Believing Is Seeing

Believing Is Seeing

I’ve been knee-deep in a new book as we kick off 2026. It’s no longer in print—so if you like what you read, you’ll have to scour the web to find one of the few remaining copies still for sale. Lucky for me, I know the author.

He’s a great man with a humble heart, whose love for Jesus has allowed him to have impact beyond anything he ever imagined—not because of extreme talent, but because of a willingness to be obedient to the call of the Holy Spirit.

Today, I want to reflect on Chapter 9 of The Power of an Ordinary Life by the one and only Harvey Hook. The chapter title?

“Believing Is Seeing.”

As a leader, I am often called upon to have vision. We rally around vision and mission more than almost anything else in life. It’s basic human nature to want to know where things are headed—and why taking the road toward that destination matters.

Missions matter. They provide clarity around the who and the why.
Vision matters. It gives context for the where and the when.
(The how—that’s a different conversation, requiring values and execution, and it’s for another article.)

Vision is a compelling image of an achievable future. For believers, vision is the ability to see God’s presence, perceive God’s power, and focus on God’s plan in spite of obstacles. Visionaries are those who can see what is not yet as if it already were. They see beyond the bend in the road.

Right in the middle of his book, Harvey offers several truths that leaders—and those tasked with carrying out vision—need to hear and understand.

Vision always precedes change. And change is almost always met with opposition, especially when the vision for your life comes from our Heavenly Father. If a vision is from God, it will require God to accomplish it. If it is God’s dream, He will pay for it.

Because of that, we should seek a vision for our lives that feels a little scary. The best ones do. They require God’s intervention and provision along the path in order to be fulfilled. That’s how faith is built. Vision demands trust and obedience—often in the face of very real, earthly obstacles.

And every true vision will be tested for authenticity. That’s not a flaw in the process—it is the process.

To understand how believing is seeing (the opposite of how we usually evaluate what’s possible) let’s look at Scripture.

The story of Lazarus is found in John 11. When Lazarus became sick, his sisters Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus. Yet Jesus remained where He was for two more days. Lazarus died and was buried.

When Jesus finally arrived, Martha said, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

Jesus was moved by the loss of His friend, and He wept. But in God’s plan, the death of Lazarus led to something greater. Jesus raised him from the dead.

Jesus said to Martha,

“He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied. “I believe.”

As the stone was being rolled away from the tomb, Jesus said,

“Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

That’s it. Right there.

When we believe God, we begin to see what He wants us to see. Seeing isn’t believing—because many people at that tomb saw the miracle but did not believe in God. But those who believed saw something deeper: the glory of God revealed through the miracle.

Belief and vision go hand in hand—because believing is seeing.

This story is familiar to me, but I had never connected this truth so clearly. Many witnessed the miracle with their eyes, but their hearts weren’t open to what God was revealing. Those whose hearts belonged to the Lord saw what others missed.

Let us not be among those who miss it.

Each of us feels a unique tug on our heart from the Holy Spirit. No two callings are the same, because God desires to work through each of us specifically. Every one of us has the capacity to receive vision from the Lord for how we can be useful in building His Kingdom.

At first glance, your vision may not make sense. It may not be doable on your own. But if you can’t shake it—if it won’t let you go—you’ll need God to show up in ways you can’t fully explain at the starting line and throughout the race in order to pull it off.

And if it’s His vision, He will show up.

Just as Jesus did in John 11.

So tonight, let’s open our hearts. Let’s not miss the vision God has planted deep within us. And if you’re pursuing that vision—and being tested along the way—take heart. That testing is part of the plan.

Stay the course.

God is on His way.

-Mark

All Things New

All Things New

Here we are on January 1st—another year has begun! The beginning of anything is an interesting time, and this year is no different. We live in such a connected world that we see hosts of posts as we exit what was 2025 and enter into something new called 2026.

I’ve personally read posts that highlight accomplishments and milestones worthy of reflection. I’ve seen vulnerable messages with goals being set to reverse course on roads traveled that now need to be addressed. I’ve also heard people broadcasting their mindset on time, growth, and what it means to enter and exit various seasons of life.

This time of renewal and refocus is special, but we must keep in mind the times we’re in—and God’s promise to make all things new once and for all. While we can trade a number at the end of our written date, the real newness comes from Jesus Himself taking first place in our daily lives.

In Revelation 21, John recounts seeing the new heaven and the new earth. He sees a magnificent Holy City where God dwells among His people. It is here that God promises to wipe every tear from His people’s eyes. There will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. Finally, all creation will be free from the reign and effects of sin. After observing all this, John sees Jesus seated on the throne declaring, “Behold, I make all things new.” This new heaven and new earth is what believers—and all creation—long for.

While Jesus makes all things new, each year we are given a chance to renew our focus for the year ahead, bringing the love of Christ forward into the here and now.

Here in this life, we’re still bound by time. 2026 will be a collection of 365 days. If you’re counting, that’s 8,640 hours—or just a measly 518,400 minutes. For those who’ve made goals to get at least eight hours of sleep this year, you’ll have just over 5,700 hours awake to make your mark on the year ahead. Not much time, but enough to let our light shine in ways that can bring new hope and new life to those around us.

Below are a few examples of how we can redeem more of our time and allow God to move in and through us right where we are.

Four Simple Steps to Transform 2026

Here are four simple steps we can take to allow just 125 hours of our time this year to transform our world.

#1 – Invite one person to church each week
Time Allocation: 5 minutes per week
With a 50% success rate, that’s 26 lives potentially transformed by the Gospel.
Total Time: 4.33 hours in 2026

#2 – Read one chapter of the Bible each day
Time Allocation: 8 minutes on average
There are only 260 chapters in the New Testament. By Q4, you’ll have read all four Gospels, all of Paul’s letters, and straight through Revelation. With God’s Word stamped on your mind, you’ll be more likely to stay in communication with Jesus throughout the day, seeing things as He sees them.
Total Time: 46.6 hours

#3 – Volunteer with family and friends twice each month
Time Allocation: 2 hours per service
This could be at a homeless shelter, retirement center, local church, food bank, or youth event for various nonprofits. There’s no telling the influence you may have on the life of someone in need.
Total Time: 48 hours

#4 – Make one phone call each week to someone you haven’t connected with recently
Time Allocation: 30 minutes each
Nothing replaces a call from someone genuinely interested in how you’re doing. Being seen, cared about, and intentionally connected with is a gift. Be the giver of that gift once per week. See people as fellow children of God—worthy of love and a little bit of time.
Total Time: 26 hours

You can certainly fill in the blanks with your own ideas, but the simplicity of these steps paints a very doable picture. These four commitments, if done consistently, would account for just 2.1% of your awake time this year—yet they could radically transform your connection to Jesus and to those in your direct circle.

I’m planning to implement these four points as a simple way to let the light of Christ brighten my immediate world. My prayer is that you’ll take a look at the opportunities God has blessed you with and find a simple, repeatable list to incorporate as well.

May God bless your 2026.

— Mark

What if Christmas was…

What if Christmas was…

**An adaptation on Max Lucado’s “Christmas Night” featured in God Came Near** 

Thank you Max for this beautiful chapter, slightly adapted here and there. I’ve loved this book and have re-read it multiple years now around Christmas.  I’d highly recommend picking it up.  Link at the bottom of this article.

It’s Christmas night.  The house is quiet. Even the crackle is gone from the fireplace.  Warm coals issue a lighthouse glow in the darkened living room.  Stockings hang empty on the mantle.  The tree stands in the corner, still lit up but not for long.  Christmas cards, tinsel, and memories remind Christmas night of Christmas day.

It’s Christmas night.  What a day it’s been! Eggnog and coffee. Santa Claus. Breakfast casseroles and cinnamon rolls. “Thank you so much.”  “You shouldn’t have!” “Grandma is on the phone.” Knee-deep in wrapping paper.  “It fits!” Flashing cameras and family selfies.

It’s Christmas night. The boys are in bed. Greyson dreams of his new Legos and Franklin is ready to skateboard. Danielle is dreaming about warmer weather and the vacations I promised in her Christmas card.

