When we are challenged by our circumstances, we need to draw from the well within us with overcoming faith. For those who know the Christ within, there is an unending supply of all that is needed.
Overcoming faith rests in the relational knowledge that God lives on the inside of every true Christian. The Christ in us makes us his, and if we are his, there is enough to overcome.
The Christ in us will not starve. He will not remain poor. He will not do without. The Christ in us will lead us to all truth. He will lead us to the solution for he is the solution. He will lead us to provision for he is the provision.
Overcoming faith draws from the Christ within. We believe, therefore we shall overcome. We will not be destroyed. We will not perish. We will not die.
Let us draw today from him who is inside of every true believer. Let peace flow; for he truly knows those who are his.
He said, "I will not leave you as orphans". We have One living within us who is our Father, our source, our caretaker, our comforter, our peace, our all in all.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Through the waters
After a week in central Florida again and watching it rain for five days straight, I am sure there were plenty of folks that wanted a life jacket or a promise.
Since I had no life jacket, the promise came to my mind, "though you pass through the waters, they will not overflow you. Though you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned". With over 30 inches of rain in the Melbourne area, I was glad to remember that promise from the Word of God.
In life we pass through many difficult circumstances. Our hope rests with the One who promises to see us through. I am sure a lot of people would be happy to hear some good news like this right about now. "You shall pass through".
God knows what He is talking about. He took millions of Jews through the Red Sea as they were being pursued by a murderous dictator. The Jews made it through on dry land, and so can you.
God never changes. Look to the one today who carries you through. Expect to pass through these difficult days. He will lead you through!
Mark
Since I had no life jacket, the promise came to my mind, "though you pass through the waters, they will not overflow you. Though you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned". With over 30 inches of rain in the Melbourne area, I was glad to remember that promise from the Word of God.
In life we pass through many difficult circumstances. Our hope rests with the One who promises to see us through. I am sure a lot of people would be happy to hear some good news like this right about now. "You shall pass through".
God knows what He is talking about. He took millions of Jews through the Red Sea as they were being pursued by a murderous dictator. The Jews made it through on dry land, and so can you.
God never changes. Look to the one today who carries you through. Expect to pass through these difficult days. He will lead you through!
Mark
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Faith Busters
If you hang around the past, you might be hard pressed to smile about the future. As a matter of fact, dwelling in the past can be a faith buster!
The past happened and the old us was there. Today, we have the choice to be the new and improved version of what God is making in us. And believe me, it is a choice.
We have to believe that God will finish what He started. You and I are unfinished work in our eyes, but finished products in the eyes of God. He sees the end from the beginning, and fashions every detail in our life into a perfect finished creation.
We can smile about the future because we know God. We know He has prepared a place for all that love Him. We can also anticipate a completion of all the unfinished things that make up our lives. We can smile because we know that "He who began a good work in you with will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
Your fellow "piece of work"
Mark
The past happened and the old us was there. Today, we have the choice to be the new and improved version of what God is making in us. And believe me, it is a choice.
We have to believe that God will finish what He started. You and I are unfinished work in our eyes, but finished products in the eyes of God. He sees the end from the beginning, and fashions every detail in our life into a perfect finished creation.
We can smile about the future because we know God. We know He has prepared a place for all that love Him. We can also anticipate a completion of all the unfinished things that make up our lives. We can smile because we know that "He who began a good work in you with will be faithful to complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
Your fellow "piece of work"
Mark
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Oops!
I goofed, and you probably did too. Sorry!
Several things in life are certain, and mistakes are on the short list.
Having said that, human error underscores the need for grace, kindness, and understanding.
We were all born with flaws and frailties, and mistakes are a natural extension of the nature we were born with. Perhaps when we grasp the natural tendency to goof, we will lighten up on people and even ourselves.
Sometimes we are so hard on everyone because we like perfection, but perfection is only in Christ and in heaven. The sooner we get over our perfectionist attitudes, the sooner we will be tolerable to the world and ourselves.
The amazing thing about mistakes is that God saw them coming and made a provision for them in Christ. He actually wraps human error into the very fabric of his new creation so that everything eventually works out for good to all that love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). He is like an artist that can use ugly shapes or colors to create a beautiful painting.
It is time to get over it. Say I'm sorry, smile, and go on!
Several things in life are certain, and mistakes are on the short list.
Having said that, human error underscores the need for grace, kindness, and understanding.
We were all born with flaws and frailties, and mistakes are a natural extension of the nature we were born with. Perhaps when we grasp the natural tendency to goof, we will lighten up on people and even ourselves.
