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Pastor Mark's
"Connecting with Victory" |
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February 3, 2009
Hi Everyone!
I pray that your day is being
fashioned in grace, patience, kindness and love.
I was reading something in James today that really struck me as
practical to the times we live in. Let me share it with you:
3When
we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn
the whole animal.
4Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are
driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever
the pilot wants to go.
5Likewise
the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.
Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
6The
tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It
corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire,
and is itself set on fire by hell. (James 3:3-6)
I find that James’ word is so practical to the world we live in. He is
talking about the power of the tongue, specifically, the negative power
we have in words and uses examples that we can relate with to illustrate
his point. Have you ever ridden a horse? I have, it is amazing how
sensitive they are to a rope on their neck, one slight touch and they
turn towards the touch. How about a sailboat? It does not matter how
strong the wind is blowing, if the rudder is turned a certain way that
is the way the boat will go. Here in Gothenburg we have first hand
witness to the devastation that a spark can cause on dry pasture land.
In 2003, thousands of acres burned and it all started with a small
spark. I would imagine all of us know the impact of negative words
spoken, whether we have spoken them or others have said them to us. They
can bring destruction to a relationship, great harm to the way one
perceives oneself, and can leave a multitude of lives in disarray. James
is quite pointed when he says: “It corrupts the whole person, sets the
whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell”. It
is amazing to me to know that we are made in the likeness of God, He put
the tongue in our mouths, and He also blessed us with a free-will and
that my friend is James’ concern. It is vital to ask God to set a guard
over our mouths, keep watch over the door of our lips (Psalms 141:3).
Without the Lord’s help we will always be saying things that bring great
destruction. With His help we can speak words of good rapport, edifying
words, words that bring encouragement, words that speak of the love of
God!
My friend, let's ask the Lord to help us guide the words that we speak
and protect our emotion from the words we hear. By doing this we can
connect with victory.
God
Bless You,
Mark
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January 28, 2009
Hi Everyone!
Well we are starting to make are way
out of the freezing winter climate...for now. It is always nice to get a
break from the frozen grip of a Nebraska winter if only for a few days.
I trust your week has been going good.
By that I mean a week in which God is evident in the good and guiding
you through the tough moments of the week. God is good all the time all
the time God is good!
The book of James continues to grab my attention and all that the writer
has to say about practical Christian living. Faith and deeds is a topic
of high interest. In this world of don’t tell me, show me James’ words
are just as relevant as anytime in the past. Allow me to share where I
am coming from:
15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well
fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by
action, is dead.
18But
someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith
without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19You
believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and
shudder.
Dear one’s it is imperative that our actions line up with what we
profess. It is always good and right to pray for and bless people. James
reminds us that words are not enough; our faith needs to be demonstrated
by action
“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what
I do.”
I believe that as a person is indwelt with God’s Holy Spirit a natural
outflow of that miraculous work ought to be works of good service. In
other words an outflow of God’s love, peace, compassion, mercy and grace
should be demonstrated in the way we treat or interact with others. It
is one of James’ main points -
faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Saying it
another way – our actions are directly tied to what we really believe.
We may say one thing but if our actions do not back it up our words are
merely that...words.
I just want to encourage all of us... me included to make sure our
actions line up with the words spoken in our hearts and out of our
mouths. This is a certain way to connect with victory.
God Bless You,
Mark
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January 21, 2009
Hi Everyone!
I pray that your year has started off
nicely and on the right track. There are a lot of good things that come
with the New-Year; I believe one of them is getting our lives back in
order as far as discipline is concerned. I mean those things that we
have grown lax in doing or perhaps things that we have put off doing for
a long time. This time of year has a certain appeal to start fresh and
get things done that have been lacking for some time. Hopefully, along
with all that is a sense to not get caught up in the guilt of why
certain things were not taken care of long ago. Paul writes about this
in Romans, chapter 8:
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus.
What is the biggest
challenge you face in not getting something started? For some people it
is an ever present feeling of guilt because they did not do what they
should have when they should have done it.
As time goes on that can
just fester into negative thinking and despair because things were not
taken care of in a timely manner. For those of you who feel that way
Paul, and Jesus have a word for you- there is to be no more guilt for
those who are in Christ Jesus! Dear one’s it is time to move on, to
start new, to start what should have been started long ago, to finish
what needed to be finished, to pursue venues that need to be pursued.
Disciplines in doing the things that should be done are just that
discipline, concentration, focus, determination, resolve.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of
love and of self-discipline. (2Tim. 1:7).
I encourage you to seek
the Lord throughout this year – ask Him for boldness, steadfastness,
strength. In doing this you are sure to connect with victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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January 7, 2009
Hi Everyone!
I pray that you made it through the
holidays in good order. As a matter of fact I pray that you were
refreshed as you spent time enjoying family and friends, good food and
fellowship. And once again we are back in the groove of school and work
which in itself brings stability and order to our days.
I wanted to share a quick thought on
life as we begin this New Year. In the book of James we read these
verses:
2Consider
it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3because
you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
4Perseverance
must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking
anything.
5If
any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all
without finding fault, and it will be given to him. Now I am sure that
we all can agree that we will go through trials this year – it is just a
part of life, for a Christian it is a necessary part of life. When we go
through trials we grow spiritually for the most part we simply do not
develop and deepen our faith in times of smooth sailing, so to speak.
