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

A Grief Observed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Where is God?”

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

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

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

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

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

-Mark

Decide.

Such a hard word to figure out, isn’t it?

To decide on something feels so permanent. Final. Like crossing a line you can’t come back from. And yet, in reality, we change our minds all the time. That’s part of being human. Still, we often make the mistake of evaluating our decisions through the lens of absolutes...using words like always and never.

We look at the future as if one choice locks in our path forever. Or when something changes, we assume what once was will never return. That’s where the phrase “burn the ships” comes in.

The phrase originates from the story of Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who landed in Mexico in 1519. Faced with unrest among his crew and fear of retreat, Cortés ordered the ships to be scuttled and burned. There would be no turning back. His men had one choice: move forward.

Most of us aren’t landing in a foreign land preparing for conquest, but we are faced with decisions every day that shape our direction. So the question becomes:

• Which decisions should I commit to long term?

• Which decisions should I hold with flexibility and revise as I go?

• And how can I stop thinking in absolutes and start living in a daily posture of trust in God?
   

1. What should I commit to long term?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
— Matthew 22:37–40

This is the one decision you can stake your life on: Love God and love others. There’s no expiration date on that. No scenario where it goes sour. Jesus said everything else hangs on this. If you’re looking for a rock-solid commitment to build around, this is it.

2. Which decisions should I be willing to revise daily?

“A man had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’
‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
Which of the two did what his father wanted?”  The First.
— Matthew 21:28–31

We’ve all made impulsive choices. We've said things we didn’t follow through on. Sometimes we commit too quickly, other times not quickly enough. The good news? God gives grace and space to change your mind.

It’s not weakness. It’s maturity. The son who reversed course did the Father’s will. So should we—whenever our hearts tell us it’s time to make things right.

3. How can I think less in absolutes and more in a posture of daily trust in God?

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

Here’s a truth we all know deep down: Change is one of the only guarantees in life. We resist it, we fear it—but it keeps showing up. Jesus reminds us to stop living in tomorrow and start showing up for today.

So take a breath. Slow down. Walk with God today. Give this 24 hours your full attention and effort. Leave space for God to work in tomorrow’s unknown. Easier said than done, yes, but often all we need is a little reminder.

So—Decide.

Your decisions matter. They shape your life, your relationships, and your walk with God. Some decisions deserve bold, lifelong commitment. Others need to be held with humility and surrendered to the Spirit’s correction.

If you’re facing a crossroads today, don’t move forward alone. Ask Jesus to guide you through His words in Matthew. He still speaks, and He still leads for those who ask.

-Mark

The Punch List.

Getting It Done

Many times throughout the week, I find moments to sit back and plan. Other times… not so much.

There’s rarely a perfect balance between knocking out the real, immediate things right in front of us and following a perfectly orchestrated game plan. It just doesn’t work that way.

Mike Tyson is famous for saying, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” He’s right. And unfortunately for us, life seems to enjoy throwing punches...daily.

While we aim to stay focused on what matters most, the little “punch list” items don’t take care of themselves. They pile up. They distract. They steal focus. And yet, they still need to get done.

Today, I started my morning by tackling some of those lingering tasks. The ones that aren’t glamorous but make a big difference in clearing mental clutter. As I moved through them, I began to reflect on what Scripture has to say about work, effort, and the value of getting things done.

Here are a few verses that stood out:

Proverbs 14:23

“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
This gives me peace. Each task, whether big or small, holds value when done with the Lord by our side. Too much talk and not enough action? That’s the enemy robbing us of purpose.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
This encourages me to approach even tactical, everyday tasks with intentional effort. Nothing is too small in God’s eyes.

1 Corinthians 10:31

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Even in the most basic daily tasks like eating or drinking can glorify God. He designed our needs. He created nourishment. And He wants to share in those ordinary moments with us.

