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Last updated Tue Jun 05, 2007 Member since March 2006

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Please, Lord, give me the Strength to serve you as you intended. Help me to think outside of ME AND MINE! I thank you, praise you, and I love you, Jesus!

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1 Corinthians 1:27; But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise..............read on

Through Storm And Sunny Days, As Well..................Entry for February 24, 2009
Through Storm And Sunny Days, As Well..................Entry for February 24, 2009 magnify
Through Storm and Sunny days, as well


One thing within this life we live, will never change its way,


For me and all that walk this earth, each morn will bring new day



The night will swallow up the sun, the day ahead will shine,


Most often, therein, twice between, the sky lights up like wine



Yet many times the color cannot seem to find it’s way,


We search upon horizons for God’s paintbrush, yet it’s gray



Within those moments, often days or weeks, we can lose sight,


We try with all we have, to no avail, to find the light



It is inside those trials that come our way we all should find,


That we must sometimes wait, be still, and calm our heart and mind



For there is ONE who has a greater plan than we could EVER hatch,


He knows when we’re within the gray, He’s promised those who’d fall he’d catch



He constantly reminds us all, within His Word, the gift of Life,


That if we place our trust in Him, we’d turn to grace what’s meant for strife



So when that sky does come to pass, where you‘re caught in the colorless,


Just close your eyes, open your ears, still your tongue and hear him bless,



In spite of what our feelings say, the Lord is always walking near,


In fact if we would listen, stilled, He says His voice we’ll always hear



Instead we often find ourselves, within a squall of spite and mire,


Through serving, first, our own free will, we feed our sinful hearts desire



Then we sit and wonder ‘WHY, must I, so often, have such trials?’,


“I am, indeed, good people, Lord, I’ve served your cause for countless miles”



While all this time, He’s been right there, He’s told us how to gain true peace,


He laid it all before our feet, “Just follow ME, my Love wont cease”



“Just read my word, obey my Son, get on your knees and pray for strength,

Have I not promised you my child, abide and I’ll go any length”



“My Son has suffered so, for you, He bore great pain that you would not,


For He is LOVE, amongst much else, He paid the price for Sin, the lot”



“So if you wonder where I’ve been, within the times you’ve suffered so,


Just look upon my Son’s great stripes, He took them so your Light could Glow”



“You were not made to live within, the valleys that will come at times,


The Savior He will carry you, He’ll take your hand and out you’ll climb”

“I know that often evil comes through others, by no cause of you,


Those moments are no different, child, because in them you’ll need me, too”



“I am the Way, the Truth, the Life, I’ve written this upon your heart,


NO MAN comes to Him but by ME, so in this truth my point will start”



“Remind that liar of his place, he has no power over US,

I’ve made you more than conquerors, so armor up and in Me, Trust”



“So many went before you, child, like some of twelve in Philippi,


They suffered great but stood firm still, on Me they kept a watchful eye”



“Be not anxious for one thing, Pray with thanks throughout your lives,


Think nobly, right, be pure for me, for Holiness my servant strives”



“If you can face each trial this way, despite what brought it forth to bear,


My paintbrush still can guide your way, My Love can conquer any snare”



“So make this note upon your heart, please everyone you meet, do tell,


I AM THE SAVIOR IN ALL TIMES, THROUGH STORMS AND SUNNY DAYS, AS WELL!”





A poem, by Mark William Moorman for my Lord and Brethren

When looking at this hawk, above, I know, immediately, that I’m much different from him. He’s not blessed with the ability to reason, like I am. He’s not an emotional creature, deciding, in the midst of a crisis, “I think I just wont hunt today, I’m really depressed. I really didn’t deserve to lose my mate to disease. You know, I’m not sure that I can go on.” YES, these pains are very real for us, and they should be paid attention to by our brethren. We’re sometimes very emotionally fragile, needing of comfort, and Our Brethren should be there to share a portion of that grief. That’s one of the points herein, regarding how different we are from that beautiful bird. And, actually, this very hawk, in the picture that I’ve taken from my backyard, DID lose his mate. [On a tangent, it’s interesting that, while someone might look at a person within their life, to some capacity or another, and backbite, saying, “How can they even eat after what‘s happened to them?”-as if we have any right to judge the heart of ANY man due to how he deals with circumstance…….in fact, the phrase “pull the plank from thine own eye” comes to mind to some extent- when, in reality, all we have to do is consider what travesties are going on, all around us, daily, and according to that train of thought, we should never eat or smile again.] While the Hawk, surely, instinctively misses it’s mate, it obviously doesn’t manifest grief, that is almost inconsolable at times, as we do.

