I could hear geese honking above the dense Oregon fog…Immediately, God said, "I'm going to teach you to hear My voice." Little did I know how much I needed Jesus.
So come on, let’s go…
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
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
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
Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Ephesians 5:20
16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Annie and I acted just like the world, like unsaved people whenever things went against us. We definitely were not living Romans 8:28, Ephesians 5:20 or 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 even though we knew those scriptures. If things didn’t go our way or turn out the way we thought they should or how we wanted them to, we were mad, upset, frustrated, fearful, etc. But God was faithful and stepped into our lives to change all that in His time, line upon line (Isaiah 28:10).
Praise and thank God in all things. Living that way is a whole new Life. It can change you in ways that are so wonderful and refreshing. We’re still getting used to living this courageous, fun, joyous, and restful new way. We are so thankful to God that He is working in our lives every day to complete the good work He’s begun in us (Philippians 1:6), that He’s given us ears (Mark 4:23) to hear Him and His truths that set us free indeed. Hallelujah!
God knows exactly what we need each day. And He’s promised He’ll work it for our good if we’ll follow His lead to trust that He is able to do so. Life doesn’t get any better than that.
The angels who visited the shepherds in those fields thousands of years ago were so excited to bring mankind the Good News of a Savior being born to them. A Savior Whose Life could impact them in such a way that they could learn to live life ABOVE. Praise and thank God today every moment and make it a habit. You will be changed inside out. It is what the Good News, the Gospel, is all about.
John 16:33 tells us Jesus has overcome this world. He can show you how to overcome your world by changing you in the midst of your world. Let Him teach you how to live ABOVE it all, now, in this life.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
I remember as a child being in a huge church in Hollywood when the Spirit of repentance filled the place. People were crying out to God and repenting of sin in their lives. It was amazing.
It doesn’t matter what sin we may have committed nor what sin we may be involved in now. God is sending repentance and revival (refreshing) to the lives of so many.
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Acts 3:19
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
1 Peter 1:16
Holy isn’t just a good thing, it’s the best thing. Why does God want us to be holy? Because He loves us (actually, He loves us more than we love ourselves) enough to make us free indeed. This is what holiness accomplishes in a person. And that person keeps getting more and more free in all areas of their life.
The Bible says the wages of sin is death. God is bringing His Life back to the church by bringing the Spirit of repentance to those who are His.
28 Come unto me (Jesus), all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30
I don’t know what you may be hanging onto that is sin in your life (all anyone needs to do is ask the Father to point out any sin in their life so they can be free from its destructive impact), but I do know that God wants you free from the chains of that sin. It’s what He’s doing in our lives and it is wonderfully liberating. Truly, His yoke is easy and His burden light.
Sin – missing the mark – has had its day in the church. Too many have not had the times of refreshing God wants for them. As they turn from sin, they will enjoy a new freedom and breakthrough in Holy Spirit they have not known. Pretty fun.
Holiness and righteousness are so fun, wonderful and freeing. The more I follow Jesus, the more freedom I’m having and the more of Him I’m living in and Life is so much more light, peaceful, joyful, restful, etc.
Repentance is making a comeback and that is so exciting. For too long, Satan has had his way with the church. Times of refreshing could not come into the lives of so many. But God is changing all that in so many ways. Hallelujah! Repentance is coming and times of refreshing will bring a joy the church has not known for so long. Praise God! Thank You, Jesus!
So rise and shine, and give God the glory, glory.
Rise and shine, and give God the glory, glory.
Rise and shine, and give God the glory, glory,
children of the Lord.
The Spirit of repentance is so sweet. Jesus is rescuing His bride. Hallelujah!
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
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
Woke up feeling pretty anxious this morning. Started praising and thanking God. Went out to put the coffee on and thought, “Why do I act like there are two possibilities for how I can feel and think right now? Why not just serve God? Forget any negative thoughts the way I’m feeling might entice me to think. I can have victory right now in my thought life.” So, I did. I had victory over my feelings and anxiety by thinking God thoughts like those spelled out in the powerful scriptures He gave us in Oregon.
Don’t take just any thought, folks. Test the spirit behind each thought and if a thought doesn’t line up with Who Jesus is, reject it and take a Jesus thought instead. He paid for you and me to live ABOVE this world and its circumstances. Don’t whine and complain, rejoice. Jesus is with us and we have the right/privilege to have His thoughts control our day.
