Category: Husbands and Wives

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The Storm King (This Is So Good And Timely)

The Storm King by Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn

Below is a youtube excerpt from Jonathan’s longer teaching.  By the way, you can purchase teachings in their entirety (can be downloaded for about $7) at Hopeoftheworld.org.

Simply search Jonathan’s site for the youtube teaching excerpt number.  For example, under the above youtube link teaching, it states, The Storm King #2106:

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But you can never, you can never plan it, so storms will come.  The question is, “What are you going to do when the storms come?  What do you do?”  You may be in a storm now.  What do you do?

There’s all kinds of storms in life.  There are storms of financial problems.  Emotional problems that become a storm.  Opposition, people against me can be a storm.  People talking about you…You get stormy.  You know, a storm of losing a job, or a moral failure – there are so many kinds of storms.  It takes away peace if you let it.

But the things is, that’s the whole point here.  In this life, you will have these things.  But, remember, not only has He overcome it, but remember your peace is not dependent on what’s going on around you.  If it is, the enemy’s going to be able to always do what he wants with you.

Your peace is not to be a “fair-weather” peace.  When someone says they’re a fair-weather friend it means they’ll be with you when times are good, when it’s fair-weather.  But, when the storm comes, they’re gone.  We all know people like that.  But then, a real friend stays no matter what.

So our peace is not to be a fair-weather peace where it’s only good for fair weather, it’s to be a peace that’s good for the storms as well.  You know, sometimes, they have all-weather tires that you don’t have to change.  God wants us to have all-weather peace, all-weather joy.

It means we must be weather-resistant.

The way you deal with storms is crucial because every life has them so it’s crucial for your peace, it’s crucial for your victory – It doesn’t matter what the storm is.

And even if He’s in your boat, Messiah, you’re going to have a storm.  What that’s telling you right off the bat is, right there, some people preach that He’s going to exempt you from having storms.  But that’s not the Bible.

If we look at the life of the Apostle Paul, was he not in the will of God?  And, did Paul not have enough faith?  And yet, Paul, what’d he say, “I’ve been through this and I’ve been through that.  I’ve been stoned nearly to death, I’ve been that.  I’ve had all this, I’ve been in jail, etc.”  And yet, he was praising God.

Paul was victorious not because he avoided those things, but because he triumphed in them…And he’s the one who writes to you, “Thanks be to God Who always causes me to triumph.”  In the storms and outside them, He always does.  And that’s the key, how do you do that?

Everything doesn’t have to go fine outside.  In fact, sometimes because you follow Jesus, it will go worse outside.  People will be against you.  The world will be against you.  Follow Me, take up your cross.  There’s a cost to it Jesus says.  But, everything still, in God, is to be victorious.  The Bible says, God, Who always leads us to triumph – Not “sometimes.”  That means whatever you’re going through in your life, if you’re following God, He’s always going to lead you to victory over it no mater what.  Storm, or no storm, He’s always – that’s the world part, that’s the “outside” – but God, His promise is always to triumph, always.

You look at Paul, and here he is in prison, and it’s near the end of his life in the book of Timothy, and he, the man has no regrets.  He’s not depressed. He has joy and hope.  He says, “I have a crown coming for me, it’s laid up for me, I’ve fought the good fight of faith.”  That’s the thing.  He had more joy than any millionaire has if they don’t have the Lord.

Now, it doesn’t matter if someone doesn’t follow the Lord, they’re going to have storms, or if they follow the Lord, they’re going to have storms.  But, the difference is how you go through it.  That’s what makes the difference.  The weather’s the weather.  But, God is the God.

Thank God, whatever’s going on, one of the key things when you’re dealing with something – things are going crazy – one of the key things that’s kind of hard to first get into your head is that the tendency, the temptation is to focus on all the stuff that’s happening.  And the first part of victory is not to focus on everything that’s happening.  No, the first thing of victory is to focus on the Lord and not the problem.  You have to start with the Lord if you’re going to have real victory over the problem.

So one of the first things to get, the first victory is getting your mind off all the stuff, the fear, the anxiety, and get it onto God despite it.  And, just by doing that,  you’re already saying, “I am not under the storm, I’m under God.”  The fact that I can even let go means that God is more important than the storm.

Thank God you have Yeshua, Jesus, Messiah, in your boat cause if you didn’t, all you’d have is a storm.  If you didn’t let Jesus in your life, then when the storms would come anyway, then you wouldn’t have anything.  The people in the world don’t like that they’re dealing with the storms, and they’ve got nothing in the boat.  But you’ve got that (Jesus), and that’s the most important fact you have.

Galilee is one of the most beautiful lands in the world, and it has storms at the same time.  So, the same way, just because you have storms in your life, doesn’t mean your life is not beautiful in the Lord.

