There is no substitute for the protection of God. "He will give his angels charge over you to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands lest you dash your foot against a stone" (Psalm 91:11/12). We witnessed this protective power on our recent weekend trip to Iowa.
It was about 4 am as I drove up I380 outside of Cedar Rapids when I noticed the oncoming car. In all my years of driving, I had never seen someone coming right at me going the wrong way on the interstate. As we passed each other going 70mph, the Lord kept us safe. I was thankful to be alive only to witness a second miracle of protection the next day.
The following evening we were returning home from our nearly one thousand mile trip when our vehicle began to vibrate. It grew worse as we approached our home town. We prayed that the Lord would get us safely through the road construction and up to the truck stop where we could get help. Just as we drove off the exit ramp, our back left wheel came off and we skidded to a stop in front of the truck stop. No one was hurt, and we were close enough to get help.
Sometimes the purpose of things is not immediately evident, but when the Lord rescues us from danger, other things seem to be less important. I started these days with a grateful heart, and my appreciation for the salvation of God only grows. If the Lord chooses to show me why these things happen, then so be it. But if he hides his purposes, I am still thankful to be alive today!
Blessings,
Mark
Monday, October 29, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Providential Appointments in Seattle
Wow! I am still reeling from the string of Divine Appointments that I had in Seattle a few weeks ago. It was an amazing reminder of the supernatural life we live in Christ.
The Lord had spoken to me while I was on an airplane in June to go to Seattle in September. Since I had no real contacts in the area except for a brother-in-law who lives about two hours north, it seemed like an unusual instruction. By early September, I still had not purchased a ticket and was praying for specific confirmation. That is when the Lord intervened.
My wife and I had prayed specifically that God would supernaturally confirm the trip plans on a Tuesday night. The next day, a man who was visiting from Seattle showed up in a Bible Study we lead in Indiana. God had sent him to show me that there was spiritual hunger in Seattle, and he was proof of an open door for ministry. I booked my airplane ticket by faith later that day.
Several weeks later, I was at a Missions Conference in Eau Claire Wisconsin and mentioned to friends that I was heading to Seattle by faith over the coming weekend in obedience to the Lord. One brother about fell out of his chair as he told me that he had been working with some Ukrainian brothers in Seattle who he really wanted to help. He called them and introduced me by phone and they immediately invited me to preach that Sunday.
When I arrived at the Seattle airport a few days later on September 29, I had no idea that these Ukrainian brothers would welcome me into their homes and entire community. I was given the opportunity to preach to thousands of Ukrainian immigrants in six different Slavic church services over the next few days with consistent and powerful visitations of the Holy Spirit. It was like being overseas on a missions trip complete with a translator without leaving the USA.
I thank the Lord that he connected me with these precious Ukrainian Christian brothers. I believe this supernatural encounter is just the beginning of many good days of working with them here and abroad to fulfill the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The Lord reminded me that our journey by faith is a supernatural one, as "he orders the steps of the righteous". I also really appreciate the faithfulness of God to confirm his Word with signs and wonders just as He promised (see Mark 16:15-19).
Blessings,
Mark
The Lord had spoken to me while I was on an airplane in June to go to Seattle in September. Since I had no real contacts in the area except for a brother-in-law who lives about two hours north, it seemed like an unusual instruction. By early September, I still had not purchased a ticket and was praying for specific confirmation. That is when the Lord intervened.
My wife and I had prayed specifically that God would supernaturally confirm the trip plans on a Tuesday night. The next day, a man who was visiting from Seattle showed up in a Bible Study we lead in Indiana. God had sent him to show me that there was spiritual hunger in Seattle, and he was proof of an open door for ministry. I booked my airplane ticket by faith later that day.
Several weeks later, I was at a Missions Conference in Eau Claire Wisconsin and mentioned to friends that I was heading to Seattle by faith over the coming weekend in obedience to the Lord. One brother about fell out of his chair as he told me that he had been working with some Ukrainian brothers in Seattle who he really wanted to help. He called them and introduced me by phone and they immediately invited me to preach that Sunday.
When I arrived at the Seattle airport a few days later on September 29, I had no idea that these Ukrainian brothers would welcome me into their homes and entire community. I was given the opportunity to preach to thousands of Ukrainian immigrants in six different Slavic church services over the next few days with consistent and powerful visitations of the Holy Spirit. It was like being overseas on a missions trip complete with a translator without leaving the USA.
I thank the Lord that he connected me with these precious Ukrainian Christian brothers. I believe this supernatural encounter is just the beginning of many good days of working with them here and abroad to fulfill the gospel of the Kingdom of God. The Lord reminded me that our journey by faith is a supernatural one, as "he orders the steps of the righteous". I also really appreciate the faithfulness of God to confirm his Word with signs and wonders just as He promised (see Mark 16:15-19).
Blessings,
Mark
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