Mark My Words

2010-06-24T07:58:00.004-05:00

I am a very visual person. I learn best by seeing, I think in pictures, and as such, I see God constantly in creation. It comes naturally to me. I see a flower and all the intricate colors, or the design on a leaf, or the colors of a sunset or the majesty of a mountain and am immediately drawn to my Creator, Jesus. As John 1:3 reminds us;

3Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

When I hang out with my kids outside I pause often, showing them flowers, and bugs, and leaves and trees, and they seem to love it...looking around and experiencing things for the first time. This got me thinking - do you and I get so busy that we stop looking for God in our lives around us? Or perhaps more to the point, do we stop seeing God? He is there...He is everywhere. He is in us, through Christ, and He is constantly working. I want my relationship with Christ to be like my children's relationship with the world around them - each day is a day of discovery, of new things, of new colors and experiences, a day of seeing God at work in my life and in the world around me.

13 People 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. (Mark 10:13-15)

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation (Psalm 51:12a)

Put these verses together and I think it hits what I'm talking about. I want my relationship with Christ to, in some ways, mirror elements of childlike-faith, and a constant joy of the salvation that God brings. And I believe a big part of that is found in "seeing God"...and one of the ways He reveals Himself to us is through His creation. Take time today to look for and see God...and may His revelation return to you the joy of His salvation.

In His Grip
Mark

My Dad

2010-05-19T07:41:00.004-05:00

For the past few years my father had suffered from heart problems. We all knew that time was precious, and I made a conscious effort to build as many memories as I could. I visited whenever I could took my kids to visit him, I called and talked to him whenever I got the urge. He was one of my very best friends as a little boy and we were always sharing stories and swapping tales. He was funny and smart, and knew how to fix anything.

Watching the father I loved slowly deteriorate, was heartbreaking for me and Jessi, because no matter how hard we wished for it, he wasn't going to get better.

I got to sit and visit with him one last time a few months ago, watched my son and daughter interact with him as much as they could. I sat and looked at him in his grey warm up and noticed how small he was. He seemed so big to me when I was a kid and even as a teenager. He was the life of the party, all his buddies would just hang out to be around my dad.

I will miss him every day of my life. I will miss seeing his face, and hearing his voice, and I would give anything in this world to be able to talk to him just one more time.
I was remembering when I was small how he was my special hero, and I can never thank him enough for all of the things he taught me, all the funny things he used to say and think and for all of the wonderful memories he has given me to treasure.

He and I took a trip in 1997 to New Mexico, just me and my dad, I got to tell him how I had become a Christian how my life was different, and how much I loved God and thanked God for him. I asked if he wanted that same relationship one like I had with Jesus. I never got a straight answer. I can only hope that he heard the gospel message and said yes to Jesus.

Throughout my life, I wanted to make him proud and honor him by being the best person I can be. He would want me to go on with my life, to be happy and productive, to enjoy watching my own childern grow into a good and decent human being. I thank God every day for giving me my dad. I'll always love you,

To the New Calvinists

2010-03-31T08:17:00.007-05:00

In my judgment, scripture is clear, more people will end up in Hell than heaven, but this is not what God intended.He most likely knew this would happen but He did not "choose" some to go to Hell. I am affirming here that in this world things do happen that are against the will of God. God does not will for anyone to go to Hell (2 Pet 3:9, Ezek 33:11). This is why He sent Jesus to take away our sins through His universal atoning death (Jn 1:29, 1 Jn 2:2, 1 Tim 4:10, 2 Pet 2:1). This is why He sent the Spirit to convict the world of Jesus Lordship (Jn 16:8-9). God does indeed command all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:11). Why does God command all people to repent? Because He has appointed a day when He will judge the world in righteousness by Jesus Christ. He commands all people to repent and believe in Jesus the Lord, because He does not want them to go to Hell (2 Pet 3:9, 1 Tim 2:3-4).

Look at the parable of the Final assize, when Jesus separates the sheep from the goats. The sheep (believers) inherit life eternal, and the goats (unbelievers) inherit death and hell. If there was ever a better time for Jesus to tell us plainly about How God prepared Hell for certain people this would be it, but what does Jesus say to the unbelievers? Jesus says in Matt 25:41 to those on His left hand at the assize "Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels." Why does Jesus not say to the cursed, "Depart from Me, you cursed into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil, His angels, and you!" with an angry sneer in His voice. Why? Because God did not prepare Hell for anyone, nor does He have pleasure when people go there (2 pet 3:9, Ezek 33:11).

