One of the most powerful realities in my life is that I am set apart for the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. This really moves me!
When we are thinking about our purpose on this highway of life, nothing will bring us peace and assurance like the awareness that we were chosen by God himself.
To be set apart means to be given to the plan and purposes of God. Those who are set apart are special, in so much as we are not given to the things which are passing away. It is a calling and identity that reminds us we are eternal beings with value and purpose. Those who are set apart are given to the uncommon life of God.
When we realize that we have been set apart, it makes it easier not to bow to temptation and to the things of this present world. Our being "set apart" both defines us and keeps us for our joining with him in perfect union.
I love being set apart as a child of God. It is a place of blessings, security, comfort, and hope. And to all who receive Jesus as their Lord, He gives them the right and power to become children of God for an eternity set apart unto Him!
Mark
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Unmentioned Warriors
This is a little tribute to the unmentioned Warriors that make it happen. They are the anonymous helpers who make it possible for us to arrive at our destination without demanding recognition or fanfare or their pictures in the paper.
The unmentioned Warriors have many names, but rarely do they appear in the headlines. They are the porters and the stewards wherever we travel, the praying saints that make the way for every missionary, the moms and the dads who work and fix the meals for the family, and the big "O linemen" who block for every successful running back.
I love these Warriors. I love what they do, I love what they represent, and I love them for who they are. They don't usually get much credit, but without them, most of us would never reach our desired end. If they don't do their stuff, we lose.
I thank God for all the unmentioned Warriors that are working to help us succeed. As they say in Whiteland, Go Warriors!
Mark
The unmentioned Warriors have many names, but rarely do they appear in the headlines. They are the porters and the stewards wherever we travel, the praying saints that make the way for every missionary, the moms and the dads who work and fix the meals for the family, and the big "O linemen" who block for every successful running back.
I love these Warriors. I love what they do, I love what they represent, and I love them for who they are. They don't usually get much credit, but without them, most of us would never reach our desired end. If they don't do their stuff, we lose.
I thank God for all the unmentioned Warriors that are working to help us succeed. As they say in Whiteland, Go Warriors!
Mark
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Winding Road
Friends,
It has been too long since I took a few minutes to check in. I have been on a long winding road. but I home and writing today.
The beautiful thing about walking with the Lord on this road is that He always walks with us. Like the two travelers on the way to Emmaus, we may not always recognize him at first, but he still delights in going with us.
Those two men had their eyes opened after being disappointed by what they thought was an unfair end to a great hope. As it turned out, the great hope was right there with them, and the end became the beginning with his amazing resurrection.
If you are on a winding road today and it feels like it is tough to see what is around the corner or understand where you have just been, let me encourage you to ask the Lord Jesus to help you. He is a specialist at clarifying things. Let him open your eyes, and the next part of the trip will be even more exciting!
Mark
It has been too long since I took a few minutes to check in. I have been on a long winding road. but I home and writing today.
The beautiful thing about walking with the Lord on this road is that He always walks with us. Like the two travelers on the way to Emmaus, we may not always recognize him at first, but he still delights in going with us.
Those two men had their eyes opened after being disappointed by what they thought was an unfair end to a great hope. As it turned out, the great hope was right there with them, and the end became the beginning with his amazing resurrection.
If you are on a winding road today and it feels like it is tough to see what is around the corner or understand where you have just been, let me encourage you to ask the Lord Jesus to help you. He is a specialist at clarifying things. Let him open your eyes, and the next part of the trip will be even more exciting!
Mark
Friday, May 15, 2009
Riders in the Storm
There is a storm that often seems to come into our lives. The surprise of winds and rain often wake us up to the reality that we are but small creatures in a vast and unpredictable world.
The seasoned fishermen of Galilee found themselves in such a storm when they cried out to Jesus in fear of pending destruction. These men remind me that in the midst of a storm, it is good to have Jesus in your boat.
As the Master of the seas awoke to the cries of his friends, He spoke to the wind and the waves, "Be still". Immediately there was calm as frightened fishermen looked at each other in amazement and asked, "who is this man that even the wind and waves obey him?"
The man Jesus is the son of God. He made us like he made the elements and the vast created world. To the astonishment of many, his care for us is the same as his care for his fishermen friends.
If you are a rider in the storm today, call on the one who still speaks to the storms of life. His word remains the same..... "Peace be still".
Mark Van Deman
The seasoned fishermen of Galilee found themselves in such a storm when they cried out to Jesus in fear of pending destruction. These men remind me that in the midst of a storm, it is good to have Jesus in your boat.
