Daily Hope and Inspiration from Pastor Mark

Monday, February 28, 2022


 

You catch more flies with honey... 

Have you ever noticed that the people or things that initially get and hold your attention best use an approach that is tailored to saying or showing good stuff about you? 

It’s human nature to like to see and hear things positive about ourselves. 

Life lessons school teaches us to make a sandwich with our words when dealing with others. 

Start with a slice of positive bread, layer the meat of correction or opportunity in the middle, and then finish with the final slice of encouragement bread on top. 

This is a biblically based principle that works far better than intimidating others with negativity and harsh words… 

Check you experience… 

"A new life has been given us or, if you prefer, a design for living that really works" Big Book pg 28 

Lord, let us use the eyes of our heart to look for and see the good in all people, places, and things today, AMEN. 

"So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault." Romans 14: 19-21 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

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Sunday, February 27, 2022


 But I just wanna be judged by my INTENTIONS while I judge you by your ACTIONS...


Well that’s just dandy isn’t it?!? 

Maybe it’s just me, and perhaps you cannot relate, but the “committee” in my head that tries to run my life, otherwise known as my selfish self-will, tries to make this a policy for me all the time. 

Thank goodness I have tools to veto their vote and the key to lock them back up deep in my mind. 

Why is it that I have this fear fueled, pride based notion that I have the right to judge others only by how I view their actions and at the same time expect them to overlook my actions and judge me by my intentions? 

Over the years and through many painful lessons I have learned that I must first walk in another person’s shoes before I even attempt to understand them. 

I have no right to judge another person. 

That is for God to do. 

My job is to try to love, tolerate, and accept others as best I can and allow them to have their own opinions of me. 

How is your relationship with the committee in your head?.. 

Check your experience… 

“Love and tolerance of others is our code.” Big Book pg 84 

Lord, let us set aside our preconceived notions and give our best efforts to love and tolerate others, AMEN. 

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2 

Have a blessed day Y'all! 

Please help us help others! 


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Saturday, February 26, 2022



Becoming teachable...

Remember the last time you were able to lay aside your preconceived notions, expectations, assumptions, and self-made opinions in order to truly learn something new? 

Yeah, it's been a while for me too! 

Part of having free will and becoming an adult is this magic magnifying mind that we have that likes to unconsciously grow and feed from our perceptions and experiences. 

It tries to predict situations for us as well as attempts to harden our hearts through our own self-made assessments and judgements. 

Until we stop this process and set aside the ability and power it has over us, we cease to truly grow spiritually. 

Kids don't have this. 

They look to us with wide eyes and open minds thirsty to learn. 

It's only when we can open our minds willingly in this manner can God truly teach us and fill our hearts with His Spirit and wisdom...

Check your experience… 

"But after a while we had to face the fact that we must find a spiritual basis of life-or else." Big Book pg 44 

Lord let us set aside our own thoughts and become teachable like a child for Your Word, AMEN. 

"He said: I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

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Friday, February 25, 2022



The difference between a leader and a boss...

At various points in our lives we find that we have different authority figures who we either report to or are held accountable. 

In my walk I have had some great ones and some... well... "interesting " ones!

The interesting ones have been bosses. 

They dictate, spout negativity, and attempt to rule by fear and intimidation. 

These "bosses" seem to never get much good done and those under them tend to move on to other jobs, tasks, or assignments under others to escape this toxic environment. 

I learned to NEVER attempt to lead that way... 

I have tried to model my own leadership style from the great ones I have served under. 

I have found a common trait that is biblical in nature. 

The greatest leaders I have had have taught me by example to do what they do. 

They SERVE the ones they are responsible for and LEAD BY EXAMPLE. 

They gain loyal followers and happy, productive workers with positive results and create healthy long-term relationships… 

What is your style AND...what is your experience?..

"Our real purpose is to fit ourselves to be of maximum service to God and the people about us." Big Book pg 77

Lord please continue to guide my heart and show me how to lead through serving others, AMEN. 


"The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Matthew 23:11 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

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Thursday, February 24, 2022



Pull the weeds trying to grow near your heart...

Static noise and visual distractions are everywhere these days. 

Our tablets and electronic devices are bombarded with visual ads trying to distract us. 

I just learned that highway billboards are now electronic and change ads in front of our eyes as we drive! 

The ads on "free versions" of Internet radio interrupt our music filling our heads with "offers and specials" . 

Peyton Manning humming the Nationwide jingle is still stuck in my head! 

We experience the same type of distractions with our Spiritual walk with Jesus. 

Worldly clamors distract us trying to allow fear, worry, and pride to fuel our self-centered minds away from seeking and doing God's will. 

How many times daily are your good thoughts challenged with earthly interruptions? 

Check your experience...

“His presence had been blotted out by worldly clamors, mostly those within myself." Big Book pg 12-13 

Lord please let us focus on your love and will for us despite all of the earthly distractions around us, AMEN. 