James says that we are to be filled with joy – deep inner joy that only
comes from heaven, when we face trials because our faith is being
refined – that we are learning the art of perseverance. I believe that
every adult knows that a person needs staying power to get through life
and the challenges it brings. God knows this too. With this knowledge He
allows certain trials in our lives to build our faith through
persevering under tough challenges. Once this work is complete we find
ourselves not lacking anything. That is great news! There is a purpose
to all we go through and God knows the exact purpose which He wants to
accomplish in our lives. In addition to allowing and setting up trials
in our lives God also invites us to ask Him for wisdom; beyond this He
tells us that He will freely give the wisdom we need without finding any
fault in us. Wow! What a testimony to the Lord’s unconditional love for
you! He will bless you with wisdom without looking upon any of your
faults.
So – no matter what may come this year
remember this – God knows the situations coming to your life this year
before they ever happen. He will also use those circumstances to develop
your faith, teaching you the wonderful art of persevering.
Let the Lord breathe in joy to your
hearts; let Him do a holy work that will mature your faith through
perseverance. It is a wonderful key to connecting with victory.
God Bless you,
Mark
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December 31, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that this last day of 2008 is
uplifting and encouraging to you. It has been a year of ups and downs in
a lot of situations for a lot of people. One thing remains stable –
Jesus is Lord – nothing happens without His allowance of it and He uses
everything for good. The coming year can have a variety of looks
depending upon how it is viewed. The economy isn’t good but we all grow
through sufferings, the political light promises change, God is always
stable – He cannot lie nor does the promise of His word ever change.
Family dynamics will shift through the year for a multitude of reasons,
for those in Christ there is a family that will eternally remain – a
source of love, support and encouragement. Ah... how the joys of
uncertainty can draw us closer to the One who is ever present!
In the book of Philippians there is a
scripture that says: But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind
and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win
the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus ( Phil.
3:13-14). In this passage Paul, the writer of this book, is
describing his realization that nothing compares to the joy and
satisfaction of knowing Jesus. As a matter of fact in an earlier verse
Paul proclaims that he considers all things rubbish in comparison to
knowing Christ Jesus and the life that He offers. Paul states that he is
forgetting everything that is behind him and pressing forward to achieve
what is ahead of him – the goal that Christ has called him to. Wow! What
a message as we transition from one year to the next. The goals we set
for 2008 regardless of whether they were met are not are in the past. –
Those things we wanted to accomplish and did not for whatever reason are
in the past. All the relationships, hurts, and sufferings that at this
time are not reconciled are in the past. Christ Jesus is calling you and
me to look forward in 2009 to pursuing Jesus, being caught up in knowing
Him to a greater degree that we do today, to attaining all that He has
destined for us in 2009; but we need to be focused on Jesus! As time
unfolds, as prophecies unfold before our very eyes it is crucial to let
go of the past and strain ahead towards that which Jesus has set for us!
May the Lord richly bless you
throughout 2009 with a deeper relationship with Him, a greater
fulfillment of relationships on earth and a profound realization of
purpose in your life.
Happy New Year!
God Bless you,
Mark
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December 24, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Merry Christmas!
I pray that you will have a joy filled
Christmas in all that you do throughout these next few days.
I would like to share a scripture with you – It is a scripture of hope,
joy, peace and comfort. It is a prophecy that the prophet Isaiah spoke
hundreds of years before Jesus was ever born and it is a scripture that
is just as relevant today as the day it was first decreed:
6
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor,
[b] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Wow! What a message of hope! This scripture speaks directly about the
peace you and I and the whole world need right now. There seems to be
chaos no matter where we look – the economy in the U.S.; civil unrest in
the Middle East; lack of morality in the West – talk of good things
happening around the world are far and few between. But alas, we have a
hope a bright brilliant hope – it came in the form of a baby over two
thousand years ago and continues to be a beacon of hope to all who
pursue the Light! Found in this babe in the manger is all knowing
wisdom [wonderful counselor]; a super hero of super hero’s- a hero
divine [Mighty God]; Stability that will always be around [Everlasting
Father]; and a source of harmony and contentment that will always be
with us [Prince of Peace]. And the greatest news of all is that it is a
close as our next breath – it is in our heart – Christ in you the hope
of glory! O what a wonderful Savior!
I pray that your heart will be filled with joy and adoration as you
celebrate the birth of eternal well being – Jesus Christ! Surely, this
is the key to connect with victory!
May the Lord bless you with a very Merry Christmas!
God Bless You,
Mark
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December 18, 2008
Hi Everyone!
We are getting close to Christmas one
more week! I pray that the joy of relationships, with others and with
Christ are being refreshed in your heart through this Christmas season.
Today I would like to talk just
briefly about Joseph, He was an interesting person in the bible in the
fact that not one word that Joseph spoke is recorded in scripture, yet
he led an amazing life full of Godly principles that you and I can learn
from and grow in our walk with the Lord. I would like to direct you
attention to Matthew chapter 1:
18This
is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged
to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to
be with child through the Holy Spirit.
19Because
Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to
public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home
as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21She
will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[c]
because he will save his people from their sins."
22All
this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:
23"The
virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will
call him Immanuel"[d]—which
means, "God with us."
24When
Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and
took Mary home as his wife.
25But
he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him
the name Jesus.