Sometimes we are so hard on everyone because we like perfection, but perfection is only in Christ and in heaven. The sooner we get over our perfectionist attitudes, the sooner we will be tolerable to the world and ourselves.
The amazing thing about mistakes is that God saw them coming and made a provision for them in Christ. He actually wraps human error into the very fabric of his new creation so that everything eventually works out for good to all that love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28). He is like an artist that can use ugly shapes or colors to create a beautiful painting.
It is time to get over it. Say I'm sorry, smile, and go on!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Nudges
Have you been nudged lately?
That still small voice inside. Speaking beyond you. God is leading if you are His.
The Holy Spirit is our inheritance, the God inside who leads us into all truth. He is our deposit from heaven, the reminder that there is far more beyond the here and now. He is our portion, the promised One for those who are near and those who are far off. He is the One who reveals the Christ and keeps us from sin.
The nudge is the gift from the gift. He is the gift, so he speaks softly to lead you on the path of light. Be aware, be sensitive, and tune in to the Guide, the living God on the inside of you.
God's greatest gift is that He gives himself to us. Freely receive, and cherish the speaking One who nudges you to live and move and find your life in Him.
Mark
That still small voice inside. Speaking beyond you. God is leading if you are His.
The Holy Spirit is our inheritance, the God inside who leads us into all truth. He is our deposit from heaven, the reminder that there is far more beyond the here and now. He is our portion, the promised One for those who are near and those who are far off. He is the One who reveals the Christ and keeps us from sin.
The nudge is the gift from the gift. He is the gift, so he speaks softly to lead you on the path of light. Be aware, be sensitive, and tune in to the Guide, the living God on the inside of you.
God's greatest gift is that He gives himself to us. Freely receive, and cherish the speaking One who nudges you to live and move and find your life in Him.
Mark
Monday, July 21, 2008
Last Fling to Die for
Normally when I think of a last fling, it is the end of summer or time to go back to work. But today I was thinking about being dead.
No I am not being morbid, but I was just considering the fact that some trip will be our last.
Are you traveling with the focus and enthusiasm of a final flinger? Or are you assuming that there will be another day to travel? Many have taken a journey that ended up at the end, of which some were ready and some were not.
I am not sure that anyone is ever totally ready for the final journey, but the Lord Jesus wants us to be so close to him that the transition to eternity will be easy. Maybe we need to think about our travel today in light of eternity. It might effect the way go.
Mark
No I am not being morbid, but I was just considering the fact that some trip will be our last.
Are you traveling with the focus and enthusiasm of a final flinger? Or are you assuming that there will be another day to travel? Many have taken a journey that ended up at the end, of which some were ready and some were not.
I am not sure that anyone is ever totally ready for the final journey, but the Lord Jesus wants us to be so close to him that the transition to eternity will be easy. Maybe we need to think about our travel today in light of eternity. It might effect the way go.
Mark
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Don't Worry
It is easy to worry, but it never helps. I promise.
Worry comes from unbelief or misdirected focus. We can either forget the true nature of God or forget to keep our eyes on him. Either thing will make us worry or fearful.
When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of his great love for us. And every Bible story I have read tells me that he is not only able to help us, but he is ALWAYS willing to help us.
So, perhaps there is a situation that needs attention in your life. Paul wrote,"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God" (Philippians 4:6). Seems like good counsel. And the peace of God will always follow a believing heart that rests in faith.
Refuse to worry. Refuse to be anxious. Refuse to doubt. And the peace of God will keep you today.
Worry comes from unbelief or misdirected focus. We can either forget the true nature of God or forget to keep our eyes on him. Either thing will make us worry or fearful.
When we fix our eyes on Jesus, we are reminded of his great love for us. And every Bible story I have read tells me that he is not only able to help us, but he is ALWAYS willing to help us.
So, perhaps there is a situation that needs attention in your life. Paul wrote,"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made to God" (Philippians 4:6). Seems like good counsel. And the peace of God will always follow a believing heart that rests in faith.
Refuse to worry. Refuse to be anxious. Refuse to doubt. And the peace of God will keep you today.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Slippery Slope
I remember wrecking my first motorcycle. Vividly.
I must have been about 14 when I tried to take a corner too fast and didn't see the loose gravel. I carried the bike home in pieces.
Sin is like loose gravel. When we think we don't have to worry about it, we quickly start to slide out and usually become a casualty.
Sin is also like a slippery slope because it tends to lead us downward. It rarely starts at the bottom, but often we end up there simply because we were overconfident. "Pride goes before a fall".
Humility acknowledges that we are all vulnerable. It will also help us stay upright. And best of all, "Unto Him (Christ) who is able to keep us from falling".... Jesus will keep us if we will stay humble. Let your confidence be in Christ today, and not in yourself.
