Author Archives: Mark Cole

About Mark Cole

Jesus follower, Husband, Grandfather, Worship Leader, Writer, Pastor, Teacher, Founding Arranger for Praisecharts.com, pickleball player, blogger & outdoor enthusiast.. (biking, hiking, skiing). Twitter: @MarkMCole Facebook: mmcole

The Power and Influence of Great Friends

We were never meant to walk through life alone. From the very beginning, God said, “It is not good for man to be alone.” That statement doesn’t just apply to marriage—it also speaks to the deep need we all have … Continue reading →

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Hagia Sophia: A Bittersweet Visit to a Once-Great Church

Yesterday, I walked through the doors of one of the world’s most famous landmarks: the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. As I stood beneath its magnificent dome, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of wonder—and deep sadness. This was once … Continue reading →

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What Is the Glory of God? A Martyr’s Final Vision

“Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.”— Acts 7:55 (NLT) It’s one of the most powerful moments … Continue reading →

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Love as Strong as Death

“Place me like a seal over your heart,like a seal on your arm.For love is as strong as death,its jealousy as enduring as the grave.Love flashes like fire,the brightest kind of flame.”— Song of Solomon 8:6 (NLT) There is perhaps … Continue reading →

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When the Wicked Seem to Win

“Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.”—Proverbs 23:17–18 (NLT) Have you ever looked around and thought, “Why do people who ignore God seem to be doing … Continue reading →

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The Amazing Growth of the Church: A Global Miracle

Despite reports that religion is declining in some parts of the world, the truth is this: the church of Jesus is growing—powerfully and rapidly. From remote villages in Africa to bustling cities in Asia and hidden house churches in the … Continue reading →

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7 Lessons from the Song of Solomon

The Song of Solomon (also called Song of Songs) is one of the most unique books in the Bible. It’s poetic, passionate, and filled with vivid imagery. At first glance, it reads as a romantic exchange between two lovers, but … Continue reading →

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When Less is More: Living a Generous Life

We live in a culture that often teaches us to get more, achieve more, own more, and climb higher. It’s easy to fall into a mindset that equates success with accumulation. Yet, Proverbs 21:26 offers a striking contrast between two … Continue reading →

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Obeying God or Government? Understanding a Biblical Balance

In Acts 5:29, we read a powerful declaration from Peter and the apostles: “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” This bold statement was made in the face of religious leaders who commanded them to stop preaching in … Continue reading →

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The Honor of Walking Away

“Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.” — Proverbs 20:3 (NLT) There’s something deeply countercultural about this Proverb. In a society where people are quick to defend their opinions, stand their ground, and “clap … Continue reading →

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