Hometown Prophet

They say prophets aren’t often welcome in their hometown.

I think I heard Jesus say that once or twice—and He was right.

It’s interesting how often we search for wisdom, encouragement, or direction from people far away rather than from those closest to us. We assume that somewhere out there, someone we’ve never met, someone with a platform or a following has the answers we need.

In today’s social-media-driven world, it’s easy to become obsessed with advice coming from afar. Someone thousands of miles away can become our guide while the people God has placed right beside us remain overlooked.

But just yesterday I had the opportunity to learn from someone I know well—someone I trust and respect.

Matt Wooster made himself available to a room of men at the Christian Business Men’s Connection. He shared his story with honesty and vulnerability, walking us through the lessons God has taught him through business, family, and most importantly through faith.

Even though Matt is someone I know well, I filled two pages with notes.

The learning was incredible.

It reminded me how familiarity can sometimes rob us of hearing God’s voice. The wisdom we’re searching for might be right under our noses, and God delights when we pause long enough to notice.

Here are a few things I learned from Wooster.

1. High Performance Needs a Harness

There is nothing wrong with pursuing excellence. High performance can be a powerful and honorable pursuit.

But without a harness around why we are striving, achievement can quickly become a treadmill. We keep chasing the next milestone without ever stopping to ask why it matters.

Many leaders and high achievers eventually run into this wall. Success piles up, yet clarity disappears.

Without faith anchoring our ambition, we can end up serving the next altar or idol in our path rather than honoring God.

Anchor yourself to Christ. Let your pursuit of excellence point upward—not just forward.

2. If God Wants Your Attention, He’ll Get It

Sometimes God whispers.

Sometimes He taps us gently on the shoulder.

And sometimes, as Matt shared honestly, it takes something much louder—like a battle with brain cancer—to get our attention.

God will pursue our hearts.

It’s worth asking ourselves: What might God be trying to show me right now?
Where might He be calling my focus?

If He’s knocking today, don’t ignore it.

3. God Often Uses Unexpected Messengers

Throughout Scripture, God consistently delivers His message through unlikely people.

A shepherd boy.
A fisherman.
A tax collector.

In Matt’s case, the invitation that changed everything came from his wife’s hairdresser.

At a moment when Matt was physically and spiritually at a low point, God used someone unexpected to extend an invitation that would reshape his life.

When we are weak, God often introduces His strength.

4. Bold Invitations Change Lives

That hairdresser didn’t stay quiet.

She didn’t assume it wasn’t her place.

She didn’t offer a casual “good luck.”

She saw a man who needed something bigger than himself—and she knew that answer was Jesus.

So she gave him a simple but bold invitation:

“Come to church with us this Sunday.”

Not passively.

Not vaguely.

Specifically.

There was a place.
There was a time.
There was a seat waiting.

It reminds me of the way Jesus invited people in Scripture.

“Follow me.”

Not “go home and get everything organized first.”
Not “make sure all your plans are perfect.”

Just come.

I’m right here.

5. Eternal Motivation Changes Everything

Matt shared three motivations that guide his life today.

a. The Judgment Seat of Christ

Every one of us will stand before Christ.

In that moment, the temporary things of this world will fade away like dust. What will remain are the things that touched eternity.

People.

Lives impacted for Heaven.

Matt is motivated by the idea that the product of his life might show up in eternity.

That’s a powerful aim.

b. Stewardship of What We Were Given

Jesus teaches this clearly in the parable of the talents.

We are all given something—time, talent, influence, resources.

Those who multiply what they were given share in the master’s joy.

Those who bury it out of fear give a very different account.

The calling is simple:
Use what you were given.

Invest your gifts, your time, and your resources in ways that honor God.

c. Eternal Rewards

Jesus told us to store our treasure in heaven rather than on earth.

That requires faith. It requires trusting that generosity and obedience are the greatest investment strategy in existence.

Matt understands that eternal returns far outweigh earthly ones—and he’s motivated to live accordingly.

Created for Something

Matt finished his talk with Ephesians 2:10:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

We are saved by grace through faith. That gift is freely given through Christ.

But that salvation also comes with purpose.

God has good work prepared for us.

Matt wrestled for years trying to understand his Ephesians 2:10 purpose, but today he knows it.