Mark
I must have been about 14 when I tried to take a corner too fast and didn't see the loose gravel. I carried the bike home in pieces.
Sin is like loose gravel. When we think we don't have to worry about it, we quickly start to slide out and usually become a casualty.
Sin is also like a slippery slope because it tends to lead us downward. It rarely starts at the bottom, but often we end up there simply because we were overconfident. "Pride goes before a fall".
Humility acknowledges that we are all vulnerable. It will also help us stay upright. And best of all, "Unto Him (Christ) who is able to keep us from falling".... Jesus will keep us if we will stay humble. Let your confidence be in Christ today, and not in yourself.
Mark
Monday, July 7, 2008
Living in the Now
Today is a good travelers day. It is a day to enjoy the now and find life all around us. As a matter of fact, any attempt to live in tomorrow or keep bringing up yesterday just spoils the trip for us.
Too much gazing in the rear view mirror can be lethal. At the same time, it can be really tempting to focus on what is down the road, but it will cause us to miss the immediate scenery. Even worse, the long gaze to the horizon can make us crash into the things or people that are right in front of us. Oops!
Paul said to press on to the prize of the high calling in Christ and forget what lies behind. The trick is to be where we are and live in the present knowing we have a certain destination. For those in Christ, our destination is sure. We may as well find salvation in the now and trust that tomorrow is secure.
My thought for today is this: ride easy friend, and enjoy the scenery called life.
Mark
Too much gazing in the rear view mirror can be lethal. At the same time, it can be really tempting to focus on what is down the road, but it will cause us to miss the immediate scenery. Even worse, the long gaze to the horizon can make us crash into the things or people that are right in front of us. Oops!
Paul said to press on to the prize of the high calling in Christ and forget what lies behind. The trick is to be where we are and live in the present knowing we have a certain destination. For those in Christ, our destination is sure. We may as well find salvation in the now and trust that tomorrow is secure.
My thought for today is this: ride easy friend, and enjoy the scenery called life.
Mark
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Traveler's Guide: Stretching Out
Wow. I can't believe it has been so long since I wrote, but I was fishing! Anyway, we have lots of great new stuff in the works. Things that will move you and help you. Wait 'till you see the companion blogs with all the helpful links, spiritual insights, and some very useful travel tips.
I have created "Travelers friend" and "Mission Tips" as blogs for some of our adventurous friends on the road, the high seas, in the air, and in the flow of the Spirit. You will love these sites, so get ready and watch us go and grow as we load you up for the journey!
Mark
I have created "Travelers friend" and "Mission Tips" as blogs for some of our adventurous friends on the road, the high seas, in the air, and in the flow of the Spirit. You will love these sites, so get ready and watch us go and grow as we load you up for the journey!
Mark
Monday, June 2, 2008
Tornado town
When the wind is whipping, sometimes it reminds us that life is fragile. We saw that here in Indianapolis this weekend as hundreds were displaced by a tornado on Friday.
Life is not only fragile, it is passing away. All the present things will vanish, but our relationship with the Lord Jesus is the one thing that will truly last.
Perhaps you don't understand. Read "A Traveler's Guide to the Spirit Realm" and it will all start to make sense to you.
It is not too late to make a change. If you are still here, you don't need to be blown away by a surprise unhappy ending to your life. Check out the sure way, at www.markvandeman.com
Mark
Life is not only fragile, it is passing away. All the present things will vanish, but our relationship with the Lord Jesus is the one thing that will truly last.
Perhaps you don't understand. Read "A Traveler's Guide to the Spirit Realm" and it will all start to make sense to you.
It is not too late to make a change. If you are still here, you don't need to be blown away by a surprise unhappy ending to your life. Check out the sure way, at www.markvandeman.com
Mark
Heir slave
As long as an heir is still a child, he or she is no more than a slave. Isn't it amazing that even though we could own it all, our childish ways keep us living like slaves.
There is an inheritance that is available for every mature person in Christ. The challenge is to put away childish things, immature behavior, and self seeking ambition in order that Christ may be fully formed in us. His life is our life, but we have to grow up into Him in order to possess the things that He freely gives us.
Maturity has it's benefits, and for the mature Christian, he or she can access all things as the rightful heir of Christ. This is the message Paul shared with his friends in Galatians 4:1, so put away childish thinking and enter into your rightful portion today!
Mark
There is an inheritance that is available for every mature person in Christ. The challenge is to put away childish things, immature behavior, and self seeking ambition in order that Christ may be fully formed in us. His life is our life, but we have to grow up into Him in order to possess the things that He freely gives us.