It saddens me in the deepest degree that we do not love sinners the way Jesus did. However, it is as Jesus said it would be in the last days

"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." (Matt 24:12)

Faith

2010-03-10T12:06:00.002-06:00

What is it? Specifically, what is faith within the Biblical context? Many people will have you believe that Christianity requires a blind faith. This is not the case. Faith, in the Bible, is not a blind surrender to superstition. God invites us: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD…” (Isa 1:18). A whole book (Proverbs) in the Bible is devoted to Wisdom and throughout Scripture wisdom is praised and superstitious belief in idols (the illogical worship of inanimate objects) is scorned. Jesus talks about wise men and foolish men. In fact, Jesus is Himself described as the Word. The Greek term translated into “Word” in English is “Logos”, which means [logical] expression. Whatever faith is, it is clearly not a simpleton's acceptance of something that lacks reason; of something illogical.

So what does “faith” mean in the Bible? The first time the word faith is used in the Bible is in Deuteronomy 32:20: “And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.” The Hebrew word for faith, from this passage is “'êmûn” and literally means “established”, “trusty” or “trustworthiness”.

When Jesus says in Matthew 6:30: “…if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?”, the lack of faith in this section comes from the Greek word “oligopistos”, which means “lacking in confidence”.

Referring to the centurion that asked Jesus to heal his servant by merely speaking the word, Jesus answered: “…Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Matthew 8:10). The term “faith” in this passage comes from the Greek “pistis” which means “persuasion”, “conviction”, usually of Truth.

The implication is not blind faith, but acceptance of a Truth after being persuaded of its validity. The centurion was not hoping on some superstitious belief, but he was convinced that Jesus could heal his servant because he knew about Jesus’ ability. He had probably heard of the many instances where Jesus healed the sick and might even have witnessed some of these miracles. He was persuaded about Jesus’ power; he was convinced of His authority over sickness.

Throughout the New Testament the word translated into faith in English is the same Greek word “pistis”, i.e. persuasion of truth, or the negative “oligopistos”, i.e. a lack in confidence -- not trusting something. A better modern translation than “faith” would probably be “trust”. Trust is something that comes from experience; to have confidence in something. That is why “faith in God” is not merely saying the words “I believe in God”, nay, true faith, is trusting God. And trusting God comes from having a relationship with Him.

I like this quote below!

God never asks us to believe, without giving sufficient evidence upon which to base our faith. His existence, His character, the truthfulness of His word, are all established by testimony that appeals to reason; and this testimony is abundant. Yet God has never removed the possibility of doubt. Our faith must rest upon evidence, not demonstration. Those who wish to doubt will have opportunity; while those who really desire to know the truth will find plenty of evidence on which to rest their faith. -- Steps to Christ; Chapter 12.

Choosing our walk

2010-02-15T07:36:00.005-06:00

I was at a cafe the other day having some coffee and a bagel and had overheard a conversation of some men having a Bible study. A few of the men were talking about the various reasons their walk with God was suffering, they each said they longed to know Jesus on a deeper level. I thought, at first, that was cool. "If only He would reveal Himself, or if only we understood scripture more, if only the church we attend had more services....." It was not my place to say what I thought, but I can and will here. I have been there in those places- the "if only" place. The Lord revealed something that totally blew me away (I love when He does that), it was of Him because it was simple but yet complex! Here it is - I needed to understand that I am as close to Jesus Christ as I choose to be. God gives you and I a certain amount of Liberty to follow Him as we so choose. Spiritual laziness then comes upon us, spiritual procrastination, spiritual despair which ultimately leads to apathy(apathy is deadly). Apathy is when you feel nothing. There is no guilt, no hunger any longer you just retreat inward. So as I sat and listened I had to ask myself, "Mark (that is what I call myself at the cafe), are you content with where you are at with my relationship with Jesus?" How about you? Are you choosing to walk along with Him or content with just standing around by yourself?