The specifics are different for each of us—but the calling is universal.

God has meaningful work for every one of us to do alongside Him.

And it’s worth taking the time to figure out what that is.

Don’t Wait

God is beside you today.

He may be speaking in a whisper.
He may be speaking through someone close to you.
He may even be speaking through a “hometown prophet.”

Spend time asking Him about your purpose.

Be bold like the hairdresser when someone needs encouragement.

If you’re in a moment of weakness, be willing to receive wisdom from the people God has placed around you.

And if you’re searching for guidance, ask yourself a simple question:

Who do I already know that I could take out for coffee and learn from?

Seek, and you will find.
Knock, and the door will be opened.

Matt—thank you for your leadership and your faith.

I’m happy to learn from this hometown prophet anytime.

-Mark

What’s Next is What’s Now

As a leader, I am almost constantly living in the “what’s next” of life.

Future events. Calendar appointments. Forecasts and projections. The excitement of opportunity—and the fear of failure. The uncertainty of how we’ll get from point A to point B. The bigger question of what point B even is… and whether any of that is fully up to us.

“What’s next” seems to live in my head quite a bit.

Yours?

This week I’ve found myself in prayer more often than usual. I’ve noticed that in seasons of deeper prayer, the small, still voice that is always present can get a little louder. We’re in better communication with the Father. We become more aware of the grand design taking shape all around us.

In one of those moments, I asked,
“God, what do You want me to do next?”

The answer was simple. And it came back to me as a question:

“What’s now?”

Isn’t that just like Jesus?

He always brings us back to the present moment.
The opportunity at hand.
The person in front of us to serve.
The people in our lives today.
The health we have right now.
The meal we’re about to eat.

The here.
The now.

Jesus teaches this over and over.

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

“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?” — Luke 12:25–26

Worry is the thief of present joy.

Worrying about tomorrow has never added a single hour to today. It hasn’t built a business, healed a relationship, strengthened a family, or honored God. It only steals attention from the moment we’ve been entrusted with.

And then there’s the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16–20. A man blessed with abundance decides to tear down his barns and build bigger ones so he can relax and “take life easy.” But that very night, his life is demanded of him.

Jesus’ point is clear:
It’s not wrong to be blessed.
It’s wrong to forget why you’re blessed.

Storing up to avoid temporary worry misses the greater calling. Blessings are opportunities to share the love of God. Time, talent, treasure—they are not merely for security. They are invitations into partnership with Him.

And then we come to the Lord’s Prayer:

“Give us this day our daily bread.”

This day.

Not next quarter.
Not next year.
Not when everything is figured out.

Today.

God provides physical bread and spiritual bread daily. When it’s given, we receive it with gratitude—and we use it to bring about His Kingdom in the ways He shows us right now.

Here’s the truth that’s been settling into my heart this week:

We are living in yesterday’s “what’s next.”

What once felt uncertain is now today’s current moment. Each hour. Each conversation. Each opportunity to live, breathe, work, play, give, forgive, and love.

The future we were anxious about has arrived—and it’s called now.

So this is a call to live in the “what’s now.”

Yes, plan. Yes, prepare. Yes, cast vision. Leadership requires it. But don’t get trapped there. Don’t let tomorrow rob today.

Stay present, as Jesus did.
Stay focused on the people in front of you.
The work you’ve been called to.
The opportunity to be generous.
The nudge of the Spirit.
The quiet space to connect with Him.

God loves what He’s given you.

And you have a real opportunity to honor Him with it.

Not tomorrow.

Today.

-Mark

Outpouring = Fulfilling

When you get the chance to be around leaders and hard-driving influencers on a frequent basis, you begin to notice something consistent: there is a constant pull on their time and attention. Calendars are full. Agendas are always in motion. There never seem to be enough hours in the day to accomplish everything requiring energy and execution.

That’s part of the calling.

Work goes unfinished when you take on goals that stretch beyond a single day’s capacity. The bigger the mission, the more it demands.

Now—you may think this is an article about slowing down. About balance. About clearing your plate.

It isn’t.

What I’ve observed is something entirely different. When effort is channeled into true mission work—where purpose is clear, where the outpouring of energy directly impacts others, where gifts are maximized in service—those outpourings do something surprising.