"The seed that fell among the thorny weeds is like those who hear God’s teaching, but they let the worries, riches, and pleasures of this life keep them from growing and producing good fruit.” Luke 8:14

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily message in your Inbox! 


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Wednesday, February 23, 2022



I got my tongue in front of my eye tooth and couldn't see what I was saying...

Ever experienced delayed remorse as the words based on the emotion of the moment go flying out of your mouth, only to immediately be followed by the heart driven words of "I didn't mean that!" ??...

Emotions fuel our words and actions and when left unchecked by our heart and Spirit can cause pain and hurt to others as well as amends work for us. 

I have spent the past few years in my walk with Christ learning to RESPOND with grace and kindness rather than my old way of REACTING with the emotion of the moment. 

Now most of y'all know how much I despise numbers but counting to 10 during an emotional moment has become a tool that I use to disconnect from the emotion of the moment and reconnect with my heart and the Holy Spirit. 

I find when I do this I am no longer held hostage by my emotions and my words do not cause harm…. 

Check your experience...

Patience, tolerance, understanding and love are the watchwords." Big Book pg 118

Lord let us guard our words by responding in grace instead of reacting with emotions, AMEN. 

" So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!" James 3:5 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Please help us help others! 


Donate today! 

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

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Tuesday, February 22, 2022



What is your energy source?... 

Every day, about mid-afternoon, I get that rundown and tired feeling. 

It’s usually during the middle of whatever I am working at or trying to focus on. I generally stop my work and grab a legal source of liquid amphetamines like coffee or the healthiest version of energy drink I can find. 

This refreshes me and gets me through the rest of my day as my alertness returns. 

What about those times when our soul is weary? 

Do you experience times when it seems like you are all alone and feels like you are facing a Goliath of a challenge? 

I have found the solution that works for me and it is not in a can. 

I remember that I am not alone and that I have the Holy Spirit of our almighty God living inside of me! 

I remind myself that HE will never give me anything that He does not think I can handle and with that assurance,.

I face the challenge and keep walking through it… 

Check your experience… 

“Our ideas did not work. But the God idea did” Big Book pg. 52 

Lord, remind our hearts during those trying times when doubt tries to enter our minds that you are in us and with us and that we can overcome whatever obstacle seems to be in our path, AMEN. 

“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.” Isaiah 40:31 

Have a blessed day Y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

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Monday, February 21, 2022



Worry makes things seem bigger than they are. 

I am curious to learn if anyone ever gained from worrying? 

I don’t’ have any record of this. 

Why do we allow our fears and expectations to grow inside of us and gain strength over our minds and hearts? 

Our human nature is prone to this and free will allows this to happen, robbing us of our peace and stealing our energy and focus. 

Did you know that you can trade those worries, fears, and expectations for grace? 

Try this for the next few days. 

Every time you catch yourself building a case for a good worry, write it down on a piece of paper and put it in a drawer that can serve as your God box. 

Tell God the worry is now His and move on with your day! 

You can do this. 

It works! 

Try it and as always then…. 

Check your experience… 

 “There you will find release from care, boredom and worry.” Big Book pg. 152 

Lord let us fill our God box with our fears, worries, and troubles and leave them with You, allowing us to move forward and see how we can turn our focus to helping others, AMEN. 

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily message in your Inbox! 


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Sunday, February 20, 2022



When the going gets rough...

Have you ever been at that point where your mind leads you to wonder about what you are doing? 

Have you ever held thoughts of why you should keep giving the effort if nothing seems to be coming from it?  

Have you? 

Good, then, I am not crazy, and you are not alone! 

Part of our walk while we are here is to build up our faith muscles and strengthen our spiritual endurance. 

Maybe it’s God testing us or perhaps it’s the worldly clamors the Enemy uses to distract us, but these trying times do occur. 

The great news is that we have an out! 

When we became born again as believers and followers of Jesus, the Holy Spirit entered each of us and now covers and protects us even when we cannot seem to see or feel it.

Keep on Keeping on! 

It will get better… 

Check your experience…. 

“This we did because we honestly wanted to and were willing to make the effort.” Big Book pg 26 

Lord, please remind our hearts in those lonely times where we want to question our efforts that You are here with us and will see us through the challenges, AMEN. 

 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 

Have a blessed day Y'all! 

Please help us help others! 


Donate today! 

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

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Saturday, February 19, 2022


 
Actions speak louder than words...

Maybe it's just me, but every now and then, I find some good messages in the ad jingles that constantly assault us on TV and other media. 

Nike wants us to "Just do it" The carpet folks want us to "Call Empire Today", and some weight loss outfit promises us we can '"Lose weight now, just if we just ask them how". 

These jingles share a common key ingredient. 

They call for us to take action! 