In His Grip
Mark

What do You Follow

2010-02-12T08:16:00.005-06:00

True followers of Christ know that "Christianity" is different. They get that it is Jesus and Jesus alone. A true follower that is completely devoted will know and understand the joy that following Jesus allows us to simplify our lives by simply following Jesus. True followers never try to run ahead and should not say "I am going to make a life for myself," or add following Jesus to their own efforts, thinking those efforts will be better with Him, as if He is a simple ingredient. Instead He is the staple. A true follower will embrace the words He spoke "Follow Me!" He can make something better of your life. Blessed is the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. God created the "things" for our use. A.W.Tozer says, "They were meant to be external to the man and subservient to him." But when we follow hard after things those good gifts can become ruin for the soul. What do you follow?

In His Grip
Mark

Fear

2010-01-23T11:50:00.004-06:00

I was remembering our move 6 years ago to Katy. The anniversary is on the 31st of this month. I have been gone from Albuquerque for 6 years( seems like 6 months). In 6 years we bought our first house, planted Calvary Katy (we love everyone of the peeps that attend), have had 2 kids (we love them too!), had to put down our dog Samson, started a landscape company, my dog Java had 9 puppies(which we still have 4), and a lot of other things that could cause a person to be fearful. On all or most of these occasions I had lost a night or two worth of sleep. There was a battle in my soul fear was trying to take a hold in most of these events. All are very exciting times - one, although was not, but fear had always lingered close to each of the events. As I look back today the Lord reminded me of some things that I wanted to share and as I move into 2010 I know fear will try to break in. I pray this helps you as it does me.

When a leader allows fear to control him…the people he leads ALWAYS lose.

Fear forces a leader to embrace the “way things are” rather than how they should be.
Fear causes a leader to think more about what they have to lose rather than what the Kingdom has to gain.
Fear makes a person depend on their power and ability rather than God’s.
Fear leads to impulsive and unwise decisions rather than prayed through and processed ones.
MY prayer for myself is that I NEVER become obsessed with safety and lose sight of HIS SOVEREIGNTY.

In His Grip
Mark

Answers - Why?

2010-01-20T14:49:00.001-06:00

Most of us go to God for answers, when in reality, it is God Himself we seek. Answers only become important when you don’t trust that God has your best interests in mind. We want God to explain our situations not because we want to understand His perfect plan, but because we want to be in control of our lives. Our requests are inherently selfish.
Ironically, the answers we seek can only be found by knowing God intimately. We can’t expect to know why bad things happen to good people until we understand what God defines as “good.” We can’t expect to know why some people die young until we bury our head in Christ’s embrace and weep with Him. We can’t expect to understand why some people go to hell unless we fully surrender our souls to Heaven.
The answers we seek don’t come from God—they are God. Cuddle up next to Him and listen to the beat of His compassionate heart. Then you can “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)

Discipline or Legalism

2010-01-18T08:06:00.003-06:00

I was asked, "why do Christians need to be disciplined, after all we have grace, so why discipline?" My antinomian friends question seems to permeate our culture today. I began to think about this and found that disciplined Christian lives are the exception and not the rule. Even many church leaders seem to have a lifestyle that lacks discipline. I think the conscious rejection of spiritual discipline is the fear of legalism. They may think spiritual discipline is putting oneself back under the Law with a series of strict rules that no one can live up to. We need to understand what legalism and discipline are. The difference is the motivation - Legalism is self centered; discipline is God centered. The legalistic heart says, "I will do this thing to gain merit with God." The disciplined heart says, "I will do this thing because I love God and want to please Him." So how do we do this? 1 Timothy 4:7 tells you and I to, "train(discipline) ourselves to be godly". All of our energy needs to be directed towards godliness!

"What Verses can Help Me Rid Myself of the Wrong I have Done"

2010-01-06T13:15:00.005-06:00

Yesterday someone asked me the question that is in the title of this post.

Anyone ever struggle with “the wrong things” from the past?