The fact is, EVERYONE is different, in one way or anther. We all deal with catastrophe’s unique from one another, to some degree. We all treat those that the Lord has placed in our lives differently, to some extent. And yet, we are ALL sinners, saved by grace, when it comes to the Body of believers. The Hawk, while he hunts, eats and cleans himself, during the very day of his loss, will NEVER take a mate again once she dies. It’s true; Most often, quite a few of the MANY species of birds have one mate for life, and they will never take on another. Equally as often, I think, we, as believers, will take a trial and hold on to it’s initial or ongoing effect on our emotions with us for MILES of our journey. I digress to say, of course, the Hawk is much different than us in the eyes of the Lord. Yet, The Birds of the Air are used in the bible many times, including by Jesus...... Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

I find birds to be one of the most fascinating creations on earth. Of course, a large portion of my interest is spawned by a desire to one day fly. What person hasn’t had that thought?(Sorry to all of those who have a fear of heights…yet even many of those that I know who have that fear, when asked, “would you like to fly of your own ability?”, say ‘YES, that would be so cool’). The word’s “BIRD/S”, alone, are mentioned in the bible 97 times in the NIV. Eagles and Sparrows, amongst others are mentioned in many instances on top of the 97.

When thinking about what the Lord was trying to tell me, pertaining to my poem and the picture that He provided for me to take, a specific verse came to mind. Many of you who know me, personally, are aware that these are two of my favorite verses in the entire Bible…..

Isaiah 40:30-31; 30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint………

This verse is so beautiful to me, that….Often, when I really think, deeply, of all the ways this scripture ministers to me, I shed a tear. It is SUCH AN INCREDIBLE PROMISE! In fact, He’s proven it to me, many times. Even still- knowing how many times the Lord has rescued me from my own ignorance and self abuse…..KNOWING that He loves me and stands by me, in spite of my often irreverent and faithless attitude….Knowing that HE CAN do ALL THINGS for and through a person who believes on Him- I OFTEN, not only forget, but sometimes, I’ve even blamed him for the valleys that I’ve been in. I’ve found myself in situations like the poem that I’ve written above…. So bent on measuring the Lord through my circumstances, (when I should be in some ways like the Hawk-Knowing by some invisible instinct that the Lord WILL feed me, WILL protect me, WILL comfort me and give me what I need, and knowing that I need to eat and move forward)- that I COMPLETELY miss opportunities, grace, blessings of strength, comfort and even, sometimes, peace within the Storm. God’s Grace and MIGHT are in NO WAY measurable by Mankind. Sure, we can try to imagine, attempting to wrap our minds around it through some example that we’re familiar with. But, even that is futile, much like our attempts to measure His Love by our circumstance.

A large purpose or message in the Isaiah verses above is SO SIMPLE, yet I’ve often overlooked it. JESUS’ GRACE, WRITTEN WORD, STEADFASTNESS, LOVE, PATIENCE, CONVICTION AND ABILITIES ARE, WELL, ALWAYS AVAILABLE! He cleans up my prayers, making them presentable for the Lord. He cleans up my act, making ME presentable to the Father, by NO MEANS OR ACTIONS OF MY OWN! He gives me strength, when I’m CLEARLY being weak or double minded, in spite of the fact that I don’t deserve it. Not only is He ABLE, but He UNDERSTANDS! Even though He’s perfect, blameless, Holy, unlike EVERY one of us, he also knows that we WILL have pain, disappointment, discouragements, grief, anger, sorrow and fear as well. He knows EVERY HAIR on our head and every step that we’ll make. He knows how we’re going to deal with every trial that comes our way. He knows that we’ll often take blessings, incredible testimonies of conquering over seemingly impossible circumstances, due to HIS INTERSESSION, and forget all about them(How many times have you been in a trial, maybe something no where near as serious as some of the other things He’s delivered you from, and yet, still, you’ve made an even bigger deal out of it…..as if “OH NO, I’m doomed”?)…….We ALL have. I know this because “No man is righteous, NOT ONE!” Yes, even then, Jesus smiles, every time we finally GET IT! Imagine, just for one minute, if you had the knowledge of what everyone was going to do to you, before they did it…..Can any of us say, at least initially, that we woudn’t shun that person before they could hurt us? Knowing this, about Jesus, HOW COULD WE POSSIBLY THINK we could measure his Grace, ability or otherwise? He knows, already, what we’re going to do to basically shun Him, even spit on what He’s offering us……..yet HE LOVES US ANYWAY! If I can have even a tiny portion of that grace, AMEN!