It’s Christmas night.  The tree that only yesterday grew from soil made of gifts, again grows from the Christmas tree stand.  Presents are now possessions.  Wrapping paper is bagged and in the dumpster.  The dishes are washed and leftover beef tenderloin awaits tomorrows sandwiches.

It’s Christmas night.  The last of the carolers appeared on the ten o’clock news.  The last Jesus’ Birthday cake was eaten by me, to the dismay of my kids. And the last of the Christmas albums have been taken off of playlists and tucked away for next year, having dutifully performed their annual renditions of chestnuts, white Christmases, and red-nosed reindeers .

It's Christmas night.

The midnight hour has chimed and I should be asleep, but I’m awake.  I’m kept awake by one stunning thought.  The world was different this week.  It was temporarily transformed. The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stopwatches and weapons. We stepped off our race tracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.

It's the season to be jolly because more than at any other time, with think of Him. More than any other season, His name is on our lips.

And the result? For a few precious hours our heavenly yearnings intermesh and we become a chorus.  A ragtag chorus of longshoremen, lawyers, illegal immigrants, mortgage brokers, barbers, and a host of other peculiar persons who are banking that Bethlehem’s mystery is in reality, a reality. “Come and behold him” we sing, stirring even the sleepiest of shepherds and pointing them toward the Christ-child.

For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing Him, suddenly see Him.  People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty.

All of the sudden He’s everywhere.

In the grin of the policeman as he drives the paddy wagon full of presents to the orphanage.

In the twinkle in the eyes of the waiter as he tells of his upcoming trip to see his children.

In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish the dinner table prayer.

He’s in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas.

He’s in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes.

And he’s I the solemn silence of the crowd of shopping mall shoppers as the elementary school chorus sings “Away in a Manger”.

Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.

It’s Christmas night.  In a few hours the cleanup will begin – lights will come down, trees will be thrown out.  Size 34 will be exchanged for size 36, and eggnog will be on sale for half price.  Soon life will be normal again.  December’s generosity will become January’s payments, and the magic will begin to fade.

But for the moment, the magic is still in the air.  Maybe that’s why I’m still awake.  I want to savor the spirit just a bit more.  I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him next August. And I can’t help but linger on one fanciful thought: If he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do it we thought of him every day?

-Mark

Fatigue...At Christmas?

Fatigue...At Christmas?

As we head into the Christmas season and prepare to ring in another new year, we’re often told it’s “the most wonderful time of the year.” A time to pause… to reflect… to see friends and family… to enjoy those we love while celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior. It is a time of wonder.  We’ll reveal some of the wonder in our next post.

But—for many of us—this season arrives under a heavy blanket.

We feel tired.
We’ve poured out all year.
December demands more time, more events, more decisions, more everything.
And suddenly we’re ready for bed at 2 p.m.

Fatigue is a real thing.
Let’s look quickly at what it is, why we feel it, and what God’s Word says about it.

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue isn’t simply “feeling tired.” It’s a psychobiological state where both the body and brain shift after long periods of stress or sustained effort. It affects:

• Perception — how hard something feels

• Motivation — willingness to continue

• Cognitive performance

• Physical performance

Mental and physical fatigue blend into each other more than we realize.

Mental Fatigue

Mental fatigue builds after long, demanding cognitive activity—like trying to close out end-of-year business tasks while hustling from one client or vendor Christmas event to the next.

Research shows:

• After extended cognitive effort, we often stop physical effort sooner—not because our bodies can’t continue, but because the effort feels harder.

• This increase in perceived effort causes performance to drop even when our heart rate, oxygen use, or muscle capacity haven’t changed.

In plain language: mental fatigue makes life feel heavier than it really is.
(And getting dark at 5:30 p.m. doesn’t help either. Thanks daylight savings)

Physical Fatigue

Physical fatigue is both peripheral and central:

• Peripheral: muscles run out of fuel. We sleep less when we’re busy, eat worse when we’re rushed, and overload our schedule until the tank is empty.

• Central: the brain actually reduces its drive to the muscles—its way of forcing us to stop.
  If you won’t rest on your own, your brain will make you rest.

What Does Jesus Say About Fatigue?

While Jesus doesn’t directly address future office Christmas parties thrown in His honor, He does offer timeless truth—truth we desperately need in 2025.

1. Jesus Invites the Weary to Rest

Matthew 11:28–30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus shows us that our work, time, and burdens were never meant to be carried alone.
Even good things can become too much.

He can carry the weight with you.
Talk with Him. He knows. He sees. And He cares.

2. Jesus Points Us to God’s Provision

Matthew 6:28–29

“Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.
They do not labor or spin.
Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”

This time of year we cram so much into so little time—wrapping up a month, a quarter, and a year all at once. We feel the pressure. It feels like our future depends on how well we manage December.

But Jesus says:
Look at the lilies. God provides.

Some of the most beautiful things in life require no performance at all.

Take a deep breath.
No productivity metric or year-end review can replace the peace only Christ provides.
He loves you.
He sees you.
You are enough in Him.

3. Jesus Is Strong When We Are Weak

2 Corinthians 12:9–10

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

We get tired trying to do it all on our own, under our own strength or ability to manage our chaotic schedule. This year – let’s turn more toward Christ.  We may not have the luxury of neglecting our work, but we can invite him into it with us. We can trust him with the outcomes, and do our best to finish strong because we finish the year walking with Him.

Fatigue is real. However – we don’t have to go it alone. Jesus made claims about this type of feeling.  He is the truth.  This year – let’s take him at his word.

-Mark

Great Great Grandpa’s

I’ve had more conversations than I can count where I ask a simple question:

“Can you tell me the name of your great-great-grandfather?”
In other words, What was your grandpa’s grandpa’s name?

More often than not, people can’t recall. And if they’re honest, that person has never even come up in conversation.

I ask this question to highlight how precious time is—and how quickly both obstacles and opportunities pass us by. We get caught up in the micro-moments of life far too easily. We let frustration, comparison, and temporary desires cloud our vision of what truly matters.

This isn’t an article about ignoring the small things that need to get done. It’s about reframing our emotions and regaining perspective when we feel like things are either going great or falling apart.

Why the question about Great Great Grandpa’s?

Because if we don’t know their names, that also means we don’t know a list of other things:

• What their biggest issues in life were

• What their greatest accomplishments were

• What they would regret if they could do it again

• What they wanted to be when they grew up

• What they believed was most important

• What kept them up at night when they were anxious

We literally don’t know.
It’s all been lost to time.

Scripture warns us about focusing too much on what is temporary and reminds us to fix our eyes on what will last. Consider just a few examples:

“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” — James 4:14

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34

“For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow?” — Ecclesiastes 6:12

Mist.
Shadow.
Temporary.

Jesus himself tells us not to obsess over tomorrow because today already has enough weight.

Life is short. Our names will not be remembered for long—much less our desires, accomplishments, or defeats.

What Will Last?

Only one name echoes beyond our mist and shadow.

Jesus.

God’s Word.
God’s truth.
God’s kingdom.

Those things remain.

And because of that, today is a powerful reminder to live for what carries into eternity:

• Sharing the love of the gospel

• Lending a helping hand

• Giving generously to impact others

• Spending quiet, focused time with God

• Investing in people and in souls

These things are eternal.

MY GRANDPA’S GRANDPA…

This past Thanksgiving, I received an unexpected gift. My Grandpa showed me a picture of his Grandpa—William Greaves, the first in our family to leave England and come to America.

Now I’ve seen his face.
I know a story or two.
Not much else.

What was his father’s name?
No idea.

But what legacy still makes a mark?
The fact that our family knows the Lord.

That’s the echo that reached me.

Thank you, Great Great Grandpa, for that gift.

And thank you, Jesus, for the open invitation to make this mist—this shadow—count for You.

-Mark

But First… Thanksgiving!

