Category: Husbands and Wives

Jesus loves me – this I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

God bless,

Mark
Jesus Loves Me by Anna Bartlett Warner

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.   9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Peter 3:8-10

I’m (Mark) so thankful God didn’t give up on me along the way when I couldn’t find The Way, when I didn’t know Jesus.  The song “You Gave Me Love” (below) really spoke to my heart.  I hope it speaks to you as well and lets you know how much Jesus loves you.

Ann and I heard BJ Thomas in person in the 70s.  He has an amazing voice when heard “live.”  BJ Thomas began singing in church at an early age.  He was later “discovered” and led a pretty hard life due to the pressures of fame, alcohol and drugs.

Many start out with God and then, for one reason or another, go their own way and live apart from Him for a time.  Thankfully, God keeps calling us back to His side, back to His love, tenderness, mercy and forgiveness.

Taken from Wiki:  “BJ Thomas has been married to singer-songwriter Gloria Richardson since December 1968.  They have three daughters:  Paige (born 1970), Nora (adopted from North Korea in 1978), and Erin (born in 1979).  Shortly after Thomas’s career began, he became dependent on drugs and alcohol, which led to his marriage nearly ending and his life nearly ending too.  In 1975, he became a Christian less than a month after Gloria did; most press sources indicate that Thomas has been sober since he and Gloria reconciled in 1976.”

You Gave Me Love
By BJ Thomas

You gave me time when no one gave me time of day,
You looked deep inside while the rest of the world looked away,
You smiled at me when there were just frowns everywhere,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

That’s why I call You Saviour ….. that’s why I call You Friend,
You touched my heart ….. You touched my soul,
And helped me start all over again,
That’s why I love You, Jesus ….. that’s why I’ll always care,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

You gave me laughter after I cried all my tears,
You heard my dreams while the rest of the world closed it’s ears,
I looked in Your eyes, and I found the tenderness there,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

That’s why I call You Saviour ….. that’s why I call You Friend,
You touched my heart ….. You touched my soul,
And helped me start all over again.
That’s why I love You, Jesus ….. that’s why I’ll always care,
You gave me love when nobody gave me a prayer.

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16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:16-17

God bless,

Mark

I love loving families.  It really touches me when I see families hugging each other, encouraging each other, being tender together and laughing together.

Here’s another good one from Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn called The Strength Of An Ox (From Jonathan’s message #683 available on his hopeoftheworld.org site).

Up until about the mid-80s, I (Mark) was really into football.  I’d always loved creaming others on the football field.  I had a killer instinct – God’s replacing it with His character and it’s really helping me to rest more in Him.  God told me to give up football since it could make me pretty angry, and to put that same energy and time into learning how to love my wife and family.  He also helped me to learn how to say “I’m sorry” which was huge since I’d come from a family that almost never said that to each other.  God’s always right.  I’m so thankful He helped me see things His way.

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The Hebrew word for father is av.  It’s made up of two Hebrew letters: the aleph and the bet, or our “a” and “b.”  The aleph, in ancient Hebrew, represents an ox; the bet represents a house.  So a father is the ox of the house.  He’s the strength and the ultimate burden bearer.  An ox’s strength is a great blessing.  But the ox is known for its stubbornness as well.  So if you’re a father, you’re to be the strength of your family.  That strength is given by God.  But be careful that your strength doesn’t turn into blind stubbornness.  Be stubborn for good and for love, but never in anger, bitterness, pride or domination.  For the stubbornness of a father for anger and pride has destroyed countless families and lives.  But the stubbornness of a father for love, compassion, godliness, and mercy has protected and saved countless families and lives.

Be tender in heart.  Be willing to say “I’m sorry.”  And be strong and stubborn in your love for those who are weaker than yourself and who need your strength, just as God is, in the same way, stubborn in love for you.

Today’s Mission:  Today, be stubborn in love, stubborn in faith, stubborn in joy, stubborn in righteousness (living life God’s way is right (righteousness) living that will bless your life).

