“….For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

 

“….For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV)

  Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language defines forsake as:

1.      To quit or leave entirely; to desert; to abandon; to depart from.

    Jesus will never leave us or forsake us. He is always there, waiting for us to come to Him and find rest and peace. Whenever a person backslides or completely falls away from the faith it is not the Lord’s fault, God does not forsake us: it is the person who forsakes the Lord. We have a free will, we have to surrender to the Lord to be used by Him; therefore, we can choose to take our will and walk away from Him in our own strength.

    The choice is yours, dear friend, Christ will never leave you or forsake you, but you can. Will you surrender to Him today? Will you consecrate yourself unto Him?

  Lord, O how often I have walked in my own strength; forsaking You and asking why You left me. Lord, You never left me….but I walked in my own strength. Lord, help me today to walk and live following You. I don’t want me, but You. Empower me by Your Spirit to live a life wholly consecrated to You. In Jesus Name, amen.

 

Declaring the Sins of a People: the Prophet’s Plight

Declaring the Sins of a People: the Prophet’s Plight

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”

Isaiah 58:1 (KJV)

     God used to raise up prophets to speak to His people, has spoken through Christ (Heb. 1:1-2), and speaks to those who truly know and follow Him by His Spirit. However, the gift of prophecy is still used today, but I have found that it often comes through preachers (not “ministers” necessarily, but men who are in tune with God and declare and stand for the truth in the midst of a day and age that lives contrary to the Bible and hostile toward Truth).

       Many pastors are called for at least a season to this prophet role. As they seek God, He brings some hard (stern) messages and lays them on their spirit to preach/declare.  Personally, I’ve been there. I’ve sat down with hopes for a year of encouraging people and hopefully having them be encouraged and happy with me, to like and respect me as I share the Word, but then I get into the presence of God and He gives me the “tough” messages that get me labeled as the spoilsport or downer. The guy that people just want to shut up. Ever been there? A part of you wants to shut up, but you know that God has called you to speak. People don’t like you, but God is not only using you but teaching you that you have to fear and respect Him, not man?

Let’s pray:

Lord, help us to speak and shout when you tell us too, but to be silent when you want us to be. And above all, may we Fear You and not people: may we serve You and not our fear of fitting in. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Daily Devotion: Proverbs 12:24

“The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”

Proverbs 12:24 KJV

 

       If you are diligent, God will give you some measure of rule. But if you are lazy, you will be a slave to those that are diligent. In our culture today, many wicked men and women are diligently devoting time and attention—many even their entire lives!—to furthering the doctrines of demons, the teachings of Satan through colleges (and other “education” facets), politics, and businesses. Many of these men and women care nothing about honesty in their dealings because they do not know God. They will propagate the erroneous worldview and life themes of chance, through evolution; fate, through “romantic” love; self-indulgence, through psychology; and “intellect” and “wisdom” through philosophy, research, and logic. In short, these wicked people propagate meaninglessness, hate, and other such sins and dangerous mindsets that the Bible warns us about.

       Remember that the diligent are the ones that rule! But the principle applies to the wicked men and women who diligently propagate the devil’s doctrines as well. We must stand against them and diligently do our duty to share the truth of God’s Word. Where are you men of Courage? Where are you men of Valor? Where are you men of Righteousness? Where are you men that Fear God? Stand! Stand up and fulfill your duty to share God’s Word in the public sector, the private sector, the corporations, the campuses, etc... GO!

    Stand strong and be diligent, dear Believers! Draw close to the Lord and let Him be your strength and shield against their bombardment of false teachings and idealogies! Speak out when God gives you a window, make the most of every opportunity with the outsiders of the Faith. Go to the Lord and have your fears and burdens lifted; however, as you leave His rejuvenating presence in the quiet of your morning devotions, prepare to pick up your cross and struggle forward amid blows, insults and hateful looks for the cause of Christ!

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”  John 15:18-20 KJV

 

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

 

      We must be careful how we live. If we live foolishly, spurning the laws of God, then we will reap destruction, hypocrisy, and eventually the rejection of the Lord and our salvation as we walk away from the faith. The Christian has a hard life some would say, but it actually is a very good life. Though we are persecuted, we can have the peace of God and the Holy Spirit comforting us. Though a week was hard to get through, we can come into the Lord’s presence on the Sabbath and be encouraged by the brethren. We must live wisely, not in the wisdom of the world, but in the wisdom of God that we acquire by fearing the Lord.