As the Master of the seas awoke to the cries of his friends, He spoke to the wind and the waves, "Be still". Immediately there was calm as frightened fishermen looked at each other in amazement and asked, "who is this man that even the wind and waves obey him?"
The man Jesus is the son of God. He made us like he made the elements and the vast created world. To the astonishment of many, his care for us is the same as his care for his fishermen friends.
If you are a rider in the storm today, call on the one who still speaks to the storms of life. His word remains the same..... "Peace be still".
Mark Van Deman
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Encouraged
Have you met anyone that couldn't use a little encouragement? It might be the beginning point for most ministry.
The great preacher Paul had a life changing encounter with the Son of Encouragement, or Barnabas as we know his friend. The encouragement of Barnabas launched the apostle into a courageous career of faith. Perhaps that courage is rooted in the uplifting words of a real friend.
As I have traveled the world, a common need of many believers is simply the need to be encouraged. I am not talking about some vague fluffy nonsense but genuine hope clothed in words of expectation and faith. This is the encouragement that changes lives. This is a foundational ministry that most believers can master and utilize to build up one another in the Body of Christ.
Jesus is the master encourager. He us and speaks to us in view of our destiny and fulfilled personhood. He calls the things that are not as though they were. He sees us as finished products, not as incomplete projects. He speaks to us as grown sons and daughters although we may be babes or adolescents. He sees us as what we will become, not what we have been. He always sees the best in us, because he sees us through the finished work of the cross.
Dear friend, be encouraged today. Take courage in the truth that Jesus sees you as a wonderfully created son or daughter destined to be like him. You will make it. You will become all you were intended to be. He will finish the good work he started in you!
Mark
The great preacher Paul had a life changing encounter with the Son of Encouragement, or Barnabas as we know his friend. The encouragement of Barnabas launched the apostle into a courageous career of faith. Perhaps that courage is rooted in the uplifting words of a real friend.
As I have traveled the world, a common need of many believers is simply the need to be encouraged. I am not talking about some vague fluffy nonsense but genuine hope clothed in words of expectation and faith. This is the encouragement that changes lives. This is a foundational ministry that most believers can master and utilize to build up one another in the Body of Christ.
Jesus is the master encourager. He us and speaks to us in view of our destiny and fulfilled personhood. He calls the things that are not as though they were. He sees us as finished products, not as incomplete projects. He speaks to us as grown sons and daughters although we may be babes or adolescents. He sees us as what we will become, not what we have been. He always sees the best in us, because he sees us through the finished work of the cross.
Dear friend, be encouraged today. Take courage in the truth that Jesus sees you as a wonderfully created son or daughter destined to be like him. You will make it. You will become all you were intended to be. He will finish the good work he started in you!
Mark
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Pain of the Prophet
It is Good Friday, and for most Christians we remember the pain Jesus went through thousands of years ago to bring us forgiveness of sins and life everlasting.
As I was reading this morning, the Lord reminded me how pain has always been a reality for the man or woman of God who seeks to help God's children. The prophets of old were often beaten or killed because they took a stand for truth and spoke the Word of the Lord. The same principle is still being worked out today in God's people.
I read about the prophet Ezekiel and was amazed at his visions of God. After the visions, came instructions from heaven that surely caused him pain in his life. He had to spend time tied up and lay on his side for days on end because of the sins of God's people. His pain had to have been emotional and mental as well as physical and spiritual. This same kind of pain was amplified in the life and death of Jesus as he hung on the cross and died for the sins of the world.
When we are in pain because of the stands that we have taken for righteousness, we can be reminded today that this is part of our Christian heritage. The apostle Peter even said to rejoice when we suffer because our suffering is an indicator that we are indeed blessed and we have ceased from sin in our lives (I Peter 3:14-4:2).
I suspect that only a few of us have resisted sin to the degree that we have shed our blood. Nevertheless, suffering for the Lord is still part of out calling. Let us remember today the one who died for us, that shed his blood for us. Let us remember Jesus who made the ultimate sacrifice and died that we might live for the Lord.
Mark Van Deman
As I was reading this morning, the Lord reminded me how pain has always been a reality for the man or woman of God who seeks to help God's children. The prophets of old were often beaten or killed because they took a stand for truth and spoke the Word of the Lord. The same principle is still being worked out today in God's people.