They fill the cup of the one pouring.

Let me explain.

This week I interviewed several men who will soon be featured on the First & Focused show. They are all pressed for time. Yet each made space in their schedule to sit down and answer my curious questions. I was grateful.

The number one common thread?
A genuine love for the impact their work creates.

The work itself? Stressful. Complicated. Competitive. Demanding.

But when they spoke about its impact on others, there was a gleam in their eyes.

Let me give you a few examples.

One man has worked in the mortgage industry for 30 years. The last several years have been especially challenging—high rates, low inventory, heavy competition. The margin for error has shrunk. Execution must be sharper. Cost controls tighter.

And yet—he is energized.

Why?

Because his company gives 10% of revenue to charity. Every loan closed serves not just a client, but homeless shelters, children, churches, and ministries. For him, work is worship. Obstacles are not irritations, they are opportunities to glorify God through excellence and generosity.

He didn’t complain once. Not about rates. Not about competition.

While the work is tiring and complex, it fills him.

Outpouring = fulfilling.

Another man I spoke with is well into his late 60s. He has founded and led multiple companies and has done very well financially. By most standards, he has earned the right to slow down.

Golf. Travel. Relax.

To him? That sounds boring.

He measures life in impact and love shared. He even knows (off the top of his head) that there are 1,440 minutes in every day. He doesn’t intend to waste one.

Why is he expanding his company instead of retiring? Not for personal gain. He’s founded and fueling a nonprofit aimed at closing the early learning resource gap for pre-K and kindergarten children across the country. He’s partnered with technology leaders to create a safe, simple tool for families. One that could address educational challenges at their root.

His goal? Place 400,000 of these tools into the hands of families—for free.

Is it hard work? Absolutely. Time consuming? Without question.
But draining? Not to him.

It gives him energy because it serves others.

Outpouring… yet fulfilling.

The third man is a friend in his 60s who has served in the same ministry for three decades. When he stepped in, the organization was bankrupt and near collapse. Today it serves thousands of students—victims of trafficking, deaf students, children who have nowhere safe to go after school.

Recently, his wife of nearly 40 years went home to be with Jesus. He is grieving. Adjusting to a new normal. He is sitting at what many would call retirement age.

Has he stepped back?

Not at all.

This mission is too important. When he looks at his body of work, he doesn’t see his name. He sees Jesus. He doesn’t care about being remembered—he cares about more students knowing the Lord.

To him, this is ultimate fulfillment.

And somehow—even in grief—it is energizing.

Because he is pouring out.

Here’s the encouragement for today’s reader:

Find something worth filling your calendar with.

Find something that stretches you physically and mentally. Something worth sacrificing for. Something where your specific influence moves the needle. Where your gifts are clearly on display.

Pour it out.

Let the Lord of all creation—who formed you intentionally—work through you to reach people who are waiting for your obedience.

Find something so big it cannot be finished by you alone. Something that requires God’s hand to push it over the edge. Where you and He work together toward His will.

That kind of work will not suck you dry.

It will fill you up.

The more men I interview, the more convinced I become:

Outpouring—when aligned with purpose—doesn’t empty you.

It fulfills you.

-Mark

3 Doors Down

Most of us have experienced a moment when something familiar suddenly feels fragile — when a person, song, or memory reminds us of our own mortality. This past weekend brought one of those moments for me and for millions of music fans around the world. Brad Arnold, the founding member and lead singer of 3 Doors Down, passed away at the age of 47 after bravely battling stage-4 kidney cancer. He died peacefully in his sleep, with his wife and family by his side.

For many of us who hit High School up in the late ’90s and early ’00s, 3 Doors Down was a part of the soundtrack to our youth. Their album Away from the Sun came out my senior year, and songs from that record still echo with old memories. We didn’t know Brad personally, but we knew his voice and his lyrics which made him relatable to us.

When someone we recognize — even from afar — dies young, it forces us to face a stark reality: we are not here forever. Time does not slow down for our comfort, our plans, or our awareness. It moves steadily forward, toward an end none of us can escape. For Brad Arnold, that time came at 47 years. For you? For me? We don’t know — but what we do know is this: we are called to make the most of the time we do have.

