking and strategies. Those ways of dealing with life are going to come to an end and will no longer work.

33 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

A few years ago, I was talking with the Lord about money. I was asking Him why I could not make a consistent living. His answer was, “I know you. I know you and Ann have hearts after me. Where the world is heading, you will not be able to rely on money. You must learn to rely on Me, alone. This is the lesson I’m teaching you so that in Me, alone, you can have My supernatural peace that passes all of your understanding.”

Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath. But righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 11:4

How can we make Jesus our peace? Well, I’ve been writing about this for years. It’s why I’ve really emphasized the three keys to the Kingdom. I’ve listed them again below.

Believing so that we can truly know that God really is working all things together for my good.

28 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

Praising and thanking God in all things

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

Taking all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal (not money, alcohol, entertainment, vacations, drugs, etc.), but mighty through God (truly knowing Him so you can always trust in Him) to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:4-5

These are three vital Christian living keys Ann and I put into practice daily in order to let God’s peace reign in our hearts every day. This is the type of “doing” the Word that will sustain us in the days leading up to the rapture and end times. Please, I urge you to build your house on the rock, on Christ – Alone. Make Him your peace.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15

We must all choose who or what we will serve, and in doing so, the consequences of those choices…

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

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

God bless,

Mark – ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com
Please read Psalm 91. If you’d like to know more about end times events, read Chapters 37-39 in the Bible’s Old Testament book called Ezekiel. There are so many other passages regarding end times prophecies as well. You might also want to read “The End” book by Mark Hitchcock.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and
he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw
nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify
your hearts, ye double minded.
James 4:7-8

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

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

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

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

So come on. Let’s go! ☺

Happy Monday, everyone!

God bless you all,

Mark

Some may remember Pastor David Wilkerson’s famous book, The Cross And The Switchblade. David Wilkerson was pastor of New York’s Time Square Church before his death in 2011.

WHEN ALL MEANS FAIL
by Pastor David Wilkerson

To believe when all means fail is exceedingly pleasing to God and is most acceptable. Jesus said to Thomas, “You have believed because you have seen, but blessed are those that do believe and have not seen” (John 20:29).

Blessed are those who believe when there is no evidence of an answer to prayer—who trust beyond hope when all means have failed. Someone has come to the place of hopelessness—the end of hope—the end of all means.

A loved one is facing death and doctors give no hope. Death seems inevitable. Hope is gone. The miracle prayed for is not happening. That is when Satan’s hordes come to attack your mind with fear, anger, overwhelming questions: “Where is your God now? You prayed until you had no tears left. You fasted. You stood on promises. You trusted.”

Blasphemous thoughts will be injected into your mind: “Prayer failed. Faith failed. Don’t quit on God—just do not trust him anymore. It doesn’t pay!” Even questioning God’s existence will be injected into your mind. These have been the devices of Satan for centuries.

Some of the godliest men and women who ever lived were under such demonic attacks.

To those going through the valley and shadow of death, hear this word: Weeping will last through some dark, awful nights—and in that darkness you will soon hear the Father whisper, “I am with you. I cannot tell you why right now, but one day it will all make sense. You will see it was all part of my plan. It was no accident. It was no failure on your part. Hold fast. Let me embrace you in your hour of pain.”

Beloved, God has never failed to act but in goodness and love. When all means fail—his love prevails. Hold fast to your faith. Stand fast in his Word. There is no other hope in this world.

God bless,

Mark

I’m learning to depend on Jesus more and more. He’s graciously teaching me to yield more and more of me, of my heart, my desires and dreams, to Him. All my doubts, shame, failures, anger, fears, anxiety, bitterness, frustration, etc., are being replaced by Him…His grace, mercy, trust, peace, joy, love and rest. I can honestly feel Him moving into me and there’s nothing like it. Nothing like Him healing me deep inside every corner of me.

9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 Amplified Bible

He invites me to dwell in the shadow of the Most High, and then promises to dwell in me, in my weakness. This is such a beautiful picture of the two becoming one as the bride of Christ. We can rejoice in our weaknesses because they bring us closer to Him as He dwells more and more in us.

What grace, mercy, peace, love, rest and joy…

God bless,

Mark

Jesus’ plans for our lives can be much different than what we wanted for our lives. That’s okay.

I finally gave up trying to force my plans for my life that didn’t seem to be working out. I decided to give my will to Jesus and left my future in His hands. This was a huge step of faith for me. That was how I began to trust in and believe Romans 8:28.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you practice trusting Jesus with every minute of the day. When fear tempts you with its lies, refuse them and remember you really can trust Jesus in all things as you walk with Him every day.

God bless,

Mark

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all (Psalm 34:19).

God will answer your prayer by either removing the obstacle of the trial or by giving you His grace and mercy to bring His peace to you in the midst of the obstacle. Either way, He delivers us out of them all.

You Raise Me Up – The Singing Contractors

You (Jesus) Raise Me Up
Written by Rolf Lovland and Brendan Graham

When I am down, and, oh, my soul, so weary
When troubles come, and my heart burdened be
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence
Until you come and sit awhile with me

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas
I am strong when I am on your shoulders
You raise me up to more than I can be
You raise me up to more than I can be

Happy Monday, everybody!  ☺

God bless,

Mark