      Make the most of your opportunities, nothing happens by chance. The temptations you have are tests to see how you are progressing in your faith and how Jesus is becoming more integrated into your life. The days that we live in are evil. Hollow and deceptive philosophies and the teachings of demons are being proclaimed from some pulpits, most public schools, and the mainstream media. Everywhere we look we see evil, but we must stand against it: we must stand for the Lord. Amidst the overwhelming flood of voices screaming that we are stupid, baist crazies, racist or even insane radicals we must stand. In all the hardships, we are to endure because of Christ who set us the example by enduring the Cross for us, for the sake of His Gospel and the Gracious Gift of Salvation.

Jesus had and intimate communion with God despite all the hard times He went through and He died on the Cross, an extremely hard thing to do because of His love for us.

     As you go through this week, this life, this chapter of your eternal walk with the Lord: seek the Lord, make the most of the opportunities that you have, and allow Him to radiate His truth from your being. And above all else, seek Christ, standing firm against our evil flesh, the demonic powers in high places and the domain of Satan, the world.

 

Thought 296: False Prophets from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 296

 False Prophets

“The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? none evil can come upon us.” Micah 3:11 KJV

 

    Jesus (Matt. 7:16, 24:24) and Paul (Acts 20:13-38)  both warned us that false prophets, deceptive teachers, would come among us and deceive many. We are told that we can recognize them by their fruit (Matt 7:16). For example, the verse above clearly shows that the motivation of these judges and ministers was money, not God. They were fakes! Similarly, in churches around the world today, many false prophets are followed and revered. Why, you ask? How can so many follow a false prophet? Because they are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15): they look like Christians on the outside—they say the right things and subtly weave their lies in so that many don’t “notice.” Scripture says that inwardly these people are ravenous wolves (Matt. 7:15). Just like Satan seeks to devour us, so these hungry wolves want to tear apart and draw away many from the flocks of sheep.

     You may know of some false prophets; but if you fully follow Christ, you will be able to hear the voice of the Master Shepherd, of Jesus Christ, and He will lead you. His sheep know His voice (John 10:27), but for those who aren’t His sheep or have fallen astray to some other gospel, let us pause now and spend some time in prayer for them: that the wolves may be exposed for who they are and that the sheep that have been captured will be redeemed.

 

Thought 286: The Birth of a Ministry from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 286

The Birth of a Ministry

  God has given me these dreams: The Timothy Commission (originally the Timothy Foundation), Focusing on the Mark Ministries (originally Pressing Towards the Mark Ministries), writing and designing books and literature, studying the Word and History, teaching, mentoring, and preaching. Very few of these ‘dreams’ have come into being at the time of this writing, but they are dreams.

I have desired to start the dreams that God has put in my heart. But waiting on HIS timing is key. If I don’t wait, I will just be operating in my own strength and not the Lord’s blessing; so, I wait until God makes the way.

Has the Lord given you an idea that has or has not come to fruition? Are you trying to rush God or are you waiting on the Lord?

Thought 283: Living a Quiet and Disciplined Life from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 283

Living a Quiet and Disciplined Life

Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.

Zephaniah 2:3 KJV

 

    Many of the great Christians of the past that God has used have lived a quiet and disciplined life. They spent hours upon hours of their spare time studying and learning, pushing themselves to learn new languages and acquire knowledge to achieve their dream of knowing God more intimately and touch people with the Truth of the Gospel. They didn’t run around partying or pursuing entertainment, instead, they sweated, they worked, they pressed on toward a goal! Their lives where worth something and they didn’t waste them away on excessive pleasures. Today, many Christians struggle with befriending the world. They watch the same stuff, play the same stuff, and live the same way that the unbelieving pagan does. History and the Bible show us a different picture in the lifestyle of the great heroes of the Faith, though. They were cupbearers, servants, archeologists, and young men that had a God-given passion and dream and while the world was racing by, wasting its time on the newest music, art, or other currently fashionable entertainment, they lived a quiet and seemingly obscure life. They honored God, respected others, and worked to achieve the things that God had put a passion and desire in them to achieve. Dear Reader, where are you today? Are you seeking that quiet and peaceable life? Or are you chasing the fast world of change and shifting pleasures?