It’s Thanksgiving week, and the outpouring of gratitude online, at work, and around our dinner tables is at its annual peak. This time of year is always a joy. Our feeds fill with reflections on blessings, answered prayers, restored relationships, new opportunities, and unexpected moments of grace. What I love most is how genuine these Thanksgiving messages tend to be.

We see family mentioned more than anything else.
We see gratitude for valleys God has carried us through.
We see praise for mountaintop moments we worked hard for, or never saw coming.

As I’m writing this, I’m in the car on Highway 70 heading west to St. Louis with my family. Kids asleep in the back seat. My wife graciously driving so I can type and feel somewhat productive. And somewhere between exits, a thought hit me:

What would we look like as Christians if we were consistently—and publicly—grateful for the opportunities each new day brings?

Staring out the window, I thought about the letters of Paul. He actually did this. It’s remarkable how often he begins his letters not with instruction, correction, or encouragement—but with thanksgiving. Nearly every letter opens with gratitude before anything else.

Check this out:

• Romans 1:8 – “I thank my God…”

• 1 Corinthians 1:4 – “I thank my God…”

• Ephesians 1:16 – “…do not cease giving thanks…”

• Philippians 1:3 – “I thank my God…”

• Colossians 1:3 – “We always thank God…”

• 1 Thessalonians 1:2 – “We give thanks to God always…”

• 2 Thessalonians 1:3 – “We ought always to give thanks…”

• 2 Timothy 1:3 – “I thank God…”

• Philemon 4 – “I thank my God…”

This man was thankful. Not occasionally. Not when things went well. Not once a year in November. He began with thanks. Before teaching. Before correcting. Before encouraging. Before anything else.

Nearly all of these thanksgiving statements appear right in chapter one of the letters we now read in the New Testament.

When I think about my own posture of thanksgiving, I have to be honest… it doesn’t usually come first.
I tend to lean on obedience, sacrifice, or my feeble attempts at humility long before I arrive at gratitude.

But I’m realizing something:
I need to start living from a place of thanksgiving.

A deep gratitude for the day ahead.
A real appreciation for whatever the Holy Spirit places in my path.
A genuine smile for the air I breathe.
A desire to shine the light of Christ wherever I go.
A walk inspired by the reality that my days are numbered—and each one produces eternal value.

This Thanksgiving season, let’s pay attention.
Why are we thankful?
To whom are we thankful?
And do we really need a holiday to remind us?

What would it look like to begin each day the way Paul began his letters,
with gratitude first.

As our cups overflow with joy and thanksgiving, may we pour into others the living water and spiritual nourishment that only Jesus provides.

I hope you all enjoy these moments with family and friends this week.
Grateful.

-Mark

Going Viral Galilee Style

The other day I was reading through the Gospel of Matthew, and something kept jumping off the page at me—the word all. Not some, not many, not a handful. Over and over Matthew says Jesus healed “all” who were sick.

And if you pause long enough to picture the scenes Matthew is describing, you realize these weren’t tiny groups. They were massive crowds… entire towns… sometimes small cities. Which led me to a question:

How many people was Jesus actually healing?

And then the bigger question:

How did Jesus grow His ministry so quickly without the internet, social media, email lists, marketing funnels, or TV broadcasts?

How did tens of thousands of people come to hear about Him when it took days—sometimes weeks—to travel across the region?

Well… when you begin to look at the numbers, it suddenly makes sense.
Below are some staggering estimates that help reveal just how “viral” Jesus’ ministry truly was—Galilee style.

Occurrences in Matthew Where Jesus Heals “All”

Matthew repeatedly emphasizes crowds, villages, towns, and whole regions being healed. Here are the references:

• 4:23 — Healed every disease and sickness among the people

• 4:24 — They brought the sick, and He healed them all

• 8:16 — He healed all who were sick

• 8:17 — Summary of His healing ministry

• 9:6 — Heals the paralytic

• 9:12 — “The sick need a physician”

• 9:21–22 — Woman with the issue of blood

• 9:25 — Raises a dead girl

• 9:35 — Healed every disease and sickness

• 10:1 — Disciples given authority to heal

• 12:13 — Man with withered hand

• 12:15 — Large crowds; He healed all

• 12:22 — Blind, mute, demon-possessed man

• 14:14 — He healed their sick

• 14:35–36 — All who touched Him were healed

• 15:28 — Canaanite woman’s daughter

• 15:30–31 — Great crowds; He healed the lame, blind, crippled, mute

• 17:18 — Demon-possessed boy

• 19:2 — He healed them there

• 20:34 — Two blind men healed

Matthew doesn’t just record miracles—he records repeated waves of them.

Historical Estimates: Crowds, Populations & Numbers Healed

These are reasonable historical approximations based on:

• Typical population sizes in 1st-century Galilee

• Sickness rates (8–12%)

• Likely crowds and travel patterns

• Matthew’s language of “all,” “every,” “great multitudes,” etc.

Estimated Total Healed in the Book of Matthew

≈ 11,000 – 29,000 people

And that’s just one Gospel writer, and only the events he chose to record.

Think about that.

Thousands—possibly tens of thousands—of people healed.
In a world with:

• no phones

• no cars

• no news outlets

• no viral videos
   

Yet somehow, the entire region exploded with the news of Jesus.

This is what “going viral” looked like before the internet.

Eyes suddenly seeing.
Legs suddenly walking.
Mute voices suddenly shouting.
Demonic oppression suddenly broken.
Dead children suddenly alive again.

You don’t need Wi-Fi when the miracles walk home and knock on doors.

When Jesus heals a whole village, news doesn’t spread—it erupts.

Why This Matters Today

After looking at the numbers, it’s easy to understand how Jesus’ ministry spread with such unstoppable force.

But here’s the part we can’t miss:

Jesus is still healing today.

Miracle after miracle is happening around the world.
God’s hand is moving in ways that should leave us in awe—yet if we’re not careful, the miraculous becomes “normal.” We scroll past it. We shrug at it. We forget that God is still showing His love in ways that defy explanation.

Tonight, pause long enough to notice.
Let the wonder return.
Let gratitude rise.

Let Jesus take up residence in your heart again.

Be amazed at what He’s done…
Be amazed at what He’s doing…
And don’t keep it to yourself.

Just like the travelers who spread the news all across Galilee, someone around you needs to hear what God has done.

He’s still healing.
He’s still working.
And He’s still going viral—one life, one testimony at a time.

They’re Waiting for an Invite

I’m finding more and more as I age that the façade of being cool, having it all together, and knowing the next steps is just that…a façade.

When I was younger, admitting that I needed help was hard. Admitting that I was looking for answers felt like weakness, and because of that, I hid in a world full of others likely feeling the same way.

Now, with a few more notches of experience on my belt, I’m realizing something: the older versions of “us” still don’t have it all figured out. We’re still searching for purpose. We’re still wondering what’s next.

The difference is this — most of us now know we’re not all that cool. We understand that we’ll never fully have it all together, and we’re finally ready to admit that and move toward things that truly matter.

So, what’s stopping us?

In my personal experience — it’s an invitation.

I’m no longer surprised to see the joy in someone’s eyes when they’re invited to give, to serve, or to use something they’ve been blessed with to impact another life. It’s not a burden; it’s a gift. Connecting the dots to real purpose in the middle of ordinary life is one of the most freeing things I’ve ever seen.

I’ve watched tears form in grown men’s eyes as they were invited into community.
I’ve seen business leaders transform through generosity.
I’ve watched hardened men soften while serving on the front lines of local nonprofits.

All because they were invited.

A Biblical Precedent

If we want to learn from the best, there’s clear precedent.
Jesus used the simple invitation “Follow Me” more than a dozen times in the Gospels.

Here are just a few:

1. Simon Peter and Andrew – Fishermen
   “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
   — Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17
   They immediately leave their nets — giving up their livelihood.

2. James and John – Sons of Zebedee
   Jesus calls them, and “immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.”
   — Matthew 4:21–22; Mark 1:19–20
   They give up family and business to follow. 

3. Matthew (Levi) – Tax Collector
   “Follow Me.”
   — Matthew 9:9; Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27–28
   He leaves a lucrative, corrupt profession — giving up wealth and status. 