The spiritual principle underneath these claims are that we will see the benefit if we participate with our own actions and not just wishes, intentions, or words. 

I see this in my life. 

I don't change or improve until I apply action fueled by willingness. 

How's that working out for you?.. 

Check your own experience... 

"Faith without works is dead. ” Big Book pg 76 

Lord, let our actions show You love through the things we do. Let our words match our deeds, AMEN. 

"Your love for one other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

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Friday, February 18, 2022


 

Just a daily dose… 

We have pills to fix our headaches, ointments to relieve sore muscles, and all kinds of over-the-counter instant fixes for most of our other aches and pains. 

There is even a pill to help our liver! 

Didn’t know my liver even needed a pill!.. 

NO my AA, SCAA,  CR, and 12 Step friends, there IS NOT a pill to replace the Steps and meetings! 

What about our spiritual weaknesses and flaws? 

Anyone know of a pill for that? 

What I have learned from those who showed me is that I have a relationship with a living God that I need to maintain and grow through my daily pursuit of His will and Word for me. 

This way of living has brought me a life even better than my dreams. 

Even though I am not perfect and I screw up daily, as long as I seek His will over mine, it always works out… 

Check your experience… 

"What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition." Big Book pg. 83 

Lord let us fix our frailties and heal our spiritual wounds through our daily relationship with You, AMEN. 

"Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed." Hebrews 12: 12-13 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

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Thursday, February 17, 2022



The change has to come from within… 

Have you ever noticed that the folks around you who take steps to improve their lives are changing things within themselves first? 

Think about it...

In order for any change to be effective and long lasting it has to come first from within us. 

It’s a spiritual principle that when we first change our thinking and support it with a change in our actions that our behaviors and habits follow. 

Wishing, wanting, and talking about change doesn’t work unless we supply our own thoughts, efforts, and actions…

Check your experience… 

 “…there has been a revolutionary change in their way of living and thinking.” Big Book pg 50 

Lord, let us provide the willingness needed to bring about changes in our thoughts and actions, AMEN. 

“So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” Hebrews 12: 12-13 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Looking to volunteer or plug into an existing helping opportunity in the Greater Phoenix AZ area? 

Visit Servants Hearts! 

It’s a free site to help connect folks with volunteer and helping opportunities! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 

Free daily message in your Inbox! 


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Wednesday, February 16, 2022


 



Faith it till ya make it…

Have you heard the term “blind faith” or maybe even the expression of “taking something on faith”? 

It seems this faith thing has some powerful pull to it. 

Most of us take many things daily by faith without even thinking about it. 

When we put the key into the car ignition, we assume it will start, or when flip a light switch or use the remote to our TV, we naturally expect it to turn on. 

Why is it then that we seem to demand proof of other things before they happen? 

Now maybe it’s different for you, but I seldom get into a debate over my car starting, or feel the need to have an engineer come to our home to tell me that our light switch will work before I try. 

So why is it then do we at times, myself included, DEMAND that God show us proof of success before we attempt something new or uncomfortable. 

Just look at the sun, the sky and feel the air we breathe! 

We use faith daily!

Isn’t it time we give God more credit with our faith in Him?... 

Check your experience… 

“In one form or another we had been living by faith and little else.” Big Book pg 54 

Lord, let us have the same faith in You as we have in our car keys and light switches because You never fail us, AMEN. 

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1 

Have a blessed day y’all! 

Please help us help others! 


Donate today! 

How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

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Tuesday, February 15, 2022



Have you ever thought about whether the light would come on before you turned the light switch on? 

Because I have the familiar experience of having successfully done it countless times before, I don’t even think about it, I just know it will work. 

Even when that 1 in a thousand time happens when the bulb is burnt out, I replace the bulb without thinking and the light comes on. 

That is faith. 

When I am staying in a new or unfamiliar place like a hotel or a friend’s home, I instinctively know that if I just find that light switch, the light will come on. 

That is faith. 

I cannot see the mechanics involved and I certainly have no electrical training or background in engineering, but because I have experience with the process, I trust it works and neither debate it, nor give it a second thought. 

That is faith. 

OK, so this next part may not apply to you Spiritual giants… 

Now why then do I want to debate with God over trivial things? 

Why do I expect the answer before I even begin the task that is new or unfamiliar? 

Where is my trust being placed? 

Where oh where is my faith? 

Has He not brought me this far in life successfully through things I have had no control over? 

Why do I even think I need to discuss the new thing with Him? 

Where is my faith? 

Check your experience...

“The great fact is just this, and nothing less: That we life, toward our fellows and toward God's universe.” Big Book pg 25 

Lord, like the light switch, let us place our trust in You based on our experience with You, AMEN. 

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 

Have a blessed day Y’all! 

Join me in looking at the things we face daily with passages from both the Big Book and Bible! 


How about a daily dose of hope and inspired thought? 

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