The Lord never intended for us to be fallen or ill. He never intended for us to have to deal with the constant barrage of horrible things that we do to each other. But, since we have, HE GAVE US THE WORD, Jesus Christ! Again, WOWWWW, what Grace!

Of course, there is another thing that the Lord decided from the very beginning, Man was never meant to be alone, either….. So, He gave us each other as well…..

Ecclesiastes 4:8; There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless— a miserable business!

Genesis 2:18; The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."…….

This is a huge issue in my life, as I’m sure it is for many of those who might read this. I personally spent 16 years of my life, from 16-32, involved in relationships with 4 different women. Each of these relationships were around 4 years, each, more or less. Two of these relationships were marriages. Reflecting upon that LARGE chunk of my life, I came to realize something, when I was around 32 years old. I saw, clearly, that I was looking to fill that void of not having an “other” to walk through life with me. However, if I’d taken the Word, which my mother had read to me every morning for years as a child, more seriously, applying it to these relationships……Had I taken a look at my motives, from the very beginning of these relationships, by looking to the Word to search my heart……I DEFINITELY would have made some different decisions, looking back. Well, “Don’t cry over spilt milk”, or, “What’s done is done”, would fit here, very well, true. But, ONLY in the aspect of not living in regret. Because, if I throw out reflection along with regret, I’M IN TROUBLE! So, upon reflection, I decided to stay single, until the person that He intended is CLEARLY evident to me. I value the chances at love that others have offered me, in the 8 years that I’ve been single(only 2). I cherish that anyone thought me worthy. I apologize, to them and the Lord, if I caused them to slip or fall. I pray forgiveness in this, WITH FERVOR, to both them and the Lord. Sustaining from intercourse is NOT “literal” celibacy. As a man seweth, so shall he reap", EVEN WITH HIS EYES....Lust and Adultery are BOTH SIN, and they are both Adultery, in the eyes of the Lord, Amen? Again, I cannot dwell in regret. Rather, I must reflect, apply and repent(DO NOT REPEAT) for what I’ve done, in any way, to offend the Lord or hinder the walk of another. How does any of this pertain to the message of my letter?…My point in mentioning this subject is simple….Even in the midst of MY iniquity, I found myself blaming the Lord, in one way or another, saying, “WHY ME? Why do I have to wait so long?”, or, “Why are you letting them hurt me, Lord, fix them”. I’m not exactly sure how long I will have to wait, but I WILL wait.1. Because, HE KNOWS BEST! PERIOD, and 2. Because, upon that same gift from God, reflection, I can CLEARLY see why I’ve had to wait thus far, whether it’s as long as I’d like or not. I took what He blessed me with, the privilege of having a mate, and, well, blew it! Am I totally responsible for my former relationships not working out? Of course not. However, I am, DEFINITELY, partly responsible…….whether through choosing them in the first place or by my actions.

Upon finishing this poem, I had a feeling that was not of the norm, for me. Usually, when I’ve written anything, as I’m sure will happen with this letter, I reflect upon what the Lord is trying to tell ME, then do my best to apply it to my walk with God. However, in this instance, it seemed for a bit that it wasn't coming. HOW GOOD IS GOD, that when I wait, when I can be still, when I can obey and just DO WHAT HE’S ASKING, He always shows me why I NEED TO HEAR THIS! I’ve spent my life, in large part, surrounded by very knowledgeable people. Some were secular, some Believers. This has definitely worked to expand my own knowledge and helped me to look at things from a much larger viewpoint. However, when it comes down to it, I NEED ONE VIEW, and that’s HIS! He gave me every tool or person I would need in life to solve the problems, get through the trials and put out the fires that I would face. HE IS THE SAME GOD, in storm or gorgeous weather. If we’ll just let Him take the wheel....., on top of helping us through the trial or trouble…………He’ll show us BEAUTY and blessing in the midst of all things.