4. The Rich Young Ruler
   “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor… then come, follow Me.”
   — Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22
   Invitation rejected — he couldn’t give up his wealth.

5. Philip
   “Follow Me.”
   — John 1:43
   A simple but life-changing call — he leaves to bring others (Nathaniel).

It’s interesting, isn’t it? These were all grown men.
We don’t know if they were actively searching for meaning or contemplating a change.
Some had money. Some didn’t. Some had skills and influence; others didn’t.

But all of them had one thing in common — they were invited into something powerful and pure.
They were asked to give up something in order to gain everything.
They were invited into a life that transformed them from the inside out.

So, Two Things for You Today

#1 — An Invitation.
If you’re looking to connect your work to eternal Kingdom impact — shoot me a message. We’re doing that at Tithe Foundation, and I’m inviting you into the next step. We’ve made it incredibly simple. Invitation extended.

#2 — A Challenge.
Who in your life is ready to put down the façade?
Who’s quietly waiting for an invitation into something more?

It could be as simple as an invite to church on Sunday.
An invite to your small group this week.
An invite to coffee and a real question — “How are you, really?”

Start small. See where a simple invite might lead.

For the disciples, “Follow Me” changed everything.
Maybe for someone you know, your invitation could too.

-Mark

Activate Your Work | 3 Stories

Connecting Our Hearts and Hands

There’s momentum forming in the hearts of men and women in a way I haven’t seen before. That’s not to say it’s never happened—it just hasn’t been this obvious to me until now.

There’s a genuine struggle for purpose rising up in believers today. For those who call Jesus their Lord and Savior, a real sense of urgency is building—one that’s stirring a specific kind of desire. I’ve watched leaders of companies and owners of small businesses begin asking questions about service, obedience, and sacrifice.

And it’s not a passive curiosity. They want to activate their work. They’re looking for ways to make a real difference—not for their bottom line, but for people. For their communities. For those in need. For their employees.

They want to connect the desire of their heart to the work of their hands.
And that’s a beautiful thing.

Example #1: Healing Through the Hands of Caregivers

This week I spoke with the founder of a physical therapy and fitness company. They’re already going against the grain of traditional healthcare by going deeper with each patient—treating people, not just problems.

But they understand there’s more to each story than what’s happening in the body. They’ve started offering prayer with clients, finding new ways to serve in their community, and are now preparing to put their finances to work for the Lord—helping people beyond their own walls.

It’s incredible to watch a team “working on the body” in a way that is holy and pleasing to God.

Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,
to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
 

Example #2: Building for the Glory of God

Another conversation was with the owner of a local construction company—a man who loves Jesus, loves his people, and wants his employees to understand how their work matters to God.

He asked me a question that made me think:

“Can digging a hole honor God or have an impact on heaven?”

My answer was simple: Yes, it can.

Colossians 3:23–24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Ecclesiastes 3:13
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.”

God sees our work—no matter what it is—and knows our hearts. Finding satisfaction in our service goes beyond the task itself. Holes need to be dug. Foundations need to be poured. Work was created for us to do.

But what transforms that work is who we do it for.

This business owner’s desire to align his company’s goals with giving is deeply inspiring. Committing his finances to the Lord through the tithe might just transform more than his business—it could transform lives.

That hole being dug serves its purpose. But the dollars earned from that hole?
Those could become a donation that changes someone’s eternity—a meal for a hungry child, counseling for a trafficked teen, or a warm bed for a single mother.

Those are impacts worth digging for.

Example #3: Sweetness with a Purpose

Lastly, I met the owner of a chocolate and sweets company. His entrepreneurial journey has taken many forms, but one constant has been his desire to serve the Lord through his work.

His current venture—crafting fine chocolate—might seem like an ordinary business. But his mission is extraordinary: to share God’s love with every box and every piece of candy. Each one includes inspiring verses and messages of hope. Now, they’re even creating a family space where the joy of chocolate meets the goodness of God.

A normal treat transformed into a tool for testimony.

1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above…”
(Even chocolate!)

God Is Moving

These stories didn’t unfold over months or years—they all happened within the last 48 hours.

God is moving in the hearts of business owners across every field—physical therapy, construction, and even chocolate making. Different industries. Same Spirit. Each one capable of being used for eternal impact and God’s glory.

If you’re reading this and wondering how your work might make a difference for Christ, reach out. We’d love to connect, pray with you, and help you discover the ways your work can become worship.

A community is forming at Tithe Foundation. Momentum is growing. The Holy Spirit is stirring hearts and hands into motion.

Search your heart. Ask God to show you His path forward.
And then — get in the game.

-Mark

Kinsmen Debrief #3 - Learning from Dr. Steve Graves on Risk

Re-Defining Risk

It’s been almost 30 days since the Kinsmen Summit ended, and I’m still unpacking the lessons that came out of that weekend. Today, I want to share one of the biggest takeaways that has continued to challenge and shape me — a powerful reframing of ownership and risk.

The Lesson

Steve Graves — strategist, CEO advisor, and author — was one of our speakers at the Summit. Steve works with a wide range of leaders: from executives running global organizations to young entrepreneurs just getting started. He’s authored more than twenty books and helped thousands of leaders weave together themes of strategy, leadership, and faith, all with one goal — to help people flourish in both life and work.

Beyond consulting, he also owns or co-owns several businesses, spanning industries like grocery delivery, sports media, and outdoor adventure. I’ve read a couple of his books (and may write about one soon), but what Steve shared at Summit left a lasting mark.

His insight? It centered around ownership and risk, and how we often misunderstand who those truly belong to.

The Parable of the Talents

Steve walked us through the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 — a story I’ve always loved. It’s one of the biblical foundations for why I believe in working hard on behalf of the Lord: to produce a return with what I’ve been given.

But this time, something new hit me. I realized I’d been missing key truths about ownership and risk. Before we unpack those, let’s recall what Jesus said:

“For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property…” (Matthew 25:14–30)
 

You've likely heard this well-known story from Jesus: the master gives one servant five talents, another two, and another one. The first two invest what they’re given and double it. The third hides his talent in the ground, afraid to lose it — and is rebuked as wicked and lazy.

Recognizing What We’ve Been Given

Before anything else, we must recognize what we’ve been given. We can’t steward well what we don’t first acknowledge. For many of us, God has entrusted a lot — specific gifts, resources, relationships, opportunities. They’re not random; they’re intentional.

But our goal is not simply to use them — it’s to produce a return for the Master.

Two Critical Misunderstandings

Steve pointed out two key misunderstandings in this passage that hit me deeply:

1. Ownership

When the master entrusts us with something, it does not become ours.
Ownership stays with the Master.

But responsibility transfers to us. It’s ours to steward, to multiply, or to waste. And one day, the true Owner will ask, “What did you do with what I gave you?”

2. Risk

The third servant misunderstood risk. He thought that by hiding his talent, he was avoiding loss. In reality, he was misunderstanding who carried the risk.

When the master handed over the talents, the risk remained his.
The servant’s role was not to protect — it was to produce.

That changes everything.
We often structure our lives to avoid failure — to stay safe, to protect what we have. But faith calls us to trust that the Master knows what He’s giving, and that He bears the risk of His own investment. Our responsibility is obedience and faithfulness, not fear.

A New Way to See It

These truths now seem obvious — but they weren’t to me before. I had made false assumptions about what was “mine,” and it created both false security and unnecessary insecurity.

We have a good and loving Master. He has endless resources and will allocate them where they produce a return. His heart is that all would come to know His love and turn to Him while there’s still time.

When we place our faith in Him — and faithfully put our time, talents, and treasure to work for His glory — He entrusts us with even more.

Thank you, Dr. Graves, for helping me connect these dots.
Ownership and risk belong to the Father.
Responsibility belongs to me.

Let’s shift our mindset in that direction the next time the Holy Spirit tugs at us — and we’re faced with a decision about what’s truly ours.

-Mark

Assume Nothing

Too many times we see things from the outside and immediately make assumptions. We do this most often with people.

