July 2020 - The North Side of the Mountain
July 2020
Dear Partner,
THE NORTH SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN
…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
Several years ago, I bought Trina a beautiful baby grand piano. I enjoy hearing her play and sing many of the old hymns we sang in church growing up. We have a piano tuner come to our house and tune the piano regularly. One day when I came home I heard beautiful classical music coming from our den. As I entered the room I began to talk to the gentleman as he tuned the piano. He said that our piano has a particularly “sweet” sound. I asked him what he meant by that and he said that some pianos just have a sweeter sound than others. He also said that piano manufacturers prefer to use the wood from spruce trees that grow in the highest parts of the mountains. The higher altitudes and the cold north winds make it difficult for trees to grow and survive. As a result, the wood grain usually grows stronger and finer together. He said most piano manufacturers actually prefer the wood that comes from the trees on the north side of the mountain. The finest piano manufacturers will only use the wood from the north side of these trees. This wood produces the sweetest sounds. I found it interesting that the sweetest music comes from the trees that have the most difficult environment.
THE SWEETEST SOUND ON EARTH
Many times, we face difficult situations in life that threaten to destroy us. However, if we will believe God and feed on His Word, He will strengthen us in every situation. The Holy Spirit will strengthen our inner man with mighty power and will enable us to stand. He will cause the “wood grain” to grow finer so that the “sweet sound” of grace and faith come from within. What the devil intended for destruction can actually cause you to turn to God with such faith that His grace is imparted unto your spirit and soul. God specializes in turning even the most difficult situations around.
The Apostle Paul went through great adversity and yet played the “sweetest music” in Ephesians and his other letters. Many of the greatest men and women of God have faced all the challenges that come from the “north side” of the mountain. Yet refusing to quit, they have acted on the Word of God and found strength to do the will of God. Today, we play a part in determining the sound that comes from our lives. What will we do when we are facing the pressures of life? What is the secret of surviving and finishing your course? The answer is in the Word of God.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
GOD’S PERFECT AND ENTIRE PLAN
When you are facing different kinds of adversity, don’t lose your joy. The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). The joy of the Lord will strengthen your inner man and fortify your faith. In Philippians 4:4 Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always….” How can you rejoice in the middle of trouble? Because you KNOW that the trying of your faith works patience and brings you into God’s perfect and entire plan (James 1:2-4). You must KNOW something other people don’t. Paul said, “I KNOW whom I have believed,” 2 Timothy 1:12. In Job 19:25, Job said, “I KNOW that my Redeemer liveth.” Job declared his faith in the midst of adversity (Job 5:22). Many miss the importance of the joy aspect of faith. 1 Peter 1:8-9 says, "Yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith.” Once you know and understand this, you will no longer get angry or depressed in times of adversity. Instead, you will act on the Word of God. The wood grain will grow strong and fine in your spirit and YOU WILL OVERCOME. Get ready for the sweet sound of victory that gives glory to God!
SUMMER JOY PACKAGE
To help sustain your strength, we have a tremendous offer for you! For your gift of $30 or more we will send this Summer Joy Package, which includes 12 CD messages, including The North Side of the Mountain, Faith Laughs at Impossibilities, Joy the Serious Business of Heaven, and the book, The Secret Power of Joy for a gift of just $30.
LOOK WHAT THE LORD IS DOING
When the world is in turmoil and upside down, Jesus is leading us forward! Here are some things that are happening at MHM because of your partnership: We are conducting daily online Bible School and have given away over $60,000 worth of free books! The 2020 MHM Campmeeting in Alexandria, LA was well attended and power-packed! The Korean translation of our books is now in progress! The Holy Spirit has given us the green light to begin plans for constructing a Conference Center! We will soon share these plans with you. It’s time for increase! “God bless you and keep you, God smile on you and gift you, God look you full in the face and make you prosper.”
In Christ,
Mark and Trina