I pray for all of you that are suffering. I pray for all of you that are blessed with much or left with little. I pray that everyone that you and I love would find the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And, I pray, first and foremost, that the LORD WOULD FORGIVE ME, receive my worship, help me to grow, continue to work in me, and, ….. I pray that HE would make me a better servant to HIS cause for all of us…..”TO BE A LIGHT UNTO A WORLD IN DARKNESS, LIKE ALLLLLL OF US ONCE WERE”…. Help me to be more like you, Jesus, and to stop me, at times, from thinking I’m the center of the universe.

Amen!

Love always, your brother and friend, Mark

Tuesday February 24, 2009 - 03:18pm (PST) Permanent Link | 5 Comments
Our Truest Friend, Our God, Divine; .......Entry for September 09, 2008
Our Truest Friend, Our God, Divine; .......Entry for September 09, 2008 magnify
I was in prayer, when I suddenly had such a urgency to write what He was putting on my heart. I hope you enjoy it and that, more importantly, it edifies your life, in some way. No matter how small or significant. When I am in the trials and fires of my life, nothing gives me much more comfort than His love for me by speaking through me. It gives me such hope and perseverance, when I know that without Him, or any of His presence in my life, I'd be so lost, as I once was. As we ALL were, Amen?

I love you all, so deeply, beyond what the world could imagine, and as it often says, "Just ridiculous; People thinking they have a bond over the Internet." I say, THAT IS WHAT IS RIDICULOUS, and very sad....The absolute absence of the hope in Faith, that the Lord has tied us all together, FOR A REASON! Paul wrote to many Churches, from Prison, and when he came to be with them, in the cases that he could, they embraced him as if they'd known him all their lives. THAT IS JESUS, He is SO MUCH SO in the smallest details and the BIGGEST PROBLEMS AND TRIALS, and nothing is too small or too big for Him! It is why I write. Because, if He lives within me, and He's bought me with such an incredible price, than this VESSEL IS NO LONGER MINE, IT'S HIS! If I say, through everything that I do, with disobedience, etc, that "This is my life, my will that comes first" than how can I say that He is within me? I write, sometimes when I don't feel like it and always, when He tells me to. Almost always, He redirects what I was planning to write, to make it JUST WHAT HEEEEE WANTS TO SAY, Amen?

So, I wrote this poem, after viewing this link, (
www.dashpoemmovie.com ) , which a dear Sister in PA sent to me. I know she needs prayer, also. So could you please join me in lifting up her ministry and guidance in her path? Thanks, so much! I hope you enjoy the photo as well; A little friend that the Lord sent to me in one of my darker hours. HOW MUCH DOES HE LOVE US? IMMEASURABLY! Certainly, more than we could ever Love Him......But let's do our best, right? GOD BLESS YOU ALL!


From me to you, WITH ALL MY HEART;.............



Our Truest friend, Our Lord, Divine


I pray this blesses every one,
In some unique and special way
That with whatever time we have,
We'd be a light in all we say

I pray we all can find the time,
To maximize what we receive
That we would use our every breath,
To cheer with some and others grieve

With each and every passing moment,
Keep our eyes upon our King
The ONE who saved us from all Sin,
For Whom the angels dance and sing

So when we see a glance of hate,
Or someone passing, cuts us off
I pray that we can edify,
Instead of joining in the trough

That we would watch, so carefully,
The words we use, with those we love
Remembering that in all we do,
Our Lord is watching from above

Not only for that cause alone,
While first and foremost in our Mind
Beyond that, for the reason of
"Treat others as we'd like in kind"

Embrace your children tight, today,
Give thanks and praise a little more
Maintain a life of reverence,
To honor Him whom we adore

"For every breath is precious", Kin,
We're all aware of this short verse
Yet when we live our lives this way,
We make Him smile and break that curse

The liar he may prowl around,
Seeking whom he may destroy
Yet when we place our faith IN HIM,
He's faithful to increase our joy

So see each one who passes you,
Through Jesus' eyes, who set us free
"We once were lost, but now we're found,
We once were blind but now we see"

No Jesus and no peace my friends,
Regardless what we have on earth
Know Jesus and Know Peace and then,
He'll wipe all Sin away from birth

So with each step and every breath,
I wish my brethren all the best
Go in, Lord, where they work and live,
To make them shine unto the rest

Your Light to gleam upon their lives,
Protecting them from satans schemes
Watch over all those that they love,
Please guard their walks and even dreams