Everyone has heard the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” But we do.

I just released a book, and my publisher spent time thinking through what he believed would make a great cover. Why? Because people pay attention to covers. We buy bottles of wine based on logos and bottle shapes. Some of us purchase cars we know are prone to breakdowns simply because they look cool. The makeup industry exists to enhance appearance.

We make a lot of assumptions based on first impressions—on what we see on the outside.

But lately I’ve been reminded that things are not always what they seem. We’re all very good at hiding what’s insecure. We’re great at faking what doesn’t come naturally. Sometimes we feel that needing others for their strengths only highlights our weaknesses.

These aren’t assumptions I’m making—they come from real conversations with real people.

The truth? We’re all weak. Strong in certain areas of life, sure, but weak overall. Fragile. Mortal. In constant need of strength—and ultimately, in need of a Savior before our time is up. That’s a fact.

As Christians, we don’t have to put on false covers for one another. Our weaknesses are okay. In fact, they’re how we truly learn to rely on Jesus. Check this out:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Here Paul reminds us that true strength doesn’t come from presenting ourselves as something we’re not, but from relying on the One who supplies it—the One who has conquered death and overcome what overtakes so many of us in this life.

We see this again in Philippians 4:11–13:

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

What can Paul do through Christ who gives him strength? He can be content.

His outer circumstances don’t sway him one way or the other. When in need—God is his aim and his strength. In times of plenty—he gives thanks to God. There’s no false sense of self and no need to mask what’s true. His contentment lies entirely in the free gift of grace.

So this message is to my fellow believers:

We don’t want to become walking puddles of weakness—that’s not what living a full life for Christ looks like. But we must guard ourselves from living as the world does: drawing from our own strength, only to mask what’s really there. Making an impression with our cover, while quietly knowing what lies beneath.

Find a peer, a mentor, a spiritual brother or sister who can see behind the cover—someone who doesn’t have to assume. Strengthen each other by turning to the Lord with your troubles, your questions, and your praises.

Let’s be great examples of true strength—not by what we present, but by Who we draw from. Let’s drink deeply from the well of living water, and eat from the bread of life.

Be a beacon of strength today—by embracing who you are, and who He is.

-Mark

Dang, James!

Last night I wrapped up a beautiful weekend—perfect weather, time with family and friends, and finally, some quiet moments in God’s Word. Specifically, I re-read the book of James.

A mentor once told me, “There is no good reading, only good re-reading.” I’ve found that James fits perfectly into that category. It’s a short book—just five chapters—but every line packs a serious punch. By the time I finished, I felt like I’d just gone twelve rounds. Every verse seemed to hit me right where I needed it.

I want to share a few of those hits—and hopefully encourage you to read this short book again for yourself this week.

Chapter 1’s Jab

James starts with a call for wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…” (James 1:5)

That verse feels like a warm invitation. But then, in verse 6, comes the challenge:

“…when you ask, you must believe and not doubt…”

Ouch. James reminds us that our faith wavers easily. He later adds in verse 22:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

There it is. Read the truth. Know the truth. Do what it says.

For much of my life, I missed one or more of those steps. These days, my struggle is step three—application. Reading and agreeing with God’s Word is easy. Living it daily is not. My doubts and fears often cloud my prayers. That’s why when I ask God for wisdom, I also need to be ready to walk in it.

God is faithful. He gives truth and direction. When He does, our part is simple—but not easy: listen and do what He says.

Chapter 3’s Jab

Not skipping Chapter 2 out of disrespect (there’s plenty there), but for today, I want to jump to Chapter 3: Taming the Tongue.

“The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” (James 3:5–6)

Dang, James. You nailed it.

When I look back on where I’ve gone wrong in life, most of it traces back to my words, not my actions. Younger people often make physical mistakes. Adults? It’s usually our mouths that get us in trouble far before anything we do with our bodies.

This hit me hard. What comes out of my mouth needs to honor God and spread the love of Jesus. That means listening more, talking less—something I’m still working on.

God, thank You for the reminder.

Chapter 4’s Left Hook

James doesn’t just stop at wisdom and speech. He follows up with a strong word on submission and motive.

“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” (James 4:3)

Convicting, right? How often are our prayers centered around our own comfort—security, success, safety, stability? We want to set up earthly protection, but that’s not the life Christ calls us to.

We’re called to boldness, not comfort. To live with urgency, knowing our time here is short. To seek Him, love Him, and make His love known to those who don’t yet know it.

That’s the treasure that matters. And in Chapter 5, James finishes the fight.

Chapter 5’s Knockout

“Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you… You have hoarded wealth in the last days.” (James 5:3)

That’s a gut punch. James warns against hoarding wealth and chasing luxury. How often do our prayers revolve around protecting our lifestyle, preserving our savings, or maintaining our comfort?

We pray about our businesses, our financial worries, our “nest eggs”—but how often do we pray for boldness, generosity, and faith?

James closes his book beautifully—with prayer.

“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)
“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.” (James 5:13)
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

Prayer connects us directly to God. It’s our lifeline. When we’re in trouble, when we’re sick, when we sin, when we celebrate—pray.

On my own, I’m not powerful or very effective. But Jesus is. It’s far better to walk into every situation with Him than to rely on my own strength.

So this week, I encourage you—read James. Slowly. Then read it again. Let it hit you. Let it shape you.

Read God’s Word. Seek its wisdom. And do what it says.

-Mark

A Need for Community

This concept has come up several times over the last few weeks: we need community. And more and more — we need it to be real.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a leader at the top of a large org chart, an employee who feels lost in the system, or a solopreneur working from home — we all need others we can lean on and who can lean on us. It’s part of how we’re made.

Here’s what I’ve heard that’s been missing:

1. People want to connect beyond their daily roles. It’s not enough to just get a job done together. We long for connection that’s deeper than shared tasks or outcomes.

2. Leaders feel isolated. Many can’t be fully themselves with their peers or their staff. They don’t have it all together, and they don’t know all the answers — but they fake it, a lot. Some even feel like imposters inside their own organizations.

3. Solopreneurs crave authenticity. They love their work and their freedom, but often feel like they spend most of their time selling themselves. They want to be seen for who they truly are, not just as someone promoting their services. It’s hard to peel off the “business owner” layer and let people see what’s underneath.

That’s the short list — but it could easily go on. People feel disconnected today for a hundred reasons. I won’t bore you with another take on social media, AI, or why surface-level tech interactions don’t cut it.

So — let’s talk about why this really matters.

First… It’s How We Were Made.

Genesis 2:18 

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Even before sin entered the world, God declared that isolation was “not good.” Humanity was designed for connection — both with God and with one another.

Genesis 1:26 

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…”
God Himself exists in eternal community — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — and He created us in that same relational image.
 

Why We Need One Another

Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
...A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Genuine strength, encouragement, and resilience come from shared life — not just shared tasks.

Proverbs 27:17 

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Growth happens through the friction and refinement of real relationships. We cannot grow through surface-level connection. There’s no sharpening there — only shallow validation. We need others who will tell us the truth in love.

Mutual Encouragement

Hebrews 10:24–25 

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Gathering together isn’t optional; it’s vital for perseverance.
 

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
True community means sharing both the weight and the work of life.

So What Do We Do About It?

We’re not going to escape our need for community — and we can’t fake it when it isn’t real. So, what can we actually do?

#1 – Find your local church and get involved.
If you’re a believer in Jesus, you already have common ground with His body. Join a volunteer team and get to know people who also care about serving. Find a Bible study or small group that fits your season of life. Don’t know where to start? Try Church Finder.

#2 – If you’re a leader, hire a coach.
A coach can help you process challenges, navigate strategy, and talk through the personal issues that often impact leadership. If you can’t fully open up to your team, a coach can be the perfect outlet for honest conversation and tough truth.

#3 – Lean into your primary relationships.
First — call on God. Pray more often. Read His Word. Let Him speak to you.
Next — if you’re married, lean into your spouse and deepen your bond.
Then — invest in your children or close family. Community doesn’t have to be big or complicated. It can begin with the people right in front of you.