Ever wonder where those, often times, self condemning thoughts come from?
Is that Jesus…OR…is it the devil?
AND…why can’t you seem to shake that one thing…that one night…that one mistake? (Or series of mistakes?)
Haunted?
There are two words to keep in mind when it comes to wrestling with sin. The first is…
CONVICTION!
Conviction is what I feel, as a Christian, when there is sin in my life and God, through His Holy Spirit, is trying to seize my attention.
You see, the “bad” news is…as a Christian you and I can no longer truly enjoy sin because Jesus, who is now inside of us, just can’t stand it when there is “junk” in our lives.
Let me illustrate…when my daughter drops a weapon of mass destruction in her diaper it is SO obvious! And, while she can continue on with life as normal after doing the deed…as parents we can’t allow her to remain with junk in her pants.
So…you interrupt her. You pick her up and take her to a place where she can be cleaned. She doesn’t like it…she often cries and tries to get away…but we just can’t allow her to remain in her filthy condition. Why…because I’m her father and I love her so much!
That’s the way it is with us and God…if their is “junk” in our lives that He doesn’t approve of then He will interrupt us…He will draw us to Him…He will do anything possible to get our attention to get us to a place where we can be cleansed. He doesn’t want us to live in filth…He wants us to live in freedom!
So, if we are a Christian but not actually following Jesus then God will convict us until we repent and fully embrace what He’s calling us to do. (Please see II Corinthians 7:10 & Ephesians 4:30)
And then there’s…
CONDEMNATION
THIS is the feeling that I know a lot of Christians have!
We’ve received Christ…we’ve repented of sin…but thoughts of “that thing” or “series of things” keep popping into our minds over and over again–along with thoughts of, “God couldn’t love you after doing THAT,” OR, “do you REALLY think you’re forgiven for THAT…LOOK at what you did!”
These feelings often bring heavy guilt, shame and pain! And…I’ve seen good people who love Jesus be driven to immersing themselves into “good works” and thinking that they could work off all the bad stuff that they did…not understanding that full payment was made for their sin on the cross.
The verse that I memorized early on…the verse that helps me so much is Romans 8:1, there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ.
I’ve seen people misuse this verse and try to attempt to manipulate it to justify their sinful lifestyle.
That’s not what it means!
It was written by a guy named Paul, who, in Romans 7 gets BLUNTLY honest about his own struggle with sin. BUT then says that the reason he can live in victory is because He knows that Christ didn’t come to condemn him but to set him free.
Jesus said in John 3:17 that He didn’t come to condemn the world…so…if those thoughts about the past are not coming from him…then the only other option we have is satan!
WAY too many Christians give the devil too much airtime in regards to their past.
If you are in Christ…He knew all about your past…He knew about it before you were even born, yet the moment you cried out to Him for salvation your sins were covered, all of them–even “that!”
II Corinthians 5:17 says that we are made brand new!
We are not condemned!
If you are wrestling with conviction then your only choice is repentance! If God is convicting you that something is wrong then I promise He isn’t going to change His mind.
But, if you are wrestling with condemnation then your only choice is recognition of what Christ did on the cross…complete payment…and in Him you and I are brand new!!!

May You Honor Him!
Mark

Just Thinking

2010-01-05T13:23:00.002-06:00

There’s a time after Christmas when we all start thinking about “business as usual”. It may not be yet. Frankly, you might even resent being reminded about it.

So what was it brought you down with a bump this season?

Family relationships? Ensuring transport for family members to get to visit one another? A stray thought or two about what you’d actually spent over the last month and what the credit card bill’s going to look like? The attempted bombing aboard an aircraft coming in to land in Detroit or maybe some other news item which reminded you that the world hasn’t changed all that much just because it’s Christmas?

All this reality gets in the way of a holiday, doesn’t it? A bit of sacred space for some of us, a few days of rest and relaxation for others.

Nobody in the Christmas story appears to be on holiday, though, do they? Funny that. Mary and Joseph are working to a tax deadline. King Herod is keeping order in his kingdom and preserving his place in the pecking order. Shepherds watching their flocks on Judean hillsides – they were on-call as usual. And let’s not forget the Wise Men: As strange and enigmatic as their job might have been, even they appear to have been on duty.

It wasn’t a holiday for any of any of them. We’re the ones who’ve made it a holiday. The Son of God was born into a busy world and the key for us is to maintain the link between that Story – with its message of hope and God’s good will towards humanity - with the person we usually are and not the person we are when we’re on holiday.

We’re people who slave away and make decisions affecting others. We’re charged with the nurture of children. We buy and sell. We make products, tighten bolts and run offices. We try to get the best deal we can. It’s that world which all this Christmas stuff has something to do with and not simply the family sitting around the front room playing charades.