All this, I pray, with fervor, Lord,
Please do the same for me and mine
Help us to serve you all the more,
Our Truest Friend, Our God, Divine
Tuesday September 9, 2008 - 12:47pm (PDT) Permanent Link | 4 Comments
"From the EDGE to the DEEP, where the LIGHT IS THE BRIGHTEST!!" Entry for August 25, 2008
"From the EDGE to the DEEP, where the LIGHT IS THE BRIGHTEST!!" Entry for August 25, 2008 magnify

God bless you all! I pray that the Lord would use me and that the words He will use through me will be a blessing, all for the purpose of edifying HIM, making us more assured than ever of the purpose He has for all of us, ALL OF US, in serving Him and bringing the Lost to the Lord.



Recently, I heard a message regarding "The Edge". Initially, before it was totally clear, I was thinking, "We need to live on the edge, letting the Lord hold us up upon that narrow path, but not allowing us to fall backwards." Suddenly, it became clear, he was speaking of the other direction that intersects the PATH. We're all to do our best to be Holy, presentable to God through Christ. Obviously, NONE of us can bring this to pass on our own merit or character. WE NEED JESUS, to intercede for us, through the Holy Spirit.


When He spoke of the edge, he was referring to what could be compared to walking out in the Ocean. When we're young, maybe 12-14, we're beginning to have a reverence for the power of the Ocean, the jagged rocks that we once ran across on the jetty. As we begin to become aware, much like our walk with Christ, we realize that we're becoming accountable for the next step we take. As we are "testing" the waters, in the beginning, we stand at the edge between the deep and the shallow. At the edge, it's a lot of fun, exhilarating, yet still safe. I will digress to share a verse that is a great correlation between the teachings of Christ, to the fishermen, where they were taught, it's time to launch out into the deep and become fishers of men. Not recede back into the shallow, waiting for the 'next time'. Somehow, in our own self importance, we can tend to confuse "our" feeling of "the right time" with what would be more comfortable. When, really, all we have to do is trust and wait only upon the Lord, LISTENING FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT, knowing that HE will tell us what time is right, or when it's time to wait.


The Calling of the First Disciples
Luke 5:1-11



1One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, with the people crowding around him and listening to the word of God, 2he saw at the water's edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. 3He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."

5Simon answered, "Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets."

6When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. 7So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink.

8When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus' knees and said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!" 9For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, 10and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon's partners.

Then Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." 11So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

In verse 4, Jesus is making a point that would shape much of their walk in the future. These men worked HARD, Jesus knew that they were tired and discouraged. He also knew that the DEEP is where the "biggest fish" are caught, Amen?!? He wanted them to see that aside from Him, they could do nothing, yet with Him, ALL THINGS WERE POSSIBLE.



In verse 5, Simon Peter answered saying "Master". This word is used in original text, not only meant to refer to Christ as 'LORD'. The Greek word that was used meant Teacher. Simon Peter was speaking from a position of respect, yet he's also honest with the Lord in saying, "WE'VE BEEN BUSTING OUR BUTTS FOR HOURS... But you know best, Lord". It was an admission by Simon Peter, "I don't WANT TO, but because I'm your student, and You are, after all, the Lord, I will obey." How many of us have a hard time relating to that, right?


As the Lord began to work in my life to remove the things that got in HIS way, I found it much easier to serve Him in regards to being a fisher of men. However, the roll that I was playing seemed to have reversed, at times, when compared to how I was feeling as a Babe in Christ. When I was saved, I felt so good about myself. As I walked forward, and then started up the stairs to heaven, the Potter made it clear to me that, at times, I was beginning to become more and more able to deal with the problems of others, SOMETIMES HUGE TRIALS....- Yet, I began to take focus off of my own walk and stopped calling out the attacks that the liar tried to use against me for what they were, LIES. I would find myself down, even depressed at times. When I hit those points, I found myself "standing at the edge". I knew the Lord was telling me, "HEAD OUT INTO THE DEEP, Trust me. I know it's sometimes painful, my Child, but I will make you an even better man of God through your Faith in my Grace. Do not resist or resent my discipline, for I only discipline those that I love. It's to sharpen you, not to hurt you."


