Repost from my new blog:

When is an Author Inspired to Write?

I can’t answer this for others! However, there have been times in my life that are marked by growth and strong desires to write. I am in one of those times of life right now! Very thrilling and not a little exhausting.  You may ask, “What sparks these times in your life, Mark?”  Even if you didn’t, “I am going to tell you.”  Which you no doubt knew!

High School and College

It first happened after I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was 18 years old, right before my Senior year in High School.  I enrolled in college prep English because I wanted to understand my Bible better and thought, “Maybe I should go to college!”  I was like a sponge that year. I’ll never forget the look in Mr. Nolet’s eyes when I was the first one to class on that first day.  I marched right up to the front seat which was right in front of his desk. Sat down and looked him in the eyes.  No words were exchanged between us. His expression said it all, “What’s up with this kid?”  This was a time of amazing growth in my life that continued all through my college years.

Stepping Down from Pastoring

At the end of 2010, I resigned from pastoring a small congregation in Dillon, Montana which I had served for 6 years.  That was when I started the research and the writing of the “God Is” devotionals over a period of 2 years. I did my own Hebrews 11:6 adventure to know God better which began to change my life.  I then messed around with a blog for a number of years, but desire for writing began to fade.

After a Great Time of Loss and Healing through God Given Circumstances and Counseling

This was when I picked up the “God Is!” manuscript again and felt the blessing and anointing of God to reorganize and rewrite every chapter with what God had been teaching me about him and myself.  My pastor at the time recognized God’s call on my life and asked me to present each chapter as it was rewritten for our men’s Thursday morning devotional and prayer time at my local church.  Such great times of fellowship and feedback greatly helped in the eventual publication of “HE IS!” This devotional theology book was written in a group context and is presently being used in small groups in local churches for the edification of others.  God can bring something good from the pain and bad of life.  Praise God!

During the Covid Lockdown of 2020

For the whole month of April 2022, I wrote and wrote about the people who had influenced me in my life and of all things for which I am thankful.  I published these memoirs of my life on my personal Facebook page and was shocked at the responses that grew with each post. I recently read through the manuscript that I had already compiled and thought, “I should publish this in a short book for my family and friends.”  Something else to someday do!

And Presently After a New Friendship with Indie Author Connie Cook

I have enjoyed a correspondence friendship with Connie and have now read 4 of her books in the following order:

• LOOK AROUND!  Ten Observations That Lead to One Conclusion
• Mae and Me
• The Ex-Factor: Why Do So Many Leave the Christian Faith? And Why Stay?
• Symphony: God’s Sovereignty through Human Freedom

Connie’s writing is sometimes raw and certainly real.  You can tell she is working things out for her own self as she writes. It’s not just an academic or intellectual pursuit for Miss Cook.  She is searching to know God and herself better and you are along for the ride as you read her writing that is personal, enlightening, and sometime simply profound.   Connie Cook is an Indie Author that needs to be discovered!

Her writing has inspired me to start writing again for which I am thankful.  Presently, I am reading through the Gospel of Mark.  Most crazily, I am waking at all hours of the night with an insatiable desire to write devotional thoughts concerning one’s choices in life.  One of the common themes in Connie’s books is about human choices (Freewill) and God’s sovereignty and how this works out in our lives. I have come to believe and understand in a deeper way that our choices in life really do determine who we become.  This has opened up my understanding of the Gospel of Mark in a new, fascinating, and life changing way to me.  New author inspiration for me to write!

Invitation

I invite you to follow me on my personal Facebook page or the “HE IS!” Facebook page to get in on what God is teaching me in a devotional way about our choices in life.  I am fairly certain that this may be my next book!  Humm! Let’s think of a working title: “Life Directing Choice!  A Devotional Reading through the Gospel of Mark.” I am open for any ideas and your feedback.  I hope you will join me over on Facebook.  I’ll confess, my editing is a little week as a I focus on content. And I usually write my thoughts pecked out on my phone while still in bed.  TMI? Sorry!

Thanks for reading.  Blessings!

Sincerely, Mark R. Worden

“LOOK AROUND!” is the perfect prequel to “HE IS!”

One of my mentors and I believe that Connie’s book, “LOOK AROUND!” is probably her best book and is the one you should read first.  We highly recommend this book for your reading and to give to others who may be searching for meaning and purpose in life.

Will you begin the Hebrews 11:6 Adventure in 2023?