And so maybe it’s not over when we find ourselves back to work today or in a day or two. Maybe it’s just beginning.

Nothing. The Great Beginning

2009-08-15T09:32:00.004-05:00

In reading 1 Samuel 1 there is a woman who is bummed about being barren. She seems to have everything a woman of this time could possibly have or want except a baby. She enters into the tabernacle - the presence of God - and prays. As the story goes Hannah was able to conceive and have a son. I am always amazed at how God, through out history, with His people will begin with nothing. God's tendency is to make our total inability His starting point. Our hopelessness and helplessness are no barrier to His work. Our utter incapacity is the prop He seems to delight in most to use in His next act. In my own life when I am without strength, resources, hope, and without human gimmicks - then He loves to stretch forth His hand from heaven. Once we see where God begins we will understand how we can be encouraged.

IN HIS GRIP
Mark

Good Times and Good Friends

2009-06-02T16:23:00.003-05:00

Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget, that would describe my friends from the begining of my walk with Jesus Christ. I had an opportunity to stay a few nights with Mike and Stef (that's what I call them, they call each other honey and baby - I can't tell which is which). We caught up on the last few years at their pad,had Hannah and Asher's favorite pizza, a sorta funny movie, church and some yardwork. I am now on my way back to Katy and cannot wait to see them again with my family and their family. The Lord has blessed me with their friendship and though my trip was cut short. It was worth it cuz I got to see them.When I look back I will remember the people who made me laugh, the people who hung out with me when nobody else would, and the people who made my life much better simply by being a part of it.

In Him
Mark

Thanks

2009-04-15T07:34:00.003-05:00

All Props to God! After a long couple of weeks of wondering if my sons heart is enlarged, or if there is a defect we have received the answer from the doctors that all is normal. I have to admit the time and place of not knowing is not my favorite place or time. I kept Psalm 45:2-5 close every day chewing on that verse, praying it, and at times begging God with His own Word. I kept looking and seeking that place when I felt fear and uncertainty creeping in. I kept Asa's wonderful smile, hearty laugh, and sometimes great attitude in my mind savoring every moment just incase something were severely wrong with his heart. I could not imagine what it would have been like with out him around. The day my wife called me with tears of joy informing me that "there is nothing wrong, he is okay," will be etched into my memory forever. My wife and I appreciate all those who prayed, people we never met were asking if he was okay and praying for him. I am sure that God feels the same way I did because so many of His children have heart problems. It hurts and though He knows the outcome I am sure He would rather have them healed. So maybe you could pray for those more fervently who may not have a relationship with Jesus or have gotten ill(spiritually). We need to understand there is a life on the line.

Again thank you for your prayers

Mark

Storms Approaching

2009-03-17T19:17:00.005-05:00

The other day we were told our son had an irregular heart beat and we needed to take Asa to the Texas Children's Hospital for an E.K.G. When we finally got the results we were relieved to find out there was nothing wrong with his heart beat. Today we were told that he may have an enlarged heart. That is not the thing I wanted to hear. I feel trapped in a sense, that as his dad I cannot make this go away, but I can walk the only path I have known for the last thirteen years and that is hanging on to my Lord and Savior and trusting in Him. I remember when Jesus sent His disciples into the storm and they were in His will because He sent them. I know it may be a rough ride and over quickly or it may be a long hard journey. I pray that whatever the result that he see his mom and I standing with the tears in our eyes, faith in our hearts, and never turning our back on God. I pray that we (Jessi, friends, family, and myself) have our eyes opened to see in all events of life, whether good or bad great or small, that there is a chariot for our souls (2 Kings 6:17).
We covet your prayers as we enter the storm.

In His Grip
Mark

Just for Today Everyday

2009-03-04T07:25:00.005-06:00

I was reading in Psalm 4 this morning and came across verse 5 "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,..." I do have to say it made me wonder and think. So as I finished my quiet time I began to search for sacrifices of righteousness in the Bible. What does it look like, what does it consist of, how do you do it, how often, where? As all those things flooded my mind I looked at the context and found the gospel message in verse 4. If the reader or hearer of this Psalm obeyed the instruction of verse 4 they obviously would want to know what to do to have salvation. They must not only stop doing evil, they must also learn and struggle to do the right thing even when the wrong thing seems to press upon them. You and I are exhorted to do the same when life gets tough and the road seems uphill we need to kneel at the feet of Jesus at His cross and learn to trust the One who died for you and me. In the picture you can see this child has full confidence in her father who is there to ensure her safety. Our father is there He won't drop you!!!!