Don’t let your current proximity or work environment keep you from close, personal relationships that make you stronger, more confident, and more loving.
You’ll be better all the way around — spiritually, emotionally, and relationally — when you take this need for community seriously.

-Mark

A Time to Return – Why I Wrote It

A Time to Return was released this week! While I’m thrilled that the book is finally out, my true hope and prayer is that its message will be used by God to help others more fully follow Him through a deeper understanding of the tithe.

For me, since learning about the word tithe, it has never been limited to 10% of my income flowing to the local church. It represents far more than that. It’s the word I wear on my jersey day in and day out—whether I’m representing Tithe Lending or Tithe Foundation. It’s something that has completely captured my heart. It has given my work true purpose and meaning, becoming a lifeline that has led me into blessings I never could have manufactured on my own:

• The peace that comes with trusting the Lord.

• The comfort of knowing He is my provider.

• The assurance of things unseen, rooted in faith.

• The groundedness of obedience.

• The joy that flows from gratitude.

Returning to the Lord through the tithe opens our eyes to His presence in every part of life. For those who practice faithful tithing, it becomes obvious that this is not really about money. From the outside, it looks like it’s about money—but if we listen to the words of Jesus, and we learn from the tests that are ever-present in this world, we begin to see why this simple and often misunderstood principle helps us live fully devoted lives to Christ.

In the book, I walk through several of the Biblical tests that tithing helps us pass. Let me share one entire chapter here as a teaser for what’s inside:

CHAPTER 3 | The Ten Plagues—A Test of Pride

In the book of Exodus, God sends ten devastating plagues upon Egypt—not because He needed ten tries to free the Israelites, but because He was testing Pharaoh’s heart. Each plague directly challenged the authority of Egypt’s false gods, exposing them as powerless in the face of the one true God. This wasn’t just about freeing slaves—it was about confronting pride, rebellion, and misplaced worship. And each time Pharaoh was given a chance to humble himself, he refused. He clung to control, hardened his heart, and ultimately paid the price.

The progression of the plagues tells a story of escalating confrontation between divine authority and human pride. The first plague turned the Nile—Egypt’s lifeline and a symbol of their god Hapi—into blood. The second brought frogs, mocking the goddess Heqet. The third brought gnats, challenging the priests’ ability to perform their rituals in a state of ceremonial cleanliness. With each plague, God was systematically dismantling the Egyptian pantheon, proving that their gods were nothing more than carved stone and human imagination.

But here’s what strikes me most about this account: after each plague, Pharaoh had moments of apparent repentance. He would call for Moses and Aaron, promise to let the people go, and even ask them to pray for him. But as soon as the pressure lifted, he would change his mind and harden his heart again. This wasn’t just stubbornness—it was a pattern of spiritual pride that couldn’t bear the thought of submitting to authority beyond itself.

Pharaoh’s pride manifested in a very specific way: he kept trying to negotiate with God. He offered compromises—let the men go, but keep the women and children. Let everyone go, but leave the livestock. Go, but don’t go too far. These weren’t genuine attempts at obedience; they were attempts to maintain control while appearing to comply. Pharaoh wanted to give God just enough to make the problems go away, but not enough to actually surrender his authority.

The lesson is clear: when God tests us, He isn’t trying to take something from us—He’s trying to free us. Pharaoh’s downfall was pride. He believed he could maintain power, resist God, and still hold on to everything he valued. But in the end, pride cost him everything.

I know that test all too well. While my modern life looked different from ancient Egypt, the spirit of Pharaoh still lurked in my heart. Pharaohs saw themselves as divine guardians of order, masters of their own fate. I wouldn’t have claimed to be a god, but I certainly took pride in my ability to control outcomes.

Throughout my career, I prided myself on navigating complexity, solving problems, making smart decisions, and leading others through chaos. That ability opened doors and earned respect, but it also became a spiritual trap.

The corporate world rewards this kind of thinking. We’re taught to trust our instincts, rely on our expertise, and take credit for our successes. Performance reviews don’t include categories for “dependence on God” or “recognition of divine provision.” Instead, they measure our ability to deliver results through our own capabilities. Over time, this environment shaped my identity. I began to see myself as the primary architect of my success, the one responsible for generating the outcomes that mattered.

This pride wasn’t overt or obviously sinful. It was subtle, professional, and socially acceptable. I wasn’t boasting or being arrogant in obvious ways. I was simply operating from the assumption that my intelligence, work ethic, and decision-making ability were the primary factors in my financial success. This assumption felt reasonable, even responsible. But it was actually a form of practical atheism—living as if God’s role in my life was minimal and my role was maximum.

When it came to my finances—especially giving—I wanted to stay in control. After all, it was my money. I had earned it, managed it, and multiplied it. Why should I hand over ten percent to God on principle? I figured I could give on my terms, in my time, to my causes. Surely my wisdom in giving would be just as effective as God’s command to tithe.

This reasoning felt sophisticated and strategic. I convinced myself that I could be more effective with my giving if I researched the causes, timed the donations for maximum tax benefit, and chose recipients based on my personal values and interests. The tithe seemed rigid and outdated compared to my thoughtful, customized approach to generosity.

But underneath this rational veneer was the same spirit that drove Pharaoh to negotiate with God. I was trying to maintain control over my resources while appearing to be generous. I wanted to give God enough to feel good about my spirituality, but not enough to actually surrender my financial autonomy. I was attempting to be both generous and sovereign—a contradiction that reveals the depth of pride in the human heart.

The irony is that my “strategic” approach to giving actually produced less generosity than simple obedience would have. When I controlled the timing, I delayed. When I controlled the amount, I gave less. When I controlled the recipients, I chose based on my comfort level rather than God’s direction. My pride, disguised as wisdom, was actually limiting my ability to be the generous person I claimed to want to be.

But I was wrong. That mindset, though logical on the surface, was rooted in the same pride that plagued Pharaoh. It took me years to realize that my desire to stay in control was actually keeping me in bondage. My refusal to submit to God’s instruction wasn’t just disobedience—it was self-deception. I thought I was preserving my power, but I was actually forfeiting peace.

The bondage of financial pride is particularly insidious because it masquerades as responsibility. We tell ourselves we’re being good stewards when we’re actually being controlling. We convince ourselves we’re being wise when we’re actually being fearful. We believe we’re being generous when we’re actually being selective. This self-deception can persist for years because it’s reinforced by a culture that celebrates financial independence and personal control.

But here’s what I discovered: the anxiety that comes with financial control is exhausting. When you believe you’re responsible for generating, protecting, and directing all your resources, the pressure is overwhelming. Every market fluctuation becomes a personal threat. Every unexpected expense becomes a crisis. Every financial decision carries the weight of your entire future. This isn’t freedom—it’s slavery disguised as autonomy.

I can now say from experience: there is freedom in surrender. Tithing isn’t about loss—it’s about trust. When I finally released my grip and honored God with the first ten percent of my income, I didn’t feel depleted. I felt liberated. The anxiety, the pressure, the illusion of self-sufficiency—all of it began to fade.

The freedom came not just from the act of giving, but from the acknowledgment that God was the true source of my provision. When I tithed, I was declaring that my income didn’t originate with my abilities but with His blessing. This shift in perspective transformed not just my giving, but my entire relationship with money. I began to see my resources as tools for worship rather than monuments to my success.

If you’re standing at that crossroads—where your pride meets God’s test—don’t wait. Don’t go the way of Pharaoh. Don’t cling to what you can’t keep and miss out on what only God can give. Pass the test. Choose freedom. Surrender to the One who’s not trying to take from you, but trying to lead you into something far better.”

That’s just one short chapter—but it illustrates why I believe the tithe is such a powerful spiritual test. It’s not about subtraction; it’s about surrender. And when we surrender, we discover freedom. To grab the book and read more about how the test of the tithe helps us in our daily walk with God click the button below.