In verses 6 and 7, the Lord causes their nets to be so filled with fish, they begin to break. They call over others, where the boats become so full with fish, they begin to sink! He WANTS us to head into this deep, so He can fill "OUR BOATS", as vessels, so full, they begin to sink. Why?.....BECAUSE THAT'S WHEN WE NEED HIM MOST. It's at that point when the Lord can shine through us, IF WE'LL LET HIM! When we've allowed our boats to be filled with all kinds of darkness, do you notice, it's the time that you feel the EMPTIEST? When Jesus was standing on the shore, where was he looking? INTO THE DEEP! He was looking at countless empty vessels, needing to be filled. I believe that much of the reason, for the falling down on it's face that the Church is going through, is that many of us have forgotten the purpose of being there in the first place. One, TO PRAISE AND WORSHIP. Two, TO BE FED. Three, WE'RE BEING FED, IN ORDER TO BE PREPARED TO DO 'OUR PART' for the cause for Christ. Like C.S. Lewis loved to say, "You can't PERSONALLY, TANGIBLY reach those wandering outside of the Church, deep in the darkness of the world, FROM THE PEW." ....


Verses 8 through 10, Simon Peter was being HUMBLE, which is exactly what the Lord wanted and could use! Jesus told them in verse 11, "Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men." They dropped EVERYTHING, their livelihoods as they knew them, and FOLLOWED HIM. Of course, not everyone is called to be a missionary or sing in choir or work in prison ministry or Counsel people on Marriage. However, we are all called to serve, worship, represent Him in our everyday lives and to step off the edge(whatever that may be for each of us), and head into deeper water.


In the past several years, I've been tried in many ways. Many times the liar was behind the attacks that I've faced- Many times I've brought them upon my self- Most importantly, IN ALL OF THEM, THE LORD WAS PRESENT, AND READY TO DO A GOOD WORK OUT OF SOMETHING BAD! Often, in my life, I've done great things through Christ, through grace, by faith, and NOT ONCE, did I deserve credit. Often, I've stood at the edge, in regards to my own life and prosperity(wealth, mind, heart, etc), yet dove into the extreme deep for others. I've come to realize, had I first dove into the deep to be filled with Light and emptied of Darkness, I would have served Him with even greater effectiveness. I don't live in regret, only the occasional reflection. I've lived in the sea of nothingness, that is regret, many times, and it's VOID OF NOT ONLY FISH, BUT PROSPERITY OF SPIRIT AS WELL! Along with a desire for being "sharpened, honed, purified", the Lord wants for me to have a balance of Love for myself, as HE DWELLS IN ME, AND OWNS WHAT IS NOW ME! He paid for it, ALREADY! Why, then, should I continue to ask Him to pay, over and over again? With everything occurring in my life, good and bad, I need to remember, HE IS NOT ONLY IN CHARGE, BUT HE HAS A FAR BETTER PLAN THAN I COULD EVER DREAM UP! If He cares so much for me that He would give me this message AND help me to apply it......HOW MUCH MORE DOES HE CARE ABOUT MY FUTURE?


Below is a message that was within the sermon I attended. I hope it blesses you and leaves you with a simple lesson, an edifying nugget, that you will not soon forget. I plan to take it with me into every facet of my life, from hear on out. When I forget it, THE LORD IS FAITHFUL TO REMIND ME! AMEN?????


God bless you and keep you and yours! May you all be richly blessed, able to let go of the past, and so overflowing with the passion for HIS PURPOSE that not even a mountain could stop your momentum. Take with this the knowledge that I'm praying for all of you. I love and care deeply for all of you, and I've learned very much from your willingness to be a vessel to me as well. Remember one of my favorite lines in a song that's stuck with me from 13, in a Christian Camp. Use it in those times of self defamation and darkness, to remind yourself, "IT'S NOT ONLY OK, BUT NECESSARY, THAT WE LET OTHERS HELP US, TOO".

"Brother let me be your servant,
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might find the grace,
To let you be my servant too!"

Jesus takes our empty boats and fills them. To live intensely for Christ is to live with the resources you have to the highest level of commitment to God! Where is God more likely to challenge us? .....WHERE WE HAVE FAILED!!! Are you at the edge, or are you diving into the deep, letting out your nets to be filled with what GOD INTENDED?


THE PARABLE OF THE PENCIL; .........

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box. There are 5 things you need to know, he told the pencil, before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be.

ONE
: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand.

TWO: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil.

THREE: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

FOUR: The most important part of you will always be what's inside.

AND FIVE
: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write.

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.


ONE: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

TWO: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

THREE: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

FOUR: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

AND FIVE
: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties. By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.