Maturity has it's benefits, and for the mature Christian, he or she can access all things as the rightful heir of Christ. This is the message Paul shared with his friends in Galatians 4:1, so put away childish thinking and enter into your rightful portion today!
Mark
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Mystic 3
This is the third, and in the 3 there is much to learn about Thee and me.
Mark
www.markvandeman.com
Mark
www.markvandeman.com
Africa, No Problem
After returning from another trip to Africa, I am reminded of the African saying "No problem". What this seems to mean to some who use it in Africa, is that your situation is not their problem, while it may still be a big problem for you or me.
How often we fall into the trap of not really caring for others, so we say "no problem". This often means that someone else who struggles is on their own because we are not going to let "their problem" become "our problem". Here is the news flash in this; we are never so isolated that someone else's hurt doesn't eventually effect us. Like the pebble in the pond, a ripple is coming our way.
Globally we hurt because others hurt. The Bible tells us that when one part of the Body suffers, all suffer. When one part rejoices we all rejoice. We are connected whether we like it or not. The problems on the other side of the globe effect us, which is why we are seeing such upheaval in our economies,our politics, our families, and our communities. It is a global community, and only a global God can help us. His name is Jesus, and He is the hope of the world.
My desire today is that we will awake to the pains of the world while we pray and work for the salvation of men and women everywhere. Christ is the only hope. There will be no peace without the Prince of Peace setting up his throne in the hearts of all people. Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly into our lives!
Mark Van Deman
www.markvandeman.com
How often we fall into the trap of not really caring for others, so we say "no problem". This often means that someone else who struggles is on their own because we are not going to let "their problem" become "our problem". Here is the news flash in this; we are never so isolated that someone else's hurt doesn't eventually effect us. Like the pebble in the pond, a ripple is coming our way.
Globally we hurt because others hurt. The Bible tells us that when one part of the Body suffers, all suffer. When one part rejoices we all rejoice. We are connected whether we like it or not. The problems on the other side of the globe effect us, which is why we are seeing such upheaval in our economies,our politics, our families, and our communities. It is a global community, and only a global God can help us. His name is Jesus, and He is the hope of the world.
My desire today is that we will awake to the pains of the world while we pray and work for the salvation of men and women everywhere. Christ is the only hope. There will be no peace without the Prince of Peace setting up his throne in the hearts of all people. Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly into our lives!
Mark Van Deman
www.markvandeman.com
Saturday, April 26, 2008
pebbles
It only took me two minutes to realize I had something stuck down there. My workout routine includes some time on the eliptical machine, but my stride was painful as I kept feeling this discomfort on my left heel. When I took my shoe off, I found a little pebble that was the culprit. My gym shoes stay in the bag when I am not at the gym, so how did this rascal sneak into my stuff and disrupt my stride? Well, I really don't know the answer, but I know enough to stop running when every step hurts.
Pain can be a warning to us that something needs to be adjusted. I thought of all the times I needed to make adjustments in my life. Usually there was some accompanying discomfort that triggered the needed changes. The Lord prods us sometimes to make changes by making our lives less than comfortable. Sometimes it is as easy as removing the pebble of sin or worldliness from our lives that brings a needed change. Sometimes we need to just stop and fix that little thing which hurts us.
The Bible says that it is the little foxes which spoil the vineyard. I think that means we need to attend to the little nuisances in our lives so the end is better than the beginning. We know which nuisances to fix, and we know which heel is hurting. We know how to lay aside the little sins that so easily beset us.
Let us adjust our stride today and remove the pebbles from our shoes so we can run toward our destiny in God. Let no little fox ruin your vineyard, and let no pebble cause you to stumble in your walk of holiness before the Lord.
Mark
Pain can be a warning to us that something needs to be adjusted. I thought of all the times I needed to make adjustments in my life. Usually there was some accompanying discomfort that triggered the needed changes. The Lord prods us sometimes to make changes by making our lives less than comfortable. Sometimes it is as easy as removing the pebble of sin or worldliness from our lives that brings a needed change. Sometimes we need to just stop and fix that little thing which hurts us.
The Bible says that it is the little foxes which spoil the vineyard. I think that means we need to attend to the little nuisances in our lives so the end is better than the beginning. We know which nuisances to fix, and we know which heel is hurting. We know how to lay aside the little sins that so easily beset us.
Let us adjust our stride today and remove the pebbles from our shoes so we can run toward our destiny in God. Let no little fox ruin your vineyard, and let no pebble cause you to stumble in your walk of holiness before the Lord.
Mark
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Bubbles and balloons
Some fly high in bubbles and balloons, but only those who find a place in Christ know the meaning of real shelter and real excitement. When we want to insulate ourselves from trouble by making bubbles and barricades in our fragile world, there is a better place to hide. Those who know Jesus have hidden their lives in God. He covers us, protects us, and carries us into real life.