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil (defeating thoughts).
2 Thessalonians 3:3
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
1 John 4:4b
So come on, let’s go!
I love you all, and Jesus will give each of us His victory through faith in Him. Believe and have an overcoming day in Jesus.
Serve only God in your thought life. Doing so will heal you and make you strong.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
I’m not being dramatic here…
Pastor Bevere is right on in his talk. Please listen to this very important video. It could literally mean the difference between Heaven and Hell.
I love you all.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
So rise and shine, and give God the glory, glory.
Rise and shine, and give God the glory, glory.
Rise and shine, and give God the glory, glory,
children of the Lord.
Amen? Amen!
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
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.
Philippians 4:8
Wonderful Words Of Life
Christian Hymn By Philip Bliss
1 Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life;
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.
Refrain:
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.
2 Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven. [Refrain]
3 Sweetly echo the gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
Sanctify forever. [Refrain]
I was listening to this beautiful Christian hymn over and over on youtube the other day after the harder migraine. It was so healing and relaxing – really ministered to me. Next thing I knew, God gave me the answer to something I’d been trying to figure out. God is so awesome.
In Heaven, there will only be wonderful words of Life.
Jesus – The Wonderful Word of Life.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
James 1:2-4
The joy is in knowing that Jesus is with you, that He’ll never leave you nor forsake you, and that He has the power (that is true power) – and, in fact He is working all things together – to work all things together for your good.
And, there’s more…
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
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2
Some think this verse points out an alternative lifestyle. The intent of this verse is to set us free from this world and its ways. Those who take up the command will have their lives changed in ways they’ve never known before. They will experience Christ living in them.
Had a harder migraine attack just after midnight Tuesday morning. Still reeling from it. The migraines are so difficult to live with. That’s why I’m so thankful I have the opportunity to become like Jesus, to know Him through the Word. It’s how He gives me the power to live ABOVE the migraines and other challenges in life. Praise God!
When I think of all that Jesus has done for me, I am so thankful. Who would not want the opportunity to become like Jesus? Well, according to the Bible, those who love the darkness more than the Light, more than Jesus. What a contrast…Light and darkness.
Choose Jesus, choose The Light. Trade in your old self for the opportunity to become like Jesus in all your ways. Or choose the darkness and perish by continuing to live in the world’s ways.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
Always. ☺
And always remember Romans 8:28. God works all things – all things – together for the good of those who love Him. Amazing and exciting.
Look up. Always.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide (rest) under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalm 91: 1-2
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
I was walking into the kitchen this morning (4-21-23) and suddenly had the thought that I love it when the Holy Spirit shows me I’ve been living in doublemindedness (some faith/some fear). Don’t you love those ah-ha moments? It’s so fun to be made aware of it and then to shake it off as you run back into the presence of God, free from fear, wrong thinking, worry, pride, jealousy, offense, love of money, unforgiveness, anger, etc. God is so good. I’m so thankful for His everlasting faithfulness, love and watchful attention to my heart and mind. What joy it is to be a child of the Most High Love there is.
Nothing like feeling at home in His beautiful, liberating Presence.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
Romans 11:33
God is so awesome. How awesome? I don’t think I’ll ever find out everything about Him. How fun is that? Never-ending awesome…
I love adventure. It’s one reason I like going off roading and exploring new areas with Annie – Annie was always outside hiking and playing as well. As a kid, I wanted to look into so many things and to find out how fun, interesting, and exciting something was. I was always outside getting into this and that, always curious. It is so fun to think that God is past finding out. I’ll never reach the end of discovering how deep, high, far or wide He is. And to think that God is Love. Fun to let that sink in…
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly (carefully), not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15-17
and so that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
1 Corinthians 7:35b
Distractions are such a waste of our time here on earth.
This video really spoke to Annie and me. God continues to speak to us through it every day.
I used to pray and ask God to show me where I’m deceived. This video reminded me to begin asking God how I’m distracted. He continues to show me and it is incredible. The enemy will use anything (the past, migraines, CPTSD, shame, jealousy, unforgiveness, family issues, you name it) he can to distract us from the things of God. Ask God to show you how you’re distracted. It’s a real eye-opener. I hope you’ll watch the 14-minute message time of this video by Perry Stone.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
If you love God, you can count on Romans 8:28 to keep you. It’s that simple. We merely need to remember that scripture. It has the tendency to lift us ABOVE our circumstances. Praise God.