I read about the prophet Ezekiel and was amazed at his visions of God. After the visions, came instructions from heaven that surely caused him pain in his life. He had to spend time tied up and lay on his side for days on end because of the sins of God's people. His pain had to have been emotional and mental as well as physical and spiritual. This same kind of pain was amplified in the life and death of Jesus as he hung on the cross and died for the sins of the world.
When we are in pain because of the stands that we have taken for righteousness, we can be reminded today that this is part of our Christian heritage. The apostle Peter even said to rejoice when we suffer because our suffering is an indicator that we are indeed blessed and we have ceased from sin in our lives (I Peter 3:14-4:2).
I suspect that only a few of us have resisted sin to the degree that we have shed our blood. Nevertheless, suffering for the Lord is still part of out calling. Let us remember today the one who died for us, that shed his blood for us. Let us remember Jesus who made the ultimate sacrifice and died that we might live for the Lord.
Mark Van Deman
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Faith Baby
Nothing happens without faith. It is the stuff that holds things together.
Often we think of faith as something that is contrary to fact, but nothing could be farther from the truth. John the friend of Jesus wrote, "These things are written that you might believe". He mapped out a story that was full of miracles which were seen by many witnesses. In a convincing argument, he persuades skeptics to believe based on the observable evidence presented to the multitudes. John explained that faith has a foundation in facts and truth. We can believe for more because we have a platform to start from and a foundation to build upon.
There is always evidence that demands faith for the honest seeker. The evidence takes many forms, but faith is the very force that causes things to be. Faith is the stuff that propels us into the future and sensitizes us to the unseen realm. It is the realm that God speaks from when He creates things into being from nothing. Faith is the realm where the most exciting things happen and it compels us to move forward with Him and in Him.
Isn't it time to release your faith today and speak powerful words about your life and your future? Isn't it time to declare, that in Christ, you were made to rule and reign with Him in this life? Isn't it time to take control over your fleshly carnal mind and speak the truth according to the Word of God about who you are and where you are going? Isn't it time to believe and speak truth in love about yourself and others?
Let me encourage you today my friend. Speak faith and it shall come to pass!
Mark
Often we think of faith as something that is contrary to fact, but nothing could be farther from the truth. John the friend of Jesus wrote, "These things are written that you might believe". He mapped out a story that was full of miracles which were seen by many witnesses. In a convincing argument, he persuades skeptics to believe based on the observable evidence presented to the multitudes. John explained that faith has a foundation in facts and truth. We can believe for more because we have a platform to start from and a foundation to build upon.
There is always evidence that demands faith for the honest seeker. The evidence takes many forms, but faith is the very force that causes things to be. Faith is the stuff that propels us into the future and sensitizes us to the unseen realm. It is the realm that God speaks from when He creates things into being from nothing. Faith is the realm where the most exciting things happen and it compels us to move forward with Him and in Him.
Isn't it time to release your faith today and speak powerful words about your life and your future? Isn't it time to declare, that in Christ, you were made to rule and reign with Him in this life? Isn't it time to take control over your fleshly carnal mind and speak the truth according to the Word of God about who you are and where you are going? Isn't it time to believe and speak truth in love about yourself and others?
Let me encourage you today my friend. Speak faith and it shall come to pass!
Mark
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Out of the boat
The wind and the waves splashed all the crew in the face, but Pete heard a voice that made him jump out of the boat. You see, his friend Jesus had been talking while he was walking on the water.
That is a pretty good sign that Jesus was more that a preacher, more than a teacher, more than just another prophet. Yep, He is the son of God in the flesh. Anyway, Jesus told Pete to come to him, so Pete stepped out of the boat.
Some people think that Pete knew where the rocks were, but this was deep water. He just knew that if Jesus said he could do it, then he could do it.
Actually, I always thought Pete stepped out on the water, but then it hit me the other day that Pete stepped out on the word. He had a word from Jesus, and that was the sustaining force to keep him afloat. When you hear a word from God, it will surely sustain you.
There is a sustaining word for us if we can hear it. Jesus said, "Come to me". That word will keep us afloat in any circumstance. That word will sustain us if we just obey him. Pete is the proof that he won't let us sink.
As for me, I want to live a supernatural life so I am stepping out today. Why don't you join us on the water? Your life will never be the same once you have walked on His word!
Mark
That is a pretty good sign that Jesus was more that a preacher, more than a teacher, more than just another prophet. Yep, He is the son of God in the flesh. Anyway, Jesus told Pete to come to him, so Pete stepped out of the boat.