Balloons are for parties and sometimes for flight, but there is an upward draft of the Spirit of God which will carry us to a sure destination. Those who live in Christ are following the Spirit of the Lord and will reach their destiny in him. He is the life of the real party, and when we know him, we know life.
Don't be carried away by frivolous bubbles or false hopes that only end in the clouds of disappointment. Trust the Lord Jesus and allow him to cheer you up, pick you up, and carry you up to the destination that you were made for!
Mark
Balloons are for parties and sometimes for flight, but there is an upward draft of the Spirit of God which will carry us to a sure destination. Those who live in Christ are following the Spirit of the Lord and will reach their destiny in him. He is the life of the real party, and when we know him, we know life.
Don't be carried away by frivolous bubbles or false hopes that only end in the clouds of disappointment. Trust the Lord Jesus and allow him to cheer you up, pick you up, and carry you up to the destination that you were made for!
Mark
Friday, April 18, 2008
Earthquake rattles Midwest
An earthquake rattled us today. Some days we need to be shaken. We need to be shaken from our self centered thinking, our shallow pursuits, and our unbelief.
When Jesus the Christ entered a village or a town, everything was shaken. Old worn out beliefs were shaken. Traditions of men that enslaved earnest seekers were shaken, and sad people in dead lifestyles were shaken to a new and living way. The Hope of the world entered their lives proclaiming peace, announcing good news of happiness, and shook everything in sight.
Today we need a fresh shaking. We need to be shaken with the love of God as revealed in the life of Jesus the Christ. He is the only way to heaven. We need to be reminded that our sin which has separated us from God can only be forgiven through his shed blood. He died on a cross for sinners 2000 years ago and rose from the dead three days later so that we who believe might also live.
Turn from sin, forsake selfishness, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved!
Mark
When Jesus the Christ entered a village or a town, everything was shaken. Old worn out beliefs were shaken. Traditions of men that enslaved earnest seekers were shaken, and sad people in dead lifestyles were shaken to a new and living way. The Hope of the world entered their lives proclaiming peace, announcing good news of happiness, and shook everything in sight.
Today we need a fresh shaking. We need to be shaken with the love of God as revealed in the life of Jesus the Christ. He is the only way to heaven. We need to be reminded that our sin which has separated us from God can only be forgiven through his shed blood. He died on a cross for sinners 2000 years ago and rose from the dead three days later so that we who believe might also live.
Turn from sin, forsake selfishness, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved!
Mark
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Google flash flood
I am trying to remember how they started. Google exploded out of nowhere it seems, even as the flood must have come as a great surprise to everyone but Noah in his day. And so it seems that the flood of God is like walking up a canyon when suddenly one hears the rushing wave of water unleashed from upstream with a most unnerving feeling that things are about to change fast. Get ready, your life and mine are about to change quickly friend!
And so to the selfish and unruly, judgment comes quickly on the wicked. Even when it is least expected, God will not be mocked. What a man sows, so shall he reap. Likewise, blessing comes suddenly to the righteous almost out of nowhere, but we know from whence it comes. The suddenly of God is a theme that Mark the evangelist wrote about often. Some use the word "straightway" for suddenly, but the meaning is the same as God invades the now with his power that makes man look small and feeble.
The flash flood of God comes to the righteous. It is nothing less than the flash flood of blessing. Suddenly some day we will wake up and be surrounded by the increase. Better than any Google tidal wave that carries us to cyberland, we will be carried into our dreams and destinies by the coming flood of God. It is a flood of his presence, his power, and his purity.
"Now unto Him who is able to exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.........." (Ephesians 4:20).
Mark
And so to the selfish and unruly, judgment comes quickly on the wicked. Even when it is least expected, God will not be mocked. What a man sows, so shall he reap. Likewise, blessing comes suddenly to the righteous almost out of nowhere, but we know from whence it comes. The suddenly of God is a theme that Mark the evangelist wrote about often. Some use the word "straightway" for suddenly, but the meaning is the same as God invades the now with his power that makes man look small and feeble.
The flash flood of God comes to the righteous. It is nothing less than the flash flood of blessing. Suddenly some day we will wake up and be surrounded by the increase. Better than any Google tidal wave that carries us to cyberland, we will be carried into our dreams and destinies by the coming flood of God. It is a flood of his presence, his power, and his purity.
"Now unto Him who is able to exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us.........." (Ephesians 4:20).