Three principles that I would like to
point out 1) Joseph was a righteous man – this means something in terms
of how Joseph led his life. Joseph wanted to please the Lord in all that
he did. Sometimes this means making tough decisions – Joseph knew the
consequences of adultery and although he loved Mary he loved the Lord
more and knew this situation had to be dealt with in a Godly manner and
so he set his mind to carry out the best plan – a plan that would honor
God and honor Mary as much as he could in this situation. 2) Humility –
the angel spoke the word of the Lord to Joseph and he was humble enough
to listen. Sometimes there is a fine line between humility and pride –
especially when we are sure we know what the right thing to do. Joseph
submitted to the Lord in a simple act of humility and was honored for
it. 3) Obedience – Joseph took Mary as his wife just as he was
instructed to do. There was a price to pay – cruel looks at Mary and
himself, mean spirited words spoken about the two of them – outcasts in
a society that believed in purity. Both Mary and Joseph paid a price to
trust and obey what they knew God was telling them to do. Obedience to
the Lord outweighed al l of man’s thoughts and comments.
Surely, there is no better life that
to trust and obey – it is one of the most certain ways to connect with
victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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December 10, 2008
Hi Everyone!
It is great to be in contact with you again. I pray that your week is
going great and that you are finding time to invest with family and
friends as we all prepare for the grand Christmas celebration!
Today is a special day in our family. This marks the one-year
anniversary of an automobile accident that my wife and one of hers
friends were involved in. At first it may seem odd to call it a special
day – after all, my wife’s friend was in ICU for ten days, my wife still
battles with back pain on a daily basis and the medical bills are
mounting. But rather than focus on the negative impact I prefer to look
at the situation from God centered view. Firstly, it is a miracle, a
wonderful act of mercy and grace that both women survived the accident.
We could have been going to funerals last December; instead we praise
the Lord for His faithful display of mercy in sparing their lives.
Secondly, we consider it pure joy to walk through the various obstacles
that this accident has caused and see the Lord’s provisions be it
financial, medical or good friends doing what they can. Another praise
is experiencing the spiritual growth that happens when one works through
trials of all kinds. My friend, I do not know what kind of year you have
experienced but I do know the faithfulness of One who cares for your
deepest needs and desires. I encourage you to take time this Christmas
season to praise the Lord for the good things He has done especially in
the midst of trails that can bring confusion, grief and setbacks of all
kinds. God is faithful to take care of His own and work good out of
every situation whether ordained of Him or permitted by Him. Truly the
Lord’s mercies are new every morning and His grace sufficient for all
situations!
Jesus’ favor, grace and mercy are wonderful blessings in our lives. As
humans it is essential to focus on Jesus and not on the problems caused
by the issues in our lives. Keeping a proper perspective on situations
and our eye fixed on Jesus is a great way to connect with victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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December 3, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Before I get started I want to share
something with you. I just read a great book called “The Shack”. It is a
wonderful book that is changing my perspective on relationships. I
highly recommend it for you and a gift for others.
Ah… Christmastime! There are a lot
joys to experience this season, there also can be some stresses. I would
like to share with you some practical things to do and not to do this
season.
First of all, remember the reason for the season – in other words keep
the main thing the main thing; that my friend is the wonderful gift of
relationship with Jesus. I encourage you to keep everything you do this
Christmas season in line with that gift. Our focus this season should be
on edifying one another, building a stronger relationship with those who
are important in our lives; letting Jesus be at the forefront of our
actions and words spoken. Gifts are nice to receive, gifts are nice to
give – I believe the most important gift we can give to others is Jesus’
love expressed through us and building a deeper relationship with
others. There is a passage in the bible that is familiar to most
everyone; as a matter of fact most everyone uses it in their wedding:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily
angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but
rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always
hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 cor. 13:4-8)
I believe that this passage could be lived out in each and every
relationship we have. I also believe that if you and I intentionally
focused on letting Jesus direct our interactions with others according
to this passage we would transform lives around us. Our lives as well as
others would increase in rich value because of this verse lived out
through our lives. It is a wonderful thing to live a life in love and
forgiveness. It is also a hard thing to live a life in love and
forgiveness. It takes compassion, courage, patience, resiliency and
grace. Bottom line – it takes Jesus living through us in every practical
way of life.
Would you join me in letting Jesus demonstrate what living a life of
relationship is all about? I believe it is a huge step in connecting
with victory.
God Bless You,
Mark
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November 26, 2008
Hi Everyone!
God bless you this Thanksgiving weekend! It is a joy and gift to be able
to spend time with family and friends or both for Thanksgiving and I
pray that you are able to do that.
There is a Psalm that states “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His
love endures forever.” During this Thanksgiving season I think it is
a great idea to take time to do just that. Would you please do that with
me? Tomorrow – we will eat turkey, potatoes, stuffing and a lot of other
items. We will play games, watch football, and take a nap, visit and all
kinds of fun things. I want to encourage you to do one thing that my
family will be doing – along with everything else we will take time to
give thanks to the God of heaven because His love endures
forever! Sometime tomorrow we will take the time to bless the Lord
for His faithfulness in our lives throughout this past year. It is a
huge blessing to reflect upon His love and faithfulness in our lives
particularly during the past year. I think it is even more interesting
when we share that in front of people – telling them the blessing they
have been in our lives, thanking the Lord for them and all He has done
in them and through them. Dads, can I speak to you for a moment? It
would be a huge encouragement for our family and friends to hear a
heartfelt word of praise and blessing from our mouths – it might be the
highlight of the month, perhaps year to hear us mention a good
characteristic that we see in someone’s life. Dear one’s there is much
to be thankful for and it is the Lord of Hosts who has provided it. Give
Him praise because He is worthy!
Connecting with God – praising Him and encouraging others – it is a
wonderful way to connect with victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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November 13, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that all is going well for you this week.