-Mark 

Kinsmen Debrief #2 – Learning from Ruslan KD on Godly Ambition

Today we’re continuing our Kinsmen Series, debriefing and re-presenting the learning that took place last week at the 2025 Kinsmen Summit. Each one of these sessions packed a different kind of punch, and my hope is that those reading today will not only enjoy the insights but also put a piece of it into practice in their daily lives.

Ruslan KD is a Christian YouTuber with a massive following. His videos are viewed by millions, and nearly a million subscribers engage with his content for its pursuit of truth and his willingness to challenge us to be bold followers of Christ. His story is a powerful one. He is of Armenian descent and did not grow up as a follower of Christ. There were no churches where he came from, and it was only after coming to the U.S. that he found Jesus.

To learn more about Ruslan after reading this article, click here: https://www.youtube.com/@RuslanKD

His recent book, Godly Ambition, was the topic of his discussion at the Kinsmen Summit. My notes and takeaways are presented below.

Jesus Shows Us True Ambition and Purpose

Before we can explore what Jesus teaches, let’s pause and consider what most of us think of when we hear the word ambition. In modern U.S. culture, ambition often means climbing to the top in business, sports, media, or pursuing a legacy people will remember. Our perception has been shaped by what we’re advertised. What we see becomes what we desire, but the problem is that chasing what the world offers leads to an endless game of comparison—always leaving us empty, restless, and seeking something different. The world will always disappoint us this way.

So how did Jesus handle ambition?

Real ambition—real purpose—comes through serving. Serving others is the holiest form of ambition when it comes to how we spend our time and energy on earth. If you want to be great, serve. The greatest among you is the one who humbles himself and is willing to be the least. The last shall be first, and the first shall be last. This is truly the upside-down Kingdom.

“For whoever would gain their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” – Luke 9:24

When it comes to ambition, accumulation is often its close cousin. Jesus warned against gaining the whole world while losing our soul. Too often our ambitions revolve around acquiring more of what the world offers, rather than stewarding what God has entrusted to us.

Service, Generosity, and Legacy

Developing a heart for service naturally grows a heart of generosity. Generosity is the antidote to greed. Wealth is a tool, not a trophy. We can either love money and use people, or use money and love people. Ruslan encouraged us to reflect on this distinction and develop a strategy that keeps love for people and generosity at the center.

As he wound down his talk, Ruslan shared some real-life examples and left us with a simple but profound reminder:

“If you want to build a legacy that outlives you, the changes and impact must first happen at your own dinner table.” -RKD

The table. What a powerful image. The table was a common place where Jesus connected with those He loved most. He taught at tables. He ate with sinners, with the wealthy, the noble, the poor, and even shared bread by a fire. His words and His willingness to serve connected deeply with those around Him.

We should take note. Each of us has influence over the atmosphere of our own homes. Around the dinner table, we can prioritize service, connection, and love with those closest to us.

True Godly Ambition

True godly ambition is stewardship. Our lives are not our own—they are on loan to us from God. Our purpose is to glorify Him with what we’ve been given and to attract those who do not yet know Him to His Son. To honor and love the Lord, and to make His love known, is the holiest ambition.

I’m grateful to Ruslan for such a powerful message, and I hope we all leave with a renewed vision of what ambition truly looks like in the Kingdom of God.

-Mark

Kinsmen Summit - Debrief #1 | Sonship + Fully Integrated

Kinsmen Debrief #1 – Learning from Sam Deford on Sonship and Being Fully Integrated

Today I’m starting a series of articles inspired by the 2025 Kinsmen Summit. The speakers and topics were rich, and each one poured into the men who were present in the room. My hope is to distill some of the wisdom that was shared so we can all benefit from the work and preparation of these leaders.

In this first Kinsmen Debrief, we’re featuring learning from Sam Deford—Pastor, Counselor, and Songwriter—on the topic of Sonship and being fully integrated. For more on this topic directly from Sam, you can read his article featured in the Kinsmen Journal:  Sonship — KINSMEN | We curate deep conversations for men. 

Opening Question: What does God think of us?

What does God think of me?

This is a fantastic question and one that has crossed my mind often. In my earlier years, I thought of God’s thoughts in much the same way I imagined the thoughts of men. I believed I had to prove my worth, achieve results, or live up to some ever-moving standard of potential.

Sam posed a second question that struck me deeply, and I’ll rephrase it here:

Will some accomplishment look me in the eye and tell me who I am?

We already know the answer. Of course not.

But culture will promise us that it will. Culture constantly gives us a script to follow and a story to pour our intention and energy into writing. The problem is that culture always overpromises and underdelivers. The good news? God just may want to re-story our lives.

Four Archetypes We Buy Into

Sam highlighted four archetypes—stories that many of us adopt in search of identity, but which ultimately leave us empty. As I listened, I realized which one I tend to live out. See if you recognize yourself in one (or more) of these:

1. The Builder
   We work hard. We build. That’s what we do. Our identity is tied to growth and achievement. We’re always comparing, pushing, and moving the needle just a little farther. But along the way, we often sacrifice people on the altar of productivity. The lie we tell ourselves? We're just hard workers. Hard work is our idol.
    

2. The Manager
   We plan. We budget. We optimize. We’re the rock for our organizations and families, ensuring everything gets done, on time. We handle multiple responsibilities and pride ourselves on being steady. The lie we tell ourselves? We’re in control.
    

3. The Visionary
   We dream. We chase impact. New ideas energize us, and bringing them to life makes us feel alive. Yet the applause fades quickly, and the impact is soon forgotten. The lie we tell ourselves? Fulfillment will come with the next big idea.
    

4. The Adventurer
   We crave escape. We love new experiences and the thrill of the hunt more than tangible results. We believe that adventure keeps us free, but we’re actually chasing an ever-escaping high. The lie we tell ourselves? The next adventure will finally satisfy.

Freedom Through God’s Label

At the Summit, I was shaken when I saw how much of myself—and those close to me—fit into one or more of these categories.

But the good news is this: there is freedom when we turn to the Lord and see how He labels us, not how culture does.

God names me His son. He names you His son or daughter.

God’s greatest desire? To renovate our hearts.

As 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us: “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Fully Integrated Sons and Daughters

So how does this revelation help us in the never-ending swirl of work, family, to-do lists, and ministry? The answer is simple, but not easy: surrendering our hearts to the Lord.

Thriving men and women are people of integrity—those who are fully integrated. Whose inner life and outer life are at peace. Whose heart, mind, ego, ambition, and body are brought under the authority of God, resting in their identity as His children.

Jesus once said to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:25–26:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.”

We must first surrender our hearts, becoming truly comfortable in our title as God’s child. As children, we don’t present a false self to the world. We are free to use our gifts as He calls, and our output, organization, ideas, and risks are surrendered to the One who calls us son and daughter.

Closing Prayer

So today, let those of us who are seeking pray for a holy disruption—that God would put our whole selves together, our lives in proper order, and our hearts fully at rest in Him.

-Mark

Numbering Our Days

Over the past few days, I’ve seen this particular Bible verse come up a lot. I don’t mind it—it’s one of my favorites. In fact, it hangs on the wall of my office:

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

I love this verse, but I want to pause and break down two key pieces of it.

First: Numbering Our Days

When was the last time you actually numbered your days? I don’t mean figuratively, but literally. Let me give you an example.

I turned 41 years old in May. Today, I’m 41 years and 4 months old. Said another way, I’m 496 months old—or even further, 2,148 weeks old. Every single one of those weeks is behind me, already owned by death.

Of course, the time I have left is uncertain. None of us knows what tomorrow brings. But we can at least get an idea of what’s probable.

Based on 2023 data, the average life expectancy in the U.S. is 78.3 years. That’s about 4,071 weeks. So let’s do the math:

• Total weeks: 4,071

• Weeks lived: 2,148

• Weeks remaining: about 1,923

Nineteen hundred weeks. Under two thousand.

Now, you might see that as depressing—or you might see it as motivating. I lean toward the latter. The weeks really do fly by. Knowing that our days are limited can either bring despair or light a fire. The truth is, we don’t have forever here on earth. This life is temporary, but it’s also purposeful. How we live now echoes into eternity.