John 4:34

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.’”
Even Jesus, with His ultimate mission, had normal work to do. I imagine He still had to take out the trash from time to time. That grounds me. I don’t want to take those moments for granted.

So today, if you find yourself lost in the mundane or stuck in the monotonous—know this:
God is with you.
He’s walking through the routine right alongside you. He designed it. He understands it. And He’s glorified in it.

There is purpose in the process, and there is glory in even the smallest acts of obedience.

So whatever you’re working on today, turn your attention to Him, and see how He responds!

-Mark

Seek More Trust…

This week, I’ve found myself in several conversations where one theme kept surfacing: clarity. People were either seeking it, asking for prayer that it would be revealed, or even struggling with what to do once they had it. Sound familiar? It does to me. I seek clarity all the time. If I’m being honest, I rarely ever find it.

It’s a very human thing to fear the future. So...we seek clarity. We wonder about what’s next, and we do our best to plan ahead in hopes of making things more secure. Clarity isn't a bad goal, but when it becomes our main pursuit, it can easily lead us to frustration and even paralysis.

A good friend of mine shared a story at lunch this week that brought some real perspective to this search for clarity. It involved a well-known figure of faith: Mother Teresa.

While on a mission trip, a group of people sat down to pray with her before heading out to serve. She asked what she could pray for, and the group asked her to pray that God would give them clarity about their long-term mission.

Her response?

No.

She refused to pray for clarity. But she didn’t refuse to pray.

Instead, she told them that she would pray for trust. That their trust in the Lord would grow, and that they would pursue a daily walk with Him into the work He had called them to. Why? Because long-term clarity and full knowledge of what’s ahead requires no faith. But trust, especially trust in the absence of full understanding, builds faith.

Faith grows not when we have all the answers, but when we take the next step anyway.

It reminded me of one of the most well-known and well-loved Proverbs:

Proverbs 3:5–6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

So, as we close the week, here’s my prayer for every set of eyes that makes it this far into this edition of the Daily Tithe:
That God would reveal just enough for our next steps to be firm, but hold back just enough to stretch our faith.
That we would have enough understanding to move, but need enough dependence to draw closer to Him.
And that in all things, Jesus would be glorified.

-Mark

Where's Your Focus?

Last night, my wife and I were blessed to have two friends and mentors over for dinner. Both are in pastoral ministry of their own kind and have become people we deeply trust. Whenever we sit with them, we know the conversation will be rich, and the wisdom timely.

I’ve noticed a pattern: I’ll often walk into our time together carrying some kind of weight. Concerns, questions, things I’m wrestling through. And by the end? I feel lighter. Refocused. Ready to take on whatever comes next.

Why?
Because they do something powerful: they help orient my focus back to God. Back to purpose. Back to the One who has full control over what will or will not play out.

Last night was no different. I shared a story I’ve been carrying for a few weeks...something I’ve been praying through, seeking clarity on. (Funny… we’re always seeking clarity. That’s probably a whole other article.) After listening, one of them gave it to me straight: “Stop focusing on the event. Focus on Christ—the one who had and has the power over what happened, and what happens next.”

Simple. But dramatic. A shift in focus that changed everything.

As I reflected more, I realized this isn’t a new concept. Jesus did this all the time. He consistently pulled people's focus off their immediate problem and pointed them to a deeper truth, a greater power, and an eternal perspective.

Here are just three quick examples:

1. Calming the Storm – Mark 4:35–41

“A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat… But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion.”
“He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’”

• Focus Shift: The disciples panicked at the storm. Jesus was asleep, completely unbothered. When He woke, He didn’t react to the storm’s intensity. He simply rebuked it. Then He addressed their faith, not the storm. The storm isn’t the point. His power over it is.

2. Feeding the 5,000 – John 6:5–13

“Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?”
Philip answered, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough…’
“Jesus then took the loaves… gave thanks… and distributed them.”

• Focus Shift: The disciples focused on logistics—on what they lacked. Jesus focused on what they had. He doesn’t magnify the lack. He multiplies the little. 