Well let’s jump in to this note’s topic for the week. There is a little
verse in the book of Romans which is really quite a big verse if we
really let it direct our thoughts. In Romans chapter eight we find this:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life
set me free from the law of sin and death”. Wow! This is an amazing
verse! My friend, is it alive in you? According to the word of God you
as a Christian have the ability to live a life free from guilt, shame
and feelings of worthlessness. In other words this verse tells every
Christian, including you, that guilt over sins, thoughts that you are
not good enough or the actions you take aren’t good enough or if only I
could do this or if only I were like so and so or if only I could do…
Stop believing it! God in His mighty power, in His infinite wisdom has
set you free from all guilt because of His great mercy! Let’s look at
what makes this possible. The word ‘because’ is in italics
indicating a reason why such a statement can be made. Each and every
person who has accepted the Lord Jesus as savior has encountered a
miracle. The supernatural has taken up residence in your heart – in your
being. The Holy Spirit now resides in you and with His authority all
must bow to His power. In other words where once sin and death and the
guilt and eternal punishment once reigned in a person, because of
Christ, that law – of sin and death has lost its legal right to speak
anything over you. Where at one time there was a need to fear
punishment for things done or not done – not so any longer for those who
have the Spirit of life living in them. Certainly, consequences for sin
still have a place – the grip of guilt or condemnation no longer has a
right to torture you. You have been set free indeed if the Son has set
you free. So I say to you stop entertaining guilt for things already
taken care of at the cross of Christ!
My friend – claim the Spirit of life over yourself every time you are
tempted to believe a false statement said by someone else or yourself.
This is a great way to connect with victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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November 5, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Well here we are the day after the elections. Some people are happy some
are disappointed. The American public has spoken through the polls about
the economy and moral values in their lives and in the life of this
nation. Opinions vary greatly on the outcome of this election process in
relation to where this country will be in four years. Only one thing is
certain – God is in control, there is nothing that escapes His view or
catches Him by surprise, as a matter of fact nothing happens without the
Lord of hosts causing or allowing it to happen.
All this leads me to a question and a statement. (1) Where does your
security, your peace come from? The bible strictly warns us to not put
our security in chariots and horses, neither gold nor silver but rather
in Christ alone. In times of economic chaos, in times of moral decay we
need to continue to put our hope in the maker of all things. Dear ones
we are desperately in need of a moral compass and that compass is the
bible. All real, solid hope and peace is found only in the bible. (2)
You are here on this earth at the exact time God called you to be alive
and on this earth. The Lord Jesus Christ makes no mistakes. He has
gifted you and called you to be a beacon of light to your generation.
Take this advantage to live and speak your life for righteousness sake.
You will make a powerful difference in others lives as you faithfully
live out the life that God has called you to live. Dear ones, your Maker
has uniquely gifted and formed you to be all He has called you to be.
You’re alive in 2008 because God foreknew the situations you would live
in and has ordained you to live out your life with passion serving the
Lord in all you do.
“'Call
to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things
you do not know.' (Jeremiah 33:3)
Be blessed my friend and live the life God called you to live it is a
certain key to connecting with victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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October 29, 2008
Hi Everyone!
It is good to be in contact with you again. The week is
going by fast, the weather is nice and God is good all the time!
Well the election is just about upon us. As a matter of
fact next time I write an article for this website we will have elected
a new president as well as many other political positions. I just read a
great email about a God anointed time for one of the candidates if you
would like to read it please contact me and I will forward it to you. As
Christians there is something very important we should be doing right
now – praying! It is essential that God’s people be steadfast in prayer
about the election process. It is critical that God’s will be
accomplished in the electoral course. This can and should happen.
Please join me and many others in praying for the hand of God to direct
the course of the elections. Friend, morals define values and values
define a nation. We have to stand for Godly values and ask the Creator
of this world to sustain this nation! Life really is important – from
conception to the grave each life is of great worth. The preservation of
marriage between one man and one woman must be upheld! If these two
basic values are not fundamental to the electoral process and to a
greater extent our nation we will fall. The next thing we can do is act.
Proverbs 14:34 says Righteousness exalts a nation. As a people of God we
need to be living out this principle. Right to life is not just a good
slogan; it is part of being a righteous nation. Being a nation that
honors God’s definition of a family is not just a good idea, it is a
value critical to being a nation that is exalted by righteousness.
Living within our means, not being greedy – in other words obeying the
commandment “do not covet” is more than just words in the bible, this is
part of honoring God with what He has blessed us with. Said another way
– keeping up with the Jones dishonors God, fill our hearts with greed
and does not reflect righteousness that exalts a nation.
Dear ones time is of the essence. Pray for this country!
Spiritually fight for righteousness. Live a value centered life. Both of
these principles combined result in a connection with victory and
righteousness exalting a nation!
God Bless You,
Mark
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October 22, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Well the weather certainly looks like winter. Good thing
God is in control He allows everything to happen in His perfect timing.
Praise the Lord for His sovereignty.
The
differentiating factor between His sovereignty and our choices is
astounding. In other words the distance between what we would choose
and what He has already chosen in huge, gigantic and the Lord is always
right. Think about this for just minuet. You and I make choices all day
long, some of them are minor and just a part of everyday life others
carry a little more weight and some affect our life or the life of
others for the rest of our lives. In all of this decision making God is
sovereign. In other words He works in every choice we make – somehow He
is able to use every part of our lives for the glory of His name.
