Why Wait?

My dear friend Claire sent me these words. "Mark, I had a wonderful time in prayer today. It really hit me this morning how much faith it takes to wait more so than act and move. Something so powerful and creative happens in the waiting - wings are grown and shaped for beauty and purpose all to glorify God. It' about fullness, timing, perfect timing."

Father, thank you so much for Claire's powerful and profound statement. Thank you for reminding me through her of the value and necessity of waiting. "Something powerful and creative happens." Yes Lord. It is so true. Give me the grace again today to accept where I am in the process of development and your timing, your perfect timing. I feel like I am standing on the edge of the nest ready to soar but you know when I should jump. I will trust you Lord.

So mark, embrace my words of love from my heart to yours son: "call this to mind, (think, ponder, and meditate on this), and you will have hope. Because of my great (abounding, measureless) love for you, you will not be consumed (by all that presses against you). My compassions, my mercies never fail. They are new every morning. So great is my faithfulness toward you son. Mark, remind yourself again and again that I, "I am," am your portion, therefore wait for me. I am good to you mark, you whose hope is in me, to you who seeks my face" (lam. 3:21-25).

God's ATM?

Matthew 17:24-27 (TNIV)

After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma temple tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"

"Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own children or from others?" "From others," Peter answered.

"Then the children are exempt," Jesus said to him. 27 "But so that we may not cause offense, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."

There are benefits, privileges and rights to being a son or daughter of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Remember who you are and whose you are! But until he comes, like Jesus, we honor the present authorities. And if your short on cash, expect him to provide but not always by the first fish you catch:-)!

From his heart to yours: "Remember beloved, I your God am able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things, at all times, you will have all that you need, to abound in every good work" (2Cor. 9:8 TNIV). Have a great day. Mark

"CASTING ANXIETY"

The following is an excerpt from my journal to bless you and to give you an example of how I interacted with the Lord through it.

1Pt. 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Thank you Father for that wonderful reminder from Peter that you care for me and that you want to receive all my anxiety from me. Thank you for loving me through his words of encouragement.

Mark, now hear those words from my heart to yours: Mark, please cast all your anxiety on ME because I care for you. Don't gather up all your concerns before you so that they weigh down your heart. I will help you discern what you are responsible for today and after that, give the rest of your concerns to me. For you are precious and honored in my sight and I love you so let me care for you today (Is. 43:4). Remember, do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Mt. 6:34). Instead, seek first my kingdom and I promise you that all these things will be given to you as well(Mt. 6:33). If I take care of the birds and the grass, HOW MUCH MORE will I take care of you! (Mt. 6:26,30).

Father, I do feel overwhelmed by the many unfinished aspects of starting this ministry. Thank you for reminding me of your heart for me, your promise to me, and how valuable I am to you. I will trust you Lord. You're the BEST!

Teaching at Wilmington Baptist

What a blast our First Loved team had at the Baptist church in Wilmington, Ma.