And, notice something.  What’s Jesus doing in the boat?  He’s sleeping.  Now that’s something.  How’d He fall asleep so fast?  I mean, some people can sleep through anything.  Some people wake up at any point.  I’m kind of a mix.  I sleep well for a while.  But while I’m sleeping, our boys sneak into our beds.  And they wait till we’re sleeping because then we can’t stop them.  We wake up and there’s a hand over our face or a leg over there.  But, I don’t usually wake up and I don’t know how they do it.  And then they get up and go to school and they don’t even wake me.  I don’t know how that happens.  But the Lord is in the middle of a storm, and the boat is rocking heavily back and forth from side to side – and He’s sleeping.  Why?  Well on one hand, He’d been ministering right before that and ministry can take a lot out of you.  When I’m finished ministering on Sunday, no matter what I do, my body shuts down.  I cannot stop it.  It shuts down and I’m asleep, you know, for a time.  But He’s asleep, He was ministering so that’s probably why He’s exhausted.  But, I also think that the Lord knew what was going to happen.  I mean, God the Father knew what was going to happen and He, also, it was a setup from the Lord just like it is with our life.  And so He’s sleeping there and they’re (His disciples in the boat with Him) going crazy while He’s sleeping.  He’s (Jesus) unaffected.  You know, the boat’s affected.  There’s gotta be water coming on everybody, and He’s still sleeping.  He’s unaffected.  Which tells you something.

In the Lord, if you’re a follower of Him, you’ve got Him in you, you can actually go through things and not be affected by them. His presence does not change through anything.  So if you’re always dwelling on the wrong thing, I mean, and in a sense they had the peace of God in their boat in the middle of the storm, but it wasn’t their peace until they stopped focusing on everything else but Jesus.

In the same way, the peace of God is there, but if you focus on a million things, you’re not going to know His peace until you focus on Him.

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God bless you all,

Mark

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The Exciting Anticipation During Spiritual Attacks

Hello Everyone In Jesus’ Name, The Name That Is ABOVE Every Other Name:

I’d like to ask for your prayers right now as my family (I suspect all six of us, our daughters and sons-in-law, will be approached with this attack) is under some pretty heavy spiritual attacks.  We know God’s faithful and that He’ll bring us through this time, but it’s so great to know others are praying for you.  Thanks for your prayers. ☺

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:  therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Psalm 28:7

Wow, I’ve been getting really whampoed (a new word Annie came up with a little while ago ☺), spiritually, lately – Very heavy attacks from the enemy of our souls.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  and why art thou disquieted in me?  hope thou in God:  for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 42:5

What’s exciting about the spiritual opposition is that, through Messianic Rabbi Jonathan Cahn’s youtube teachings, God’s teaching us that such times mean there are some really good spiritual lessons He’s about to reveal to us.  Times of refreshing are just around the corner, new insights, and an opportunity for Him to show us His unwavering love and faithfulness to us.  It’s really wonderful to anticipate God’s deliverance when we’re under enemy fire.

For one thing, God brought to us a verse we hadn’t read in a little while.

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10

While the enemy can often attack us for no reason at all, I’d been making something other than the Lord my joy and, as a result, I’d, temporarily, lost my joy in the Lord.  I was so caught off-guard, and confused that I couldn’t think of anything but that God was ripping me off – Yep, this is how satan works.  Self-pity came in like a flood and I encountered a lot of discouraging, depressing thoughts.

Whenever I find myself focusing on something I want and am not getting, it’s easy for the enemy to take advantage of me and begin to tempt me with “idol” thoughts that can begin to make me mad at God.  Never a good thing…

Just thought I’d pass this experience onto everyone so we can be on the lookout (bolo) for such attacks.

If you have something before the Lord in your life, lay it back down at the foot of the cross.  Leave it there for God to deal with.  Then, let Him relieve you, once again, of all “care.”

Praise Jesus!  What an incredible Savior we have.  He’s ever watching over our hearts to make sure we don’t get snared by the enemy’s tactics.  And He’s always showing us new things that bring us His joyous victory for every-day living in the Spirit.

So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun.  When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Isaiah 59:19

We love you all.

God bless,

Mark

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Happy Monday!

Happy Monday as we begin another week and opportunity for Jesus to show us His faithfulness.

There’s Nothing like the joy “of the Lord.”  His presence makes all the difference 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

What a great promise!

God bless,

Mark

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The MIGHTY Hand Of God

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:  Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:6-7

When we rest under His mighty hand, He leads us and the way is filled with His provision, peace and rest.  There are such rich, Heavenly rewards for humbling ourselves under His mighty hand.

Boy, the “mighty hand of God.”  Is that ever true.  He has the ability to search deep into our souls and set us free from anything that’s keeping us from living life His way.  He’s so mighty that He can work all things for our good.  He can change our reaction and tendencies to have fear when things come up.