Mark
Monday, April 7, 2008
Freedom
There is a freedom in Christ that only He can provide. For those who don't know the Lord Jesus as a loving Savior and friend, the slavery of sin and guilt and evil thoughts create a horrible world to live in. Christians know the freedom that comes when Jesus forgives our sins, but even Christians can fall back into trying to live under the law and all the rules with the "thou shalt not" emphasis that creates another form of bondage or slavery.
The Christ who sets us free from the Law of sin and death wants us to be free and stay free in our inner spirit man. We move into that realm of freedom as our focus changes from trying to avoid doing wrong things to living a life of love. This life of love is the life that pleases God. A "Jesus focus" will take us into the realm of the positive and into the realm of true life. When we live to please him, we no longer are enslaved by the laws of sin and death.
A regular study of the Bible leads us to a deeper understanding of how we can live free as we live by faith. We can enjoy freedom in our inner man when we determine to love God, love others, and love ourselves. This envelope of love covers a multitude of sins and carries us to a heavenly destination at the end of our earthly stay. Freedom is a wonderful part of the Christian's inheritance. Today is a good day to live as a free man "in Christ". As the Bible tells us, "Whom the Son has set free, is free indeed" (John 8:36).
Stay free!
Mark
The Christ who sets us free from the Law of sin and death wants us to be free and stay free in our inner spirit man. We move into that realm of freedom as our focus changes from trying to avoid doing wrong things to living a life of love. This life of love is the life that pleases God. A "Jesus focus" will take us into the realm of the positive and into the realm of true life. When we live to please him, we no longer are enslaved by the laws of sin and death.
A regular study of the Bible leads us to a deeper understanding of how we can live free as we live by faith. We can enjoy freedom in our inner man when we determine to love God, love others, and love ourselves. This envelope of love covers a multitude of sins and carries us to a heavenly destination at the end of our earthly stay. Freedom is a wonderful part of the Christian's inheritance. Today is a good day to live as a free man "in Christ". As the Bible tells us, "Whom the Son has set free, is free indeed" (John 8:36).
Stay free!
Mark
Monday, March 24, 2008
Surprised by Grace
When unexpected blessings come my way, I still feel as surprised as I am thankful. Another weekend of surprise blessings caught me off guard again. I don't know if I will ever learn to expect the best on a regular basis, although this is clearly the way the Scripture admonishes us to live.
We are told by the apostle Peter in his letter to the Church of Jesus Christ that was scattered throughout the world, that we "were called for the very purpose that you (we) might inherit a blessing". Simply put, our inheritance as children of God is "a blessing". Blessing is our natural Christian inheritance. Blessing is a state of being in Christ. It is abundant and eternal life. That abundance includes so very, very much if only we can see it and learn to expect it.
Honestly, the scope of God's blessing and unexpected grace is still "wowing" me. This should not surprise me, as I prayed this year for the Lord to win me afresh with his great love. Maybe I had just been knocked down enough in life that it amazes me when the blessing of God meets me with kindness at unexpected times and places. Anyway, I confess that I am once again tasting the goodness of the Lord on a regular basis in the land of the living. I pray that you have the same joy!
Mark
We are told by the apostle Peter in his letter to the Church of Jesus Christ that was scattered throughout the world, that we "were called for the very purpose that you (we) might inherit a blessing". Simply put, our inheritance as children of God is "a blessing". Blessing is our natural Christian inheritance. Blessing is a state of being in Christ. It is abundant and eternal life. That abundance includes so very, very much if only we can see it and learn to expect it.
Honestly, the scope of God's blessing and unexpected grace is still "wowing" me. This should not surprise me, as I prayed this year for the Lord to win me afresh with his great love. Maybe I had just been knocked down enough in life that it amazes me when the blessing of God meets me with kindness at unexpected times and places. Anyway, I confess that I am once again tasting the goodness of the Lord on a regular basis in the land of the living. I pray that you have the same joy!
Mark
Thursday, March 13, 2008
God is good
The Lord is good to us. This truth transcends the circumstances of our lives if we train our spiritual eyes to see the hand of God at work around us. The art of seeing the good in life is often a learned trait. I believe that is why the apostle Paul repeatedly told the people of God to think on the things above. His letter to the Philippian church is a great example of this reminder.
When we think about the good things in our lives, we begin to allow joy and praise to spring up on the inside of us. This is much better than focusing on the negative things in life. Like a Polaroid picture, what what we focus on will usually develop. If we want to see wonderful things develop, we need to think on and focus on wonderful things.
I have been paying more attention to the wonderful little things that surround me. As I purposefully enjoy those things, my overall disposition tends to improve. It is like savoring life, one bite at a time. Personally, I want to get every ounce of flavor out of today. It sure makes me slow down and seize the day. It also makes me a lot happier. Perhaps it would work for you too!