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
This precious verse always brings me back to the secret dwelling place of the Most High – Psalm 91:1.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
When our faith or trust in God is challenged, God reminds Annie and me that the trial will serve to strengthen our faith in Him. Amazing. What a different and victorious way to look at trials. Keeping our eyes on the outcome is such a resting and glorious way to live.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust (pressure or desire) of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Galatians 5:16-17 KJV
As we know, the flesh and the Spirit are opposed to each other – are they ever. The flesh will try to keep us weighed down and defeated by living in the world’s ways and the Spirit will keep encouraging us to live free by applying His ways (His Word) to our lives.
Living according to the desires and dictates of the flesh will keep us from the victory in Jesus God has for our lives. We must learn to silence our flesh and to listen to the Spirit in order to renew our minds to the Word of God. This is the only way we will learn to live free in Jesus.
We had a really difficult time trusting in and finding out how wonderful God was when we were living by the flesh (not trusting God and how that harmed us) one day and then living by the Spirit (doing God’s Word and witnessing it working) the next. It was a sea saw existence at best. Only when Annie and I decided to try to live by the Spirit all the time did we begin to see breakthroughs in our Christian lives. Sure, we had asked Jesus into our lives and to save us from an eternity in Hell apart from God, but we did not begin to live in spiritual victory in our daily lives until we applied God’s Word to our every circumstance. Do we still get knocked down spiritually from time to time? Yes, but God was so loving and faithful to remind us that He will always have a new insight and victory for us if we’ll keep our eyes off the spiritual attack or failure and remember that He has something new for us to enjoy in Jesus if we’ll keep marching through any trials. What an important blessing knowing that is.
So come on, let’s go. ☺☺
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
…And the more I know Him, the more I trust Him. Mmmm. This is Life.
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2
It doesn’t go well for me when I take my eyes off Jesus and get them onto this world. As a Christian, I’m commanded in God’s Word to be transforming my mind to His Word so I can become more like Jesus in all my ways. This is where the power of God takes over in my life to bring me His Life.
As Christians, we’re Not Of This World, right? If that’s true, if the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the great light that shone in the darkness thousands of years ago, and if the Gospel is good news, why do we act like we’re of this world? The devil is distracting us by doing everything he can to make us believe his lies and deception to make sure we don’t live in the freedom Christ died to give us in this life, here and now. Sorrow and mourning are supposed to be fleeing away in the Life of the believer…
Being a Christian is all about letting Jesus live in you. No matter the storm, Jesus has always had peace for us. He has always had the power to calm any storm if we’ll learn to let Him.
Don’t let this world distract you from the gladness and joy you can have in Jesus. Don’t let this world shepherd you. Jesus is our shepherd. The Prince of Peace is our Savior and God.
Hallelujah!
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, (learn to do this and you’ll never be the same)
Colossians 3:15a
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
Save Me, O My God
A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.
1 O Lord, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selah
3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah
5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.
7 Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.
8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people! Selah
Psalm 3
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.
Below is an excellent 1-minute video by Joyce Meyer. I love how God – through Joyce’s short message – tells us to go through.
It takes a lot of courage to live with potentially overwhelming circumstances like chronic hemiplegic migraines, CPTSD, and all the other challenges I have and still face. The fear that kicks up my flesh and makes me want to give up has been right on my heels much of the time. I’m sure it’s the reason God gave me a very convincing vision many years ago that told me I have to believe Romans 8:28. Doing so was going to make me believe, trust and rest in Him. What a gift that vision was and is.
But God.
God has been with me all the way (and with you, too) encouraging me to know His Word and to apply it to my life every day. He promises to do the same for anyone. Only be thou strong and courageous no matter how weak you may feel. At all times, strong or weak, Jesus is our strength. We can simply choose to trust and rest in Him and to praise and thank Him in all things. What an encouragement those words are.
I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. (Taken from Psalm 23)
Onward Christian soldiers…Amen? Amen!
Thanking and praising God in all things,
Mark
Note: While we may not agree with everything a particular church or Christian group teaches or believes, there are times when we can be blessed by something outside the realm of our current understanding of God.