Somehow, He teaches us to trust Him, always.  He quiets our hearts and stills our emotions.  His ways bring lasting peace, they point out areas we may be deceived in or can’t recognize on our own, rest, times of refreshing, newness in marriage, true life, joy, generational strongholds, and deliverance from any the bondage we pick up along the way in this life.  Such a MIGHTY God we have.  Such mighty love and care of us.

God bless you all,

Mark

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The Three Kingdom Keys

And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.  And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master!  how shall we do?  And he answered, Fear not:  for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.  And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.  And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw:  and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
2 Kings 6:15-17

Ann and I were talking last night after she’d had two migraine headaches in 4 days. I woke up yesterday feeling like I’d had one in my sleep.  We were “feeling” tired and a little mind weary.

We started talking about how neat it will be when we’re finally with the Lord in Heaven.

Next thing I knew, I turned to Ann and the first thing that came out of my mouth was, “Yes, it will certainly be incredible to be in Heaven with Jesus.  But, I want to win back everything (peace, rest, trust in the Lord, joy, all the fruit of the Spirit) the enemy’s stolen from me through my own sin, worry, shame, coveting, unforgiveness, etc., and have overcoming victory while I’m on earth.  And, I want to teach my children that they can do the same in their lives – they really can have the Lord renew their minds so they can live with God’s peace in the secret place of the Most High.  I want to live like Joshua and Caleb.  When I see obstacles (like the giants in the land God asked the Israelites to take), I want to say, “Surely the Lord will give us the victory!”” ☺

Why art thou cast down, O my soul?  And why art thou disquieted in me?  Hope thou in God:  for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
Psalm 42:5

I want to be like David!

A little while ago, I mentioned a Restoration program that Ed, at the church in Junction City, Oregon, we attended while living in Oregon, leads.  One person who went through the program was asked how he was doing several months after completing the program.  They told Ed, “Well, I’m doing okay, I guess.”  Ed dug a little deeper and discovered the man had not been taking thoughts captive but was letting discouraging thoughts linger and steal his peace and trust in the Lord.

Folks, learning to take thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ is so important as we renew our minds in the Lord.  Head off discouraging, defeating, self-pity inducing, and confusing thoughts that get you into a negative rut by taking those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ.

Here are the three most important keys I’ve found to keep my mind in Jesus.

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

As my friend Merlin Carothers says in his great Praise series books, sometimes you have to thank and praise through clinched teeth, but it must be done to live in victory.

(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 5:4-5

Remember, in this passage of scripture, God tells us we can take every thought captive.  Ask for His help to do so.  He’s ever faithful to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

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

Ask the Holy Spirit to keep reminding you that God is working all things together for your good.

I use these three keys, God’s truths, to resist the enemy, to keep dwelling in the house of the Lord.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.
Psalm 23:6

God bless,

Mark

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It’s ALL In The “Doing”

Again, there’s so much I could say about today’s topic.  God is just SO GOOD. ☺

Keep believing dear Christian brothers and sisters.  The reward for doing so is matchless.  See Hebrews 11:6

God allowed circumstances in our lives that made us desperate for His Word.  We’re so grateful He gave us no other way out.

Ann and I were pretty miserable for most of the 13 years we lived in Oregon.  We had people around us who loved us, but we just couldn’t seem to make much headway spiritually until…

We began doing the Word.  We taped scriptures we needed for survival all over the walls of our home.  We quoted them to each other and tried as hard as we could to believe their truths, to “stand” on them.  Little by little, we began to have changes in our hearts, souls and minds.  We had victory over the super-defeating thoughts that plagued us and weighed us down.

That’s why we like to share with others how God honors His Word and how He leads us through things in life that will build our faith and trust in Him.  As a result of learning to depend on His Word, we’re having more peace and rest in our spirits and it’s making a huge difference in our lives.

The Apostle Paul asks his readers to “do” what they’ve heard and seen him do.  What a blessing it is to trust in and obey Jesus.  Trust and obey…That’s the “doing.”

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, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and (because of doing the Word) the God of peace shall be with you.
Philippians 4:6-9

Ann and I would never have come to believe the blessed truth in Romans 8:28 if we’d never made the decision to put God’s Word into practice every day.

One of my all-time favorite Apostle Paul verses –

And we know (“knowing,” truly knowing, is the destination, and God’s reward for believing and doing the Word like the Apostle Paul did) that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28

God bless,

Mark

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Come Out From Among Them And Be Ye Separate

Wow, God is just so wonderful.  Don’t you just love how He’s so faithful, how He keeps performing the work He’s begun in you?

I sat having coffee with my wife this morning.  We sit out on our back patio for a few minutes each morning and watch for shooting stars before having our daily devotionals.  I asked Ann to tell me some more details about how God is speaking to her heart and working in her life.  What she told me was really a blessing and brought such peace to my own heart, mind and soul.