Friend I do not know about you but this brings great relief to my mind
and heart. God knows we are frail, in every aspect of our lives.
Granted as Christians we try to live the best we can or at least we are
striving towards that but Jesus in His righteousness and holiness has
already lived a perfect, sinless life and now is seated at the right
hand of God Almighty interceding on our behalf. The gap is wide between
our choices and His sovereignty. I encourage you
to lean not on your own understanding and in all your
ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:4-5).
Connecting with God’s ways – seeking Him in all that we
do is a sure way to connect with victory.
God
Bless You,
Mark
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October 16, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Well I pray that you week has been a joy to live through.
Personally, I have had a wonderful week. We started a three part series
at the church last night called “vote the bible” by John Hagee. The
message was inspiring. For those of you that are around the Gothenburg
area please plan on attending next Wednesday at 7:00.
Ok enough about that plug, well maybe, the elections are
crucial this year and as Christian we need to be informed and we need to
vote. I encourage you no matter where you live to vote and vote with
moral convictions, not the economy. If we vote with morality in mind
the economy, as well as other issues will take care of themselves.
On perhaps a similar vein, I want to point out a portion
of scripture addressing tough times and our response to them. In Acts
16:25 the word says: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and
singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening”. It is
interesting to note the context of this passage. Paul and Silas were
boldly preaching the word of God and seeing great things happen. A girl
with an evil spirit was taunting them – they cast out the spirit, as a
result were beaten and flogged and thrown into prison because of the
accusations of those who used the girl’s ungodly powers as a means for
financial profit. In other words, on the initial outlook Paul and Silas
were having a bad day. Things went from great to terrible in short order
and what was their response? They sang and prayed to the Lord – they
were rejoicing! Why? Because they knew the secret of being content, they
knew the truth that Jesus brings inner joy and peace and they were
experiencing that joy and peace in the midst of a dreadful circumstance.
My friend, the bible says: consider it pure joy, my brothers,
whenever you face trails of many kinds, because you know that the
testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish
its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything
(James 1:2-4). The same thing that caused Paul and Silas to sing and
pray in prison is the same thing that can cause you to stay calm during
tough times. It is inner joy and peace from Jesus. Our outward
circumstances should not dictate how we respond inside. As Christians
we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead living in us. Let
us persevere through trial that we may experience a deep mature complete
faith.
Knowing and living in Jesus’ peace and the joy that only
He brings is a key to connecting with victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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October 8, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that you are being encouraged and uplifted this week. We serve
an awesome God that passionately loves you, that desires good things for
you, that yearns to prosper you in a variety of ways. He sends people
into your life to build you up, because He cares for you.
John’s gospel gives us example upon
example of Christ’s desire for us-to have everlasting life, life to the
full and life in knowing Him. Let’s look at a portion of scripture and
ask a couple of questions: why is this happening and what difference
does it make to me?
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in
Me, as the scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from
within him.” (John 7:38-39). Again, why is this scripture being
proclaimed? Jesus is making a clear declaration of what He will
bring-life! What does this mean to me today? Each and every Christian
has the ability to live a life full of peace, joy and enrichment because
the power of the Holy Spirit resides in them. In other words, there is
much more to life than just knowing that Jesus is your savior. Fullness
of life comes when streams of living water flow in us. It literally
changes us from the inside out as we learn to live in Jesus instead of
just knowing who He is and what He had done for us. As we continue to
relinquish our lives to God, He continues to pour into us a deeper
awareness of the fullness we can have living in relationship with Him.
Total submission to the lover of your soul brings about a deep enriching
relationship with the One who knows your life better that yourself. I
honestly believe there is much more to the Christian life and it comes
from just being – as we be instead of do I believe we
realize in a tangible way the fullness of living in Christ. In other
words we start moving from performance based life to allowing Jesus to
live through us. We develop passion and purpose in our lives. With
passion and purpose comes fulfillment of life on a daily basis!
Being in Christ, His living water flowing from within us fully develops
us into all that Jesus has for us. It is an awesome way to connect with
victory.
God Bless You,
Mark |
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October 1, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that this week is going wonderful for you. I hope you are getting
a chance to enjoy the great weather we are having.
My friend I have a question or two for you. I am looking at the
following passage:
13People
were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the
disciples rebuked them.
14When
Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little
children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God
belongs to such as these.
15I
tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like
a little child will never enter it."
16And
he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed
them.
I
see some things in this passage that get me to thinking. First of all,
why did the disciples rebuke the people for bringing children to Jesus?
They were the ones with the closest contact to Jesus – watched Him
perform all kinds of miracles and yet they turn people away from Jesus.
Did they think Jesus only came to help adults? Why would they
intentionally turn back someone wanting to see Jesus? I don’t know all
the reasons but it makes me wonder about us as Christians are we doing
certain things that turn people away from Jesus? Secondly, Jesus said
that the kingdom of God belonged to those who had a heart like children.
In other words, people that are open to hear the word, respond to the
word, desire the word, wanting to learn and experience new things. I
pray that our hearts would always be pliable to what Jesus wants to do
in our lives. Along with that I pray that we would always be pointing
others to Jesus in our words and actions. Jesus also makes it clear that
accepting His words and believing on Jesus is the only way to heaven. It
does not matter our church attendance record, the amount of money we
donated to the building fund, the number of people we helped out in a
good way. Although all these things are good and proper to do it is only
through the precious blood of Jesus – asking Him to be our Savior that
we will make it into heaven. Thirdly, Jesus affirms the preciousness of
each and every individual, including children. We all are created by the
Lord Jesus Christ. And each one of us is valuable in His sight. Our
heavenly Father desires that all people would be saved through a
relationship with His Son, Jesus.