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 6:36

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God bless,

Mark

I’ve been noticing how the Jewish people I know, or know of, are always saying, “Everything happens for a reason.”  And they usually say it unapologetically and with real conviction.  The more I think about their words, the more my faith in God is growing.

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Commemorating Your Medbar
By Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

Midbar is the Hebrew word for wilderness.  We usually think of the wilderness as a single place, but it’s really not.  There are many Hebrew names for various wildernesses.  For instance, there’s Midbar Yehuda; the Wilderness of Judea where John (John the Baptist) preached.  Then there’s Midbar Negev; the Wilderness of the Negev where Abraham pitched his tent.  And there’s Midbar Sinai; the Wilderness of Sinai through which Moses and the Israelites journeyed.  Then there are a host of other smaller wildernesses:  Midbar Zin, Midbar Paran, and so on. Each wilderness had a different name.  The Hebrews didn’t just go through wildernesses.  They named each of them. It means they wanted to remember them.  They saw them as something meaningful in some way.  So, we all go through wildernesses.  Rarely do we value them or seek to remember them.  But you should remember them.  For God uses them to grow you and make you more like Him.  So rejoice in your wilderness because in the Lord it will only be used for good as you look to Him.  For the Hebrews gave names to their midbars.

Today’s Mission:  Today, give thanks to God for your wilderness, even give a beautiful name to a wilderness in your life that ended up bringing you to God’s blessings.

And he (Jesus) withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Luke 5:16

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I’ve written about our time of living in Oregon in the 80s and 90s.  I used to think it was a super-difficult time, a time when I thought God was so far from us, I was so scared and confused. However, God used that precious time to heal us, to teach us so many good things about marriage and family, to set me on a path to being a better husband, to get our attention, to separate us to Him, to bless us and teach us His ways and to bring us closer to His presence.  We’re so thankful for our Oregon wilderness experience.  Truly, we needed our Oregon wilderness time.  We’re so thankful God knew (and knows) what we needed.

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday, Everyone!

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

Remember to take each day as they come knowing that Jesus is in control and working all things together for the good of those who love Him.  Don’t get ahead of God and the peace He has for you today.  Remember to take each day one day at a time, and to keep casting all your care on Jesus.  Ask Jesus to cover, and protect you as you give Him your work and day.

“Jesus, please give me Your peace that passes my understanding, and help me to trust You today…”

God bless,

Mark

Maybe you’ve had to give up something recently – something material, a relationship, a dream…  While it could take time at times, whenever God’s asked me to give up something, He’s always replaced it with more of His peace, rest, understanding, compassion and joy.  It’s funny cause I thought that if I gave up something I was emotionally attached to that God would replace it with a better “material” item.  Now, while that can occur, I’ve honestly found that gaining more of His character was much more valuable than getting material replacements.  There’s simply nothing I can compare to Him mercifully imparting more of His divine nature to me.  I need His nature and character so much in my life – the more He shows me, the more of Him I want.  And, He’s always, patiently waiting to make me more like Him so I can enjoy life more abundantly in His character and truths that set me free.

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: he 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

Only in Christ can the wisdom and knowledge of God be discovered for apart from Christ, we can’t do it (John 15:5)

No really, can you imagine anything more fun than learning – truly learning, for real – to trust in the Lord with your whole heart?  Wow, what peace, rest, assurance, calm, security, love, mercy, grace, and joy must fill the life of one who obtains this precious, life-transforming, supernatural trait.

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

With me, ask Jesus to make this true of your life.  Ask Him to give you the incredible gift of being able to trust Him with your whole heart.  Wow, what a matchless treasure.  Mmmm…

God bless,

Mark

 

 

 

 

 

 

God bless,

Mark

Happy Monday!

 

 

 

 

 

God wants to help us be free from this world and its ways.  He sets us free by showing us how to be transformed by the renewing of our minds so we can be free from this world’s pressure to conform to its ways.  We have such a mighty, loving Father.