So how do we make the most of it? The answer is deeply personal, but those who have looked most clearly at life — especially those near its end — point us in the same direction: honoring God and serving others is the truest form of meaningful living. Accumulating money, possessions, acclaim, or personal comfort ultimately amounts to nothing when our time here is done.

One song in particular captures this truth: “Ticket to Heaven” from 2002. Listen to these lyrics:

“I'm walkin’ a wire, feels like a thousand ways I could fall
To want is to buy, but to live is to die and you can’t take it all
When everything is said and done I won't have one thing left…”

And later:

“…all of your dreams and all of your money — they don’t mean a thing.”

There it is. Isn’t that the truth? Isn’t this exactly why Jesus said:

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
(Matthew 6:19–20)

Anything we pursue on this earth will fade unless it honors God and loves others well.

This theme continues in Matthew 25:34-40, where Jesus says that what truly counts in the world to come is how we loved and served those around us:

“…whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for me.”

That’s our real ticket — not running from life, trying to protect what we have here as if this is our permanent home, but living with open hands and open hearts.

It’s sad that Brad’s life was so short. But even facing death, his testimony was one of hope. After announcing his diagnosis last year, he told fans: “We serve a mighty God… so I have no fear. I really, sincerely am not scared of it at all.”

As believers, the reality of death shouldn’t catch us by surprise. We don’t simply fear the end — we can look forward to the fullness of life with Christ. Our time on this earth is a gift. We’ve been given a unique moment, unique relationships, and unique opportunities. One day we’ll give an account for how we stewarded them.

Let’s not waste another day. Let’s be ready when it’s time to turn in our “ticket to heaven” and step into the presence of Christ, confident that we did all we could to show His love and share His salvation while we had the chance.

Brad Arnold was 47. Here you are, at your age — what will you do with what you’ve been given?

-Mark

No Wishful Thinking

It’s that time of year when the goals we set just weeks ago begin to fade. What once felt bold and energizing slowly turns into a hope… a prayer… or for some of us, a quiet resignation that says, “Maybe next year.”

The start of a new year has a way of doing that to us. It nudges us to do something out of the ordinary—something that stretches our boundaries, something that promises a better track than the rusty one we’ve been riding. From that angle, goal setting sounds like a great idea.

So why don’t goals stick?

In my opinion, it’s because most goals are set without first deciding what they’re worth—and how long they’re worth pursuing.

A friend of mine once said, “Goal setting is simply deciding today what you will pursue tomorrow.” For most goals, that “tomorrow” lasts a while. Real goals require us to make up our minds in advance that the effort will be worth the price paid in time and attention—even if the outcome ends up looking different than we imagined.

And there it is—the massive difference.

For a goal to truly be a goal, it must be evaluated by what you’re willing to trade for its achievement.
Time. Energy. Attention.

What will you give up to prioritize what matters most?

Too few of us ever stop to count the cost. We want the environment and circumstances that achievement brings, but we show up empty-handed when it’s time to pay for them.

Below are some tangible ways to help your goals stick in 2026. And fair warning—by the time you reach the end, you may want to revisit where your goals came from in the first place.

1. Clarify the mission before you set the goals

God uses people on personal missions, often expressed through goals, to change the world and impact His Kingdom. Yet many of us struggle to pursue our mission because we can’t articulate what it is.

We sell ourselves short. We unintentionally limit what God wants to do through us because we haven’t taken the time to seek Him first.

Before setting goals, remind yourself of your primary and secondary missions in life. Make sure they’re real to you—not borrowed, not assumed, not culturally convenient. Your goals should align with your overarching mission and vision, not compete with them.

2. Write them down—and invite accountability

You must write your goals down and build in accountability. That accountability might be with a spouse, a friend, a mentor, or within a business setting.

Write them down. Schedule time to review them—in advance.

Remember: A goal not written down is just wishful thinking.

3. Set goals across five life shaping categories

To ensure your life stays aligned with your bigger mission, consider setting goals in each of these areas:

Relationship with God
Your spiritual journey. Time with Jesus. Prayer. Scripture. A plan to grow in God’s truth and presence.

Family
The relationship you’re building with your spouse. The way you’re raising and developing your kids. Memories you want to make. Work you’re doing together. Extended family. These are the people who will be in the front row at your funeral—prioritize accordingly.