3. Healing the Blind Man – John 9:1–7

“Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
Jesus answered, “It was not that this man sinned… but that the works of God might be displayed in him.”

• Focus Shift: The disciples were looking for blame. Jesus looked for an opportunity for God’s glory. Jesus doesn’t dwell on the cause. He reveals the purpose.

We could keep going. Scripture is full of moments like these. The theme is clear: if you’re fixated on the obstacle in front of you, maybe it’s there for a reason. Maybe it’s your invitation to lean in—not to the problem, but to the presence and purpose of God.

So ask yourself:

• Are you dwelling on the issue, or turning your attention to the One who has authority over it?

• Are you trying to control outcomes, or resting in the One who already sees them?

• Are you focused on what’s missing, or what God might be doing with what’s already in your hands?

When we shift our focus to Jesus, putting our trust fully in Him and walking forward under His authority, things begin to change. The noise quiets. The meaning becomes clearer. And the weight we carried starts to feel lighter.

So…
Where’s your focus?

-Mark

Information Does Not Equal Wisdom

Today I had coffee with someone who I believe to be a wise man. He's been knee deep in business and ministry since I was stealing milks from the middle school lunch line.  If anyone from St. Paul in Fenton, MO is reading this, I owe you about $11.90 from the Spring of 1990.   What we covered wasn’t new, but it was a powerful re-learning experience. I asked him how he has consistently made better decisions over time, and he introduced me to the wisdom diamond pattern:

INFORMATION -> APPLICATION -> EXPERIENCE -> WISDOM

Receiving information isn’t enough; applying it shapes our experiences, and those experiences refine our wisdom. As we look to Scripture, we see this principle at work—both positively and negatively.

King Saul: A Pattern of Unwise Choices

Saul, Israel’s first king, began with promise but repeatedly failed to obey God, leading to his downfall.

1. Partial Obedience (1 Samuel 15)

• Command: God instructed Saul to destroy the Amalekites completely.

• Failure: Saul spared King Agag and the best livestock, justifying it as sacrifice.

• Consequence: Samuel rebuked him, saying, “To obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22), and God rejected him as king.

• Lesson: Saul relied on human reasoning over full obedience.

2. Fear and Impatience (1 Samuel 13)

• Situation: Under Philistine threat, Saul was told to wait for Samuel.

• Failure: He performed the sacrifice himself in fear.

• Consequence: Samuel declared his kingdom would not endure.

• Lesson: Saul acted out of fear instead of trusting God’s timing.

3. Jealousy and Paranoia (1 Samuel 18-19)

• David’s Rise: People praised David’s victories over Saul’s.

• Failure: Saul saw David as a threat, attempting to kill him multiple times.

• Consequence: This obsession led to reckless choices and spiritual torment.

• Lesson: Envy clouded Saul’s judgment and eroded his leadership.

4. Seeking a Forbidden Source (1 Samuel 28)

• Situation: Before battle, God was silent due to Saul’s disobedience.

• Failure: Instead of repenting, he consulted a witch.

• Consequence: The spirit of Samuel foretold his death, and he fell in battle.

• Lesson: Saul sought guidance in the wrong place rather than returning to God.

King David: A Contrast in Wisdom

David also made mistakes, but he remained a man after God’s heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

1. Seeking God’s Guidance (1 Samuel 23, 2 Samuel 2)

• David regularly inquired of God before making decisions.

• Contrast: Saul acted impulsively; David sought divine wisdom.

2. Patience for the Throne (1 Samuel 24 & 26)

• Twice, David could have killed Saul but refused, trusting God’s timing.

• Contrast: Saul seized power rashly; David waited on God’s plan.

3. True Repentance (2 Samuel 12)

• After sinning with Bathsheba, David repented deeply (Psalm 51).

• Contrast: Saul made excuses for his sins; David humbled himself before God.

