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

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

Teachable vs. Coachable

There are many areas of life where being coachable is critical. You hear it in sports, in business, and even in leadership circles. But I don’t hear much anymore about being teachable. For most of us, that idea seemed to stop once school was over.

Instead of being taught something new, it feels like everything today is about being coached while in the act of performing. Coaching is valuable—but lately I’ve been reminded that sometimes I need more than coaching. Sometimes, I need to be taught. Or even re-taught. From scratch.

There are moments when I have to unwind my old way of thinking, start over, and approach a subject from a brand-new perspective. Coaching in motion isn’t always enough. I need the kind of instruction that allows me to stop, listen, and learn.

Coach vs. Teacher

Let’s look at the definitions:

• Coach: A person coaching in sport, involved in the direction and training of a team or athlete.

• Teacher: A person who teaches or instructs, especially as a profession; instructor.

On the surface, these look similar—but they’re not the same.

A coach is a guide, someone who encourages, corrects, and helps refine your performance. But a teacher goes further—they instruct. They give you the building blocks, the framework, the step-by-step path forward when you don’t yet know what to do.

Instructions are for people who don’t yet know the way—whether it’s in a board game, an IKEA project, or a recipe. In life, too, we need teaching.

Jesus: Our Teacher

This made me ask: When I think about Jesus, is He my coach, or my teacher?

I looked it up:

• Number of times Jesus is called “Teacher” in the Bible: 60.

• Number of times He is called “Coach”: 0.

Jesus taught His disciples. Of course, He corrected them when needed, but more than anything, He gave them instruction for life and truth.

Here are just a few examples:

• “Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people.” — Matthew 4:23

• “For He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” — Matthew 7:29

• “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” — John 3:2

• “Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them.” — John 8:2
   

I won’t list all 60, but the point is clear: Jesus is our Teacher. He taught then, and He is still teaching today through His Word and Spirit.

Slow Down and Learn

Lately, I’ve been challenged to slow down, open Scripture, and let Jesus teach me. When I give Him the space, I see new things. I learn. I re-learn. I begin to see with fresh eyes.

And this doesn’t just apply to faith. Whether in business, family, or friendships, there are always new things to learn if we remain teachable.

So my best advice? Turn toward the Great Teacher and give Him room to show you the way forward.

-Mark

The Main Thing

It sounds kind of obvious, but having a focus on the main thing is essential. There are so many distractions available to us throughout our time here on earth. I’d be willing to bet that most people, if given a few quiet minutes, could write down the top 3–5 things that matter most to them in life.

Now here’s the challenge: if we tracked and recorded our daily activity for 24 hours, I’d also bet that many of us would hesitate to present that day’s footage as proof that those priorities were actually lived out. I say that from personal experience. I used to be great at writing down what was most important to me, and then spending my time on something else entirely. The urgent, the loud, or the convenient would pull me away from what I truly cared about.

So—what is the main thing?

For followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t have to guess. Let’s look at Mark 12:28–31:

28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’
31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Love the Lord your God—with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The Main Thing.

Wow. That’s a tall order. And it begs the question: how much of my day is spent intentionally directing my heart, soul, mind, and strength toward loving God?

The truth is, God is always loving me. I exist by his pleasure, created in his image, and for the purpose of glorifying him. But—he allows me to choose how often I become aware of his presence. How often I seek his Kingdom. How often I speak with him. How often I act on his behalf, to do his will.

These are my choices. They matter. To God, and to those around me.

We would all do well to make our main thing obvious by how we spend our time. We may not be recorded 24/7 (at least, not yet), so it’s easy to live distracted. But one day, we will give an account.

And on that day, it will be clear: our hearts, minds, souls, and strength were never better spent than when they were focused on Jesus.

Just a gentle reminder—to myself, and to all of us:
Let’s stay focused on the main thing.

-Mark

It's All About Potential!

It’s All About Potential.

Today I had the chance to reflect on a concept that always hits hard when I evaluate my daily effort and the outcomes it produces. I pay a lot of attention to results. When things don’t measure up to expectations, I often head back to the drawing board to figure out what went wrong. I’m constantly looking for ways for our teams to improve, but if I’m honest, anything less than perfection often feels like failure.

