I was flooded this past weekend with thoughts about UNCERTAINTY and RISK. But that is NOT a bad thing. In fact, I call this GLORIOUS UNCERTAINTY. And RISK is a big part of its story. It’s easy to be confused about God’s interest in our risk-taking. But taking risks in this context has nothing to […]
Did God Pack Your Parachute? Read More »
I often get asked, “Mark, how do I know when I’m genuinely sad versus when I’m wallowing in self-pity?” And lately, there’s a second question that comes along on the self-pity ride: “How do I keep from becoming cynical?” It’s no surprise these questions come up together—they both reveal a growing sense of defeat that
Drowning in Self-Pity, Devoured by Cynicism. Read More »
In the world of science, researchers have developed genetically engineered mice with transparent skin, allowing a clear view into their biological processes without surgery. These tiny creatures serve as a powerful metaphor for Christian living—just as their transparency facilitates discovery and healing, so too does a life of honest faith reveal the transforming work of
Do YOU Live like a Transparent Mouse? Read More »
I could NOT keep my mind quiet as a new Christian, NO MATTER HOW HARD I TRIED. Nothing was quiet back then when I was a CEO chasing success. When I was caught in the relentless pursuit of wealth. When I was constantly fixated on the next big achievement. Hearing God’s call to “live a
I Could NOT Keep My Mind Quiet Read More »
This weekend had me thinking a lot about why it makes sense that there are three “U’s” in the word PRESUMPTUOUS. It’s because presumption is all about us—our plans, our timing, our desires. When we are presumptuous, we put ourselves at the center of the story rather than God. And a presumptuous attitude is incompatible
How Many U’s are in the Word PRESUMPTUOUS? Read More »
There are millions of Christians everywhere on this planet wondering why they get ANGRY when they know it’s wrong. Know that it damages their faith walk. Know that it paints the wrong picture for those people who see it come out. Sadly, only a small portion of believers who are carrying DEEP-SEATED ANGER inside them
Why are So Many Christians Raging? Read More »
“I’ve Got This!” That line shows incredible hubris, right? Yep. But that’s how I looked at spiritual maturity early in my faith walk when I tried to turn a superficial understanding into my “permanent” relationship with Christ. When it failed, I called on my professional success and money to soothe the pain of living without
Guess What Happened When I Stopped Saying “I GOT THIS”? Read More »
Burned-out and boarded-up buildings. Economic turbulence. Political incivility. Forests on fire. Homeless encampments. Melting icebergs. Murder in the streets. Floods and hurricanes. Middle East strife. Rampant inflation. Housing price crunch. That’s the SHORT list of issues raining down on our world today—a time people say “the world has never seen.” But I could pick ANY
The Truth is SILENT Read More »
Let’s cut to the chase: “Fake it ’til you make it” (FITYMI) is a lie wrapped in a catchphrase. In a world obsessed with appearances, this idea might seem like a clever hack to get ahead, but for Christians, it’s a spiritual dead-end and a dangerous deception. If we’re leaning on this pop culture crutch,
STOP PRETENDING! ‘Fake It ’Til You Make It’ is a Trap Read More »
It was early in my faith walk, and I had no idea that God had a complete picture of my heart. He saw every sin as it was birthed in my pumping power plant, and the world saw my character through the words that had just passed through the headquarters of my life. I was
I Used to Have a PRETEND HEART Read More »