Second: A Heart of Wisdom

The verse doesn’t say “so we may gain wisdom” as in more knowledge or clever insights. It says a heart of wisdom. That’s different.

How does my heart get wise? How does numbering my days affect my heart?

Here’s my opinion. A real, honest look at our time connects our hearts to our Heavenly Father. Our days are a gift. Each one unique. Each one filled with opportunity, struggle, joy, pain, celebration, blessing, and consequence. All of it allowed by God.

And yet, we often spend our time worrying, planning endlessly, or trying to control what we can’t. But life keeps slipping through our fingers. As Jesus said in Luke 12:25–26:

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?”

God is after our hearts. He wants us to see our lives for what they are: a gift, fleeting but full of beauty, meant to glorify Him. While we’re here, we have the choice—will we fully live for Him or not? If we do, we experience His fullness now and forever.

Today's Challenge - Number ‘em

So here’s my encouragement: pull out a calculator and number your days. Do the simple math. Let that number sink deep into your heart.

Then ask God what He wants you to do with the days you have left. Specifically this day. Let His Word guide you. Test your thoughts within Scripture to be sure it honors God. And see how He begins to shape your heart with wisdom for how to use your next opportunity.

Because our days are numbered—but in His hands, they are never wasted.

-Mark

A Grief Observed

It’s hard to put into words the collective grief of a nation. It’s a strange, almost surreal feeling when someone full of life, hope, and love is taken suddenly in an unjust act. Something deep inside us tugs and reminds us: this isn’t right. Death happens in these ways everyday around the world—but there are moments when it happens to someone in particular, someone we all see, and we share a collective grief that’s hard to explain.

This morning I’m leaning on C.S. Lewis to process some of this grief, and I hope his words help you work through what we’re all feeling. In A Grief Observed, Lewis wrote:

“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing. At other times it feels like being mildly drunk, or concussed. There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me. I find it hard to take in what anyone says. Or perhaps, hard to want to take it in. It is so uninteresting.”

This is where many of us may be today. Grief feels like fear, disillusionment, or a loss of interest in the things that captivated us just yesterday. My encouragement is simple: don’t be afraid for long. Work through it. Read on...

Lewis also describes another stage of grief, one I believe many of us will move toward as we process the mission and memory of Charlie Kirk. For this reflection, I’ll use his name where Lewis mentioned “H”:

“But the bath of self-pity, the wallow, the loathsome sticky-sweet pleasure of indulging it – that disgusts me. And even while I’m doing it I know it leads me to misrepresent Charlie. Thank God the memory of him is still too strong to let me get away with it.”

That feels true. While the weight of loss is heavy, when someone who lived with such conviction, passion, and drive is gone, their memory does not allow us to wallow for long. Their fire and their faith push us forward. The enemy we face has already lost the war. The forces of darkness cannot extinguish the light. In fact, every attempt to snuff it out only makes it burn brighter. Charlie’s light will not dim—it will blaze on, and he now enjoys the fruits of his labor in the presence of his Creator.

As Paul wrote in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” That is the truth for all of us who pursue the mission Jesus has called us to.

Still, many of us are asking the hard, unanswerable questions today. Lewis wrestled with them too:

“Where is God?”

He wrote about the silence, the aching sense that God was absent—or worse, indifferent. He even questioned whether such a God was worth believing in at all. But later, Lewis came to this reflection:

“When I lay these questions before God I get no answer. But a rather special sort of “No answer.” It is not a locked door. It is more like a silent, certainly not uncompassionate, gaze. As though He shook His head not in refusal but waiving the question. Like “Peace, child; you don’t understand.” Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. How many hours are there in a mile? Is yellow square or round? Probably half the questions we ask – half our great theological and metaphysical problems are like that.” 

Today I rest in that. My mind is too small to wrap itself around eternity, or to understand why God allows such moments in time. It’s like asking why yellow is square or round—a question that makes no sense to begin with.

But here is what I know: life is temporary. Death reminds us of that with a sharp sting. Yet grief is not the end. Out of grief comes renewal. Out of loss can come strength. And out of tragedy, if we let Him, God can lead us into the very life Jesus promised when He said in John 10:10:

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

-Mark

Handling Crazy Financial Times.

How to Handle It

I felt the need to write something about the current market and the very uncertain future that has become the norm over these past few years. The truth is, the future has always been uncertain. But ever since the pandemic, it feels like more and more of us are living on edge financially. The steadiness many once knew has been shaken when viewed strictly from the world’s point of view.

A few examples come quickly to mind:

1. From the top, our government deficits have become outlandishly large, and the unsustainability of these numbers stares us in the face each week through media and headlines.

2. Rapidly changing technology in AI and crypto has created anxiety about how our businesses and livelihoods may look in the years ahead.

3. Inflation is difficult to calculate but impossible to deny when we’re at the grocery store or buying a house. 

4. And of course—insert your own here. Each of us has felt the pressure of uncertainty in some personal way.

With that said, today I’d like to remind us of what Jesus said when He walked this earth in the flesh. He was human too, and the people of His day faced very real uncertainties. But instead of adding to the fear and noise, Jesus spoke a very different word. Let’s take a look.

1. Do Not Worry About Provision

“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
— Matthew 6:25–33

Jesus reminded us that God provides for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field—and He values us far more than them. In times of uncertainty, Jesus points us away from fear and toward trust in our Father.

2. Store Treasure in Heaven, Not on Earth

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
— Matthew 6:19–21

Earthly wealth can vanish, especially in shaky economies. Jesus calls us to invest in what lasts forever: generosity, faith, and obedience. Seasons of lack and seasons of plenty will come and go, but our hearts should remain steady. With open hands toward our neighbors and faithful trust in God, we will endure whatever comes.

3. God Cares for His People

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
— Luke 12:6–7

Even in financially fragile times, Jesus reassures us that God notices and values us. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He sees the uncertainty, and He tells us not to fear—because He will provide.

How to go out this week.

Remember what we read in 1 John: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Our aim as Christians is not to satisfy every earthly concern or secure a fleeting sense of safety. Yes, we should be wise, make sound decisions, and act justly in the areas we control. But we should not spend our lives consumed by worry and fear about what might come next.

So today, as headlines shout for our attention, let’s keep opening our Bibles. Let God’s Word speak louder than the markets. And once our minds and spirits are renewed, let’s step out to bring perspective, hope, and the love of Christ to those around us.

-Mark

Be Pruned

Sometimes when I read my Bible, I come across a passage that strikes me in a new way. Lately, I’ve seen people stepping farther out in faith than they ever have before. They feel a pull they can’t fully explain, yet they know they’re being called to declare Jesus—not just on Sundays, but every day.

It isn’t about profession, age, or location. I’ve seen people from all walks of life—different careers, backgrounds, and circumstances—but with one thing in common: they love God and want to glorify Him through their work.

But here’s the reality: this revelation often comes with a cost.

Let’s read John 15:1–2:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

That explains so much of what I see happening, and what I’ve experienced myself. When we are connected to Christ and desire to bear fruit for His Kingdom, things begin to change. Our hearts, minds, desires, and actions shift.

But without pruning, all that energy can get misdirected—toward frustration, rejection, or even being used against us. Jesus knows that in order for us to bear more fruit, we need refining. Cleansing. Re-shaping. And that process isn’t always comfortable.

Those who have walked through seasons of pruning often look back with gratitude, but when you’re in the middle of it, it can feel confusing, painful, and uncertain.

If that’s you this week, take heart. Jesus makes a promise:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

Remain in Jesus. You will bear much fruit. Even when it’s hard. Even when it feels like everything is being stripped away. Remain in His love, and pursue Him daily.

And remember this:

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:16–17

Jesus chose you. He gave you a specific mission, a unique place and time, a sphere of influence, and gifts that only you can carry. And He provides everything you need: His love, His provision, His grace, and His truth.

So let Him refine you. Let Him prune what doesn’t belong. It may not feel good when the Gardener takes the shears in hand, but it’s a sign you’re ready to grow again.

-Mark