And if I’m double honest, I’m not even sure what perfection really looks like. It’s like I’m hoping it’ll somehow hit me during the process, as if I’ll stumble into it by accident. I’m funny that way.

So what caught my attention this morning?

A mentor I deeply respect shared something during the Bible study he leads that made me pause. He brought up how God delivered instruction to humanity in the very first chapter of Genesis. Let’s look at the verse together—and as you read, remember these words:

It’s always been about potential, not perfection.

Genesis 1:28
"And God blessed them. And God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’"

How do we see the potential?

• “Be fruitful and multiply” — a command to grow and reproduce.

• “Fill the earth and subdue it” — the Hebrew word for subdue (kabash) means to bring under control or steward.

This verse is often read as God giving humanity both a blessing and a responsibility—the sacred charge to care for and manage the earth.

But today, one word stood out to me: subdue.

The point my mentor made was this: If God had been focused only on perfection when He partnered with humanity in the garden, wouldn’t He have said “don’t touch it”?

Instead, He said subdue it. He gave us responsibility. He invited us into partnership. That means the world was filled with potential, and He trusted us to help shape it.

That truth helped me today.

God handed over responsibility, knowing the potential it would draw out of us. He placed us in a creation that needed to be subdued. Not because it was flawed, but because it had room to grow, just like we do.

So what does that mean for me?

As I work, especially in the missions I believe I’ve been called to, I can rest easy knowing that God never expected perfection from me. He entrusted me with responsibility knowing I would fall short sometimes. And yet, He still invited me to work with Him.

That gives me peace.

Because every day I show up and give my best, I honor Him. Even in imperfection, He is glorified—because He is perfect.

Thanks to Kuch and the fellas at MI3 this morning for helping me see something new.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend—go enjoy that sunshine!

-Mark

Cover Your Team

I love team meetings. I know a lot of folks don’t, but I genuinely do — for multiple reasons.

First, our meetings happen at a consistent time and day each week. Proximity matters. Both to each other and to our mission. No matter what obstacles or curveballs come our way, each of us can count on gathering every Monday.

Second, our meetings give us a real-time pulse on progress and issues. We don’t just meet when things go wrong, and we don’t only celebrate when things go right. We talk about all of it, all the time. A lot of small groups and churches talk about "doing life" together. At our company, we "do mission" together — and making meeting a regular practice is part of that commitment.

But the most important reason I love team meetings is this:
We cover our team in prayer.
We don’t start a meeting without it.

Having a big mission that honors God and loves our neighbors is exciting — but it can also be difficult. Our aim is higher than just profit. Our reasons run deeper than simply making a living. That can invite additional scrutiny and adversity, which requires even greater faith and trust — both in each other and in God.

Covering our team in prayer is a biblical practice, encouraged throughout Scripture.
Here are some key verses about asking God for protection, provision, and guidance:

Proverbs 16:3
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans."
→ Before starting any meeting or project, prayer commits the work to God and invites His guidance.

James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
→ Asking for wisdom through prayer is especially important before decisions or discussions.

Philippians 4:6–7
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
→ Prayer brings peace and guards hearts and minds before stressful meetings or important conversations.

Psalm 127:1
"Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."
→ A reminder that all efforts must be rooted in God’s blessing and presence, which we seek through prayer.

Colossians 3:17
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
→ Starting a meeting with prayer helps align the team's words and actions under Christ’s name.

These verses tell a story of faith and trust in God.

Each week, our teams step into environments where influence is needed — inside and outside the organization. They interact with employees, vendors, partners, leaders, and, perhaps most importantly, customers.

The impact they have can be significant...either positively or negatively.

So cover them in prayer.
Build their trust and faith in their work.
Jesus is already in the room...He's just waiting for you to pull Him up a chair!  

-Mark

Time to Listen: Hearing God’s Voice

This morning, I had the opportunity to meet with a small group of men at C3, a gathering within the CBMC network (Christian Business Men's Connection). Great group of guys—and it’s growing fast. Today’s speaker walked us through something that’s both deeply personal and widely misunderstood: hearing the voice of God.

He talked us through how to recognize God’s voice, the different ways He speaks, and maybe most importantly—what to do once we hear Him.