We are just like the pencil, who can make a difference in our lives and in the lives of the people around us. Don't ever underestimate what you have the power to do!

Monday August 25, 2008 - 03:28pm (PDT) Permanent Link | 2 Comments
"Crisis......TIME FOR JESUS"......Entry for July 25, 2008
"Crisis......TIME FOR JESUS"......Entry for July 25, 2008 magnify
Before I dive into all of that which is on my heart; I want to let you all know, I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU ALL, and see the beauty in you, before all the "things" that he's placed in my path and interests. For anyone who's commented, or not and just sent up prayers of intercession, or JUST THOUGHT OF ME, IN LOVE, THANK YOU, HONESTLY, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

Jesus has put a special place in my heart for nature and the beautiful things that He's placed all around me. Even when in the Ghetto, I've noticed things that many can't or just don't want to see. In thinking about this, today, it came to me that, not only do I have the GIFT OF SIGHT, that he's allowed me to SEE MORE OF THE LITTLE THINGS...., but He's given me the desire to capture it and share it with others. Now, if I could only have the grace to let Him MAKE MY LIFE BETTER, using the Gifts He's given me. I mean, it makes so much sense, that HE GAVE IT TO ME TO BE USED, at least, not to mention possibly make a living at it. Allow me to digress.........

I had to choose, a little while back, to either give up everything and take care of my family for now.......or to MOVE ON, trusting in God to "take care of everything". Well, the Holy Spirit made it loud and clear....."YOU ARE THE VESSEL WHICH I WILL USE TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FAMILY FOR NOW.......and the rest will come back and fall into place in my timing". Being a servant at heart, this was neither disturbing, nor a surprise. However, being that this was a particularly ambitious time in my life, where I began to have a fire to "START OVER
again, doing it right this time", it was a little discouraging. Now, to be honest, looking back, THANK GOD HE DID THIS FOR ME! I've grown so incredibly in the last few years, I can't even explain it. Obviously, that fire in me to "build my own nest", etc, is still BURNING, and more and more clear to me that IT'S GETTING CLOSE! This, in a strange way, is both terrifying and SO EXHILARATING IN THE SAME MOMENT! You see, I'm not worried, but more so, clueless as to what to do with what the Lord has laid before me.

My point, in relation to the title of the blog is; I NEED TO SEEK HIM WITH FERVOR IN ALL THINGS!!!! Giving thanks, praise, worship and MORE THANKS to him in all things, the blissful and CRISIS RIDDLED STRESS alike~! Crisis seems to be when most of us, according to the majority of the testimony I've seen, read and lived myself, SEEK HIM LIKE CRAZY, crying out to him with a passion, "SAVE ME, HELP ME, RESCUE ME, OH LORD, MY ROCK AND MY REDEEMER!" Yet, when life is going swimmingly, smooth as silk, all the desires of my heart seeming to fall in line, one after the other...., my crying out for guidance seems to be FAR LESS than while in a Crisis. I WANT THIS TO CHANGE IN ME, FOR GOOD! ..... Until then, and while He's working this out in me, THANK GOD FOR GRACE, since I surely don't deserve it. Nevertheless, GOD IS NOT A MAN THAT HE WOULD LIE OR BREAK A PROMISE! He promised me, WITHOUT STIPULATION, while I walk with Him, He will NEVER leave me nor forsake me! He promised me, WITHOUT COMPROMISE, He will NEVER give me more than I can handle or bear!

My purpose in the photo I chose, while I wasn't sure when I clicked, "select", is clear as day now. I can say without hesitation, the Lord sent these Birds to me, for many reasons. To REMIND ME; His love for me is so great, in knowing that I'm in one of the trials of my life, He sent me something that fascinates me to tease, buzz and catch my eye, until I PAID ATTENTION!(He KNOWS how much I love to capture wild Birds in their environment, not interfering but interacting with them)........To COMFORT ME; How much more does the Lord care for and weep for and intercede for ME, a creature that He made in his Own image, than a Bird that He's placed in my life to entertain and remind me, "Matthew 6:26;
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" WHY, OH LORD, do I insist on complicating what you've made so simple? Why do I forget to THANK YOU IN ALL THINGS, the good and the bad. Why do I fear for my future, my family, my coming out of trials blessed or even untouched, when You've set the heavens and entire universe in motion, around ME, TAKING CARE OF ME.....even though I'm SO unworthy? AFTER ALL YOU'VE DONE, I'M SO CERTAIN, TO SAVE MY RUMP SO MANY TIMES....Why? .......because YOU ARE GOD, AND I AM AS FILTHY RAGS, WERE IT NOT FOR THE GRACE OF THE BLOOD! This bird may represent or inspire the thoughts of something different in EACH MAN.....how beautifully and wonderfully made are we, AMEN?