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

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 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

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

Ask the Holy Spirit to remind and help you renew your mind to these three great Bible scriptures and truths.  Always remember:  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Ephesians 6:12

God bless,

Mark

38 And he (Jesus) was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow:  and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?

39 And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?  How is it that ye have no faith?
Mark 4:38-40

God bless,

Mark

Sorry this is a little longer today.  It was so good I just had to send it out to you.

Dr. Warren Weirsbe on the question:  What Is The Purpose Of Life’s Trials?

A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not too easy.  “Why, this isn’t a path at all,” the little girl complained.  “It’s all rocky and bumpy.”  And her brother replied, “Sure, the bumps are what you climb on.”  That’s a remarkable piece of philosophy.  What do you do with the bumps on the path of life?

I have been a reader of biographies for many years, and I have yet to find a successful person whose life was free from problems and difficulties.  Looking at these people from a distance, you might think they had it made and that life was easy for them.  But when you get closer, you discover that their climb to the top of the mountain was not an easy one.  The road was rocky and bumpy, but the bumps were what they climbed on to get to the top.

We don’t have to read too far in the Bible before we discover the truth.  Abraham certainly didn’t become a great man of faith overnight.  He had to go through some difficult tests on the road of life before he reached the top of the mountain.  No sooner did Abraham arrive in Canaan than a famine came to the land.  Imagine facing a famine in the land God has promised you!  Then Abraham had problems with his nephew, Lot; and then war came to the land, and Abraham had to go out and fight.  His wife led him astray with bad counsel and the result was the birth of Ishmael, a boy who brought sorrow to Abraham’s heart.  Finally, Isaac, the promised son, was born, bringing great joy to Abraham and Sarah.  Then God asked Abraham to put Isaac on the altar, a sacrifice that would be difficult for any father or mother.  Yes, there were many bumps on that road, but Abraham used the bumps to climb higher.

If anybody walked a rocky road, Joseph did.  His father pampered him, hated by his brothers, sold for a slave, falsely accused, put into prison, forgotten, and apparently forsaken.  But the bumps on the road helped him to climb higher, and one day Joseph became the second in command of all Egypt.  Moses had a similar experience, and so did David, Daniel, and Paul.  Here were people who did not complain about the road; they accepted the difficulties of life and used them as stepping-stones to the top of the mountain.

I don’t know what difficulties you are going through just now, but I know some of the feelings you have, because I have been on this bumpy road myself.  You feel like quitting, like giving up.  You can’t understand why the road doesn’t get easier, why God doesn’t remove the stones and straighten the path.  If God did that, you might never get to the top, because the bumps are what you can climb on.

Psalm 91 says, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”  It is a psalm that magnifies the care that God exercises over His children.  Eleven different kinds of dangers are named in this psalm – war, snares, sickness, terrors by night, arrows by day, and others – yet God says that He can protect us from them all.  This doesn’t mean that we will never experience accidents or injuries; but it does mean that no matter what happens in the will of God, all things will work together for good.

One of the greatest promises found in Psalm 91 has to do with the stones on the path.  “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”  God doesn’t promise to remove the stones from the path, but He does promise to make them stepping-stones and not stumbling blocks.  He promises to help us climb higher because of the difficulties of life.

Most of us respond in a predictable way to the rocks in the path.  We complain about them; we kick against them and only hurt ourselves.  We try to pick them up and get rid of them, only to discover they are too heavy for us.  We can’t always get around them, and we wonder if we can get over them. Some people just stop and go no further.  Others give up and turn back.  But the child of God does not have to stop or go back; he can use the rocky places in life as stepping-stones to climb higher.

The trouble with most of us is that we are accustomed to paved roads and level sidewalks.  But life is not made that way.  Sometimes the road is level and easy, and the birds are singing and the way is wonderful.  But sometimes the road is rocky and bumpy, and we hear no music and feel no helping hand.  Then what? Complain? Give up? No, that’s the time to remember God’s promise:  “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”  God’s invisible army is at your service, and God can see you through.