I encourage you to open your hearts to all that Jesus wants to do in
and through you. Jesus is always in the business of mending hearts. As
ours is open to the things of God we are sure to be on an avenue to
connect with victory.
God Bless You,
Mark
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September 24, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that your week has been filled with
grace and favor from heaven. Even more than that I pray that you have
noticed, been aware of, certain manifestations of those acts of grace
and favor in your life this week.
The works of God are awesome! At
times our eyes are wide open to them, a relative having surgery and the
doctors dumbfounded at what they did or did not find; being blessed with
a specific amount of money that was exactly what we needed when we
needed it; a life transformed by the power of Jesus. But what about
those acts of grace and favor that we don’t recognize or can’t see? You
know – like praying for safety over your children and never seeing the
protective shield that saved them from certain harm. Like being prompted
to pray for a particular individual and never hearing what happened as a
result of that prayer. Like speaking a word to someone who needed to
hear it and never knowing what would have happened had you not
shared with that person. My point is that Jesus is constantly on the
move – the bible says that He constantly intercedes for us (His
children). Jesus is never ending in His pursuit to demonstrate His love
for us. In the book of Mark we find this particular verse:
40A
man with leprosy[a]
came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can
make me clean." 41Filled
with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am
willing," he said. "Be clean!"
42Immediately
the leprosy left him and he was cured (Mark 1:40-42).
I want to point out a couple of words and
what they mean in verse 40. First of all, the leper says if you are
willing you can make me clean. This man knew something about Jesus – he
knew that Jesus had the power to make him clean – his faith, confidence
in Jesus was great enough to know Jesus was the Man to seek out for his
need. Secondly, the words if you are willing point out a lack of feeling
worthy enough to be healed. Again the man knew Jesus could cure him –
he was struggling with the fact that Jesus loved him enough to intervene
in his life and make a significant impact on his life. Friend, you are
loved more that you can imagine. Your prayers for others make a huge
difference because you a child of the Ancient of Days.
Knowing where you stand with the Almighty
and the power of your prayers is another way to connect with victory.
God Bless You,
Mark |
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September 17, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that your week is going good.
Personally, I really like the weather this week in Gothenburg, sunshine
and warm temperatures always help the day go better.
Friend I have a question for you. Is there
someone in your life that really irritates you – to the point you would
call them an enemy? Just wondering, Jesus says something in the bible
about it so I figured it is possible that a person could have an enemy
involved in their life to some degree. As a matter of fact Jesus says
this:
43"You
have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[a]
and hate your enemy.'
44But
I tell you: Love your enemies[b]
and pray for those who persecute you,
45that
you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on
the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the
unrighteous.
46If
you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the
tax collectors doing that?
47And
if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do
not even pagans do that?
48Be
perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
(Matt.
5:43-48)
Just a couple of points I would like all of
us to consider. First, Jesus knows that somewhere along the line we will
have enemies. He also knows that from time to time we might endure
persecution in our lives. Jesus is calling us (Christians) to be
different than the rest of the world. Not only is He calling us to be
different He has equipped us to be different. As we come to faith in the
Lord Jesus we are given a portion of His Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit
enables us to do a lot of things we otherwise are not capable of doing
on our own i.e. loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute
us. That is one of the primary messages out of this text be different!
Our heavenly Father has done a supernatural work in Christians. He has
placed a portion of His holiness in each and every Christian. It is
really an amazing act. Us, humans, fully capable of doing all kind of
bad human things have a portion of pure holiness living within us.
Supernatural – awesome! With this work Jesus calls us to not only love
our family and friends but also that person – you know the one – not
with our own human fragility but with a supernatural love that comes
from God’s Holy Spirit residing in us. Be perfect not because you’re
capable rather because God has equipped you to live a life of holiness.
Praying for those who persecute us, loving
those who we would call our enemies, Jesus calls this a key to
connecting with victory.
God Bless You,
Mark
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September 10, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I trust that you are having a good week. I
pray that you continue to see the Lord’s faithfulness woven in your life
throughout this week.
Well – I have some random thoughts that I
would like to share with you this week, hopefully they will flow
together just as the Lord would have them to be. Firstly, have you
noticed how comforting a regular schedule can be? I guess I am thinking
about people who have kids at home that are now in a school routine vs.
summer and little routine if any. I would guess that most everybody
follows some sort of routine that establishes some type of order in
their lives. Anyway, do you notice the peace perhaps even contentment
that can come from order placed upon the day to day activities of your
life? It is interesting that the bible has something to say about order.
In 1 Cor. 14:33 we read:
33For
God is not a God of disorder but of peace. Now in this particular
portion of scripture Paul is talking about orderly conduct in worship
services. However, I think this scripture and principle can be applied
to all life. God wants us to live orderly, controlled lives and with
good reason – it brings peace to our lives. Friend, I do not know your
family schedule or personal daily routine but I do know that God wants
your life to be orderly. If it is PTL, if not ask the God of order to
help you establish order and routine to your life – for it is a great
source of peace. There is an additional way to bring about more peace in
your life – truth in relationships. In particular I am thinking about
conflict with other people. It is my opinion that most of us, including
me, do not like conflict, we would much rather avoid it, put it off even
to the point of disrupting our schedule – you know the peace that order
can bring. At times we put off doing things, seeing certain people,
avoid making phone calls – all the time there is something brewing
inside of us that is very agitating. When we finally take care of what
we need to we are relieved and thrilled to move on with our day saying
to ourselves wow I’m glad that’s over with. If you fit that mold I have
a suggestion to you and myself. Deal with the matter truthfully and as
soon as possible. It will bring peace to our inner being, strengthen us
in boldness, and allow us to carry on with other manners in a much more
focused productive way.