God doesn’t limit Himself to one method or moment. He speaks in ways we can’t predict or count. He’s in and through everything, constantly looking for willing listeners to carry out His purposes.

Your Gifts Are Not an Accident

The spiritual giftings He’s placed inside each of us are no accident. He’s freely given us unique skills to impact the world around us. One gift I’ve honestly asked God not to give me is the gift of prophecy. It feels out there. Maybe even a little weird.  It's always seemed like a heavy burden to hear or see things others don’t.

I’m not sure I have it, but today I realized something: God can move prophetically through any of us, right where we are. You don’t need a title or a spotlight—just a willingness to listen and respond.

What Does Scripture Say About Prophecy?

The gift of prophecy is a Spirit-empowered ability to communicate God’s truth or revelation often used to strengthen, encourage, warn, or guide others. It’s not always about predicting the future. More often, it’s about being a voice for God in the moment.

Here’s what Scripture says:

• Acts 2:17–18:
  “‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy...’”

• Romans 12:6:
  "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith..."

• 1 Corinthians 12:4–11:
  "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit... to another prophecy... All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."

Prophecy is a gift. Some may walk in it more clearly or consistently, but all of us can hear God and be a vessel for His message.

A Simple Exercise to Hear God's Voice

One new method I learned today is surprisingly simple but deeply profound:

1. Close your eyes.

2. Take a deep breath.

3. In your mind—not out loud—say your first and last name.

Did you hear it? That inner voice, the one that spoke your name in silence? That’s the way in which you’re most likely to hear God’s voice. It’s that still, small voice inside.

Think back—have there been times when a thought came to you that felt more like a nudge than a noise? Times when the Holy Spirit may have been trying to get your attention, but you dismissed it as “just your own mind”?

I have.

Let’s Lean In

Today, let’s give God the space to move through our thoughts, our conversations, and our actions. If you feel a prompting, a prayer, or a word for someone—lean in.

Did someone pop into your mind randomly?
Send them a quick message. Let them know you’re thinking about and praying for them.

God is on the move.
Let’s be people who move with Him.

-Mark

Be Strong and Courageous: Joshua Style

Be Strong and Courageous

This week I've had some great reminders of why we need to lean on the Lord for our strength, even when the vision for our work is clear. I love what I do, and week after week, God continues to make a way for His plan to play out through the various activities that are taking place. When we align our will with God's, the fulfillment we get from the effort is outstanding.

BUT—the effort and the continued challenges persist. Sometimes we need to lean on God for strength. Other times, it's for courage when we're faced with new situations or opportunities that we feel ill-equipped to handle. Just remember—if God has called you to it and placed a decision before you, He will always provide the means and the resources to the degree you are willing to continue.

If you're someone who is feeling challenged for strength or courage, today let's recall what Joshua stepped into after the death of Moses. God repeatedly tells Joshua to be strong and courageous and not to be afraid as he steps into his calling of leading Israel into the Promised Land. Our obstacles are likely far less physically daunting than the ones Joshua faced. That alone should give us some peace.

God is just as much at work today as He was back then, but our enemies are working just as hard to create doubt and fear within us. Let's not let them. When we're tired—let's ask God to be our strength. When we are nervous or afraid—let's ask God to give us the words and the actions to take. He wants more for us than we could possibly imagine. Today, let's be like Joshua.

Key Phrases in Joshua 1:

"Be strong and courageous" appears three times:

• Joshua 1:6 – Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

• Joshua 1:7 – Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

• Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

"Do not be afraid" appears once, in Joshua 1:9.

"Do not be discouraged" also appears in Joshua 1:9, reinforcing the command to trust in God’s presence and strength.

Why So Many Repetitions?

• Joshua was stepping into huge shoes—Moses had just died, and now he had to lead an entire nation into battle.

• Fear and doubt were natural—God knew Joshua would feel overwhelmed, so He repeatedly reassured him.

• God’s presence is the reason for courage—The key promise in Joshua 1:9 is “for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

So today, if you're facing something that feels overwhelming, remember that God has commanded you to be strong and courageous. Often in business we feel that the weight rests solely on our shoulders to make things happen.  You don’t have to do it alone—He is with you, just as He was with Joshua.