Some people think that Pete knew where the rocks were, but this was deep water. He just knew that if Jesus said he could do it, then he could do it.
Actually, I always thought Pete stepped out on the water, but then it hit me the other day that Pete stepped out on the word. He had a word from Jesus, and that was the sustaining force to keep him afloat. When you hear a word from God, it will surely sustain you.
There is a sustaining word for us if we can hear it. Jesus said, "Come to me". That word will keep us afloat in any circumstance. That word will sustain us if we just obey him. Pete is the proof that he won't let us sink.
As for me, I want to live a supernatural life so I am stepping out today. Why don't you join us on the water? Your life will never be the same once you have walked on His word!
Mark
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Big God
This road can become a little challenging at times. It is really good to remember that the God who made us is a big God and well able to help us through every obstacle and every curve in the road.
From the beginning, big God had no limits. He is still big God and lives beyond all limits. When we are faced with challenges, we need to remember to take the limits off our view of God. Most of the time, the only small thing is really our thinking. Nothing is too big for big God.
An old song said, He is bigger than any problem, bigger than anything. Yes, that is pretty simple stuff but still true. The God of Big things made us and this little world that is a mere spec in the universe. Above all, He cares for little me and little you.
Next time you face a little challenge, think of big God. He has you and the whole world in his hands. We are important to him, but our problems are no big deal when we serve a big God.
Mark
From the beginning, big God had no limits. He is still big God and lives beyond all limits. When we are faced with challenges, we need to remember to take the limits off our view of God. Most of the time, the only small thing is really our thinking. Nothing is too big for big God.
An old song said, He is bigger than any problem, bigger than anything. Yes, that is pretty simple stuff but still true. The God of Big things made us and this little world that is a mere spec in the universe. Above all, He cares for little me and little you.
Next time you face a little challenge, think of big God. He has you and the whole world in his hands. We are important to him, but our problems are no big deal when we serve a big God.
Mark
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Depression
Depression can kill a traveler as fast as a rhino or black mamba can make us residents of heaven.
Depression is a deep ravine, emotionally or econmically. When you look up and can barely see the sky, you are probably there, but so is the ravine maker.
A musician sang these words, "if I descend to the depths of hell, he is there". The song writer could keep singing and writing because he knew that we are never really alone even in the depressed places and times that are common to all mankind. The musician kept going because he knew that eventually the depression would end.
There is a secret we can all discover. The One who made the mountains, the sky, and the ravines is deeply concerned about each of us. Even as the musician knew the Maker of the deep dark caves, He also knew a man named Jesus who had once spent three days in such a cave. The end of the story is that this Jesus did not stay in the cave, but arose from the dead. This event was witnessed by hundreds of people which consequently put an end to their fears, worry, and depression.
As Jesus lives, so shall those who receive him and believe in his name also live. This depression will end as we let faith fill every ravine. We must see His victory as our victory. No depression, disease, or discouragment has a place in our lives, for he defeated every foe when he overcame death and the grave many years ago.
Jesus not only lives and cares about you, He will rescue you because He loves you. Hold on. Believe. You are going to make it. Start thanking him for the end of the depression and the beginning of a wonderful new chapter in your life. It is coming!
He is willing and able my friend. Trust him and he will do it.
Mark
Depression is a deep ravine, emotionally or econmically. When you look up and can barely see the sky, you are probably there, but so is the ravine maker.
A musician sang these words, "if I descend to the depths of hell, he is there". The song writer could keep singing and writing because he knew that we are never really alone even in the depressed places and times that are common to all mankind. The musician kept going because he knew that eventually the depression would end.
There is a secret we can all discover. The One who made the mountains, the sky, and the ravines is deeply concerned about each of us. Even as the musician knew the Maker of the deep dark caves, He also knew a man named Jesus who had once spent three days in such a cave. The end of the story is that this Jesus did not stay in the cave, but arose from the dead. This event was witnessed by hundreds of people which consequently put an end to their fears, worry, and depression.
As Jesus lives, so shall those who receive him and believe in his name also live. This depression will end as we let faith fill every ravine. We must see His victory as our victory. No depression, disease, or discouragment has a place in our lives, for he defeated every foe when he overcame death and the grave many years ago.
Jesus not only lives and cares about you, He will rescue you because He loves you. Hold on. Believe. You are going to make it. Start thanking him for the end of the depression and the beginning of a wonderful new chapter in your life. It is coming!
He is willing and able my friend. Trust him and he will do it.
Mark
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