Wisdom in Action

INFORMATION - APPLICATION - EXPERIENCE - WISDOM. We must apply what we learn according to God’s will—whether in business, ethics, or relationships. Evaluating outcomes helps us refine our decisions for the future.

Wisdom isn’t just knowing—it’s applying knowledge rightly. Let’s learn from Saul’s failures and David’s successes to grow in true wisdom by seeking God's guidance. His will for our lives and our reverence for him is the beginning of all wisdom.

-Mark

Revelations: Keeping an Open Mind

Keeping an open mind is not typically one of my strengths. Using my mind, yes. Always being open to new things or ways that seem foreign to me, not as much. However, practicing this lately has led me to some fantastic discoveries personally, professionally, and spiritually.

As we go about our roles in various industries, discerning whether to be open-minded in a situation or to stand firm in our original thought is often the most difficult job of a leader. As Christians, we must test these thoughts before the Lord to understand how He wants to work. Let’s take an example from one of the early leaders of our church and how Peter's original stance was corrected in a big move of God.

Peter and Cornelius Acts 10

Peter was deeply rooted in Jewish customs and beliefs, which included not associating with Gentiles (non-Jews) and following strict dietary laws. However, in Acts 10, God gives him a vision that challenges his rigid thinking.

The Vision

Peter sees a sheet descending from heaven filled with all kinds of animals, including those considered "unclean" by Jewish law. A voice tells him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” Peter refuses, saying he has never eaten anything unclean. But the voice responds, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” This happens three times.

The Revelation

Right after the vision, Peter is led to the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile. Normally, Peter would never enter a Gentile’s house, but because of the vision, he realizes that God is showing him that salvation is for all people, not just the Jews. He preaches to Cornelius and his household, and they receive the Holy Spirit—just like the Jews did at Pentecost.

The Takeaway

Peter was stuck in his ways, thinking that God’s promises and laws were only for the Jewish people. But by being open to what God was revealing, he understood a deeper truth about God’s love and inclusion. This moment changed Christianity forever, opening the door for the Gospel to reach the entire world.

This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, our original thoughts and preconceived beliefs can limit what we think God is doing—but when we stay open, God can reveal more of Himself and His plans! Today, I am grateful for the ways in which I've been challenged. God has revealed Himself more and more through things that were already familiar to me. I was blind initially until the revelation took place.

Are there situations you need to be open to? Listen for the Spirit to move you, and if God reveals Himself, you may have just unlocked a new way in which He wants to work in your life.

-Mark

Keep Fighting Mighty Warrior

Keep Fighting: Overcoming Weakness with Faith

Lately it seems like every day leaders in business are fighting for every inch of ground they take. The current economic cycle is more challenging than in recent years, and many leaders feel the weight of uncertainty. Some even question whether they have what it takes to overcome the obstacles before them. If you’ve ever felt weaker than the work in front of you, you’re not alone. But take heart—this feeling is nothing new, and it is often in these moments of doubt that we are drawn closer to God’s power and provision.

Gideon’s story in Judges 6-7 is a perfect example of this. When God called him to lead Israel against the oppressive Midianites, Gideon did not feel capable or strong. In fact, when we first meet him, he is hiding in a winepress, threshing wheat in secret out of fear. Yet, the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and declared, “The Lord is with you, Mighty Warrior.” Imagine hearing that while you’re in hiding! Gideon, like many of us, responded with doubt, questioning why Israel was suffering and why God would choose someone as insignificant as him.

How often do we do the same? In seasons of challenge, we may look at our abilities, resources, and circumstances and feel completely inadequate. We might wonder if we misheard our original calling or if we even have what it takes to push forward. But just as God reassured Gideon, He reassures us: “Go in the strength you have… Am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:14). The strength we have may feel insufficient, but God’s presence is what makes the difference.