Charlie Brown in the “Peanuts” comic strip is one of my favorite characters.  In one particular strip, he is complaining because his team always loses their games.  Lucy tries to console him by saying, “Remember, Charlie Brown, you learn more from your defeats than you do from your victories.”  And Charlie Brown replies, “That makes me the smartest man in the world!”

If life were nothing but a series of defeats, all of us would get discouraged.  God knows how to balance our lives so that we have sunshine and rain, calm and storm, laughter and tears.  On the road of life there are level places that delight us, and there are difficult places that challenge us.  If we get off the path of God’s will and go on a detour, the way will be rough from start to finish.  The detour is always rougher than the main road.  But there are rocks and bumps even on the paths of God’s choosing, and we have to learn to accept them and benefit from them.  The bumps are what you climb on.

But this takes faith.  It is much easier to kick the rock and turn around and go back.  The secret to climbing higher is to look away from yourself and your difficulties, and look by faith to Jesus Christ.  He knows where you are, how you feel, and what you can do.  Turn it all over to Him and start walking by faith.  The very rocks that seem like barriers to human eyes will, to the eyes of faith, become blessings.  Listen to the promises of Psalm 91:15:  “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:  I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.”

If anybody faced obstacles on the road of life, it was our Lord Jesus Christ.  He was born into a poor family, a member of a rejected minority race.  He grew up in obscurity in a little town that’s mentioned only in scorn—“Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” He gathered about Him a small group of nondescript men, and one of them became a traitor and sold Him for the price of a slave.  He was called a liar, a glutton, a drunkard, and a man in league with the devil.  Men twisted His words and questioned His motives, yet Jesus Christ continued to do the will of God.  Finally, He came to that greatest stone of all—being crucified like a common thief.  But He continued to climb that mountain, and God gave Him the victory.

This is why the writer of the Book of Hebrews urges us to look to Jesus Christ and keep on trusting.  “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2).  We are to look not at ourselves, our circumstances, our troubles, or the bumps in the road, but unto Jesus.

Yes, the bumps are what you climb on!

God bless,

Mark

 

 

 

 

O taste and see that the LORD is good:  blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
Psalm 34:8

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

Because God is good, He’s constantly producing more of His “goodness” in our minds, emotions and spirits.

God’s asking me to follow Him into some new territory and experiences.  Maybe He’s asking you to do the same right now.  While His directives for our lives can seem scary at first glance, God’s always leading us into more liberty, trust, and Godly character.  Always.  It’s His nature to do so.

It’s always been interesting and inspiring to me that God asked us to trust and obey Him regardless of what He asks of us.  A lot of things in life have seemed like giants (challenges to my faith) to me, obstacles God wanted me to face just like the giants (satan’s attempts to keep us from inheriting God’s promises and character) the children of Israel faced on their way to occupy the promised land God had promised them.  I found out that if I faced the giants, God was always faithful to bring me through and produced more of His rich character in my life.

Facing some “giants?”  God’s merely asking us to follow Him into obtaining more of His incredible character.  See giants as mere acts of obedience leading to blessings because that’s how God sees them.  Giants are nothing from His perspective.  Soon, you’ll have more of His perspective and enjoy following where He leads.  There’s simply nothing like experiencing God’s faithfulness.  Learn to love “giant” opportunities, to experience God’s deliverance, power, mercy, peace, rest, and joy.

 

 

 

 

 

I can do all things (anything He’s asking me to do or face) through Christ (not in my own strength, but in Christ’s strength) which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13

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

Onward and upwards!

God bless,
Mark – ChoosingJesusEveryDay.com
How to ask Jesus into your heart to be your Savior:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For (Because) God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:16-17

That if thou (anyone) shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:9-10

Pray this prayer to become a child of God:
“Lord Jesus, for too long I’ve kept you out of my life.  I know that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself.  No longer will I close the door when I hear you knocking.  By faith I gratefully receive your gift of salvation.  I am ready to trust you as my Lord and Savior.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, for coming to earth.  I believe you are the Son of God who died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead on the third day.  Thank you for bearing my sins and giving me the gift of eternal life.  I believe your words are true.  Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, and be my Savior.  Amen.”