In His Grip
Mark

The 11th Commandment

2009-02-25T20:59:00.009-06:00

I was thinking the other day about stuff that seemed most important to me. Things like my family our church family, my company , e.t.c.. I was arranging my day after my quiet time I had wrote down a verse on the top line of my ical- Matt. 22:35-40(you look it up). There is hardly anything better we can do for those we are around than to love Jesus our Lord so huge and to keep our love relationship with Him fresh and growing everyday. I see people on t.v. and read about them on the web who are willing to risk their reputation, lives, and put up with ridicule for money, could not the love of Christ motivate the real Christian to do the same for the gospel- I love to read of those martyrs who so loved Jesus that they had suffered and died for the sake of the gospel - it inspires and saddens yet I am thankful for them because they will always live in my hearts hall of fame. I pray we are motivated by the 11th commandment "love one another :just as I have loved you." A self sacrificing love needs to be the D.N.A of the Christian life.

Until the Trumpet Sounds
Mark

Obtained Inheritance

2009-02-13T19:56:00.004-06:00

I have heard a lot of talk recently as to what direction our country is going in and I even sometimes think we could, or I should say have the potential of, becoming a third world country. On the surface things are not looking so great. We hear of plans to help stimulate our economy everyday. I hear this also and will admit that I get a little concerned but not for long because I have a hope in an awesome mighty God, one who came and paid a price for me. So I now live in God's economy while also living in this economy. Proverbs 21:1 reassures me that God has control and knows what is best when it comes to His children. God has marked out or determined before hand certain divine events that He allows to happen, whether it would be the economy, some disease, captivity, e.t.c.. God foreknowing how men would act under various circumstances, determined beforehand to allow them to take place or individuals to act the way they do; and certain acts and events will come to pass as parts of His total plan, while leaving all men fully responsible for what they do. Faith is what we really need more than a stimulus package.

May His Face shine upon you.

In Him
Mark

Family Time

2009-01-31T15:48:00.003-06:00

Well another Superbowl is about to happen and most of us will spend time at a friends house watching the big game. Two teams will battle it out on the grid iron. My prayer for our fellowship is that we would see the future big event - the return of Jesus- and we would find the time at least one Sunday a month to get together and invite friends for a time of furthering the kingdom of God. Let's not be so busy that we cannot help further the Kingdom of God. Let God work through you, do not quench His Spirit.

In His Grip
Mark

Our World in a Cup

2009-01-17T00:12:00.009-06:00

The other day I had heard on the news that a plane had to make an emergency landing in the Hudson River. I was blown away when I heard that there were no casualties. I was amazed, and yet wondered how that could be. I thought they may have made a mistake and overlooked the one person that died. But none died, they were all alive and well. As I watched the news interviews all said the captain came on over the speaker and warned them all to brace themselves for impact. Once the plane hit the water and stopped they all had to take action. As is normal on any flight they were all instructed on what to do in the event of a water landing. Like us we all have been warned of the impact that will come one day. In our lives there will come a day when our world will be stirred up, shaken. But will their be 100% survivorship? The passengers all get a second chance and I wonder how many of them will make changes in their lives, a second chance? Our worlds are like our coffee we know how we like it, some prefer flavored creamers to sweeten it up, others use both sugar and cream, some like it just the way it was poured- black. But either way it is ours, nothing more added or subtracted. Revelation 2:1-2,4-5 says, " I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot be with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not,and found them to be false...But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent." These people that we read about and see as survivors got a second chance. Their world was stirred, attentions were got, but what will happen now? What about you? Is your world being stirred, are you adding substitutes to sweeten it up or the real Jesus? If God has allowed you a second chance then we should take action to get this one right! I pray for these people who survived and that they would now turn their lives to Jesus.