Career / Work
Your work matters. It’s often where God places daily opportunities to be a light. Set goals that pursue excellence—because excellence honors God.

Community
How will you freely give yourself to impact others? Every one of us has something to offer. As the body of Christ, we each bring unique strengths meant to serve.

Personal Growth
What do you want to strengthen, stop, develop, or simply enjoy? Physical health, rest, creativity, emotional health, hobbies—living well honors God. Steward the time He’s given you.

Four. Set a sustainable strategy

Look at your calendar. Look at the time you’ve committed.

Is it realistic?

You’re not setting a pace for two weeks—you’re setting one for months, maybe years. Good strategies include routines, communication, scheduling, and built-in evaluation. Sustainability beats intensity every time.

5. Don’t stress the timeline

Not every goal needs to be accomplished at the same pace. Some categories will come easily—that’s great. Others will stretch you, frustrate you, or require intentional effort just to maintain.

That’s normal.

When you wrote the goal down, you counted the cost and decided it was worth it. When it’s time to pay, remember why you’re buying.

A final thought

God wants to be involved in the intimate details of your life. He desires deeper relationship with you. He delights when you set real goals that align with His heart—loving others well through your family, your work, and your community.

God loves drawing people to Himself through you.

Real goals help make that possible.

If this year has felt off track, go back to the drawing board with fresh clarity and intention. No wishful thinking—just counted costs and committed hearts.

Here’s to a strong start to 2026.

-Mark

The Single Snowflake

It’s snowing today. For nearly half of the country, it’s snowing a lot. My back is living proof—after shoveling more than a foot of snow just to make sure I can get my car out of the driveway tomorrow.

This week, I read a story that made me look at the snow a little differently. Snow became the reference point for beauty and unmistakable uniqueness. Specifically, the uniqueness of every single snowflake. The story centered on a young girl who could see through the fog of daily life and into the sacredness of daily living. She noticed a single person, a quiet opportunity, or a small work of God for its beauty easily missed in a world obsessed with the bigger picture.

When the world sees the snow, a few among us see the snowflakes. They notice and feel what most pass by. That led me to wonder: What is it that I see that others miss? And maybe more importantly, what does God see that we so easily overlook—but could notice if we slowed down and asked Him to show us?

Snowflakes begin as water vapor in the atmosphere when temperatures drop below freezing. As that vapor condenses and freezes, tiny ice crystals form. Each snowflake’s journey through the cloud is shaped by changing temperatures, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. No two journeys are the same, and as a result, no two snowflakes share the same growth story.

While all snowflakes start as simple hexagonal prisms, their intricate branches and patterns emerge from the chaotic environment they pass through. Even snowflakes that appear identical to the naked eye differ at the molecular level.

Wow. Isn’t that just like God—to be so specific, so attentive, so deeply involved in forming something as small and short‑lived as a snowflake? The detail, the care, the intentionality! The conditions must be just right—much like they are for the formation of each one of us.

And then there’s the chaos. The very storms a snowflake passes through are what give it its distinct shape. I’ve watched friends and family walk through seemingly similar storms, yet the lessons, the growth, and the transformation all look different. No two people are formed the same way. We can’t even experience the same event in the same way sitting side by side. God understands the beauty He is creating in each life.

For each of us - the process of living is different. What binds us together is the love of our Creator, who is painting a much larger portrait. Like the snow we see, walk through, play in, and shovel aside, the cumulative effect of God’s deliberate creation becomes the humanity we often rush past.

We can choose to simply move people aside—or we can choose to see each one as a specific, intentional creation, worthy of our attention, even if only for a moment.

So let me ask you: What snowflake are you equipped to see? What corner of life has God gifted you to notice through the clutter—to see the beauty of one part within the whole?

No two snowflakes are alike, and I believe no two callings are either. God has placed within each of us an instinct, a sensitivity, a pull toward something—or someone—through which we can reflect His love to the world.

As the snow falls today, take a moment to look at just one flake. It might land on your jacket or glove, or cling briefly to a window frame.

That snowflake is you.

Uniquely created. Beautiful in your design. One piece among many—yet made to serve a purpose.

Made on purpose.

Sit with that for a moment as you stay warm on this snowy Sunday.

-Mark

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