Mark's Blog

Someone I speak with often concerning the Word posed a good question that I would like to consider here.

Jesus said He would be in the heart of the earth for 3 days and nights as Jonah was in the belly of the whale. How is it others celebrate Easter sunrise service? It would only make it about 36 hours, at best, after His execution to His resurrection.

Please post your comments and maybe we'll get to the bottom of this.

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This past week I had the opportunity to meet a man of God with vision.  As we spoke and as I traveled with him, I heard of so many things he wanted to accomplish for the kingdom.  It wasn't long before I sensed a kindred spirit and a type A (Doer) personality.  I asked him, "With all the need around you, with all the needed funds to accomplish the task before you, how do you chose what to do, when?  His response to me was, "The Lord sends people into our lives at the time the Lord wants the task accomplished." I stopped and said that was too simple.

So many times we feel we need a supernatural rock falling from the sky with a note attached to it in order to receive direction from the Lord, but God often uses people and circumstances to direct our steps.  What do you think?

In March and April of 2009 Discover Life Church sent forth 8 ambassadors into the mission field of Costa Rica.  Due to reasons beyond their control, the details of the trip were unclear.  The group embarked in faith believing that God had appointed the steps of His servants.  They arrived in Costa Rica on March 26th and spent the next 7 days building the kingdom of God.

They spent the week constructing a residence/registration building for a camp facility which ministers to children and adults alike from all over Costa Rica.  They also had the privilege of working at a Christian School for underprivileged children in the city of Limon.  They ministered in two school assemblies and had the opportunity to paint the school's roof to protect it from the elements.  The week was productive for the kingdom.

The team had an opportunity to get aquatinted with a great missionary family (pictured above). Their names are Jeff, Danette, Zach, Lucas and Madelin Cooper.  This family was a kindred spirit and exhibited a great passion for the work in Costa Rica.  I've included a brief testimony from their website (www.coopersforchrist.com).

Jeff & Danette Cooper were called to the mission field at a young age. They now serve with their three children, Zachary, Lucas and Madelin,  as Assembly of God missionaries to Latin America and the Caribbean.  They have planted churches, ministered to orphans, planned youth camps, Royal Ranger camps, father / son camps and variety of other ministries including ministry and construction treks deep into the jungle  to minister to indigenous groups.

The team made great friends while their and were a great testimony for Discover Life Church.  We look forward in continuing our relationship with the Coopers in Costa Rica in the near future.

Wow, it's been a long while since I've taken the time to write on my blog.  I was thinking today how life is so busy and I found myself in conflict.  I asked the question to the Lord, is it your plan for us to be so busy?  A couple of thoughts came to mind.  First, I reasoned that no, the Lord doesn't want us to be so busy that we get stressed by all of our commitments. On the other hand, I said to myself, there is so much to do and I must be about my Father's business.  People's lives are in the balance.  I need some of you spiritual ones to chime in and give me your advice.

    

READ THE BREAKING STORY IMMEDIATELY!!!!

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SEE THE PROMO VIDEO

http://www.inews3.com/topstory.php?id=4a6566667c4777696e6e

This is an official endorsement of Jeff Gwinn for president in 2008.  We need to rally around this great candidate.  I want all of you to post your suggestions of how we can get this great candidate elected as president.  As you can see but the photo, he has the qualifications for the top office of this great country.  He's intelligent, cunning, and a great visionary.  Don't mind the liquid mud running out from under his bandage.  It was just a momentary lapse of judgment. Even so he is more qualified than most that have run for this office.  

I urge you on November 4th. To Vote for Jeff Gwinn for president.

By the way who was the girl friend with the tattoo?  Does Tracy know?  Heck, who cares if she knows all I know is I want one of those tats on by backside.

GO JEFF IN 08

Click on comments link below to add you inside news about JEFF......... 

I was reading in the book of John and a familiar verse of Scripture, which I've read several times before, stood out to me. Chapter 16 and verse 23 (The Message)

 Jesus is speaking and He tells His disciples to "Ask in my name, according to my will, and he'll (The Father) most certainly give it to you. Jesus is telling us whatever we ask in His name according to His will that the Father will perform it.

We as believers need to take God's Word at face value.  Too many times we approach God with timidity.   We must not ask as if we are "bothering" God.  James 1:5  tells us to, If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought. People who "worry their prayers" are like wind-whipped waves. Don't think you're going to get anything from the Master that way, adrift at sea, keeping all your options open."  Jesus is telling us that we must believe if we are to receive.  Remind God what the Word says and thus build your own faith.

  On Wednesday August 20th in the midst of tropical storm Fay, Alicia and Ramona flew to the state of Maine, where Alicia is enrolling at Faith School of Theology.  This is the Bible college Ramona and I attended back in the 80's.  Yesterday was the day that mom tearfully got in the car and left her baby 1500 miles on the other side of the country. (Brave ah?)  The only comfort she had was the comfort of the Lord and her mother who was with her.  It was her mother 23 years ago who did the very same thing to her daughter.  Dad was in Florida for this event, but he too was feeling the loss.  As a parent it is your desire to see your children grow up and mature.  You want to see them develop their own relationship with the Lord and make Him the Lord of their lives.  But when that day arrives and they won't be near you you feel that loss.  I know I have.  At times parenting has been trying and I have been tough on my girls at times, but a parent does this because they love there children and want them to succeed at whatever the Lord puts in front of them.                                                                                                 Alicia, this coming year will be a time of excitement, a time where you will build friendships, a time of learning, a time of developing discipline and a time where you will not get enough sleep.  But most of all, my desire for you is that you fall in love with Jesus.  Make this your number one priority.    I'm proud of you and know you want His will.  I love you.                                                                                                       We will see you at Christmas.                                                                                  

Hi all,

Just wanted to start a discussion on the subject of fear.  The Lord willing, I will be beginning a study on this subject in Walking With The Master life group beginning in the fall semester.  What I would like is your opinions on the subject.  What have been your personal experiences and scripture which has given you peace in these times.  If you post, I may use some of your quotes in my study.

Thanks

I was driving the other day when I received a phone call with bad news.  A sister in the Lord had received a diagnosis that she had

cancer.  My first response was a feeling of dread.  Immediately the Holy Spirit rebuked me for my lack of faith.  It wasn't that I

lacked faith for God to do the miraculous, but my first reaction was a lack of faith.  I'm wondering if any of you respond in the same way

and how have you allowed God to change you.