Mark
When we think about the good things in our lives, we begin to allow joy and praise to spring up on the inside of us. This is much better than focusing on the negative things in life. Like a Polaroid picture, what what we focus on will usually develop. If we want to see wonderful things develop, we need to think on and focus on wonderful things.
I have been paying more attention to the wonderful little things that surround me. As I purposefully enjoy those things, my overall disposition tends to improve. It is like savoring life, one bite at a time. Personally, I want to get every ounce of flavor out of today. It sure makes me slow down and seize the day. It also makes me a lot happier. Perhaps it would work for you too!
Mark
Monday, February 25, 2008
Ministering to people
I could minister and pray for people every day. After a great meeting in Illinois yesterday, I was reminded about one thing I really love. I really love to help people by ministering to them as I watch the Spirit of God touch people at the core of their being as He meets their every need.
The Lord often "wows" us. He often leads us to pray in areas so specifically that naturally speaking, we would never really be able to understand. During the worship service last night, I watched as the Lord identified specific need after specific need in His mercy and compassion. I found myself speaking things to people that only God could know. It is such an amazing reminder that God knows our every need and loves to minister to us. It is also a very humbling experience to be a vessel that God flows through to help his people. Actually, I am not sure what amazes me the most: the God who cares infinitely or the God who uses frail weak humans to help other folks. It is all pretty amazing, and it is enough to make me really thankful that I am a Christian.
A thankful minister,
Mark
The Lord often "wows" us. He often leads us to pray in areas so specifically that naturally speaking, we would never really be able to understand. During the worship service last night, I watched as the Lord identified specific need after specific need in His mercy and compassion. I found myself speaking things to people that only God could know. It is such an amazing reminder that God knows our every need and loves to minister to us. It is also a very humbling experience to be a vessel that God flows through to help his people. Actually, I am not sure what amazes me the most: the God who cares infinitely or the God who uses frail weak humans to help other folks. It is all pretty amazing, and it is enough to make me really thankful that I am a Christian.
A thankful minister,
Mark
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Reproduction
What kind of men are we producing? This question has been on my mind for some time in the context of the instructions by Jesus to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). The issue of reproduction is at the heart of creation and Christianity itself.
For years we have been involved in the church. Like many believers, we have had a variety of experiences. Some experiences were good and some were questionable. Regardless of our own experiences, it seems that we have sometimes allowed the focus of our Christian lives to be on something other than the main things.
As I have distilled the Gospel of Jesus, the main things seem to be pretty plain to me. Essentially, Jesus told his closest followers to love God, love people, and reproduce disciples. In this manner, God literally is able to make more of what He is in the earth. Without going into a long discussion of the process in which all this takes place, I simply want to underline the question in reference to spiritual reproduction. As followers of Jesus, we are responsible to reproduce disciples. That means we must continually review our methods, our message, and our priorities so that we can fulfill the Divine plan. Let us be mindful of what we are producing today and be intentional in our spiritual labor. Perhaps the Lord will give us all fruit that remains for his eternal glory!
Mark
For years we have been involved in the church. Like many believers, we have had a variety of experiences. Some experiences were good and some were questionable. Regardless of our own experiences, it seems that we have sometimes allowed the focus of our Christian lives to be on something other than the main things.
As I have distilled the Gospel of Jesus, the main things seem to be pretty plain to me. Essentially, Jesus told his closest followers to love God, love people, and reproduce disciples. In this manner, God literally is able to make more of what He is in the earth. Without going into a long discussion of the process in which all this takes place, I simply want to underline the question in reference to spiritual reproduction. As followers of Jesus, we are responsible to reproduce disciples. That means we must continually review our methods, our message, and our priorities so that we can fulfill the Divine plan. Let us be mindful of what we are producing today and be intentional in our spiritual labor. Perhaps the Lord will give us all fruit that remains for his eternal glory!
Mark
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A Dream Comes True
It may come as a surprise to many of us, but there are times in life when dreams come true. I am more than greatful to say that today, I had a huge dream come true.
In a way I wish that my dream was more spiritual, more profound, or even more unselfish, but that doesn't seem to matter when we are serving a benevolent God. It seems that the Lord is interested in even our natural desires, our less than lofty dreams, and even our somewhat shallow interests. To think that God cares about the little things in my life including my less than spiritual dreams is quite amazing. When my silly human dreams for natural things come true, I am simply overwhelmed that the God who made us is interested in the things that are important to us. Perhaps that is why the Psalmist said that if we would delight ourselves in the Lord, He would truly give us the desires of our heart. I have seen it again today, and the Psalmist was right.