About the Book:

The spark that ignited the writing of HE IS! is Hebrews 11:6: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (NKJV). Will you consider beginning the Hebrews 11:6 adventure? In his deepest trials of life, Mark embarks on a quest to know God more fully and intimately through prayerful meditation on the Scriptures. He confesses that he has been a part of three main groups in this world: those who deny that God exists, those who don’t know if there is a God, and those who believe in God. Each meditation includes reflection questions that ask readers to consider topics such as whether they find comfort in sometimes not understanding God, how they feel about awesome truths regarding God, and how knowing a particular attribute of God might change the way they think and act. Ignite your faith, learn more about who God is, and help spread the Word with this book of devotional meditation by inviting others to join you in a group study. 

Awards:

American Writing Awards 2022 Finalist in the Religion Category 

About the Author:

Mark R. Worden is a lifelong learner and a student of God’s Word. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees in Bible and Teaching Bible. He has served as youth pastor, missionary, and teacher at a Bible institute in Manaus, Brazil, and pastored a local Montana church for six years. Along with being a licensed property manager, he is a self-employed handyman, and enjoys woodworking on the side.

Excerpts from 3 Editorial Reviews:

• Readers’ Favorite – 5 Stars by Edith Wairimu I loved the personal anecdotes included which help expand the work and show how knowing God applies in everyday life. The reflection questions included at the end of each meditation allowed me to pause and internalize the messages. I also found the scriptures included for further reading and meditation helpful in learning more about each attribute of God. Ultimately, the work guided me in developing a more intimate relationship with Him and reminded me about who God is. I loved that the work is backed by biblical passages that support its discussions. I also found the work uplifting as it shows God as personal, all-knowing, and merciful. He Is! Knowing God Through Fifty Scriptural Meditations by Mark R Worden is a powerful and hope-filled work that expands on who God is. Recommended to any reader who wants to grow in their knowledge and relationship with God. 

• Reader Views – 5 stars by Lily Andrews “He Is!: Knowing God Through Fifty Scriptural Meditations” by Mark R. Worden is a landmark volume and a one-stop believer’s guide, well-choreographed and presented to elucidate the character and personality of God, backed up with over eight hundred biblical scriptures and well-researched phrases. [It] is a precious read and is a stunning tool that leaves you meditating on God’s word. It is not a “feel good” devotional, rather it is blissful with substance and content challenging the followers to dig deeper into their relationship with the Creator. It is truly a resource that edifies and liberates your heart. 

• BookViral – 5 Stars by anonymous Mark Worden offers us his own personal spiritual reflections in ‘He Is’-Knowing God through 50 Meditations’. Taking phrases and passages from scripture and pondering on each ‘God is’ phrase, Worden encourages his readers to reflect deeply on the multi-faceting representation of God found in the Bible, how God is evident in nature and creation, and in how he interacts with humankind. Worden interweaves frank and self-sharing personal experience into his writing, demonstrating how belief in God and who he is can have a profound and last long effect on life and happiness, as well as presenting him as an all-encompassing being who can have a powerful influence in and on lives, and who works through others to support and provide. ‘He is’-Knowing God through 50 Meditations’ could be ideally studied in sections as a group Bible study guide, or alternatively as a personal journal from which to springboard to personal scriptural meditation and is highly recommended.

More information:  www.heisministries.net

“HE IS!” receives first literary award

I was surprised to find an email this past Sunday announcing that my first published book had been chosen as a finalist in the American Writing Awards in its specific genre.

About 12 years ago I took the challenge of Hebrews 11:6 seriously and started writing about the God is statements in the Bible. God has done a lot of work in my life through the process. Faith and spiritual growth are a journey. Will you consider taking the Hebrews 11:6 challenge in 2023 as part of faith journey? More information can be found at https://www.heisministries.net/

It has been years since I posted on my old blog:

However, I have not been completely idle. The year of 2022 has been the year for me to pull all of the God is devotional that I completely rewrote over the past 3 years into my first published book.

I recently wrote the following about the book on the HE IS! book page at Amazon:

HE IS! Knowing God through Fifty Scriptural Meditations can probably be considered devotional theology that is inspirational in nature. I share from my own stories of life and ministry like a grandpa would tell his grandchildren to make the devotionals relatable to life and practical. At the end of each devotional there are reflection questions and more suggested Scripture to read for one’s personal meditation and spiritual growth.

I took the challenge of Hebrew 11:6 to seek God seriously by looking for all the God is statements that I could find in the Bible and discovered that God clearly reveals who HE IS throughout the history and stories of the Bible.  Each chapter is a HE IS statement about God that helps us to know Him better as we mediate on each attribute of God.  