When I look at this tiny little bird..... I SEE STRENGTH, in spite of it's size. I see PERSEVERANCE, a constant fluttering all day, with tiny wings, in order to feed and keep moving. I see COURAGE, although he's so little, as he sits on a perch in the middle of the wilderness..... that comes from the experience of KNOWING that he's faster than nearly ANYTHING out there! I see BEAUTY, which makes him, both, desired by other birds and appreciated by people like me, who see the MAGNIFICENCE in such a tiny little thing. Jesus must see all of this as well..... SO THEN, HOW MUCH MORE DOES HE SEE IN ME, THAT I CAN'T SEEM TO SEE IN MYSELF AT TIMES? HE SEES A LOT! He sees IT ALL!!!! Surely, if the Lord takes care of the every need of this little creature, sent here to earth to pollinate, bring beauty, keep things going in my environment......HOW MUCH MORE DOES HE SEE
IN AND EXPECT FROM ME???

I pray all of you are so blessed that you can hardly contain it, in the coming years of your life. I pray that in the times of horrible trials, you'll know that I AND OTHERS WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU, with a fervor and intercession that the angels can hear from heaven! I pray that your loved ones are kept safe from harm, yet as many of us have seen this week with Greg Laurie's son, Christopher, THE LIAR HAS OTHER PLANS, ALWAYS! For your loved ones, those most dear to you, I PRAY ESPECIALLY HARD.......since I know that the most incredibly intense feelings of needs for prayer come over me when those in my life are suffering, in trouble or grieving. I pray that all of you would have the desires of your heart, within the Will of God, FULFILLED! Most of all, I pray for those of you in TRIAL, suffering, grieving and struggling at this very moment. As hard as it is, sometimes, please remember that HE LOVES YOU, AND IS ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE! While he doesn't interfere with the will of Men............. HE WILL INTERCEDE IN THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF HIS CHILDREN!

God bless you all, MY BRETHREN! Keep your eyes on the prize awaiting you and the purpose you SERVE...........not in the flesh, focused on the fallen nature of Man--or what others owe you--or what you DON'T HAVE! Focus on what HE'S GOING TO DO WITH WHAT YOU DO HAVE, and how greatly he can multiply it when He's ready. I'm sure that Jesus said that He'd not hand us more than we could bare.........KNOWING THE KIND OF WORLD WE'D BE LIVING IN! Amen? It's surely more difficult to live for Christ, than to live for ourselves......BUT OH, DEAR KING, THE REWARDS SO FAR OUTWEIGH THE PRICE WE HAVE TO PAY OR WHAT WE TRULY DESERVE! Let us all, Your servants, do our BEST in serving those that you put in our path, and with what you put in ours, ....GOOD AND BAD!

"Dear Jesus, Please teach me to appreciate what I have.....before time forces me to appreciate what I had!"

Love you all,

Mark M.



Friday July 25, 2008 - 05:46pm (PDT) Permanent Link | 5 Comments
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME, UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM ME AGAIN? THANK YOU! Entry for July 13, 2008
PLEASE PRAY FOR ME, UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM ME AGAIN? THANK YOU! Entry for July 13, 2008 magnify

God bless and keep you all!

Please pray for me as I am facing a heavy trial. I'm choosing to keep it personal, for good reason, for now. Just please trust me, I NEED PRAYER, and I will claim them while I am away from you. I'm letting you all know that I will not be able to respond or even check my email or pages for a while. So, please, know that you are loved and prayed for, in my absence, and know that I CARE FOR ALL OF YOU, VERY MUCH!

Some of you know what's going on, and I appreciate you keeping this between us, as I don't want to bring any trials upon my loved ones while I am not able to respond.

I care for you all, DEEPLY, and I've come to see the fruits from the prayers we all put out for each other. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR ME, UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM ME AGAIN, AMEN?

Love, ALWAYS, and forever,

Mark M.

Sunday July 13, 2008 - 11:45pm (PDT) Permanent Link | 6 Comments

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