Here’s just one of the things Ann shared that was so soothing…

What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols?  For we are the temple of the living God.  As God has said:  “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people.”  “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord.  Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”  And:  “I will be a Father to you, and you will be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:16-18

We’d love to live away from the city with all of its noise, over-crowded feeling, impatience, busyness, etc.  We think it would be so much more peaceful for us to live on some land “away from it all.”  And, maybe one day, God will take us out of the city.  Only He knows what He has for us.

We can’t come out from among them, physically.  We need to work and live where God has put us.  But, God is taking us out from among them right in the midst of them.  He’s putting His life in us.  He’s calming us down, giving us peace and creating His new life in us right where we are.  That’s amazing.  He’s teaching us His deep, abiding peace, rest, joy, self-control, gentleness, meekness, humility, faith, and love right where we are.

Yes, the world is full of chaos, pride, idolatry, anxiety, worry, confusion, and questions for tomorrow.  It’s living with man’s ways.  But, for anyone who will ask Jesus to change them, to ask Him to do a mighty spiritual work in their life, to help them to believe and to not fear, to have their storms stilled, He will change them and bring them His life, His healing, restorative ways, right where they are.  That’s powerful.  That’s our loving Heavenly Father.

Be still (Mark and Ann, put your own name here) and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10a

And let the peace of God rule in your heart (Mark and Ann)…
Colossians 3:15a

At times, we really feel like we’re living in the rat race.  But, God’s taking the rat race out of us and replacing it with Him, right here and now.  Thank you, Jesus.

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you (Mark and Ann, your own name here) will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6

And they (Mark and Ann, your name) will be My people. ☺

What wondrous love is this…

God bless,

Mark

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Praise Reminder

I was thinking about a situation in bed this morning, and began to take on some “care.”  Easy to get tricked into taking on “care.” ☺

That’s when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart telling me to thank and praise Him for the situation.  Wow, it removed the care from me and gave me peace.  Thanking and praising God in all things can really disarm fear and care.

God is so good. ☺

I will praise the Lord no matter what happens.  I will constantly speak of his glories and grace.  I will boast of all his kindness to me.  Let all who are discouraged take heart.  Let us praise the Lord together and exalt his name.
Psalm 34:1-3 The Living Bible (TLB)

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

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:7

God bless,

Mark

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Psalm 23

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalm 23

God bless you all,

Mark

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God’s Precious Care And Peace

I was a “Martha,” always worried about so many things, until I began to let Jesus in so He could change my heart and life.  Since then, He’s been showing me the amazing realization and blessing of what it’s like to be like “Mary.”  Luke 10:38-42

The size or severity of our circumstances don’t really matter.  What matters is that God Almighty is always with us.

I don’t know what situation you’re facing today, but I know you’re not alone if you’re a Christian.  God tells us we can be strong in Him and that He’s promised to never leave us nor forsake us, never…Deuteronomy 31:6

22 The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.  23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.  24 Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Philippian Jailer Converted

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken.  And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.  27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.  28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.”  29 And the jailer[e] called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas.  30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.  33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.  34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them.  And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Acts 16:22-34

The precious passage of scripture is just one of the many that remind me that God is in control, knows what He’s doing and that He is always working all things for my good.  Ask Jesus to make Romans 8:28 a reality in your heart and soul – “And we know“.  When you know, you believe Romans 8:28, and you have such peace and assurance of God’s care for you – no matter what.

God bless you, dear people, loved of God, as you let the peace of God reign in your heart.

Mark

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Enjoy The Journey…

The more I trust and obey Him, the more I enjoy the journey with my Jesus.  It’s like He’s bringing more and more of Heaven into my life and it’s making all the difference in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

Nothing like walking through life with my hand in His.

God bless,

Mark

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The “Cost” Of Following God?

It’ll cost us everything not to follow God.

As anyone who’s ever tried will tell us, following God with everything you’ve got will tear “the flesh” right out of you – That’s exactly what God has in mind for His children.  What a matchless, powerful, life-transforming deal is ours when we decide to follow Jesus with our whole heart.  Learning to live with God in His high, Heavenly places will set us so free.

The enemy tries to trick us into thinking that following God will cost us everything.

Well, in a way he’s right.  If you follow God, you’ll have to give up the flesh:

Now the works of the flesh are evident:  sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.  I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21

On the other hand, by following God, you will get everything God has for you, and in John 15:5 and Philippians 1:6, Jesus tells us He’ll help us follow Him.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-25

Following Jesus, Who is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6), will bring us into His marvelous light by saving us from the destructive works of the flesh.

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness (life in the flesh) into his marvelous light (life in the Spirit).
1 Peter 2:9

There’s no place like the dwelling place of the Most High…☺

God bless,

Mark

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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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

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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

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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

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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