I suggest that readers do a slow reading of the book through the year by taking one chapter each week, so they have time to really pause and think about who God is.   However, a quick read can also be enlightening as one is exposed to approximately 800 quoted verses of Scripture through the fifty, HE IS meditations.

Of course, I like my grandpa stories that are spread throughout the meditations, but the meat of the book is the Bible Scriptures that tell us who God is being pulled together in each chapter to focus on one particular attribute or work of God.  Each chapter can be read independently, however there is a flow to the order of the chapters and A few chapters build upon the proceeding chapters.  After reading the book after publication in preparation for a speaking engagement I realized that there is a sub theme of God being our Heavenly Father and we His children through faith that ties it all together with a crescendo in Chapter 47, HE IS OUR FATHER.

I believe for the one who takes the time to read this book slowly it could be life changing. My life changed in the research and writing of it and this happened over many years as shared in the Preface.

Blessing to anyone who chooses to read this book and take the Hebrew 11:6 challenge.

Touched by this Poem that was read on Sunday before communion

Before I take the body of my Lord

Before I share his life in bread and wine

I recognize the sorry things within

These I lay down

The words of hope I often fail to give

The prayers of kindness buried by my pride

The signs of care I argued out of sight

These I lay down

The narrowness of vision and of mind

The need of other folk to serve my will

And every word and silence meant to hurt

These I lay down

Of those around in whom I meet my Lord

I ask them pardon and grant them mine

That every contradiction of Christ’s peace

Might be laid down

Lord Jesus, companion at this feast

I empty now my heart and stretch my hands

And ask to meet you here in bread and wine

Which you lay down.

source: Unknown at this time.  I will credit when I find out.

Realignment on Love: More than a decision

Thanks Pastor John Piper for this realignment with truth on love video:

Realignment in my Past – Confession, Mercy, and a New Resolve!

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”   ESV  Proverbs 28:13

I recently watched a photo tribute of the life of my high school cross-country and track coach.  It brought back some wonderful memories. I smiled to myself as I remembered a lesson that Coach Robertson taught me about merciful forgiveness when I owned up to my wrongdoing.

It must have been my junior or senior year during track season that Coach had entrusted to me a key to open and lock the locker room each morning under the stadium stands of the football field.  A big responsibility and one that I took seriously.  I always made sure I arrived early and the door was locked back up when I was the last one to leave.

Well, for a few mornings for several weeks, some of the guys were starting to horse around with the water filled fire extinguishers.  They would grab them and pretend to spray people.  However, one morning things got out of hand.  I joined in and grabbed one myself.  Someone actually sprayed me.  In retaliation I pulled the trigger to spray back when in walked an assistant track coach.  I was caught in the act.  He said, “Put those away!  You guys know better, I’m reporting you to Coach Robertson.”  He then left as fast as he came in.

My heart was smitten.  I had betrayed the trust of my Coach.  What should I d0?   I was guilty.  I had been foolish!  I was caught!

As I dressed for school, I resolved in my heart and mind on what to do.  I must find Coach immediately.

I walked quickly across the field to his office in the men’s locker room.  As I walked, I took the key off my key ring and rubbed it nervously.  I walked into his office and saw his serious eyes meet mine.  Holding up the key, I said in shame, “I am sorry for betraying your trust,  here is the key.”  He gave me a stern look and did not say anything for a moment that seemed like eternity.  He then asked, “Did you learn a good lesson?”   “Yes, Sir!”    He slightly smiled and said, “Keep the key!  Don’t let it happen again.”

Mercifully forgiven! I did not betray his trust again.

However, I know that I probably would not have confessed, if I had not been caught.  Getting caught in that moment of foolishness was the best thing that could have happened to me.  It caused a realignment in my mind and thinking to choose to be responsible and not foolish.

Do you have a story of a lesson you learned when you got caught?

Realigning our thinking on love again. . .

I don’t know about you, but for me, I need to realign my mind with what true love is all about more often than I do.

It seems that naturally I become self-loving or plain old selfish way to often.

At those times, what helps the most is to read 1 Corinthians 13.  The next time you get in a fight try reading and studying 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a.

The following has helped me and others a lot.  I am confident it will help you too:

Repost from February 10, 2011

I Corinthians 13:4-8a -”Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.8  Charity never faileth.”  KJV

For a more detailed study of each description click on the highlighted text:

1. Love is longsuffering – It bears injuries or provocation for a long time; it is patient, not easily provoked – Is there someone you need to continue to be patient with in a loving way?