Happy Monday, Everyone!

The following is taken from Joyce Meyer’s “Closer To God Each Day Devotional” for July 30.

Open-Book Tests

Sometimes teachers let students take open-book tests.  They are allowed to have their textbook open while answering the questions.  We are all going to go through tests.  There are no exceptions – everybody is tested at different times in life.  But they are all open-book tests; the answers are found in the Book.  No matter what we are going through, God has provided the answers in His Word.

Drawing close to God through His Word during difficulty gives us strength and answers that we need.  God often allows us to go through a difficult place because He is testing, stretching, and strengthening us.  During such times Satan attacks us in our minds telling us lies such as, “God doesn’t love you, and if He was going to help you, He would have already done it.  You might as well give up on trusting God and develop your own plan of escape.”  This is a time to hold on, not to give up!

Life isn’t always easy.  There are going to be some days and seasons when we are faced with challenges.  But if you choose to lean on the Lord in those times, you’ll realize that you can still have joy even on trying days.  Godly strength, wisdom and knowledge, spiritual maturity, and character are developed in us as we go through tests.

In order to grow in God and do what He has called you to do, choose to be faithful.  His character will be revealed in your life over time.

God bless,

Mark

Below are a couple of quotes from the first few pages of “The Bondage Breaker” book by Dr. Neil T. Anderson.  Neil is the founder of Freedom In Christ Ministries.  Here’s his site link:

Home

“Before we received Christ, we were slaves to sin.  Now, because of Christ’s work on the cross, sin’s power over us has been broken.  Satan has no right of ownership or authority over us.  He is a defeated foe, but he is committed to keeping us from realizing that.  The father of lies can block your effectiveness as a Christian if he can deceive you into believing that you are nothing but a product of your past – subject to sin, prone to failure, and controlled by your habits.”

“Nor can Satan do anything about your position in Christ, but if he can deceive you into believing what the Scripture says isn’t true, you will live as thought it isn’t.  People are in bondage to the lies they believe.  That is why Jesus said, “You will know the truth (Jesus’ truth as opposed to Satan’s lies), and the truth (Jesus) will make you free” (John 8:32).”

32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man:  how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?

34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever:  but the Son abideth ever.

36 If the Son (Jesus) therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
John 8:32-36

Wow, it’s amazing how many lies we can believe during any given day, week, month…lifetime.  I’m reading “The Bondage Breaker” by Dr. Neil T. Anderson.  In the book, Neil discusses how the enemy’s deception and lies (darkness) bring us into bondage and how Jesus’ truth (The light) sets us free.  I’ve only read the first few pages of the book and was reading some of it to my wife this morning when she said, “Wow, that’s so good that we need to order some copies for friends.”  Yep, Neil’s book is that good – gets right to the point and makes you want to “do” what he points out.  He also offers a DVD and workbook with his “The Bondage Breaker” series.  Ann and I have already gone through a lot of The Bondage Breaker DVD and workbook (Pricing is good, too).  I can honestly tell you, at first, I didn’t think going through the workbook would change anything in my life.  After listing a number of things in one section and praying the prayer Neil includes, I woke up the next morning completely free from any oppression in a specific area.  No kidding.  I was really surprised and grateful.