-Mark

Ashes: Lent Begins Today

Ashes: From Dust You Are, and To Dust You Will Return.

Today (Ash Wednesday) begins our journey through Lent.  I received ashes this morning, but as I've traveled around town, I've received some strange looks. This happens every year, so today I thought we'd take a quick historical trip into this season that leads us to Easter.  Ash Wednesday marks the start of this sacred season—a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal. Check it out! 

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance leading up to Easter Sunday. It mirrors the 40 days that Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness, as described in the Gospels:

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry." (Matthew 4:1-2)

This period of preparation and spiritual discipline is not unique to Jesus. The Bible frequently associates the number 40 with times of testing, renewal, and divine intervention:

• Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai while receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).

• Elijah journeyed 40 days and nights to Mount Horeb after receiving heavenly sustenance (1 Kings 19:8).

• The Great Flood lasted 40 days and nights (Genesis 7:12).

• The Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33-34).

Lent is a time for Christians to enter their own spiritual wilderness, seeking renewal through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity.

The History of Lent

The observance of Lent dates back to the early Church, though its duration and practices have varied. The Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. formalized Easter's date as the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox. However, it was not until 461 A.D. that Pope Leo established Lent as a 40-day period leading up to Easter.

In the sixth century, Pope Gregory introduced Ash Wednesday as the official beginning of Lent, making it 46 days in total. This accounts for the additional six Sundays, which are considered feast days and therefore not included in the fasting count.

The imposition of ashes, a practice drawn from ancient Jewish traditions of repentance and mourning, became a central part of Ash Wednesday. As the priest or minister applies the ashes in the shape of a cross, they remind us:

"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19)

Lent is an invitation to reflect, repent, and prepare our hearts for the resurrection of Christ. Through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we detach from worldly distractions and draw closer to God. As we receive the ashes today, let us embrace this sacred season with humility and devotion, walking the path that leads to the joy of Easter morning.

-Mark

Step By Step: There Is No A to Z

We live in a world that craves immediate gratification. When we set a goal, we want to achieve it now. When we see our flaws, we want to overcome them instantly. Yet, God’s process of transformation rarely happens all at once. More often, He leads us step by step, using struggles, confusion, and even rebellion to shape us into men and women of real purpose.

Many times in my life, I have wanted to jump from step A to step Z. But God is more often on the A-to-B-to-C plan. Through this journey, we not only learn more about ourselves, but more about who we are in Him. A perfect example of this is the life of Moses.

Moses: A Step-by-Step Transformation

Moses' journey illustrates how God develops people gradually, preparing them for their purpose.

Step 1: Early Potential (Exodus 2:1-10)
Born a Hebrew but raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses had leadership skills and privilege. Yet, he was torn between two identities, foreshadowing the inner struggles that would define his journey.

Step 2: Wilderness & Humility (Exodus 2:11-25)
After killing an Egyptian in anger, Moses fled to Midian, spending 40 years as a shepherd. This season of isolation humbled him and prepared him for future leadership.

Step 3: God’s Call & Resistance (Exodus 3-4)
God appeared in the burning bush, calling Moses to free Israel. Moses hesitated, offering excuses (“I am not eloquent”), but God reassured him with signs and provided Aaron as support. Moses we reluctant to answer God's call. 

Step 4: Confronting Pharaoh (Exodus 5-11)
Moses faced Pharaoh and witnessed ten plagues, growing in boldness and trust as he saw God work powerfully through him.

Step 5: Red Sea & Leadership (Exodus 12-15)
With Pharaoh’s army in pursuit, Moses trusted God to part the Red Sea, leading Israel to freedom and solidifying his leadership.

Step 6: Guiding Israel (Exodus 16–40, Numbers, Deuteronomy)

• Challenges: Complaints from the people, receiving the Ten Commandments, and interceding for Israel after the golden calf incident. The Israelites were a hard group to lead.

• Struggles: Moments of frustration, including striking the rock instead of speaking to it, seeing his people question and want to return to Egypt, and finding others who could share the burden of leading were always present. (Numbers 20:10-12).