Even after hearing God’s promise, Gideon struggled with doubt and asked for signs. God, in His patience, provided them, showing that He understands our human uncertainty. Yet, when it came time for battle, God did something unexpected—He reduced Gideon’s army from 32,000 men to just 300. Why? So that Israel would know that victory came not by their might but by God’s hand.

This is where our weakness becomes a blessing. When we cannot see a way out based on current conditions, we are forced to rely on God rather than our own strategies. For those in leadership, real estate, finance, or any industry facing difficulties, this is a powerful reminder: Your current limitations do not determine the outcome—God does.

Just as Gideon and his small army defeated the Midianites, we can overcome the challenges before us, not because we are strong, but because we trust in the One who called us. Circumstances will change, or we will be given the ability to meet the challenge when the time is right. The key is to stay faithful to the mission we began, knowing that if God led us here, He will lead us through.

So today, if you feel overwhelmed, remember this: God is with you, Mighty Warrior. Keep going in faith, and trust that He will make a way where there seems to be none.

-Mark

Quit Your Race: Run His (A True Story)

Quit Your Race: Run His (A true Story)

Today, I had breakfast with an incredible leader and mentor. Every conversation with him is worth its weight in gold because of the overflow of love, encouragement, challenge, and conviction I receive. But today, I heard a story I had never known about his background—one that left a lasting impact on me.

In his younger days, he was a track star—one of the top three in the state in the 200 meters. He continued running in college and even had an opportunity to leave school to train for the Olympics. However, he grew up in a strict religious family that honored the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. If a meet fell on those days, he didn’t run.

His senior year, the state qualifiers were set for a Friday, just minutes before sundown. No problem—he would finish with time to spare. But then, the starter ran out of blanks and had to retrieve more for the starting gun. The race was delayed, and suddenly, the starting gun was set to fire after sundown. In that moment, he made the decision to run anyway.

As he rounded the corner into the straightaway, he was facing west—looking straight into an already set sun. His legs seemed to move in slow motion as the weight of breaking his commitment to the Lord sank in. Though he had been in first place heading into his strongest stretch, he finished fifth. At that moment, he knew: his commitment to the Lord superseded all else. That experience solidified his decision to enter full-time ministry.

We see moments like this in an instant in the gospel as well—just look at the story of Matthew. Matthew was a tax collector, a profession that made him wealthy but also despised among his fellow Jews. Tax collectors worked for the Roman government and often overcharged people for personal gain. Yet in Matthew 9:9, Jesus saw him sitting at his tax booth and simply said, “Follow me.” Things changed for Matthew in that exact moment. 

Matthew’s story reminds us of the power of obedience to a call.  He was running his own race, but in a moment decided to join Jesus on a whole new track. Unlike fishermen like Peter and Andrew, who could return to their trade if things didn’t work out, tax collecting was a government-appointed job—once Matthew left, there was no going back. Yet, without hesitation, he got up, left everything behind, and followed. While our decisions don't always need to be as dramatic, the illustration here is powerful.

Take a few minutes today—on your drive home, or before you fall asleep—to reflect. Is there a moment in your life that changed the direction of your conviction? A time when you chose to run your own race rather than follow what your faith called you to? I can recall the moment when things changed for me personally — what a beautiful moment that was.

Evaluate the race you're running. Are you staring into an already set sun, realizing you’ve been running for yourself? Or do you have the green light to take off down the straightaway, running the race He has set before you?

-Mark

Answering God's Call: Going "All-In"

Going All In to Answer God’s Call

This week, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with several leaders who are doing their very best to lead their businesses and nonprofits in a way that honors God and makes a lasting impact. Although the contexts of their work differ, their aim is very similar. Our work influences people—whether we realize it or not. We either pull those around us closer to Jesus or risk pushing them further away.  Their primary objective isn’t just profit, influence, or personal success—it’s to create an environment that draws people closer to God. 