2. Love is kind – Disposed to do good to others – Is there someone you can show kindness to this week in a loving way?

3. Love does not envy – It desires not to deprive others of what is rightfully theirs, it does not wish that they did not have it or had it to a lesser degree. – Is there someone or something you are envying that is keeping you from being loving?

4. Love is not proud – Is there something that you are proud about that is keeping you from loving God and others?

5. Love is not unseemly – it is not unfit, unbecoming, or indecent. Do you have unloving behavior in your life for which you should receive correction from the Lord, so you can be a more loving person?

6. Love seeketh not her own – Love is not selfish! Are there some selfish thoughts and motives in your heart that are keeping you from loving others?

7. Love is not easily provoked – Is not quick-tempered, touchy, irritable. Have you been irritable with someone today? If so the loving thing to do is to make it right by asking forgiveness.

8. Love thinketh no evil – It does not keep a ledger of the wrongs – it does not store up the memory of any wrong it has received. Do you have a list of someone’s wrongs stored up that you just won’t forgive? If so, do the loving thing and give it to God.

9. Love does not rejoice in iniquity – Love finds no pleasure in the sin of others that brings hardship and judgment into their lives. If you are rejoicing over the downfall of others, repent and pray for God’s mercy to be upon them.

10. Love rejoices in the truth – What truth have you rejoiced in today? Can you think of something true, that you can rejoice about in a loving way with others?

11. Love bears all things – It enduringly protects and covers the beloved in all things. What ever the hardship, difficulty, attack, and trial, the loving person is there to help, not only to back you up but also to be a shield. Are you being a protecting shield in your love for others?

12. Love believeth all things – love is completely trusting, it is not suspicious. Have you failed to give someone the benefit of the doubt lately? The loving thing is to check it out!

13. Love hopeth all things – It does not despair, it keeps on hoping for the best in regard for all men. Love refuses to take failure as final it does not give up on someone. Have you been tempted to give up on someone for whom you care deeply? Love keeps caring!

14. Love endureth all things – Love sustains the assaults of suffering or persecution, in the sense of bearing up under them, and enduring them patiently. Is your love for someone being tested? Let God help you to love them for the long hall.

Conclusion:  Love Never Fails

Phrases that Pop!

When you read the Bible, have you ever had a phrase leap off the page and into your mind and heart?

It happened to me for the first time while sitting on a church bus way back in 1978.  The church youth group had camped-out one night to attend the Oregon State Fair.  I got up early that morning and was enjoying the sun on my back as I sat in the bus to avoid the wind.  I opened my Bible to John chapter 14 and started reading Jesus’ words as He talked with his disciples, foretelling of His pending death.

When I came to verse 27, I knew that God was speaking not only to the disciples but to me:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.  (John 14:27 ESV)

The world did not make any sense to me until I had come to faith in God through Jesus. God had given me a peace that I had never known and one I didn’t fully comprehend.  I did not know what was ahead for me as a new Christ follower. However, according to this promise from Jesus, my heart did not need to be in turmoil and I did not need to fear.

What comfort in my soul as I sat worshiping my Savior while soaking up sunshine as God’s light brightened my day and life.

What was good for me 38 years ago is good for me today.  I can trust in a good God who cares for me.

Is there a verse or passage that has helped sustain you that you need to remember?

I would love to hear about your verse or phrase from the Bible that brought peace and hope to you.

 

 

Put it on him!

At our men’s gathering on Thursday morning, I had the privilege of reading from Luke 15:11-24 about the downfall and up-pull of a son who was loved by his father, commonly known as the prodigal son.

As I read, a phrase evoked some vivid images in my mind. What the Father said to his servants as he welcomed his son home, came home to me!

“Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him . . .”

I envisioned the many time my mom purchased clothing for me as I grew-up.  Her clothing gifts were always the best and made me feel loved.

I remembered how just a few years ago my Mom bought me a red and black plaid vest and how now when I wear it I feel like I am getting a hug from my mom.

I pictured how my little 3-year-old grandson feels when I cover him with his special blanket his mother made for him.

“Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him . . .”

Amazingly, God has done this for me in his gift of Salvation in Jesus Christ.

The gift of covering means I am loved and cared for by my heavenly Father!  God provides a covering of white garments for those who are overcomers in the Lord Jesus Christ:

Jesus said, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches’ ” (Revelations 3:5-6). NKJV

Have you received God’s covering for you? He desires to cloth you in the Righteousness of Christ:

For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”  (Romans 4:3-8 ESV)

And finally, like the father in Jesus’ story, is there a “covering” you could give to someone to help them up?

“Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him . . .”