Moses became a great leader, but his journey was filled with confusion, doubt, frustration, and repetition. His greatness was ultimately fulfilled when he put his full faith and trust in God's plan.

Embracing the Process

So, leader, as you venture on your journey to find true purpose, understand that each step is shaping you. Some steps feel like setbacks. Others are steep climbs. Sometimes, we cruise along smoothly. But in all of it, God is revealing more and preparing us for what’s next. Trust the process, embrace the journey, and be ready for each step as it unfolds.

-Mark

When it Gets Heavy: Finding Rest in God's Call

Finding Rest in God’s Call

Following Jesus with consistency and discipline is no easy task. The world around us often flows in the opposite direction—prioritizing self over service, accumulation over generosity, and independence over reliance on God. As we strive to serve, give, and remain faithful in prayer, the weight of it all can be exhausting.

But let’s remember this: that weight is not from God.

Jesus reminds us in 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."

The pressures we feel—the expectation to produce results, to measure up, to prove our worth—are often ones we put on ourselves. But God’s call is not about striving for significance in the world’s eyes; it’s about obedience and trust. He rejoices when we walk in His calling, not in the outcomes we try to manufacture.

And when we feel weary? Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

God promises that our labor for Him is never in vain. The reward isn’t necessarily an immediate or visible one, but it is certain and eternal. Doing good, even when it’s hard, brings ultimate fulfillment.

So, leader—keep running your race. Stay disciplined. Continue to give. Bring your burdens to your heavenly Father, and allow Him to fill you up. There, in His presence, you will find rest for your soul.

Praying strength and encouragement over you,

-Mark

The Transformative Power of Prayer: Drawing Closer to Jesus

The Transformative Power of Prayer: Drawing Closer to Jesus

Prayer is one of the most profound and powerful tools we have as believers. It is our direct line to God—an intimate conversation with our Creator and Savior. Yet, so often, prayer is relegated to a last resort or a brief moment of request. To truly experience its transformative power, we must embrace prayer as a way to build a deep, ongoing relationship with Jesus. This relationship, nurtured through consistent time with Him, allows us to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering our lives.

The Call to Consistency

Imagine a close friendship. That bond doesn’t grow strong through occasional interactions. Instead, it thrives through consistent, heartfelt communication. The same is true in our relationship with Jesus. Spending dedicated time in prayer each day opens the door to a deeper connection with Him. This intentionality shifts prayer from being a routine or obligation to a source of joy and renewal.

When we dedicate time to Jesus, we learn to recognize His voice and experience His peace. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “Be still, and know that I am God.” This stillness, this sacred pause, creates space for Him to speak to our hearts. It’s in these moments that we begin to understand His will for our lives and feel His unwavering love.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Comforter, and constant guide. When we view prayer as a partnership with the Holy Spirit, rather than a periodic plea for help, we unlock a new dimension of faith. Romans 8:26 tells us that “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” This means that even when we struggle to find the right words, the Holy Spirit steps in, aligning our prayers with God’s perfect will.

But how do we actively work with the Holy Spirit? It begins by surrendering our agendas and inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. Instead of compartmentalizing our faith—praying only in times of crisis or need—we can seek His guidance in our daily decisions, relationships, and challenges. This constant communication builds a rhythm of reliance and trust.

The Transformation of Our Hearts

As we commit to spending time with Jesus and partnering with the Holy Spirit, something remarkable happens: our hearts begin to change. Prayer moves from being a transactional experience to a transformational one. Our desires align more closely with God’s purposes, and our faith deepens. We become more attuned to His presence and better equipped to face life’s struggles with grace and confidence.

This transformation isn’t instantaneous. It requires patience and persistence. But over time, we begin to see the fruits of a life centered on Christ. We develop a sense of peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) and a boldness to walk in faith, knowing we are never alone.

Embracing the Journey

The power of prayer lies in its ability to connect us to the heart of Jesus. By spending dedicated time with Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us, we experience the fullness of His love and purpose for our lives. Let prayer be more than a fleeting moment; let it be the foundation of your relationship with God. As you embrace this journey, you’ll find yourself drawn closer to Jesus, transformed by His grace, and empowered to live in the Spirit every day.

-Mark