Some of these leaders have made significant sacrifices to fully embrace this calling. One walked away from a lucrative corporate position to launch a consulting business that honors God with company finances. Another stepped down from a national leadership role to serve more deeply in a local nonprofit network, where his skills could be used for a more eternal impact. Their commitment reflects an “All-In” mindset, one that we see powerfully illustrated in Scripture.

Elisha’s “All-In” Moment (1 Kings 19:19-21)

Elisha was a hardworking farmer when the prophet Elijah found him. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, a clear sign of his wealth and stability. But when Elijah placed his cloak over Elisha—a symbolic call from God—Elisha knew his life was about to change forever.

Rather than hesitating, Elisha made a bold move. He slaughtered his oxen, burned his plowing equipment to cook the meat, and shared it with his community. This wasn’t just a farewell feast—it was a declaration. By burning his tools of trade, he eliminated any possibility of returning to his old life. He had chosen to follow God’s calling fully, becoming Elijah’s servant and ultimately his prophetic successor.

Elisha’s story teaches us a crucial lesson: answering God’s call often requires us to leave behind comfort, security, and even worldly success to step into the unknown with faith. However, not every step God calls us to take will be as dramatic. Only God knows the degree of the sacrifice and the depth of faith required for each of us. What is certain is that His call will challenge our dependence on Him, and though the step may seem daunting, it will feel undeniably compelling in our hearts.

Three Ways to Test If It’s Time to Take the Leap

If you sense God calling you to something new, here are three questions to help discern whether it’s time to go all in:

1. Does this call align with the gifts God has given me? God doesn’t waste the      talents He’s placed in you. If this new direction makes use of your spiritual gifts and strengths, it may be a sign He’s leading you there.

2. If I pursue this call, will it bring me into a closer relationship with God?  A true calling from God will require faith, prayer, and deeper dependence on Him. If this step strengthens your connection with Him, it’s worth serious consideration.

3. When I look at who will be served and who will receive glory from this success, is the answer ultimately God? If your pursuit of this calling leads to serving others and glorifying God above all else, it’s likely the right path.

If you answer YES to these questions, you have some serious praying to do. In my experience, when God calls you to something, it will align with who He made you to be, deepen your relationship with Him, and bring Him glory. That’s a path worth considering.

Stay Encouraged Through the Call

Leader—stay encouraged. Test your calling with Scripture and prayer. Seek wise counsel. Prepare yourself, so that when the moment comes, like Elisha, you can act with courage and confidence to go “All-In”. The journey may not be easy, but when we fully commit to God’s calling, the rewards—both in this life and eternity—are beyond measure.

-Mark

So - You've made a choice...

You’ve Made a Choice

Below is an encouragement to any who are battling a trial after making the decision to lean into their faith more in 2025.

You’ve made the decision to follow Jesus and incorporate your faith into your daily work. You’ve trusted God with your finances, your future, and your reputation. You’re striving to focus less on personal gain and more on enhancing the lives of others. You’re doing this out of an overflow of love because you’ve come to understand the depth of love and grace the Lord has showered upon you.

But—if you’re expecting the road to be easy after making this choice, you may not yet fully grasp the lessons of those who have walked this path before you. In fact, making this decision often brings new challenges and trials. In all cases - they're worth it. 

We see Abraham answer God’s call, only to be asked to live as a nomad, journeying to an unknown destination. Even after accumulating wealth by earthly standards, he faced battles, wrestled with the promise of a future son, and endured tests to strengthen his faith.

We see Joseph at age 17 with a dream of his brothers bowing down to him. Before that dream became reality, he was beaten by those same brothers, thrown into a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused, imprisoned, and tested before Pharaoh.

We see Jesus Himself—God in the flesh, the healer, the Savior, the miracle worker—abandoned by those in His hometown. He was called upon for help in the present but later disowned by those closest to Him when His words and predictions began to come true. As our Savior, He endured the waiting, the rejection, and the pain while we slowly came to recognize who He truly is.