A preacher/ football dad,
Mark
In a way I wish that my dream was more spiritual, more profound, or even more unselfish, but that doesn't seem to matter when we are serving a benevolent God. It seems that the Lord is interested in even our natural desires, our less than lofty dreams, and even our somewhat shallow interests. To think that God cares about the little things in my life including my less than spiritual dreams is quite amazing. When my silly human dreams for natural things come true, I am simply overwhelmed that the God who made us is interested in the things that are important to us. Perhaps that is why the Psalmist said that if we would delight ourselves in the Lord, He would truly give us the desires of our heart. I have seen it again today, and the Psalmist was right.
A preacher/ football dad,
Mark
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Harvest
When the friends of Jesus saw him talking to a questionable woman at the well, they thought all the wrong things. Jesus had spoken to her about abundant and eternal life so she went away fully alive and began to tell everyone about him. Meanwhile, the friends of Jesus were still thinking about natural things like food and could only see the woman with natural eyes instead of seeing her as one ripe for the spiritual harvest.
Jesus went on to tell his friends in John chapter 4 that the harvest is not four months down the road, but is now. Essentially he was saying that the people who come across our path today are the harvest. It seems that Jesus wanted his followers to be aware of every encounter, every opportunity, and live with a sense of urgency and eternal purpose on a daily basis. My personal application is simple: If we put off ministry and sharing the life of Christ today, we will miss the harvest and our opportunity to lay up a reward in heaven.
Your fellow harvester,
Mark
Jesus went on to tell his friends in John chapter 4 that the harvest is not four months down the road, but is now. Essentially he was saying that the people who come across our path today are the harvest. It seems that Jesus wanted his followers to be aware of every encounter, every opportunity, and live with a sense of urgency and eternal purpose on a daily basis. My personal application is simple: If we put off ministry and sharing the life of Christ today, we will miss the harvest and our opportunity to lay up a reward in heaven.
Your fellow harvester,
Mark
Sunday, January 13, 2008
It is waiting for you down the road
Jesus told his followers in Luke 19 that there was a colt waiting down the road that he wanted to ride on. The men proceeded to go find the colt. Verse 32 says "So those who were sent went and found it just as He had told them". The principles of faith and provision are in the three verbs: sent, went, and found.
When the Lord sends us to people or places, our job is to just go in faith. Christians should be "just went" people. The pattern in the Word of God is that those who go find what they are looking for in the going. It will be as He has promised when we get down the road. We just have to go on to find the provision, the solution, the answer, or the promise. Keep going friend. Don't stop. You will find what you are looking for and all that He has promised as you keep going down the road in faith.
Your fellow traveler,
Mark
When the Lord sends us to people or places, our job is to just go in faith. Christians should be "just went" people. The pattern in the Word of God is that those who go find what they are looking for in the going. It will be as He has promised when we get down the road. We just have to go on to find the provision, the solution, the answer, or the promise. Keep going friend. Don't stop. You will find what you are looking for and all that He has promised as you keep going down the road in faith.
Your fellow traveler,
Mark
Monday, January 7, 2008
Revelation Needed
I have been praying for some help. It is become increasingly clear to me that a huge problem for most of us is that we don't know what we don't know and only God can help us. It may seem self evident to the astute, but we can't see what we can't see and we can't hear what we can't hear which is why we keep finding ourselves in more messes with more troubles and more difficulties. Only a revelation from heaven will open our eyes so that we can make better choices and better decisions and finally be made whole. My prayer has been something like this, "Help me Lord with what I don't know that I don't know that I really need to know to walk upright before you".
You see, I really want to please the Lord in every area of my life, but without a revelation from God, we are in trouble. Only He can show us how to please him and how relate to people and how to live as people who are sold out for Jesus. As he reveals himself to us, we receive life and help in a world in which everything is colored by sin and selfishness. We need a revelation of Jesus if we are going to survive another day, another month, and another year. Thank God that He delights to reveal himself to his children! Jesus is the consummate revelation of God. He said, "If you have seen me, you have seen my father which is in heaven". May this be a year to see him more clearly than we have ever seen before!
Mark
You see, I really want to please the Lord in every area of my life, but without a revelation from God, we are in trouble. Only He can show us how to please him and how relate to people and how to live as people who are sold out for Jesus. As he reveals himself to us, we receive life and help in a world in which everything is colored by sin and selfishness. We need a revelation of Jesus if we are going to survive another day, another month, and another year. Thank God that He delights to reveal himself to his children! Jesus is the consummate revelation of God. He said, "If you have seen me, you have seen my father which is in heaven". May this be a year to see him more clearly than we have ever seen before!
Mark
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