God bless,

Mark

I heard someone today say there’s really no peace outside of having a vital relationship with Christ.  Right then, the Holy Spirit confirmed this in my soul.  I’ve used a lot of other things to try to have peace, but none of them ever brought me the kind of peace I experience in Jesus.  Not even close.  Getting to know Jesus brings me a deep, abiding peace that doesn’t require my understanding.  It’s just there whenever I seek Him and His ways.  The following verses describe His peace that’s available to anyone who learns to “trust” in the Lord instead of leaning on their own understanding.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (how we act while waiting), gentleness (kindness), goodness, faith, meekness (An attitude of humble, submissive and expectant trust in God, and a loving, patient and gentle attitude towards others.), temperance (self-control):
Galatians 5:22-23a

Cast all your anxiety (cares) on him (Jesus) because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.  On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.  For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech.  They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.
1 Peter 3:9-11

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

You (God) will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16

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

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

I will listen to what God the LORD says; he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants— but let them not turn to folly.
Psalm 85:8

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

There’s no peace like the peace that’s ours when we get our minds back on Jesus…

 

 

 

 

 

 

God bless,

Mark

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

 

 

 

 

 

God bless,

Mark

And this is the condemnation, that light (Jesus) is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:19

Darkness – Worldliness, no victory over circumstances, unforgiveness, unhealthy oaths and vows, resentment, bitterness, fear, alcohol and drug addiction, torment and oppression, competition, worry, anxiety, lust, coveting, jealousy, tension, strife, hate, anger, carrying all your burdens by yourself, financial stress, marital tension, uncertainty about the future, treating those outside your immediate family better than those in your own household.

Light – Peace (letting the peace of God rule in my heart), rest, God’s love in my heart, loving my neighbor as myself, quickly forgiving others, discernment, recognizing cause and effects of sin, mercy, grace, discovering that you can cast all your burdens on Christ, joy, God is working all things together for your good (this is the victory over the world and its circumstances), being able to renew your mind to God’s Word, being able to discern the spirits behind thoughts, taking thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ, knowing Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.

How do we break away from evil, from the darkness all around us?

They loved the darkness more than the light.  Wow, I was living in a lot of darkness even though I was a “Christian” going to church.  In fact, I’d have to say that because I was not willing to escape darkness that I loved it more than the light.  Peer pressure and the fear of man kept me from ever straying too far from the darkness.

I have to say that I did not know how to escape darkness.  I mean so many of my friends and fellow Christians were practicing darkness with their speech and thought life that I didn’t even know anyone could truly escape the darkness.  And because I wanted to be accepted by them I wasn’t going to do anything that would make me appear different from them.  Even my Christian parents (and most of my relatives) talked about the Bible and Jesus, but so much of their everyday life was full of worry, and other darkness traits that I thought it must be okay to be a Christian and to not be set free in Jesus at the same time.  I was really confused…

but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15

What’s the hope in me?  Not religion, but Jesus Christ, Himself.  He’s teaching me how to escape the darkness and leading me from glory to glory (from light to more light) into His marvelous light so I can live free from every burden.

I (Jesus) have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
John 12:46

No longer do we need to live in the darkness.

“Jesus, show me the way out of the darkness.  I want You more than anything else.  Thank You, Jesus.”

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for (Because), behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour (Jesus), which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:10-11

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (Saved from the darkness and into His marvelous light).
John 3:16-17

Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy – Freedom from the darkness and the pure heavenly joy of living in the light of the world, Jesus.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.
Ephesians 6:10

Jesus calls to us, “Come, follow Me for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

The only question that remains is, “Do I love the darkness more than the light? Will I say “No” to Jesus and stay trapped in the darkness?”

God bless,

Mark

Jesus, All For Jesus
By Robin Marks

Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be

All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands

For it’s only in Your will that I am free
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be

Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be

All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands
All of my ambitions, hopes and plans
I surrender these into Your hands

For it’s only in Your will that I am free
For it’s only in Your will that I am free
Jesus, all for Jesus
All I am and have and ever hope to be

Not my will, but Yours be done, Jesus.  Lord, have Your way with my life.  Lead me into Your joy-filled will.  Let me live there with You, My Prince of Peace.  For in my heart I know that it’s only in Your will, Jesus, that I’ll be free.

God bless,

Mark

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice:  let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them:  let them also that  love thy name be joyful in thee.  For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Psalm 5:11-12

God bless,

Mark