Leader—if you are actively listening to and investing in the Holy Spirit’s call on your life, trials, challenges, and tests of faith are often part of the evidence that you’re on the right path. These moments prepare you for the time when God will use you fully.

It’s okay if you don’t enjoy every step of the journey. This is your reminder: there is purpose in the process, even as you wade through it slowly. Focus on what God is doing in your heart, not on who is noticing from the outside. Stay true to the calling that inspired you at the start, and keep seeking ways to learn and grow along the way.

Be encouraged today! God bless, and keep pressing forward.

-Mark

Just Get Started

Just Get Started: The Power of Taking Step One

Some tasks feel impossible before we even begin. Whether it’s a major project at work, rebuilding a broken relationship, or starting a ministry God has placed on your heart, the size and complexity of the goal can be paralyzing. How do you move forward when you can’t see the whole path? The answer is simple yet profound: just get started. Take the first step, even if you’re stepping into uncertainty.

The story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem is a powerful example of this principle in action. In the book of Nehemiah, we see God plant an idea in Nehemiah’s heart—to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem that had been in ruins for decades. At first glance, the task seemed insurmountable. The city was in shambles, the people were discouraged, and opposition loomed. But Nehemiah’s response holds a key lesson for us: he took the first step.

God Plants the Vision in Your Heart

Nehemiah’s journey began when God stirred his heart with a burden for Jerusalem. He wept, fasted, and prayed, seeking God’s guidance. This pattern is often how God works in our lives. He places a burden, a calling, or an idea in our hearts, giving us a glimpse of what He wants to accomplish. But He doesn’t reveal the entire plan all at once. Why? Because God invites us to partner with Him through faith.

Maybe God has placed a vision on your heart. It could be starting a business, pursuing a new career, restoring a relationship, or stepping into ministry. Like Nehemiah, the first step is to bring it to God in prayer and ask for His direction. Nehemiah’s prayer included a willingness to act: “Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man” (Nehemiah 1:11). He didn’t ask God to do it all; he asked for the courage and opportunity to take action.

Take the First Step of Faith

When the time came, Nehemiah stepped out in faith. He approached King Artaxerxes, risking rejection or worse, and asked for permission to rebuild the walls. To his surprise, the king not only granted his request but also provided resources and protection for the journey. This is a reminder that when we take the first step, God often reveals the next. He doesn’t show us the entire path upfront, but He provides what we need in the moment.

Think about the task in front of you. What is the first step you can take today? It might be sending an email, making a phone call, setting aside time to research, or simply praying for clarity. The key is to move forward, trusting that God will meet you there and guide your steps.

Facing Opposition and Uncertainty

Nehemiah’s journey wasn’t without challenges. As he began rebuilding the walls, he faced fierce opposition from outside enemies and even discouragement from within the community. Yet, he pressed on, encouraging the people to “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome” (Nehemiah 4:14).

When you take a step toward God’s calling, you may encounter resistance or feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. But remember, God doesn’t call you to finish the entire project in one day—He calls you to take the next step. Trust Him to provide strength, resources, and direction as you go.

The Joy of Completion

Through perseverance and faith, Nehemiah and the people completed the wall in just 52 days—an incredible accomplishment for such a monumental task. What once seemed impossible became a reality because they took the first step and kept moving forward, trusting God to lead the way.

The same can be true for you. Whatever God has placed on your heart, no matter how daunting it feels, remember that He is with you. He is the one who planted the vision, and He will equip you to see it through. Your role is to take that first step of faith, even if you’re stepping into uncertainty.

Just Get Started

God often reveals His plans one step at a time. Like Nehemiah, your task might seem overwhelming, but the journey begins with a single act of faith. Take time to pray, seek His guidance, and then take the first step. You don’t need to have all the answers—you just need to start.

Trust that as you move forward, God will guide you, provide for you, and strengthen you to accomplish what He has called you to do. And one day, like Nehemiah, you’ll look back and see how God took your small steps of faith and turned them into something extraordinary.

-Mark