Ah the joys of living life. Some things
produce havoc in our schedules, others strife in our being. Godly
things, order and boldness to deal with conflict produce a connection
with victory.
God Bless You,
Mark |
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September 3, 2008
Hi Everyone!
Well here we are at another Wednesday. I imagine that
most everyone was off from work on Monday and I trust you enjoyed the
three day weekend. I pray that this week got off to a good start for you
and your family.
Hey, I have a question about faith. How crucial do you
think it is for a Christian to be growing in faith? How strong is your
faith in this season of your life? Actually, that’s two questions but I
believe they go hand in hand.
The bible says that:
1Now
faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
see.
2This
is what the ancients were commended for. (Hebrews 11:1-2)
Faith is an interesting thing. It truly is the substance,
the very essence, the base, the foundation of Christianity. Without it,
one cannot believe in God whom they have never seen, the writer of
Hebrews even says that without faith it is impossible to please God. It
is also my belief that we need to continue to grow in our faith. By this
I mean our heart and mind knowledge that God can and will take care of
every situation. Dear friend it takes a lot of faith to believe in
something that we hope for and certain of it even though we do not see
it but that is exactly where the Lord wants us to be growing. He is more
than capable of taking care of every minute detail of our lives, Jesus
loves to sing over us and carry us through every emotion that we are
dealing with, and He longs to show His mercy and compassion in aspects
of our lives. And it takes faith to believe that the God of the universe
will direct the course of every event in our lives for His good. Dear
ones it does not matter the circumstance that you find yourself in
today. What does matter is the level of faith you have in Almighty God
that He can deliver you into a place of wholeness, healing and correct
thinking that you have not been in before. But it takes faith! So,
should a Christian be growing in faith? Absolutely, God can take the
very situation that you are currently in and use it to bring glory to
His name and victory to your life. How strong is your faith during this
season in your life? Well, please keep this in mind: somewhere before
the beginning of time God was; and somewhere in time God will create a
new heaven and new earth; and somewhere in all of that is your life and
through all this time span the Lord has a wonderfully perfect plan. The
cool thing about it is that God knows your life, your circumstances and
He is working it all out in this awesome plan that He has. How strong is
your faith? – Hopefully it has grown if only just a bit knowing that God
cannot and will not fail because He is the God of faith. Knowing this,
practicing this is a wonderful way to connect with victory!
God Bless You,
Mark
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August 27, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that your week is going good! Hey, when is the
last time you had a day, that all went really well – do you know what I
mean? It was just a great day- you found yourself doing things that
bring great delight to your heart? Today has been one of those days for
me I am just excited about everything I was able to participate in
today. I pray that the Lord of Hosts would bless you with that kind of
day in the very near future.
Today I would like to talk just a little on one of the
major characteristics of God. It is found in the book of 1 John and it
reads:
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God
in him.
17In
this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence
on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.
18There
is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has
to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
19We
love because he first loved us.
20If
anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For
anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God,
whom he has not seen.
21And
he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his
brother.
Love is a major characteristic of God. So much so that
the bible says that God is love. This is great news on several points:
1) Christians are enveloped, intertwined in this love that knows no
bounds – Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In Jesus we
have a secure love that covers over us completely. 2) Because of this
love we have nothing to fear. John mentions the judgment. – We have
confidence to face the day of judgment because God’s banner over us is
love, not fear nor intimidation or a domineering attitude not even
condemnation. God is full of love and wants to fully
express that to His children. Along with that we are not to fear. It is
amazing to me the number of times the bible tells us not to fear. In
this passage John hits on a reason why: There is no fear in love. But
perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
The one who fears is not made perfect in love. Friend, can I ask you a
question? Is there fear in your life? Are you hesitant to do something
or not do so something because of fear? If so please petition the
Lord about it – give it to Him and allow Jesus to consume your being
with His love! 3) Let the Lord so saturate your life with love that it
directs the way you relate with others. There will always be difficult
people in the world to deal with – but through Christ’s love flourishing
in us we can have confidence in the way we relate to others. Along with
this we have the ability, through Christ’s love to positively affect
everyone we associate with.
Be blessed my friend! Enjoy God’s great characteristic of
love flowing in and through you.
God Bless You,
Mark
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August 20, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that your week is going good. New
things are happening, school has started, the weather seems to be in
transition, and fall activities will soon be starting.
Speaking of new things I would like to
direct our attention to a passage in the book of acts were a very new
thing was happening – the conversion of Saul. In Chapter 9 we find the
following account:
(10)
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him
in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered.
(11)
The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask
for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12In
a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him
to restore his sight."
(13)
"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many
reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in
Jerusalem.
14And
he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who
call on your name."
(15)
But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man
is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their
kings and before the people of Israel.
16I
will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
(17)
Then Ananias went to the house and entered
it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus,
who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so
that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18Immediately,
something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He
got up and was baptized,
19and
after taking some food, he regained his strength.
I would like to point out three principles
that are just as relevant today as the day they happened in Ananias and
Saul’s life.
1.