 

Thought 271: Falling Astray from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 271

Falling Astray

(Hebrews 4:1-13, Hebrews 5:11-14, and Hebrews 6:1-12)

        It is possible to leave the faith that one has in Jesus Christ, and many are leaving faith today. But there is hope! If you or someone you know has fallen astray, you can truly ‘renew vows’ and be welcomed back into His kingdom. The Prodigal Son is a classic example of falling away. But the Prodigal Son came back! And his father joyfully received him!

Call upon His name, and deny yourself daily,                           crucifying your flesh, to follow Jesus.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:9-13 KJV

Thought 262: Spiritual Chainmail & Persecution from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 262

Spiritual Chainmail & Persecution

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20 KJV

 

         Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

            Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

               But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.   —Ephesians 6:10-24 KJV

Thought 253: Resist...and he will flee from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 253

Resist…and he will flee

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 NKJV

 

P Do you resist the devil? Or do you give in?

 

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 KJV

Thought 201: Follow HIS Leading from Ryan's devotional book series Thoughts

Thought 201

Follow HIS Leading

 Read Mark 6:1-6

     IF God leads you to do something great for Him, your close family and friends might reject you. But will you still obey God, even if your loved ones spurn and reject you?

Do you know why you should stand for God?

Jesus was rejected by His own home town. He was as the prophet without honor. What does this mean to you?

Thought 179: Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:22-36) from Ryan Marks' book series Throughts

Thought 179

Walking on the Water

(Matthew 14:22-36)

     Peter had his eyes “on the prize,” he believed! Then he looked at the circumstances, and started to sink. He was only saved because he cried out to Jesus, and Jesus took his hand and saved the sinking man of doubt. When the Lord Jesus tells us something and we have faith in it, we are like Peter and we can walk on the water in the midst of a storm. But also like Peter when you and I focus on the circumstances, not trusting the Lord we sink. Have you tried to “brave-the-waters” alone, and failed, yet Christ followed you, He was nearby, and grabbed your hand when you cried “Help, Lord!”?

 

Dear brother, how will you trample lust?

Dear sister, how will you not “give-your-heart-away”?

 

    We have to constantly CRY OUT to Jesus for help. We are human and we fail so miserably at times. There is no magical solution for faith, we simply have to believe, and if doubt is creeping up behind you like a deadly poison ivy vine, you need to cry out to Jesus, and if “WAIT” is the answer, then stand firm and use your sword (the BIBLE) until the Lord makes you victorious. We ARE more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.

Another Angle

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”  Luke 10:17-24 (NIV1984)

Don’t get prideful that you have the power to win. Instead, rejoice that you are saved and that God has had mercy on your soul.

Comparison

Thought 169

Comparison

     Another man took some time and gave me two words of advice to carry through my life. One was prayer (which was mentioned previously) and the other is comparison. He told me that because I had earned my GMA (Gold Medal of Achievement), that other boys where going to be compared to me and I need to correct that. I am not the answer, and an entire church ministry should not follow me as the ultimate example. He also told me to be careful, not to compare myself to others. When we do not compare ourselves to others we can be used more effectively for the furtherance of the Gospel, we are more sensitive to God when we are focusing on doing HIS will rather than trying to beat someone else’s records.
 

Daily Devotion from Ryan Marks book series: Thoughts

Thought 149

Take God at His word

²⁶Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the LORD, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: ²⁷ Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the LORD. ²⁸ Now I will gather you to your fathers, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place and on those who live here.' " So they took her answer back to the king.  2 Chronicles 34:26-28 (NIV)

Daily Devotion from Ryan Marks book Thoughts

Thought 140

Endurance: Standing Your Ground

Read Ephesians 6:10-20 (When you read verses 19 and 20 please pray those things for me, I need your prayers).

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood. . . .Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Ephesians 6:12,13 (NIV1984)

    Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but it feels like it sometimes. However, let’s examine that feeling for a minute. When people just seem to get your nerves is it really them that you are frustrated with or is it something about them or something that they do? Read Ephesians 6:12 for the answer to what are struggle is with.

    I have been going through tremendous pressures recently. Not just a week or a few days, but months. At times, it feels like I hear so many lies and don’t see anyone sharing truth. It’s frustrating, but it is an opportunity to get to draw near to the Lord.

    I can’t say that it’s easy to stand and endure, but I can say that the Lord is with us! In the midst of the fight—yea the struggle!—stand firm! Let’s look at some Scripture and place our confidence in the Lord. Take courage in these, hold fast to them:

“So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV1984)

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long . . . .Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant. . . .The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.” Psalm 25:4-5,8-10,14-15 (NIV1984)