The Power Source

2009-01-04T20:54:00.004-06:00

In an unprecedented radio event, a chapter of Psalms was read aloud during prime-time on IDF Army Radio, on behalf of the war effort."May the Lord hear thee in the day of trouble, may the Name of the G-d of Jacob strengthen thee out of Zion... Some trust in chariots, and some in horses - but we will call out in the Name of G-d. They fall, but we are arisen and stand upright. Save L-rd, O King, Who hears on the day that we call." What a cool thing to do in the midst of a battle/ war. We as Christians should be praying for Israel and their efforts. Just about every news paper has a front page article about this war. Please also remember that we should be praying for these men and women on both sides of the line come to have a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Christmas Eve Service

2009-01-03T12:06:00.001-06:00

Real friends don't let friends play with snowman poo!

2008-12-31T20:54:00.009-06:00

NEED I SAY MORE??????????

Happy Birthday

2008-12-25T20:18:00.007-06:00

Merry Christmas to all! I pray your celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior was an awesome bash!!!! Our morning began early for me. I woke up and made the coffee for me Jessica and a close family friend. I prepared the video camera for the mornings festivities. Some of the traditions in our house include us reading from Luke 2:1-20, praying, and hiding Jesus ( a small doll - so the kids can experience what the shepherds did when they went to find the Baby Jesus in a manger). Then the gift opening began. We sat had more coffee, conversation about evangelism, and called family and friends. I pray your day was filled with family and friends and mainly the thoughts of our wonderful Savior who came for the redemption of man.

May the Lord Bless you!
Mark

Want Some

2008-12-14T21:38:00.003-06:00

The other morning as I was sitting in my office having my quiet time my son Asa came in, he had just woke up he was a little groggy from a night of race car, Spider Man, and Speed Racer dreams. The first thing he did as he climbed into my lap was scan the desk for candy ( he knew I had some candy that I stash away). He quickly found a blue raspberry dum dum. As he sat on his little couch working on his candy he asked if I wanted some. I didn't want to mix blue raspberry and coffee so early so I said no thanks. He persisted and was almost demanding that I try some, he explained that it was "dee -licious". How could I refuse? So I gave in to the taste.
It reminded me of something I had read a few days earlier in my quiet time. In John 1:41-42 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah". And he brought him to Jesus.
The one who brought his brother to Jesus was Andrew. We are not told that how Andrew did it. The Holy Spirit did not think it worth putting on record. But this brother whom he brought to Jesus preached a sermon that led three thousand people to Jesus in one day.
Where would Simon Peter’s sermon have been if it had not been for Andrew going and sharing what he had seen and heard? The most important kind of Christian work is personal work. We envy the guys who stand on the platform and speak to great crowds, but God pays more attention to the man who sits down with a single soul. Like my son and his candy, he wanted me to experience what he thought to be so great, he did all he could to get me to try his candy. Once I tasted I could relate to his experience better.
As a Christian that is all that is required in personal evangelism just asking if they "want some" of what we have. Please be sure you are a light and the joy of the Lord is in you, nobody wants what the depressed, bummed out, angry at the world guy has. Why? Cuz they have it already and who wants a double shot of that. Think about this if you lead some one to the Lord in one year and that person lead one person to the Lord the next year that would equal 2 people in two years, but if 200 people did the same the church would grow to 400 in a two year period. We just need to allow people to see that we enjoy the life we live as a Christian just because they say no does not mean we give up.

Taking Jesus Home

2007-10-09T10:04:00.001-05:00

I was reading in Mark 1 how after synagogue service on that Saturday the people were amazed at his teaching and the eviction of a demon from some dude. But the most amazing thing is what happens after. Simon and Andrew James and John. They take Jesus home. Many Christians go to church and leave, and they forget some one - Jesus. If we are not taking the Lord and Savior, the one the people were amazed at, home then we can never expect to give our all to the service of the church body. The importance of having that relationship in our house, our work place, in our neighborhood, everywhere we go. Yet I believe many Christians are afraid of being known as a devout Christian. It does take some courage to go against the flow. If Satan can make you think and feel that you can do little or should do nothing and it is okay. We need to remember we cannot please God if we try to please man.The apostle Peter stated that all Christians are stewards, and we need to be trustworthy. Above everything else, a steward is called to be faithful. We should be faithful to share the gospel, the good news of Jesus. I pray that my fellow Christians would take Jesus home, spend time in communion with Him and share the amazing things He has done in your lives.