Ananias was sensitive to God’s Spirit. In
other words Ananias had a vision of an event and knew it was from the
Lord. Through the day we can think of all sorts of things but our hearts
need to be attuned to what the Lord wants to do in our lives. My prayer
would be that we would ask God to help us become more aware of when He
is speaking to us and then us being bold enough to act upon it.
2.
In verses 13-16 we see a discussion between
Ananias and the Lord. Please notice the direction of the language.
Ananias is speaking about the past and asking God about the way things
used to be. God is speaking to Ananias about the future and how things
will be. My prayer would be that our hearts would constantly be turned
to the future and the great things Jesus has in store for us. In Psalm
31 we find this encouragement: Be strong and take heart, all you who
hope in the Lord (Psalm 31:24).
3.
Godly words that describe who we are and
specifically how we stand in relation to God and others are important to
use and appreciate. The name Ananias means “the Lord is gracious”; in
verse 13. Ananias uses the term saints, which means God’s separated ones
or Gods holy ones- all who trust in Jesus as Lord are Gods holy ones
–saints. Lastly in verse 17 Ananias refers to Saul as brother – can you
imagine the relief that had to bring Saul! The intent of Saul was to
take captive followers of Jesus in Damascus; instead he is received as a
brother in the Lord! What grace Ananias was extending Saul.
So my friend let each of us consider what
privilege it is to be a child of the most high; Sensitive to His
calling, looking toward the future with great expectation, and knowing
the power of words. These are all keys in connecting with victory.
God Bless You,
Mark
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August 13, 2008
Hi Everyone!
I pray that all is going well in your week. It seems to be busy, the
last full week of summer vacation before school starts in Gothenburg,
fall sports starting, and plans for fall starting to creep into
existence.
I’ve been thinking of something the last several days. It’s a term Paul
used several times in many of the books he authored in the bible. The
phrase life in Christ, in the various forms it is manifested is
intriguing. For instance, Galatians 2:20 says “…I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith”. In
Colossians Paul is speaking about a mystery and says the basis of it is
“Christ in you the hope of glory”. (Col. 1:27) What does that me to each
and every person that names Jesus as savior? Certainly it speaks about
eternal life and the promise we have of living with Him in heaven
forever. But I also believe it speaks of something very applicable to
living on this earth right now, today, this very moment. Jesus is in us
- every Christian; Holy, perfect, full of wisdom, full of all knowledge,
full of every good thing that could ever be. Not only that, Jesus also
fills us with His power to do His work. In other words we rely or should
rely on Jesus’ strength which so powerfully works in us who believe. So
getting back to the question what does that mean? We have Christ in us!
Because of this we are able to overcome every situation, minister to the
hurting, and live a fulfilled passionate life! It is amazing to me that
Jesus also promises that as we delight ourselves in the Lord He gives us
the desires of our hearts. Wow! Christ is living in us – through us
helping us to succeed in the very areas that we are fervent about! It is
Jesus shining through our earthly bodies touching hearts of others and
seeing His plans and purposes for mankind carried out – all because He
lives in us – Jesus the Holy One of Israel, the lover of our souls. O we
serve an awesome God! He chose us before we ever knew we needed Him and
then He pours a guaranteed deposit of God’s Holy Spirit in us to direct
our lives all for His glory. Beyond that He lets us participate in this
process of living our lives zealously for the kingdom of heaven,
fulfilling every good desire of our hearts.
Christ in you – surely this is one of the greatest keys to connecting
with victory that we could every experience! I invite you to lift a
prayer to heaven right now thanking Jesus for living in you and
revealing to you the glorious plan He has for your life. Jesus wants to
partner with you so that you will enjoy a fulfilled, passionate life!
God Bless You,
Mark
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August 6, 2008
Hi everyone!
Well today I am excited about a couple of things; first of all we have a
new computer at the church! Wow it is fast and fun to use thanks for all
your work Koby! Secondly, I saw something great in the word of God this
morning that I want to share with you.
The scripture is out of the book of Galatians. In chapter 5 starting at
verse 16 Paul pens these words: “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you
will not gratify the desire of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature
desires what is contrary to the Spirit and the Spirit what is contrary
to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other”. Later on in
verse 25 Paul encourages the Galatians that since we live by the Spirit
let us keep in step with the Spirit. Now I know that as Christians we
know with our minds that this passage is right on. I guess my question
today is how are we really doing with this encouragement from Paul? In
other words in our heart, in the center of our being where are emotions
and will reside are we walking this scripture out? Admittedly, Paul even
says that there is a conflict that resides within us, each one of us.
But the question on my heart is are we able to say to Jesus – have Your
way in my life today? Are we daily, perhaps more often, saying to the
Lord – I give you the totality of myself my mind and thought processes,
my heart and emotions, the entirety of my body, my soul and my spirit, I
give you every part of my being today? Elsewhere in the word it is
written that Christians are crucified with Christ, that our bodies are
no longer our own. Ah, there is a joy and peace in routinely giving our
lives to Christ afresh and anew. Along with that, as we keep in step
with the Spirit of God we find the purpose for our life and desires of
our hearts being carried out. Paul makes an interesting statement in
verses 22 and 23. He says that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control”. Paul says there is fruit, in other words we can evidence
of being led by the Spirit. Wow God is so cool. He gives us instructions
on how to live, gives us His Spirit to help us live that way, and
provides evidence of living the way He calls us to live!
Living by the Spirit of God – this is truly an adventure, solace, and
certainty of connecting with victory.
God Bless You
Mark
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